Happy Friday, beautiful mamas! 😊 Sending you all positive vibes and wishing you a fabulous weekend! Quick update: Birdie is taking a short Spring Break and Easter R&R for the next 2 weeks. Don't fret, we'll be back refreshed and raring to go on April 9th!

• Adventurous Play: Balancing Structure with Risk for Children's Development.

• Intermittent Fasting: Is This Trend Right for Your Lifestyle?

• Level Up Your Easter Egg Hunt: Strategies for an Egg-citing Easter Celebration.

PARENTING

Risky business.

Remember those carefree days when kids roamed the neighborhood, climbed trees, and explored without constant supervision? It's time to bring back that sense of adventure! Today, we're diving into why children need a healthy dose of risk, fear, and excitement in their playtime.

Why Risky Play Matters 🧒

Our kids are wired for risky play—it's how they learn, grow, and thrive! But in today's world of structured activities and constant oversight, opportunities for risky play are dwindling. According to After Babel, creating vibrant play environments requires three essential ingredients: Time, Space, and Freedom.

• Time: Prioritize daily outdoor playtime. Encourage kids to explore, imagine, and connect with nature every day. 🚴

• Space: Provide stimulating play areas that inspire creativity and adventure. Opt for flexible spaces that allow children to experiment, take risks, and shape their own play experiences, free from rigid structures and rules.

• Freedom: Grant children the autonomy to play in their way. Foster an environment where they can make choices, follow their interests, and develop important skills like problem-solving and independence.

Let’s change the narrative…

Instead of constantly shouting "Be careful!", let's empower our kids to assess risks and make smart choices. Discover 6 better phrases to encourage risk-taking while ensuring safety. A few favorites of mine!

🤔“What’s your plan here?”

☝️“Do you notice…”

More resources to check out.

• Getting Back to Basics. CBC's Nature of Things sheds light on the importance of risky play and how it fosters self-confidence, resilience, and even risk-management skills. 

Practical Tips for Parents. How do you incorporate more risky play into your child's life? Teaching Brave offers valuable insights on planning for risky play while ensuring a safe environment.

HEALTH

A popular diet trend.

FACT: 24% of US adults have said they tried intermittent fasting, making it tied for the most popular diet.

What is intermittent fasting? It refers to an eating pattern that cycles between periods of eating and periods of fasting. 🕙

Tips for Success.

Gain invaluable wisdom from Dr. Luiza Petre, a distinguished cardiologist and weight management specialist, who recommends the 16:8 fasting schedule for its sustainability and effectiveness, providing practical tips on navigating fasting periods, optimizing meal timing, and maintaining balanced nutrition to support your health goals.

Here are a few other types to consider:

• 5:2 Method: Eat normally for five days of the week and restrict calorie intake to 500-600 calories on two non-consecutive days.

• Eat Stop Eat: Fast for 24 hours once or twice a week, abstaining from food for a full day.

• Alternate-Day Method: Fast every other day, consuming either a small number of calories (around 500) or opting for a complete fast on fasting days.

• The Warrior Diet: Fast for 20 hours each day, followed by a four-hour eating window in the evening, where one consumes a large meal.

💭Food for thought…

Pros: weight loss, improved blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, and enhanced brain health

Cons: headaches, irritability, sustainability, and muscle loss.

With expert guidance, science-backed insights, and practical tips at your disposal, you're empowered to unlock the transformative potential of intermittent fasting and embark on a journey of holistic wellness and vitality.

WEEKEND

Get Ready for an Egg-citing Easter Egg Hunt Adventure! 🐰🥚 

Let's plan the ultimate egg hunt extravaganza with these egg-cellent tips and ideas!

Gather Your Supplies
🧺Grab your baskets, eggs, and decorations—it's time to get cracking! Click here for some fantastic ideas on what to fill your eggs with.

Spice Up the Hunt 🌼
Keep the fun rolling with creative Easter egg hunt variations! Try a thrilling scavenger hunt or add a twist with blindfolded egg hunting. Ideas can be found here!

🌷Think Outside the Egg
Elevate your egg hunt game with unique twists and turns like a pattern egg hunt or a glow-in-the-dark extravaganza. Who says egg hunts have to be traditional?

Let the Hunt Begin! With your baskets in hand and your game plan set, it's time to let the Easter egg hunt festivities commence! Get your friends and family together for a day filled with laughter, surprises, and, of course, plenty of egg-citement!

🌊 Ready to dive into summer with confidence?

Check out the latest trend-making waves: Period Bathing Suits!

🩱 No more worries about leaks or bulky pads ruining your beach day. Today's Parent has curated the 7 Best Period Bathing Suits for 2024, designed to absorb period blood, so you can swim without stress. Embrace the freedom and make a splash this summer! 💃🏖️

🥚Easter egg hack. Move over messy dye, time to try this whipped cream trick for groovy eggs.

👗Mom style. If you’re looking for the perfect, family-friendly Easter dress, look no further!

🫧You’re (most likely) doing it wrong. The amount of laundry detergent you’re using that is. The recommended amount may surprise you!

🐇Tablescapes. Easter is around the corner. Be ready with these super cute table ideas for kids!

🥸April Fools. It’s not my favorite day but here are some harmless pranks for the kiddos.

🤹‍♀️The non-sporty kid. Check out this list of activities for kids who aren’t that into traditional sports.

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