A social media influencer is under fire for promoting a dangerous and discredited chemical as a so-called “autism cure,” despite alarming reports of serious harm to children.
Kerri Rivera, who has over 17,000 followers on Instagram, encourages parents to administer chlorine dioxide (CD)—an industrial bleach used in textile manufacturing and disinfection—orally and by enema to their autistic children. Rivera falsely claims this “protocol” rids the body of parasites she believes cause autism.
Messages from Rivera’s private support group show parents reporting disturbing side effects, including vomiting, rashes, seizures, and chemical-smelling urine. Despite these symptoms, Rivera routinely reassures followers that these are signs the bleach is “working” and the body is “detoxifying.”
Ingesting chlorine dioxide can result in severe vomiting, liver failure, respiratory problems, developmental delays and death.
Tim Nicholls of the National Autistic Society called Rivera’s claims “sickening.”
“This information is wrong, dangerous and harmful to autistic people and their families,” Nicholls told The Independent.
“No autistic person, parent or carer should be told to ‘cure’ their child by administering a dangerous, potentially life-threatening chemical,” he continued. “Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability, it is not a disease that can be ‘treated’ or ‘cured.’”
TikTok has removed Rivera’s account, and Amazon removed her storefront where she earned commission on products she recommended to administer “protocols.” Her Instagram remains active.
Advocacy groups are urging social media platforms and government agencies to take stronger action against the promotion of toxic treatments and to encourage parents to seek advice from trusted medical professionals.
Kids are highly perceptive—so how can we give them feedback while also modeling mindfulness, calm, and kindness? Mindfulness Director and educator Alex Tzelnic shares tried-and-true tips for effective, mindful communication, whether in the classroom or at home.
Summary
Modeling mindfulness when we communicate with kids and students is a research-backed educational tool.
Giving wise feedback is a framework for encouraging students’ learning, without the sense they’re being criticized.
Teachers can create a Mindful Language Cheat Sheet with go-to phrases for clarity, calm, and kindness.
As much as we might like to believe that growing up involves possessing wisdom, kids have a way of undermining that perception. Think of how often our most well-intentioned advice is met with a dramatic eye roll. It can even feel like sarcasm is the primary purpose of eyeballs, with sight being just a byproduct, particularly if it is unsolicited feedback you’ve deigned to offer up.
Yet kids are also often in need of feedback. Without feedback they would be in danger of losing the eyes they are so adept at rolling (“Don’t run with scissors!”). Of course, their job is to test boundaries, and our job as educators and caregivers is to nudge them toward navigating those boundaries independently without letting them fall off the cliff. It can be a delicate balance.
As a Mindfulness Director at a PK-8 school, I often think about the ways we communicate with students and how language can be such a powerful way to model mindfulness.
What Happens When Teachers Model Mindfulness?
At the start of this school year, I shared with the faculty at my school just how impactful our communication styles can be. I related one of my favorite studies on mindfulness. It involved 599 high school students, and took place over the course of the year. The study found that students that had merely perceived their teachers as more mindful at the start of the year showed greater development in mindfulness and compassion by the end of the year.
The point I was trying to make was that one doesn’t have to have a deeply developed personal practice to have an impact on student well-being. As someone trying to encourage teachers to incorporate mindfulness into their classrooms, I wanted to let them know their ability to implicitly model mindfulness might be more powerful than any explicit mindfulness lessons. After all, teaching your own curriculum is challenging in and of itself, and people feel uncomfortable implementing a tool that is not part of their own personal repertoire. If somebody asked me to start weaving chemistry into my lessons, I’d be hard-pressed to even know where to begin.
One doesn’t have to have a deeply developed personal practice to have an impact on student well-being.
It can be illuminating to grasp that howwe show up and engage with students can be a crucial factor in their development. The study identified the characteristics of a mindful teacher as one that is calm, clear, and kind. The researchers concluded, “The presence of a calm, clear, and kind teacher can support students’ holistic growth, whether through modeling or need fulfillment.” Language can impart the kind of coded lessons that could meaningfully influence student behavior, letting them know that they are seen and supported, and in turn helping them see and support others.
