How much Harry Potter trivia can you and your little muggles answer correctly?

Whether you’re a Ravenclaw or a Gryffindor, the wizarding world is filled with fun facts that keep the excitement going even after you’ve read every last page of the epic Potter series. We’ve rounded up some of the most magical Harry Potter trivia from the books and the movies that are sure to mystify everyone in the entire house—even your wisest wizards.

Rae Tian via Unsplash

1. Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling share the same birthday. The magical date? July 31.

2. The Harry Potter book series has been translated into 80 different languages with over 500 million books sold worldwide.

3. Hermione is pronounced, “her-my-oh-knee.” Despite the fan debate, Rowling herself confirmed it. 

4. What’s in a name? A lot. Rowling carefully chose 40 Hogwarts students' names, including the golden three, before she even began writing the first novel. Not every name made it to the books, however. An early iteration of Luna Lovegood, for example, was Lily Moon.

5. Many magical phrases in the book are inspired by Rowling’s academic background in classical languages, including the Hogwarts' motto, "Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus" which in Latin means, “Never tickle a sleeping dragon.”

6. Dumbledore’s Patronus, though never actually seen in the movies, takes the shape of a phoenix, much like his beloved Fawkes.

7. Rowling has admitted that her favorite chapter from the first book and the entire series is “The Mirror of Erised.”

8. In the movies, seven different owls played the part of Harry’s beloved pet Hedwig. Their names were Gizmo, Kasper, Oops, Swoops, Oh Oh, Elmo and Bandit. Dozens of rats helped bring to life Scabbers, Ron’s not-so-favorite rodent.

9. A secret character is hidden in the movies. Look carefully at the magical newspapers featured in the original films, as well as The Fantastic Beasts series, and you’ll spot the Ginger Witch, a crafty criminal who often graces the cover of The Daily Prophet.

10. To prevent Deathly Hallows from leaking early, Potter publisher Bloomsbury gave the seventh book several secret code titles, including The Life and Times of Clara Rose Lovett: An epic novel covering many generations and Edinburgh Potmakers.

11. Hogwarts' Headmaster is known for his ever-flowing beard and robes, but did you know Albus Dumbledore’s full name also goes on forever? The professor’s full name is Albus Wulfric Percival Brian Dumbledore. Speaking of Dumbledore, the name means “bumblebee.”

Harry Potter Trivia
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12. Hogwarts has 142 staircases throughout the massive school.

13. All the plants that make herbology class so entertaining, like Furbish Lousewort and Sneezeweed, are based on real-world plants. While they may not have the same magical properties, the names are certainly enchanting.

14. Ginny Weasly's Pygmy Puff's name was Arnold. 

15. He Who Must Not Be Named has a very meaningful name. In French, the phrase “vol de mort” means “flight of death.”

16. Rupert Grint never did any professional acting before playing the part of Ron Weasley. For his audition he filmed himself performing a rap he had written about why he was perfect for the part.

17. J.K. Rowling revealed that when she took a Sorting Hat quiz, it placed her in House Hufflepuff.

18. Fred and George Weasely were aptly born on April Fool’s Day.

19. Hermoine's Patronus is an otter. 

20. There are 1,100,086 words in the entire Harry Potter series. Harry Potter’s name is mentioned 18,956 times.

21. Merlin, the legendary wizard of King Arthur’s court is also a member of the Potter wizarding world. Merlin is mentioned many times in the book series, but what you might not know is that, surprisingly, he hails from House Slytherin.

22. While Harry, Hermione and Ron appeared to be diligently studying spells and potions, the actors portraying them on screen—Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint—were completing their real-life homework.

Related: If Your Kids Love ‘Harry Potter,’ Read These Books Next

Harry Potter trivia about Hogwarts
Jules Eguilos via Unsplash

23. Muggles can’t see Hogwarts. Anyone lucky enough to stumble upon the enchanted school grounds would simply see a ruin with a sign reading “Keep Out.”

24. Dumbledore’s elder wand isn’t the only rare wand in the Potter-verse. Hermione Granger’s wand is also an uncommon specimen made of vine wood, which is said to be used by wizards who seek a greater purpose. Hermione’s wand is also the only one of the golden trios that remains unharmed till the end of the series.

25. When Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was first released in the UK, the publisher requested that bookstores not sell the books until after the end of the school day to prevent kids from being absent.

