In their lone debate before the November election, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump will have their microphones muted tonight while the other speaks, and no live audience to cheer them on. It’s a bit like trying to get your kids to play nice during a car trip—no audience and everyone gets their turn. As David Muir and Linsey Davis moderate this no-audience debate, take a breather and catch up on your own to-do list. After all, managing a household can sometimes feel like its own high-stakes debate!

• Fall on a Budget: Decorating Without Breaking the Bank

• No More Drop-Off Drama: 4 Tips to Avoid Morning Meltdowns

• No Parent Left Unaware: Suicide Prevention 101

DECORATING

Frugal Fall flair.

As the temperatures drop and pumpkin spice everything takes over, it's time to give your home that cozy, autumnal glow—without burning through your budget. Whether you're a seasoned decorator or just dipping your toes into the fall decor pool, these tips will have your home looking like a fall Pinterest board without the hefty price tag.

1. Apple Vignettes: A Delicious Display. Why just eat apples when you can display them? Grab a vintage bowl or wooden crate, fill it with apples (real or faux), and surround them with wood cutting boards, plates, and apothecary jars. Not only will this give your kitchen a pop of fall color, but it’s also practical if you’re baking up some apple pies.

2. Printable Art: Frame It Up. Switching up your wall art doesn’t have to cost a dime. Find some fall-themed printables online, pop them into frames you already own, and voilà—instant autumn ambiance. Set up a cozy drink station next to your printables for extra fall feels.

3. Foraged Finds: Nature’s Bounty. Take a stroll outside and bring the outdoors in! Clip tree branches, pick some gourds, or harvest dried flowers. Arrange these treasures in bowls or vases around your home. Pro tip: Dried hydrangeas look stunning on a coffee table or mantel.

4. Pinecones & Cinnamon: Scents of the Season. Fill a bowl with pinecones and cinnamon sticks, then add a few drops of essential oils like cinnamon or clove. Your home will smell like a fall wonderland and look the part.

5. Paper Bag Garland: DIY Delight. Remember those old paper bags? Trace leaf shapes, cut them out, and string them together to create a charming garland. Hang it on your staircase or above a doorway to add a handmade touch to your decor.

6. Pumpkin Parade: The Classic Touch. You can’t talk fall decor without mentioning pumpkins. Whether you grow them yourself or pick them up at the market, pumpkins and gourds are the ultimate fall staple. Scatter them around your home for an effortless seasonal update.

7. Cozy It Up: Throws, Pillows, and More. Time to swap out those summer linens! Opt for cozy blankets and throw pillows in autumnal hues like burnt orange, mustard yellow, and deep browns. It’s the easiest way to instantly make any space feel warm and inviting.

And a few more tips…

• Shop your home first: You might already have some great fall decor items tucked away.

• Set a budget: Fall decor shopping can get out of hand quickly, so set a spending limit and stick to it.

Get creative: Sometimes the best decor is what you make or find, not what you buy.

PARENTING

Tears to cheers.

We all know the scene—your preschooler clings to you like a koala, tears streaming, as you try to peel them off at the classroom door. Sound familiar? If drop-offs have become the emotional rollercoaster of your morning routine, you're not alone. Here’s how to make the hand-off a breeze—for both you and your little one.

1. Early Bird Gets the Calm 🕒

Mornings are rushed enough without adding tears to the mix. Arrive early to give your child extra transition time. Sit together and watch the other kids file in—it’s a low-pressure way to help your preschooler ease into the day. Plus, it gives you a chance to share a peaceful moment before the chaos starts.

2. The Power of a Special Something 🎁

A transitional object can work wonders. Whether it's a flower from your garden, a favorite toy, or even a rock (yep, kids love rocks), giving your child something to hand off to their teacher can make the goodbye less daunting. It’s a simple but effective way to shift their focus away from separation anxiety.

3. Talk About It 🗣️

“Big cry day or little cry day?”—this might seem like a strange question, but acknowledging your child’s feelings can actually help reduce anxiety. By discussing their emotions on the way to school, you’re showing them that it’s okay to feel sad or scared, and that those feelings won’t last forever.

4. Consistency is Key 🔑

When it comes to drop-offs, routine is your best friend. Stick to the same process every day, and work closely with your child’s teacher to ensure a smooth transition. The more consistent you are, the more secure your child will feel.

AND ALSO

Suicide prevention.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and while we love to keep things light, this topic deserves your attention. Here’s how to keep your teen safe and sound:

1. Know the Risk Factors: Educate yourself on what puts teens at risk for suicide—depression, anxiety, substance use, and feelings of hopelessness. The more you know, the better you can protect.

2. Open the Conversation: Regular check-ins aren’t just about homework. Dive deeper—ask how they’re feeling. Talking openly about mental health can be a game-changer.

3. Monitor Closely: If your child has a history of mental health issues, keep a close eye on changes in mood, behavior, or social interactions. When in doubt, seek professional help.

For more in-depth advice, check out this resource. It could make all the difference.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

INFLUENCER HIGHLIGHT

SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE

🖌️ Dust off your cleaning routine. Why a paintbrush is your new best friend for grime!

👖 Wide-leg pants. The pajamas you can wear to a board meeting.

🤔 Do you speak Gen Alpha? Prove your ‘skibidi’ skills with this quiz!

🍂 Nailed it. 11 fall nail trends that are about to steal the spotlight.

📺 Binge-worthy brilliance. The 100 best TV episodes of all time—ranked!

A great way to amplify yourself: Take this kit filled with tips on purging procrastination

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