How to Give Wise Feedback
Of course, it can be difficult to communicate with clarity, calmness, and kindness, particularly when you are outnumbered by an audience that is there because it has to be, and not necessarily because it wants to be. Though we might assume our statements are innocuous, from the student perspective much of our communication can feel critical. Asking, “Did you complete the assignment?” could be interpreted by a student as their teacher thinking they’re too inept to remember to get work done on their own.
To help with inadvertent critiquing, I also shared the concept of “wise feedback” with my faculty. Psychologist David Yeager explained that providing a clear and transparent statement about the reason feedback is being given helps adolescents understand that one has high standards that can be met, and the feedback comes across as encouragement rather than nagging. “I’m wondering if you completed that assignment, because there are some fascinating nuggets in there and I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on them,” lands much differently.
Language can impart the kind of coded lessons that could meaningfully influence student behavior, letting them know that they are seen and supported, and in turn helping them see and support others.
Yeager pointed to a study he conducted in which seventh grade social studies teachers returned papers to their students with corrections and either a neutral note or a note featuring wise feedback. Eighty percent of students who received the wise feedback ended up revising their essays as opposed to forty percent in the neutral note group. Anecdotally, I can report that the use of wise feedback in my own pedagogy has led to a significant reduction in eye rolling.
Mindful Language, Made Easy
At the end of my session with the faculty, I expressed that I was confident most teachers probably already do express the elements of mindful teaching even if they don’t realize it. One of the hallmarks for being an educator is having the patience and compassion required to nurture learning. But in the words of the Zen teacher Shunryu Suzuki, “You are perfect as you are and you could use a little improvement.” To expand our collective repertoire of mindful phrases, I gave everyone an index card so that we could take advantage of the assembled wisdom.
I asked teachers to help me create a “mindful language cheat sheet” that featured language they use when they are trying to communicate with clarity, calmness, and kindness. In other words, it was a collection of wise feedback. I then sent out a document that compiled these phrases, which featured such pearls of wisdom as:
Everything is figureoutable.
Worrying is paying a debt you don’t owe.
This is one day. There are many days.
Everyone’s best looks different. Focus on what your best looks like.
I’m walking with you in this.
When in doubt, breathe it out.
Thus, we were equipped with language to start the year that could help cut to the heart of the matter, support students through challenging moments, and bring a little levity to the proceedings.
In the ancient lore of meditation and mindfulness, we hear stories of legendary teachers who effortlessly transmit all their wisdom to adoring and rapt students in a single act. It’s an impossibly high bar for modern educators, of course, and not how regular learning occurs, which is most often in tiny moments that accumulate over the course of years. For us mere mortals that find ourselves in the position of dispensing wisdom—whether it is to students of mindfulness, students of chemistry, or students of Play-Doh—it typically takes a much higher word count to get our point across. Teaching is hard. But don’t forget, everything is figureoutable.
As parents, we all want our kids to have boundless energy for play, learning, and adventure during the day—but getting them to wind down at night? That’s a whole different challenge. Whether it’s school stress, screen time, or just an overactive imagination keeping them up, a good night’s sleep can sometimes feel impossible. That’s where kid-friendly gummies come in! With the right balance of nutrients and natural ingredients, these little chewables can help support energy during the day and relaxation at bedtime, making life easier for kids and parents.
In this article, we’re diving into some of the best gummy supplements designed to keep your little ones thriving. We’ll cover everything from vitamins that fuel their daytime escapades to melatonin blends that encourage peaceful sleep. No confusing ingredient lists or overwhelming choices—just a simple guide to help you find what works best for your child’s needs. Let’s explore how the right gummies can make a difference in your kiddo’s daily routine!