26. Although Snape’s true allegiance was not revealed to fans until the end, J.K. Rowling let actor Alan Rickman in on his character’s secrets from the very beginning to help his on-screen portrayal.

27. Dumbledore tells Harry that he sees “thick woolen socks” in the Mirror of Erised, but Rowling has revealed that he sees himself with his family, all alive and happy.

28. Mary GrandPré, the illustrator of the original book covers, said that her Saint Bernard, Chopper, was the inspiration for her drawings of Hagrid.

29. The different translations of the book series have some hilarious alternative phrases. For example, to make Tom Marvolo Riddle successfully change into “I am Voldemort” in the French version, his name is Tom Elvis (as in the King) Riddle. Another great example is the Scottish version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, in which the first chapter is titled, “The Laddie Wha Lived.”

Harry Potter trivia about Diagon's Alley
Rithika Gopalakrishnan via Unsplash

30. I see… Dementors? Actor Haley Joel Osment was originally pegged for the role of Harry by director Steven Spielberg before he left the film over creative differences.

31. October 31, 1991, marks the day Harry, Hermione, and Ron became friends after defeating the troll in the girl’s bathroom. It is also the 10th anniversary of the deaths of Lily and James Potter.

32. The original Harry Potter manuscript was turned down by 12 publishers before being accepted by Bloomsbury.

33. If all the Harry Potter books ever sold were placed end to end, they would circle the equator 16 times.

34. An enchanted music box is what keeps the three-headed dog asleep.

35. The half-blooded prince is Professor Snape.  

Related: Your iPhone Has Harry Potter Spells That Turn It Into a Magical Wand

 

 

The CDC is reporting higher than normal flu activity, and although February is typically peak flu season, they predict it will continue to be elevated for several weeks.

With all the media focus on the Omicron variant, I have had a lot of parents reaching out wanting to know if it is too late for a flu shot. As a pediatrician, I know the importance of protecting ourselves against influenza, but as a mother, I dread the tears and drama from vaccinations. Of course, if we are going to put our children and ourselves through the stress of “the flu shot” we want to know—is it worth it?

It has been reported that the flu vaccine is only 30% effective against the flu, with such low efficiency, is it even worth putting my child through a flu shot?

I believe that some protection is better than no protection. Influenza is most dangerous for the younger population and the elderly. There are many dangerous and even fatal complications from the influenza virus, so getting your child vaccinated is the best way to protect them from getting the flu, or to help lessen the severity of the flu symptoms.

Does the flu vaccine protect against H3N2?

During the last flu seasons, it was determined that the flu vaccine’s effectiveness against the H3N2 strain was approximately 32%. However, this year’s vaccine has been found to be a mismatch for the H3N2 strain, meaning it’s much less effective than in prior years. Nevertheless, getting the flu shot means you’ll be less likely to become seriously ill.

Is it too late to get the flu vaccine?

No, not at all. It takes an average of two weeks for the flu vaccine to become effective. Even though flu season is estimated to peak in late January, flu season is not officially over until May. Getting your child vaccinated now will help protect them against the flu season’s second peak in early spring.

Is there a vaccine in the form of a nasal spray?

Unfortunately, the CDC found that the nasal spray didn’t prevent cases of the flu between 2013 and 2016. Therefore, it is no longer recommended or available in the form of a nasal spray.

If my child is allergic to eggs, can he still get the influenza vaccine?

Health experts say that the amount of egg allergen in the vaccine is so tiny that it is safe even for kids with a severe egg allergy. I recommend that if your child has an egg allergy, you should get the flu shot in a doctor’s office with appropriate supervision, not at a supermarket or drugstore.

Here are five things parents need to know before their child gets a flu shot:

  1. Flu Shots for Babies: Children under the age of 6 months can not get the flu shot, however, they have the highest risk of complications if they get sick with the flu. So, if you have other children in the house that go to school, it is imperative you get them vaccinated to prevent them from giving it to your infant. In addition, research shows that infants get some protection from the flu if their mothers get a flu shot while they are pregnant.
  2. Multiple Doses: If your child has never gotten the flu shot before and is under the age of nine, they are going to need to receive two separate shots of the vaccine.
  3. Call Ahead: If you going to go to your pediatrician to get the flu shot, call ahead and see if you can make a nursing appointment, or make your appointment the first available appointment of the day. I can’t tell you how many children go to the doctor to get their flu shot and catch something else while they are waiting to be seen.
  4. Your Child Can Still Get the Flu: Depending upon the vaccine you are giving, you are protected against 3 to 4 strains of the influenza virus. Therefore, although the vaccine lowers your chance of getting the virus and probably lessens the severity of the symptoms, it does not guarantee that you will not get the flu. If your child has gotten the flu shot, but still shows symptoms of the flu, have them evaluated by their pediatrician.
  5. The Unavoidable Ouchie: The injection itself can cause a lot of tenderness to the area where the shot was given. You can lightly massage the area for an hour after the injection. It significantly decreases the pain to that area.  Also, don’t be too alarmed: your child might experience mild flu-like symptoms after receiving the vaccination.

