ML Interest Tag: solidarity

L’Eggo the Chaos of Mornings & Get Free Waffles

by Jennifer Swartvagher

When it comes to getting the kids up and ready for the day, mornings can be tough. Eggo’s new tagline L’Eggo With Eggo encourages parents to let go of the morning mayhem and embrace small wins. The brand will also be giving away one million waffles over the course of 2021 to help parents turn messy mornings into some semblance of calm.

L'Eggo With Eggo - Shawn Johnson East & Andrew East

According to social media conversations, parents are 40% less positive about breakfast when it involves their kids. Eggo wants to turn that stat around. 

“For years the ‘L’Eggo My Eggo’ slogan has been about conflict,” said Laura Newman, Marketing Director with Eggo. “But in truth, Eggo is often the one thing parents and their kids can agree on during hectic mornings. That’s why we’ve created a new tagline: ‘L’Eggo With Eggo’. It’s time for Eggo to embrace its role as the morning win that it is, because small wins can make parents feel like heroes.”

Since parents often jump on social media to vent about their morning mishaps, Eggo is partnering with a hype squad of celebrity parents including actress Melissa Joan Hart, gymnast and entrepreneur Shawn Johnson and pro football star Mark Ingram II to surprise parents with personalized social videos that show solidarity and encourage them to L’Eggo With Eggo. 

Parents often hop on social media to vent about their morning mishaps, so this year, Eggo is partnering with a hype squad of celebrity parents including actress Melissa Joan Hart, U.S. gymnast and entrepreneur Shawn Johnson East and pro football star Mark Ingram II to surprise parents with personalized social media videos that show solidarity and encourage them to L’Eggo With Eggo.

Follow along on Eggo’s social media channels for details on how to claim a free box of Eggo Waffles on a first come, first serve basis. Because even in the middle of mayhem, Eggo is the one thing both parents and kids can rely on to go right in the morning.

Parents can also join the fun by using #helpmeleggo and sharing their own stories of messy mornings. To learn more about how Eggo is helping parents L’Eggo of high-pressure mornings, visit LEggoWithEggo.com.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Eggo

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To the Special Needs Parents Who Came before Us

By Tabitha Cabrera

When we roll into this new year, it was time to look back at our choices over the last year and reevaluate our goals for change in the new year.

There is no doubt that 2020 will forever be one of the years we all can reflect on.

In 2020 we became special needs parents and discovered both our children carried the medical diagnosis, autism spectrum disorder.

When children are diagnosed, we often hear that the words in no way change who they are. The words on the paper provided a road to services and support they need. The words are only one small part of who they are.

After an autism diagnosis, we fight an inner battle of emotions and dive into learning as much as possible. It can feel overwhelming, and the fear of what the future will hold can suffocate you from the now.

Autism has daily fresh starts. We often watch skills get lost while others form. We open our homes and hearts to strangers who provided resources and sometimes challenging conversations about how we should parent our children. We try what others have for our children and family because they walked through the stage we are in now. I have listened to others stories of diagnosis before there was any awareness or support. I can’t imagine navigating all the systems before the internet age. We have had the opportunity to learn and grow from others paths. They walked the hard roads before awareness and paved the way for us to talk about our experiences.

Before I was given the gift of mothering these spectacular children, I worried about how I could grow as a person and what mark I would leave on this world. After I held both of my children in my arms, my focus shifted outward.

How could I give them everything they needed? What can I pass on to them that will shape who they are?

I wanted to provide a safe landing place they could return to anytime they felt lost. To have an open door I would be standing behind to catch them when they fall. I wanted them to know they would be circled in love and try and accept the choices they made for themselves.

As we parent our children, our mindset often changes based on who they are, and our children help shape what our parenting will be. All parents reach out to those who have come before them for tips and solidarity.

As my focus shifted outward, my hopes of being a security net for my children when they need me haven’t changed. The wide net has expanded to a community that now catch me when I fall.

To the parents who have come before, who talk and share about your experience, thank you. I have learned so much. You have allowed me to learn from your life and to change what I thought this parenting journey would look like with a fresh perspective. To absorb the wins every day, feel the feelings, know that it is normal to sit with them sometimes, snuggle in our children, learn from yours and all your kindness. I will embrace the kindness, learn from the daily fresh starts, and find comfort in your story.

