Hello, Mom Squad! I'm about to embark on a journey to the Big Apple with my family – it's my first time flying with my young kids, so wish me luck! ✈️After that, we're heading straight to the mountains for Thanksgiving. This is my favorite time of the year because I get to escape the Florida "fall" and simply unwind with my family. However, the lead-up to this was anything but relaxing. Packing for four people on two different trips is less than ideal. And let's be honest, we moms always seem to end up shouldering the majority of the packing responsibilities, am I right?

• ChatGPT and Kids: Get ready to help your child understand what it is and how to use it safely because they will inevitably use it at some point.

• Sleep Tight: Knowing we've provided you with all the tools you need to prevent bed bugs during this holiday travel season.

• Be Our Guest: Make sure your guest room is ready for the holidays.

PARENTING

AI has arrived, parents. Stay informed.

As per a recent article in the Wall Street Journal (ironically, I came across this in the physical paper that my husband still receives daily 😄), an increasing number of educators are acknowledging the presence of students using ChatGPT. They have realized that it can't be overlooked, and it's wiser to explore how this technology can be integrated into the classroom. After all, adaptation seems to be a prudent choice, especially when you consider that at least 35 percent of college students are utilizing it to enhance their academic endeavors.

🤖 First of all, what is ChatGPT? It's an AI-powered program that generates text and responses instantly, from essays to math problem solutions. Wish it had been there when I was in school – playing 'Oregon Trail' didn't quite cut it for homework help.

As a parent, I have so many questions about this when it comes to my kids – is it safe for our kids to be using?

I’ll start with some benefits…

Coding: Whether we embrace it or not, AI is the future. It offers an opportunity to introduce kids to programming and other AI concepts.

Languages: ChatGPT doesn't just translate; it also excels in semantics and grammar.

Internships and Jobs: If you're uncertain about your future career path, AI can provide insights into potential careers and companies worth exploring.

👋 Previously mentioned – Common Sense Media has helpful information that can help you guide your child when ChatGPT enters their world. Initiate open dialogues with them about: 

• The importance of checking its credibility as a source. Misinformation is a major concern with ChatGPT.

• Explain to them that ChatGPT is not human and stress the need to safeguard all personal information.

• Explore ways your family can use AI for creativity and inspiration, like requesting suggestions for games, outdoor activities, or crafts.

How to ensure your kids are having the safest interactions with ChatGPT by…

• Supervising their interactions and chats will be the number one way to make sure everything is well in the chatbot world.

• Beginning your child’s chats with a prompt that requires only kid-friendly responses.

• Looking out for ‘Jailbreaks’ – these can remove restrictions set in place. For example, DAN (DO ANYTHING NOW) is the most popular jailbreak in circulation.

If you are interested in having your kids (and yourself!) learn more about AI and its capabilities, ChatGPT classes are available. Knowledge is power!

TRAVEL

Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite.

That 'goodnight' saying now gives me the creeps, considering what I've learned.

Bed bugs are unwanted souvenirs that you might unwittingly bring home from your trip. I feel itchy just typing this! Let me guide you on how to avoid this potential catastrophe, saving you from an unexpected expense that could otherwise derail your holiday budget.

Fortunately, I've never encountered bed bugs myself knocks on wood, but I’m traveling to NYC with my family today, and I've heard dreadful stories about the headache bed bugs can cause. So, I’ve researched to find ways to prevent them, and I'm happy to share my findings with you.

Be Prepared!

Blogger, Emily Henderson, has had her fair share of bed bug problems. Seriously, if you need to understand the severity of bed bugs - read this ASAP. A few of her top suggestions when planning a hotel stay…

🛏️ Dryer Sheets. And lavender spray in your suitcase can help keep your nemesis at bay.

🛏️ Non-toxic Bug Spray. Make sure it’s TSA-approved! Spray it everywhere, including yourself and your clothes if it won’t damage them.

🛏️Vacuum Storage Bags. And don’t forget a portable mini pump. Keep your clothes sealed up to keep those pests out.

Check out this helpful video on what to look for when you check in to your hotel room or AirBnB.

….And while we’re on the topic of hotel rooms, you might want to bring your hair dryer, too.

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

Be Our Guest.

T-6 days until Thanksgiving. You have the turkey ✔️, all the sides planned ✔️, and you’ve got the tablescape ready to go ✔️. But have you prepared for your sister to stay with you? I KNEW I was forgetting something! Don’t worry; we've got you covered with everything you need to get your guest room ready this weekend.

🌟Declutter. No one wants to stay in a space you use for random storage 364 days out of the year. Southern Living suggests clearing the room and closet to give your guests plenty of space to unpack their belongings for the visit. Don't forget to provide hangers!

🌟Welcome Basket. This doesn’t have to be anything extravagant. Offering a basket with a few items like water bottles, snacks, and the wifi password is a much-appreciated touch.

🌟Window Treatments. I'm sure you have adequate shades for the windows in your room, so make sure you do the same for the guest room. All the effort you put into getting the room ready won't mean much if your guests can't sleep well.  Blackout curtains are a great investment! 

🌟Bathroom. The bathroom essentials are just as important. Stock up on towels, wash clothes, and makeup towels (trust me, you don’t want mascara all over your nice linens). The bathroom essentials include toilet paper, hand soap, tampons, toothpaste, floss, Q-tips,  blow dryer, shower items, and basic medications.

🧳And if you are the one visiting this year, here is a friendly reminder of proper guest etiquette!

🥞Breakfast is served. Toddler approved! Easy family breakfast recipes that will last all week.

🍸Thanksgiving in a glass. 10 festive drinks to serve on Turkey Day!

🧈You need this candle. Move over “butter board” trend, a butter candle display looks delicious.

🥔Potato hack. Save some time cooking this Thanksgiving with this potato tip!

🎶Turkey Tunes. Need a Thanksgiving Day playlist? Here you go!

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