ML Interest Tag: damage

At What Age Can I Potty Train My Child?

By Andrea Olson

New parents in the world are constantly wondering: When can I begin potty training? (Some don’t even realize that, with the right information, they can even begin potty training their baby).

Believe it or not, there are options for the first year of life (yes! you heard me right!), as well as the 11-18 month range, and 18 months and beyond.

So which potty training age is truly most beneficial to your child’s health?

There is a lot of crap out there on the internet about potty training, pun absolutely intended. It can boggle the mind. And there are a lot of marketing-fueled lies circulating (with the primary aim of selling more diapers). So. Because the current society is so convinced of certain mistruths, we need to push those aside right now. Before we dive into which potty training method works best for each age range (super-detailed info below), let’s first get something crystal- clear: Early potty training will NOT damage your child in any way.

There is no scientific study that actually proves that early potty training will harm your child (contrary to Dr. Hodges’ marketing influence, which is based on a study that doesn’t say early potty training will damage them, but that incomplete emptying of the bladder will).

And late potty training (starting at 2 years old and up) CAN potentially damage your child, in many ways. (This article compares and cites all the science that proves this, inarguably.)

The point:

• If your child is already over 18 months old, get educated and begin potty training this week.

• If your child is less than 18 months old, it can only benefit your child to begin today, in some way, big or small.

The science supports it. Again, I will break the ages down further, below, so keep on reading. And the most healthy time to begin? Early, early, early. As early as birth. (As early as wherever YOU are when you read this post.)

Establishing healthy potty use and attitudes from an early age is beneficial to your child, on so many levels. Parents: You get to choose, from birth, whether to train your baby into using the diaper as a full-time toilet, or using the toilet as a full-time toilet.

Full permission granted to choose what works for you (and a little bit of research might be necessary so you can feel confident executing this decision!).

Okay, now that this myth is completely disproven, we can confidently move in to answer the question: “At what age can I potty train my child?”

The top method for starting potty training at 0-12 months

The method you would use for starting potty learning with babies 0-12 months is called “elimination communication.” It is a way of tending to your child’s natural instincts for cleanliness by learning and responding to the signals, rhythms, and preferences of your baby.

It is not hard to do, and you can do it part-time! And the earlier you start, the sooner you integrate this into your life and it becomes your “normal”…no potty training usually necessary. Learn more about elimination communication (EC) on my EC 101 page here.

The best method for starting potty training at 11-16 months

To start potty training with 11-16 month (likely walking) babies, which is actually considered by Montessori school of thought to be the “sensitive period” (the best time!) to begin toilet learning, you would use either pure EC or a hybrid of EC/potty training.

This is a time period where you can both begin and wrap up toilet learning all within one developmental stage! Learn more about why starting at 12-18 months is great with this post and video here.

The top method for starting potty training at 15-20 months

To start toilet training a 15-20 month toddler, you’ve already mostly passed the EC window (although you can give it a whirl if you’ve got a super laid-back, not-yet-walking baby!)…and you’re now sitting at what’s called early start potty training. But, don’t you dare feel bad! You will now spend less time potty training/doing EC and more time teaching the final pieces of independence. Like ripping off a Band-aid, potty training at 18-24 months is a much more rapid process than EC (and it should be! Toddlers crave mastery at this stage, and being lax or hands-off about toilet training at any toddler age is a disservice to your wonderful toddler!!). Learn about early potty training on my Potty Training 101 page here.

The best method for starting potty training at 20 months and up

For this, you’d also do the same as the previous age range, but it’s not going to be called early potty training…just your regular ole run-of-the-mill potty training (but pls don’t use a boot camp or gradual plan!). Again, do not feel badly! The earlier you begin, the sooner you’ll be done, and you do not have to wait for readiness signs or fear that you’ll harm your child by doing the training too early. That is all BS funded by the diaper companies.

Some quick reassuring facts (for those of you who are skimming)

Which is the best time to potty train your child? Whatever age your child currently is. That is the best time to start the learning…now!

What is the current average age of potty training completion in the US? 36-38 months average.

What is the current age of toileting independence in the rest of the world? 12 months average.

What was the toilet training age in 1957 in the US? 92% of children were toilet trained by 18 months of age.

What would happen if we reduced the toilet training age by 1 year (from 3 to 2 years old)? The diaper companies would lose approximately $8 billion/year in revenues.

Remember: You can begin potty training at any age, starting as early as birth. It just looks a little different at each stage. And, no shame mama/daddy! You are where you are right now, given what you’ve learned so far. Now you know some more stuff about what age is best to begin potty training, get started today. We’re rooting for you!

 

Andrea Olson is an author and expert in potty training by Elimination Communication (EC). She's worked with thousands of parents worldwide to make the practice of pottying their babies efficient and enjoyable! She holds a Masters Degree in Psychology and lives in Asheville with her husband and 5 children (all EC'd from birth).

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One Cool Thing: Fire- & Water-Resistant Bags for Your Baby Documents

by Eva Ingvarson Cerise

Your baby’s birth certificate. Medical records. The family’s passports. Social Security Cards. Your will or trust. Family photos and mementos. Do you know where to find them? It’s always a good idea to keep your important documents safely stored, but even more so after you have a baby. Between mombrain and lack of sleep, you may struggle more than usual to find things when you need them. And that’s where these document bags come in super handy.

If you’ve ever asked yourself what you’d grab in the event of a fire or flood at your home, here’s your answer: Grab your Secure My Legacy bag. These fire-resistant and water-resistant document bags can hold about 300 documents each and are compact and easy to take with you in an emergency. You already have enough new-mom anxiety. Give yourself the peace of mind that you have all of your documents organized and easy to find when you need them.

What It Is

Made from silicone-coated fiberglass and secured with both a zipper and VELCRO flap, each bag is large enough (11 inches by 15 inches) to hold all sorts of important documents. The company suggests storing things like a contact list, passports, financial documents, insurance papers, medical records, legal documents and family documents.

Have a lot to keep track of? Each bag is imprinted with a specific term (including Emergency, Medical, Legal, Business, Real Estate) so you can get a few and store items separately.

Why You Need One

When faced with an emergency, you don’t want to have to search for your important documents or waste time finding them them. As a new parent, you’ll want to focus on your baby, not trying to remember where you put important paperwork. If you keep all of your documents organized in these document bags, you’ll find what you need in a snap. Plus, you’ll have kept them protected from fire, water and smoke damage. And that means you’ll be able to get your life back on track more quickly.

