March 1, 2024

Digital Detox: Plan a day for you and your family to unplug from technology.

March 01, 2024

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Ah, spring is almost here! March marks the start of better weather, Spring Break, and Easter baskets. As a parent, it's one of my favorite times of the year. While we usually travel during the break, this year we're staying put.

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  • Digital Detox: Plan a day for you and your family to unplug from technology.

  • Daylight Savings Time: Strategies to help your little one and yourself adjust to one less hour.

  • Let Them Eat Pi: Be prepared for National Pi Day with delicious recipes.

FAMILY

We were on a break!

A little Friends reference to end your week (did I just age myself?)

DID YOU KNOW? ❌📱The first Friday of March marks the National Day of Unplugging – an ideal opportunity for you and your family to contemplate a digital detox. Whether it spans 24 hours or a month (a commendable feat!), any duration you choose presents a chance to reestablish connections with yourself, loved ones, and the world around you.

According to The Every Mom, a temporary hiatus from technology can enhance sleep quality, alleviate stress, foster creativity, and improve family communication. But where do you begin? While the full article offers comprehensive guidance, here are a few notable starting points.

📵 Get everyone involved. To ensure a successful digital detox, involve everyone in your family by explaining the reasons behind it and discussing the benefits tailored to each individual's interests and needs.

📵 Embrace boredom. It’s the catalyst for creativity and connection; by engaging in screen-free activities like painting or writing, you'll discover the beauty of unstructured play, fostering imagination in both children and adults alike.

📵 Pay attention to how you feel. Observe your emotional state and any shifts in your children's behavior after participating in a digital detox; reflect on whether you feel more relaxed, present, or connected.

Signs Your Family Needs a Detox. 

  • Constantly checking phones.

  • Kids are addicted to screens.

  • Feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

  • Lack of meaningful connections.

Introducing a weekly tradition: A mother's testimonial on Screen Free Sundays! Digital Mom Blog initiated this practice with her family and discovered that not only can her kids thrive without screens, but they've also forged strong sibling bonds in the process.

🎮 Screen-Free Activities for Teens and Tweens: Struggling to find screen-free activities for your teens and tweens? Here's a list of over 50 ideas to keep them engaged and off their devices!

PARENTING

More sunlight comes at a price.

Ah yes, the days are getting long again. But every parent of young kids knows what that means… Day Light Savings Time is around the corner. Warning: it’s March 10th!

Here are effective strategies to prepare your little ones for daylight saving time:

Adjust Bedtime Gradually 💤

  • According to experts like those at Parents.com, adjusting bedtime in small increments several days ahead can help children adapt. The adjustment amount varies based on age, with suggestions ranging from 15 minutes for babies to 30 minutes for school-age kids. 

PRO TIP: Start this process about a week or two in advance to give your child's body time to acclimate.

Focus on Sleep 😴
Instead of solely focusing on waking up times, concentrate on ensuring your children get enough sleep. Encourage relaxation before bed, limit screen time, and establish a consistent bedtime routine. This approach, highlighted by Care.com, can help promote better sleep quality, making the time change less disruptive.

Prioritize Healthy Habits 🥗🥑
Everyday Health promotes overall family wellness by prioritizing sleep and healthy eating habits. Ensuring everyone gets adequate rest and consumes nutritious meals can support the body's adjustment to the time change. 

Plan Ahead ⏰
Consider using blackout curtains to maintain darkness in the evenings, and investing in a kid-friendly alarm clock. Resources like Best Reviews offer suggestions for suitable alarm clocks for children.

👩‍🦰Adults need help adjusting to the change… NY Times has you covered with a few ideas!

Don’t Drink Water Naked!

Try THIS instead…

Bladder irritation, surprise leaks, constant urges… These are all common side effects of drinking “naked” water.

Even worse…

“Naked” water can even cause potentially dangerous side effects such as kidney stones and dangerous infections.

