Daily Parenting Brief · October 18th

Every Sunday morning, I send out two lunch ideas for the week to our HealthyMom Club paid subscribers. This includes photos of lunches I packed during the week, along with recipes & my favorite products. (Paid subscribers also receive our monthly family meal plans, exclusive awesome guest articles, and more!) Join as a paid subscriber for the price of < 1 coffee per month 🤭👇🏻 My Toddler’s Favorite Lunches This Week 🥪🍇🍽️

This week was filled with small joys, like a spontaneous walk with an old friend and the beauty of fallen maple leaves. Dinner was a breeze with frozen turkey burgers, green beans, and precooked rice from Trader Joe’s, making it easy to whip up a favorite dish. There’s something special about lighting spooky candles just for the fun of it, and the warmth of middle-aged friendships is a treasure.

On the creative side, nocturne paintings caught my eye, reflecting a sense of stillness that resonates with my night owl nature. My mother-in-law sent some chic spider candles, adding a delightful touch to my home. I also spotted some beautiful mushroom tumblers during a stroll in New Preston, CT, and I’m excited about a cozy L.L. Bean jacket I ordered.

In the wellness department, stretching videos have taken over my Instagram feed, and our family has been enjoying a massage roller that everyone loves. I’m on the lookout for structured yoga or stretching routines that cater to my impatient brain. Lastly, I’m thrilled about a rainbow maker I finally bought, even if it’s no longer on sale. It’s all about finding those little moments of joy, right?

Catherine Sanderson, a psychologist from Amherst College, discusses the troubling case at Cornell where 56 men knew about a sexual assault yet failed to act. She emphasizes that the way we frame these issues can inadvertently discourage boys and men from speaking out. If they believe their peers condone such behavior, they're less likely to intervene. Sanderson highlights the strong group identity within fraternities, which can create intense pressure to conform, making it harder to challenge wrongdoing.

She suggests that instead of condemning fraternities outright, we should focus on changing their culture to promote positive behaviors. Sanderson also points out that the presence of many witnesses can lead to a diffusion of responsibility, where individuals assume someone else will speak up, reinforcing a false sense that no one cares.

For parents, the key takeaway is to communicate with their children about the importance of speaking out and to help them understand that others may share their concerns, even if it’s not immediately apparent. This conversation can empower kids to act when they witness wrongdoing, fostering a culture where standing up is the norm.

In a recent episode of Ted Lasso, a touching moment highlighted the power of co-regulation in parenting. When Ted's assistant coach was upset, he simply offered calm presence instead of trying to fix the situation. This approach aligns with peaceful parenting principles, which emphasize soothing and empathy during a child's emotional storms. It might seem like doing nothing, but staying calm is crucial for helping kids regulate their emotions.

Dr. Stuart Shanker explains that infants rely on caregivers to help them manage their feelings, using what he calls the "interbrain"—a form of brain-to-brain communication that happens beyond words. This means that our calmness can significantly impact a child's ability to self-regulate over time. So, when you feel like you’re doing nothing, remember that your presence is actually a powerful tool for emotional development. Embrace those moments, just like Ted Lasso did.

Happy Sunday! It’s International Women’s Day, and I’m feeling great because Daylight Savings Time is here, meaning longer evenings and more sunshine. I hope you’re finding joy in something today, too.

Emily’s Book Club has picked a new read for March: *Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose* by Jennifer Breheny Wallace. I think it’s just what we need right now.

I’ve got some fun links for you. There’s a thoughtful meditation on navigating tough times, plus a quick recipe for 3-ingredient chicken tacos that are ready in just nine minutes. If you’re a book lover, there’s a new trend of singles events inspired by rom-coms. Also, consider having some important conversations with your aging parents; it’s always good to be prepared.

If you’re into food diaries, I’d love to hear what you’re eating! And if you hit a paywall, don’t forget about tools like Instapaper and Libby for accessing articles and magazines. For spring, there are tips to refresh your home and a fun piece about the “errand friend” we all know.