Keep separate bags for the family’s legal papers, real estate documents, medical records and wills. Cards from Grandma, photos and newspaper clippings of dearly departed ancestors and birth mementos are also worth tucking into a bag to keep them as safe as possible.

We love the bundle that comes with one bag and a notebook for logging important information about your contacts, medications, finances and more family and household information. The notebook is key for parents who use babysitters regularly or have caregivers in the home. It ensures they’ll always have access to important information if they need it.

Available at securemylegacy.com and amazon.com, $17.99 for 1 bag plus a notebook.

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

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The Best Sunscreens for Your Family & 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Applying It

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Do you have a sunscreen that you know and trust? Now that summer is in full swing, parents need to find a safe and effective sunscreen for their family, The Environmental Working Group just added 119 more SPF products to their Guide to Sunscreens.

Lists of products by category:

Best Beach and Sport Sunscreens

Best Sunscreens for Kids

Best Lip Balms with SPF 

It’s important to read product instructions. When sunscreen is applied incorrectly, it provides far less protection from harmful ultraviolet rays and leaves skin exposed to sun damage.

beach bag

Here are 10 of the most common mistakes people make when applying sunscreen:

Not reading the ingredient label

  • EWG recommends a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because these active ingredients have fewer health concerns, and these products generally offer good sun protection. Zinc oxide especially provides good broad spectrum protection, protection from both UVA and UVB rays, and stability in the sun.

Not applying enough sunscreen

  • To protect your body fully, you should use about an ounce of lotion – enough to fill a shot glass. Product testers apply a thick coat of sunscreen to their skin to determine its SPF – the equivalent of a family of four using up a four-ounce bottle in just two hours. Make sure to slather it on!

Forgetting to reapply sunscreen every two hours

  • Sunscreens lose effectiveness over time and having a high SPF in the product you use is no excuse to prolong your time in the sun. Such products can give people a false sense of security so they think they are completely protected from sunburn and long-term skin damage, and can stay out in the sun longer without reapplying. EWG recommends that consumers avoid products labeled with anything higher than SPF 50+.

Applying sunscreen outdoors

  • Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you venture outside. If you’re already exposed to the sun while applying sunscreen, harmful rays are already hitting your skin. On some days, even five minutes outside in the bright sunlight without sunscreen can damage skin.

Wearing sunscreen only at the beach or pool

  • You’re exposed to harmful UV radiation year-round. Up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through thick clouds. It’s not unheard of to get a sunburn on an overcast day. In winter months, the sun’s skin-damaging ultraviolet rays reflect off snow and ice, increasing your exposure. This is especially true on ski vacations, with greater UV exposure the higher the altitude. Remember, UV rays can pass through some glass panes while you drive or work by a window. Check out more sunscreen myths here.

Using an old, separated or expired sunscreen

  • As sunscreens age, or repeatedly heat and cool the formulation can separate or clump in its container. When this happens, the sunscreen won’t coat your skin in the thick or even way that’s necessary for proper skin protection. Shake sunscreens before applying and store them at an even temperature whenever possible. Toss any product if it clumps or if the oil separates from the lotion. Sunscreens are generally formulated to last about three years. However, it’s important to check expiration dates and examine the product’s texture before use. Discard products after their expiration date because they may no longer provide proper protection.

Neglecting to wear sunscreen because of your darker skin tone

  • No one is immune from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Although dark skin tones naturally produce more melanin to protect skin, it’s not enough to prevent skin cancer, wrinkling and photo-aging.

Using a product that combines sunscreen and bug repellent

  • Avoid products that combine insect repellent with sunscreen. Bugs are typically not a problem during the hours when UV radiation peaks. And, more importantly, if you reapply sunscreen every two hours, as advised, you will be overexposed to the active ingredients in the repellent.

Overlooking SPF products formulated for babies

  • Many baby products are formulated without fragrance and other sensitizing or allergenic ingredients. These products also work well to help protect adults with sensitive skin. This year, EWG found 16 best-scoring sunscreen products for kids.

Relying on sunscreen alone

  • Although sunscreen can help protect your skin from sun damage, it should never be your only line of defense. Proper sun protection includes wearing protective clothing, like a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Find or make shade as much as possible, and stay indoors during peak midday sun.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo Yaoqi LAI on Unsplash

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To the Mom Who Left Her Abuser

By Tabitha Yates

Photo: Tabitha Yates via The Redeemed Mama

As a child who grew up in a home with physical, verbal and emotional abuse. I can tell you that any amount of time, whether it be months or years that a child is subjected to abuse, will leave a mark. There will be damage, hurt and trust issues.

As children grow and mature, an older child or even an adult child may question why their non-abusive parent stayed and to be brutally honest, no reason the other party gives will feel good enough. It doesn’t feel okay, because having to be abused as a minor and not having the ability to make the choice yourself to leave, it ISN’T okay. You lose all your power, before you’ve ever had the chance to find it.

I cannot sugarcoat the truth. I can’t pretend it doesn’t sting. I won’t lie and say that I can understand the fear of leaving outweighs the primal instinct to protect your child. I won’t pretend I have any perspective on this, other than my own experience.

However, there is something I feel the need to convey to the ones who left: To the brave Mama’s (and Dad’s in some cases) that scooped up their children, without a dime in their pocket or any idea how they were going to make it and chose to save themselves and their family from any more pain at the hands of their abuser—I think you’re brave.

I think you’re brave because you got out alive and you recognized that you and your kids deserve better. The moment you walked out that door, you made a better life possible.

I think you’re brave because even though you didn’t know how you were going to provide for your kids-you found a way to do it, all while keeping them safe and they will thank you for that one day.

I think you’re brave because you broke the chains of control and manipulation your abuser had on you and the moment you did that, you won.

I think you’re brave because you told the truth. You didn’t cover up the bruises or hide the tears. You didn’t let the lies that no one would believe you sink in anymore.

I think you’re brave because you got help. You reached out of the shadows you were kept in and you refused to be silenced anymore.

I think you’re brave because you knew it was your spouse or your kids and you chose right. You put their happiness, well-being and their safety above any conflicted feelings you had for your partner.

I think you’re brave because you gave your children a chance at a childhood where they don’t have to cower in fear, where they don’t have to walk on eggshells, where they don’t have to be the bigger person to a person much bigger than them.

I think you’re brave because you stood up to a giant and watched him fall. You faced the fear, the threats, the lies, the shouts, the names, the hits, the falls and you got back up and chose to never put yourself in the position to let it happen again.

You took back the power and I think you’re brave and so will your kids. Keep going and don’t ever look back, because that’s not where you’re going anymore. Every day that you’re not being hurt is a day you get to heal.

