Mary Manz Simon's Blog, page 22

Hug me to sleep?

Do the demands of parenting melt away when your child wraps his arms around you?

Researchers tell us that touch stimulation can be relaxing. That’s the reason weighted blankets are emerging as a “trend you can use” during cold winter nights.

Weighted blankets might not hug sleep-deprived parents to dreamland, but wrapping that conforms to our bodies is soothing.

As we become increasingly aware of mental health issues that impact parents, natural sleep aids, including blankets that distribute pressure around the body, might be something to consider.

Too much mom drama

Moms are passionate, and that’s good. We bring a lot of emotional energy to our parenting.

But everyday dramas can reveal a resurgence of the old issues like SAHD (stay-at-home) vs. employed; “poor me” syndrome; dad as the inept babysitter, etc.

Quite honestly, I thought those ancient stereotypes were buried long ago. No one benefits when they bubble up.

Screens and snacks

The kids who played outside after supper all summer frequently end up as video gamers in the dark of winter.

And of course, screen time leads to snacking. Gamers – especially Millennials who play alongside their children – look for snacks to keep them mentally sharp and focused. Favorites are quick, not messy and convenient to hold.

Time to go shopping.

Upselling

Even preschoolers are comfortable using the touch screen kiosks that have popped up at so many fast food locations, but don’t be surprised if the bill is higher than expected.

According to some data, we spend 15 to 20 percent more at a kiosk than when ordering from a person. The transaction is private, so no one is judging our menu choices. And, unlike a cashier who might forget to ask, “Do you want fries with that?” a kiosk always asks.

Smart machine.

More than baby talk

Communication devices are the growing edge for expectant parents.

Although in later years technology might tend to divide families, before birth, pre-birth baby talk is the focus. Beginning with apps that allow moms to track and manage fertility to smartphone accessories that count fetal kicks, tech companies have discovered a hungry audience.

Parents-to-be, who grew up with digital tech, are welcoming these increasingly innovative gadgets.

One implication is clear: the cost of attending a baby shower just went up.

Streetwear from Santa?

What began as a fashion statement of West Coast surf and skate clothing, streetwear for kids has moved toward mainstream.

Holiday images of kids wearing styles that mirror adult trends are popping up on social media. Actually, that’s where some of the energy is coming from: parents who post photos of their well-dressed children.

Fashion trends seem less edgy when modeled by a cute kid.

Head start on health?

Finding the elusive life balance has always been one of the most stressful aspects of parenting, but there’s good news:

Moms and dads are starting to prioritize their personal mental health.

To maintain and improve mental wellness, activities range from charting emotions, to learning about mindfulness and even escaping online. Although “stroller moms” have, by definition, been accompanied by children, more parents are involving older kids in the various activities. As a result, learning about mood boosting and wellness actions is happening at an earlier age, perhaps giving the next generation of parents a head start on healthy living.

That’s a hopeful thought for the beginning of a new year.

Resolutions or goals?

It’s resolution-making weekend, but not for moms. They are too smart.

Research shows moms set specific, achievable goals for the new year, instead of resolutions that can be easily broken.

And that’s a good note on which to end the year.

Print That Connects

By December 27th children utter the familiar words, “I’m bored.

The presents have been opened. The cookies are getting stale. The holiday company is leaving. It’s an ideal time to encourage children to write thank you notes.

Yes, really. Messages delivered on paper.

Research shows that even though Millennials (most new parents are Millennials) are driven by digital media, print has become a welcome retreat from the online space.

Fake news, online stranger danger (scams, viruses, malware, hackers, etc.) and the blare of digital advertising means print communication stands out among the clicks. In addition, print makes a stronger emotional connection than clickable content.

So, doesn’t helping a child write a thank you note make sense?

Sleepytime stories

For generations, reading bedtime stories has been a traditional aspect of parenting.

But there’s a new angle: bedtime stories for adults.

Perhaps the idea is a natural extension of the mindfulness trend or the growing awareness of mental health in the wellness arena.

Whatever the reason, most moms and dads don’t need to relax their brain before falling asleep. Exhaustion is the perennial sleep aid for parents, especially on Christmas Day.