Life has certainly been far from normal. Usually, children are well into their regular school routine at this time of year, but with the pandemic defining every parent’s “new normal,” many children have not yet made the full transition, and their sleep is suffering. Let’s throw in daylight savings, travel, or a sickness, and even the best sleepers can find themselves disrupted. In my practice as a pediatric sleep consultant, I have seen a significant increase in preschool sleeping issues over the last several months, which I believe directly correlates to the lack of physical and mental stimulation children are receiving during the day. Like many families, you may be finding yourself scrambling to get your family back into a healthy sleep routine.

Create a Bedtime Routine 

I always suggest to my clients that they have a “timed routine” which means to have a set time for bed and not just allow children to fall asleep when they seem tired. This can result in bedtime being far too late for their age. Last spring, and over the summer, a lot of families were struggling to figure out their new “normal.” Sleep was all over the map as parents tried to balance working from home and keeping their children entertained. Now that school is back in session, it’s essential to maintain a regular bedtime routine that works for your family. Children of all ages do best with consistency so, that’s why a predictable, nightly routine can be the key to a good night’s sleep.

Start with turning off screens at least an hour before bedtime (blue light from screens can delay melatonin), wind down with bath/shower time, or perhaps washing up at the sink, pajamas followed by brushing teeth. Then move to the bedroom and dim the lights for a few books. At this point, your child can climb into bed and it should take them about 20 or so minutes to fall asleep if bedtime is at an appropriate time. Keep in mind that overtired and under-tired children may struggle more to fall asleep, so keep an eye on that clock! Wake times will vary based on your child’s age and activity levels. Try and stick to this schedule as much as possible but recognize that it’s common to deviate on occasion. After all, sometimes it’s fun to be spontaneous!

Utilize Outside Sleep Resources

You may need to utilize outside resources to help your child wind down before bedtime. Guided meditations and yoga are excellent ways to have your child calm their bodies and minds and settle prior to climbing in bed. Some children are so wound up from their day, especially if they’ve been on screens for a large part of it, and they need a little physical outlet that also helps relax them. Consider reading to your child every single night; not only is it a great part of the wind down routine, but it also promotes early literacy. So, it’s a win-win!

Call in Sleep Reinforcements 

If you’ve established a good routine, you are using your outside resources, but bedtime is still a struggle, then it is ok to get back on track with the help of a melatonin supplement. Melatonin is the hormone released by your body that aids in sleep. Under the supervision of your pediatrician, this can be used for a short period of time to help supplement your child’s natural melatonin production if their bedtime has gotten far off track. The best way to use melatonin is after you’ve tried to implement a steady routine for at least a week since the majority of children benefit most from routine and consistency.

—Nicole Cannon, mommysbliss.com

Nicole is a sleep consultant and mom of 3 boys with a baby on the way. She's a member of the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants and has certifications in Infant Mental Health and Maternal Mental Health. Nicole views sleep holistically, addressing all elements in a child’s life that could prevent him/her from sleeping well.

Our mom’s health guide is here to make this spring the best yet

Spring 2023 starts next month. We can’t believe it either, but March 20th marks the first day of the new season. That means more sun, greener grass, maybe a road trip or two. Springtime also marks a universal time of refreshing everything. Afterall, it feels refreshing outside; why not bring that vibe into every part of our lives? It just makes sense to want to brighten up, organize, start some better habits. But don’t let your home be the only place you focus on bringing the spring. Our guide to mom health solutions can help you get into a much sunnier space mentally, too.

These are the ideas we’re turning to this season to refresh our bodies and minds. It’s not just about spring cleaning the space around us; it’s about nourishing ourselves and shaking off the cold and grey of the winter. Feeling our best sets the tone for the whole season, and really for the rest of the year.

We leaned on Hers to keep us going when it was cold and dark, and now we’re going to do the same when it’s lighter and brighter. They’re really a one stop shop for all things mom self-care. Hers is fully dedicated to all things women’s health, so there’s nowhere else we’d turn to for mom health support.

Anxiety & Depression Medication (Rx)

Could you use some help feeling your best? Hers provides access to anxiety and depression treatment plans designed around your needs, with a treatment plan recommendation in just 24-48 hours* following your free assessment. Over 75% of Hers customers who checked in with their provider reported improvements in their mental health symptoms.**

Start Your Free Consultation Now

*On average. Actual appointment times vary by state and individual patient. Between 5/30/22 and 5/29/23, providers providing psychiatric care on the Hims & Hers platform were scheduled for appointments within 12 to 48 hours after intake form submission.

