ML Interest Tag: adjustment

Your Kids Aren’t Too Young to Talk about Race: An Essential Resource

By Andie Huber

*This information is based on the work of the Children’s Community School in Philadelphia and was written by Katrina Michie, who gave us permission to republish this on our website. Please help support their efforts by sharing and tagging the school as the source, and if you can, donate to their efforts and to any related causes.

“So you’ve realized your kids aren’t too young to talk about race, so now what? We’ve rounded up some resources for you to start. The Children’s Community School in Philidelphia did all the research and legwork on this information. We adapted it. Check out their amazing resource page.

Here is a short podcast, put together by NPR and the Sesame Street Workshop, that is a great primer as well as offers an understanding on how to talk to young children about race:”

Talking Race with Young Children (Podcast Episode)

Articles for Parents & Caregivers about Talking about Race:

Anti-Racism for Kids 101: Starting to Talk about Race

Here’s How W. Kamau Bell Talks about Race with His Kids

100 Race-Conscious Things You Can Say to Your Child to Advance Racial Justice

Raising Race-Conscious Children

4 Things We Should All Teach Kids about Racism Right Now

Great Educational Podcast for Adults on the History of Race in America:

Seeing White Series on Scene On Radio

Resource for Teachers & Educators for Discussing Race with Children:

Teaching Tolerance: Race & Ethnicity

Books for Adults Who Want to Learn More about Race & Racism in America:

So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo

Toys that Embrace Diversity:

People Colors Crayon Pack

Sugarfoot Rag Dolls

Pattycake Doll Company

Books for Children That Explore Diversity, Black History & Acceptance:

The Ultimate 2018 List of Diverse Books for Children (Here Wee Read is a great resource for books! Follow her Instagram!)

No White Saviors: Kids Books about Black Women in US History (Books For Littles)

Children’s Books by Brilliant Black Women: #OwnVoices Authors & Illustrators (Books for Littles)

Whose Toes Are Those? by Jabari Asim

Let’s Talk about Race by Julius Lester

Lovely by Jess Hong

Sugarplum Ballerinas by Whoopi Goldberg

A Roundup of Studies & Articles Cited above:

Three-Month-Olds, but Not Newborns, Prefer Own-Race Faces

Handbook of Race, Racism and the Developing Child

Developmental Psychopathology: Perspectives on Adjustment, Risk, and Disorder

The Development of Implicit Intergroup Cognition

How Kids Learn Prejudice

Even Babies Discriminate: A Natureshock Excerpt

This article was republished with permission from Katrina Michie.

A lifest‌yle writer whose work can be seen in Red Tricycle, Money.com, Livestrong.com and Redbook. When she’s not checking out new events, museums, and restaurants to keep her and her kids entertained, she can be found wandering around flea markets and thrift stores looking for cool vintage finds.

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If You Felt Unprepared for Postpartum Life, You’re Not Alone, According to New Survey

by Sarah Shebek

It might be the toughest stretch of time for moms: postpartum. Between the lack of sleep, recovery from birth and adjustment to a new normal, the period after birth can be grueling—and lonely. But a new survey from Lansinoh shows you’re not alone if you’re struggling: 88% of moms surveyed said they weren’t prepared for the postpartum period and more than 95% think moms need more support from society.

Almost every mom-to-be has a birth plan, but not many have a plan for recovery. The survey showed that only 11% of moms had that plan, even though 90% recommended that new moms prepare for the days and weeks after birth. And there were common struggles that the group faced. Nearly 3/4 said that they were unprepared for breastfeeding, 66% cited mental health concerns and 65% said they weren’t prepared for the lack of sleep.

One word representing postpartum experience

Postpartum support is essential and support in the workforce is extra important, with 72% of moms currently working, according to PEW Research. This survey revealed that above all else, moms want stronger government policies for working parents, especially since the US is the only industrialized country without a federal paid maternity leave policy.

As fellow parents, we know how tough the transition to motherhood can be, even with all the magic it brings. That’s why we have thousands of articles with tips, tricks and hacks to make life with baby a bit easier. And Lansinoh also offers 100% insurance covered breast pumps to moms nationwide—just fill out a quick online form and simplify one part of postpartum.

––Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Echo Grid, Unsplash

 

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This Ingenious Mat Makes Kid’s Yoga Simple & Fun

by Sarah Shebek

Kid’s yoga is a great idea in theory, but in practice it can be a predicament. Maneuvering your own body into Warrior Two is an adjustment, let alone expecting a squirmy three-year-old to pull it off. That’s where the Chi Universe Yoga mat comes in!

This ingenious mat is designed with universal symbols that help kids move their body into the correct poses: rain drops, hearts, stars, triangles and a couple fun twists. Each product comes with a game poster, free videos, a yoga game app and colorful style. It’s currently available in a kid’s size, as well as an adult size for family yoga sessions.

Better yet, the mats are recyclable, easy to clean and pass the prop 65 test for children’s health and safety. You can buy them on Amazon for $36.97 for the kid’s mat and $38.97 for the tween/adult size.

Chi Yoga makes yoga more playful, using the symbol system as a universal language. The company also plans to offer a free class on June 12 at 11 a.m. PT, in celebration of Global Wellness Day. Get your kids excited about moving their bodies all summer long!

—Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of Chi Yoga

 

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New CUDL 4-in-1 Baby Carrier Makes Parenting a Snap

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

Every parent wants to keep their little one snuggled close after they’ve just entered the world, and wearing your baby is a great way to give both you and baby comfort at such a critical stage. But not all baby carriers offer safety and smart design. That’s why Nuna offers CUDL™ 4-in-1, an easy carrier that keeps your wee one close and secure, all while keeping your hands free.

Nuna has been creating smart, helpful and bold baby gear since 2007. Nuna designs its baby products around your life, which means this carrier is easy, flexible, safe and practical. Plus, the clean lines in the design of their products are often used to incorporate practical storage solutions, like a pocket to easily access your smartphone—win!

The new CUDL™ 4-in-1 has a handful of perks that make baby wearing a snap for new parents. One of our favorite features: it’s designed so you can put it on and adjust it by yourself, as opposed to relying on helpers to get your little one securely intact and get moving.

We love that the pack has four carry positions: newborn mode with integrated infant booster, facing in, facing out or back carry. All four of the positions allow your kiddo the ergonomic positioning to keep spine and hip development healthy. The carry options let you keep carrying your little one from infant to more than nine months, so when your kiddo wants to marvel at their outside world, you can have them face out. Or, switch to back carry mode for growing toddlers.

Here are some of the awesome features of the CUDL™ 4-in-1 carrier:

  • Four ergonomic magnetic buckles that make securing on the go quick and simple
  • Breathable mesh fabric and padded shoulder and waist straps
  • Set of two GOTS™ certified organic cotton bibs included
  • Zip open storage pocket on waistband that holds a smartphone the size of iPhone 8 and above
  • Innovative leg opening button adjustment for smaller babies
  • Removable and washable infant head support
  • Locking zippers are covered to add security and ensure no contact with baby’s skin
  • All-over comfort from even distribution of baby’s weight thanks to padded shoulder straps and a wide secure waist belt

It’s not just us that are fans—the CUDL™ 4-in-1 carrier has been recognized worldwide as an amazing baby carrier and was the Red Dot Product Design Winner of 2020. Parenting is tough enough, but you can make it just a little easier with the right gear. Shop Now for the CUDL by Nuna.

—Leah R. Singer

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Study Finds Screen Fatigue Is Taking a Toll on Work from Home Productivity

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Working from home indefinitely is a significant adjustment for many, especially for parents balancing distance learning and remote work. A new survey found that 75 percent of at-home U.S. workers are experiencing an increased sense of digital overload. Many are not reimbursed for remote work essentials which is an added burden for parents paying for home learning supplies. 

As many navigate a new work style that can feel “always on”, Paper & Packaging – How Life Unfolds surveyed 2,000 new at-home workers to learn more about the impact of their changing work environment on productivity and mental wellness.

