- Birdie
- Posts
- February 2, 2024
February 2, 2024
Happy Groundhog Day, mamas! If you haven't caught the Bill Murray movie yet, today's the perfect day for it! It might just capture the essence of motherhood, don't you think? šWishing you an incredible weekend, and let's cross our fingers that Punxsutawney Phil doesn't spot his shadow (though, I recently found out he's been right only 40 percent of the time).
Welcoming a New Addition: Strategies for smoothly sharing the joyous news with siblings and facilitating a seamless transition.
Navigating People Pleasing: Addressing the prevalent source of anxiety, particularly among women, to regain control and foster happiness in your life.
Family Fun Night: The advantages of dedicating an evening to games for the whole family, along with age-appropriate game recommendations for kids of all ages.
PARENTING
Surprise! Youāre going to be a big brother or sister.
Welcoming a new bundle of joy is exciting, but preparing your older kiddo for their new sibling is equally crucial. Every child is going to react differently to the news, and here at Birdie, weāve all been there! Since we know it can be difficult to understand the best approach, weāve done a little research to hopefully navigate this journey smoothly with your family.
A few things to consider when sharing the news, according to Taking Cara Babiesā¦
š¼Consider your child's age and maturity level. Older toddlers grasp the concept better.
š¼Use your growing belly as a visual aid when breaking the news.
š¼If experiencing early symptoms, explain the changes without placing blame on the baby.
š¼Use words like āour babyā ā instead of āmy babyā ā to help your child see their connection to the new baby brother or sister.
Kids 5 and up
While not usually as threatened by the news of a new family member, there could be a little resentment.Ā
A few tips for successā¦
Involve them in baby preparations, like fixing the baby's room or buying diapers.
Include your older child in the hospital visit after the baby is born.
Encourage your older child to have a role in caring for the new baby, praising their gentle behavior.
Prioritize spending one-on-one time with your older child daily, reinforcing how special they are.
āāDonāt compare your kids or ignore your toddler timeā ā here is a list of things not to say after the baby is born.
ā
Ā āEncourage independence and talk about birthā ā here is a comprehensive list of things TO DO with your child before the baby arrives.
Embracing a new addition, be it baby #2 or #5, marks a significant change for any sibling. Setting clear expectations from the outset and fostering open and honest communication can pave the way for a smoother transition. If you find yourself entering or currently navigating this phase of motherhood, here's another valuable resource worth exploring. š§øš¼š¶
MENTAL HEALTH
Take back control and prioritize YOU.
Let's talk about something we might all relate toābeing a people-pleaser. You know, those times when we put everyone else's needs above our own? Yeah, it happens to the best of us!
Being the caring and empathetic individuals we are, it's easy to fall into the trap of people-pleasing. But did you know it can affect our mental health? Yep, it's true! In a HuffPost article about common habits that add to your anxiety, people-pleasing landed a spot on the list. Psychologist Jennifer Anders explains,
āMany people, particularly women, are conditioned to put other peopleās needs above their own, which makes this a hard habit to break. This really creates a dynamic of self-neglect, prioritizing everyone elseās wishes and needs above your own, [and] poor boundaries is something else that this leads to.ā
ā ļøSigns You Might Be a People-Pleaser, according to Very Well Mind:
Always putting others first
Feeling anxious when someone is upset with you
Overcommitting and feeling overwhelmed
š¤CAUTION: If you resonated with any of the above, the effects on your mental health could be anger, frustration, anxiety, stress, depleted willpower, and weaker relationships.
Put people-pleasing to an end.
There are a few small changes you can make in your life to stop the cycle of people-pleasing and take back control of your happiness. Hereās what we foundā¦
Tips to consider from Very Well Mind.
Establish Boundaries: It's okay to say no!Ā
Stall for Time: Don't hesitate to take a moment before committing.Ā
Avoid Making Excuses: You don't always need a reason to say no.Ā
Remember that Relationships Require Give and Take: It's a two-way street.Ā
More tips from Psych Central.
Start Small: Practice saying no in low-stakes situations.Ā
Set Goals and Priorities: Focus on what truly matters to you.Ā
š§ But why bother breaking free from people-pleasing? Well, aside from safeguarding your mental health, it turns out that it could be affecting your work life too. Check out what this Harvard-trained psychologist has to say about the link between people-pleasing and burnout.