**Results vary. Data were self-reported between 11/26/2021 and 08/01/2022 by Hers customers who 1) signed up between 11/04/2021 and 05/04/2022; 2) were prescribed antidepressant medication by a provider after their first consultation on the Hers platform; and 3) had an active subscription for such psychiatric medication through the Hers platform within 90 days after signing up.

Hair Regrowth with Oral Minoxidil (Rx)

If you’ve been finding your hair is a little thinner than it used to be or you’re seeing more of your scalp than you’d like, Hers has a solution for you. Your customized treatment plan may include a prescription for Oral Minoxidil, a simple, once-a-day option. Minoxidil boosts blood flow to hair follicles to help regrow hair! And while it’s doing all that, you aren’t required to change your current hair styling routine and it won’t affect your hormones! It’s been proven to work in as little as 3-6 months.

Oral Minoxidil is only available if prescribed after an online consultation with a healthcare provider. Hers makes it easy with 100% online consultations and free shipping if prescribed.

See if Oral Minoxidil is Right For You Now

Melatonin Sleep Gummies

Great sleep is the foundation for feeling as good as possible. If you’re tossing and turning, it’s time to get back on track. Hers Melatonin Sleep Gummies help you fall asleep faster and wake up feeling refreshed, not groggy.* Melatonin is a hormone that occurs naturally in your body, so Sleep Gummies are non-habit-forming.

Melatonin Sleep Gummies | Subscribe & Save ($19.00)—Buy Now

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Mood Mental Health Probiotic

We’re all about the good mood! Mood Mental Health Probiotic is formulated with ingredients that help promote feelings of calm and naturally manages your mood by supporting the gut-brain axis and keeping everything in balance.* It’s a daily care supplement that includes key ingredients like ashwagandha, L-theanine, B & D vitamins.

Mood Mental Health Probiotic ($25.00)—Buy Now

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Hers Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner

Spring may mean an increase in humidity, but that doesn’t mean your hair has to fall flat. Hers Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner are made with Biovolume 128™, an ingredient formulated to boost volume, as well as argan oil, caffeine, hydrolyzed rice protein, and biotin. With a coastal cedar citron scent, this set helps raise fine hair from the root to unlock noticeably fuller, better-looking hair!

Hers Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner Set | Subscribe & Save ($30.00)—Buy Now

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of Hers.

Kids who respect different worldviews and love all kinds of different people are just two good things that come from being socially aware

Raising children who feel good about who they are, love all different kinds of people, and respect different worldviews is still not mainstream. The good news is that parenting is our greatest social activism because we can influence our children to be more socially aware and compassionate. We can expose them to different environments, cultures, and people, give them opportunities to learn in collaborative settings, and help them find opportunities to serve others. These things will help our children develop the soft skills that they need to be more successful in life and ultimately transform the culture of our society. Here are five specific reasons why being socially aware matters.

Kids who are socially aware will develop and display greater emotional intelligence

iStock

A child who is trained to be socially aware can empathize with the perspectives of others, listen empathically and display vulnerability. These are the skills that comprise emotional intelligence. According to Salovey and Mayer (1990), emotional intelligence is a “set of skills that contribute to the accurate appraisal and expression of emotion in oneself and others, the effective regulation of emotion, and the use of feelings to motivate, plan, and achieve in one’s life.” Research suggests that emotional intelligence may be a greater predictor of success than IQ, so these skills are important to the growth and development of your children. Children who can imagine what others are going through will be better able to perceive, use, understand and manage emotions, which will ultimately serve them in learning and achieving their goals.

Kids who are socially aware will be better prepared to be leaders

iStock

Being socially aware means that you understand how to react to different social scenarios, and you can adapt your interactions to achieve the best results in any situation.  A child who develops the sophistication to read people and situations will be able to gain friends, influence people, and motivate and inspire others. According to renowned executive coach, Maren Perry, it is great to have a strong understanding of your skills, values, and emotions and to be able to focus and manage your emotions, “However, outstanding leaders balance this self-focused drive with a healthy amount of empathy and organizational awareness to leverage others to accomplish more than they can alone.”

Related: 10 Ways Parents Can Fight for Social Justice Every Day

Kids who are socially aware will have greater self-awareness and self-acceptance

Jonathan Borba via Unsplash

According to the book Emotional Intelligence 2.0, while self-awareness “involves looking inward to learn about yourself and understand yourself, social awareness is looking outward to learn about and appreciate others.” This is a reciprocal process of learning that involves understanding yourself and understanding others to greater and greater depths. A child will learn to appreciate their personality and individuality as they learn to authentically respect the experiences and perspectives of others. They will develop the ability to see themselves more clearly and evaluate themselves through introspection. Essentially, as a child learns to step outside of their own experience, they will learn how to be critically self-reflective as well.

