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Okay, I know I might be late to the game ... but any other millennial moms bingeing Nobody Wants This? As a sucker for nostalgia, Adam Brody’s return to the screen feels like a comforting blast from the past (cue in The OC soundtrack). This romcom with Kristen Bell hits all the right notes, reminding us that we don’t have to shrink ourselves to find love. (You can thank me later for this weekend’s feel-good binge-watch!) 

Also, why not spread the joy? Forward this email to your mom friends and share the fun! After all, sharing is caring, and who doesn’t love a little good news in their inbox?

• Baby Steps: Mastering Your Return to Work

• Bite-Sized Wins: Simple Hacks for Healthier Kid Eating Habits

• Frights and Delights: Your Guide to a Family-Friendly Halloween Movie Night

WORK

From diapers to deadlines.

Returning to work after parental leave? It’s more than just swapping onesies for office attire. In fact, nearly 50% of parents found it more challenging than expected, according to a survey by Parentaly. Yikes. But don't worry—we’ve got tips to help you navigate the transition like a pro.

Before you leave: Prep is key.

• Set boundaries on communication while you're away. Decide with your manager what you want to stay updated on—and how they should reach you. Email? Text? Carrier pigeon?

• Make sure your team knows when you’re coming back. A week before your return, send out an email to your manager or team with the deets—bonus points for baby pics!

• If your performance review is scheduled during your leave, push to have it early. Focus on your wins so far and remind your manager about projects you’ve set in motion.

When you’re back: Don’t rush it.

• Give yourself a few weeks before requesting changes like reduced hours. 71% of parents reported struggles balancing work and home life—wait and assess before jumping into big decisions.

• Not offered a re-onboarding plan? Create one yourself. Set up one-on-ones with key coworkers to get up to speed on projects and priorities. Consider it your own “listening tour."

Pro tip: Start mid-week.
If possible, set your return for a Wednesday or Thursday—it gives you a shorter week to ease back in, and lets you spend the weekend regrouping.

Remember, "for now" is your new mantra. Everything—your emotions, your routine, and your work—is temporary. Advocate for yourself (or for your baby!), and use “What if?” to keep conversations open with your manager.

Take it one step at a time, because just like parenting, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. You’ve got this!

PARENTING

Snack smarter.

Feeding kids can feel like navigating a minefield, but it doesn’t have to be! Here are some expert insights on fostering healthy eating habits in children, making mealtimes smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

1. Serve Salads Early and Often
   Introduce salads at the dinner table regularly. When kids see leafy greens and mixed veggies often, they learn that these foods aren’t “yucky.” Plus, they become accustomed to different flavors and textures, which is crucial for picky eaters.

2. Just Make One Meal
   Instead of cooking separate dishes for each family member, serve a single meal with deconstructed components. This way, kids can opt out of certain items while still having something they like on the table, even if it’s just rice. Freedom never tasted so good!

3. Embrace Change
   Kids’ tastes can change as quickly as their favorite cartoons. If they reject a food today, don’t write it off forever. You never know when they might surprise you!

4. Keep Kids Hungry
   Little ones who snack throughout the day aren’t always hungry for meals. Make sure they come to the table ready to eat to minimize pickiness.

5. Focus on Family Dinners
   Family dinners can be chaotic, especially with young children, but persistence pays off. Over time, making family meals a priority will create a cherished routine.

6. Let Kids Serve Themselves
   Serving food family-style allows kids to control their portions, promoting independence and enhancing social skills. It’s a win-win for everyone!

7. Model Good Habits
   Children learn best by example. By demonstrating a love for a variety of foods, parents can encourage their little ones to do the same.

8. Limit Distractions
   Keeping mealtime free from screens and toys helps children focus on eating and encourages better family bonding.

9. Pair New Foods with Favorites
   When introducing new foods, always include something familiar that your child enjoys. This strategy helps ease anxiety about trying new options.

10. Get Their Input
    Encourage kids to suggest meals to give them a sense of ownership. Placing a notepad on the fridge for meal ideas makes them feel involved in the process.

With these strategies, parents can create a positive mealtime environment and promote healthy habits that last a lifetime. Bon appétit!

AND ALSO

Creep it real.

Looking for a fun and fright-free way to celebrate Halloween with the fam? Cue the Halloween movie marathon! 🎃👻

First up: Pick your movie. Check out this list of kid-friendly Halloween flicks to get started. Think Hocus Pocus vibes, not Nightmare on Elm Street.

Set the scene by dimming the lights, lighting some candles, and playing spooky tunes while you prep snacks. Pro tip: make it “smell like Halloween” with a pumpkin or cinnamon apple candle.

Get cozy! Pile up the blankets, pillows, and even some sleeping bags for that camp-out vibe. Extra points for snuggling during the spooky parts.

Snack attack! Create a Halloween snack board with themed treats like candy corn, caramel apple slices, and orange and black popcorn. Oh, and don’t forget: costumes are highly encouraged!

Now sit back, press play, and enjoy your spooktacular night.

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TRENDING

SNIPPETS

🦃 Thanksgiving for less. Aldi’s basket feeds 10 for under $47.

🕷️ Get crafty. How to make spooky spiderwebs with coffee filters.

🎢 Get ready for thrills. Universal’s fourth Orlando park opens next May.

🐶 Crocs for pups? Yes, they’re a thing! Here’s where to snag a pair.

🧇 Warning. Massive frozen waffle recall due to possible listeria contamination!

Hero dog Gita saves the day! After her owner, 84-year-old Keith Johnson, fell and broke his hip in the woods, Gita sat in the road until a passing car stopped to help. She then led Deputy Colton Wright through the forest to her injured human, proving that rescue dogs really are man's best friend—especially when it comes to saving lives! Gita’s quick thinking turned her into a local legend in Stevens County, Washington.

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