Lastly, American Girl Dolls are getting a makeover, and I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on that. Don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Spring Collection reveal on April 6th! Enjoy your day and maybe grab some buttercups for a little sunshine in your kitchen.

In "Mattering," Jennifer Breheny Wallace explores the concept of worth and how it shapes our lives. Initially, the author thought she understood the idea of mattering, believing everyone has inherent value. However, as she delves deeper, particularly in chapter three, she confronts the idea of "mattering too much." This suggests that our sense of worth can become overwhelming, especially when tied to external validation. She reflects on a pivotal summer in 2013 when various pressures converged, prompting her to rethink what it truly means to matter. It’s a thoughtful examination of how our need for significance can impact our well-being and relationships.

In 2015, the author received an unexpected email from HarperCollins while picking up her child from preschool, marking a pivotal moment in her life. She had always wanted to write and had blogged across various platforms, never anticipating a career in publishing. This email led to twelve book deals, including her successful title, "Grace Not Perfection," which sold around 300,000 copies.

After completing her last contract, she took a much-needed break to reflect on her journey. She’s now working on a new book proposal, focusing on a topic that resonates with readers. The publishing landscape has shifted significantly, with authors now needing to be savvy marketers and content creators. Self-publishing has gained traction, with millions of titles released, challenging traditional publishing norms.

The author highlights the complexities of book economics, where traditional publishers retain most of the revenue, leaving authors with a small percentage. Platforms like Substack are changing the game, allowing writers to connect directly with their audience and earn more. Moving forward, she plans to simplify her approach, using Substack as her main hub for writing and connection, while considering some exciting pivots based on reader feedback.

Good morning! It sounds like you're having a cozy time in Aspen, even if packing for winter is a bit of a challenge. I totally get it—real winter can be a lot of work! Enjoying those lodge vibes and settling in with a good book sounds perfect.

Now, on to some interesting reads. If you're trying to find the right exercise for yourself, there are some practical tips out there to help you explore your options. It’s all about finding what fits into your life, even with a busy schedule.

For families traveling with kids, there are three helpful hacks to make your Spring Break smoother. It’s all about figuring things out as you go, right?

And if you love soup, you’ll want to check out Bri McKoy’s Ham and Potato Chowder recipe. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for this time of year, especially if you want to hold onto those cozy flavors a bit longer.

Lastly, if you're feeling irritable or down, there are five actionable steps you can take to help lift your mood. Sometimes, a little guidance is all we need to navigate those tough days. Enjoy your Sunday!

Three years ago, the author found herself burned out and overwhelmed, feeling like every task was urgent. After taking a much-needed sabbatical to slow down and gain clarity, she rediscovered her love for writing. This led her to create a Substack, initially without a grand plan, just a space for her thoughts. Fast forward to today, and that small decision has blossomed into a six-figure platform, ranking #1 in the parenting category.

She emphasizes a few key lessons: keep a loose writing schedule focused on what genuinely interests you, don’t shy away from using a paywall to value your work, and remember that Substack is about depth, not viral trends. Treating her Substack like a magazine, with attention to aesthetics, has also played a crucial role in her success.

The Sunday Scroll shares a warm update from a Florida mom who recently enjoyed a snowy getaway in Aspen with her kids. They had a blast tubing and indulging in treats like pain au chocolat, and she even treated herself to a vintage Hermès scarf. Back home, she’s embracing analog hobbies again, rediscovering the joy of scrapbooking.

This week’s highlights include practical tips for turning rotisserie chicken into various meals, reflections on two decades of marriage, and insights into how chronic indecision can stem from anxiety. There's also a touching story about mending a friendship after years of silence and a candid look at the realities of working parenthood in America.

In lifestyle updates, she shares her excitement over new home decor collections, restocks on favorite beauty products, and kicks off a Spring Simplicity Challenge to refresh her home. It’s a lovely reminder to embrace the season and the little joys in life.