Domestic abuse can take many forms. Learn to spot the signs, discover your rights and options, and find out more about what support is available for you and your children. If you are someone you love is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. For anonymous, confidential help, 24/7, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE). 

The Redeemed Mama is a writer who had had articles published by The Today Show, Love What Matters, The Mighty, Faithit, For Every Mom, The Creative Child Magazine and more. She has 3 beautiful kids and resides in Southern Arizona and loves writing about parenting, life and growth!

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merci For Moms Photo Sweepstakes Official Rules

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

merci for Moms Photo Sweepstakes Official Rules

 

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

 

HOW TO ENTER: The Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) will run from 4/27/2020 at 12:00 a.m. PST to 5/10/2020 at 11:59 p.m. PST and will run on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Any entries received after the sweepstakes has closed will not be included in the Sweepstakes. In order to enter the sweepstakes, participants are required to do the following:

 

  • Post a photo of a mom moment you are thankful to have had to a public account on one of the following social platforms: Instagram, Twitter or Facebook AND Include #merciForMomsSweepstakes in the post

 

OR

 

Photographs and videos must be in digital format. Only online entries will be eligible. No print or film submissions will be accepted for entry into this Sweepstakes. Entries are limited to one entry per person per day. Any use of automated or programmed methods of effecting entry is prohibited.

ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Employees or Sponsor, their affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to win the prize package.

SPONSOR: This Sweepstakes is sponsored by merci (“Sponsor”). Sponsor reserves the right to cancel the Sweepstakes at any time and substitute another promotion in its place. The Sponsor is deemed to be the party providing the prize package for this Sweepstakes. The Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment within 30 days of the winner providing requested mailing information. If winner does not receive prize within 45 days, the winner is to email Red Tricycle for follow up (kenzie@tinybeans.go-vip.net). The winner forgoes any prizes after 180 days without follow up.

 

WINNER SELECTION:  Winner will be selected within 72 hours after the close of the Sweepstakes Period from among all eligible entries received during the Sweepstakes. Winner will be determined at random by a Red Tricycle employee. Winner will be contacted via email from Red Tricycle. Winner will have 24 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected at random from among the remaining eligible entries. A list of winners may be requested at any time by contacting kenzie@tinybeans.go-vip.net. Red Tricycle and merci are not responsible for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind, or inaccurate transmissions of or failure to receive winner’s emailed information on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet, email being inadvertently flagged as junk or other email form, or at any website or any combination thereof. Every reasonable attempt will be exhausted prior to prize forfeiture and a new winner being selected, including, but not limited to review of all sub-folders and accounts where emails may inadvertently be directed.

 

PRIZES/APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE: Prize is valued as follows: ONE (1) GRAND PRIZE: A year supply of merci Chocolates for winner and a friend. Winner will also receive a $100 Target gift card.  A year supply of merci Chocolates is equivalent to (2) boxes a month. The Grand Prize has an estimated value of $450. Grand prize winner may be required to submit an IRS W9 form.

 

GENERAL: Subject to all federal, state and local laws/regulations. This sweepstakes is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Neither Red Tricycle nor their affiliates will have any liability whatsoever for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind caused by any prize or resulting from acceptance, possession, use and/or misuse of any prize or participation in these promotions. By participating in this promotion, entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules and the decisions of Red Tricycle, which are final and binding in all respects. Red Tricycle is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer or in administration of the promotion.

 

INTERNET: Red Tricycle and merci are not responsible for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind, or inaccurate transmissions of or failure to receive entry information by Red Tricycle on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website or any combination thereof. If for any reason the promotions are not capable of running as planned for any reason Red Tricycle reserves the right in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes and select the winners by random drawing from among all eligible entries received from all methods combined up to the point of the action taken by the Red Tricycle.

 

SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY REQUIREMENTS & CONDITIONS: By submitting a Sweepstakes Entry, Sweepstakes Entrant warrants and represents that: (a) Sweepstakes Entry does not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity or other intellectual property or other legal or moral rights of any person or entity; (b) Sweepstakes Entrant owns all rights to the Sweepstakes Entry, including without limitation, copyrights, and has received prior written permission from a third party if any Submission was photographed or videoed by someone other than the Sweepstakes Entrant him/herself; and (c) Sweepstakes Entrant will indemnify and hold harmless the Sponsor, Administrator and related entities, agents and assigns from any claims and damages (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from or relating to the breach or alleged breach of your representations and warranties herein, the Sweepstakes Entry, or Sweepstakes Entrant’s conduct in creating the Sweepstakes Entry, the acceptance or use of any prize or otherwise in connection with this Sweepstakes.

 

PHOTO SUBMISSIONS/RELEASES: If the photograph or video submission contains any material or elements that are not owned by the entrant and/or which are subject to the rights of third parties, and/or if any persons appear in the photograph or video, the entrant is responsible for obtaining, prior to submission of the photograph or video, any and all releases and consents necessary to permit the exhibition and use of the photograph or video in the manner set forth in these Official Rules without additional compensation. By participating in the Sweepstakes, participants give Sponsor and Red Tricycle the right to share participant’s images, videos and text. Participants acknowledge and agree that the Sponsor may at any time use any entry provided by you for internal business purposes and promotional external media (placement on the sponsor website, inclusion in sponsor social media or email blasts for example) that is directly related to the photo sweepstakes.

 

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: By entering this Sweepstakes, all entrants agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless Sponsor from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of their participation in this Sweepstakes or any Sweepstakes-related activities and the acceptance and use, misuse, or possession of any prize awarded hereunder. Red Tricycle assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, or delay in operation or transmission; communications line failure; theft or destruction of or unauthorized access to Sweepstakes entries or entry forms; or alteration of entries or entry forms. Sponsor is not responsible for any problems with or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any entry to be received on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website, human errors of any kind, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to entrants’ or any other persons’ computers related to or resulting from participation, uploading or downloading of any materials related to in this Sweepstakes.

 

RIGHT TO CANCEL OR SUSPEND SWEEPSTAKES: If for any reason the Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, due to infection by computer virus, bugs, worms, trojan horses, denial of service attacks, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsor that corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual(s) who tamper with the entry process, and/or to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Sweepstakes.

AMENDMENT: Any and all rules and regulations stated within, may be amended for a specific Sweepstakes to be in compliance with the rules and regulations of a specific Sponsor. Any amendment of rules and regulations will be stated in the Sweepstakes post.