I hope this helps you as you brave what’s shaping up to be a historic flu season.

(And as always, check with your own healthcare provider before taking any medical advice you might read here.)

 

 

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Dr. Katie Friedman
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

My name is Dr. Katie Friedman and I am a board certified pediatrician, wife, mother of two and a sister to three siblings. Along with my sisters, I co-founded Forever Freckled, a website dedicated to helping people with pets, children and everyday lifest‌yle. Come join us in our journey! 

 

 

 

When it comes to photographing kids, the pros know you always need a few tricks to get the perfect shot. Make sure you capture some of those epic adventures in style this holiday season with our favorite picture hacks.

1. The Hack: Expect the Unexpected

Arek Socha via Pixabay

Hannah Harding, professional family photographer and family photo expert at Vices & Virtues in Photography, reminds parents out there trying to capture that perfect moment: Appreciate unplanned photos. "Posed photos have their place," Hannah says, "but my heart lies with candid photos."

Yes, of course you want that quintessential image of your kiddos smiling at the camera with something iconic in the background (i.e. the giant ornament display downtown). But don't forget to snap images of the kiddos in their natural environment, at play, when you can. Just before you conduct the scene, take a minute to capture the spontaneous beauty of the holiday magic.

2. The Hack: Disable the flash.

Victoria Borodinova via Pixabay

Skip the whole "how-do-I-use-this-flash??" drama by snapping your pics during the day and preferably outdoors (or near an open window). Pictures that have to be taken with a flash often have a strange, yellow hue—not what you want for your subjects. Unless you're using night mode on the new iPhone, flash images can be tricky for the average photographer. 

When your photo needs extra light (but you know the flash will ruin the pic), grab a friend. Have them turn on their phone’s flashlight as your source of light. They can hold it towards one side of your subject to naturally mimic the sun as you take the shot. 

3. The Hack: Use a car window foil screen to prevent glare.

iStock

Even in the winter months, the sun can ruin a shot. If you're getting nothing but squinty eyes and scrunchy faces courtesy of the sun's glare (see photo below), try this. Hold a car window foil screen outside the shot; the screen makes a great reflector that’s perfect for redirecting light in outdoor shots. 

4. The hack: Use natural surroundings to your advantage (and to block the sun).

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

You've probably heard a million times to stand with your back to the sun to keep your subject from appearing too dark in a photo, but if you are strategic about what blocks the sun, you can get an enchanting outdoor photo. 

5. The Hack: Use a coffee sleeve as a lens hood.

Brainjet

Another secret weapon to cut down on glare? Save those java sleeves for your next photo session. You can use them when the sun causes glare on your camera lens, ruining your snapshot.

6. The Hack: Stick a lovie on top of the camera.

Alexas Fotos via Pixabay

For little ones who are looking in every direction, except for the direction of the camera, duct tape a small stuffed animal to the top of the camera to encourage them to look in that direction (and — ta-da! — at the camera). Anything with a rattle or bells works well for younger kids too (and sometimes even pets!). 

Hannah Harding also reminds us about making kids comfortable, “If you’re having trouble getting a child to stay still for a shot, use something to distract them. For example, questions like, 'What does that cloud look like?’"

7. The Hack: Get close. And then get closer.

iStock

Those cheeks. Those eyes. That wispy hair. That's the kind of detail that you can't capture by snapping a photo of your kid from a distance. Get close to them (and don't worry about cutting off a tip of their ear or part of their cheek) for a must-frame photo of your little one's adorable face.

Harding says, “Get down to their level. It’s a great way to get a fantastic shot, and it makes them feel less intimidated, rather than an adult towering over them making demands.”

