Good morning, moms! If you needed an excuse to indulge today, here it is—it’s National Sticky Bun Day! That means it’s perfectly acceptable to have dessert for breakfast, let your kids get gloriously messy, and maybe (just maybe) enjoy one in peace while they’re distracted.

P.S. If anyone asks, cinnamon and caramel count as a balanced meal. We don’t make the rules.

• Non-Scale Victories: The Wins That Actually Matter

• ​​Tiny Humans, Big Feelings: How to Help Kids Master Self-Regulation

• Dodging Deductibles: How to Save Big on Healthcare Costs

HEALTH

Scale who?

If you’ve ever stepped on the scale expecting a lower number—only to see it hasn’t budged—you know how frustrating weight loss can feel. But here’s the thing: the scale doesn’t tell the whole story. Enter non-scale victories (NSVs), the real MVPs of your health journey.

What exactly is an NSV? It’s any sign of progress that isn’t tied to your weight. Think: sleeping better, having more energy, lifting heavier at the gym, or finally keeping up with your kids at the playground without feeling winded. And here’s the kicker—science says these victories might be more important for your overall health than shedding pounds.

The reason NSVs work? They keep you motivated. Seeing tangible improvements—like clearer skin, better digestion, or feeling lighter in your body—makes it easier to stick to healthy habits long-term. Unlike the number on the scale (which can fluctuate for so many reasons), NSVs are real proof that what you’re doing is working.

Some big NSVs worth celebrating:
✅ More energy throughout the day
✅ Clothes fitting better (without buying new ones)
✅ No longer needing a seatbelt extender on a flight
✅ Reduced stress and improved mood
✅ Enjoying exercise (yes, really)
✅ Fewer aches and pains
✅ Sleeping through the night without counting sheep

So, how do you celebrate an NSV? Treat yourself—maybe with a new workout outfit, a solo coffee date, or just a moment to acknowledge your progress. Because every small win deserves recognition.

Bottom line: The scale is just a number. Your health? That’s a whole story. And NSVs are the best chapters yet.

PARENTING

From meltdowns to mindfulness.

If your child has ever melted down because their banana broke in half, you know firsthand that self-regulation is a skill, not a given. While some kids pick it up naturally as they grow, many need a little extra coaching—and that’s where you come in.

So, what exactly is self-regulation? It’s your child’s ability to manage emotions, control impulses, and handle transitions (like switching from playtime to homework without a full-scale rebellion). It’s what helps them take deep breaths instead of launching into a tantrum, and it’s a skill that will serve them for life.

How to Teach Kids Self-Regulation Without Losing Your Own

🛠 Practice Makes Progress – Struggles often happen during transitions (hello, bedtime battles). Break tricky situations into smaller steps—like setting up a designated “homework spot” and planning rewards for completing tasks.

💖 Validate Their Feelings – “I see you’re upset, and that’s okay” helps kids feel heard. Acknowledging emotions without excusing bad behavior is the sweet spot.

🚶 Teach the Art of the Break – Before kids can make good decisions, they need time to cool off. Help them recognize when they need a breather and show them how to take one.

🧘‍♀️ Introduce Mindfulness – Deep breaths, simple yoga moves, or even a special “calm-down” word can work wonders. Bonus: These techniques help you, too.

🧊 Stay Cool – Your child feeds off your energy. If you stay calm, they’ll have an easier time following suit.

🎉 Celebrate the Wins – Even small victories (like walking away instead of yelling) deserve praise. Positive reinforcement works.

Bottom line? Self-regulation isn’t about shutting down emotions—it’s about helping kids navigate them. And with a little guidance (and a lot of patience), they’ll get there. 🚀

AND ALSO

High deductible, low panic.

High-deductible health insurance: great for lower monthly premiums, not so great when you’re hit with a big medical bill. But before you panic-Google “how to sell a kidney legally,” here are some smarter ways to manage those out-of-pocket costs.

💡 Get Supplemental Insurance – These plans help cover the gaps in your primary insurance, paying for medical costs or everyday expenses like rent and childcare. Bonus: benefits go straight to you, so you decide how to use them.

🩺 Schedule Preventive Care Early – Annual check-ups and screenings are free with most plans and can catch issues before they become expensive problems.

💰 Max Out Your HSA/FSA – Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) let you set aside pre-tax money for medical expenses. That’s basically free cash.

👀 Audit Your Medical Bills – Billing errors happen a lot. Review every charge and negotiate if something seems off.

With the right strategy, you can outsmart your deductible—no second mortgage required.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

✅ 5 years later, COVID-19’s legacy is still unfolding – From toilet paper hoarding to remote work, here’s how the pandemic changed America for good.

🎤 Hackers in the nursery? No thanks. – A mom says a stranger spoke to her child through their WiFi baby monitor—and now she’s sounding the alarm.

🏝️ Tripadvisor just dropped the best beaches of 2025 – Time to check if your dream vacation spot made the cut (or if it’s still a well-kept secret).

👶 Firstborn energy hits different – If you’re the eldest sibling, your parenting style might be more predictable than you think.

🧽 Lint rollers: the unsung cleaning heroes – Turns out they do way more than just de-fuzz your sweater.

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