This post originally appeared on www.peaceofautism.com.

Tabitha Cabrera, lives in Arizona with her husband, and two beautiful children. She works as an Attorney and enjoys spending her time in a public service role. The family loves nature and ventures outdoors as much possible. Come check out her little nature babies

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Tiny Birth Stories: 5 Different Experiences of Being Induced

by Danielle Rizzo

Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity. 

Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.

Don’t be a superhero, get the epidural by Cheri M. 

I had envisioned a spontaneous labor, where my water broke, unexpectedly, on the subway during my commute and my husband frantically drove us to the hospital. Instead, I was induced and given the date and time to go to the hospital. My OB broke my water, eight hours after I was given Cytotec. I had a lot of water, a lot. My OB kindly said “the anesthesiologist is available. Listen, every mom is a superhero, get the epidural.” I followed his advice. Eight hours later, 55 minutes of pushing, an episiotomy, my daughter was born. It happened perfectly.

The “fry guy” held my leg by Dawn T.

Eight years ago, I was 36 and he was 40. Old parents by many opinions. When her due date rolled around, it left just as quickly. A week overdue, I spent 4 days in the hospital hooked to a heart monitor, permitted to only drink apple juice. My husband threw a fry to me once. I was induced overnight, crapped on the delivery table with my mom holding one leg, and fry-guy holding the other. She arrived at 9:46 am and we’ve been on her clock ever since.

The patient with the longest labor time by Natalie H.

For my first birth, this past August, I was induced for 4 days before delivering my handsome son! It took me two days just to get to 3 cm dilated. The doctors and nurses tried every medicine and option that one could ever think of. Then, overnight, I was able to dilate from 3cm to 7cm and it took off from there. My doctor said that, in all of her years of practice, I became her patient with the longest labor time.

Induced with twins at 37 weeks by Amanda

When the doctor said to start calling at 6 am to check for available beds, you are showered and awake by 5 am ready to go! I was being induced with twins at 37 weeks, and little did I know they wouldn’t have a bed ready for me until later that evening. When I arrived I was not dilated at all, so I received cervadil and anxiously walked the halls with my also eager husband. The next day, still no progress, another round of cervadil was attempted. Sleeping with leg compressions was pretty difficult, as well as the limited food and drinks due to a possibility of a c-section. Finally on day 3, with the help of pitocin and many hour of pushing, I delivered our son. Thirty-six minutes later came our daughter. Along with their little brother, the twins continue to keep us on our toes ten years later!

Induction that ended in an emergency C-section by Courtney M. 

I was induced at thirty-three weeks. I labored for three days before finally having an emergency c-section due to fever. I had an infection. I gave birth to my handsome son. We spent five weeks in the NICU then got to go home.

11 Things Every Mom Learns with Her Second Child

by Suzanna Logan

Having a child is the best and hardest thing in the world. When you double down (literally) on your parenting skills with a second child, you quickly realize that having two children is the best and hardest thing in the world…times two. Adding another little to your brood means not only having a whole new human to get to know, it also means lots of lessons coming your way. Here are 11 things every mom is sure to learn the second time around the mama-hood.

Christy Blevins

1. No two babies are alike.
When you’re a mom of one, it’s easy to assume every baby is pretty much the same. And, in a sense, it's true. They eat. They sleep. They smile. They cry. But any mom who has experienced a second baby knows that while what they do is the same, how they do it can be wildly different. One baby loves to be swaddled; another prefers arms out. One baby likes a pacifier; another is team thumb. These kinds of nuances in preferences and personalities are what make each baby a totally new adventure. (Note: They may be different on the inside, but on the outside, matching outfits for the win!)

2. Your sanity is worth every penny it will cost to buy double.
Sure, sharing is important—and as a mom of two, you want to instill those life skills…eventually. But for the first few years, it’s better to buy two of every toy, bowl or cup in the exact same color to avoid ending up with a ROY G. BIV-induced toddler meltdown every. single. day.

Haley Ross

3. Energy-saving mode is a thing.
When you’re a mom of one, you have a whole bunch of extra energy to devote to things like battling a toddler over dressing themselves and wearing a ballerina outfit to the grocery store. When you are toting two, your now-more-relaxed self says, “Go ‘head! Rock that, tutu, girl!”

