The excitement is building as the big day is just around the corner! While you soak in these moments with your loved ones, surrounded by friends and family, we're sending you all the good vibes for a fantastic start to the new year. We'll be taking a little break and recharging our batteries until January 2, 2024. But don't worry, we'll be back, ready to share some fresh ideas and perspectives with you. 

Enjoy every moment, and we can't wait to catch up with you in the new year. Take care and cheers to an incredible 2024! 🥂

• Bedtime Showdown: Tips on how to rethink your child’s evening routine.

• Thank You Notes: Instill the art of appreciation by teaching your kids the power of a heartfelt thank you letter.

• Family-Friendly NYE Celebration: Make your New Year's Eve celebration a memorable family affair.

PARENTING

Your toddler may have won the battle, but you can win the bedtime war.

It feels like bedtime routines are vastly different for every family I know. It’s nearly impossible to give a straight answer to what the right one looks like. For me, nights are sacred, and sleep is the most sacred. So when I became a mom, I knew that having a firm (and TBH quick) bedtime routine for my kids was high on the priority list. But I also grapple internally with the realization that babies don’t stay little forever, and those snuggle requests or negotiating for another story won’t last indefinitely.

💡A Change in Perspective

So, bedtime talk is practically a parent support group topic, right? According to Dr. Naheed Ali, the key is to see bedtime not as a finish line but as another chance to connect with our little ones. They're not trying to avoid sleep; they just want one more dose of love before drifting off. Isn't that heartwarming?

• Clever Nighttime Hacks: Need some quick fixes? Check out these clever hacks from savvy parents: Tomorrow’s clothes for bedtime? Genius! Dessert in the bathtub? Why not! Cultivate sleepy vibes with lavender spray and take turns with your partner for bedtime duties. Consistency is the key, and these fun tricks might just save the day.

The dreaded bedtime battle… why it’s happening and how to “win.”

Ever wonder why kids fight bedtime so hard? It's a clash of needs between kids seeking connection and parents yearning for a break. Understanding this basic contradiction can make a world of difference in how we approach bedtime. Routines, especially soothing ones, play a key role, in helping kids wind down and parents maintain sanity.

🏆😴Winning the Bedtime Battle

For the younger kiddos, try incorporating quiet time before bedtime and let them set their alarm clocks. Star charts can also work wonders. For the older ones, kick those electronics out of the bedroom and give them some free time before sleep. And here's a powerful tool: ask the four questions to end those bedtime power struggles.

👊Feeling the bedtime battles intensify? 

• Remember to fill your child's attention basket positively during the day. Just a bit of one-on-one time works wonders! 

• Establish a consistent bedtime routine, involve your child in planning, and be realistic about your time commitment. 

• Practice the new routine together, and voilà – bedtime battles might become a thing of the past.

KIDS

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” - William Arthur Ward

DID YOU KNOW? December 26th is Thank You Note Day. Given what the day before is, it makes perfect sense. As an adult, thank you notes, whether handwritten or now even text or email, it was ingrained in us from an early age. Make sure your kiddos know the power behind a thank-you note after the holiday season as well!

✍️Make writing thank you notes with your kids a fun experience.

• Discussion is the Predecessor to Writing: Engage in meaningful conversations about the gift or gesture. This not only sparks ideas but also helps kids connect emotionally to their thank-you notes.

• Capture the Moment: 📸 Snap a pic of your little one with their gift, whether it's being unwrapped or in use. It adds a personal touch and becomes a cherished memory. The genius move? Write the thank-you note directly on the back of the picture! It's a creative way to blend words with visuals, making the gratitude extra special.

Emily Post offers great advice for parents of tweens and teens…

For 11-14 Year-Olds

• Encourage Independence: Let them choose note cards, express themselves freely, and emphasize the importance of sending thanks promptly.

• Quality Time, Light-Hearted Approach: Write notes together, enjoy the process with cocoa and cookies, and keep things fun as they embrace more responsibility.

For 15-18 Year-Olds

• Embrace Creativity: Encourage custom note designs, perhaps with personal pictures, and support any unique, thoughtful ideas.

• Positive Feedback: Check they have the necessary materials, whether handwritten or digital, and offer positive reinforcement for impactful thank-you notes.

Book suggestions for kids about writing thank you cards:

📚Ten Thank-You Letters by Daniel Kirk

🕮The Thank You Letter by Jane Cabera

AND ALSO THIS. . .

Can you believe it's almost time to bid farewell to another year? As we gear up to welcome 2024, let's make sure we celebrate with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments with our loved ones. 🎊

Lights, Camera, Action! 📸

Why not take a trip down memory lane and create a slideshow of the highlights from this past year? Hook up those cherished photos, hit play, and let the nostalgia roll! The best part? Have your little ones narrate the show – their take on the events is sure to bring a smile to everyone's faces. 🤣

Dream Big with a Bucket List! 🌟

Instead of resolutions, let's dream up a bucket list for the upcoming year! Gather the family around and brainstorm the adventures and experiences you want to cherish together. It's a fantastic way to spark excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead.

💫Looking for more New Year's Eve magic? Check out these fantastic ideas to make your celebration sparkle:

• Crafty Countdowns: Create a DIY Balloon Drop to add a burst of joy as the clock strikes midnight. 

• Fireworks Fun: Spark your creativity with a fabulous fireworks craft for the kids. 

• Game On! Explore a treasure trove of family-friendly games to make your New Year's Eve unforgettable. 

🍔 Snack Attack!

And of course, what's a celebration without delicious treats? Check out these 15 New Year's Eve snack ideas that are perfect for kids (and kids at heart)! Get the tasty details here.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

FOR THE KIDS. . .

🧳Hit the road. Discover three travel outfits you'll genuinely love wearing.

🍖Copy cat. Master the art of creating a delicious honey-baked ham with this mouthwatering recipe. 

✨Time to sparkle. Conquer glitter clean-up like a pro with Apartment Therapy's advice.

👍Parent approved. Uncover the top-rated stocking stuffers for kids, as recommended by real people.

📅New year, new planner. Plan for a creative and organized 2024 with these stylish calendars.

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