We’re officially less than 50 days away from Halloween, which means it's time to start planning those epic costumes. My daughter is already revving up for her Star Wars debut as Rey, but here’s the twist: she’s adamant that her younger brother only needs to don his Star Wars pajamas. Because, apparently, the Force is strong with her, but not so much with the idea of her brother getting a full costume.

Looks like the only thing scarier than Halloween this year might be trying to negotiate costume terms with a mini Jedi. May the costume odds be ever in your favor!

• Stand Tall: Teaching Your Kid to Own the Playground (and Life)

• Lights Out, Stress Down: Crafting the Ultimate Grown-Up Bedtime Routine

• Parenting on the Clock: How to Crush WFH with Kids in Tow

PARENTING

Speak up, stand strong.

Teaching your child to stand up for themselves can feel like a tall order, especially when kids struggle with confidence or find themselves in sticky social situations. But the good news? You can help equip them with the skills to navigate tough situations like bullying or peer pressure. Here's how to get started:

Encourage Assertiveness

One of the best ways to help your child stand up for themselves is to teach them to be assertive. Assertiveness means expressing their needs confidently without being aggressive.

• Practice phrases like: “Please stop teasing me,” or “I don’t like when you do that.”

• Teach them to use "I" statements: “I feel upset when you push me.”

• If the problem continues, encourage them to walk away. There’s power in simply leaving.

Role-Playing Scenarios

Children often learn by doing, so role-playing tough situations can help them feel more prepared when they need to stand up for themselves in real life.

• Create scenarios where they need to stand up to a bully.

• Practice both positive and negative outcomes so they learn how to respond to different situations.

• Pro tip: Encourage assertive body language—stand tall, maintain eye contact, and use a calm, firm tone.

Teach Physical Self-Defense

While violence isn’t the goal, knowing how to protect themselves physically can boost your child’s confidence. Consider local martial arts or self-defense classes to help them feel more secure.

Praise Their Efforts

Reinforce positive behavior by praising them when they speak up. Something as simple as, “I’m proud of you for standing your ground,” can make a world of difference.

Final Thoughts

Equipping your child with assertiveness and self-defense skills will empower them to handle social challenges. With practice and your support, they'll become confident in standing up for themselves—one situation at a time.

MENTAL HEALTH

Rest assured.

Let’s face it—between work, kids, and the endless to-do list, getting to bed can feel like an afterthought. But creating a bedtime routine for yourself can be the ultimate form of self-care. And no, we’re not talking about extravagant bubble baths (unless that’s your thing). This is about winding down, getting quality sleep, and feeling human again. Here’s how to build your perfect bedtime routine:

1. Know Why You Need It

If you're constantly falling asleep mid-Netflix binge or doom-scrolling in bed, it's time for a change. The first step is figuring out why your current bedtime routine (or lack of one) isn’t working. Do you wake up feeling groggy? Is your mind racing as soon as your head hits the pillow? Once you know what’s wrong, you can fix it.

2. Set a Non-Negotiable Bedtime

Yeah, we all love “just one more episode,” but staying up too late is not doing you any favors. Pick a bedtime and stick to it. Pro tip: Plan your routine backward. If you need to be asleep by 10 p.m., start winding down around 9:30. Discipline yourself to log off, shut down, and actually get in bed.

3. Ditch the Chores

Your bedtime routine is not the time to finish the laundry or make tomorrow’s lunches. This is about you. Focus on activities that help you relax, like reading, light stretches, or journaling. Keep it simple so you can stick to it.

4. Unplug from Screens

Phones and TVs are sleep's worst enemy. That blue light messes with your melatonin and keeps your brain buzzing. Swap scrolling for a calming activity—journal, read a book, or listen to a podcast.

5. Keep It Short & Sweet

The routine doesn’t need to take hours. Even 15 minutes of winding down can make all the difference. Keep it doable so you can repeat it nightly, no matter where you are.

With a little consistency, your bedtime routine will have you feeling rested and ready to take on tomorrow!

CHILDREN

Zoom, snacks, repeat.

Working from home with kids is like juggling while riding a unicycle—it’s doable, but it takes some serious balancing skills. Here’s how to make it work:

1. Create a Dedicated Workspace

Set up a home office that’s actually for working. Whether it’s the corner of your bedroom or a spare room, this will help you stay focused. Bonus: your kids will learn that when you're in that space, you're in work mode.

2. Stick to a Family Schedule

Plan out the day so everyone knows what’s happening. Include quiet hours (because Zoom calls + kids = chaos). Post the schedule where everyone can see it.

3. Set Boundaries (and Stick to Them)

Let your kids know when you’re working and when you’re available. Boundaries are key!

4. Embrace Nap Time

Use nap time or early mornings to power through your most important tasks.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

As fall settles in, set the perfect cozy mood with a seasonal scented candle. Whether you're hosting or relaxing, these autumn-inspired picks—like smoky vanilla and spicy pumpkin—bring warmth and charm to any space. Here's a roundup of fall scents to fill your home with comfort.

• Smoked Vanilla & Santal (Aromatique) - Smoky vanilla with earthy santal for cozy autumn vibes. $18

• Black Fig (P.F. Candle Co.) - Woodsy evergreen, fig, and spice in an apothecary-inspired jar. $27

• Persimmon Chestnut (Paddywax) - Orange, pear, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla blend. $20

• Candied Cardamom + Ginger Citron (Seventh Avenue) - Bergamot, ginger, cardamom, and vanilla in a chic vessel. $20

• Hello Fall (Sweet Water Decor) - Cinnamon, apples, cloves—autumn in a jar. $24.99

• Leaves (Bath & Body Works) - Crisp red apple, golden nectar, and clove. $16.95

• Pumpkin Butter (WoodWick) - Vanilla, pumpkin, and warm spices for a nostalgic fall feel. $19.87

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