ML Interest Tag: remote

Here Are 7 Things Moms Really Want for Mother’s Day

by Jo Aaron

Here’s an idea. Make it easy on yourselves and skip the usual flowers, cards, chocolates and lunch this Mother’s Day. Instead, pick the perfect present from the list of ideas below. From a real bathroom break to not cleaning a single thing all day, we’ve got what moms really want for Mother’s Day. Scroll down for the goods (and a laugh or two).

1. Private bathroom breaks all day long.

RW Studios via Unsplash

No one is allowed in the potty when mom is going. Even if she’s in there for a long, long time. No cheating by yelling through the door to ask what she’s doing in there. That’s just bad manners, and your mother taught you better than that. Anyway, it’s Mother’s Day, so she doesn’t have to answer.

2. A full day of clothing compliance.

iStock

Mom picks the outfit, the children wear it. No questions asked. No temper tantrums. No complaints about itchy sweaters, tight sleeves, uncomfortable waistbands, hating jeans/dresses/socks/boots/fill-in-the-blank. The kids just wear the clothes with a smile. Ahhh…a gal can dream, right?!

3. Every child grooms him or herself all day.

iStock

Imagine a 24-hour period of time where mommy doesn’t have to help blow noses, wipe one tush, or brush one head of hair. It could happen!

4. A one-day pass from cleaning the house (Yes, that includes the kitchen.).

iStock

She will not be making beds, picking up clothes off of the floor, and no, honey, she doesn’t think it would be a great idea to have your whole family over for a Mother’s Day brunch unless you’re planning to cook and clean up the whole thing by yourself. OK? Love ya!!

5. 24-hour remote control.

JESSSHOOTS.com via Unsplash

Say so long to Paw Patrol and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Mama’s playing couch commando today, and she’s headed over to BRAVO to see her friends the Real Housewives. Back-to-back hours of catty bickering between grown women. Sounds marvelous!

6. An entire afternoon of silence.

All Go via Unsplash

There will be no arguing, fighting, bickering, nagging or whining for one whole afternoon (we'd settle for one hour...or even five minutes!). The only noise will be the sound of mom sipping her wine while watching Netflix on the device of her choice, turning pages of an actual book, or taking a long, uninterrupted nap.

7. To hear two simple words.

iStock

Thank. You. That's it. Letting mom know she's appreciated goes a long, long way. Psst! A hug makes it feel even more special.

 

RELATED STORIES: 
I Love You All So Much. Now Please Leave Me Alone
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DIY Family Photos: Pros Share How & Where to Capture Amazing Holiday Pics

by Bonnie Taylor

The holidays will be here in a flash, so don’t let any time lapse before planning how and where to take your family photos. We’ve polled some of our favorite local photographers for their favorite spots around San Diego to snap family pics and for their pro tips to make your DIY family photos shine in this year’s holiday cards. Read on for where and how to take your snaps.

Ocean Beach Pier

Robin Litrenta, Photographer

Location, location, location. Decide if you want a gorgeous canyon, something cool and urban or some warm beach vibes. Either way, you'll want to look for open shade to diffuse the sun. For a beach photo, seek out a structure such as a pier and notice where the shadows fall. With your back toward the sun, stand at the shadow’s edge closest to where it transitions back to the light.

Editing Tip: If you rotate the horizon lines in your photos so it’s level and not crooked, you’ll be amazed how this will elevate your pictures.

Ocean Beach Pier
1850 Ocean Front St., Ocean Beach

Photographer: Robin Litrenta
Online: robinlitrentaphotography.com

Presidio Park

Mariela Cohen, photographer

Make some magic with the Golden Hour. Shoot an hour before sunset to capture the best lighting and scope out the location before your planned photoshoot. Have everyone sit with their backs facing the sun and make sure your camera is set in a small spot of shade to avoid any lens flare from the sun. Don’t forget your furry friends! This might add some chaos to the mix, but you'll be glad you included everyone in the family.

Pro tip: Bring a large blanket to pick up some extra colors or add neutral textures with a chunky knit or a soft flannel. Make sure it’s large enough for the entire family to sit on; if it’s too small it will make you look smaller in the photo.