8. The Hack: Use your iPhone headphones as a shutter button.

Joel De Vera via Unsplash

Taking a family selfie is no easy feat—unless you're an iPhone user. You can take photos using the volume control on your iPhone headphones (the ones that come in the box). Prop the camera up, pose, and shoot. Those of you with Apple watches are probably already doing this hack right from your wrist!

9. The Hack: Go off-center.

Soledadsnp via Pixabay

Every good photo has three points of interest achieved by allowing each third of any image to include one point of interest. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfectly even. Go off-center for a natural pro vibe. 

10. The Hack: Make an insta-tripod with binder clips.

Public Domain via Pixabay

No matter how well-behaved your mini models are acting, a shaky hand can make the perfect smartphone shot look blurry or crooked. Prevent this phenomenon by attaching two binder clips to the side or back of your mobile phone. If you want in on the photo, use the headphones hack from above.

 

11. The Hack: Tilt heads just so to prevent red eye.

TreVoy Kelly via Pixabay

If red eye constantly ruins your family photos, try this: When using flash, have everyone look slightly above the camera so that their eyes won’t catch the flash head on (assuming you ignored rule #`1 here).

 

12. The Hack: Turn your garage into a photo studio.

Ksenia Misgirava

Surprise! Your garage isn't just good for storing sleds and scooters. Garages work well as a DIY photo studio because an open garage door lets in the perfect amount of soft, directional light. Simply hang a sheet as a backdrop beforehand.

13. The Hack: Use Vaseline to create an old school vignette-y look.

Melissa Wilt via Pixabay

You don't have to be a fancy-pants photographer to give your photos a great vintage feel. The insider's secret is to rub a little Vaseline on the sides of the lens and snap away. If you use a phone for your photos, this hack also works but go sparing with the goo.  

 

14. The Hack: Stagger heads in family pics.

jty11117777 via Pixabay

A straight line of heads in a family photo can look boring and staged. Your crew may get into the perfect pose naturally, but if not, just try to position them so that no head is directly on top of or beside one another.

 

15. The hack: Use the grid to achieve the rule of thirds.

Pexels via Pixabay

Every good photo has three points of interest achieved by allowing each third of any image to include one point of interest. Remember, it doesn't have to be perfectly even. If you are using a camera phone, turn the grid option on to help you figure it out. Line up your subject into one-third of the right, left, top or bottom of the grid. 

 

Endometriosis is an often painful disease that is estimated to affect more than 6.5 million women throughout the United States. It causes tissue similar to that which normally lines the uterus—the endometrium—to grow outside of the uterus, with symptoms that may include excessive menstrual cramps, abnormal or heavy menstrual flow, and painful intercourse.

Endometriosis usually affects the ovaries, the tissue lining the pelvis, and the fallopian tubes. The endometrium outside of the uterus thickens, breaks down, and bleeds—as it would in the uterus—during menstrual cycles. Endometriosis can result in cysts, scars, and adhesions that cause pelvic tissues and organs to stick together. Endometriosis causes pain and problems; however, endometriosis growths are not cancerous.

It is estimated that 11% of women ages 15-44 in the United States have endometriosis. Especially common among women in their 30s and 40s, it can make getting pregnant difficult, potentially causing infertility.

Though you can’t prevent endometriosis, there are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it. These include ensuring that any hormonal birth control you are taking has low doses of estrogen, avoiding excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, and exercising regularly.

As an obstetrician, I’ve delivered more than 6,000 babies, some to women who had endometriosis. Endometriosis is a somewhat mysterious disease that, if left untreated, can prevent women from getting pregnant. Being informed about endometriosis is key in detecting and treating this disease that is debilitating for many.

Q: How does endometriosis get triggered in the body?

A: Over the years there have been various explanations. The generally accepted answer is that endometriosis is spread by retrograde menstrual flow. This means that at least some of the menstrual flow goes backward, up the fallopian tubes and out into the tissue surrounding the ovaries, instead of down and out the uterus. Why this would happen is unknown; however, it is widely believed that a predisposition for endometriosis is hereditary. So, if your mother or your grandmother had it, you may get it, too,

Q: What happens if endometriosis is left untreated?

A: Endometriosis can cause pelvic structures to adhere to each other. There are different courses endometriosis could take if left untreated. Infertility and pain are among the first symptoms. The disease can eventually cause ureters (the tubes bringing urine from the kidneys to the bladder) to close, possibly ending in kidney failure. This is why it’s important to diagnose and treat endometriosis as soon as you can.