Kids who are socially aware are more likely to practice gratitude

volunteering at a food bank is a great way to teach kids how to be grateful
iStock

According to the Character Lab, gratitude is "appreciation of the benefits we receive from others and the desire to reciprocate." To be grateful, you need to be aware of the benefits you receive from others and understand how to reciprocate appropriately. Gratitude is a social and emotional learning skill that is built from in-person interactions, meaningful discussion, and reflection. 

Gratitude is associated with many positive outcomes including more satisfying social relationships and decreased distress and mental illness. There are four components to gratitude, as identified by UNC-Chapel Hill’s Raising Grateful Children Project:

  • Noticing: Did someone do something nice for you? Did someone give you something or take you somewhere fun?
  • Thinking: What are all the reasons you’re thankful for this? Why do you think someone did something nice for you? Does this mean something to you? 
  • Feeling: When you think about these special things or people, how do you feel?
  • Doing: What can you actively do to express your gratitude for this person, place, or thing? 

Social awareness supports a grateful attitude in children because they learn to be humble and appreciative as they consider the perspectives of others.

Related: 10 Words & Phrases You Might Not Know Are Racist

Kids who are socially aware can persevere and find greater purpose in life

October birthday
iStock

Finally, research has also shown that individuals with greater social awareness and higher emotional intelligence perform better on cognitive tasks and are better able to overcome frustration when faced with challenges performing these tasks. Perseverance comes from a growth mindset. A child who approaches learning with humility and open-mindedness is going to be more resilient in their processes. This combination of compassion and resilience will support children in finding and achieving greater purpose in their lives through strong relationships, flexibility of thought, and persistence toward their goals.

Imagine if feeling better was in your back pocket. With Talkspace online therapy, it is.

It goes without saying that parenting and mental health are closely related, and honestly, in order to be our best for our families, we have to make ourselves a priority. That’s much easier said than done, though, right? There’s so much buzz about mental health, self-care, and “me time”, but between family and work responsibilities and the inevitable guilt that come along with making room for those things can totally derail all those good intentions. Add the upcoming holiday season and the stresses that come along with that, and we can feel a little (a lot?) overwhelmed. How are we supposed to find the time for ourselves? We’ve done our research and come up with the best online therapy option out there.

Talkspace is our go-to solution. 

They’ve revolutionized the way we access mental health services by putting them right in the palm of your hand. Literally. Talkspace is the online therapy platform that’s changed the game when it comes to making time to improve our mental health. The barriers that can pop up with traditional therapy have been eliminated and have made getting the help we want as easy as ordering pizza delivery.

Don’t believe us? Here’s how:

Talkspace Starts With a Brief Assessment

A woman sits on a blue couch looking at her cell phone

Therapy isn't one-size-fits-all. Your goals, current challenges, and provider preferences all make a difference to how successful your personal experience is, and Talkspace makes absolutely sure those things are addressed out of the gate. When you start your Talkspace journey, you'll be guided through a short questionnaire that gets to the most important info right away, including your reasons for starting with Talkspace (even if you aren't quite sure!), your personal demographics, and your therapist preferences! You'll also be able to share your medical history and payment info (more on this later) and you're all set. Talkspace takes it from there, matching you with the best online therapist for your needs, typically within 48 hours

Who is My Therapist?

A side-by-side image of a woman stainding in herkitchen looking at her phone next to a screen image

Talkspace providers are real, licensed cliniciansTheir national provider network is continuously monitored continuously to achieve the right mix of backgrounds, specialties, and care options. Every licensed provider is verified according to industry standards (NCQA) and has advanced education and experience. Therapists practice from Talkspace's digital "office" platform with AI-optimized administration tools built on insights from thousands of providers. 

Your dedicated therapist specializes in your needs—depression, anxiety, stress, relationships, trauma and grief, anger, sleep, chronic illness, and more. And it doesn't end there. In addition to the best one-on-one online therapy, Talkspace offers couple's therapy, teen therapy (ages 13-17), psychiatry, LQBTQIA+ community-centered services, and therapy for veterans. They're serious about making sure your therapist really gets you, and is as compatible and customized as possible!

Is Talkspace Actually Convenient?