Presidio Park
2811 Jackson St., San Diego
Online: sandiego.gov

Photographer: Mariela Cohen
Online: marielacohen.com

Old Poway Park

Erin Delgado, Photographer

Perk up your pixels with color! Clothing makes the photo. You could have an amazing location but if the clothes don't fit the location, it messes with the photo vibe. Color tones should depend on your background and should be based in greys or browns, but not both. To make it less stressful for mom, who’s usually the organizer, she should plan her outfit first and coordinate other outfits around hers. Think along the lines of complementary colors and not necessarily matching perfectly; and definitely no logos or neons.

Clothing Tip: Drive by or walk around your photo location ahead of time to get a feel for what colors would work well with the surroundings.

Old Poway Park
14134 Midland Rd., Poway
858-668-4576
Online: poway.org

Photographer: Erin Delgado
Online: erinchristinephotography.com

Spanish Village

Mariela Cohen, Photographer

Take the stress out of your photo session by planning ahead by choosing a fun location to explore afterward. A week before you take photos, loosely pick out a few wardrobe colors, look at some poses from other pictures, and schedule it for a time when everyone won’t be rushed. Tell your group it’ll be a 30-minute session so they’ll know what to expect. Let them have fun and go explore the area afterward so this will give them something fun to look forward to.

Time Saving Tip: Invest in a wireless remote control camera timer for as little as $14. This will let you keep taking photos without stopping to go check and see if it turned out. The remote is easy to hide in your hand, especially if that arm is hugging your family.

Spanish Village
1770 Village Pl., Balboa Park
619-233-9050
Online: spanishvillageart.com

Photographer: Mariela Cohen
Online: marielacohen.cohttp://www.marielacohen.com/m

Imperial Beach

Kylie Clarke, Photographer

Don’t 'shutter' at the thought of a family photo session. If you keep it fun and relaxed that will reflect a wonderful moment in time. If you are relaxed, your children will be too. Be sure to keep your background simple so it doesn’t compete with your family.

Holiday Card Tip: Leave some open space in your composition so you can add a nice “Warmest Wishes” text overlay when it comes time to print your holiday cards.

Imperial Beach
10 Evergreen Ave., Imperial Beach
619-423-8328
Online: imperialbeachca.gov

Photographer: Kylie Clarke
Online: kylieclarke.com

Mission San Luis Rey

Sylvia Trinh, Photographer

Portrait perfect! Use your phone’s “portrait mode” to project yourselves while beautifully blurring the background (called Bokeh) and giving your photos more depth. This will dramatically improve your photos and will even rival those of professionals.

Focus Tip: Portrait mode only works if the subjects in the foreground are distanced from the background, so take a few steps forward towards the camera.

Mission San Luis Rey
4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside
760-757-3651
Online: sanluisrey.org

Photographer: Sylvia Trinh
Online: @sylviatrinhphotography

Family Christmas Tree Farm

Renata Terra, Photographer

Get candid! My biggest tip with kids is to engage them in a fun activity, instead of trying to pose them. Making cookies in the kitchen, jumping on the bed or blowing bubbles by your front door will give you some genuine smiles. And if that doesn’t get you a cute photo, then tell some silly jokes or make funny noises to get them to laugh.

Candid Tip: Giving unsuspecting hugs and kisses will always put a smile on someone’s face… and makes for some pretty cute candids.

Family Christmas Tree Farm
300 Pepper Dr., El Cajon
619-448-5331
Online: familychristmastreefarm.com

Photographer: Renata Terra
Online: renataterra-photography.com

Your Front Porch

Amy Millard, Photographer

Don’t focus so much on where to take your photos because your front porch is often the perfect place! Aim to photograph the last hour of the day or early morning. If that's not possible, be sure all of you are in a shaded area to avoid funky shadows. Tidy up your setting by sweeping, add some flower pots or a simple door wreath to give some color, but don’t clutter it up or you’ll get lost in it.

Tripod Tip: If you don’t have a tripod, then improvise by grabbing a chair, an overturned bucket and stack books on top until you reach the desired height.