Q: What are the early symptoms of endometriosis?

A: Pain would most often be an early symptom, but there is not always a correlation between abdominal pain and the degree of endometriosis. Some women with the most severe endometriosis have no symptoms, while others with minimal endometriosis have debilitating pain. Other symptoms include painful intercourse, infertility, bleeding between periods, gastrointestinal issues, and lower back pain.

Q: Can you have a healthy pregnancy and birth with this condition?

A: Pregnancy can occur with endometriosis. Sometimes surgery and anti-hormone medications such as Lupron can help with pregnancy. The issue of whether endometriosis interferes with pregnancy hasn’t been resolved. Some say up to 80% of pregnancies in people with endometriosis result in miscarriage (loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks). Other studies indicate miscarriage is more frequent with early endometriosis. Still others have concluded there isn’t an increased rate at all. The definitive study has yet to be done.

It’s important not to suffer in silence if you are experiencing the symptoms of endometriosis. Your doctor can help you find treatment, and potentially reverse infertility. If you are having excessive menstrual cramps, painful intercourse, or bleeding between periods, be sure to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Many women who have experienced this disease continue to live happy healthy lives. You are not alone.

Dr. Alan Lindemann
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

An obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, “Rural Doc” Alan Lindemann, M.D. teaches women and families how to create the outcomes they want for their own health and pregnancy. In nearly 40 years of practice, he has delivered around 6,000 babies and achieved a maternal mortality rate of zero! Visit LindemannMD.com

Without a doubt, one of the best perks of living in the Bay Area is the year-round temperate weather (also why left coast = best coast). This affords our families the opportunity to be outside no matter what the season and that means our playgrounds are top-notch! In this guide, you’ll find a playground for every kid out there who takes the saying, “Play is a child’s work” seriously. We’ve gathered our favorite playgrounds from Marin to the South Bay with brand-new all-ability playgrounds and more. Time to get to work! 

Favorite San Francisco Playgrounds

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From the hilltops of Bernal to Eureka Valley to the Civic Center, there is no shortage of gorgeous playgrounds (some with spectacular views!) and we rounded up some of the best!

Click here for our San Francisco playgrounds picks!

The Best Playgrounds of the East Bay

Pexels

Whether you are in Berkeley and Alameda to the inlands of Walnut Creek and San Ramon, the work is cut out for you as we selected the best playgrounds. 

Click here for our East Bay playground picks!

Peninsula Playground Breakdown

Abian Centeno via Unsplash

Looking for a dragon castle themed park or a hidden neighborhood gem? Your search ends here as we’ve scouted it all out for you! 

Click here for our Peninsula playground picks!

South Bay Playgrounds to Frolic In 

iStock

Pirates, butterflies and ant themed playgrounds litter the South Bay so be sure to check one (or several) out! 

Click here for our South Bay playground picks!

 

Marin Playgrounds You Must Visit 

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From serene open spaces to sweeping scenic playgrounds in San Rafael to Corte Madera to Tiburon, we’ve picked out our best-loved playgrounds.

Click here for our Marin playground picks!

All-Abilities Playgrounds for All Children

iStock

Not every child plays the same way but every child needs to play! These all-abilities playgrounds take into account all children—from slides created to prevent snagging of cochlear implants to swings for wheelchairs.

Click here for our All-Abilities playground picks! 

Splash Pads and Spray Parks to Splish Splash In

iStock

The transcendent of all playgrounds in the summer by far are ones with splash pads! The minis can run wild on the playground then cool off in the splash pad which makes for a quiet ride home and early bedtime. WIN. 

Click here for our Splash Pad playground picks!

—Christine Lai

feature photo: iStock

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For kids who use wheelchairs, regular backpacks are anything but practical. Fortunately, Target’s expanded array of back-to-school items features an adaptive backpack with plenty of mounting options, pockets and ports, plus easy-grab zippers. It’s new this year and available for $39.99 online!

At 17 inches, the Embark backpack has been thoughtfully designed for school or adventure time. The mounting and carrying straps attach the pack to a wheelchair, and it has tuck-away back straps to prevent tangling and dragging. You’ll also find access ports for tubes or cables, plus a laptop sleeve designed to fit a machine up to 15 inches. Plus it completely unzips for easy access and features a side water bottle holder. Grab one in black, blue or purple, depending on your kid’s style preference.