4. The eyes have it.
When you have two little ones heading in a different direction, you quickly realize that popping out a second kid should automatically mean you’re gifted with pigeon-like vision, because, girl, you are going to need eyes in the back of your head to catch all the shenanigans. You won’t be able to stop every fall or prevent every mess, but as a mom of two, you know that staying alert is your first defense against total chaos.

Maddy Riddell

5. Babywearing isn’t just a cool party trick (Look, Ma, no hands!).
Once you’re outnumbered two to one, carrying baby hands-free isn’t a bonus convenience that frees you up to double-fist your coffee, er, be more productive. It’s a basic necessity that allows you to hold baby close while making lunch for a hungry toddler, wiping a bum, or hiking up a mountain. Check out the latest and greatest baby carriers.

6. Life with one kid was easier than you realized.
When you had just one baby, you swore you had no downtime and meant it! But now you realize those precious naptime hours with one were the stuff (sleepy mom) dreams were made of. For solidarity's sake, this one is meant to be experienced, not shared. So, please, mums the word to mums with one baby!

Binxy Baby

7. Being a baby-stuff snob is a must.
With two kids in tow, having the right gear is essential. For example, when you have one baby and go grocery shopping, plopping the car seat into the cart or even schlepping baby through the store on one arm works fine, but with double the fun, you’ve gotta up your gear game. (Like with the nifty Binxy Baby grocery cart hammock!) At the same time, some gear is non-essential (wipes warmer, we’re looking at you!), so you've got to draw the line before you run out of room.

8. Two kids are twice as nice loud.
Remember those sweet moments during the day when baby #1 was peacefully napping? Welp, unless you’re one of the .001% of parents to have children who nap in tandem, you can say so long to mid-day silence. But that doesn’t mean peace and quiet are gone forever; you may just have a little extra company and cuddles during your afternoon cup of coffee.

Dianne Booker

9. Mom of two=superwoman.
Being a mama to two little humans has tough moments—juggling schedules and emotions (theirs and yours), for starters—not to mention when you're actually juggling both kids, one under each arm or balancing them both on your lap. You’re basically a champion multitasker and queen of productivity now, or a fun circus act. But it’s precisely those moments that show you just how strong you are. 

S. Palmer

10. There's no sweeter sight in the world than watching your children love each other. 
Seeing your kiddos interact in a loving way (whether it's a game of giggles or a sincere hug) is the fuel that feeds a mama's heart. Suddenly, having to referee the occasional squabble doesn't seem so bad. There's no better reward to being a mom of two than watching your children's sibling bond blossom into friendship.

11. You’re an old-pro, and a newbie, too.
Sure, you were already in a routine of feeding, changing diapers and doing bedtime, but a new baby—with his/her own needs and wants—entering the scene means starting over. Siblings need the same things: their basic needs met and love tanks filled. But they don’t always need them done at the same time or in the same way. It's the oldest, most important job in the world that teaches you something new every day.

—Suzanna Logan

featured photo: iStock

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Tiny Birth Stories: My Water Broke at a Dive Bar

by Danielle Rizzo

Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity. 

Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.

My daughter is with the band by Roxanne

I was about to go on stage at a dive bar at a friend’s concert, to receive a thank-you gift for supporting them, when my water broke dramatically. I climbed the stairs to the stage and informed my friend quietly. He then shouted in shock into the microphone, “Holy ****, your water just broke!” I greeted the crowd, and announced that I was on my way to the hospital. My daughter was born three hours later, five days before her due date. The band visited us in the maternity ward the next day, and my daughter was featured on their next album cover.

The surprise of twins by Melissa S.

The ultrasound tech says, “oh, I see the problem!” As I try not to panic, she then says, “It’s twins!” So. Many. Emotions. But wait, I’m an identical twin! Twins don’t have twins, it’s supposed to skip a generation. It didn’t and what was supposed to be a birth center birth, became a home birth. Fast forward to 38 weeks plus 3 days at 1:05 am and 1:26 am we welcomed Natalie and Lacey into our newly purchased and renovated home. When they joined our family, we went from 2 little girls to 4. Twins are considered high risk and because of our birth center’s state certification, they couldn’t continue my care. After 3 Doctors told me I couldn’t deliver them naturally, we found a midwife that had actually birthed her own twins at home! Definitely double delight!