The help you need is available right through your device. If you consider live chat, texting, audio, or video calling convenient, then Talkspace is for you. Their Unlimited Messaging Therapy allows you to message your therapist via text, video, or voice, anytime, anywhere! Every user has a private Talkspace "room" used for communicating, and you can send and respond to messages 24/7. Your mental health isn't put on hold just because you can't be in the same office as your counselor, and you can literally take your care everywhere. Access your Talkspace room anytime via web browser or mobile app. 

All messages in your room are fully encrypted, and you can also set a unique password on the mobile app. 

How Do I Pay for Talkspace?

A man stands holding a glass of water and looking at his phone

Did you know traditional in-person therapy sessions often range from $125-$500 per session? With plans starting as low as $44/month, Talkspace gives you help that's within reach and within budget! Talkspace is also partnered with many employers, U.S. healthcare plans, Employee Assistant Programs, and educational programs. You can see if you're covered for psychotherapy (that's just an umbrella term for "talk therapy") or psychiatry through this page, reach out to your benefits administrator, or contact the member services phone number on the back of your insurance card. Your plan might also cover prescribed medication, but specific questions do need to be directed to your insurance provider.

You may also be able to pay for your services up front, then invoice your FSA/HSA. Talkspace accepts major credit or debit cards, as well as CareCredit. We also have a code for $100 off coming up for you!

Does Talkspace Really Work?

Everyone is different, which is why Talkspace feels so strongly about making sure everyone has multiple avenues of connecting with their therapist. With options to connect, the barriers of traditional therapy are removed, leading to overall health improvement. 80% of patients using text-only therapy found Talkspace to be as effective or more effective than traditional therapy (Journal of Telemedicine e-Health). 98% of patients found it to be more convenient than traditional therapy, too (Journal of Clinical Psychology). 

No one can guarantee your individual results, but we encourage you to check out Talkspace's stats: Talkspace is the #1 virtual therapy provider brand, the #1 digital mental health provider brand, and the #1 known brand for digital mental health. With over 60,000 5-star reviews and clinically-proven results, Talkspace has improved the well-being of so many people! 

Taking the first step toward your mental health can be difficult. Talkspace makes it a little easier by offering $100 off with code SPACE. You deserve to feel good. You deserve to feel heard. You deserve to feel supported. This holiday season, give yourself a gift. Therapy is for everyone. Sign up for a little help from a Talkspace therapist today.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of Talkspace.

No need to get wet: being just near a blue space is great for your health

If you needed an excuse to hit the coast year then you’ll be happy to learn that going to the beach changes your brain, according to science. Actually, being near any body of water (think: lake, river or the sea) brings many health benefits for your mind and body in what scientists call “blue space.”

In fact, a new study from the Journal of Environmental Psychology reveals that exposure to blue space as a child has a major impact on a person’s mental health and will encourage them to maintain a healthy relationship with nature into adulthood.

“Building familiarity with and confidence in and around blue spaces in childhood may stimulate a joy of, and greater propensity to spend recreational time in, nature in adulthood, with positive consequences for adult subjective well-being,” says the study.

Related: 30 Things You Can Do at the Beach (Besides Build a Sandcastle)

Devon Daniel/Unsplash

The study involved 18 countries and examined the relationship between adult well being and a person’s exposure to blue space as a child. Respondents shared their experiences with blue space during childhood, including how frequently they visited it and how comfortable their parents were allowing them to be in and near water. In a nutshell: the more blue space exposure as a child equalled a better adult well being.

“Adults also had familiarity with and confidence around coasts, rivers, and lakes, as well as higher levels of joy around bodies of water and a greater propensity to spend recreational time in nature during adulthood, says WebMD. “In turn, this lifted their mood and wellbeing.”

The impact that bodies of water have on our well-being are numerous: reduced depression, increased levels of creativity, and the ability to naturally de-stress are just a few. Now you know why spending time soaking up the waves and summer sun makes you feel so amazing!

Here’s how it works. Scientists say that being near water and listening to the waves can bring you to a more meditative state and lead to reduced depression. The undulating waves are relaxing, acting as a de-stimulator and can help bring more mental clarity as well.

While your mind is in a relaxed state, you are more likely to be more creative as your brain rests. The blue state helps take you away from the everyday stressors of life and you are free to let your imagination roam. The Global Healing Center recommends literally surrounding yourself with the color blue to bring about a sense of calm and inspire creativity.

Related: 9 Ways You Can Support Your Child’s Mental Health Right Now

Andie Huber
Tinybeans

Scientists also say that a swim in the ocean can de-stress you, stat. Not only can the water feel refreshing, but the naturally occurring negative ions are also said to help counteract the positive ions we come into contact with on a day to day basis, leaving us in a more peaceful and relaxed state.