The report contributes to research on the long-term impact of remote work and helps companies understand their workers’ evolving needs. It reveals a surprising trend: as workplaces move online, an overwhelming number are experiencing digital overload, turning to analog tools to mitigate the effects of screen fatigue.

zoom

Commenting on the study, productivity and digital detox expert Holland Haiis noted, “When working from home, we tend to use multiple devices simultaneously. This not only causes greater digital fatigue, it increases eye strain, and we tend to experience brain fog much earlier in the day. Turning to analog tools is a natural impulse: switching to paper and pen allows the brain to relax, and have the white space for problem-solving.”

Working from home exacerbates digital overload as messaging, emailing and video conferencing have become the primary means of communication.“Using paper during virtual calls allows your brain to focus on what’s most important. When it’s written on paper, you’re able to stay in the conversation, as opposed to using another device and falling down the technology rabbit hole,” said Holland.

Many are reaching for analog tools to refocus, turning to pencil and paper to give their eyes a break from the screen. Printing documents allows workers to rely less on their devices and gives their brains a much needed break from technology.

With the possibility that working from home may be here to stay, many people are investing money in their home offices. Not all employers are reimbursing their workers for office essentials. The top items that have not been reimbursed are pens, pencils, notebooks and sticky notes. 

On top of coping with digital fatigue and virtual communication overload, distractions are also coming from within the physical work-from-home environment. Over a third of respondents blamed their diminished productivity on distractions created by the people they live with.Many cited distractions such as deliveries or construction noise. Others lost productivity due to not having the correct tools. 

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Gabriel Benois on Unsplash

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How We Helped Our Toddler Gently Bond With Baby

By Hindi Zeidman

If your family is growing, you’re probably wondering how your family dynamic will change with the addition of a little one. As a mother, you already have a pretty good idea of what to expect . . . but your toddler or older child may not. Depending on their age, your older child will have a different comprehension of what it means to welcome a new baby into the family. While each family is different, we have some tips for how to help your toddler bond with your new baby.  

1.     Talk about the baby. Your toddler probably understands more than you would believe. By talking about the baby during your pregnancy, your toddler can become accustomed to the idea of having a younger sibling. Talk about things that will change with your new arrival and what you’ll do with the baby. 

2.     Plan big changes. If your toddler is young enough that she’s still in diapers or in the crib, make the transition to potty training or a toddler bed ASAP. You want to give her at least 2-3 full months to adjust to one change before introducing another one—like a new baby. If you can’t do that, try postponing one of those transitions until well after the baby arrives, otherwise all of your hard work may be for naught if she reverts back.  

3.     Maintain your routine. With a new baby, it can be easy for any semblance of a routine to be lost. You and your partner will have to be a team and take turns with morning and evening routines to help your little one feel as “normal” as possible. Doing things like you usually would as much as possible will help your toddler with adjusting to the baby.  

4.     Give some wiggle room. Surprise your toddler with an extra special treat that she might not otherwise get—like a yummy treat, a new toy or doing something else they wouldn’t usually get to have or do. A little bit of rule breaking is OK, especially if it helps your toddler feel like she is still special to you and definitely not being replaced!  

5.     Plan one-on-one time. Remember, your toddler is used to having your undivided attention most of the time. With a new baby, that time will dramatically be reduced. Make a conscious effort to spend daily alone time with your toddler. Whether it’s during naptime or dropping baby off at a grandparent’s house for an hour, it will mean a lot to your toddler to have you to herself.  

6.     Let her help. Don’t push her if she doesn’t want to do something, but allowing your toddler to help can make her feel important. Children love to feel like they are contributing and making a difference, even if it’s tiny. Ask for her help and give her small tasks to do. Then praise her frequently so she recognizes that good behaviors get “rewarded” by you. This will also help to cut down on acting out and other negative behavior. By acknowledging that your new baby is a huge adjustment for your toddler, too, you can take the steps to make the transition easier on the whole family.

Hindi Zeidman is a former infant mental health clinician and the founder of Ollie Swaddle—The Smarter Swaddle that’s made better, feels better, and helps your baby sleep longer and better. The award-winning Ollie also help baby self-calm, reduces colic/fussiness, and prevents overheating through its special patented moisture wicking fabric.

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Baby Not Sleeping a Wink? Here’s What You Need to Do

By Hindi Zeidman

The first three months of life are often referred to as the fourth trimester when your little one is still adjusting to life outside of the womb. During this adjustment, baby is depending on you to lead in building healthy habits – including healthy sleep habits.

