Oct 1, 2026 · 4 min listen · Last updated October 1, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Chloe, October 1st. Quick run through ten health stories — let's start with the longevity piece. Let's get into it. First, from Scary Mommy. I Finally Got My Family Into A Routine.
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Daily Parenting Brief · October 1st
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I Finally Got My Family Into A Routine. Unfortunately, It’s October.
Every August, the parenting internet collectively decides we need to get our shit together. Summer is OVER. It is time for ROUTINES. Suddenly my social media feed is full of color-coded calendars, meal-prep containers, adorable morning checklists, perfectly organized backpacks, and mothers explaining that their children simply thrive when they go to bed at exactly 8:07 every evening. And every year, I buy into it. This year will be different. We will have structure. We will have consistency. We will have designated places for things.
Exactly What To Say When Your Child Says "I Hate You"
Great news: they don’t actually hate you; it’s just easier to find those words in the heat of the moment than, say, “I understand the boundary you’ve set but it causes me to have big, big feelings, Mom.” “Those words may be describing the intensity of the moment more accurately than they’re describing the relationship,” says Dr. Missy Kleinz, licensed professional counselor, owner of Stardust Therapy, and creator of Big Feelings World.
Hey there! So, it looks like the author is really embracing the early fall vibes, especially with the recent chilly weather in Charleston. They’re excited about cozying up with pants, tea, and candles, and it’s got them feeling all the autumn feels. They had a sweet visit with their friend Jess and her baby, which sounds heartwarming.
They’re also sharing some favorites, starting with Athleta’s gear — they’ve got some solid recommendations for leggings and sports bras that have held up well over time. The author is loving Rishi Earl Green tea, which is a nice twist on Earl Grey. It’s become a go-to afternoon treat.
Their kids are now fans of The Company Store sheets, which they say are top-notch. It’s funny how kids can become picky about comfort, right? They also mention switching up their music to a “Jazz in the Background” playlist, which sounds perfect for setting a calm mood at home.
They’re really into their recipe binder, finding it a refreshing way to cook without screens, and they’re excited about a seasonal kombucha that captures the essence of fall. The author has some favorite scents for their home, including heirloom tomato candles, and they’re switching back to a tinted sunscreen as the weather cools. Lastly, they’re rereading a beloved book, “Bread & Wine,” and even plan to give away a couple of copies to their readers. It’s such a cozy, inviting update!
Freezing leftovers is a great option too. Pour the puree into an ice cube tray, freeze, and then store the cubes in a bag. They can easily be tossed into soups, smoothies, or oatmeal later on. If you have little ones, consider using reusable baby food pouches to create your own pumpkin puree pouches—simple and cost-effective!
For a tasty drink, skip the coffee shop and make your own pumpkin spice frappuccino at home. It’s healthier but still satisfies that craving. You can also sneak pumpkin into pasta sauces without altering the flavor, and it works wonders in salad dressings, especially a creamy pumpkin vinaigrette.
Breakfast lovers can enjoy pumpkin in oatmeal, adding warmth and flavor with spices. And if you’re looking for a fall twist on classic recipes, try adding pumpkin to hummus for a unique dip or make a hearty pumpkin chili that uses a full can of puree. Lastly, pumpkin can even enhance your brownies, making them fudgy and delicious. So, don’t let that half can go to waste—get creative!
We gathered early Monday morning for Grandma Marde’s burial, squeezing in a quick drive and a brief ceremony. Uncle Skip opened with a short reflection, and several family members shared memories, all in under an hour. Afterward, Uncle Skip and Aunt Julie hosted a small get‑together where the kids could run and play before the long six‑hour drive home, sparking the kind of deep conversations that tend to surface when we’re reminded of mortality.
My parents just wrapped up a whirlwind summer. They organized my brother’s wedding, dealt with Mom’s broken wrist, and supported each other through the loss of their own mothers. Yesterday they showed up with a box of school supplies for the grandchildren—a gesture that feels like a quiet, ongoing act of love after years of homeschooling their ten children and staying involved in every stage of our lives.
The boys’ second Jiu‑Jitsu tournament was low‑key and focused on confidence building. Coaches emphasized experience over winning, and the atmosphere stayed honest and supportive throughout.
Lastly, Katie and I had a recording hiccup during a recent interview, but the conversation was strong enough that we decided to share it despite the audio flaws. And Katie’s morning routine? She still rises before dawn, keeping her day anchored from the start.
‘Crossing Delancey’ Deserves Just as Much Love as ‘When Harry Met Sally’
I just finished the piece on “Crossing Delancey” and thought you’d like the quick take. The writer points out that the film is a modestly‑scaled romantic comedy from the mid‑’80s, centered on Izzy, a 33‑year‑old New Yorker, and Sam, a pickle‑maker who becomes her match through a traditional matchmaker. It’s praised for its vivid New York details—lower‑east‑side markets, kosher wine, and the everyday texture of the neighborhood—that give the story a genuine, sensory feel.
The article argues the movie never reached the cultural foothold of “When Harry Met Sally” mainly because its cast and creators weren’t as high‑profile, and its overt Jewish themes felt less universal to a broad audience. Still, the reviewer feels the film’s humor and heartfelt moments—like Izzy’s resistance to a pretentious writer and Sam’s earnest affection—make it a hidden gem worth revisiting, especially when the season turns crisp.