June 30, 2024

Ever thought about ditching traditional schools and going the homeschool route?

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Good morning, Champions! The Paris Olympics are here, and while we’re not in the City of Lights, our mom-athlete routines are gold medal-worthy. From Simone Biles’ stunning routines to Katie Ledecky’s pool domination, inspiration is everywhere.

Here's the latest: Team USA is leading the medal count, the new sports (hello, skateboarding!) are bringing the heat, and the stories of perseverance are a reminder that anything is possible—even getting your toddler to bed on time.

  • Custom Classroom: Is homeschooling the right fit for your family?

  • Chill Out: How to beat the heat and stay cool.

  • To Pluck or Not to Pluck: The gray hair dilemma.

PARENTING

Custom classroom.

Ever thought about ditching traditional schools and going the homeschool route? You’re not alone. Educational research shows that 1 in 12 students is homeschooled. Homeschooling allows parents to create a customized learning experience that can be super rewarding. But before you dive in, here’s what you need to know.

Recognize the Commitment

First things first, homeschooling is not the same as remote learning. It requires you to become the teacher—creating lesson plans, grading assignments, and ensuring your kids are hitting their educational milestones. It’s a full-time job in itself, so consider if the flexibility and personalized learning experience are worth the effort.

Research Local Requirements

Before you set up your classroom at home, check your local homeschooling laws. Some places are chill—just a quick withdrawal from the school system, and you’re good to go. Others, like New York, have stricter guidelines, including quarterly instruction plans. Make sure you’re ready to meet these requirements.

Select a Program

Choosing the right curriculum is crucial. It should not only meet local requirements but also fit your child’s learning style and your educational goals. There’s tons of online resources and programs, so take your time to find one that clicks with both you and your kids.

Supplement the Curriculum

Homeschooling doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Tutoring programs can help with tough subjects—while games, nature explorations, and creative activities can make learning fun. Mix it up to keep your child engaged and excited about learning.

Connect with Others

Homeschooling can be a lonely road, but it doesn’t have to be. Join homeschooling groups on social media or look into co-ops where your kids can socialize and learn with others. Networking with experienced homeschooling parents can provide invaluable support and advice.

A Few Benefits of Homeschooling

  • Customized Learning: Tailor lessons to your child’s strengths, interests, and pace.

  • Stronger Family Bonds: Spend more quality time together.

  • Flexibility and Freedom: Learn anytime, anywhere.

  • Real-World Experiences: Incorporate learning into everyday life.

📌Ready to homeschool? Explore different homeschooling methods and find what suits your family best.

HEALTH

Chill out.

Summer’s heat can be brutal 🥵, turning simple activities into sweat-drenched endeavors. Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s a serious health risk, causing about 158 deaths annually in the U.S. Here’s how to keep your cool.

How Your Body Cools Down. Your body manages heat by sweating (vaporization), releasing heat into the air (radiation), cooling with airflow (convection), and transferring heat to cold surfaces (conduction). Knowing these can help you stay cool.

🔑Hydration is Key. If you’re already thirsty, your body can’t sweat efficiently. Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re exercising outdoors. It’s your first line of defense against the heat.

👉🏽Also, pre-cooling can delay overheating. Drink a cold beverage or take a cool shower before heading out to keep your body tissues cooler for longer.

Dress for Success. Wear light, loose clothing with UV protection. Loose clothes create airflow, helping sweat evaporate faster, like having your own personal breeze.

Timing is Everything. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. Avoid peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to minimize sweating and discomfort.

Quick Cool-Down Hacks

  • Spray and Fan: Spritz yourself with water and use a fan to boost evaporative cooling.

  • Soak Your Extremities: Dunking your hands and feet in cool water helps dissipate heat quickly.

  • Dampen Your Clothes: Wetting your clothes can provide instant relief. Think running through sprinklers as a kid.

  • Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to your cheeks, hands, or feet for immediate cooling.

🆘If someone shows signs of heatstroke, submerge them up to their armpits in cold water for about 10 minutes. This rapid cooling method can be life-saving.

❓DID YOU KNOW? Sunburn can mess with your body’s cooling system and dehydrate you. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, wear a hat, and stay shaded.

Staying cool in extreme heat is all about smart strategies and a bit of science. With these tips, you’ll beat the heat and keep your cool—no sweat!

Take the guesswork out of your health with Lumen

What if understanding your body's needs were as simple as taking a breath? With Lumen, this becomes reality. With this innovative device, you gain comprehensive insights into your metabolism that enable you to reach your full potential.

Everything from your appearance to your performance is affected by your metabolism. With Lumen, you get personalized guidance designed to enhance your dietary choices, optimize your sleep patterns, and boost your metabolic flexibility, or the ability to switch between fuel sources like carbs and fats. All of which play a crucial role in preventing diseases and fostering long-term health.

It’s time to stop settling for guesswork when it comes to your health. Get personalized nutrition plans, track metabolic health, and effortlessly improve overall wellness with Lumen, the world's first metabolic coach.

AND ALSO

To pluck or not to pluck.

Spotting that first gray hair can trigger an urge to yank it out. But plucking isn’t your best bet.

Myth Busted: Plucking a gray hair won’t cause more to appear. Each follicle has one hair, and if it’s gray, another gray will replace it.

Plucking Problems: Plucking can traumatize follicles, potentially leading to bald patches, infections, and wiry regrowth.

Better Alternatives:

  • Embrace the Gray: It’s low-maintenance and chic.

  • Dye Smart: Consider gentler demi-permanent dyes to avoid damage.

  • Check Your Health: Early grays can signal health issues; ensure your B12 and iron levels are adequate.

There’s no magic pill to prevent gray hair, so handle grays wisely. Embrace them, dye them, but don’t pluck. Your follicles will thank you!

Missed the Opening Ceremonies? In case you didn’t have 4 hours to watch the Opening Ceremonies on Friday night, here’s a highlight reel.

SNIPPETS

Simone Biles submits an original skill on the uneven bars, aiming for a sixth skill to be named after her. She currently has five skills named after her across floor, vault, and beam. If successful at the Olympics, this new skill will add to her impressive legacy.

Night owls have superior cognitive function, according to a new study, scoring better on intelligence, reasoning, and memory tests compared to early birds. Early birds had the lowest scores, while those who were neither morning nor evening types ranked in the middle.

Even if your kids roll their eyes, keep making jokes as new research shows humor is an important parenting skill. Children raised by humorous parents have better relationships with them and view their upbringing more positively. Humor can diffuse sour moods and strengthen bonds, aiding in effective problem-solving.

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
Quick and delicious, this Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is the perfect easy weekday meal. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce come together effortlessly in your Instant Pot for a family-friendly dish that’s sure to please.

🏆 Record-breaker. Inside Out 2 shatters records as the biggest animated film ever.

🍹 Sip & savor. The best beverage in every state.

🏅 Gold medal, baby. Paris Olympics debuts nursery—get an inside look.

🧴 Fresh take. Do full-body deodorants work? Experts weigh in.

A sperm whale approached a diver for help with a stuck fishing hook. Environmentalist Hugues Vitry carefully removed the hook, with the whale remaining calm throughout. The whale's behavior suggested gratitude, and Vitry's compassionate act was captured on video, which went viral with over 8.5 million views.

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✨ Annalee and Karin ✨

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