Just stepping foot onto the sandy shores of the beach does a body good. Researchers say that the simple act of touching sun-warmed sand brings almost immediate comfort––unless you’re not a sand person.

Finally, standing in front of a huge body of water can give you a fresh perspective on life. That sense of awe you feel being next to something so huge in life can really minimize the things you stress on from day to day.

The next time you’re feeling dragged down by life, why not hit up your closest beach? Indulge in the blue space––your mind and body will thank you.

 

Now that you’ve been to the Museum of Science and Industry and The Field so many times you could lead a tour, it’s time to earn a little extra credit. When you’re craving something new and culture’s on the menu, check out a super-secret museum that’s just a mini road trip away. We dug up goodies that are within an hour’s drive of Chicago. Scroll through to see them all, from a secret nature center to an auto museum with superhero appeal.

Transportation

Volo Auto Museum

Does your kid go crazy for cars? An hour northwest of Chicago, this wheel-tastic museum is a draw for car nuts of all ages. Famous movie cars from Fast & Furious 7, Batman Begins, Dark Knight and Dark Knight Rises, National Lampoon's Vacation and more. There are also plenty of coin kiddie rides for the youngest children in your group.

Open daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; 27582 Volo Village Rd., Volo; Online: volocars.com

Illinois Railway Museum

America’s largest railway museum is right here in Illinois and goes way beyond your everyday Metra train. Ride on a one-of-a-kind mainline train, hop aboard an old-fashioned trolley coach or take a loop in a vintage streetcar. Feel like you've seen some of these sights before? That’s because the museum has been the set for numerous transportation scenes in commercials and movies, including A League of Their Own. Perhaps the biggest attraction is the annual Day Out With Thomas. On select days in July, kids chug along on a 20-minute ride on Thomas the Tank Engine and enjoy music, magicians, clowns and a meeting with Sir Topham Hatt. Consider taking a special trip for Halloween or Christmas when the museum features holiday-themed train rides.

7000 Olson Rd., Union; Online: irm.org

Nature

Trailside Museum of Natural History

Established in 1931, the Hal Tyrrell Trailside Museum of Natural History is a small museum located in a historic mid-1870′s Victorian mansion. Kids will have the chance to meet live native animals, including owls, frogs, turtles and even a fox. Hands-on activities complement learning, and even toddlers will enjoy the easy animal-themed puzzles. Natural-surfaced hiking trails through the surrounding Forest Preserve are perfect for little hikers and wind through beautiful oak woodlands and along the Des Plaines River.

730 Thatcher Ave., River Forest; Online: fpdcc.com

Knock Knolls Nature Center

Tucked in a quiet residential neighborhood, this slice of nature gives visitors the chance to discover what life was like at the convergence of the East and West Branches of the DuPage River in the 1800s. You'll also get to know the local wildlife that call this corner of DuPage County home. Grab a treasure hunt sheet from the front desk and explore! The highlight is a 900-gallon freshwater fish tank filled with catfish, bass and other swimmers. You'll also track replica fossils in the floor, marvel at a living wall of plants and learn how a rainwater collection cistern works. The building sits in a 224-acre park laced with winding, forested trails and sits adjacent to a nature playground. 

320 Knoch Knolls Rd., Naperville; Online: napervilleparks.org

Tinker Swiss Cottage Museum

The Tinker cottage, gardens and three-story Swiss-inspired barn was built by businessman Robert Tinker in 1865. Flash forward to today, when you can witness its beauty and get a dose of local history. The charming cottage and over-the-top gardens have become one of Rockford’s most popular attractions. The Victorian-era decor and unique architecture will satisfy the curiosity of the parents. As for the kids, they'll have a blast romping through the iris, rose and prairie gardens as the weather warms.

411 Kent St., Rockford; Online: tinkercottage.com

History

Isle a la Cache Museum

Learn about Illinois in the 18th century when our state was home to French voyageurs and native Potawatomi. Operated by the Forest Preserve of Will County on an island in the Des Plaines River, this recently renovated museum features many interactive exhibits and a Native American longhouse. At a recent museum event, children participated in traditional French and Woodland Indian games and storytelling. If you visit the island in the summer, your family will want to take part in one of many nature activities like fishing, kayaking, hiking and more.