Another great option for younger kids? The Cat and Jack 17 inch dino backpack! It offers many of the same features as the Embark model, plus a fun prehistoric print and an orange dino keychain to complete the look. There’s even a built-in compartment to add a hydration pack. Did we mention it’s a reasonably priced $19.99? It’s currently (unsurprisingly) sold out online, but keep an eye out for restocking.

The new products are part of Target Adaptive, made in collaboration with guests of all abilities. The special collections offer seasonal and everyday products that are stylish, functional and come at a great price.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Target

 

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11 Great Toys That Celebrate Disabilities

As I work to raise my kids, I often think back to my mid-20s when I started entertaining the idea of ever having children.

I remember deciding I would be more of a mentor than a parent. I told myself I would never take any shortcuts. And most hilariously of all, I thought I would never ever allow my child to throw a tantrum.

But most of these ideas came back to bite me when I became a mom. On one occasion, I even found myself standing in the middle of the grocery store, watching in horror as my 3-year-old had a (very loud) public meltdown.

Unfortunately, that was far from the last time something like that happened. But, since then, I have managed to learn about the reasons my kids were having tantrums. And, more importantly, my partner and I found a few good ways of fixing the issue.

What Are Tantrums or Acting Out?

Before I could start looking for ways to prevent my kids from acting out, I had to understand what the concept meant in the first place. According to most sources, it’s an exhibition of improper behavior or unrestrained actions. It’s also usually caused by emotions that have been suppressed or that have not been acknowledged.

Basically, children act out to reduce stress. It’s their way of showing emotions that have previously been hidden. And the best way to prevent it is to address these stressors directly.

The following are the things we focused on while attempting to prevent major tantrums.

1. Their Needs Are Unmet 
When trying to figure out why our older child was acting out, this was the first thing we looked at. After all, don’t we all get a bit cranky when our basic needs aren’t met?

Young children aren’t always capable of voicing their needs. Instead, they act out (like when they need to pee but are shy to tell us.)

We have a couple of strategies in place to prevent tantrums caused by unmet needs:

  • Have a few healthy snacks on hand
  • Make up for missed sleep
  • Have a strict “pee before we leave the house” policy

Of course, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t any mishaps. But at least we’re doing our best to prevent unnecessary stress for everyone in the family.

2. They Are Afraid
Children have fears that they grow out of in time (like monsters or men with beards). These are usually caused by something they have seen, read or heard, and can cause them to act out. When this type of thing happens in our family, our strategy is always to have a conversation around it. First, we try to identify the fear. Then, we do our best to dismantle it.

One of the essential things about addressing tantrums caused by fear is that we have to stop ourselves from dismissing our children’s fears. Yes, they may seem irrational to us. But, for a child, they can be perfectly reasonable.

3. School-Related Stress
One of the more recent episodes in our household just happened to be around my oldest’s exams. At first, I was baffled as to why he would be acting so uncharacteristically. Then, it turned out that his behavior was stress-related.

Children who are ambitious and want to do well in school often get very stressed out about their exams. This, in turn, will cause them to act out at some point. However, they may not even be able to identify exam stress as the cause of their mood. They’ll just know what they feel like without realizing the reason behind their feelings.

When exam season approaches, we’ve found that the best thing to do is attempt to relieve some of the stress our child is experiencing. We try to give him his space, accept that he may have a shorter fuse and try not to add fuel to the fire by asking too many questions about his study habits.

4. Not Understanding Limitations 
With our younger child, the cause of his tantrums rarely seemed to be that he was sleepy or stressed or afraid. Rather, it was that he had to understand the logic behind everything. And if he didn’t, he just wouldn’t obey, and he’d carry on doing his own thing.

With him, our main method of fixing the problems relied on “learning lessons.” If he wanted to do something, it was never enough just to say no. We had to explain the logic behind our rules in a way he could accept.

So the reason for not being allowed to eat chocolate after bedtime wasn’t that mom and dad said so—it was that he had already brushed his teeth and eating food could lead to tooth decay and (potentially) painful visits to the dentist.

5. Being Overcontrolled 
Finally, when our kids throw tantrums or act out, it’s not a bad idea to reflect on whether their behavior is caused by something we’re doing as parents.

Children who feel they are being controlled too much and have no way to assert themselves will often act out. And we parents often run a very tight ship. Or we may simply be imposing expectations that are too high for our kids. When this is the case, they might decide that lying or hiding certain behaviors is the best course of action.