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4 Agreements Every Rockstar Parent Should Make with Themselves

By Shelby Spear

Photo: Rawpixel

Books are my spirit animal. Well, maybe dragonflies, but anything bound and full of inspiration and insight runs a close second in stirring my soul. While many of us in the book lover club have read hundreds upon hundreds of amazing works, we usually sink our heart into a few favorites.

One of my all-time cherished books, which I recommend to anyone willing to listen, is The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz. This little gem is only 138 pages, but every word awakens the spirit and makes you think. You come to a certain knowing with each agreement listed, nodding your head in affirmation of a spoken truth.

Don Miguel Ruiz shares how making only four agreements with yourself and the universe can unfold and unfurl the bound-up version of self and lead you back to your authentic identity and purpose. Doing so awards you the freedom to live from a place of wholeness.

Regardless of your worldview or spiritual beliefs/non-belief, these four agreements make sense because they’re universal truths any of us can and want to live out. No matter who I recommend this book to, no matter what they believe beyond the here and now, the wisdom shared within The Four Agreements resonates.

1. Be impeccable with your word.

All we need do is look at Twitter for 30 seconds to realize how often this agreement finds rejection. Words matter. They can cause irreparable damage and instill lasting hope. This world is in dire need of the latter.

2. Don’t take things personally.

Who doesn’t do this? And how is it working out for us? The rampant “everything is about me” mentality is causing widespread disconnect and detachment.

3. Don’t make assumptions.

We live in a world that functions on assumption more than fact. Headlines and gossip have become the basis for judgment. In large part because communication, which requires listening, discerning, studying, has become a lost art.

4. Do your best.

Every human can start doing this right now. Doing our best is enough, even if some days our finest hour is a complete mess or failure. Doing our best includes accepting and forgiving ourselves and others for collective weaknesses and faults.

As common sense as these agreements sound, we’ve all fallen into the trap of living outside their boundaries. The human thing, ego thing, illusion thing, is hard. But continued resistance to these positive commitments means more misery, suffering and dysfunction will exist. The good news is, a mindful decision to enter into these agreements—the best we can—will change the world around us. Instantly.

Consider just one example: if you decide not to take your coworkers comment personally today, then your time home with the family after work will be pleasant and enjoyable. This in turn makes for a stress-free evening for your spouse and kids. The lack of tension helps everyone have a good night’s rest. And, come morning, each person in your family starts a new day feeling refreshed, joyful and ready to face the world.

In this scenario, agreeing to not take things personally in one single instance affects the entirety of your experience going forward, including all the people in your sphere of influence. One agreement by one individual in one moment of time has the power to change countless lives via the ripple effect.

The four agreements Don Miguel Ruiz challenges us to embody are powerful, important, healing. My commitment to practicing them has changed my life, my family, the people around me.

Although I’m just one person making a small difference in a limited space, together we can make a significant difference in an ever-expanding space. Humanity deserves the healing.

This post originally appeared on Thrive Global.

A self-described “sappy soul whisperer/sarcasm aficionado,” Shelby is a wife of 27 years & mom of three millennials. She co-authored How Are You Feeling, Momma? (You don't need to say, "I'm fine.") Her stories are in print at Guideposts, online at sites like Her View From Home and Parenting Teens & Tweens, and at shelbyspear.com. Get 3 FREE chapters of Shelby's book

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Why Every ‘Now’ Moment Matters in Motherhood

By Shelby Spear

In October 2005, my middle son was born. In 2018, he graduated from college.

Today, I’m trying to figure out how time works.

Eons ago I had three kids in three and a half years. Life was abuzz. Now I have two college graduates and kid number three will walk across the college stage next May. Life is profoundly quiet.

But at one point my life was full of noise and chaos. I didn’t know which end was up.

As moms, ensuring the health, safety and well-being of our children is only one enormous responsibility we have in life. Other roles may include wife, volunteer, career person, caregiver, confidant, ministry leader, coach, etc. When so many moving parts vie for our attention, the load can be overwhelming. At any given moment, one or more of these areas can break down and leave us reeling.

If we don’t tend to the damage when the mishaps occur, before long our life as a whole can get out of hand. I’ve been there. When my house was full of littles, my husband traveled for work. Over time, my exhaustion turned to resentment, which gave birth to marital strife, which resulted in sleepless nights. During the teen years, the battles over independence left me frazzled, which morphed into eating stress for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which brewed up ulcers in my belly.

What I came to learn the hard way is the value and importance of slowing down. To pause long enough to take a step back and evaluate what’s going on. Sometimes this looks like getting away for a day by yourself, meeting up with supportive friends or making the time to attend a weekend spiritual retreat.

I don’t know whether you are in the throes of littles, the sweetness of the elementary years, the drama and heartache of middle school, the push and pull of teenager land or staring into the abyss of an empty nest. What I do know is these seasons fly by. Which is why with every passing year I’m reminded that right NOW is all that matters. This moment.

Regardless of the stage of motherhood we are in, the only way to bend time in our favor is to immerse ourselves in the present. In the messes, joys, trials, celebrations, painful moments and idyllic experiences.

To experience any of these scenarios means we are still here. Alive and breathing. Blessed.

Every second counts when time races by at the speed of light.

Although life sneaks up on us, LOVE is a constant.

God guarantees us this gift. It’s ours for the giving and receiving. Right now. In this moment.

This post originally appeared on Today Parents.

A self-described “sappy soul whisperer/sarcasm aficionado,” Shelby is a wife of 27 years & mom of three millennials. She co-authored How Are You Feeling, Momma? (You don't need to say, "I'm fine.") Her stories are in print at Guideposts, online at sites like Her View From Home and Parenting Teens & Tweens, and at shelbyspear.com. Get 3 FREE chapters of Shelby's book

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#RTHolidaze Twitter Party Terms & Conditions

by emily bray

#RTHolidaze Twitter Party #Giveaway

Terms and Conditions

NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

 

By entering this #RTHolidaze Twitter Party #Giveaway Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”), entrants accept and agree to be bound by these Official Rules. Any violation of these rules may, at the Sponsor’s discretion, result in disqualification. All decisions of the Sponsor regarding this Sweepstakes are final and binding in all respects.

The #RTHolidaze Twitter Party #Giveaway Sweepstakes is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Twitter. You understand that you are providing your information to the Sponsor and not to Twitter. The information you provide will only be used for the administration of this Sweepstakes and in accordance with the Sponsor’s privacy policy (see here: https://tinybeans.com/privacy-policy/). Twitter is completely released of all liability by each entrant in this Sweepstakes. Any questions, comments or complaints regarding the Sweepstakes must be directed to the Sponsor and not Twitter.