Babies need us all the time but so do our teens.
Imagine a new kind of leave-taking the parenting world by storm: "teen-ternity" leave. While maternity and paternity leave have long been recognized (but still have a long way to go), there's a growing trend among parents to take career breaks to be there for their teens when they need them most. In a world where teenagers are navigating complex social dynamics, academic pressures, and personal growth, parents are realizing that their presence and support during these crucial years can make all the difference. As the demands of parenting evolve, so do the ways parents choose to prioritize their family's needs, even if it means pressing pause on their careers.

SNIPPETS

Baby talk. If you’re interested in teaching your child baby sign language, try these 5 words to get started.

Dishwasher debate. Is there a right way to load the dishwasher? The Kitchn has 12 rules to follow according to experts.

Gone digital. The SAT has shifted to a digital format (DSAT). Find out how students can better prepare for the exam.

Power up. From protein pancakes to a breakfast grazing board, Camille Styles has 20 high-protein breakfast recipes ready-to-go!

Dump and go. The best kind of recipes! Try out this easy chicken parmesan casserole for dinner this weekend. 

CALENDAR

March is Women’s History Month: Check out these films beaming with female empowerment.

📵National Day of Unplugging - Mar 1, 2024– After you’ve enjoyed reading our newsletter, consider taking a break from screens for today!

👩International Women’s Day - Mar 8, 2024– Stay tuned! Next Friday’s newsletter is full of ways women can better support each other.

☀️Day Light Savings Begins – Mar 10, 2024– Make sure to circle back to our parenting section of today’s newsletter for tips and tricks!

🥧Pi Day – Mar 14, 2024– Run or walk 3.14 miles, bake a pie, or consider one of these ways to celebrate the mathematical constant that helps us find the circumference of a circle. 

🍀St. Patrick’s Day – Mar 17, 2024– Enjoy a green brew, mama! Or if you’re looking for more kid-friendly ideas, check out these arts and crafts.

🐇Easter – Mar 31, 2024– It’s early this year. Make sure you're ready with baskets for your kiddos.

Keep calm and eat Pi! 🥧🍫

Pi Day is just around the corner, and what better way to celebrate than with some delicious pie recipes? Whether you're a baking enthusiast or prefer the no-fuss assembly type, we've got you covered. Check out these mouthwatering recipes:

1. Easy Key Lime Pie (no bake, assembly only)

If you're looking for a refreshing treat without breaking a sweat, this Key Lime Pie is your go-to. With a zesty lime flavor and a creamy texture, it's sure to hit the spot. Plus, it's a breeze to make! Get the recipe here.

2. Oreo Ice Cream Pie

Calling all Oreo fans! This ice cream pie is a dream come true. With a crunchy Oreo crust and creamy ice cream filling, it's the ultimate indulgence for the whole family. And the best part? It's ridiculously easy to whip up! Check out the recipe here.

3. Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pie

Indulge your taste buds with the perfect blend of sweet and salty. This Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Pie is pure decadence in every bite. With just five ingredients, it's simplicity at its finest. Trust us, you won't be able to resist! Try out this delightful recipe here.

Styling Your Bookcase ✨📚

Start the project like a pro!  According to Homes and Gardens, to make a bookshelf look nice…

  • Start by decluttering and arranging it strategically: place heavier books at the bottom and lighter ones at the top, mix orientations for visual interest, and leave space for accessories. 

  • Consider organizing books by color for added visual appeal and paint the back of the bookcase a darker color to highlight your styling efforts. 

  • Begin with an empty shelf and group items by size or purpose. Larger items go on lower shelves, while lighter ones occupy higher spaces. 

  • Alternate displays to create balance and flow, ensuring accessories complement books rather than stacking them separately. 

Tips for styling from the experts

🎨Splash of Color: Apartment Therapy suggests making it pop with vibrant hues. 

📚Stack 'n' Style: Get creative with book arrangements from Simple Home Simple Life. 

🪴Green Touch: Bring nature indoors with some leafy friends.

💡Need more tips? Oprah Daily has you covered.

✨ Christen and Karin ✨

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