Naked Nutrition Kids Vitamin Gummies
Finding the perfect vitamin for your little one can feel like a never-ending search, but Naked Nutrition’s Kids Vitamin Gummies make it easy. These daily gummies are packed with essential vitamins and minerals—like A, C, D, E, B6, B12, folate, biotin, and zinc—so you can feel good knowing your child is getting solid nutrition in a simple, tasty chew. Plus, they’re made right here in the USA, ensuring quality from start to finish.
One of the best things about these gummies? They’re gelatin-free and entirely plant-based, thanks to fruit pectin instead of animal-derived ingredients. They’re also GMO-free, vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for kids with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. And let’s talk flavour—because we all know taste matters to kids! These come in three delicious options—strawberry, berry, and mango—with no artificial flavours or colours. They’re so good that your child might remind you to give them their daily dose!
One small heads-up: since Naked Nutrition skips unnecessary additives, the gummies may stick together a bit in the bottle. But don’t worry—shake it, and they’ll loosen. A simple serving of 1–2 gummies daily (for ages four and up) makes meeting daily nutrition needs easy and stress-free. So, if you’re looking for a clean, nutritious, and kid-approved gummy, Naked Nutrition has you covered!
Llama Naturals Kids Multivitamin Gummies
If you’re looking for a kids’ multivitamin packed with real nutrition (not just sugar and fillers), Llama Naturals Kids Multivitamin Gummies are a game-changer. These tasty strawberry-flavoured gummies are made from real organic fruit and vegetables, delivering 13 essential vitamins and phytonutrients in a form kids can easily absorb—up to 4x better than synthetic vitamins! They support everything from immune health to energy levels and focus, making them a solid choice for growing kids. No wonder Healthline’s RDs named Llama Naturals the “Best Vitamin Brand for Kids”!
Parents will love what’s not in these gummies, too. They contain no added sugar, syrups, artificial ingredients, gelatin, or allergens—just pure, plant-based goodness. They’re also dentist-approved since they don’t have sticky, tooth-harming acids or refined sugar, making them a better choice for little teeth.
And if you’ve got a picky eater on your hands? No worries—these soft, chewable gummies are kid-approved for flavour, with zero fuss over taking their vitamins. Plus, Llama Naturals promises to make it right if your child doesn’t love them. Simple, clean, and delicious—these multivitamins make getting daily greens easier than ever!
SmartyPants Kids Multivitamin Gummies
Finding a multivitamin that fills nutrient gaps and tastes great? SmartyPants Kids Multivitamin Gummies do just that. Packed with 16 essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B12, E, K1, iodine, and Omega-3s (EPA & DHA), these gummies help support growing bodies, energy levels, and brain development—all in one daily dose. They contain more nutrients than the leading kid’s multivitamin brand, making them a standout choice for parents who want the best for their kids.
What sets SmartyPants apart is their high-quality, bioavailable ingredients—meaning kids’ bodies can actually absorb and use the nutrients more efficiently. These gummies provide premium nutrition without unnecessary fillers with methylated folate, vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin, vitamin D3, and zinc citrate. Plus, they’ve been third-party tested and awarded the Clean Label Project Purity Award, so you can feel confident about what’s inside.
And, of course, taste matters! These gummies come in kid-approved lemon, orange, and strawberry banana flavours, making them a fun and delicious addition to any routine. Just four gummies daily (for four-and-up kids)—no food required. Simple, nutritious, and tasty, SmartyPants makes getting daily vitamins easy!
OLLY Kids Multivitamin Gummy Worms
Getting kids to take their vitamins can sometimes feel like a battle—but OLLY Kids Multivitamin Gummy Worms make it fun! These wiggly, playful gummies are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to help kids grow, stay healthy, and fill in any nutritional gaps when mealtime doesn’t go as planned. With a complete blend of vitamins A, C, D, E, B, and zinc, these gummies support overall wellness and help little ones thrive.
And let’s talk about the best part—the taste! These come in a delicious sour fruity punch flavour that kids love. They have no synthetic colours or flavours and a gluten-free formula. The serving size is simple: one gummy a day for kids aged 2-3 and two gummies for kids four and up.
