Get your little turkey ready for Thanksgiving. Hello Bello just launched their newest, festive monthly Diaper Bundle Box for November. The limited-edition November box can be easily transformed into a cardboard Turkey right before your eyes.
These turkey boxes will be arriving on the doorsteps of bundlers all month long for gobbles of fun at home. The box even comes with an activity for extra fun. Use the tail-feathers to write down what your whole family is thankful for this year.
As part of the brands quest to become more eco conscious, these November boxes are now made of 100% recycled materials which in turn the company estimates will save on thousands of mature trees, kilowatts of energy and gallons of water.
Hello Bello diaper bundles start at just $65 for 7 packs of diapers. With several new diaper prints and patterns bundling is the perfect way to save while the adorable boxes provide a fun activity that the entire family can enjoy.
What if there was a DIY Worry Box that helped reduce your child’s worry, improved her sleep, and gave you a fun activity to do with her? What if the idea behind the craft was based on research-based strategies that successfully lowered anxiety? Would you be interested? Of course!
More than ever, we need help reducing our anxiety. Research shows that the mental health toll on children (and their parents) from the pandemic is growing. In other words, our children are showing ever more symptoms of anxiety, poor sleep, and feeling lonely and uncertain. With online school, we expect anxiety to only get worse. In addition, many parents are with their children 24/7 and are desperate for activities that will calm their kids. A DIY Worry Box offers a way to keep the worries in check, improve sleep, AND make a fun craft.
As a child psychologist who specialized in work with anxious children, I often had kids write down their worries and put the paper in a “Worry Box.” The relief for most children was immediate because they could name their worry, write it down, and then put the paper into a closed container. The worry was contained and felt more manageable. Initially, I used a simple box with a lid and named it the Worry Box. With the writing of my children’s book on worry, the Worry Box was enhanced to be a child-created monster that can be as unique, crazy, or silly as the child wants.
The simple-sounding idea of putting a written worry in a Worry Box (containment) comes from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is widely regarded as the most effective way to manage anxiety in both children and adults. Before learning to make the Worry Box, let’s learn more about containment and why it is so effective.
Containment
Containment is one of the basic principles of CBT. An analogy can help to understand it better. Imagine a yellow dandelion flower. The immature seeds are contained within the yellow flower and are not reproducing. But when the flower changes to a white fluffy seedhead, the mature seeds scatter in the wind.The seeds are no longer contained and they spread everywhere! Soon there are hundreds of new dandelions. If only you could contain all those seeds before they spread.
Now imagine that the mature dandelion seeds are worries. With the slightest provocation and without a container, worries can scatter everywhere. The worries can spread to bother a child (or an adult) anywhere and anytime. If you were just able to hold the worries in a container, they would feel manageable. You know you CANNOT contain mature dandelion seeds, but you CAN contain worries!
How to Make a Worry Box
Children will feel more in control (and have fun) if they are the ones to make their own container to hold their worries. You can make a worry box out of any kind of container. This Worry Box is designed to look similar to the big green Worry Monster in the author’s book. The difference between a Worry Box and Worry Monster is that the Worry Box holds your worries for you (a good thing) and the Worry Monster takes the worries in so he can grow bigger and scare you more (not so good).
For this Worry Box, supplies include a tissue box, chenille pipe cleaners, wiggle eyes, glue, an egg carton, acrylic paint, markers, stapler, puffballs, and foam sheets.
1. Paint the tissue box with acrylic.
2. Cut the foam to make teeth and hands.
3. Stick pipe cleaners into the box sides for arms and then staple the hands to the arms.
4. Cut and glue an egg carton for the top of head and glue on eyes.
5. Stick a pipe cleaner in for the sign and write “FEED ME WORRIES!”.
That’s it! A tutorial on how to make the box will be available on my website.
Your monster could be any color and have anything added to it. There are endless ideas on the internet. Let this monster be your child’s creation. The important concept is to have a mouth or a slot where your child can insert a paper with a written or drawn worry.
How to Use a Worry Monster Box
The Worry Box is ideal for preschoolers through teens. After the box is made, show your child how to use it. Tell her that when a worry pops up, she can write or draw the worry to put into the monster’s mouth. If necessary, you can write the worry for her, but you shouldn’t get into a big discussion about the worry at that time. The main ideas are that the child is learning to contain her worry with very little adult help and the worry is being released from the child into a container. Tell your child that any number of worries, big or small, can be put in the monster’s mouth.