501 E. Romeo Rd. (135th Street), east of Route 53, Romeoville; Online: reconnectwithnature.org

DuPage Country Historical Museum

Housed in a building gifted by John Quincy Adams in 1891, the former Adams Memorial Library is now a museum that contains countless artifacts and materials that document DuPage County. The HO Gauge Model Train is operated by the DuPage Society of Model Engineers the 3rd and 5th Saturday every month.

102 E. Wesley St., Wheaton; Online: dupagemuseum.org

Graue Mill and Museum

Since 1852, the Graue Mill has been grinding cornmeal, its waterwheel turning at the edge of the picturesque Salt Creek. Today, the Graue Mill Museum is dedicated to bridging past and present through living-history programs that illustrate daily life of the past, including milling, spinning and weaving demonstrations. While the museum is closed in the winter, the grounds of the mill are picture-perfect year-round. Kids will love throwing pebbles into the Salt Creek and watching sticks make their way down the beautiful falls that make the mill's gristmill go round.

3800 York Rd., Oakbrook; Online: grauemill.org

The Villa Park Historical Society Museum

This quaint historical museum, which shuts down for the winter, is a bona fide local gem. You'll find it near the Illinois Prairie Path, North America’s first rails-to-trails conversion. It’s housed in a 1929 building, which was once the station for the electric Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad. Antique toys, historical photos and artifacts from the demolished Ovaltine factory will take you back in time and spark hot chocolate cravings.

220 S. Villa Ave., Villa Park; Online: vphistoricalsociety.com

Ukranian National Museum

We love doing arts and crafts, and sometimes we like a little inspiration. The Ukrainian National Museum highlights the traditional arts of Ukraine, with rows of beautiful ‘pysanky’ (decorated Easter eggs), richly embroidered costumes and other weavings and carved objects. Artifacts from the Ukraine and information about the current Ukrainian community in Chicago will help put together a mini-history lesson.

2249 W. Superior St., Ukrainian Village; Online: ukrainiannationalmuseum.org

Art

Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

Surround your kids in a glittering array of jewels and precious stones at this gem of a museum. The museum houses the collection of Italian immigrant and businessman Joseph Lizzadro, a marvel of treasures big and small created from semi-precious and precious gems. Learn the science behind those gems and see amazing specimens of rocks, minerals and fossils from around the world. The gift shop has lots to start off your junior geologist’s own collection.

1220 Kensington Rd., Oak Brook; Online: lizzadromuseum.org

SMART Museum of Art at the University of Chicago

Wouldn’t it be nice to pop into an art museum for free, check out a few masterpieces, and then enjoy a snack? You can at this spot that packs the thrills and amenities of the big art museums, but on a smaller scale. We love the SMART for its temporary exhibitions and collections, which include modern art and design, and Asian and European art. 

5550 S. Greenwood Ave., Hyde Park; Online: smartmuseum.uchicago.edu

Government

The Money Museum at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

There's no better way to teach kids about saving money than taking them on a free visit to The Money Museum. Although the historical displays might be more suited to teens, taking a photo in front of a suitcase stuffed with one million dollars worth of hundred-dollar bills is worth the bragging rights for any age. Don’t forget to grab a souvenir bag of shredded currency for show-and-tell. Note: This museum is temporarily closed, but keep tabs on their website for opening information and online resources for families.

230 S. LaSalle St., The Loop; Online: chicagofed.org

Sports

The National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame

Mario Andretti’s Indy 500 racecar! Rocky Marciano’s first heavyweight championship belt! Swimmer Matt Biondi’s Olympic Gold Medals! Inspire your little athletes with a trip to the Tommy and Jo Lasorda exhibit galleries housed inside the larger Hall of Fame building. Even non-Italian-Americans will appreciate this up-close look at sports gear and memorabilia from sports celebs like Joe DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Joe Montana, Dan Marino and Mary Lou Retton.

1431 W. Taylor St., Little Italy; Online: niashf.org

— Amy Bizzarri & Maria Chambers

RELATED STORIES:
Best Museums for Chicago’s Curious Kids
The Best Museums for Kids in Every State

Even before the pandemic, moms were feeling the pressure of carrying the mental load, keeping everyone’s schedule together, paying bills, being the go-to for cuddles, snacks, tissue — you name it. The last two years have added so much to that already full plate. If you’re a mom, you’re probably exhausted. You may be burnt out.

You may want to scream.

Well, a group of moms in Boston did just that. Literally. On a cold night this month, they met on a football field to scream. And the footage of the event is going viral because it looks really, really satisfying.

Sarah Harmon — a therapist, yoga teacher, and founder of the group The School of Mom — organized the gathering. And on a night this month, 20 women left their responsibilities behind and met in a field to scream.

