Birdie
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September 24, 2024

September 24, 2024

Here’s how to deal with period pain.

September 24, 2024

Hey Moms! 🌟 Did anyone catch the buzz around KitchenAid’s $700 stand mixer with a walnut bowl? It feels more like a status symbol than a kitchen essential, especially since a $40 metal or ceramic bowl does the job just as well—without splintering or warping! And guess what? It’s not even recommended for mixing whipped eggs! 🥚

Speaking of mixing things up, 60% of you said playdate business cards just aren’t your vibe. So let’s dive into the latest trends and tackle what really matters this month—no business cards required!

Scroll Control: How to Help Your Teen Swipe Right on Healthy Social Media Habits
Bundle of Joy, Not Bills: Smart Savings for New Moms
Cramping Your Style? Here’s How to Deal with Period Pain

PARENTING

Like, Comment, Disconnect.

Social media—a place where teens can connect, create, and… compare themselves into a spiral of insecurity? Yeah, it’s a mixed bag. While platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer teens community and creativity, they also serve up anxiety, FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), and even cyberbullying. So how can parents help teens navigate this world without locking their devices in a vault? Here’s the lowdown:

The Good Stuff

Let’s not villainize social media entirely—there are some benefits:

Staying connected: Teens can keep in touch with friends and family, especially long-distance.
Building support networks: Online communities can provide comfort for teens who feel isolated IRL.
Self-expression: It’s a platform to explore their identity, develop interests, and share creative passions.

The Dark Side

But it’s not all dance challenges and memes. Social media comes with risks:

Social comparison: Teens may constantly compare themselves to others, triggering anxiety and low self-esteem.
Sleep disruption: Endless scrolling can interfere with much-needed shut-eye (hello, moody mornings).
Cyberbullying: A staggering 1 in 5 teens experience it. Ouch.

How to Help

Navigating the murky waters of social media doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are some parent-approved strategies:

Limit exposure: Encourage breaks and set screen-time boundaries—because no one needs a 2 a.m. TikTok binge.
Monitor, don’t snoop: Stay in the loop about your teen’s social media habits, but keep the judgment at bay.
Talk it out: Create an open space for conversations. Ask them about what they’re seeing and how they’re feeling online.

Quick Tip. Need a break from the screen? Set a “social media holiday” for the whole family. It’s the digital detox you didn’t know you needed.

Helping teens balance their online lives is all about communication, trust, and a dash of Wi-Fi control.

A custodian in northern Virginia got the surprise of a lifetime when students pooled their resources to gift him a Jeep Wrangler for his birthday. After learning he had always wanted one but couldn't afford it, freshmen launched a GoFundMe, raising $5,000 in just 48 hours. The emotional reveal was captured on video, showing the custodian, Apraku, overcome with gratitude as he dropped to the ground, tears streaming down his face.

Want to feel all the feels? Check out the heartwarming moment here: Watch the video.

FINANCES

Baby on a budget.

Being a new mom comes with a whirlwind of emotions… and expenses! But, with some smart planning, you can prep your baby budget without breaking the bank. Here’s how to save more and stress less in those first months.

Focus on the necessities
Adorable baby outfits are so tempting, but here’s the truth: your baby won’t wear half of them. Stick to the essentials—onesies, sleepers, and diapers—and avoid buying too far in advance. Babies grow fast, and what fits now might not fit next season.

Be a smart shopper
Forget the must-have baby brands that everyone’s raving about on Instagram. Instead, consider secondhand. Facebook Marketplace, consignment shops, and clearance racks can be a treasure trove of baby gear, clothes, and more. New isn't always necessary!

Bulk up!
Diapers, wipes, and baby food are all cheaper in bulk. Wholesale stores like Costco and Sam’s Club are your new BFFs—seriously. You’ll thank us later.

Don’t snub generic brands
When it comes to baby formula, diapers, and wipes, generic brands are often just as good as the pricier alternatives. Bonus: You save tons!

Accept hand-me-downs
Got a friend with a kid a year older? Take those hand-me-downs graciously. Babies outgrow clothes fast, and hand-me-downs can be a lifesaver. Your wallet will breathe a sigh of relief, too.

Seek free programming
Check your local library, community center, and parks for free or low-cost mommy-and-me classes. Even museums often offer free days or events for families. Plus, it’s a fun way to meet other moms and keep baby entertained without splurging.

Smart shopping and creative saving can make a huge difference! Your baby’s future (and your bank account) will thank you.

HEALTH

Cramp it down.

Let’s be real—menstrual cramps are the worst, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. Why do cramps happen in the first place? It’s all thanks to prostaglandins—hormone-like chemicals that trigger muscle contractions in your uterus. As these prostaglandins build up, your cramps kick in, but they fade as your period progresses.

Want relief? NSAIDs like ibuprofen are your new best friend. They help block prostaglandins before things get too intense. Hormonal birth control is also an option to reduce cramping (and lighten heavy periods), according to the NHS.

Looking for non-medical remedies? Here are a few fan-favorites:

Apply heat: Hot water bottles or heating pads are as effective as pain meds.
Exercise: Boost those endorphins!
Watch your diet: Avoid fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine.
Orgasms: They might help release pain-fighting endorphins, too.

You’ve got options, so don’t let cramps cramp your life!

👉For more ideas, check out these home remedies.

🐧 Baby animal takeover alert! This past week, social media has been buzzing with cuteness, thanks to Pesto, a gigantic Australian king penguin chick who's quickly become a star. Meanwhile, Moo Deng, Thailand’s adorable pygmy hippo, is melting hearts with his meme-worthy face. These two furry sensations are proving that when it comes to cuteness, they’re in a league of their own!

SNIPPETS

Many women are unaware that dense breast tissue can increase breast cancer risk and complicate diagnosis. A new FDA rule mandates that all mammograms in the U.S. now include assessments of breast density, helping to raise awareness and improve detection.

About 70% of U.S. teens have used generative AI tools, mainly for school-related tasks like brainstorming homework ideas. However, many parents remain in the dark, with only 37% aware that their kids are utilizing these AI tools for assistance and entertainment.

A recent study reveals that picky eating in children is largely genetic, with DNA accounting for 60% of pickiness in toddlers and 74% in children aged three to 13. Despite the genetic influence, researchers suggest that family meals and introducing a variety of foods early on can help mitigate picky eating behaviors.

DID YOU KNOW? Those teal pumpkins you see on Halloween mean something more than festive décor. Thanks to the Teal Pumpkin Project, they signal homes offering non-food treats like toys or stickers—perfect for kids with food allergies! Now, even more, little goblins can safely join the fun.

🍗 Fajita delight. Try this easy chicken fajita rice bake for a quick weeknight meal.

🎄 Holiday cheer. Hallmark’s 2024 ‘Countdown to Christmas’ features 47 new movies for cozy nights.

🖤 Timeless fashion. Discover 13 little black dresses that are stylish and enduring.

📱 iPhone hacks. Streamline your phone experience with 29 new 2024 iPhone tips.

🎤 SNL turns 50. Don’t miss the exciting hosts and musical guests for Saturday Night Live's milestone season!