Each bottle has 70 gummies, making it easy to keep up with daily nutrition. OLLY is all about making wellness easy and enjoyable, and these gummy worms are just one of the many fun ways they deliver on that promise. If you’re looking for a vitamin that kids want to take, these OLLY gummies are a great pick!
MaryRuth Organics Kids Vitamins
Getting kids to take their vitamins became much easier with MaryRuth Organics Kids Multivitamin Gummies! These vegan, pectin-based gummies are packed with essential nutrients to support your child’s growth, energy, and overall health—all in a fun, delicious gummy they’ll want to eat. With a mix of strawberry, papaya, and super punch flavours, these gummies are an excellent option for even the pickiest eaters.
Each gummy is loaded with vitamins A, C, and D3, a blend of B vitamins, iodine, and zinc, helping to support everything from strong bones and brain health to metabolism and immune function. Plus, they’re allergy-friendly—completely dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and even sugar-free—so you can feel good about what’s going into your child’s body. Just one gummy a day (for kids two and up) provides a simple and tasty way to cover those daily nutrient needs.
And with Clean Label Project Verification and B Corp Certification, you know these gummies are made with quality and transparency in mind. Whether you have an active little one or a selective eater, MaryRuth Organics makes it easy to keep kids feeling their best!
Renzo’s Picky Eater Kids Multivitamin
If your kiddo refuses gummies, turns their nose up at liquids, or hates taking vitamins, Renzo’s Picky Eater Kids Multivitamin is a game-changer. These sugar-free, dissolvable melty tabs are an easy, mess-free way to get kids the nutrients they need—without traditional gummies’ sticky, sugary downsides. Just pop one in their mouth, and it melts away like magic! No chewing, fuss, or vitamins are left behind on their teeth.
Each tab is packed with iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C, D3, and K, helping support bone strength, immune function, and overall wellness—perfect for filling those picky eating gaps. And with a kid-approved orange flavour, your little one won’t mind taking their daily dose. Parents will love that these tabs are vegan, non-GMO, sugar-free, gluten-free, and free from artificial colours, flavours, and the eight common allergens.
Plus, they’re made with love in a family-owned, NSF-certified facility in Florida, crafted by Dr. Rocca for his son, Renzo. Give half a tab for kids 2-3 years old and two tabs for kids 4+, or dissolve them in water, juice, or even a smoothie. Easy, clean, and parent-approved!
Try this creative, calming mindfulness practice for kids and families, designed to help ease difficult emotions and manage stress.
Key Points:
When children feel anxious or overwhelmed, mindful breathing and counting can help them feel safe and calm.
Engaging in mindful activities together as a family strengthens connections and boosts emotional resilience.
Try this Calming Hands activity to help your child soothe strong emotions through breathing, counting, and making handprint art.
Mindfulness can be fun, simple, and hands-on—literally! The Calming Hands practice, created and shared by Rose Felix Cratsley at Ivy Child International, introduces young children to mindful breathing through art and counting. This activity is perfect for caregivers and educators who want to help kids cultivate calm and focus playfully.
Exploring this practice helps us connect with our bodies, our breath, and the calming energy of our hands. When we feel anxious, stressed, upset or overwhelmed, our hands can be a tool for bringing peace and relaxation. This practice can help you feel safe and calm, no matter what you’re going through.
Scroll down to follow along with the guided audio of this practice!
How to Adapt for Kids with Sensory Needs
Children are encouraged to explore different textures such as soft fabric, smooth stones etc. while practicing the calming hands technique, allowing them to engage with their senses.
Parental Hack
This practice is most effective when caregivers model by practicing alongside children, reinforcing the idea that mindfulness is a family activity and ritual. This can help both kids and parents bond while building emotional resilience and their psychological immune system, together.
Highlights and Benefits:
Introduction: Guides children to notice the sensations in their hands and introduces the concept of hands as calming tools.
Breathing Practice: Uses finger-by-finger breathing, teaching kids to inhale and exhale deeply while counting from 1 to 10.