My experience giving birth during COVID-19 by Lauren F.

When my sister-in-law gave birth early in the pandemic, April 2020, I felt sorry for her but thought surely by the time I had my baby that summer things would be normal. I went to doctor’s appointments by myself; my husband wasn’t allowed. I always stood in the waiting room—afraid of seats other patients used—and stripped my clothes and showered once home. When I packed my hospital bag, I threw in a coveted canister of Clorox wipes, snacks so my husband wouldn’t have to leave the room, and of course hand sanitizer. My two older children would have to wait to meet their sibling; no visitors were allowed in the hospital. People asked if it was difficult to labor while wearing a mask. Truthfully, I was so consumed with the wellbeing of my baby, whose heart rate dropped to 50 beats per minute at one point during labor, that I didn’t notice the fabric on my face. I don’t think that makes me a super mom; I think that just makes me a mom.

My water broke like a water gun by Hannah

I had gone over my due date by eight days and was so done. Labored fifteen hours at home, two in the hospital and an hour of pushing with zero medical intervention. One push and my water broke and squirted across the room like a water gun and hit the midwife in the chest. “Wow! I haven’t seen a water break like that in years” the midwife exclaimed. Everyone hadn’t seen a baby with that much hair before. Grandma is a nurse on that floor and says he is still talked about to this day.

My placenta wouldn’t let me go by Kim

My Little Dude was diagnosed with a major heart defect during a regular ultrasound. I was assured that I could safely deliver naturally, but Little Dude would need surgery sometime after he was born. Well, Little Dude refused to come on time, so I was induced. Things went well, and Little Dude was born after 24 hours with less than two hours of pushing. The hard part turned out to be the placenta! It refused to detach! My Little Dude was taken for an echocardiogram while I was wheeled into a surgery room to remove the placenta. ☹

Tiny Birth Stories: Joyful Endings of IVF Success

by Danielle Rizzo

Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity. 

Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.

How Salt N’ Peppa helped me “push” him out by Jen T

After 7 years of “unexplained infertility” we finally had success with IVF. Due to preeclampsia I was induced at 37 weeks. Everything was going smoothly until the power went out in the hospital. During this time I started to feel nauseous and started throwing up and getting the shakes. Soon after, the power came back on and it was time to push. My baby’s heart rate was spiking so more nurses rushed in while the music I had playing coincidently started Salt N Peppa’s, Push It. This motivated me to get him out quick and that’s what we did.

The hardest 2 and a half years of my life by Joann C

After 15 months of silently struggling and a diagnosis of PCOS we reached out to a Fertility Specialist. We went through 3 medicated IUI’s before we moved onto IVF where we got pregnant on our 3rd round. Fast forward 8 months and I was admitted to the hospital and told I wouldn’t be leaving until I had my baby. After 30 hours of labor my doctor decided to perform a C-Section. At 28 years old and my first pregnancy I was scared and had zero time to prepare. This was happening! Our baby was born 15 minutes later and is now a happy, healthy toddler. It was the hardest 2.5 years of my life to get pregnant but if it comes down to having to go through every shot, medication, test and tear there’s no doubt in my mind that I would do it all again!

Success by the numbers by Amoreena A

Numbers can be cold but can also bring clarity. 2: babies I was carrying after IVF 25: weeks I was pregnant when Baby B’s water broke 31: days I was on hospital bed rest when Baby A’s foot protruded out of my body and caused an emergency c-section 78: days we spent in the NICU teaching these boys to eat 109: combined days we spent at the hospital while also caring for our 2-year old 2,836: days since my boys entered the world prematurely and I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world

IVF was meant to be for us by Tania A

“Ask me again in 5 years” – our standard answer from day 1of marriage. Seven years later it was a tired song, especially after TTC for two years. After multiple tests, ultrasounds, and shots pursuing IVF we were finally expecting! Our sweet baby made our hearts grow beyond measure, and her frozen brothers joined us less than 2years later. The pain of not being able to conceive naturally and the un-needed sensitivity to others’ critical opinion of IVF will always stay with us but our children are blessings that remind us our IVF was meant to be!

