Happy Wednesday,

One thing I’ve been super grateful for since the birth of our daughter is that our dogs get along with her so well. I’ve had friends and family who have had to rehome their dogs because they were possessive or aggressive with the little one and I’m honestly not sure I could live without them. We got our first dog only a few months after we started dating and he has been with us through thick and thin, and hopefully he’ll be there alongside our daughter for many years to come. He has felt a sense of pride with her in the past few days because he has taught her how to play fetch. Life is good.

How was it introducing your newborn to your pets? Did you do anything special to break the ice? Send me your stories and pictures by hitting reply!

Loving Parenthood? Be sure to share it with your family, friends, and social network and encourage them to join our community!

One Big Idea

The Silent Struggles of Students

Students today are juggling a lot. They're aiming for top grades, trying to fit in with peers, and sometimes, they're silently battling personal issues. A four year study found that a notable number of students might be dealing with mental health challenges like anxiety and ADHD. Add the pandemic to the mix, and the pressure multiplies. This has affected their ability to learn as well as their overall well-being. Parents might not always get the full story, especially when younger kids find it hard to put their feelings into words. Some signs of struggle can be subtle, like mood changes, sleep troubles, or a shift in eating habits. It's crucial for parents and guardians to spot these signs early, understand them, and offer the right support.

Takeaway: To address the challenges students face, parents and guardians can adopt several actionable steps:

1. Open communication: Encourage children to share their feelings and experiences. Actively listen without immediately offering solutions.

2. Promote a growth mindset: Reinforce the idea that setbacks are opportunities for growth. Praise effort and strategies over inherent intelligence.

3. Empower social navigation: Validate children's experiences with bullying or social challenges. Let them lead the way in seeking solutions, whether it's talking to a counselor or addressing the issue themselves.

4. Establish routines: Dedicate specific times and places for schoolwork. This provides structure and helps in managing academic pressures.

5. Seek external resources: Utilize online educational tools and maintain regular communication with teachers for additional support.

6. Promote balance: Ensure children have downtime and aren't overwhelmed with extracurricular activities. Ask them about their preferences and adjust schedules accordingly.

7. Mental health is paramount: Always prioritize a child's mental well-being. If needed, consider professional counseling, but involve the child in the decision-making process.

By using these guidelines, parents can create a nurturing environment where children feel understood, supported, and empowered to tackle the challenges they face.

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Tip(s) of the Day

• After yesterday’s newsletter, this feels especially relevant. A therapist shares advice for new fathers who are worried about their relationships

F**k it, here’s a dad joke

What kind of fish knows how to do an appendectomy?

Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer!

Time(out) for Memes

@vanessarobinson90

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