Hey fabulous mamas! 🌸 We hope your weekend was fantastic and that you managed to squeeze in a little self-care. If not, let's make that a priority this week! Now, brace yourselves for some exciting content, but first, how about a chance to score a free iPad? Yes, you heard it right! Simply share our newsletter with two friends who would love to join this amazing community, and you could be the lucky winner. Let's spread the joy – and maybe win an iPad in the process! 🎉💖

• Navigating the Cell Phone Maze: Unraveling the mysteries of when to hand your child a cellphone and the crucial factors to consider.

• Farewell to Stains: Elevate your laundry game with top-notch tips and tricks to keep your fabrics looking brand new.

• Empowering Menstrual Conversations: Break the silence and stigma surrounding periods with insightful tips on how to approach and foster open discussions. Period. 

PARENTING

But Mom, everyone at school has one!

Did your tween or teen burst through the door after the holiday break, gushing about all the classmates who scored a shiny new cell phone for Christmas? It's the classic tale of "Mom, everyone has one, I need it too!" Brace yourself, because the inevitable dilemma is knocking on every parent's door! We get it – there's no one-size-fits-all answer. Every family has unique needs, and deciding when to hand over that magical device is like tackling a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. So, let's dive into the nitty-gritty together and figure out this tech maze.

Let's chat about some real-deal questions to ask yourself before caving into a cell phone:

📱Is your teen rocking that responsibility vibe, like remembering to tell you when they leave the house?

📱Do they habitually misplace things, possibly hinting at a future disappearing act with a phone?

📱Safety concerns on your radar – are they in need of constant check-ins?

📱Social butterfly or not, could a cell phone be the key to a flourishing social life?

📱Trust levels – are they likely to stick to your rules, like no texting during class or endless phone gabbing?

Let's talk alternatives: Smartwatches, prepaid phones, "feature" phones with big icons, or even the retro-cool flip phones – options galore! Low-cost carriers can be lifesavers too, without burning a hole in your pocket.

Now, here's a hot tip from Yale expert Laurie Santos: Hold off on that phone for as long as you can. Why? Mental health, mama! The "Wait Until 8th" crew is on the same page – delayed phone access means more childhood experiences and less brain alteration.

Do you need some help getting the conversations flowing? Today has some fantastic discussion starters for tackling screen time and bedtime phone wrestling.

• Does it feel like a job or “work” to stay up to date on everything?

• What is your favorite app? Do you feel stressed or excited by it? Or both?

And remember, confiscating the phone might not be the golden ticket for unrelated issues. The Child Mind Institute spills the beans on effective solutions.

BIRDIE GIVEAWAY

One Week Left On Our Giveaway

Birdie is thrilled to announce our latest giveaway featuring this ultra-sleek iPad 10! The best part? Entering is a breeze—all you need to do is refer Birdie to a couple of mom friends.

1. Click the CLICK TO SHARE button below.

2. Copy your unique code and share it with at least two fellow Moms.
   Email it, text it, or even better → post your code on your social media and get tons of entries to win.

3. Motivate your referrals to sign up. Once both referrals have signed up, you automatically qualify for the Giveaway.

But wait, there's more! For every entry beyond the initial two, you'll earn additional chances to win in the Giveaway.
More referrals, more chances to win.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to score the latest iPad!
Get sharing and best of luck!

DEADLINE: This Friday, January 19th

AT HOME

No stain left behind.

We all know the drill – one moment you're enjoying that cup of coffee, and the next, it's on your favorite shirt. Fear not, fellow moms, we've got your back with some stain-fighting secrets that'll make you feel like a laundry superhero! 🦸‍♀️

Not all stains are created equal, and relying on Tide to-go pens won't cut it for every mishap. Mom Blog Life has your back with a breakdown of solutions for the trickiest stains out there. From tackling grease and oil with cornstarch to dealing with red wine using white vinegar, these tips are game-changers. Check out the link for all the necessary info and say goodbye to stubborn stains! 

• 🍔🧈 Grease and Oil: Gently blot the stain with a paper towel or cloth to absorb excess grease. Apply cornstarch, talcum powder, or baking soda to the stain to absorb more oil, and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Brush off the powder and treat with dish soap and water.

• 🍷Red Wine: Promptly rinse it in cold water before dabbing the stains with white vinegar. After that, wash the fabric with detergent as you normally would.

Better Homes and Gardens offers more insight into fighting tough stains. Here’s what they had to say…

• 🩸Blood: For fresh stains, soak in cold water, then launder. For dried stains, pretreat or soak in warm water with a product containing enzymes, then launder.

• 🥵 Sweat: Apply ammonia to fresh stains, or white vinegar to old stains; rinse. Launder using the hottest water safe for the fabric, or wash with an enzyme product or color-safe bleach. WARNING: Never mix ammonia and bleach.

PRO TIP: Arm yourself with the essential products to combat any unexpected stains that may come your way – trust me, kids' clothes have a knack for surprises after school! Check out this helpful list from The Spruce to ensure you're always prepared and ready to tackle any stain-related challenges. 🌟👕

AND ALSO THIS…

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

🎨It’s not just for painting. Painter’s tape can be used in so many ways to keep your child engaged and occupied.

💅Minimalist nails are in. Keep it simple with sheer pinks and nudes this winter.

🚗Clean car = happy mama. Check out these tips and products for a clean car (and keeping it clean!)

🧦Can never have enough. Toddler socks! These socks from Amazon are cute, and stylish and have grips.

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