If we find that we are a bit too strict, it’s completely fine to loosen up a bit. After all, perfection is impossible. And expecting it from our children is unfair and stressful—both to them and to us.

Children will be children, and they will naturally act out to test their boundaries and to learn more about life. When they do, attempt to work out the underlying cause of their behavior. Then work on that, as opposed to fixing the mere superficial behaviors.

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Holly Schaeffer is a long-time writer focusing on health, lifest‌yle, and home improvement. Originally from New Jersey, she moved to California to pursue a degree in creative writing. She now spends her days split between writing and raising her two young sons.

Of all the physical changes that women experience while pregnant, stretch marks are some of the most persistent (and annoying).

As an obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, I’ve delivered more than 6,000 babies over nearly four decades and have had the opportunity to see what really works (and doesn’t) when it comes to preventing and treating stretch marks, otherwise known as “striae.”

What Exactly Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are long, thin scars that appear when your skin is stretched a great deal over a short period of time, such as when a woman’s belly grows during pregnancy. The stretching causes the collagen and elastin in your skin to rupture. Scars appear as your skin heals. These marks can be aggravating to those who are pregnant, but at the end of the day, they are only superficial and don’t have any health implications. However, there are things you may want to do to help fend them off and possibly even treat them.

Stretch marks appear at different times during pregnancy. Some may come at sixteen weeks, but most come between 20 to 25 weeks of gestation. These streaks on your skin are far from the worst thing people may experience during pregnancy, but nobody likes them.

When they first appear, stretch marks tend to be red, dark brown, reddish-brown, purple, or pink in color and may feel slightly raised. Over time, the color should fade and the scars sink beneath your skin.

Preventing & Treating Stretch Marks

When it comes to stretch marks, there are some things you can do to prevent and treat them, and some things you have no control over. For instance, the thin or thick nature of your skin comes with genetic makeup, and there’s nothing you can do to change it. If your mother had stretch marks, there’s a better chance that you will, too. However, there are some preventative measures you can take.

The one thing that I have found to be helpful in the prevention of stretch marks is exercise. Physical fitness is your best bet for keeping them at bay.

You can combat stretch marks by starting pregnancy at an appropriate weight and fitness level. The exercise will help distribute the size of the uterus, rather than have it hanging out front. Fit muscles will help distribute the challenges of gravity on a pregnant woman’s body. So, if you’re still in the pregnancy planning stage, now is a great time to start working out.

If you already have stretch marks, treating them is challenging, but not impossible.

Creams Are Not the Answer

Many people faithfully rub expensive creams or DIY concoctions on their bodies in an effort to erase the aggravating marks, but I have yet to see a topical treatment that works.

Instead of investing in cosmetics, I always suggest going back to exercise after the baby is born. While rubbing vitamin E and coconut butter on the skin are popular traditional treatments, they are not a substitute for the great circulation and taut skin that exercise and nutrition provide. Hydration is important too. Whatever exercise you were doing before pregnancy is something to continue while pregnant.

Be Gentle with Yourself

Though physical activity is important, I will caution women who weren’t exercising previously not to start exercising during pregnancy in order to prevent stretch marks. The marks may be irritating, but they are not worth putting your good health at risk, especially while you are pregnant. You can always dive into an exercise routine once you’ve had your baby.

Some stretch marks may be inevitable, but staying physically active and hydrated during and after pregnancy are the best preventative measures you can take to help fend them off.

Dr. Alan Lindemann
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

An obstetrician and maternal mortality expert, “Rural Doc” Alan Lindemann, M.D. teaches women and families how to create the outcomes they want for their own health and pregnancy. In nearly 40 years of practice, he has delivered around 6,000 babies and achieved a maternal mortality rate of zero! Visit LindemannMD.com

During the pandemic, single-use items reigned supreme as families doubled down on sanitation to protect themselves from the virus. With a little planning, we can still be planet superheroes while keeping ourselves safe and protecting our planet against the massive deluge of pollution stemming from the needless use of disposable masks, gloves, wipes and other trashy plastic items.

Small things we do every day can make the planet a greener and cleaner place for people and animals today and for future generations. Check out these 4 easy actions to give a KA-POW! to plastic pollution during a pandemic.