Reflection: Encourages kids to observe how their hands and bodies feel after the practice, reinforcing self-awareness and relaxation.
Calm and Creative: Make Art With Your Handprint
The Calming Hands practice is best paired with an engaging art activity where kids trace or do handprints, decorate, and personalize their calming hands. By integrating creativity with this simple and engaging mindfulness practice, this activity becomes a lasting tool for emotional regulation and relaxation.
What You’ll Need:
Paper (large enough for a handprint)
Non-toxic markers, crayons, or paint
How to Practice Calming Hands:
Make the Handprint: Invite your child to trace their hand onto the paper or create a painted handprint. Let them have fun choosing colors or decorating their hand outline—it’s part of the creative mindfulness process!
Number the Fingers: Together, write numbers from 1 to 10 on the fingers, starting at the thumb and moving outward.
Begin Mindful Breathing:
Encourage the child to place their real hand on top of their handprint.
Start at the thumb (1) and breathe in deeply, then exhale as you count out loud.
Move to the next finger (2), breathing in and out again.
Continue until all 10 fingers are complete.
Repeat if Needed: If the child enjoys the exercise, they can trace back through the numbers or start again.
Children and families can turn this mindfulness practice into a creative keepsake by tracing their hands, numbering their fingers, and decorating the artwork. This hands-on activity teaches kids to ease difficult emotions by providing a visual and tactile reminder of the breathing practice, making it easy for them to return to in stressful moments. Calming hands can be mounted on the fridge, bedroom door or even in the car as a tool to remind us all to count and breathe.
Audio Practice: Use Your Hands to Explore Mindful Breathing
By Rose Felix Cratsley
Before starting the practice, find a blank piece of paper and something to draw with, like a marker or pencil.
Step 1: Get Comfortable. Find a comfortable seat, either on the floor or in a chair, and sit tall like a strong tree. You can rest your hands gently on your lap, or place them in front of you. Let your shoulders relax, and your body feel soft. You are in a safe place.
Step 2: Notice Your Hands. Take a moment to notice your hands. How do they feel? Are they warm or cool? Do they feel heavy or light? If you’re feeling nervous or anxious, that’s okay—just notice what’s happening in your hands without judgment. If you feel tense, give your hands a little shake and let the tension fall away.
Step 3: Trace Your Hands. Now, we’re going to trace our hands to create a picture of calm. Place your hand on a piece of paper and trace around it with a pencil or marker. While you trace, feel your fingers, the palm of your hand, and the space between your fingers. Let each stroke of the marker be a reminder that you are safe and in control.
As you trace your hands, know that you’re building something special. Your hands are your own calming tool, always available when you need to relax and feel grounded.
Step 4: Breathe with Your Hands. Now that your hands are traced, we’re going to use them to help us breathe deeply. Each finger will guide us through one breath. We will count from 1 to 10, one number for each finger. With each number, we’ll take a slow, deep breath in and out.
Start with your pinky and breathe in as you count “1.” Feel your chest and belly rise. Now, breathe out as you count “2.” Let the air flow out slowly and feel your body soften. Keep breathing slowly, one number for each finger. As you breathe in, feel your hands fill with calm. As you breathe out, feel your hands and body relax even more.
Step 5: Focus on the Sensation. As you go through each number, pay close attention to how your hands feel. Do they feel warm, soft, or tingly? Notice any changes as you breathe. Imagine your breath flowing through your hands, bringing calmness to every part of your body.
As your mind wanders, simply bring your attention back to your hands and your breath. Take your time, enjoying each breath as an opportunity to slow down and find peace.
Step 6: Feel Grounded and Safe. Take a moment to reflect on how your body feels now. Does your body feel more relaxed? Do your hands feel more calm and steady? Remember, this practice helps us feel grounded—like our feet are firmly planted in the earth, and we are in control of our breath and emotions. Your hands can always be a source of calm. If you ever feel anxious or upset, you can come back to this practice, take a deep breath, and find peace through your hands.
