This. Sure, we miss going to the mall, sporting events, getting a massage. We miss running to the market to satisfy a craving, stopping for hot chocolate, or a tasty dinner with a side of laughter with friends. We miss all of those not-so-little things a lot. What we miss most, though, is each other. Human touch, affection and embrace just….feels so good. As we cuddle those we can touch a little tighter and longer, we long for the touch of those we can’t. 

The challenge now is to create as close to that feeling as we can, virtually. Is it a mid-day text or call? A compliment on the fly? A donation of funds or good to a cause you believe in? Having a meal delivered to someone? Sharing a skillset, knowledge or resource? We all have something to give. It doesn’t matter the size, type, or delivery. You make the world a better place just by being in it, so let ‘em have it. 

Sincerely,

Claire

🧡 Thank you frontline workers

Virtual events

Webinar: A Natural Approach to Your Baby’s Health with naturopathic doctor Cecilia de MartinoThursday, April 16 @ 11AM EDT

We should always be thinking about optimizing our health because it is our biggest asset. It has become especially important while we navigate our lives during this pandemic. 

In this talk you’ll learn:

• What naturopathic medicine is and how to access it

• Nutrition for mom and baby

• Health Boosting Activities

• Supplements for mom and baby

• Dealing with an ill baby (fever, middle ear infection, allergies) 

Register here

Weekly Parent Connection Online Thursday, April 16 11AM EDT

Calling all parents. Join Heather Boyd, for weekly online meetings to discuss parenting, discipline, child development and attachment in these novel times.  This is very kid-friendly! If you need to tune in with your children you can - we will love seeing them! Register here 

Mobile Meetup Friday, April 17 at 3:30PM EDT
Are you feeling Isolated? Join us along with Emily Pollak and other parents for an online chat. Think of it as a coffee date, but from the comfort of your own home, or comfortable space. Grab a cup of tea or coffee, and log in to the video chat with other parents in a casual atmosphere. Register here 

Mommy & Me Fitness Online ONGOING

It doesn't matter if you are 6 weeks, 6 months or 6 years postpartum - this workout is for you! Register here. 

Missed a virtual event? 

Here are links to last week’s videos: 

• Setting Up a Positive Home Learning Environment

• Why Focusing on Your Sleep During COVID-19 is Important with Alanna McGinn

• Understanding the COVID-19 Stimulus package with Adrian Drew

• Parenting Through the Storm with Ann Douglas

• Managing Anxiety

• Having a Baby during COVID-19 - What to expect
  
  

Parent S.O.S

• There may be a few things you don’t miss, but one thing we all miss is human contact. We’ll never take a warm embrace  with our family and friends for granted again. This article by Ishani Nath shares some wonderful tips for ways to compensate in a healthy way. 

• While we’re on the subject, even in a full house, we can experience loneliness. VeryWellMind.com has put together a comprehensive read about why that is, and how to cope. Some highlights we love: 

• Do something meaningful such as using your skills to volunteer or enrolling in a course

• You can’t play or watch the professionals right now so sign up for online sports like a Fantasy Football League or join an online forum for a subject or activity you’re interested in or want to learn more about

• Create something. Whether it’s journaling, colouring, drawing, writing short stories, or redecorating a room by moving around what’s already there, this can be a welcome distraction that results in something you will enjoy for years to come

• Practice self-compassion

• Read the article here

• You’re probably video-conferenced out, with many of us participating in multiple calls per day. And, we know you’re likely using video to talk to your parents, grandparents and siblings too, which is excellent. Have you tried doing it with your friends? Some of our staff and community managers tried it this week - and let us tell you - you can’t go wrong with this. If you can take a 30-minute break to talk with your friends - to just talk about everything and nothing, it can do wonders for your soul. 

This One’s For the Kids 

• The James Dyson Foundation (Yes, that Dyson) has assembled some very cool engineering challenges for kids of all ages to keep those brains engaged while they’re busy having fun. Check it out. 

• Author and illustrator E.B. Goodale has joined the ranks to offer live drawing lessons twice per week for toddlers! Visit her Instagram page to join in the fun. 

• Outsource bedtime stories a few nights a week to your fav celebrities. With a wide range of beloved stories read by the likes of Betty White, James Earl Jones and Wanda Sykes, we may just curl up and listen too. Storyline Online. 

• Did you know that YouTube has a curated library of kid-friendly educational videos? Who knew it wasn’t just video game tutorials. The range of subjects and sources is dizzying, and there’s something for toddlers to young adults. Start here. 

Just for Fun 

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