Healthy Little Note: Issue #38

Hi there!

Let's get this Monday started! But before we do... to all the mamas out there, I hope you all had a fantastic Mother's Day and did something special for yourself! The picture above is how we celebrated - silly faces for all photos was their motto! I wouldn't have yesterday without them 💜🤪💜

This week I have a handful of great reads for you. I've included an article on conversation starters with your kids that will bring out fun stories and laughs, a fun read on ways to celebrate your little graduate, an article about making the most out of video chatting with your little one, a friendly reminder on how marketing can fool us into thinking products are safe for our babies, and an article on all you need to know about the best sunscreens for this summer.

Let's do this!

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1. CONVERSATIONS WITH KIDS

I had a little date night this weekend with my son before a school function we had together. It was our first real date where we got all dressed up (yes, my heart melted and I teared up a little too).

I will never forget it and our conversations... If you could be any animal what would it be? If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live? I learned SO much! 
 
If you're looking for ways to learn more from your kids and have fun while doing it (and not feel like you're pulling teeth), the National Geographic put together some thoughtful conversation starters. Ya know... for those summer plans that have longer road trips or even fun dinner table conversations. 

I'm definitely putting these in my reserve! 

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2. IT'S GRADUATION TIME!

I personally can't believe the school year is already coming to and end so soon! How is it that I am going to have a kindergartner and a second grader!  

I love that I came across this great article from Harper Kids that talks about different ways you can celebrate with your little ones. From books that celebrate them to treating them to something special.

I remember last year we planted a dwarf Meyer lemon tree on our porch, and now we make lemonade together! 

What are some ways you are going to celebrate with your little ones? Help... I need ideas this year!!  ;)

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3. SCREEN TIME IS GOOD FOR YOUR KIDS...

I bet you never thought you'd hear those words come from my mouth! Well, there's a caveat (of course!). Here's the "dot dot dot":

...  IF there's a human on the other end of it!

This medium article by Elizabeth Preston talks about how video chatting adds an element of social contingency - that natural back and forth between two people in a conversation.  

With SO much happening online today, definitely check out what the article says on how to get the most out of video chatting with young children. The advice comes from all the top media researchers that I read and know!

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4. WHEN MARKETING CAN GO OH SO WRONG!

If we've worked together, you know I've made adjustments to your little one's bedroom environment for safety purposes. Whether it's removing a blanket, the monitor cord or adjusting the room temperature.

Well, there's a lot more that happens because of unsafe advertising too! We can become so desensitized to sleep products that manufacturers use to market their items, leaving many of us vulnerable to unsafe sleep. 

This article by one of my sleep sisters, Katie, who is our safe sleep guru, talks about how parents can do their due diligence when shopping for all the baby products that are out there! It's a must read for sure...

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5. SUN SUN SUN HERE IT COMES... 

Now the we're in the middle of May, you might be thinking of summer plans and wondering what's the sunscreen scoop these days. 

This article from The EveryMom reviews everything from the type of sunscreen to use, at what age you can start using sunscreen with your baby, ingredients to avoid, clears the air on how much and how often, plus more!

Let's keep those little bums protected!

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Well, that's it for this issue!

OH WAIT... ONE LAST THING!
You can catch me on May 31st at Beverly Hills Pediatrics for a talk on Newborn Sleep or Younger Baby/Toddler Sleep. Make sure you sign up here! Exclusive perks included!

AND If you have some questions of your own... I've got ya - go here to schedule a FREE 15-minute call with me and we can chat about it!

OR as always, just reply to this email with any questions you have, and I'll be happy to answer. 

Hope you enjoyed it and I'd LOVE if you shared it with your friends on social media or spread the word on the local Mommy gossip circuit - thanks!

Susie

PS - You can send people here to subscribe to get the next Healthy Little Note!