How we are now living our dream by Samantha M

Our story begins with a dream. My wife, Megan, and I always wanted children. We were married in 2007 after dating for 2 years. We started the process of trying to have children in 2013. We first interviewed different fertility doctors, got information from our insurance company on what would be covered and started looking for the best cryobank. With the support of family and friends we made our decision on all of the variables needed and started with intrauterine insemination, IUI. After tracking cycles, many doctors appointments and 2 IUI attempts, we were told our levels showed we were pregnant. Unfortunately, a few weeks later we miscarried what we had found out had been twins. Following that loss we had another 2 cycles and drove the miles that are the equivalent of driving from our home in NJ to CA. Finally we had our rainbow baby, our son Maxwell. Twenty two months later, after only one cycle of IUI, we celebrated the birth of our daughter, Matilda. Our children have been our biggest accomplishment.

Tiny Birth Stories: We Delivered More Than Just Christmas Cookies

by Danielle Rizzo

Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity. 

Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.

The night we delivered cookies and more by Elise

It was the week before Christmas, and I had some friends over to bake Christmas cookies. By early evening my stomach was really hurting and I assumed it was from eating too many cookies. Snow started falling and the pain got worse – it was time to go to the hospital! An intern checked to see how far along I was and she yelled, “that’s his head!” Still in my sweater I wore to the hospital the intern delivered her first baby. The cookies we brought the nurses were still warm.

When everything you think you know goes out the window by Jennifer C. 

Nothing went as planned! Thankfully, I had planned for that. I thought when my water broke, I’d KNOW! When it did, I assumed I had been peeing my pants all day. I thought I could labor without pain meds! I only lasted an hour in the hospital before I requested an epidural. I thought I would deliver in record time. I labored for 26 hours. I thought my baby would come home with us. Instead, she was in the NICU for 10 days. Nothing went as planned, but I guess plans are meant to change. I was okay with that.

How hypnobirthing techniques prepared me for labor by Rebekah

I currently have 6 children, but this is the story of the birth of my 3rd, a beautiful baby boy. I practiced hypnobirthing techniques throughout my pregnancy, so I was well prepared for labor. My labor started in the middle of the night just two days before my due date, and I labored calmly at home, in and out of the shower, for hours. At 6 am my good friend (and mom of 7) started encouraging me to go to the hospital. I kept saying no, I wasn’t far enough alone, but eventually acquiesced. Once they got me in a room the nurse checked me and I was 9.5 centimeters! I begged for an epidural but the doctor said there was no time. I was SO scared of pushing without one, but in just a few pushes my 7lb 15oz baby was born, and my recovery was so easy. It was an amazing experience.

When the hardest part was picking a name by Fatima C. 

Aside from the regular aches and pains from growing a human, I rarely lost sleep, still traveled like a mad-woman for work and never got sick – everything was so smooth and I loved being pregnant! The only wildcard was that we didn’t know the gender. Just over 3 weeks before my due date we finally decided on a boy name – Weston. After timing out contractions and calling the hospital, hubby and I were on the road by 6.30AM and checked in an hour later. Labor progressed quickly afterwards – I wanted to start pushing shortly after noon but had to wait for the doctor to make her way back. She actually left the hospital because she thought I wouldn’t deliver until that evening! I was finally able to push around 1.30PM and the kid popped out barely 10 minutes later! Our little boy was born with a hot set of lungs and completely healthy. It felt like all he was waiting for before making his way into the world was just his name. :)

Medical inductions times three by Laura S. 

I had severe hyperemesis with all my pregnancies, so I should have known none of my births would be easy. All three of my labors had to be induced for medical reasons, and all three seemed to last longer than 2020. The shortest was 30 hours, the longest was 48. I fully believe they all would have stayed in forever if I’d allowed them. I did find out I have one relatively useless super-talent: I can push babies out in record time! My longest delivery was 45 minutes and the shortest was 6. So I’ve got that going for me.

Tiny Birth Stories

by Danielle Rizzo

Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity. 

Interested in telling your birth story? Click here. 

 

How Giving Birth Gave Me Fulfillment by Tracy M.

