HAPPY FRIDAY! We want to start today’s newsletter by expressing our deep gratitude for your presence within the Birdie family. We sincerely hope that the burst of information we provide brings you value and brings a smile to your face as you begin your day. As each weekend approaches, especially during these holiday-filled months, I want to take a moment to reflect on and appreciate the many blessings in life. We’ll blink and then it’s Spring Break already!

• The Power of Female Friendships: Building your supportive village.

• Nurturing Positive Body Image in Kids: How to promote body positivity at an early age.

• Gratitude in Action: Fun family activities to foster thankfulness.

MENTAL WELLNESS

Mom Friends, Assemble! 👊

Assembling your 'mom squad' isn't as straightforward as strolling to the nearest library storytime or visiting a local park. It can be an intimidating experience for adults. I've been fortunate to remain in my hometown, surrounded by a core group of friends, but I was the first in our circle to have kids – about five years ahead of them. While they remained my closest friends, entering that life stage made me realize the need to connect with people who truly understood my journey.

Whether you're a new mom in search of support or have recently moved to a different place and seek new friendships in general, we're here to help!

In general, why is it important for women to have friendships?

Ongoing research into the benefits of friendship highlights that strong female friendships provide women with a significant advantage in various aspects of life, including improved health, increased longevity, and enhanced career prospects, often surpassing those experienced by men.

Now, how do I build my village of mom friends?

1. Join social media groups and apps. 

• The Peanut app can connect you with local mothers. 

• You can also join a Facebook group targeted towards moms in your area – these groups host playdates, offer advice, and more.

• MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). It's a group that hosts in-person and online meetings for moms.

2. Sign up for activity classes and/or volunteer at your child’s school.

   • These can be anything from mommy and me music classes to toddler gymnastics. 

   • Every city is going to offer different classes. An activity my kids enjoyed and I met many mom friends at is My Gym – locations are all over the US.

   • Volunteering at your child’s school as a room mom or at school events is an easy way to meet like-minded moms.

A possible secret to making adult friends…

👋The 3:6 rule. Basically, after meeting a new friend, you must have 3 meaningful interactions over 6 weeks and 2 of those have to be in real life. Sorry, Facebook.

Some more ways to make friends, according to Women’s Health

Neighbors. If you are new to the neighborhood or simply haven’t had a chance to meet your neighbors, make an effort to attend neighborhood gatherings or stop by with cookies and good intentions. Bring the kids along too, they might find a new friend as well.

Hobbies: Transform your passions into opportunities for meeting new people. For example, I'm an avid tennis enthusiast, and by joining a tennis facility, I've had the pleasure of getting to know some fantastic women.

PARENTING

Instilling A Positive Body Image Starts Earlier Than You Think.

Studies indicate that children as young as 5 years old begin discussing body-related concerns. Hence, initiating these discussions at an early age is crucial for parents.

Here are a few suggestions on how to promote body positivity and start the conversation.

• Good example. To foster body positivity in your child, set a positive example by demonstrating self-respect and valuing others irrespective of their appearance. Children emulate what they see and hear, so it's vital to be mindful of your body image language, promoting self-acceptance rather than suggesting that specific appearances are prerequisites for certain activities.

• Photo manipulation. Be upfront with what they are seeing on social media, video games, and TV shows. All these forms of media give a warped view of what’s ‘normal’ with altered and edited images.

• Use positive language. Using affirmations can be empowering for children, such as emphasizing the strength and capabilities of their bodies. Additionally, reframing exercise to improve mood, strength, and overall well-being rather than a response to food consumption can contribute to healthier self-esteem.

• Give them a script. Despite creating a body-positive environment, kids will encounter body-shaming comments. Provide them with prepared responses, ranging from encouraging apologies to assertive statements.

📚 Check out this list of books for kids that encourage a healthy body image.

SNIPPETS

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

🍗 Gobble, Gobble. Can you eat Thanksgiving turkey while pregnant? Check out the concerns and answers to your burning Thanksgiving question.

📅 Mark your calendars. Advent calendars, that is. Trader Joe’s has officially landed in stores for only $1.29.

👧🏻 It’s a doll-off. American Girl Dolls has been making the hot toy list yearly for as long as I can remember. But how does Target’s Our Generation Dolls compare?

✈️Get your passport ready. National Geographic Traveller announced its 2024 ‘Cool List.’

Keep the focus on gratitude.

We have lots of fun, attention-grabbing activities you and your family can do to foster gratitude this month.

🌟Gratitude Tree: You’ll need a few twigs, craft paper, string, a vase, and a hole punch for this craft. Ask your kids what they are thankful for each day and add it to the tree.

🌟Thankfulness Jar: Start this a week or so before Thanksgiving. On a slip of paper, write what you are thankful for. Open the jar on Thanksgiving and read aloud for a beautiful family reflection.

🌟21-Day Family Gratitude Challenge: Make this free printable a part of your nightly routine with your family. It is known that it takes 21 days to create a new habit!

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