 At first you may be overwhelmed with your little one’s irregular sleep patterns. While it will be a gradual shift to sleeping more consistently at night, it will happen. So, how can you help support your little one through this transition during the first few months of life? 

Educate yourself on newborn and infant sleep patterns. You can expect your baby to sleep between 16-18 hours per day for the first month and 11-15 hours per day the following two months. Your little one’s longest stretch of sleep will probably be between 2-4 hours at first, increasing as time goes on. Remember, even though having a familiar routine is important, try to be flexible instead of adhering to a strict schedule these first few months. 

Learn about feeding patterns. Did you know that feeding on demand – whether by breast or bottle – promotes healthy sleep? You can expect your little one to feed 8-12 times per day. As we mentioned above, be flexible with your little one’s feeding needs. Babies tend to cluster feed – again, whether by breast or bottle – around the 2nd day, 2nd week and 2nd month of life. 

Pay attention to sleep cues. Some cues may seem obvious – yawning, rubbing their eyes, heavy eyelids or interacting less than usual – but when you yourself are sleep deprived, it can feel impossible to tell what your baby wants. Your baby may exhibit one or more of these sleep cues, or may have other indicators of their own. Just pay attention and as time goes on you will learn what they are. 

Consider how surroundings affect sleep. At night, lay your little one down in a dark, quiet room to sleep. During the day, leave lights on and make noises as usual. This will help your little one gravitate toward sleeping at night when the atmosphere is more calm and serene. Also take into consideration how warm or cool the room is since your baby cannot yet regulate their own temperature. Colors, smells and other sensations can also affect their sleep. 

Help your little one self-soothe. Your newborn will not be able to self-soothe at first, but swaddling and patting them can help them feel calm and safe as they grow. As you near the third month, begin limiting talking and interacting during sleep times. You may want to begin introducing a pacifier or lovey that will provide comfort as well. 

Introduce a routine. Even though your newborn will have their days and nights mixed up at first, just give them time and it will slowly get better. The sooner that you can introduce a routine, the easier it will be for your little one to catch on. Maybe you read a book to your little one before bath time and lotion. Maybe you have a familiar song you sing or a toy that plays music to cue that it’s bedtime. There is no right or wrong, just create a routine that works for you. 

Hindi Zeidman is a former infant mental health clinician and the founder of Ollie Swaddle—The Smarter Swaddle that’s made better, feels better, and helps your baby sleep longer and better. The award-winning Ollie also help baby self-calm, reduces colic/fussiness, and prevents overheating through its special patented moisture wicking fabric.

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First Subscription-Based Retailer to Launch Kid-Sized Face Masks

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Now that weaning masks will become the norm, kid-sized masks will become a necessity. MaskClub, the first subscription-based buy one, donate one online mask destination, is expanding its mask offerings with a new line of kid-sized masks, answering to the new CDC recommendation that all people ages 3+ wear a face covering when in a community setting. These new kid-sized masks are available in exclusive designs to help parents prepare their children for participating in summer programs and heading back to school in the fall.

kid masks

The new child-sized masks from MaskClub,  a company from Trevco, one of the top licensing companies with over 800+ licensed brands, are double-ply cloth masks printed and sewn in the USA with fun, kid-approved designs like Sesame Street, Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and Nickelodeon favorites like SpongeBob SquarePants, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, JoJo Siwa, Blue’s Clues & You!, PAW Patrol, and more. To fit kid’s faces and ears, the masks feature smaller fabric areas and shorter elastic bands. The company recognizes that wearing a face mask can be an adjustment for kids, but the thousands of playful designs makes it easier for parents and kids to wear masks.

“In these unprecedented times, we wanted to help families adjust to the new normal by creating kid-friendly face coverings,” says Founder, Trevor George. “With MaskClub, the whole family can now get matching masks from superheroes to cartoon characters like Elmo or Cookie monster, familiar characters that kids know and love.” 

Kid Masks

For every mask purchase, the company will donate a medical grade mask to First Responders Children’s Foundation for distribution to paramedics, emergency medical technicians, police officers, firefighters and medical personnel treating COVID-19 patients. To date, MaskClub has donated 100,000 medical masks to first responders.

