Happy Friday,

Is 7-7 a myth? When we were reading all about baby sleep, everyone tells you that the ideal time to put them to bed is 7pm and the ideal wakeup time is 7am. We stuck to this for ages, but there were a few times we kept our daughter up for various reasons (usually for disappointing Philadelphia sports games), and she wouldn’t go to bed until 8 or 8:30.

All the books would tell you that she’d still wake up at 7, or maybe even earlier! On top of that, she’d likely have a harder time falling asleep. But guess what? She still fell asleep in 5-15 minutes, and she would been sleep until around 8am, so still ~12 hours. This just goes to show that each child is unique and generalized advice isn’t always applicable for your story.

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One Big Idea

The Chicken Nugget Conundrum in Parenting

Ahh chicken nuggets: a staple in the diet of many children and a source of guilt for numerous parents. This food staple has held a steadfast position in kid cuisine for generations, but has often attracted criticism for being processed and unhealthy. However, there's more to the chicken nugget phenomenon than meets the eye. Nuggets appeal to children for their flavor, ease of eating, and the simple joy they find in their fun shapes and predictable texture. These factors make nuggets a particularly attractive option for picky eaters (like I once was). Additionally, the convenience of nuggets can't be overstated in the fast-paced lives of modern families. They offer a quick, filling meal that children are likely to eat without fuss, easing the pressure on time-strapped parents.

It's essential to recognize that while chicken nuggets might not be the epitome of a balanced diet, they do provide essential macronutrients like protein, carbs, and fats. Ultimately, chicken nuggets can be a part of a balanced diet when accompanied by other nutritious foods, and it's crucial for parents to shed the guilt often associated with serving them. After all, I still elect to eat nugs from time to time.

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Here’s a dad joke

What did one plate say to another plate?

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