Photographer: Amy Millard
Online: amysuemillard.com

 

Coronado Beach

John A. via Yelp

Get a little closer, now don’t be shy. Cozy up close to those you love, this will limit gaps in between people and makes for a better photo. Tell everyone where to stand, where to put their hands and which way to look. Families look more connected and loving if they’re hugging or touching in some way.

 

Posing Tip: Make sure everyone’s eyes are looking in the same direction or else they’ll all look distracted.

 

Coronado Beach

838 Ocean Blvd., Coronado

––Bonnie Taylor

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36 Fantastic Fall Activities for Families

21 Family Photo Ideas You Can Totally Pull Off

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Disney World’s Star Wars Hotel Is Finally Accepting Reservations This Month

by Shahrzad Warkentin

It’s been several years since Disney World announced plans for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. After several special sneak peaks like photos and a trailer, the time has nearly come to book that outer space adventure.

That’s right, starting Thur. Oct. 28, you can book that epic vacation of your dreams! To get all the deets on this immersive experience, keep reading.

If you’re not familiar with the concept of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, guests will arrive and board at an appointed date and time. Then they’ll proceed to spend the next two days in a fully-immersive Star Wars universe experience where they can take on character roles in their own story.

Guests will enter a Launch Pod with windows where they’ll watch space zoom past them as they make the jump to hyperspace and arrive at the Halcyon. Once they board the starcruiser every window they encounter, including the ones in cabins, will display a view of deep space outside, with changing spacescapes as the Halcyon moves through the galaxy.

The two-day stay aboard the ship will involve a multi-day role playing story in which guests will be able to engage in experiences like wielding a lightsaber while facing off against a training remote, operating the ships defense systems on the bridge and exploring the hidden spaces deep in the mechanics of the ship. Guests will also make a planet-side excursion to the Black Spire Outpost on Batuu during a visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney has announced that departures to the starcruiser will launch in the Spring of 2022, but you’re probably here for the real deets: the price. First, it’s important to note that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is not just a hotel, it’s a fully immersive experience with tons of perks.

Prices include lodging in a cabin or suite, all food and most non-alcoholic beverages, valet parking, entry into Disney’s Hollywood Studios plus one quick-service meal within the park. That being said, prices will start at $4,809 for two guests per cabin, $5,299 for two adults and one child and $5,999 for three adults and one child.

Who’s ready to head to a galaxy far, far away? Head to the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser’s website starting Oct. 28 to book your stay.

—Shahrzad Warkentin & Karly Wood

All photos: Disney /Lucasfilm

 

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We Went Screen-Free for a Week & This Is What I Learned

By Nina Meehan

Screens have become a much bigger part of our lives since the start of COVID-times, and I’m pretty sure we aren’t the only family with that story. So, before the school year started, we made a family decision. It was time to detox. We discussed our options and decided unanimously that we needed a full stop—one week with no screens (with one exception: baking shows, but only if the whole family was watching).  

Here is what I noticed in this week-long, screen-free time:

1. Creativity Thrived
My two youngest have very active imaginations, and my oldest really likes building and making things. So, we prepared for the week by making space for imagination play. What if they couldn’t think of anything to do? They could always go outside and play imagination games. And my oldest used some of his Bar Mitzvah money to buy a remote control car kit that he could build.  As the week progressed, we created art projects and new games as well.

2. We Talked More
I really enjoy chatting with my gang. They have really interesting thoughts on lots of different topics. What we noticed in our week with no electronics is that they were willing to “practice the art of conversation” at dinner with a lot more patience than if they had the option of returning to their video games.  

3. The Age Divide Diminished
I looked into the living room early on and saw that the 13-year-old, 10-year-old and 5-year-old were all actively engaged in some wrestling game where the two little ones were trying to get their big brother to roll off the carpet. Everyone was laughing and having fun! This happened throughout the week. In contrast, when they are in Screen Land, it is hard for them to find anything that all three can agree on to watch or do together because they are all interested in different kinds of content.  

4. They Were More Present
We spent a lot of time noticing things during the week. Seeing beautiful vistas on walks, really recognizing the flavors in foods, noticing how the people around us were feeling. I asked my gang about this, and they all recognized that they were more present and not thinking about “what comes next” nearly as much.  

