Links We Learned From Vol. 3 No. 1

28/4/2018

By Ariel

In which Ariel discusses four links that got her thinking in the last few weeks. What if there was a way to get the most out of your Netflix binge? Should we jump while we still can? Is a date morning the solution to the challenge of scheduling date night? Are we rushing labor and delivery to the detriment of mothers and infants? Read on to find out!

Links We Learned From Vol. 3 No. 1

Brianna and I are readers - readers of books, readers of articles, readers of blogs etc. We read. When we find something interesting, absurd or promising, we share it with the other. That is the beauty of sharing this crazy wild journey that we call parenthood. Twice the resources! This is a curated list of links (in no particular order) that I think will have a significant impact on how I parent.

Netflix and Thrive: Four Ways to Boost Your Mental Wellbeing While Binge Watching by Tchiki Davis from Shine

Sometimes you just need to turn off the brain by bingeing a good show (or a bad show - no judgement here). But even when it is a necessary break from reality it can still be anxiety inducing. I should be doing something! Davis clues us in to a few ways that we can use Netflix to boost our mental well-being. Whether you actively practice empathy while catching up on your shows or just telling people you are, this article will get you thinking.

Jump While You Can by Joshua Becker from Becoming Minimalist

On an almost daily basis we are told to 'live in the moment,' 'seize the day,' or 'carpe diem' to the point where it starts to loose meaning. Becker manages to say the same thing but in an refreshing unpretentious way. So we actually hear the message. He uses the example of jumping off a boat while on vacation. There is a surprisingly small period of time when we can - after we are too young but before we are too old. Shouldn't we jump now, while we can?

Why Parents Need a 'Date Morning' by Leigh Anderson on Offspring

The most repeated piece of advice you are likely to hear as a new or expecting parent is to make 'date nights' a priority. But what these well-meaning advisors don't say is how hard this is. I would find myself chugging a coffee in the early evening just to ensure I didn't fall asleep in my appetizer. Why force it? Make 'date mornings' a thing! Or 'date early evenings.' She urges us to ask ourselves what part of our day we want to buy ourselves out of as parents? Do you dread the early morning wake-ups? Get an early morning babysitter so you can both sleep in and have a leisurely morning coffee date. Do you dread the dip in the afternoon when toddlers tend to go haywire? Have a early evening date night and let the babysitter take care of dinner and the bedtime routine. Taking time for the central relationship in the family does not HAVE to happen at night. Be creative.

It's Science: Women Need Time To Give Birth - So Doctors Shouldn't Rush Labor + Delivery by Emily Glower on Motherly

Did you feel rushed during birth? If so, you are not alone. Glover makes a compelling argument for slowing down and letting birth progress at it's own pace. What do you think? Do you have it in you to go slow?

Pencil Me In

It's that time again! Time to see what strange new horrors the world of free stock photos has to offer. I am entitling this one 'Pencil Me In.' Not the weirdest I have seen but definitely a head scratcher.