Happy Groundhog Day, mamas! If you haven't caught the Bill Murray movie yet, today's the perfect day for it! It might just capture the essence of motherhood, don't you think? 😜Wishing you an incredible weekend, and let's cross our fingers that Punxsutawney Phil doesn't spot his shadow (though, I recently found out he's been right only 40 percent of the time).

• Welcoming a New Addition: Strategies for smoothly sharing the joyous news with siblings and facilitating a seamless transition.

• Navigating People Pleasing: Addressing the prevalent source of anxiety, particularly among women, to regain control and foster happiness in your life.

• Family Fun Night: The advantages of dedicating an evening to games for the whole family, along with age-appropriate game recommendations for kids of all ages.

PARENTING

Surprise! You’re going to be a big brother or sister.

Welcoming a new bundle of joy is exciting, but preparing your older kiddo for their new sibling is equally crucial. Every child is going to react differently to the news, and here at Birdie, we’ve all been there! Since we know it can be difficult to understand the best approach, we’ve done a little research to hopefully navigate this journey smoothly with your family.

A few things to consider when sharing the news, according to Taking Cara Babies…

🍼Consider your child's age and maturity level. Older toddlers grasp the concept better.

🍼Use your growing belly as a visual aid when breaking the news.

🍼If experiencing early symptoms, explain the changes without placing blame on the baby.

🍼Use words like “our baby” – instead of “my baby” – to help your child see their connection to the new baby brother or sister.

Kids 5 and up

While not usually as threatened by the news of a new family member, there could be a little resentment. 

A few tips for success…

• Involve them in baby preparations, like fixing the baby's room or buying diapers.

• Include your older child in the hospital visit after the baby is born.

• Encourage your older child to have a role in caring for the new baby, praising their gentle behavior.

• Prioritize spending one-on-one time with your older child daily, reinforcing how special they are.

❌“Don’t compare your kids or ignore your toddler time” – here is a list of things not to say after the baby is born.

✅ “Encourage independence and talk about birth” – here is a comprehensive list of things TO DO with your child before the baby arrives.

Embracing a new addition, be it baby #2 or #5, marks a significant change for any sibling. Setting clear expectations from the outset and fostering open and honest communication can pave the way for a smoother transition. If you find yourself entering or currently navigating this phase of motherhood, here's another valuable resource worth exploring. 🧸🍼👶

MENTAL HEALTH

Take back control and prioritize YOU.

Let's talk about something we might all relate to—being a people-pleaser. You know, those times when we put everyone else's needs above our own? Yeah, it happens to the best of us!

Being the caring and empathetic individuals we are, it's easy to fall into the trap of people-pleasing. But did you know it can affect our mental health? Yep, it's true! In a HuffPost article about common habits that add to your anxiety, people-pleasing landed a spot on the list. Psychologist Jennifer Anders explains,

“Many people, particularly women, are conditioned to put other people’s needs above their own, which makes this a hard habit to break. This really creates a dynamic of self-neglect, prioritizing everyone else’s wishes and needs above your own, [and] poor boundaries is something else that this leads to.”

⚠️Signs You Might Be a People-Pleaser, according to Very Well Mind:

• Always putting others first

• Trouble saying no

• Feeling anxious when someone is upset with you

• Overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed

🤔CAUTION: If you resonated with any of the above, the effects on your mental health could be anger, frustration, anxiety, stress, depleted willpower, and weaker relationships.

Put people-pleasing to an end.

There are a few small changes you can make in your life to stop the cycle of people-pleasing and take back control of your happiness. Here’s what we found…

Tips to consider from Very Well Mind.

• Establish Boundaries: It's okay to say no! 

• Stall for Time: Don't hesitate to take a moment before committing. 

• Avoid Making Excuses: You don't always need a reason to say no. 

• Remember that Relationships Require Give and Take: It's a two-way street. 

More tips from Psych Central.

• Start Small: Practice saying no in low-stakes situations. 

• Set Goals and Priorities: Focus on what truly matters to you. 

🧠But why bother breaking free from people-pleasing? Well, aside from safeguarding your mental health, it turns out that it could be affecting your work life too. Check out what this Harvard-trained psychologist has to say about the link between people-pleasing and burnout.

CALENDAR

ALERT: 2024 is a Leap Year! February has a lot going on… we are here to make sure you stay on top of it!

February – Black History Month – Check out these fascinating Black History Month facts to share with your kids!

Feb 2, 2024– Groundhog’s Day – What is a groundhog’s favorite drink? Hole milk. Click here for more punny groundhog jokes.

Feb 11, 2024– Super Bowl LVIII – Check out next Tuesday’s Birdie newsletter for all the ideas for hosting a Super Bowl party but in the meantime take a peek at this fun football-themed appetizer.

Feb 13, 2024— Galentine’s Day – While it’s not an official holiday, I’ve already made reservations at our favorite dinner spot to celebrate. This is your reminder to do the same!

Feb 14, 2024– Valentine’s Day – It might be a good idea to forward this newsletter to the special someone in your life to remind them of this day!

Feb 19, 2024– President’s Day – Not sure how George or Abe would feel about this but this holiday has become known for its many sales! 

Feb 29, 2024– Leap Day – Do you know why we have an extra day every four years? Find out why here.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

Get your head in the game!

Embark on a journey of laughter, strategy, and unforgettable moments with a Family Game Night! 🌟 Discover why family game nights are not just about entertainment but also offer a myriad of benefits for everyone involved. From boosting motor skills to building stronger family bonds, games are the secret ingredient for a fantastic family time. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

If you needed convincing as to why family game nights are important…

• 5 Research-Based Reasons Why Family Game Nights Are Important 🧠 - Uncover the scientific reasons behind the positive impact of game nights on motor skills, grades, problem-solving, and family connections.

• 7 Reasons Every Family Should Start a Game Night Now 🤝 - Delve into the seven compelling reasons why initiating a game night can transform your family dynamics and create lasting traditions.

Let’s get to the good part… the games! Here are a few of my family’s favorites.

🎲 Flip Uno - A twist on the classic Uno game for all ages!

🎲 Rat-a-Tat-Cat - Perfect for elementary-age kids, a delightful card game of strategy.

🎲 Pass the Pig - A whimsical game suitable for ages 7 and up.

🎲 Rummikub - Ideal for older kids/tweens, an original Rummy tile game.

For your teen game nights, we recommend:

🎲Dixit - A creative storytelling game that sparks the imagination.

🎲Wavelength - A mind-reading game where you work together to decipher clues. Best with 6+ players

😌📚Not reading yet? No problem. Check out 30+ games that don’t require it!

More than just a pizza.
A mom facing danger found an unusual lifeline in pizza during a hostage situation. Quick-thinking Pizza Hut staff spotted her distress call in a mobile order and promptly alerted the police. Their swift action possibly saved the mom and kids from a worse fate. This story highlights the powerful impact of simple acts of support, emphasizing the strength that comes from unity and generosity.

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