5. More Physical Activity
My kids are pretty good in terms of moving their bodies; they all have sports they enjoy and are very happy to go on hikes or bike rides. But, if given the option to sit and stare at a screen for hours on end, they will do just that! I was thrilled that, for screen-free week, they were constantly moving! We were lucky enough to have access to a pool, so they spent hours jumping in and out of the water, but even when they were not in the pool, they were flipping over couches, running around the kitchen island, jumping up and down in the driveway. They were in constant motion…until about 2 p.m. each day, when my 5-year-old crashed and took a spontaneous nap in the middle of the living room.

6. There Was More Space for Silly
Perhaps the most fun of all was that there was just more time and space for silliness. One of the joys of raising kids is being able to share in the silly that comes so naturally to them. But, when they have screens as an option, the silly just diminishes. They are spending more time in their own little bubble, and, let’s face it, silly is more fun when you share it. There were dumb dad jokes from my husband, wacky faces, tickle fests and even a few homemade riddles. All together, it made for more laughter and a lot of smiles.  

Now that school is back in our lives, we will go back to the “no electronics during the week” rule that existed pre-COVID, but I’m excited to continue the conversation with my kids about weekends. They noticed the changes too. I think we are in a strong position to find a better balance.  

Every family is different, so this might not be right for yours, but I think it was an interesting experiment. So many of us are struggling with the shift back to “normal,” even though things still aren’t normal. I hope you are finding interesting experiments with your children too!

Nina Meehan is CEO and Founder Bay Area Children's Theatre and the host of the Creative Parenting Podcast. An internationally recognized expert in youth development through the arts, Nina nurtures innovation by fostering creative thinking. She is mom to Toby (13), Robby (10) and Meadow (5).  

   

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3 Tips to Help Kids Navigate the Digital World Safely

By Erik Weitzman

As a dad who works in tech, I always believed that technology was a vital developmental, discovery and connection tool for my kids. What I didn’t realize was just how quickly they’d need to learn to use it, and how fast they’d become fluent. Remote learning during the pandemic accelerated my kids’ use of technology. I recently watched my 7-year-old successfully deliver a presentation over video chat to his teacher and classmates—something I couldn’t have imagined prior to this pandemic.

Over the last year, kids have had to become experts at navigating online environments for learning, collaboration and communicating. Whether it’s giving a presentation to their class, devising video game strategies over video chat or writing a book together across different time zones, how our kids use technology will continue to evolve.

However, reality dictates that no matter how creative our kids are, how forward-thinking they may be when it comes to technology use, they need a solid foundation in digital literacy and online communications skills in order to successfully navigate the digital world. Kids need a space to learn, to make mistakes, and hone their skills with parental guidance, just like they need swimming lessons before they can get in the pool on their own.

Here are three tips for parents who are looking to help their kids navigate the digital world.

1. Choose the Right “Digital Playground” for Your Kids
When deciding where your child will begin their online journey, consider apps and experiences that help balance child independence with appropriate supervision. According to a Dubit study, 74% of parents of 6-12 year olds are concerned about their children interacting with strangers or people they don’t know online. At the same time, parents want to give their kids a way to have fun and connect with their friends and family without needing to hover over their every move. This is actually one of the key reasons we built Messenger Kids—to give kids a space made just for them with parent supervision. For instance, parents can see images and videos their kids send and receive in the app, giving them an opportunity to talk with their kids about how they felt when they saw a certain photo, or why a certain video might have hurt someone’s feelings.

2. Don’t Just “Set and Forget” Rules & Controls
As kids grow, their interests and needs change and it’s important for parents—and technology—to be flexible. Parents are in the best position to know what’s appropriate for their child, from the type of content they view, to who they can connect with online or how much time they can spend in a particular app. But an experience that may be ideal for a 7-year-old will look very different from what’s best for a teenager (I experience this every day with my two kids!). Remember to treat rules and parameters as an active conversation rather than something that’s set and forgotten to help continuously balance giving kids independence while still providing parental supervision and guidance.