When you feel ready, come back to your day. Take one more deep breath in, and gently breathe out. Slowly bring your awareness back to the space around you. You are calm, centered, and ready to face whatever comes next. You can always return to your calming hands whenever you need them.
Texas health officials have pleaded with families residing within the state, urging them to avoid attending “measles parties” and ensure that their children are vaccinated in the wake of a severe measles outbreak that has already killed one child.
“Measles parties” refer to gatherings in which attendees deliberately expose themselves to the illness within a controlled environment in order to build natural immunity instead of obtaining a vaccine, reported Dallas News.
“It’s not good to go have measles parties … let me discourage you from doing this,” Dr. Ron Cook, chief health officer for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, said during a Friday press briefing. “We can’t predict who is going to do poorly with measles, be hospitalized and potentially get pneumonia or encephalitis and or pass away from this.”
Prior to the invention of the chicken pox vaccine in 1995, people would attend “chicken pox parties” for the same reasons, resulting in the rapid spreading of the illness. Measles is among the most contagious viruses globally and can severely impact those who are not vaccinated.
As of Monday, there are nearly 150 cases of the illness in the state, according to the Texas Department of Health Services, with one unvaccinated child dying from the illness last month.
“There are severe outcomes like pneumonia or death. There is encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. Even more rare, but it can happen … years down the road after you develop measles, you can get what is called subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, which is fatal. It is a known side effect of having measles,” Cook continued.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also encouraged people to get the measles vaccine following news of the outbreak, despite previously stating that the outbreak was “not unusual” during President Donald Trump’s first Cabinet meeting.
“Ending the measles outbreak is a top priority for me and my extraordinary team,” Kennedy said in a post on X.
A few years back, I was scrolling through my Instagram feed when I came across an image of Miranda, my childhood best friend. She was on a beautiful white-sand tropical beach, tan and radiant, contorted into an incredible yoga pose. In contrast, I was sitting in my living room, pasty white and deeply bundled against the frigid Maine temps, nearly comatose from tech use. And I noticed something. As I stared at the pic, my throat clenched slightly. My shoulders rose up just a hair. And my stomach dropped. I had a wisp of a thought: Ugh. I wish that was me. This was followed by a cascade of reasons that I was better than her, in a desperate attempt to make myself feel better.
What makes this moment notable, even though this yucky feeling had happened a bajillion times while looking at Insta, was a recognition of how that image impacted me. If I think about my technology consumption like a diet, what I just ate left me feeling bloated and heavy—perhaps the equivalent of eating an entire bag of Cheetos. In the past, I might have scrolled on for thirty minutes, continuing with my day and feeling some unnamed uneasiness, but not really noticing or connecting my feelings to anything in particular. This time, though, it was clear as day. This time helped me wake up and ask myself, “Is scrolling through social media healthy for me?” The answer was a resounding no.
So then I deleted all the apps and never got on social media again.
Yeah, right.
What is true is that this was the beginning of a long process of really waking up to how my technology use was impacting me. I was able to start noticing when my face felt hot and my muscles clenched because an email triggered me before shooting off a fiery response. I recognized that if I woke up and looked at the news on my phone first thing in the morning, I was extra grouchy toward my family as I got ready to teach school that day.
Mindfulness basically asks us to take off our judgy pants for a second and really look at our experiences, especially the ones we think we already know.
On the flip side, my awareness of some of the ways tech really served me grew as well. I was able to notice that I felt empowered by calls to action posted by friends who were promoting social justice. I was grateful for the electronic calendar that reminded me of a forgotten appointment I was supposed to go to in thirty minutes. And especially as we braved the COVID-19 pandemic, I deeply appreciated being able to connect with my students, family, and friends over Zoom.
Listen, I have an obvious bias here. I believe it is really easy for us as humans to get sucked into mindless technology use, and I think that sometimes makes us feel like crap. I believe there are forces at work that make it hard to put the phone or video controller or computer screen down. And I believe that we do have control over ourselves and our choices, but only if we are paying enough attention to notice what’s going on.