“This is exactly what I need,” one of the attendants, Ashley Jones, told WBUR. “It’s a safe place to be with other people feeling the same thing with having a kid who can’t be vaccinated.” According to WBUR, this is the second time Harmon got a group of moms together to let it all out. The first was last March. “It was an Arctic night but people came out anyway and we just screamed at the top of our lungs and then we hugged and went on our merry way and it was quite healing,” said Harmon. “I’m hearing my moms and my clients talk about their struggles… it’s culminating in just this intense rage, and they have nowhere to put it.”

Related Links: 

Feeling Completely Overwhelmed? You’re Not Alone

Nine Reasons Moms Need To Get Their Stress In Check

If you had to choose between working harder or working smarter, which would you pick? If you’re a busy, tired, hardly-sleeping parent, we’re betting smarter. There’s good news for you! “Research from my NeuroFit lab shows that short five-minute movement breaks help you stay focused and remember more,” says Dr. Jennifer Heisz, author of Move The Body, Heal The Mind. This means that even though mom-brain is very, very real, little bursts of exercise will help lift that fog. What’s more, Dr. Heisz adds, “During the first 10 minutes of movement there is an increase in oxygenated blood flow to the brain, especially to the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which governs our working memory, mental flexibility, and self-control.” 

Whether it’s five minutes or thirty, giving yourself easy ways to keep active will have lasting benefits way beyond simply burning calories. We’ve tested a variety of short, simplified workouts geared at busy parents, all of them at or around just 15 minutes long. Read on to get moving.

 

The NeuroFix Workout

Thomas Yohei via Unsplash

We love this one because although it is high-intensity, it requires no equipment or devices. Do it several times and you'll have a 15-minute (or so) routine you can take anywhere.

Jumping Jacks for 30 seconds 

Mountain Climbers for 30 seconds 

Skaters for 30 seconds

High Knees for 30 seconds 

Repeat 

Where to find it: Pre-order Move the Body, Heal the Mind here

Mom on the Go

Madison Lavern via Unsplash

Mom on the Go offers seven, short, thematic yoga practices designed to energize your body. Follow the 28-day program for postpartum recovery including pelvic and core exercises, or just pop in and do a reinvigoration yoga session.

Where to Find It: Mom on the Go

The 15-Minute HIIT Metabolism Booster

iStock

This quick 15-minute workout uses your body weight to boost your muscles and your metabolism—no gym equipment required! 

Where to Find It: Fitness Blender

The Tabata Cardio Workout Plan

Bruce Mars via Unsplash

This fat-blasting workout plan is as effective as most longer workout sessions and combines two proven fat-loss techniques— metabolic strength and Tabata training. You'll work every muscle in your body (especially your abs!) in a fraction of the time!

Where to Find It: Shape

15-Minute Bounce-Back Dance Cardio Workout

Danielle Cerullo via Unsplash

This high-energy step-by-step dance routine will make you forget you're actually working out! 

Where to Find It: YouTube

15-Minute Jump Rope Workout

Pavel Danilyuk via Pexels

This jump rope routine only has five moves, but is sure to get your heart racing!

Where to Find It: Real Simple

The No-Equipment Necessary Plan

Mark Adriane via Unsplash

Take it back to basics with this 15-minute beginner workout— with no equipment necessary!

Where to Find It: YouTube

Sculpting Kettle Bell Workout

Jess Tinsley via Unsplash

Just two kettlebells and 15 minutes are all you need to get in this body-sculpting workout. 

Where to Find It: Women's Health

The 15-Minute Runner Workout

Bruno Nascimento via Unsplash

This quick runner workout focuses on tightening and toning your body with moves like jump squats and mountain climbers. 

Where to Find It: Women's Health

Low Impact Cardio Workout

Matthew LeJune via Unsplash

This low-impact cardio workout is a great way to exercise your whole body without worrying about any injuries!

Where to Find It: YouTube

At-Home Barre Workout

madison lavern via Unsplash

Can't make it out to a barre class? This 15-minute routine you can do right from your own living room!

Where to Find It: Greatist

Bonus Fitness Hacks

Need a few more fitness hacks to work into your routine? Try these, from lifting your baby to sprinting the stairs!

Where to Find Them: Tinybeans

—Kaitlyn Kirby

 

RELATED STORIES:

Mom-Friendly Fitness Programs to Jump-Start Your New Year

5 Great Online Yoga Programs

11 Ways to Get Fit without Going to the Gym

15 Minute Workouts That Actually Work

It’s been a time, hasn’t it? So much change, confusion, fear, isolation, loss, grief. Adults are exhausted—and while people take it on faith that “Children are resilient,” it’s actually not that simple. According to the CDC and the American Psychological Association, self-harm, depression and anxiety, and ER visits for mental health issues are all on the rise in children as young as six. Younger children are experiencing outbursts and regressive behaviors.