1. Villain: Pitiful Plastic Polluter / Superhero Action: Pick it up
If you see a face mask fluttering by in a park, washed up in a gutter or lost in a parking lot, you can safely help dispose of it so it doesn’t wash into our waterways and pollute our planet. Blue face masks and many other face coverings are made from plastic textiles like polyester. They don’t biodegrade. Don’t touch the waste with your bare hands to protect yourself from potential viral contamination. Instead have on hand a reusable garden glove, kitchen glove, trash picking stick or something else to take it safely to the trash for disposal. Follow the same steps for any other trash you see lost in the environment! Plastic trash isn’t just ugly, it’s also dangerous to wildlife who commonly mistake garbage for food.   

2. Villain: Gross Garbage Gyre / Superhero Action: Pack a litter-less lunch
It’s time to reboot your lunch! For many of us, school and work have been happening at home, so we’ve fallen out of the habit of packing food to go. Remember to prevent plastic pollution in the first place by reducing or eliminating it from your daily routine. A perfect place to start is lunchtime. Pack reusable containers that are designed to be easy to use and easy on the environment. Packing your own containers to school every day can prevent more than a thousand pieces of trash.

3. Villain: Trashy Takeout / Superhero Action: Refuse Single Use Takeout Items
When you purchase takeout, make sure you leave a note in the online ordering portal or with the telephone order taker specifying that you do not want any single-use extras packed with your meal. Say goodbye to making single-use plastic cutlery, single-serving ketchup and other condiment packets, and disposable napkins the new normal. You can go even further and ask restaurant managers to stop automatically including these single-use throw-aways with orders and provide them only upon customer request. Recommend biodegradable birch or bamboo utensils in lieu of throw-away plastic cutlery.

4. Villain: Ugly Online Orders / Superhero Action: Choose Plastic-Free Shipments
When shopping online, choose companies with planet-centric shipping practices that carbon offset shipments by packing all orders plastic-free (kraft tape instead of plastic, recycled dunnage paper instead of peanuts and plastic pillows, recyclable cardboard boxes instead of trashy padded plastic envelopes).

Insider Tip: If you’re buying from Amazon, go to amazon.com main search bar and enter keywords “Amazon Customer Service,” select chat, and request that you want your account flagged to receive plastic-free shipments. (Note: Requesting may or may not result in plastic-free shipments depending on your service area, but at least you’re sending a message to Amazon that you don’t want plastic waste in your shipments.) For other stores, add a customer note at checkout requesting a plastic-free, carbon offset shipment or send an email to the company.

For more tips, check out “Say Goodbye To Plastic: A Survival Guide For Plastic-Free Living” and help make plastic-free living a reality in your home.

Sandra Ann Harris is the author of "Say Goodbye To Plastic: A Survival Guide For Plastic-Free Living" and the founder of ECOlunchbox, a mission-based consumer products company. Her passion is protecting the oceans by reducing people's dependence on plastics. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.

Now your kiddo can have a tablet case that’s all their own! OtterBox Kids is here—and it’s the perfect pairing of playfulness and protection.

The fam fave brand recently released a new line for kids. The collection includes an EasyGrab Tablet Case ($59.99) and other products that will keep your kiddo’s tech-time devices safe in a completely stylish way.

The EasyGrab case features grip ridges for easy handling, raised edges to protect the device’s screen and camera, lasting antimicrobial protection and an EasyGrab Multi-Use Case Stand. The stand allows your child to view their tablet at different angles and doubles as a carry handle or as a hook. Simply hook the handle to the back of a car seat for your child to watch their tablet as you drive!

Along with the new case/stand, OtterBox Kids also includes a Blue Light Guard Glass Screen Protector ($39.95 for iPad 7th and 8th generations and $34.95 for iPad Mini 5th generation) and an EasyGrab Mobile Cable Bundle ($39.95).

The cable bundle includes thick, durable, stretchy cables that outlasted 3,000 bend tests, have an anti-fray exterior coating, includes one audio connector and one power cable and are reinforced with easy-to-grip ends. The audio cable also is deigned at a right angle to prevent breakage.

The new EasyGrab Tablet Case is available for iPad 7th/8th generations ($59.95) and the iPad Mini 5th generation ($49.95) in purple (Space Explorer), blue (Galaxy Runner), and yellow (Martian).

Find the New OtterBox Kids products starting Mar. 29 Target and soon on Otterbox.com.

—Erica Loop

Photos courtesy of OtterBox

 

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