They say motherhood changes you in ways you couldn’t have imagined. We had our first son at 33 weeks and spent 5 long weeks in the NICU. That experience solidified what was most important and challenged my career choice as consultant that travelled for work. It gave me the courage to grow my family and business in a way that was right for me. If you can relate and have felt that same pull, to do things differently, explore it. Fulfillment comes when we connect with what truly matters. Motherhood changed me. It kept me honest when I was brave enough to listen.

 

I Delivered In A COVID Isolation Room by Alyssa M. 

Nothing can quite prepare you for giving birth during a pandemic. I already had a ton of anxiety going into the hospital, then to find out all the L&D rooms were full. Because labor progressed quickly, nurses began telling me to prepare to give birth in triage. Instead, I was moved to a COVID isolation room. They rushed me down an empty hall, through plastic barriers, and into an empty room. Nurses built the delivery room around me as I began pushing (with a mask on, of course). A few minutes later, I was holding my perfectly healthy baby boy.

 

Add An Injured Pelvis On-Top Of Labor by Elizabeth C. 

Baby 2: Fell while 8 months pregnant. Unable to walk, or stand (or move really) without excruciating pain. Baby was fine, my pelvis was just messed up. Wheelchair bound for the final month. Scheduled an induction once my due date came and went. Showed up for the doctors to tell me I was technically already in labor and all their plans to induce no longer needed since my cervix was already so wide. Proved it when their balloon fell right through. I guess I couldn’t tell from all the other pain I was in. 10 hours later and, I do not lie, 5 minutes of pushing later, baby.

 

Unexpectedly Getting The Birth I Wanted by Kat C. 

I wanted a home birth with a drum circle of strong mamas in active labor. I got a rooftop BBQ with friends. When I gingerly squatted to play with toddlers my friend (a doula) gently suggested I head home and call my midwife en route – I did, pausing every 1/2 block for contractions. Baby was born two hours later with me crouching over our hope chest. Life has a way of giving you what you want, in unexpected ways.

 

The Emotions Of Becoming A Mother by Courtney C.

Excited. Anxious. Scared. Words to describe emotions of this first time mom going into labor. The night before I was scheduled to be induced, 41 weeks pregnant, I started feeling contractions close enough together. When my husband and I got to the hospital, we waited thirteen hours until it was time to push. The epidural was only somewhat successful, but the pain was minimal compared to the amount of joy experienced when that 8 pound 12 ounce boy was born. Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in our hearts. An experience that was beautiful, precious, and unforgettable.

10 Expert-Approved Ways Your Teen Can Handle Online Bullying

By Laura Higgins

Photo: iStock

October is Bullying Prevention Month, and it is an important time to talk about how bullying can affect kids and teens, and what you can do as a parent to empower them to take action and help deal with the issues they themselves or their friends may be going through.

In a nationwide survey of U.S. parents and teens commissioned by a global online entertainment platform Roblox, 22 % of parents shared that their children have personally experienced some form of online bullying, and nearly 1 in 5 teens confirmed they’ve experienced online bullying within the previous 12 months. With stay-at-home requirements this year and most kids spending more time online, some of this behavior will likely have moved into the digital spaces kids and teens hang out in. 

We spoke with kids and teens in the Roblox community and also got recommendations from experts at global organizations like The Diana Award and Project Rockit that are focused on raising resilient digital citizens and training young people to stand up instead of standing by. Here are their top 10 tips to share with your kid or teen to help them manage a hard situation they might be experiencing with online bullying:

1. Talk to someone about it. Alex Holmes, deputy CEO at The Diana Award, an organization providing resources and support for people who are experiencing bullying, recommends: “Let someone—anyone—know how you are feeling, sense check the situation by asking someone ‘this just happened, what do you think’? Often instead of worrying on your own you might get a different perspective or take on the situation which may lead to you feeling much better and lead to you feeling supported and valued.” 

2. If you find it really hard to speak to someone, try writing a message. Holmes advises to consider sending a text or an email, or reaching out to an anonymous helpline or service. Some schools and colleges have anti-bullying ambassadors or peer support projects, and you might even find it helpful to get involved yourself.

