"All that I am, or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."

- Abraham Lincoln

TGIF, Mamas! As we roll into the weekend, let's empower our little ones and find some fun along the way. Grab your coffee and dive in!

Today’s Mommy scoop:

• Daily questions to boost your child's well-being

• Freshen up luggage easily with this hack

• Sheet Pan Pancakes: Simple and Delicious 🥞

• Kids DIY: Tissue Box Monsters

Mom's Field Guide

4 Powerful Questions That Will Help Your Child Thrive Every Day

Struggling to engage with your kids at the dinner table?

Replace the usual "How was your day?" with these four powerful questions.

Not only do they encourage meaningful conversation, but they also promote a balanced approach to daily life.

Body: Physical Activity Focus

• Question: "What did you do today to move your body?"

• Purpose: Encourages physical activity and highlights the importance of health and exercise.

Mind: Cognitive Development

• Question: "How did you exercise your mind today?"

• Purpose: Stimulates intellectual growth and celebrates learning, both formal and informal.

Family: Contribution and Teamwork

• Question: "What did you do to help out our family?"

• Purpose: Teaches responsibility, teamwork, and the value of contributing to the family unit.

Fun: Emphasizing Joy and Play

• Question: "What was the most fun thing you did today?"

• Purpose: Recognizes the importance of play and relaxation, fostering a balanced lifestyle.

"Life Canoe" Analogy: Use this analogy to explain the concept of balance to kids. Like a canoe, life requires even weight distribution among these four aspects - body, mind, family, and fun - to stay afloat and move forward effectively.

Implementation Tips:

• Visual Reminders: Use posters or notes as daily prompts.

• Dinner Routine: Incorporate these questions into your family dinner routine.

• Bedtime Reflections: Use these questions as a part of your bedtime ritual for quieter reflection.

• Encourage Problem-Solving: If a child hasn't fulfilled one aspect, encourage them to think of ways they can do so.

These four questions can revolutionize your family interactions, turning routine dinners into opportunities for growth, bonding, and mutual understanding.

By regularly engaging in this practice, you’re not only enhancing your children’s development but also nurturing a well-rounded family dynamic.

Try it tonight and see the difference! 🌟👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💬

Keep reading here.

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Mom's Mic: This Week’s Poll 🎤 

Poll Results From 1/22

How do you usually handle picky eaters?

 🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Let them skip the meal (18%)

🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Cook them their favorite food (14%)

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Mix disliked food with something they love (60%)

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ Persist until they eat it (8%)

Featured Response 😄 

Oh, I totally get how tough it can be to stand your ground with those adorable, picky little eaters – you're doing an awesome job sticking to the plan; stay strong, mama! 💪 - Danielle 😊 

Mom Hack

Fresh Luggage with Dryer Sheet

Mom Hack

Keep your clothes smelling fresh in your luggage with a simple dryer sheet.

This helps combat the mix of clean and dirty laundry during travel.

For added organization, consider using separate bags for clean and dirty items, with a fragrant dryer sheet to maintain a pleasant scent.

Mom’s Menu

🥞 Sheet Pan Pancakes

This easy and delicious meal is perfect for feeding a crowd and makes mornings a breeze.

Packed with fruits and veggies, it's both nutritious and a total crowd-pleaser.

Why You'll Love It

• 🕒 Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings.

• 🍓 Versatile toppings mean endless flavor combinations.

Ingredients 📝

• For the pancakes:

  • Butter

  • Grated zucchini and carrot

  • Milk

  • Applesauce

  • Eggs

  • Vanilla extract

  • Maple syrup

  • Flour

  • Baking powder

  • Salt

• For the toppings:

  • Bananas, chopped walnuts, and brown sugar

  • Sliced strawberries and peanut butter

  • Blueberries and cream cheese

  • Chocolate chips

Instructions 👩‍🍳

1. Grate zucchini and carrot, and add to a food processor.

2. Blend in milk, applesauce, eggs, maple syrup, melted butter, and vanilla.

3. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

4. Combine the wet and dry mixtures.

5. Spread the batter on a greased, rimmed baking sheet.

6. Add desired toppings.

7. Bake at 425°F for 13-15 minutes until cooked through.

8. Slice and serve.

Note 📌

These Sheet Pan Pancakes are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic breakfast with less fuss and more fun.

Customize with your family's favorite toppings for a breakfast that's as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!

Full recipe here.

Daily DIY (Kids Edition)

Tissue Box Monsters

Upcycle an old tissue box into a fun and unique monster!

1. Paint the box inside and out with acrylic paint, then outline the "mouth" with a black marker.

2. Decorate with large googly eyes, white cardstock teeth, and large pom-poms for character.

3. Optionally, add additional features like popsicle stick antennae for more creativity.

Use hot glue for best results in attaching decorations, but strong glue also works

The tutorial is here.

Mom’s Choice

This hat is a lifesaver for outdoor adventures, providing essential sun protection for your little one.

It's adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit as your baby grows.

It's one of my favorites because it combines practicality with peace of mind, knowing my baby is protected from the sun. 😄 

Baby Flap Sun Protection

Game

Mama Knows Best: True or False?

It’s normal for toddlers to have irregular eating patterns.
(Answer below)

A) True

B) False

Mom’s Meme 🤣

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Answer

B) True. Toddlers often have fluctuating appetites and preferences, which is a normal part of their development.