CALENDAR
ALERT: 2024 is a Leap Year! February has a lot going onā¦ we are here to make sure you stay on top of it!
February ā Black History Month ā Check out these fascinating Black History Month facts to share with your kids!
Feb 2, 2024ā Groundhogās Day ā What is a groundhogās favorite drink? Hole milk. Click here for more punny groundhog jokes.
Feb 11, 2024ā Super Bowl LVIII ā Check out next Tuesdayās Birdie newsletter for all the ideas for hosting a Super Bowl party but in the meantime take a peek at this fun football-themed appetizer.
Feb 13, 2024ā Galentineās Day ā While itās not an official holiday, Iāve already made reservations at our favorite dinner spot to celebrate. This is your reminder to do the same!
Feb 14, 2024ā Valentineās Day ā It might be a good idea to forward this newsletter to the special someone in your life to remind them of this day!
Feb 19, 2024ā Presidentās Day ā Not sure how George or Abe would feel about this but this holiday has become known for its many sales!Ā
Feb 29, 2024ā Leap Day ā Do you know why we have an extra day every four years? Find out why here.
TRENDING
Put the phone down.Ā Have they ever heard of parental phubbing? It's when parents get so engrossed in their phones that they unintentionally ignore their kids. While it might sound like a modern-day challenge, it's a real buzzkill for family fun. Let's put down those screens and bring back the good vibes! |
SNIPPETS
Spark joy. Add excitement to your familyās everyday life with these suggestions from Tiny Beans.
Scam alert. She thought she was going on a date. Turns out she was catfished by the restaurant to dine at the establishment.
Just like mommy. Itās the latest cup craze to hit the shelves ā a Stanley Cup look-a-like for toddlers! Good luck finding it though, itās selling out just like the real thing.
A call for change. WhileĀ Kyte Baby may be controversial right now, itās highlighting a larger issue at hand and thatās the need for paid leave for NICU parents.
After school chats. Try these 3 questions to get the most out of your kid's school pick-up.
Moooooooom. Iām privileged to have the chance to be called mom but that doesnāt mean I want to hear it 1000x a day. Here is a way to get it to stop.
DID YOU KNOW?
Grab your beads and the King Cake!
Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday! I had NO IDEA. Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday, arrives on February 13 this year! Learn the backstory of this lively pre-Lenten celebration - from its cultural roots to the evolution of vibrant traditions. Unmask the history of Mardi Gras here and get ready to embrace the festive spirit!
Get your head in the game!
Embark on a journey of laughter, strategy, and unforgettable moments with a Family Game Night! š Discover why family game nights are not just about entertainment but also offer a myriad of benefits for everyone involved. From boosting motor skills to building stronger family bonds, games are the secret ingredient for a fantastic family time. šØāš©āš§āš¦
If you needed convincing as to why family game nights are importantā¦
5 Research-Based Reasons Why Family Game Nights Are ImportantĀ š§ - Uncover the scientific reasons behind the positive impact of game nights on motor skills, grades, problem-solving, and family connections.
7 Reasons Every Family Should Start a Game Night Now š¤ - Delve into the seven compelling reasons why initiating a game night can transform your family dynamics and create lasting traditions.
Letās get to the good partā¦ the games! Here are a few of my familyās favorites.
š²Ā Flip Uno - A twist on the classic Uno game for all ages!
š²Ā Rat-a-Tat-Cat - Perfect for elementary-age kids, a delightful card game of strategy.
š²Ā Pass the Pig - A whimsical game suitable for ages 7 and up.
š²Ā Rummikub - Ideal for older kids/tweens, an original Rummy tile game.
For your teen game nights, we recommend:
š²Dixit - A creative storytelling game that sparks the imagination.
š²Wavelength - A mind-reading game where you work together to decipher clues. Best with 6+ players
ššNot reading yet? No problem. Check out 30+ games that donāt require it!
More than just a pizza.
A mom facing danger found an unusual lifeline in pizza during a hostage situation. Quick-thinking Pizza Hut staff spotted her distress call in a mobile order and promptly alerted the police. Their swift action possibly saved the mom and kids from a worse fate. This story highlights the powerful impact of simple acts of support, emphasizing the strength that comes from unity and generosity.
āØ Christen and Karin āØ
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign Up here
View ourĀ Privacy Policy