3. Find your allies. A co-founder of Project Rockit, Australia’s youth-driven movement against (cyber)bullying, Lucy Thomas notes that while it sounds obvious, sometimes we need to ask people to stand up for us: “This doesn’t mean picking a fight with the person who is giving you a hard time. Instead, they could try interrupting nasty comments with a distraction, or posting positive content to show they have your back. If your opponent knows you have people on your side, they are less likely to continue hassling you.” By the way, some good news: in our survey of nearly 600 teens, almost everyone (96%) said they’re likely to help a friend they see being bullied online!

4. Don’t let others take over your problem. While it’s important to seek help, another recommendation from The Diana Award is not to let others overtake your issue. Instead you can say: “I’d like you to listen, and perhaps we can solve this together.’” Then come up with a strategy together that feels good to you.

5. Look after yourself. Bullying can take its toll on emotional wellbeing, so make sure you surround yourself with people you like and do things that make you happy. Also, look after the physical side; you need to eat well and sleep. 

6. Remember that you are strong. “When someone treats you in the wrong way, it affects our emotions, feelings and mood,” explains Holmes adding that it’s natural to feel upset or vulnerable, but that doesn’t make you weak. “We should try and remember the strength each and every one has inside of us. The talent and skills you possess, the great friend you are to others and the potential you have to make the world a better place. What’s happening to you isn’t ok but it doesn’t define you, and things will get better.”

7. Use self-moderation tools like block and report on Roblox (or similar tools on other platforms) as recommended by our community saying: “These are powerful tools that give you back control. Make sure you know how to use them on all the apps and websites you use.” Parents can also report bad actors or inappropriate content together with their kids which helps them understand what to do and shows solidarity.

8. Resist the urge to retaliate. Project Rockit experts stress that there is no sense in repaying hate with hate: “Retaliating only keeps the cycle going. Besides, we’ve got to keep in mind that those who hate from behind a screen are not truly anonymous. Neither are you!” You definitely don’t want to provide your attackers with ammunition that could be used against you later. If you stay strong in treating others online as you would offline, you’ll find it much easier to remain connected to who you really are, even in the face of (cyber)bullying.

9. Help a friend or others targeted by online hate. So what if you see someone being bullied? Thomas notes that one of the most awful parts of (cyber)bullying is feeling totally humiliated in front of a huge public audience—this is a super isolating experience. That’s why she recommends, “Even if you aren’t confident enough to stand up for someone in the moment or it doesn’t feel safe, you can still send them a private message or chat with them face-to-face to let them know you don’t agree with the way they’re being treated. It seems small but can honestly change a person’s life.” Be cautious if you plan to challenge the person directly; you don’t want to escalate the problem but it’s ok to say you don’t like what they’re doing.

10. Make your world a better place. The team at The Diana Award shared some words of empowerment saying: “If you’ve experienced bullying, what you went through wasn’t great, but hopefully you resolved it and became stronger and more resilient as a consequence. Now use that experience as a learning or teaching moment, empower others who find themselves in a similar situation, guide them and stand up quietly or loudly when you next see the same sort of behavior.” 

 

As Director of Digital Civility at Roblox, Laura Higgins leads the company's groundbreaking initiative focused on providing the community with the skills needed to create positive online experiences, in partnership with the world’s leading safety and industry organizations. Higgins has over 20 years of experience building proven safeguarding, online safety and civility programs. 

 

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Steve Carell Teams Up with WHO to Deliver a Special PSA

by Karly Wood

We are all learning to navigate the new normal during the time of coronavirus, but luckily, Gru and his minions are here to help. In collaboration with the World Health Organization and the United Nations Foundation, Illumination has launched a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to help demonstrate safe and healthy practices.

Voicing his famous character, Steve Carell brings Gru to life to share how being kind to others, practicing social distancing and remaining active can save lives. The PSA is set to tons of scenes from the Despicable Me franchise, including plenty of minions!

The PSA will be translated into Spanish, French, Portuguese and Arabic as well as others. The company behind Despicable Me, Illumination, is the first Hollywood Studio to partner with WHO, the UN Foundation and the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund as they work to promote health and protection efforts during the pandemic

President & CEO of the United Nations Foundation, Elizabeth Cousens says of the partnership, “As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of COVID-19, one of our most powerful weapons is kindness. We are delighted that the Despicable Me characters are letting their love show and showing ways to keep themselves and their communities safe during this unprecedented time.”

––Karly Wood

Feature photo: World Health Organization via YouTube

 

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