Hi,
I’m starting this second episode of Parenting Tips&Tricks while thinking about the things that matter most in life: love, family, a successful career, health…things which we often took for granted until the beginning of last year when the world was turned upside down. Now I think it’s really time to realign ourselves with these very important aspects of our lives, to find again the joy in the small things, in that cup of coffee while looking out the window of a coffee shop and just lazily gazing at passers-by.
People who do this often live fuller and happier lives. And, of course, they live longer, too.
One story that really moved me this week was the one about the inmates distance-reading bedtime stories to their kids. Redemption? I don’t know, but they sure are getting closer to it by doing this. While it sounds simple, reading to your child can have profound impacts. I learned that on my own while telling bedtime stories to my daughter. With her asking me to tell her more and more stories each time, I really got the opportunity to dig deep into my childhood and discover fun moments which I had forgotten about. So, yes, it can be an extremely healing, and I’m happy to share my stories with you also! Like this one, about the Frozen Experiment :)
The pandemic brought along a lot of difficult situations, with lockdowns being tougher on women, as a series of international surveys showed. Researchers found a clear gender divide when it came to chores and child care: Women were doing most of it, and the housework, in particular, took an emotional toll. I am sure you saw funny memes with mothers holding a baby under each arm, but...that’s not the half of it. The study surveyed over 31,000 people in five countries -- most of whom were working from home -- about how they were spending their time during the pandemic. And the "most obvious" difference between women and men was in time spent tending to chores and children.
Do you own a dog? Then you must have noticed the way your beloved quadruped was beginning to look a lot like...well...YOU! But there’s more! Another study, this time from the Oregon State University (does it show I like to quote studies? Tell me if I’m wrong to do it) shows that your dog not only begins to look like you, but it synchronizes its behavior with the children in your family. The findings are important because there is a growing body of evidence that dogs can help children in many ways, including with social development, increasing physical activity, managing anxiety or as a source of attachment in the face of changing family structures, the researchers said. Yet, very little research has focused on how dogs perceive and socially engage with children. "The great news is that this study suggests dogs are paying a lot of attention to the kids that they live with," said Oregon State animal behaviorist Monique Udell, the lead author of the study. "They are responsive to them and, in many cases, behaving in synchrony with them, indicators of positive affiliation and a foundation for building strong bonds.
Talking about attachment and care, I read this very sweet article about a grandma being given the “prescription” to hug her granddaughter after taking the vaccine.
This was really touching for me to see, as I also have a daughter who loves her grandparents very much!
And the lady is right, without all the scientists and the doctors...the situation would have been disastrous for many.
And now, ending on a positive note, with some cute baby photos. And not any babies, but babies born in the pandemic, which you can see here, in the Pregnancy in lockdown: The babies born into a pandemic photography project!
Aren’t they sweet? The faces of optimism and trust in a brighter tomorrow :)
That’s it for today’s episode. I really hope I brought a smile on your face, and a little joy in your life. If I did, I’m happy :)
Thank you for subscribing and for sharing! Remember, my next childhood story goes out next Sunday! And, next Wednesday, more Parenting Tips & Tricks!
I started a Facebook Group called Past Tense - Childhood Stories for Kids and Grown Ups, which is free to join for everyone that subscribes to the newsletter! I think it will be a great place for sharing stories and parenting experiences! You can also like & follow my Facebook page, where I will be posting regular updates on projects, stories, giveaways etc.