3. Prioritize Quality of Screen Time
Something I’ve learned with my own kids during this pandemic is that prioritizing quality of screen time is just as important as managing the quantity of time they can spend on their devices. Prioritizing experiences that help kids actively engage with meaningful content or other people requires teamwork to succeed. For instance, find time to watch your child’s favorite TV shows together, or have your child teach you how to play a new game. Ask questions about what they enjoy, how the plot is progressing, and what decisions they’d make if they were the main character. This is a great way to celebrate and respect your kids for discovering and learning new things online.

The future of technology is one where it will be even more ubiquitous than it is already. Making sure our kids are ready for their next presentation or play date in the virtual world is going to intertwine with the “real world” like it never has before, and preparing our kids in a safer environment for that future should be a top priority for us all.

RELATED STORIES:

Want to Connect With Your Child? Try Technology
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Erik Weitzman is the Director of Product Management for Messenger Kids, a messaging app designed for kids to have fun connecting with friends and family while giving parents the visibility and controls to help manage their online experience. He's a dad to two boys and an amateur pretzel baker. 

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The Most Awesome Star Wars Swag on Amazon Right Now

by Karly Wood

Star Wars fans look forward to May the 4th all year long––the official Star Wars Day. If you plan on celebrating, pick up some new swag to help show your love for this epic film franchise. We’ve rounded up some fresh Star Wars gear to keep you in Jedi mind.

The Mandalorian Baby Grogu-inspired Stand for Amazon Echo Dot (4th Gen)

New Amazon Echo Dot? You'll want to dress it up with the newest Otter Box release that's inspired by The Mandalorian. This Grogu-shaped case is easy to install, has a non-slip base and doesn't take away and Echo Dot functionality.

Available on Amazon, $24.95

Star Wars The Mandalorian Remote Cover

Dress up your Fire Stick remote and make it easier to find with a Grogu Green or Bounty Blue cover! The silicone cover makes for the perfect feel and protects your remote from all those accidental drops.

Shop the 2nd Gen remote for $16.99 and the 3rd Gen ($56.98) remote on Amazon.

The Mandalorian: The Child, Stand for Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen

Dress up your Amazon Echo Dot 3rd Gen, you will! This Mandalorian stand is not only adorable, but its made with a precision-fit, non-slip base.

Available on Amazon, $24.95

Star Wars Chewbelta Chewbacca Car Seatbelt Shoulder Cover Pad

star wars swag

Travel in true Wookie style when you strap this Velcro seatbelt cover on. Made with soft "fur" and a padded backing, you can harness your inner Chewbacca and rest easy on any and all car rides.

Find this hilarious seatbelt cover on Amazon, 17.93

Star Wars 2-Quart Slow Cooker

star wars swag

The whole family can eat well thanks to this 2-quart Slow Cooker. The smaller sized crock pot is great for appetizers and small side dishes, and is bound to spark conversation at family gatherings. The classic black and white coloring details your fave fighter ships, including the Millennium Falcon and several TIE Fighters.

Find this unique slow cooker on Amazon, $19.71.

Star Wars OBI-123: A Book of Numbers

star wars swag

Make counting fun when you're learning with OBI-123: A Book of Numbers. Told with whimsical rhymes and engaging artwork, your young Jedi's won't even notice they're learning! Can't get enough? You can also find an ABC version with C-3PO!

Head to Amazon to purchase your copy, $12.99.

WipeSabers Reflective Saber for Rear Wipers

star wars swag

Rain, nor sleet, nor snow, nor sun can hamper these Reflective Sabers that are perfect for rear wipers. No tools are needed for installation, and they are easily removed using the Velcro attachments. They are the perfect addition to your "Toyoda" or any make, really. 

Get your own on Amazon, $18.95.

Star Wars Darth Vader Bluetooth Speaker with Speakerphone Voice Activation & Charging Cable

star wars swag

Play music from your phone, computer or tablet in total dark side style with the Bluetooth Darth Vader Speaker. In addition to playing music in high quality sound, you can also answer phone calls through the speakerphone, and charge the device for hours of listening time. One thing's for sure, this is the scariest looking speaker out there!