Ideally don’t peek at the worries, instead make it a safe place for your child. Then set up a Worry Time (another form of containment in time) each day to discuss the worries.
To help with sleep, have your child write down her worries just before bedtime and then put them in the Worry Box to be safely held. She can also put the Worry Box under her bed so she can write down worries that might bother her in the middle of the night. Children often have great success with this.
Of course, you want to help your child with his or her worry and sleep problems and you want to have fun with your kids. So get out your crafts and get to work!
Sally Baird, PhD is a retired child psychologist and co-author of a new book titled Shrinking the Worry Monster, A Kids’ Guide for Saying Goodbye to Worries. See her website at www.drsallyb.com. If your child has worries about COVID-19, you may want to read Dr. Sally’s blog on helping kids who worry about the pandemic, school, illness, and so much more!
I am a child psychologist who specializes in children's anxiety. I just published a top seller children's book titled Shrinking the Worry Monster, A Kid's Guide for Saying Goodbye to Worries. I love sharing ideas about decreasing worry in children, especially now. I also love to hike and bike in beautiful Pacific NW.
We are still riding on the excitement of the news of The Proud Family reboot on Disney+. Today, the cast and executive producers participated in a virtual reunion during the NAACP’s Arts, Culture & Entertainment Festival. The panel was moderated by Keke Palmer, who announced that she will be joining the cast for the upcoming series, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder.
Today’s panel featured Kyla Pratt (Penny Proud), Tommy Davidson (Oscar Proud), Paula Jai Parker (Trudy Proud), Jo Marie Payton (Suga Mama) and Cedric the Entertainer (Uncle Bobby), creator/executive producer Bruce W. Smith and executive producer Ralph Farquhar. Their conversation included reminiscing about the cultural impact of the Disney Channel series which premiered 18 years ago, and a glimpse of the exciting new series coming exclusively to Disney+.
Palmer will play the role of Maya Leibowitz-Jenkins, a 14-year-old activist who relentlessly marches to the beat of her own drum. She is extremely mature for her age and will not hesitate to shut anyone down with her blunt honesty and wisdom. The adopted daughter of mixed race parents, Maya is new to town, and initially disassociates herself from Penny and her crew because she is skeptical about what she perceives to be the superficiality of social cliques. However, Penny eventually gains her hard-earned respect and the two become good friends.
Picking up the story of its central character Penny Proud, The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder will also include her family: parents Oscar and Trudy, twin siblings BeBe and CeCe, and her grandmother Suga Mama (and Puff!). Penny’s loyal friends Dijonay Jones, LaCienega Boulevardez and Zoey Howzer will also be returning.
All seasons of The Proud Family are currently available on Disney+. The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder is currently in production.
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!
Who needs flowers when you can have cheese? Actually, you can surprise your mom with both this Mother’s Day. Starting May 6, ALDI is releasing two varieties of cheese that everyone is sure to love.
You can choose from two adorably shaped cheeses that come in unique flavors. One is a classic English Style Mature Cheddar and the other is a Wensleydale Strawberry Prosecco. Pop them on a cheese board as the perfect accent to your brunch buffet or breakfast in bed.
So, I’ve done the infant thing, toddler thing, pre-school thing…all the way through the teen thing. And if wisdom means knowing what you don’t know, well then parenting has turned me into a side-eye sage. Apparently, I’m wise as all get out because I pretty much didn’t know shitake through most ages and stages of raising my kin.
But alas, I am a survivor. And thank Mr. God, my kids are survivors too—which is nothing short of a backyard miracle.
And when your kids are mostly grown-ups, you finally have the time and head space to learn a thing or two from them When your house is empty, it turns out silence speaks. Rather loud sometimes, and that’s a good thing.
Taking the time to reflect and observe the now independent creatures who sucked the life out of your DNA for eighteen years—while also filling you back up with love of course—helps you realize you actually did some things right. Like really right. And before you know it, you might be patting yourself on the back for being a bad a$$ mom!
Here are a few honest lessons for all of us from observing my three twenty-somethings:
1. When observing your grown-up kids loving others with non-judgment and compassion—regardless of differences and acceptable societal “norms”, you realize all the unconditional love you showered on them as kids stayed in their pores.