Listen to Your Kids
I want to be clear: This is not just a concern for young people. Though the specifics of the challenges around tech use may be generational, the modern struggle for balance and wellness affects all ages.
I am a mother of two young kiddos (ages one and four at the time of publication), which means I am grappling with how to best support them in developing their own healthy relationships with technology.
For now, it is easy because I can just turn off the iPad after one episode or take away the phone after the timer dings. But at some point, I need to transfer that power to them so they can start noticing and making their own choices about the impact their tech use has on them. Of course, they will make mistakes. Of course, I will make mistakes. But I’m hoping, much as I do with my students, that we can figure it out together.
I encourage you to be vulnerable with the young people in your life. Model owning your struggles. Invite them to share theirs. Sit on the same side of the table and problem-solve together rather than fight. We all want less fighting. Be open to the possibility that you are in this together.
You can learn a lot just by listening to kids. The world is different from the one we grew up in. I didn’t have a mobile phone or social media until college and a smartphone came well after that. I had an entire childhood before modern tech became a reality. I can’t fully comprehend what it would be like to grow up in a world where my relationships were mediated by technology. The closest I can come is simply listening to young people. One piece of advice that has really stuck with me came from Jeremy, a teen from Virginia, who said, “One of the biggest mistakes I see parents make is they try to relate too much. While both generations have issues, it’s not the same and they don’t fully understand. Parents should just acknowledge the generation gap, and be open to listening and understanding.”
So, I encourage you to be vulnerable with the young people in your life. Model owning your struggles. Invite them to share theirs. Sit on the same side of the table and problem-solve together rather than fight. We all want less fighting. Be open to the possibility that you are in this together.
Create Social Media Habits That Serve You
Mindfulness basically asks us to take off our judgy pants for a second and really look at our experiences, especially the ones we think we already know. When we fully pay attention, defenses down, hearts open, we can be amazed by how much more there is to learn. By hearts open, I mean we can do this work with care. We can do it because we care . . . about ourselves, about our families and friends, and about the larger community. Acknowledging that we truly do want what is best for all can help us make moves that might not feel easy. Perhaps we create a social justice post to highlight the ways we can better care for one another and this world. Perhaps we put our phones down to really show care to the people we love.
Close your eyes. Okay, I guess you have to read through this first, but then come back and close your eyes and walk yourself through this exercise.
Imagine yourself waking up on your most perfect day. What does it feel like to be in bed? How do you soak in that moment? Do you stay there for a while to enjoy the restfulness? Are you someone who loves to jump right up and throw on some upbeat music? Whatever those first few moments in your ideal day look like, imagine them.
Afternoon rolls around. What now? Do you go out for a walk? Take a catnap in a sunny patch on the couch? Hit the beach or slopes?
How will you wind down from your day? Watch a movie with your family? Read a book curled up in your beanbag chair? Take a short walk around the block?
When you are ready, come back to the present.
This is an idealizing exercise. Obviously, we don’t usually have this much control over every moment of the day. We must consider other people’s needs. And we do things—work, errands, exercise, and so on—that may not feel gratifying in the moment but may ultimately serve us. Some life circumstances simply do not allow for us to do all that we wish. But it can be really helpful to know in our bodies what it feels like to live a beautiful day, as well as what factors help create those feelings.
This exercise is meant to highlight the fact that how you spend your time matters. What you fill your mind with—experiences, content, images—matters. It may be the most important thing to consider. The way we spend each moment ultimately adds up to our lives. If we really want to start being clear about how our tech can best serve us, we need to be very clear about what we want it to serve. Many people grapple with this big question their whole lives: What work, activities, causes, and ways of being in the world make me feel most alive, most connected, and most authentically myself? There will not be a final answer to this question. It will be a lifelong inquiry, and your response will undoubtedly shift as you grow and have new priorities.
Finding meaning in our lives won’t come just from what we do, but how we show up.