You can choose from Darth Vader or a Storm Trooper on Amazon, $26

Star Wars Tin Lunchbox

Star Wars swag

Tote your lunch in Star Wars style when you pick one these retro style tin lunchboxes. Coming in six designs (including a BB-8 shaped style!), the metal-latching boxes boast beautiful and colorful designs. The collapsable metal hand makes for easy carrying and the sturdy construction means no more squashed sandwiches.

Pick your design on Amazon, $12.99

UbiKORT 3D Illusion Night Light Millennium Falcon Table Lamp

Star Wars swag

Who doesn't need a nightlight of the Millennium Falcon? Lighting up in 7 colors and packed with 9 extra LED lights means you'll be enjoying this nightlight for a lifetime to come. Bright enough to cast a calming glow, this light makes a perfect addition to your little Star Wars lover's room.

This nightlight is yours for less than $20! Find it over on Amazon.

Star Wars Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber

Star Wars Swag

Light side, dark side––you can be on all the sides when you snag this Bladebuilders Jedi Master Lightsaber kit. Packed with light daggers, dual connector, expansion hilt, elbow connectors and a cross connector, you can literally come up with 100 combinations. This is the ultimate kit for your young padwan. 

Grab your light saber kid quick at Amazon, $59.98

Star Wars Classic Peel And Stick Wall Decals

star wars swag

Make your room a Star Wars haven when you have these peel and stick wall decals. Made from vinyl that is easy to remove and won't peel off paint, these are the perfect room decor for kids who tend to change their mind often. The only complaint on Amazon about this set is that Princess Leia is in her slave outfit, so use at your own free will.

Grab this room swat over on Amazon, $11.33

Trouble Game: Star Wars Edition

star wars swag

You're in trouble now, but this time you'll have to rescue BB-8 from within the Star Wars universe! Play as Rey, Chewbacca, Kylo Ren or Finn as you attempt to move around the Trouble board and get to BB-8 first. It's a new take on a classic and simple game that's great for kids (and adults) of all ages.

You can find this game, as well as other Star Wars themed options like Monopoly, Clue and Risk on Amazon, $17.99

Star Wars #1 Dad Adult Long Sleeved T-Shirt

star wars swag

You can't help but be Numero Uno with this Darth Vader Dad shirt, and no can argue with you! Made from premium cotton and long-sleeved, this black T-Shirt is all Darth Vader, all the time.

Get yours on Amazon, $19.99

––Karly Wood

 

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Three Moms Share How They’re Keeping Their Kids Safe and Healthy While Online

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

Over the years, you’ve taught your kids a lot of ways to stay safe: look both ways before crossing the street, wear a helmet while riding a bike, go feet-first down slides and so much more. As your kids get older and technology evolves, parenting takes a turn from teaching safety on the swings to having the tech talk and showing kids how to navigate the digital playground. Luckily, Google Families has everything parents need to help their tiny humans stay safe online and develop healthy digital habits. We teamed up with three moms to see how their families are navigating technology right now. Keep reading to see what they had to say:

Natasha D’Anna, a New York City-based mom of three, is working on balancing screentime with her kids—especially with the additional time they’re spending online with remote learning. To help them balance their time online, Natasha incorporates screen-free, hands-on activities into their day like baking or a trip to the playground. She also has regular tech talks with her kids and has shown them resources through Google that can help them stay safe online, like Google Safe Search.

Like most parents, So-Cal mom Chelsi Lovos saw her kids’ screentime increase in the past year. After she saw grades drop and attitudes change, she knew it was time to switch things up with a digital detox for her family. After they took a break from tech, she reintroduced devices to her kids with new rules including screentime limits, additional educational apps and regular check-ins about online safety. Now Chelsi uses Google Family Link to monitor her kids’ online activity and set device limits.

Vera Sweeney’s youngest loves to play games—whether they’re online or board games—so when it came to having the tech talk, Google’s Interland game was the perfect opportunity for her to teach her kids about online safety. Interland takes gamers on an online adventure and teaches them about digital safety and citizenship along the way.

Google Families has everything parents need to help navigate the digital playground and teach their kids healthy online habits. Learn more at families.google!

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What Surprised Me about Our New Normal

By Jenni Brennan

The new normal.

For some reason, I hate that term.