2. Hearing them discuss adult issues is eye opening and humbling. All the shaping and molding of their morals and character you attempted to do over two decades begins to morph into something greater and more mature than you envisioned. If you listen closely, you might even grow into a healthier world view yourself.
3. Having conversations with them over the phone opens up a Pandora’s Box of new beginnings for your relationship. There’s something to be said for eliminating body language from the mix of communication. Specifically the eye rolling, teeth gritting, and red facing tendencies. And that’s just the parents.
4. Seeing them try, even if they fail and flounder for a while, means you for sure did something right. Doing something, anything is the first step in the right direction. Expecting them to have their life figured out and a grand financial plan Excelled out over the next decade is unrealistic. We had no clue what we wanted to do or how we were going to do it in our early twenties. Yet, here we are, and in they came, and off they went.
So, it turns out all our worrying, vexing, freaking out, doubting is a colossal waste of time. The important stuff mostly sticks, and what doesn’t our adult kids will figure out while walking along their own yellow brick road.
Just like we did.
And when they can’t, they might call us.
And we’ll be there.
What is your young adult teaching you?
Listen to the sound of silence, crazy Mommas!
_____________
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As a boy mom myself, I always bristle a little when I hear media reports of a “boy achievement crisis.” Every few months it seems we hear some high-profile news articles that discuss the state of boys’ educational achievement. Some authors point out that boys have fallen behind girls in many measures of academic achievement such as grades, Advanced Placement exam completion, and college graduation rates.
Many attribute these statistics to a couple of primary factors: (1) differences in boys “noncognitive” skills such as attentiveness, persistence, and self-control; and (2) the types of messages boys receive about their academic capabilities. Let’s briefly consider each of these factors and see if we can understand what might be going on with boys’ achievement patterns.
“Noncognitive Skills”
First off, it is well-documented that certain “noncognitive skills” are very important to any child’s long-term success. Most recently well-known authors Ellen Galinsky and Paul Tough have make compelling cases in their books about the importance of these skills. These skills include things like attentiveness, persistence, self-control, and curiosity. Generally speaking, it is true that young boys often take longer to develop these skills compared to young girls. However, this is not to say that boys cannot or do not develop these skills as they mature. Research is showing us now that how parents’ react to boys’ strong emotions and how they develop language can both relate to their development of self-regulation.
The development of these skills is important not only for their direct usefulness in the classroom (and life), but also because of their role in adults’ perception of children, especially boys. Some studies have shown that teachers rate boys as less proficient when they lack these “noncognitive” skills, even when their actual test scores are similar to girls.
Stereotypes for Boys
This concern with perception is important for understanding the second factor that seems to be at play in the underachievement of boys. At least one study has found that boys as young as 7 years old associate poor school performance or behavior with boys, rather than girls. Similarly, girls as young as 4 years old also make this association. In other words, at a young age both boys and girls hold a stereotype that boys do less well in school.
Interestingly, in a related line of research, scholars have shown that this underachievement stereotype for boys is particularly prevalent and damaging to boys from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Among these boys, they are often ridiculed if they achieve in academic pursuits. Instead, skills such as being tough or athletic are often more highly valued socially. By comparison, boys from middle- or upper-income backgrounds tend to more often value educational achievement. Studies like this suggest that the so-called “gender gap” in educational achievement is really more of a “class gap.”
The good news is that it does seem possible to counteract these underachievement stereotypes. In a follow-up study, researchers found that when kids were told boys and girls could do equally well in school, boys achievement went up, while girls’ performance was not affected.
As you can tell from all this research, the issue of boys’ underachievement is a complex one. There may be some differences in young children’s noncognitive skills, yet these seem to be exacerbated by long-standing stereotypes of boys’ underachievement. It seems schools and parents need to work together to help overcome this issue and help all boys achieve to their highest potential.
School settings can help foster the development of these noncognitive skills as well as make classrooms more conducive to boys (especially young boys) need for movement and physical exertion. Practices such as eliminating recess or encouraging long periods of desk time do not typically fit well with young boys’ boundless energy.
Additionally parents and teachers should be aware of these stereotypes and try to combat them whenever possible. All students should be expected and encouraged to do their best academically with an understanding that the knowledge and skills they learn will help them throughout their lives.
