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Ah, spring is almost here! March marks the start of better weather, Spring Break, and Easter baskets. As a parent, it's one of my favorite times of the year. While we usually travel during the break, this year we're staying put.

• Digital Detox: Plan a day for you and your family to unplug from technology.

• Daylight Savings Time: Strategies to help your little one and yourself adjust to one less hour.

• Let Them Eat Pi: Be prepared for National Pi Day with delicious recipes.

FAMILY

We were on a break!

A little Friends reference to end your week (did I just age myself?)

DID YOU KNOW? ❌📱The first Friday of March marks the National Day of Unplugging – an ideal opportunity for you and your family to contemplate a digital detox. Whether it spans 24 hours or a month (a commendable feat!), any duration you choose presents a chance to reestablish connections with yourself, loved ones, and the world around you.

According to The Every Mom, a temporary hiatus from technology can enhance sleep quality, alleviate stress, foster creativity, and improve family communication. But where do you begin? While the full article offers comprehensive guidance, here are a few notable starting points.

📵 Get everyone involved. To ensure a successful digital detox, involve everyone in your family by explaining the reasons behind it and discussing the benefits tailored to each individual's interests and needs.

📵 Embrace boredom. It’s the catalyst for creativity and connection; by engaging in screen-free activities like painting or writing, you'll discover the beauty of unstructured play, fostering imagination in both children and adults alike.

📵 Pay attention to how you feel. Observe your emotional state and any shifts in your children's behavior after participating in a digital detox; reflect on whether you feel more relaxed, present, or connected.

Signs Your Family Needs a Detox. 

• Constantly checking phones.

• Kids are addicted to screens.

• Feeling stressed and overwhelmed.

• Lack of meaningful connections.

Introducing a weekly tradition: A mother's testimonial on Screen Free Sundays! Digital Mom Blog initiated this practice with her family and discovered that not only can her kids thrive without screens, but they've also forged strong sibling bonds in the process.

🎮 Screen-Free Activities for Teens and Tweens: Struggling to find screen-free activities for your teens and tweens? Here's a list of over 50 ideas to keep them engaged and off their devices!

PARENTING

More sunlight comes at a price.

Ah yes, the days are getting long again. But every parent of young kids knows what that means… Day Light Savings Time is around the corner. Warning: it’s March 10th!

Here are effective strategies to prepare your little ones for daylight saving time:

Adjust Bedtime Gradually 💤

• According to experts like those at Parents.com, adjusting bedtime in small increments several days ahead can help children adapt. The adjustment amount varies based on age, with suggestions ranging from 15 minutes for babies to 30 minutes for school-age kids. 

PRO TIP: Start this process about a week or two in advance to give your child's body time to acclimate.

Focus on Sleep 😴
Instead of solely focusing on waking up times, concentrate on ensuring your children get enough sleep. Encourage relaxation before bed, limit screen time, and establish a consistent bedtime routine. This approach, highlighted by Care.com, can help promote better sleep quality, making the time change less disruptive.

Prioritize Healthy Habits 🥗🥑
Everyday Health promotes overall family wellness by prioritizing sleep and healthy eating habits. Ensuring everyone gets adequate rest and consumes nutritious meals can support the body's adjustment to the time change. 

Plan Ahead ⏰
Consider using blackout curtains to maintain darkness in the evenings, and investing in a kid-friendly alarm clock. Resources like Best Reviews offer suggestions for suitable alarm clocks for children.

👩‍🦰Adults need help adjusting to the change… NY Times has you covered with a few ideas!

Don’t Drink Water Naked!

Try THIS instead…

Bladder irritation, surprise leaks, constant urges… These are all common side effects of drinking “naked” water.

Even worse…

“Naked” water can even cause potentially dangerous side effects such as kidney stones and dangerous infections.

> Avoid “Naked” Water and try THIS instead

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

CALENDAR

Styling Your Bookcase ✨📚

Start the project like a pro!  According to Homes and Gardens, to make a bookshelf look nice…

• Start by decluttering and arranging it strategically: place heavier books at the bottom and lighter ones at the top, mix orientations for visual interest, and leave space for accessories. 

• Consider organizing books by color for added visual appeal and paint the back of the bookcase a darker color to highlight your styling efforts. 

• Begin with an empty shelf and group items by size or purpose. Larger items go on lower shelves, while lighter ones occupy higher spaces. 

• Alternate displays to create balance and flow, ensuring accessories complement books rather than stacking them separately. 

Tips for styling from the experts

🎨Splash of Color: Apartment Therapy suggests making it pop with vibrant hues. 

📚Stack 'n' Style: Get creative with book arrangements from Simple Home Simple Life. 

🪴Green Touch: Bring nature indoors with some leafy friends.

💡Need more tips? Oprah Daily has you covered.

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