MaskClub is the first and only company to offer a mask subscription model, where customers will receive a new mask every month from their favorite brand. Subscriptions are $9.99/ month, almost 30% off single mask purchases ($13.99), and customers will have access to exclusive art and exclusive brand launches in the future.

For more information on adult and kid masks, visit MaskClub.com or Instagram. Customers are encouraged to share how they are staying safe and wearing their masks with the hashtag #maskclub.

*Editor’s Note: According to the CDC, children under age 2, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance should not use a cloth face covering.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of MaskClub

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23 Ways to Improve Your Weekly Lockdown Schedule

By Jenni Dawn

Our collective calendar looks a bit different nowadays. The daily to weekly monotony began to sink in for us, so I decided to spice up the schedule. Homeschool still applies somewhere in the morning, but as that dwindles away into summer, this may help with the unusual transition this year.

Here’s what I came up with, and it’s been a welcomed adjustment for all in the family! 

MINDFUL MONDAY: Start the week with an open mind.

1. Ask questions over breakfast. Ask anything and everyone gets a turn. You never know what your child might ask. One day, our little one asked, “When all the humans are gone, will the dinosaurs come back?” This led to lots of dinosaur extinction discussions and worthwhile videos. His mind was working as opposed to the usual waffle chit-chat.

2. When on a walk in the neighborhood, name everything that the sun is touching. Find the letter “A” on license plates and street signs. Seek out the most interesting mailboxes (my personal favorite, like the neighbor who transformed their mailbox into a “free library” as well.)

TUNES on TUESDAY: Singing a different tune now, kids.

3. Play some music in the background (parent’s choice) all day long: Think Otis for breakfast, Patsy for lunch, and Mozart for dinner. 

4. Listen to the sounds outside, in the backyard or on walks. On a breezy Tuesday, try laying under the trees and listen to the leaves rustle with your little. “Watch them dance” as my son surprised me by saying. 

5. Order a windchime (or make if you’re craftier than me) for any outdoor nook (respecting neighbors of course). Our new addition was a ten buck wooden find and it’s lovely! 

WACKY WEDNESDAY: It’s a wacky world, so go with it.

6. Want to wear a costume all day, go ahead! Or want breakfast for dinner, no problem!

7. Want to take a shower instead of bath? Sure! Works for me! 

8. Want to listen to a kid’s story via a podcast during snack? Sure!

9. Want to write “mom” on my forehead, depends on my mood…

THOUGHTFUL THURSDAY: Feels good to think and do for others, more than ever.

10. Mail some artwork with a note to grandma, a school friend, or a stranger (like a nearby nursing home that could use some cheer). 

11. Write in chalk on the sidewalk to spread a positive phrase for the neighbors.

12. Help with meal prep, do an extra chore, and tidy the toys.

FAVORITE FRIDAY: Play favorites, the right way.

13. Eat a favorite cereal, sandwich and/or pasta.

14. Wear your favorite t-shirt or hat.

15. Read your favorite book or story.

SUSTAINABLE SATURDAY: Children are our future.

16. Water plants or veggies and/or plant something new. 

17. Take all recyclables to the recycling bin.

18. Support a local farmers market.

19. Do a nature activity like rock art or an outdoor scavenger hunt. 

20. Look through stuff and find the shoes that are getting tight, shirt too snug, or a toy past its prime, and give three things away (parents too).

21. Feeling lazy? Watch a video or show about the planet and going green! “Here We Are” on Apple+ was a huge hit in our house on Earth day and every Saturday since!

SIMPLE SUNDAY: Let it go (your schedule, not a movie reference)

22. Self-play and rest as needed.  

23. A night off from cooking can benefit all around. If you’re able, order from a local restaurant to show support during this time. They probably could use it.

Any variation of the above can work for your family. We need tricks up our sleeves for month three and find some joy in everyday.

Hope you stay Safe, healthy, and full of love

 

Jenni Dawn lives just outside of Los Angeles with her husband, newly rescued dog, and four year old son. She has a background in everything Entertainment, so it makes perfect sense to cover how to entertain family at home. Jenni's also a Cancer survivor with a passion for spreading hope and prevention advocacy. 

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