Hey, moms! We try to keep things upbeat here, but we’d be remiss not to acknowledge the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. Our friends in the Southeast, especially North Carolina, are still grappling with the storm’s aftermath. Towns are cut off from communication, roads remain closed, and critical supplies are being airlifted in. It’s heartbreaking to hear that many lives have been lost—and unfortunately, that number is expected to rise.

While we can't change what’s happened, we can help those affected. Below are some simple ways to lend a hand. Every little bit counts, and together, we can make a difference.

How You Can Help:

1. Donate to disaster relief funds

   • Red Cross Hurricane Relief

   • Samaritan's Purse Hurricane Relief – providing emergency aid, including supplies and volunteer teams.

2. Send supplies

   • Feeding America has food banks across the affected areas.

   • Direct Relief is shipping medical supplies to the region.

3. Volunteer

   • National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster connects volunteers to local relief efforts.

   • Team Rubicon organizes veterans and volunteers for disaster response.

4. Spread awareness

   • Amplify relief efforts by sharing updates and donation links on social media. Every bit helps!

Let’s rally together to support our neighbors in the Southeast. 💪

• Left Out but Not Left Behind: How to Help Your Kid Bounce Back

• Put Your Health First: What Every Mom Should Know This Breast Cancer Awareness Month

• Name Game: How to Handle Unwanted Opinions When Naming Your Baby

PARENTING

From FOMO to friendships.

Let’s face it—watching your child feel left out is tough. While your first instinct might be to swoop in and “fix” everything, it’s important to pause and approach the situation thoughtfully.

1. Don’t Minimize Their Feelings

It’s easy to say, “It’s not a big deal,” but for kids, small moments can carry big emotions. Lunch table drama? That’s real to them. Instead of dismissing their feelings, offer empathy. Try saying:

• “It’s hard to feel left out.”

• “I understand how that would hurt.”

• “I’d feel lonely, too.”

2. Hold Off on Fixing the Problem

We all want to go full Mama Bear when our kids are hurting, but resilience grows through challenges. As child psychotherapist Katie Hurley puts it, “You don’t become resilient if you don’t go through hard things.” Let them experience the discomfort, and resist jumping in too soon.

3. Validate Before Problem-Solving

If your child didn’t get invited to a sleepover, don’t jump into rationalizing (“Maybe they could only invite a few kids”). Instead, let them feel the hurt. Once they’re calm, you can gently move the conversation toward problem-solving.

Tip: If the issue is loneliness at recess, brainstorm ways they can approach new groups or suggest alternative activities.

4. Talk About Friendship “Seasons”

Kids need to understand that friendships change—just like seasons. If a best friend is suddenly distant, remind your child that relationships naturally ebb and flow. “Sometimes, friendships just need a pause,” says Hurley.

5. Build Empathy

Feeling left out? It’s the perfect moment to talk about inclusion. When your child is ready, explain how this experience can help them be more empathetic and inclusive of others in the future. As Hurley notes, “Kids should know they’ll be both the excluded and the excluder at times.”

By using these steps, you'll not only help your child navigate tough social moments but also guide them in building stronger emotional resilience.

HEALTH

Prioritize you.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to focus on you. Let’s be honest—when was the last time you took care of yourself the way you take care of your kids? If it’s been a minute, here are six things every woman should do this month to prioritize her health:

1. Take Care of You
Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and wine. It’s about making sure your own health is a priority. So, when’s the last time you scheduled that mammogram, eye exam, or dental cleaning? Taking care of yourself is taking care of your family. You can’t pour from an empty cup!

2. Hold Your Loved Ones Accountable
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also a great time to nudge the women in your life. Remind your mom, grandma, and friends to get their mammograms. Consider it the best birthday gift you can give!

3. Start (or Continue) Doing Breast Self-Exams
Familiarizing yourself with what’s normal for your breasts is key. Regular self-exams help you notice any changes that might need a doctor’s attention. Practice makes perfect, and awareness is everything.

4. Know Your Personal Risk
Every woman is at risk for breast cancer, and that risk increases with age. Talk to your doctor about your individual risk factors to better understand where you stand.

5. Follow Screening Guidelines

• In your 20s and 30s: Do self-exams regularly and get a clinical exam at least every three years.

• 40 and older: Schedule that yearly 3D mammogram. It’s non-negotiable!

6. Schedule the Appointment
If you’re over 40, schedule your mammogram now. Under 40? Make sure you’re still getting regular physical exams. Either way, pick up the phone today!

By taking these steps, you’re investing in your health—and your family’s future. Know your risk. Stay proactive. And spread the word!

AND ALSO

Name it your way.

Naming your baby is a big decision—and everyone seems to have an opinion. If you're tired of unsolicited advice on your little one’s name, here are a few ways to handle it😀 

1. Keep It a Secret
Not sure how certain family members will react? Don’t tell them until after the birth. It saves you the headache.

2. Make Something Up
If pressed for an answer, say you prefer naming your baby after meeting them. No one can argue with that!

3. Get an Ally
Need backup? Enlist a family member who’s not afraid to shut down the name debates on your behalf.

4. Make It Official
Once the name is decided, declare it boldly—embroider it on a blanket or have a name reveal party!

At the end of the day, the name choice is yours (and your partner’s). Everyone else? They can deal.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

📦 Mail truck debut! USPS reveals its long-awaited new delivery vehicle, and carriers couldn’t be happier!

🧈 Butter believe it! Find out which healthy butter you should keep stocked in your fridge!

☕ Tea-rific hacks! Stop tossing those tea bags and discover 21 amazing ways to repurpose them!

🐾 Wildly funny! Enjoy the hilarious highlights from the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards 2024!

🍗 Chicken hack alert! Master the art of deboning rotisserie chicken with this easy kitchen tip!

October 10: World Mental Health Day – Check in on a friend or loved one who might need some extra support.

October 13: Breast Cancer Awareness Day – Check out our article in today’s newsletter for more info on this topic.

October 31: Halloween – 13 new October movies to get you in the spooky spirit. 

October: Fire Safety Month – Change those smoke detector batteries and review fire safety plans with the family!

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