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Happy Tuesday, mamas! Honestly, there's not much to report on the life front for me right now... but hey, I'm embracing the ordinary because I know it won't last forever. Just cruising along, living that classic mom life! Wishing everyone a blessed week ahead. This edition of Birdie is packed with relatable reads, from the real talk about squabbles in front of the kids (yep, been there!) to navigating the delicate art of comforting a grieving friend.

• Growth Through Conflict: Leveraging Arguments as Teachable Moments in Parenting

• Compassionate Support: Effective Ways to Comfort Those Dealing with Grief

• Guiding Youth: Empowering Children to Navigate Tough Challenges

RELATIONSHIPS

Navigating Conflict in Front of Your Kids.

Arguing is a part of being human and it’s something all parents do… and usually not well. Parenting experts stress the importance of recognizing the impact of parental conflict on children. Research indicates that repeated exposure to intense and destructive arguments can have lasting effects on young minds, affecting their emotional well-being and social development. 

Understanding the impact: Zero to Three provides valuable insights into how stress responses in children can be triggered by parental conflict, leading to various challenges in their growth and behavior.

Model Behavior

Despite the risks, healthy disagreements in front of children can serve as valuable teaching moments. According to Scary Mommy, appropriately managed conflicts can teach kids how to handle disagreements constructively. Parents can model effective conflict-resolution skills by: 

• Maintaining calm tones

• Using respectful language

• Focusing on solutions

Don’t let it take a turn…

It's crucial to prioritize resolving conflicts responsibly to minimize the negative impact on children. Parenting for Brain emphasizes avoiding destructive conflicts and modeling respectful disagreement. Limiting topics of disagreement, utilizing constructive conflict behaviors, and seeking family therapy when necessary are additional measures to mitigate harm.

A few more tips ⭐ Care.com suggests scheduling arguments, owning your feelings, and improving communication with your partner. By recognizing assumptions, making up visibly, and acknowledging your child's feelings, you can create a supportive environment amidst disagreements.

🔑 Therapy could be the key - Healthline highlights the significance of couples therapy for struggling parents. Remember, addressing conflicts openly and seeking help when needed can contribute to a healthier family dynamic and positive outcomes for children.

HEALTH

Comforting Those in Grief: Dos and Don'ts

When consoling someone after the death of a loved one, it's crucial to choose your words carefully. 

Words Matter: Instead of defaulting to "Sorry for your loss,"  A Conscious Rethink has other options to consider that convey empathy and support:

🗣️"You have my heart and support." Expressing solidarity and empathy can provide comfort and solace to those who are mourning.

🗣️"I wish you strength in your sadness." Acknowledging the depth of their pain while offering wishes for strength can be both validating and uplifting.

🗣️"Let me help." Offering concrete assistance demonstrates your willingness to support them in practical ways beyond mere words.

While it might seem obvious, Business Insider graciously laid out the do’s and don’t basics on the matter.

✅Do… Share memories of the deceased and acknowledge the long healing process. Express your availability to listen and provide support.

❌Don’t… Minimize their pain with phrases like "move on" or "everything happens for a reason." Avoid assuming you understand their feelings entirely.

If you struggle to find the right words, actions speak volumes when it comes to supporting grieving individuals. 🫂Consider these thoughtful gestures:

• Keep them company and offer a listening ear. Providing a comforting presence can be immensely reassuring.

• Cook for them or offer to take care of practical tasks like running errands. Taking the burden off their shoulders can allow them space to grieve.

• Mail a handwritten note or reach out on important anniversaries to show that you're thinking of them.

• Send care packages or offer to pet sit, providing small comforts and distractions during a challenging time.

📱 Navigating social media: When responding to posts about loss or death on social media, sincerity and sensitivity are key. HuffPost suggests assessing your relationship before commenting and avoiding cliches or assumptions or Sharing genuine thoughts or memories, offering comfort and support in a personalized way.

AND ALSO THIS. . .

Keeping Your Produce Fresh 🥦🍅

Are you tired of watching your veggies wilt? Say goodbye to produce problems with these fresh-saving hacks! 

Cauliflower: Break it down hassle-free! 💥

Tomatoes: Keep 'em ripe with a simple paper towel trick. 🍅

Grapes: Banish grime in a baking soda bath! 🧊

Cucumbers: Say no to sogginess with a paper towel wrap. 🥒

Lettuce: Keep it crisp with a cozy paper towel cocoon. 🥬

Berries: Extend their life with a vinegar soak and a cozy paper towel bed. 🍓

Broccoli: Wrap it tight for ultimate crispness. 🥦

Herbs: Give 'em a water bath and keep 'em fresh for days. 🌱

For more pro tips on storing your favorite fruits and veggies, check out these helpful links:

👉 How to Store Your Fruits and Vegetables So They Last Longer: Link here.

👉 50+ Ways to Store Your Food to Save Freshness and Funds: Link here.

Let’s GROW together… From your food scraps! Check out this reel for some inspiration! 🌱

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TRENDING

SNIPPETS

🍝Easy dinners. What kid doesn’t like pasta? Try this Sheet Pan Pesto Tortellini for an easy, weeknight dinner.

🧸“New” toys. Try out this toy rotation hack to encourage more engaging play. Plus your toddlers will think they are getting new toys each week - win, win!

❓Bedtime check-in. Need a new bedtime ritual? This one from Nutured First may be your answer.

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