Fortunately, resilience skills can be learned and grow over a lifetime—and it’s never too early to start teaching! (In fact, we adults may even learn something in the process.)

Research shows that children who are resilient benefit from improved mental and emotional well-being and experience less stress. They are curious, courageous, and trust their own instincts. Resilience helps kids stay calm, learn from their mistakes, and remain optimistic. In short, resilience helps kids not just bounce back from adversity, but bounce forward, better than before.

So how do we teach young children to be resilient? Start with these 5 tips:

1. It only takes one loving grownup to make a difference—be that grownup.
You’re open to conversation with your child, and you listen without judgment. You reassure your child that all feelings are okay (even those outsized feelings that are so difficult for grownups to deal with!); it’s what you do with those feelings that counts. When you provide a loving, safe space for a child, this gives them a head start on resilience.

2. Model the resilient behavior you want your child to learn.
Children sometimes find this hard to believe, but let them know that you, too, make mistakes all the time! And when you do, you take a deep breath and try again. Let them see you remaining calm in a stressful or emotional situation—and talk about how you find productive solutions. Encourage them to ask questions and give them age-appropriate answers. Getting honest answers in a loving environment can help a child feel less helpless or scared.

3. Help children identify their feelings—and demonstrate strategies that put them in charge of their emotions.
Sometimes young children seem like a volcano of emotions: roiling and out of control. It can feel like that to them, too! Help them put names to these big feelings: anger, frustration, sadness, disappointment, fear; even excitement or unbridled joy can sometimes go overboard! Use pictures in kids’ books to help them recognize facial expressions and body language that signal different emotions. Recognizing and labeling their own emotions and those of others is a key step toward developing empathy, which is critical for socialization.

Now teach them strategies for managing big emotions—let them know that they’re in charge and they can control their feelings! Take slow, deep breaths. Count to 10. Use positive self-talk in stressful situations: “I’m feeling calm,” or “I’m brave, I’m BRAVE!” Finally, if they’re feeling upset or afraid about terrible world events, teach them to “Look for the helpers”—every situation brings out the good people who want to help make it better.

4. Foster kids’ ability to solve problems for themselves.
There may be no better gift you can give a child than to offer a few problem-solving tips and then step back and let them figure out their own solutions. First, think positively: “I can do this!” Then, try breaking the problem into smaller, more manageable chunks. Have to tidy up a messy bedroom? Don’t try to tackle it all at once; first, put the clothes away, then the toys, then the books. Each completed mini-task creates a sense of accomplishment. Think about one good thing you’re learning from this problem (“I left my lunch at home today, but I won’t do that again: I’ll put up a sticky note tomorrow”). And remember: You can always ask for help if you need it!

5. Finally, encourage children to set goals for the future—and identify the steps it will take to get there.
Having a dream or an ambition is an important way for a child to learn to be resilient. By keeping their “eyes on the prize,” they can pick themselves up after stumbling because they have something to work toward and look forward to. Do they want to learn a new sport, improve existing skills, be a good artist, learn all about dinosaurs? Let them know they have the power to make that happen! Explain that each goal requires a series of smaller steps—just as when you read a book, you read one page at a time. Help them write down their goal and the steps they’re going to take to achieve it (take lessons, practice, take out books from the library). It will give them something positive to strive for.

Children have been through a lot these past couple of years—and they may not even realize how resilient they’ve already been. A great way to illustrate the power of resilience is to have them write or draw “The Story of Me”: telling the story of a hard time they endured and how they got through it.

This way, children can see their resilience in action, and know that they have the strength to get through any future challenges!

For additional helpful resources, please visit themoodsters.com

Image: courtesy of Moodsters

—Denise Daniels newest workbook, Bounce Forward With The Moodsters: A Guide for Kids on Finding Your Strong, Resilient Self (2021) features age-appropriate guidance and engaging interactive exercises to help preschoolers identify their own strengths and develop resilience as they prepare for a school year like no other.

 

Denise Daniels,RN, MS and creator of the groundbreaking children’s brand The Moodsters is a Peabody award-winning journalist, author, and parenting and child-development expert dedicated to putting young children on the path to positive mental health. She created The Moodsters—five quirky little feelings detectives who solve the mysteries of emotions.