🥚 Scrambling for affordable eggs? You’re not alone. Even Waffle House just tacked on a $0.50-per-egg surcharge thanks to the ongoing avian flu outbreak, and grocery prices aren’t looking sunny-side up either. With wholesale costs skyrocketing and some stores limiting egg purchases, your kid’s breakfast scramble might just become a luxury meal. Does anyone have some creative breakfast substitutes during these trying times?

Would you mind forwarding this email to a few of your mom friends?

• Teen Dating: The Good, The Bad & The Boundaries

• Postpartum Struggles Are Real: Here’s How to Support a New Mom

• To Redshirt or Not to Redshirt: That is the Kindergarten Question

PARENTING

Crushes and curfews.

Like it or not, your teen will probably start dating at some point. Whether it’s the first school dance or a full-fledged relationship, this phase is a crash course in relationship skills—communication, compromise, and, let’s be real, some cringeworthy moments.

Reality Check: What Teens Need to Know
Teens can have some… let’s call them creative expectations about dating. Thanks to rom-coms, TikTok, and, unfortunately, less PG corners of the internet, their ideas might need some real-world recalibrating. Dating isn’t like Netflix or Disney. It’s also not a fast track to heartbreak, but it is a learning experience—sometimes messy, sometimes magical.

Social media plays a major role in teen relationships, from casual flirting to full-blown digital romances. Encourage in-person interactions but also remind them that not everyone online is who they claim to be. If their “crush” lives three states away and won’t FaceTime? Red flag.

Parental Playbook: Keep the Communication Flowing

1. Talk About Consent. More than a one-time convo—this should be an ongoing discussion. Respect, safety, and boundaries matter.

2. Set Ground Rules. Curfews, check-ins, and meeting the date in person? Non-negotiable.

3. Be Their Exit Plan. Create a code word they can text if they need an easy out from a bad situation.

4. Respect Their Privacy (Within Reason). Monitor when necessary, but also give them room to make their own choices.

At the end of the day, the goal isn’t to control their dating life—it’s to equip them with the tools to navigate it safely and confidently.

HEALTH

Mama said they’d be days like this.

Meghan Trainor may be known for her catchy pop songs, but she’s also using her voice to talk about something much bigger—postpartum depression (PPD). In a personal essay for Today, she opened up about hitting a breaking point after her second baby.

"I said to my husband, ‘Daryl, I need help.’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I’m here, no worries.’ And I said, ‘No, no, no, something’s wrong.’”

Trainor’s honesty highlights a reality many moms face but few talk about: having a baby can be traumatic, and PPD is real. And with the U.S. Surgeon General calling parental stress a mental health crisis, it’s more important than ever to recognize the signs and support new moms.

How to Help Someone with PPD

Not sure how to help a mom struggling with postpartum depression? Here are 7 ways to offer real support:

1. Listen Without Judgment – Let her share her feelings without trying to “fix” things. Just being there makes a difference.

2. Don’t Compare Experiences – Every postpartum journey is different. Avoid phrases like “When I had a baby, I just…”

3. Offer Reassurance – She may feel like a “bad mom.” Remind her she’s doing her best and that PPD is temporary and treatable.

4. Make Specific Plans – Instead of “Let me know if you need help,” say “I’ll bring dinner on Thursday.” Follow through.

5. Validate Her Feelings – Don’t dismiss her emotions. Let her know it’s okay to struggle and seek help.

6. Support Her Treatment Choices – If she decides to take medication or go to therapy, stand by her decision.

7. Celebrate Small Wins – Noticing even tiny improvements—like a smile—can help her see progress.

Motherhood isn’t meant to be tackled alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with PPD, seeking professional help is the best step toward healing. 💙

AND ALSO

Kindergarten or wait?

As parents start registering kids for kindergarten, one question comes up: Should I redshirt my child?

Redshirting is the practice of holding a child back an extra year before starting school—similar to how college athletes delay their debut for an eligibility boost. Parents may do this for various reasons: a child might not be emotionally or socially ready, or maybe they want their little one to have a competitive edge. Some also hope an extra year will help academically or athletically.

But here’s the catch: redshirting isn't an option for everyone. For lower-income families, delaying school can mean more daycare costs, which might not be feasible.

If you're on the fence, consider reaching out to your school district for guidance on readiness checks, curriculum expectations, and whether it's the right move for your child. And don't forget to ask—What will happen if my child is bored by 3rd grade?

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

🏆 Trader Joe’s 16th Annual Customer Choice Awards: check out the top picks!

🎉 10 Super Bowl party games you’ll love.

💸 2025 Best Cars for the Money: top smart picks.

✨ The Grammys had some surprises—see what you missed.

📱 Apps to teach kids about saving and investing.

A pediatric surgeon is helping young patients feel brave by dressing them as mini superheroes before surgery. It’s a simple yet effective way to ease anxiety and empower kids during a stressful time. Talk about a super-powered approach to healthcare!

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