PROMOTION PERIOD.

Sweepstakes begins December 10, 2019, at 10:00 am PST/1:00pm ET and ends at 11:00 am PST/2:00pm ET (“Promotion Period”).

ELIGIBILITY. 

Sweepstakes open only to legal US residents (excluding Alaska & Hawaii) who are 18 years of age or older at the time of entry who do not reside in an area where such sweepstakes are prohibited by law.  The sponsor of this Sweepstakes is Red Tricycle, Inc. (the “Sponsor”) in partnership with Amazon, Inc. (the “Promotional Partner”). Officers, directors, employees, contractors and agents of the Sponsor or Promotional Partner(s) or their parent companies (if any), subsidiaries and affiliated companies, advertising, promotional and judging agencies, persons engaged in the development, production or distribution of materials for this Sweepstakes (collectively, the “Promotion Parties”) and their immediate family members (parent, child, sibling, and spouse of each) of and/or persons living in the same household as such individuals (whether related or not) are not eligible to participate. This Sweepstakes is void in all U.S. territories and possessions and where prohibited by law.

SPONSOR: Red Tricycle, Inc. 3001 Bridgeway #432 Sausalito, CA 94965

HOW TO ENTER.

To enter, participants must tweet from a public Twitter account and include both the hashtags #RTHolidaze AND #giveaway in response to the conversation and/or questions which will be posted with the hashtag #RTHolidaze and #giveaway from the Red Tricycle Twitter account (https://www.twitter.com/red_tricycle) during the Sweepstakes Promotion Period beginning December 10, 2019, at 10:00 am PST/1:00 pm ET. 

Sweepstakes ends December 10, 2019, at 11:00 am PST/2:00pm ET. Entry constitutes acceptance of these rules. 

Limit one prize per participant during the entire Promotion Period. 

Automated and/or repetitive electronic submissions (including but not limited to entries made using any script, macro, bot or Sweepstakes service) or creation/use of multiple accounts to enter will be automatically disqualified and transmissions from these or related email or IP addresses may be blocked.

Your entry(ies) shall not: (1) contain trademarks or copyrighted material not owned by participant or used without permission (including, but not limited to, company names and other brand names); (2) use individuals’ names, in whole or in part without permission; (3) refer to public figures; (4) contain profanity, pornographic, or sexual content, content promoting alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco, firearms, or weapons, hateful content of any kind (including racism, sexism, etc.), content that promotes violence or harm to another living creature, or any other offensive, obscene, or inappropriate content; (5) defame, misrepresent, or contain disparaging remarks about other people or companies, including, but not limited to Sponsor; (6) promote a political agenda regardless of the political affiliation; or (7) contain materials embodying the names or other identifying elements of any person, living or dead, without permission.

Entries that do not comply will be disqualified from the Sweepstakes. All decisions of the Sponsor are final and binding.

Any entry information collected from the Sweepstakes shall be used only in a manner consistent with these Official Rules and the consent given by participants at the time of entry and/or at the time a prize is awarded, and with Sponsor’s then-current privacy policy.

WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION.

A random draw will be made by Red Tricycle on the date of the Promotion Closing Date from all eligible entries received to select the prize winner(s). Selected entrants will be notified via a public tweet from the Red Tricycle Twitter page and Red Tricycle will follow up with selected entrants via direct message. Non-winning and/or ineligible participants will not be contacted. Selected entrants will then have three (3) calendar days following receipt thereof to contact Red Tricycle to claim their prize. Should Red Tricycle not receive a reply within three (3) days or should a winner decline the prize offered for any reason or no reason the selected entrant will be deemed to have forfeited any rights to the prize and an alternate potential winner may be selected. Additionally, failure to provide proof of eligibility (if requested), release documents, or other required documentation in a timely manner, or other non-compliance with these Official Rules may result in disqualification, forfeiture of the prize and, at Sponsor’s sole discretion, selection of an alternate eligible entrant for the forfeited prize in accordance with these Official Rules, who will be subject to disqualification in the same manner. (After five (5) such alternate potential winners have been selected without securing an eligible winner, the prize may remain un-awarded.) Upon contacting a potential winner and determining that he/she has met all eligibility requirements of the Promotion, including without limitation the execution of required waivers, publicity and liability releases and disclaimers, such individual will be declared the “winner” of the Promotion. All decisions are final. Neither Red Tricycle nor Amazon is responsible for misdirected or undeliverable notifications or for any claims, losses, expenses or liabilities arising out of an entrant’s participation in this Promotion or use of any prize.

PRIZE DESCRIPTION. 

Prizes:

Four (4) $25 gift cards to amazon.com available to be won. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of each Prize: $25. 

One (1) Grand Prize $100 gift card to amazon.com (ARV $100) PLUS 1 Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Edition tablet available to be won (ARV $200). Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”) of Grand Prize: $300

Total ARV of all prizes: $400

These prizes will be awarded to participants chosen as outlined in the WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION section.

TAXES. All federal, state and/or local income and other taxes, if applicable, are the winner’s sole responsibility.

ODDS OF WINNING. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received during the promotion period from participants. Winners must provide contact information to ship prize. Failure to respond to prize notification or provide required information may result in forfeiture of the prize as outlined in WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION section.

NO PRIZE TRANSFER OR SUBSTITUTION. No prize or any portion thereof is transferable or redeemable for cash. Any portion of the prize that is not used is forfeited. No substitutions for prize.

CONSENT AND RELEASE. By entering the Sweepstakes Promotion, each entrant releases and discharges the Sponsors and any other party associated (including Promotional Partner(s)) with the development or administration of this Promotion, their parent, subsidiary, and affiliated entities, and each of their respective officers, directors, members, shareholders, employees, independent contractors, agents, representatives, successors and assigns (collectively, “Sponsor Entities”), from any and all liability whatsoever in connection with this Promotion, including without limitation legal claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages, demands or actions of any kind (including without limitation personal injuries, death, damage to, loss or destruction or property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation, or portrayal in a false light) (collectively, “Claims”). Except where prohibited: (i) acceptance of a prize constitutes the consent of any winner, without further compensation, to use the name and likeness of such winner for editorial, advertising and publicity purposes by the Sponsor (Red Tricycle), Promotional Partner(s) (Amazon) and/or others authorized by the Sponsor; (ii) acceptance of a prize constitutes a release by any winner of the Sponsor Entities of any and all Claims in connection with the administration of this Promotion and the use, misuse, or possession of any prize; (iii) any potential winner may be required to sign an affidavit of eligibility (including social security number) and a liability/publicity release; and (iv) if prize involves travel or activities, any potential winner and travel companion (if applicable) may be required to execute releases of the Sponsor from any and all liability with respect to participation in such travel/activities and/or use of the prize. Entrants agree to abide by these Official Rules.