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Amy is a scholar turned stay-at-home mom of two young boys. When she's not stepping on Legos, she writes at The Thoughtful Parent. With this blog she brings child development research into the lives of parents in the trenches of child-rearing.
Merry Cheese-mis to all! Aldi has three new holiday-shaped cheeses and two holiday cheese ornaments!
The fabulously festive cheese choices include everything from snowmen cheddar chunks with caramelized onions to cheddar with port wine—and so much more. So if you need a cheesy treat, check out these awesome options.
Mature Cheddar Cheese
Are you in the mood for something sophisticated? This star-shaped Mature Cheddar debuts Dec. 4 and is everything you need ($3.99).
Cheddar Cheese with Port Wine
This delish cheese ($3.99) is nestled inside a Santa suit! Nab one for yourself starting Dec. 4.
Cheddar Cheese with Caramelized Onion
This sweet snowman is filled with a savory cheese and onion combo. Pick up yours in Aldi stores for $3.99, starting Dec. 4.
Holiday Cheese Christmas Tree Ornament
Deck the halls with the Emporium Selection Christmas tree ornament ($4.99). These cheese-filled ornaments are available in Aldi stores starting Dec. 4.
Snowflake Holiday Cheese Ornament
The Emporium Selections ornament ($4.99) features a sweet snowflake on the front and a tasty treat inside. Get yours starting Dec. 4.
My daughter left her homework sitting on the counter this morning. Which is not where I told her to put it—in her folder. When she realized she left it at home, she said “I thought you were going to put it away for me. Can you drop it off later?” I hesitated because I always want my girl to have what she needs, but then I realized this was the perfect opportunity to let her fail, to make a mistake, and in turn, learn how to be more responsible. It’s hard for parents to do this. My husband even said after I told him, “Can’t you just take it to her this one time?” I wanted to, but this one time will turn into one more time, and then it’ll be every time.
It’s an easy pattern to adapt. After all, your kids are your babies; your gut instinct is to shield them from the big bad world. It’s that mentality, though, that has gotten us to where we are in time, as lawnmower, snowplow or curling parents, or whatever term we’re using for when we clear the path for our kids, so they have no troubles to face, and no challenges to overcome. Unfortunately, studies have shown these tactics don’t necessarily raise capable, responsible humans.
Yes, she was mad at me, and yes, I felt bad for her, and even though I know we will always be close and have a strong bond, I also know I am not her friend. I am her mother. I am her general, preparing her for the battle we call life. If I fix it for her now, what will I be fixing in five years? In 10? In 20? These small failures, at this young age, are the most important ones she can have because when it comes time for the big stuff, she’ll know what she needs to do to succeed. It’s called having life skills, and who else is going to teach my kids? From homework to waking up on her own, I have a feeling this year, her tenth year of life, in the fourth grade, is going to be the year where I begin her training.
Will she understand what I’m trying to do? Probably not at this stage in the game. I’m going to be up against a lot of “You’re so mean!” and “I don’t understand why you won’t let me!” and “I need you to do it for me.” I love my daughter, and when she’s frustrated with me, it’s not fun. Parenting isn’t always supposed to be fun, though. Parenting is also about remembering what my ultimate job is, and knowing that when she gets older and is a capable, mature, and hopefully, successful young adult, she’ll look back and appreciate the lessons I taught her, even the small ones like dealing with her first homework packet in the fourth grade.
Gabby Cullen is a Northern California native transplanted in the Dallas, Texas area. The proud mama of a pixie princess (2009) and a lil' man (2013), she's also a reader, writer, thinker, dancer, and nature lover. On weekends, she can be found out and about, seeking the most awesome family adventures.
Discovering the joys of Harry Potter is a rite of passage for kids today. Since J.K. Rowling released Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone more than 20 years ago, kids have been devouring the books, watching the movies, and—at least for superfans—playing games and apps and visiting websites devoted to the young wizard. One of the delights of discovering Harry Potter is that you see him grow up. But along with that, the subject matter of the books and movies gets scarier, the villains get viler, and beloved characters die.
If your family is just getting into this magical world, here’s a quick age guide for enjoying Harry Potter with your kids. Keep in mind that all kids are different, so assess your child’s ability to handle fright and peril before you see the movies or read the books.
7–9: A great age to begin (for younger kids, consider reading aloud together).
Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.
