Daily Parenting Brief · October 29th

In the first episode of “What’s Next After High School?”, Mary Alice McCarthy from the Center on Education and Labor discusses alternatives to four-year college paths. She highlights career technical education (CTE) programs available in many high schools, which have evolved from traditional vocational courses to offer rigorous, career-focused training in fields like healthcare, cybersecurity, and business management. These programs often include work-based learning and youth apprenticeships, providing hands-on experience alongside classroom learning.

For those who have already graduated, options like registered apprenticeships in skilled trades—such as plumbing and HVAC—offer pathways to well-paying jobs. While these apprenticeship programs are limited, they provide structured training and paid work experience. Community colleges also play a vital role, offering programs that lead to certifications or associate degrees in various trades, helping individuals secure economic stability without a four-year degree.

In the fourth season of Netflix's “The Diplomat,” fans have noticed a poignant tribute to Hersh Goldberg-Polin and his friend Aner Shapira, both tragically killed by Hamas. In episode six, a character named Frances recounts a story about an American soldier named Hershel Polin, who saved her father during World War II. This character's missing arm and the Richmond, Virginia hometown reference hint at Goldberg-Polin's real-life story.

Frances’ tale of Polin redirecting a grenade mirrors Shapira’s brave actions during the Nova music festival attack, where he defended others before losing his life. Goldberg-Polin’s mother expressed gratitude for the recognition, noting that many are committed to remembering the stories of those affected. Debora Cahn, the show’s creator, is believed to have woven this tribute into the narrative, reflecting her own family history and the importance of storytelling in preserving memories of hardship and resilience. This brief moment adds depth to the series, honoring the lives lost while enriching the show's narrative.

As she approaches 50, the author embraces her transformation into a "bubbe," engaging in what she calls "granny hobbies" like mah jongg and needlepoint. These activities, often dismissed as trivial, have surprisingly enriched her life, offering new friendships and creative fulfillment. She reflects on how these gatherings differ from traditional family events, emphasizing the joy of connecting with others over shared interests. Through her experiences, she draws parallels to the women of the Torah who spun fabrics for the Mishkan, highlighting the importance of community and the bonds formed while creating something together. Ultimately, she finds comfort and happiness in this new chapter of life.

This article dives into charming vintage girl names inspired by old community cookbooks, blending nostalgia with a touch of culinary history. Each name is tied to a recipe, making them feel personal and special. For instance, Josephine, linked to a shrimp cocktail dip, offers cute nicknames like Jo or Josie, while Ida, inspired by a braided egg twist, carries a strong historical weight thanks to Ida B. Wells. Names like Maude and Viola evoke both literary and pop culture connections, while others like Rosemary and Gertie bring a delightful kitchen vibe. It’s a lovely reminder of how names can carry stories and warmth from the past.

Hey! So, I was reading this article about someone's October favorites, and it got me thinking about how we set intentions. The author is turning 38 and is looking ahead to 40, but instead of waiting for a big birthday to make changes, she's focusing on small, consistent steps now. It’s a neat way to reframe goals, right? Like, instead of "I'll be more organized by 40," it's "What small thing can I do today to move towards being more organized by 40?" It’s a reminder that we don't have to wait for a milestone to start growing.

She then dives into her October faves. First up is Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen – she loves that it's clear and dries instantly, making it super easy to reapply, even over makeup. Apparently, Target is getting a dedicated display for it soon, which is good to know if you prefer to shop in person.

She also raved about a podcast she’s been listening to, calling it a lovely change of pace from the usual productivity focus. She specifically enjoyed episodes with Kate McKinnon and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. For books, she absolutely loved "The Frozen River," a historical fiction with a strong female lead that reminded her of another favorite.

On the TV front, she watched "East of Eden" and had a complex reaction. She loved the scenery, music, and how generational patterns played out, but also found those same patterns incredibly painful and sad to watch. It sounds intense, but she couldn't stop thinking about it.

She also tried the Quince tomato candle, but found it a bit too sweet for her liking. She prefers the more savory tomato scents from Flamingo Estate and Malin + Goetz, even though they're pricier. Speaking of Malin + Goetz, she’s a huge fan of their tomato hand cream, which is apparently a hit with her mother-in-law too.

There’s a mention of a baby carrier from Mabē that she’s gifted multiple times, finding it incredibly versatile and durable. She also gave a shout-out to a veggie chopper that’s been a lifesaver for meal prep, creating perfectly uniform cubes.

Finally, she talked about EBY underwear, which she finds incredibly comfortable and has repurchased. She loves the high-rise fit and a feature that prevents them from riding up. And for skincare, she’s been using PanOxyl 4% Creamy Wash for acne-prone skin, noting it’s gentle, affordable, and effective, even for body acne. She even shared a tip about letting benzoyl peroxide washes sit for a bit before rinsing.