Happy, Good Friday y’all! I’m sending all my love to those celebrating Easter this weekend with good fellowship, reflection, and eggs galore!
1 Thing to do today (if nothing else)
Let’s talk deviled eggs. What mayonnaise base do you use? If you’re a miracle whip person, why? Pickles, no pickles? I personally need to taste the apple cider vinegar in my go-to recipe. Paprika, of course! ;) If you want to get the conservation buzzing this Easter, this is the topic du jour to bring up at brunch: How do you prefer your deviled eggs?
Gut Check: How do we raise the next generation of resilient leaders?
Don’t be a helicopter parent. Don’t gentle parent. Don’t put your kid in therapy. Don’t leave your child unattended. Don’t use corporal punishment. Don’t spoil your kid. Don’t put your kid in public school. Don’t let your kid get a smart phone. Don’t let your kid on social media. Don’t let your kid eat a diet of processed foods. Don’t over schedule your kid.
The list goes on and on, and there are reputable thought leaders on contradicting sides of advice. It’s a lot to try to balance and I don’t know a single parent who isn’t worried that they are doing it wrong.
As a mom of 3 under 4 I’ve been taking it in like water out of a fire hose the last few years. Just once I felt confident I was good at navigating the tummy time, nursing vs formula feedings, daycare, screentime, and global pandemic concerns of modern parenting—I’m confronted with actual education choices, extracurricular sports, and the daily tasks of building and reinforcing the foundations of their moral, ethical, and religious beliefs. I know most days it feels like the real battle is just figuring out what to have for dinner that evening that isn’t macaroni and cheese and chicken nuggets again. But wowza, when you’re out of the infant and toddler survival mode things kick into another gear.
I’m blessed to have a wonderful group of mom friends, family, and church community to help navigate the stress of not messing up, but rightfully so I still get anxious that I’m not doing enough (or doing too much). Should I be putting on my 4-year-old’s socks or should I make him do it to teach self-reliance? Counterpoint: how about I just do it so we aren’t any more late for school than we already are?
Of the hundreds of little decisions that make up a day of interaction with my kids how many of the seemingly insignificant decisions can turn into a force of habit that will make them soft as adults? The moral dilemma of socks plagues me, because I know without a doubt I do not want my children to end up like anything close to the generational stereotypes of Gen Z: addicted to social media, scared of dating, allergic to commitment, bought into the culture of grievances—it’s a hard no for me.
The alarm bells have been sounding for a while on how we have a problem and what to do as a society (or individual) to change course. In just the last month all of these authors have come out with new books on the American family and raising kids: Abigail Shrier, Jonathan Haidt, Tim Carney, Rob Henderson, Hillary Morgan Ferrer and Julie Loos.
But much like how I’m waiting for the perfect childcare scenario and easy-to-follow weekly meal-prep guides, there are too many opinions out there and no consensus on the practical Right Way™ to parent. Tough love is easy when you’re in the privacy of your own home. Drop a toddler with a tantrum in the middle of a public place with onlookers and things get interesting. I’m not proud to admit I have negotiated with candy as my bargaining chip for peace and quiet. Man is fallen, what can I say?
Do you have a secret system to raising kids to become upstanding adults? Favorite influencer on this topic? Annual seminar you like to attend? A support group lol? Book/podcast recommendation? Drop a comment because I am all ears and I’m sure everyone else is!
Feminist Files
Tampon-Gate is peek 4th wave feminism. Yesterday students at Vanderbilt University did a sit-in “hunger strike” that lasted approximately 21.5 hours. This was in reaction to the administration intervening to stop a student council vote aimed at divesting university funds from Israel. They wanted to “stop the genocide in Gaza” or as I like to say, they were pro-global intifada. Potato, patado.
At some point during this protest, some lady needed to change her tampon. Naturally, they called 911 for help. The survivors of this human rights violation give their own account of the depravity. So brave.
Once again, The Free Press and Suzy Weiss are delivering the content I need for a dopamine hit. Read the coverage for yourself.
Free Time
The Chosen, Season 4 is extending it’s theatrical screenings this weekend only. If you aren’t already watching The Chosen, download the app to access the first 3 seasons (for free) and grab a box of tissues. It’s amazing and has a 99% score on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s worth your time.
Spring is here and as your resident ginger, I have a SPF recommendation: Saint Jane. It doubles as a primer under your makeup and it smells divine! Definitely a splurge because it’s on the pricier side, but I. can confirm: it does the job and doesn’t make you look like Casper the friendly ghost.
Need a date night idea that doesn’t require a babysitter? Try the latest ‘couples paint each other’ trend made popular on TikTok. I can’t stop laughing.
Need a good laugh and political motivation to get through the 2024 political cycle? If you aren’t already listening to the Ruthless podcast, do yourself a favorite and give them a follow.
While I’m recommending podcasts, our very own Amanda Elliott was featured in the most recent Campaign War Stories with Wesley Donehue. Check her out! I’m so proud. :)
Thank you for reading! We’ll see you in two weeks! -Sarah