Did you know there are 66 days of summer left? (Give or take.) That's 66 days of dodging "I'm bored" complaints, 66 days of playing sunscreen tag, and 66 days of hearing "Mom, watch this!" on repeat. It's 66 days of letting the kids burn off energy outside and 66 opportunities to sip iced coffee while they play. All jokes aside (with a hint of seriousness), it's also 66 days to soak up those fleeting summer moments. So, here's your reminder to make the most of the chaos—because we all know the school bell will be ringing soon enough.

• Summer brain drain?: Keep kids sharp with these fun tips.

• Face the Day: Conquer bad skin days with confidence.

• Lost and Found: Tips to teach your kids in case they get lost.

PARENTING

Summer brain drain?

Summer might scream fun and games, but it’s prime time to keep those young minds sharp. Don’t let the warm weather melt their brains 🧠— here’s how to keep them learning and growing all season long.

1. Start a Reading Routine. Establish a reading routine tailored to your child's age. Bedtime stories for the little ones or an incentive system for older kids can keep them hooked on books. 

2. Embrace Educational Tools. Discover educational gems that kids will love.GreatSchools.org offers summer learning calendars filled with fun activities for K-5. Khan Academy’s “Get Ready For __ Grade Math” is perfect for summer learning. 

3. Try Music Lessons. Fill those camp gaps with music lessons, which help build skills and keep kids engaged. Music is a proven booster for cognitive development.

4. Establish a Routine with Quiet Time. Create a daily routine with clear expectations. Encourage handwriting with journals or letters to grandparents and craft activities for fine motor skills.1-2 hours of quiet time daily is suggested—kids play independently, allowing parents some peace.

5. Get Moving with Fitness. Explore parks, trails, and new swimming spots. Combine movement with learning using chalk for educational sidewalk games or create obstacle courses. Scavenger hunts with math problems are a hit too!

6. Boost Learning with Games. Games like Uno, Monopoly, and Memory enhance learning and social skills. Use grocery shopping for real-world math practice or double recipes to reinforce fractions and time management. On vacations, incorporate reading and history lessons to make learning fun and relevant.

Integrate Math into Daily Life. Keep math skills sharp by working numbers into everyday activities. From grocery shopping to planning trips, practical math applications help cement these skills for the long term.

BEAUTY

Face the day.

We’ve all had those mornings: one glance in the mirror, and you want to crawl back into bed. Breakouts, eczema flare-ups, or unexpected dryness can hit your confidence hard. 

“A bad skin day may seem frivolous, but it can significantly impact your quality of life,” says Charryse Johnson, PhD, LCMHC. The blow to your self-esteem can even affect your relationships.

👩🏽‍💻 A study found that Americans experience around 3,600 bad skin days in a lifetime, with stress, lack of sleep, and poor hydration being major culprits. While a bad skin day can feel overwhelming, these strategies can help you manage and maintain your confidence.

1. Skip the mirror check: Instead of scrutinizing your reflection first thing, start your day with gratitude. Listing three things you’re thankful for can set a positive tone.

2. Affirmations on your mirror: Write supportive messages to yourself where you can see them. Positive affirmations or inspiring quotes can give you a boost.

3. Remember, no one else cares: Most people are too focused on themselves to notice your skin. Remind yourself of this before heading out.

4. Express your feelings: Vent to someone who understands. Sharing can lighten the emotional load.

5. Reality check your media: Social media often showcases unrealistic, airbrushed images. Follow more realistic accounts to remind yourself what real skin looks like.

6. Stick to a routine: A consistent skincare routine can be a comforting ritual. Dr. Johnson emphasizes that self-care is an act of kindness to yourself.

7. Don’t hide away: Avoid canceling plans due to your skin. You’ll likely feel better once you’re out and about.

Seek professional help if needed: Persistent skin issues may require a dermatologist, a therapist specializing in body image, or your primary care doctor.

AND THIS

Lost and found.

"Good parents lose kids. Good kids get lost," says Susie Allison, founder of Busy Toddler. Here’s what to teach your kids if they ever get separated from you.

1. Stop Moving: Tell your child to stay put if they get lost—moving makes them harder to find.

2. Find a Family: Teach them to look for a family with kids or a staff member and ask for help.

3. Get Loud: Encourage your child to loudly announce they are lost to get immediate attention.

Parents, don’t stay silent either. Loudly describe your child and what they’re wearing to others around you.

Genius AirTag Hack: Keep track of little ones in crowded places with an AirTag. Carolina McCauley suggests placing it in a shoe insole for easy tracking. Just pop it in, pair it with your phone, and you’re all set. In case of separation, use the "Find My" app for a direct path to your child.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

🧸 Stream & dream. Crunchy mom's low-stimulation TV picks.

🚖 Uber-safe. Essential tips for teen riders.

🌐Dark web? No problem!Google’s free monitoring service explained. 

🌱 Plantastic. The genius watering hack you’ll love. 

🧳 Lost luggage no more. The expert tip you need.

Fun Audio Experience for the Whole Family

Check-out Popcorn Brainstorm! Jokes & Trivia for Kids, the chart-topping Kids & Family podcast from Netflix. Featuring trivia, games and jokes from your favorite Netflix films and series, Popcorn Brainstorm explores Leo, The Dragon Prince and more!

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign Up here

View ourPrivacy Policy