Maybe it’s because I don’t like labeling something as normal vs. abnormal. It feels too judgmental.

Maybe it’s because I don’t like change. Change is always hard and uncomfortable.

But, this is my life now—the new normal. Whether I like it or not.

After over a year of remote and hybrid learning where my children have been at home at least three school days each week, my children have returned to full-time in-person schooling.

After over a year of working primarily from home, my husband has returned to being in the office for most of his shifts. The other day was our first day where I was the only one home.

After over a year of me working fully remote from home, I’m still here—seeing all my patients via telehealth and teaching all my classes over Zoom.

But, after 13 months of family togetherness, I was alone.

The house was silent.

No teacher’s voices could be heard on the computer through the doors of my children’s rooms.

The house was silent.

No cheesy manager jokes from my husband could be heard as he led a zoom meeting from our dining room table.

The house was silent.

No dog footsteps could be heard tip-tapping on the hardwood floors as they wandered the house looking for anyone who was free and could give them some attention. They were snuggled all cozy in their crates, probably enjoying the quiet opportunities to nap.

The house was silent.

No dirty dishes were found in the sink as remnants of quick snack breaks between my kids’ classes or between my husband’s meetings.

The house was silent.

No one was there to pass me in the hallway.

The house was silent.

No one needed my help with getting into a Google Classroom meet.

The house was silent.

No one was there at my kitchen island eating their lunch while I poured myself another cup of tea.

The house was silent.

Silence recharges me. Silence refuels me. Silence calms me.

But this silence was different.

The house was silent and I realized just how lucky my family had been for the past year.

We stayed healthy and we enjoyed the forced togetherness.

The house was silent and I felt deep gratitude for the memories we had made as a family over the past year.

We adapted and grew and were able to be a part of each other’s lives in ways that never would have been possible without a pandemic.

The house was silent.

And I missed the loudness.

This post originally appeared on Changing Perspectives.

Jenni Brennan is a psychotherapist, college professor, creator of Changing Perspectives, and co-host of The Changing Perspectives Podcast. Jenni is passionate about exploring the topics of parenting, relationships, grief, and mental health through her writing and podcast episodes. She lives with her husband, 2 sons, 3 dogs, and 2 cats in Massachusetts.

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Nat Geo Has a Virtual Earth Day Eve Celebration You Can’t Miss

by Erica Loop

National Geographic recently announced an Earth Day celebration you won’t want to miss. The virtual planet-friendly party will be hosted by travel expert Jessica Nabongo, feature ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall—and so much more.

The Earth Day bash kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Apr. 21 and will include an array of appearances from around the world. The line-up includes notable names, such as Angélique Kidjo, AURORA, José González, Maggie Rogers, Rostam, Valerie June, Willie Nelson, Yo-Yo Ma and Ziggy Marley.

Along with this lofty list of performers, My Morning Jacket will premiere their new music video during the virtual viewing party.

As if that’s not enough, Nat Geo’s Earth Day Eve remote party will also include a special preview of the new four-part Disney+ series Secrets of the Whales. National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry will introduce the series. Narrated by actress Sigourney Weaver, Secrets of the Whales is available to view on Disney+ at 12:00 p.m. PT on Apr. 22.

National Geographic Chairman Gary Knell, said of the virtual event, in a press release, “For over 133 years, National Geographic has strived to inspire people to care more deeply for the planet. This Earth Day, we hope to provide that inspiration with a one-of-a-kind celebration that invites audiences everywhere to unite around the power of music.”

Knell added, “Our Earth Day Eve event—virtual and accessible to everyone—will showcase environmentally passionate artists from around the world together with some of National Geographic’s most extraordinary Explorers. From AURORA’s forest performance in Bergen, Norway, to Jane Goodall’s greeting from her home in England, the celebration will give us even more of a reason to fall in love with the place we all call home—and empower us to act to protect it.”

If you’re into the after-party scene, Nat Geo will host a second virtual event on its new TikTok account at 10:00 p.m. ET on Apr. 21. To watch the Earth Day Eve event, tune in on the National Geographic YouTube channel or visit the Nat Geo website here.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo courtesy of National Geographic

 

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