DISCLAIMERS. (i) Sponsor not responsible for entries that are lost, late, misdirected, incorrect, garbled, or incompletely received, for any reason, including by reason of hardware, software, browser, or network failure, malfunction, congestion, or incompatibility at Sponsor’s servers or elsewhere. In the event of a dispute, entries will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the Twitter account at the time of entry. “Authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address or social media account by an Internet Access Provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational institute) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses or accounts for the domain or service associated with the submitted e-mail address or account. (ii) Sponsor, in its sole discretion, reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process or the operation of the web site or otherwise attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Promotion. Use of bots or other automated processes or multiple accounts to enter is prohibited and may result in disqualification at the sole discretion of Sponsor. (iii) Sponsor further reserves the right to cancel, terminate or modify the Promotion if it is not capable of completion as planned, including by reason of infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, force majeure or technical failures of any sort. (iv) Sponsor Entities are not responsible for errors in the administration or fulfillment of this Promotion, including without limitation mechanical, human, printing, distribution or production errors, and may modify or cancel this Promotion based upon such error at its sole discretion without liability. In no event will Sponsor be responsible for awarding more than the number of prizes specified in these rules. (v) SPONSOR ENTITIES MAKE NO WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR GUARANTEES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN FACT, OR IN LAW, AS REGARDS THIS PROMOTION OR THE MERCHANTABILITY, QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE REGARDING ANY PRIZE OR ANY COMPONENT OF ANY PRIZE. (vi) CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE THE WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS PROMOTION MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND/OR CIVIL LAWS, AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES AND DAMAGES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ATTORNEYS’ FEES) FROM ANY SUCH ENTRANT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW, INCLUDING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. (vi) The value(s) of the prize(s) set forth above represent Sponsor’s good faith determination of the approximate retail value(s) thereof; the actual fair market value(s) as ultimately determined by Sponsor are final and binding and cannot be challenged or appealed. In the event the stated approximate retail value(s) of a prize is more than the actual fair market value of that prize, the difference will not be awarded in cash or otherwise. No substitution or compensation will be given for any portion of the prize that is not used.

GENERAL: This contest is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Twitter. Neither Red Tricycle, Amazon nor their affiliates will have any liability whatsoever for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind caused by any prize or resulting from acceptance, possession, use and/or misuse of any prize or participation in these promotions. By participating in this promotion, entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules and the decisions of Red Tricycle, which are final and binding in all respects. Red Tricycle is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer or in administration of the promotion.

APPLICABLE LAWS AND JURISDICTION. This Promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Issues concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules shall be governed by the laws of California, without regard to any principles of conflict of laws. All disputes arising out of or connected with this Promotion will be resolved individually, and without resort to class action, exclusively by a state or federal court located within California. Should there be a conflict between the laws of California and any other laws, the conflict will be resolved in favor of the laws of California. To the extent permitted by applicable law, all judgments or awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket damages (excluding attorneys’ fees) associated with participation in this Promotion and shall not include any indirect, punitive, incidental and/or consequential damages.

 

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Real Trees, Real Memories Photo Contest Official Rules

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

HOW TO ENTER: The Contest (“Contest”) will run from 11/18/2019 at 12:00 a.m. PST to 12/25/2019 at 11:59 p.m. PST and will run on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Any entries received after the contest has closed will not be included in the Contest. In order to enter the contest, participants are required to do the following:

  • Post a photo or a video of your family’s real Christmas tree memory-making experience to a public account on one of the following social platforms: Instagram, Twitter or Facebook
  • Include #RealTreesRealMemories and #Contest in the post

OR

  • Post a photo or a video of your family’s real Christmas tree memory-making experience in the comments of the contest post on the Red Tricycle Facebook page or the It’s Christmas. Keep It Real. Facebook Page

Photographs and videos must be in digital format. Only online entries will be eligible. No print or film submissions will be accepted for entry into this Contest. Entries are limited to one entry per person per day. Any use of automated or programmed methods of effecting entry is prohibited.

ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and District of Columbia who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Employees or Sponsor, their affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to win the prize package.

SPONSOR: This Contest is sponsored by the Christmas Tree Promotion Board (“Sponsor”). Sponsor reserves the right to cancel the Contest at any time and substitute another promotion in its place. The Sponsor is deemed to be the party providing the prize package for this Contest. The Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment within 30 days of the winner providing requested mailing information. If winner does not receive prize within 45 days, the winner is to email Red Tricycle for follow up (kenzie@tinybeans.go-vip.net). The winner forgoes any prizes after 180 days without follow up.

WINNERS SELECTION: Four weekly winners will be selected throughout the Contest period. One grand prize winner will be selected within 72 hours after the close of the Contest period from among all eligible entries received during the Contest.

Winners will be determined by Red Tricycle and Sponsor. Entries for weekly winners and grand prize winner will be judged on the following criteria:

(33%) Creativity – we want to see you and your family having fun!

(33%) Image quality – make sure we can see the fresh tree!

(34%) Adherence to Theme – Remember, this is all about real Christmas trees and making real family memories!

Weekly winners will be selected from submissions received between the following dates: November 18- December 1, December 2-December 8, December 9-December 15, and December 16-December 22.

Grand prize winner will be selected from all entries received during the Contest from November 18-December 25th.

Winners will have 72 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected. A list of winners can be requested at any time by contacting kenzie@tinybeans.go-vip.net. Red Tricycle is not responsible for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind, or inaccurate transmissions of or failure to receive winner’s emailed information on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet, email being inadvertently flagged as junk or other email form, or at any website or any combination thereof. Every reasonable attempt will be exhausted prior to prize forfeiture and a new winner being selected, including, but not limited to review of all sub-folders and accounts where emails may inadvertently be directed.

PRIZES/APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE: Prize is valued as follows: ONE (1) GRAND PRIZE: One (1) gift card valued at $1,000. Grand prize winner will be required to submit an IRS W9 form. FOUR (4) WEEKLY PRIZES: One (1) gift card valued at $250.

GENERAL: Subject to all federal, state and local laws/regulations. This contest is not sponsored, endorsed or administered by Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. Neither Red Tricycle nor their affiliates will have any liability whatsoever for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind caused by any prize or resulting from acceptance, possession, use and/or misuse of any prize or participation in these promotions. By participating in this promotion, entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules and the decisions of Red Tricycle, which are final and binding in all respects. Red Tricycle is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer or in administration of the promotion.

INTERNET: Red Tricycle is not responsible for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind, or inaccurate transmissions of or failure to receive entry information by Red Tricycle on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website or any combination thereof. If for any reason the promotions are not capable of running as planned for any reason Red Tricycle reserves the right in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Contest and select the winners by random drawing from among all eligible entries received from all methods combined up to the point of the action taken by the Red Tricycle.

CONTEST ENTRY REQUIREMENTS & CONDITIONS: All Contest Entries must comply with the following minimum guidelines to be eligible:

  • Only entries featuring real, natural trees, submitted via the above-mentioned means of entries will be accepted.
  • Entrant must have express written permission from any individuals that appear in the Submission.  If Submission features a minor under the age of majority in his/her state of residence, you must obtain written permission from the minor’s legal guardian.
  • Entrant must be a registered user of Instagram to submit an Instagram Entry or a registered user of Facebook to submit a Facebook Entry or a registered user of Twitter to submit a Twitter Entry and must comply with each respective company’s Terms of Use in order to enter the Contest.
  • Submissions on public Instagram, Facebook or Twitter accounts must include #RealTreesRealMemories and #Contest to be eligible
  • Submission must conform to the format and size requirements and limitations of Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.
  • Submission cannot contain content that is irrelevant to the purpose of the Contest.
  • Once a Submission has been submitted, it cannot be modified or deleted by Entrant.
  • Each submitted Submission must be original.
  • No duplicate Submission or substantially similar Submission, as determined by the Sponsor’s in its sole discretion, may be submitted.
  • By submitting a Submission taken by a third party, Entrant warrants and represents that he/she has secured all rights and clearances to the Submission from the photographer or videographer.
  • Entry and Submission cannot be profane, pornographic, sexually explicit or suggestive or contain nudity.
  • Entry and Submission cannot be violent or promote firearms/weapons.
  • Entry and Submission cannot promote alcohol, illegal drugs or tobacco.
  • Entry and Submission cannot defame, misrepresent or contain disparaging remarks about people, brands, products or companies.
  • Entry and Submission cannot contain content that defaces or depicts any person, brand, product or company in a negative or inappropriate manner.
  • Entry and Submission cannot be obscene or offensive, endorse any form of hate or hate group or be derogatory to any ethic, racial, gender, religious, professional or age group.
  • Entry and Submission cannot reference or contain materials embodying copyrighted images, names, likenesses or other indicia identifying any brand, products, company or person, living or dead, without permission.
  • Entry and Submission cannot communicate messages or images inconsistent with the positive images and/or goodwill to which Sponsor, Instagram and Facebook wish to associate.
  • Entry and Submission cannot depict illegal activity and cannot itself be in violation of any law.
  • Entry and Submission cannot in any way reference persons or organizations without written permission from any person or organization whose name or likeness is used.
  • Entry and Submission may not include images of a known celebrity, famous or well-known person or any image which violates the right of privacy or publicity of any person.

 

By submitting a Contest Entry, Contest Entrant warrants and represents that: (a) Contest Entry does not infringe upon the copyrights, trademarks, rights of privacy, publicity or other intellectual property or other legal or moral rights of any person or entity; (b) Contest Entrant owns all rights to the Contest Entry, including without limitation, copyrights, and has received prior written permission from a third party if any Submission was photographed or videoed by someone other than the Contest Entrant him/herself; and (c) Contest Entrant will indemnify and hold harmless the Sponsor, Administrator and related entities, agents and assigns from any claims and damages (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from or relating to the breach or alleged breach of your representations and warranties herein, the Contest Entry, or Contest Entrant’s conduct in creating the Contest Entry, the acceptance or use of any prize or otherwise in connection with this Contest.

 

PHOTO SUBMISSIONS/RELEASES: If the photograph or video submission contains any material or elements that are not owned by the entrant and/or which are subject to the rights of third parties, and/or if any persons appear in the photograph or video, the entrant is responsible for obtaining, prior to submission of the photograph or video, any and all releases and consents necessary to permit the exhibition and use of the photograph or video in the manner set forth in these Official Rules without additional compensation. By participating in the Contest, participants give Sponsor and Red Tricycle the right to share participant’s images, videos and text.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: By entering this Contest, all entrants agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless Sponsor from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of their participation in this Contest or any Contest-related activities and the acceptance and use, misuse, or possession of any prize awarded hereunder. Red Tricycle assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, or delay in operation or transmission; communications line failure; theft or destruction of or unauthorized access to Contest entries or entry forms; or alteration of entries or entry forms. Sponsor is not responsible for any problems with or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any entry to be received on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website, human errors of any kind, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to entrants’ or any other persons’ computers related to or resulting from participation, uploading or downloading of any materials related to in this Contest.

RIGHT TO CANCEL OR SUSPEND CONTEST: If for any reason the Contest is not capable of running as planned, due to infection by computer virus, bugs, worms, trojan horses, denial of service attacks, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsor that corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Contest, Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual(s) who tamper with the entry process, and/or to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Contest.

AMENDMENT: Any and all rules and regulations stated within, may be amended for a specific Contest to be in compliance with the rules and regulations of a specific Sponsor. Any amendment of rules and regulations will be stated in the Contest post.

PRIVACY POLICY/DATA COLLECTION: Information provided by you for this Contest is subject to Sponsor’s privacy policy located at https://tinybeans.com/privacy-policy/ (“Privacy Policy”)

 

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Amazon Five Days of Gratitude Photo Challenge Official Rules

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

PHOTO CHALLENGE SWEEPSTAKES OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

HOW TO ENTER: The Photo Challenge Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) will run from 11/04/2019 at 12:00 a.m PST to 11/8/2019 at 11:59 p.m. PST (“Sweepstakes Period”) and will run on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Any entries received after the Sweepstakes has closed will not be included in the Sweepstakes. In order to enter for a chance to win the grand prize, participants are required to do the following: Post a photo to one of the following social platforms: Instagram, Twitter or Facebook from a public account each day of the five-day sweepstakes following along with the specific themes and using the official Sweepstakes hashtag displayed on the Sweepstakes website and on applicable social media pages. Daily themes are as follows:

Monday, 11/4: Person You’re Grateful For

Tuesday, 11/5: Place You’re Grateful For

Wednesday 11/6: Thing You’re Grateful For

Thursday 11/7: Throwback of Giving Back

Friday 11/8: Random Act of Kindness

Photographs must be in digital format. Only online entries will be eligible. No print or film submissions will be accepted for entry into this Sweepstakes. Entries are limited to one entry per person per household per day. Any use of automated or programmed methods of effecting entry is prohibited. To be considered for the Grand Prize, the participant must have participated in all five daily themes of the Photo Challenge Sweepstakes, but photo do not need to be posted on the days listed for the themes. To be entered into the daily prize sweepstakes, participants must enter one photo on either Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with the daily outlined theme between 12:00 AM and 11:59 PM of that day and include the Sweepstakes hashtag with their entry.

ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of the District of Columbia and the United States (excluding residents of Rhode Island) who are 18 years of age or older at time of entry. Employees or Sponsor, their affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotion agencies and their immediate family members and/or those living in the same household of each are not eligible to win the prize package.

WINNERS SELECTION: Winners will be selected within 72 hours after the close of the Sweepstakes Period from among all eligible entries received during the Sweepstakes. Winners will be determined at random by a Red Tricycle employee. Winners will be contacted via email or direct message from Red Tricycle. Winners may be required to complete an Affidavit of Eligibility and any other documents required by Sponsor (unless prohibited by law). Winners will have 24  hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be selected at random from among the remaining eligible entries. A list of winners may be requested at any time by contacting kenzie@tinybeans.go-vip.net. Red Tricycle is not responsible for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind, or inaccurate transmissions of or failure to receive winner’s emailed information on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet, email being inadvertently flagged as junk or other email form, or at any website or any combination thereof. Every reasonable attempt will be exhausted prior to prize forfeiture and a new winner being selected, including, but not limited to review of all sub-folders and accounts where emails may inadvertently be directed.

PRIZES/APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUE: Prize is valued as follows: ONE (1) GRAND PRIZE: One (1) gift card valued at $500 and an Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet of an approximate retail value (“ARV”) of $200.  Total Grand Prize ARV: $700. FIVE (5) DAILY PRIZES: Amazon Fire Kids Edition Tablet with an ARV of $200. Odds of winning prize are dependent upon the total number of eligible entries received for consideration of the Grand Prize or for each of the daily themes. Prizing is sponsored by Amazon. Red Tricycle reserves the right in its sole and absolute discretion to award a substitute prize of equal or greater value if a prize described in these Official Rules is unavailable or cannot be awarded, in whole or in part, for any reason. The ARV of the prize represents Sponsor’s good faith determination. That determination is final and binding and cannot be appealed. Sponsor makes no representation or warranty concerning the appearance, safety or performance of any prize awarded. Restrictions, conditions, and limitations may apply. Sponsor will not replace any lost or stolen prize items.

GENERAL: Subject to all federal, state and local laws/regulations. Neither Red Tricycle nor their affiliates will have any liability whatsoever for any injuries, losses or damages of any kind caused by any prize or resulting from acceptance, possession, use and/or misuse of any prize or participation in these promotions. By participating in this promotion, entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules and the decisions of Red Tricycle, which are final and binding in all respects. Red Tricycle is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer or in administration of the promotion.

INTERNET: Red Tricycle is not responsible for electronic transmission errors resulting in omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operations or transmission or alterations of entry materials, or for technical, network, telephone equipment, electronic, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or limitations of any kind, or inaccurate transmissions of or failure to receive entry information by Red Tricycle on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website or any combination thereof. If for any reason the promotions are not capable of running as planned for any reason Red Tricycle reserves the right in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes and select the winners by random drawing from among all eligible entries received from all methods combined up to the point of the action taken by the Red Tricycle.

SPONSOR: This Sweepstakes is sponsored by Red Tricycle (“Sponsor”). Sponsor reserves the right to cancel the Sweepstakes at any time as set forth below under RIGHT TO CANCEL OR SUSPEND SWEEPSTAKES and substitute another promotion in its place. The Sponsor is the party providing the prize package for this Sweepstakes. The Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment within 30 days of the winner providing requested mailing information. If winner does not receive prize within 45 days, the winner is to email Red Tricycle for follow up (kenzie@tinybeans.go-vip.net). The winner forgoes any prizes after 180 days without follow up.  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, (“Uninvolved Parties”) are not sponsors of this Sweepstakes and have no involvement with in its operation or administration. Entrants should direct all inquiries in connection with the Sweepstakes to Sponsor.

PHOTO SUBMISSIONS/RELEASES: If the photograph contains any material or elements that are not owned by the entrant and/or which are subject to the rights of third parties, and/or if any persons appear in the photograph, the entrant is responsible for obtaining, prior to submission of the photograph, any and all releases and consents necessary to permit the exhibition and use of the photograph in the manner set forth in these Official Rules without additional compensation. Except where prohibited by law, each winner grants (and agrees to confirm that grant in writing) permission for the Promotion Entities, their advertising and promotional agencies, and those acting under its authority to use such winner’s name, photograph, voice and/or likeness, for advertising and/or publicity purposes in connection with or referencing the Sweepstakes in all media now known or hereafter discovered, worldwide and on the world wide web, without notice, review, approval, or additional compensation (“Rights Scope”). By participating in the photo challenge and submitting an entry, participants grant to Amazon and Red Tricycle the right to share participant’s Sweepstakes entry images and related text as set forth in the Rights Scope.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: By entering this Sweepstakes, all entrants agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless Sponsor and the Uninvolved Parties from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of their participation in this Sweepstakes or any Sweepstakes-related activities and the acceptance and use, misuse, or possession of any prize awarded hereunder or any third party claim of rights infringement in connection with Sweepstakes entries. Red Tricycle assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, or delay in operation or transmission; communications line failure; theft or destruction of or unauthorized access to Sweepstakes entries or entry forms; or alteration of entries or entry forms. Sponsor is not responsible for any problems with or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer online systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any entry to be received on account of technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any website, human errors of any kind, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to entrants’ or any other persons’ computers related to or resulting from participation, uploading or downloading of any materials related to in this Sweepstakes.

RIGHT TO CANCEL OR SUSPEND SWEEPSTAKES: If for any reason the Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, due to infection by computer virus, bugs, worms, trojan horses, denial of service attacks, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of Sponsor that corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this Sweepstakes, Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual(s) who tamper with the entry process, and/or to cancel, terminate, modify, or suspend the Sweepstakes.

PRIVACY POLICY/DATA COLLECTION: Information provided by you for this Sweepstakes is subject to Red Tricycle’s privacy policy located at https://tinybeans.com/privacy-policy/ (“Privacy Policy”)

 

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