Finding meaning in our lives won’t come just from what we do, but how we show up. Are we all the way there for those experiences? Or are we distracted? Can we find meaning and contentment even in moments that are not exciting, awe-inspiring, or fun? Our tech habits do not exist in isolation. Sometimes they are a result of some unmet need in our lives. Sometimes our habits result in an unmet need. It helps to figure out what things nourish us and help us to feel most alive. Only then can we really understand how our tech use can support that.
You Can Always Begin Again
The truth is, at least momentarily, it is easier not to try. It is easier not to notice. It is easier to just hop in our tech inner tube and let the tech companies’ brilliant neuroscientists and psychologists whisk us away on a “happy,” tech-fueled river float. It’s easier to let our habits and patterns whisk us away than it is to look at those habits and ask them, “Are you getting me where I want to go? Are you creating the life I want to live?” Sometimes just asking ourselves to pause can feel Herculean. We aren’t used to it. Our habits push us to stick with what we know. Knowing this, perhaps you ask yourself, Can I love the dance? Can I love my humanness? Can I love myself when my actions create sleep deprivation, jealousy, work backlogs, or sadness? Can I fuel my desire to keep coming back with love and care instead of shame?
If we go into the practice of examining our tech habits by criticizing ourselves, and criticizing others, for not living up to our ideals, we won’t want to keep trying. Lead with love.
Maybe we notice we have been scrolling for over an hour one day, only to miss noticing the same behavior a week later. Maybe we choose to set a timer when we play video games one day and hop up after thirty minutes to go get some fresh air, only to hole up for a whole weekend playing games a month later. Still, we can begin again.
And still, we can value ourselves as we fall. We can value ourselves enough to try again.
Aden Van Noppen, founder of compassionate tech company Mobius, answers our questions about how technology hijacks attention and how we can foster a healthier relationship with our screens. Read More
Learning to take care of your heart, to accept the pain that comes with seeing the people you love suffer, and to be okay with suffering yourself, is the true work of self-love—and it begins with the breath. Read More
Raising Happy Kids: Proven Tips to Boost Your Child’s Happiness
As parents, there’s no greater joy than seeing our children grow and thrive. But have you ever wondered how to help them develop a sense of happiness and well-being? Research shows that happy kids tend to perform better academically, form healthy relationships, and develop coping mechanisms to handle life’s challenges. In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to raise happy kids, backed by scientific evidence.
Understanding the Foundation of Happiness
Before diving into the tips, it’s essential to understand what makes children happy. Children’s happiness stems from a combination of factors, including:
Physical Well-being: When children are physically healthy, they’re better equipped to regulate their emotions and handle stress.
Social Connections: Children thrive in social environments with positive relationships with family, friends, and peers.
Emotional Intelligence: As children develop emotional awareness, they learn to manage their emotions and develop resilience.
Mental Health: Children who have a sense of purpose and a positive self-image tend to be happier.
Sense of Autonomy: Giving children choices and involving them in decision-making can increase their feelings of control and independence.
Tip 1: Foster Positive Parent-Child Relationships
One of the most significant factors contributing to a child’s happiness is their relationship with their parents. When parents demonstrate affection, approval, and involvement in their child’s life, it can create a sense of security and attachment.
Show physical affection like hugs, kisses, and cuddles.
Display genuine interest in your child’s life by asking open-ended questions and listening actively.
Encourage your child’s thoughts and feelings by acknowledging and validating their emotions.
Tip 2: Encourage Outdoor Play
Regular outdoor play is essential for children’s overall happiness and development. Being outdoors has been shown to:
Reduce stress levels
Boost self-esteem
Improve problem-solving skills
Enhance creativity
Set aside time each day for outdoor play, even if it’s just a quick trip to the park or backyard.
Engage in play yourself, promoting family bonding and activity.
Make sure your child has access to nature, either in your own backyard or by exploring nearby parks or trails.
Tip 3: Support Social Skills
Positive social connections are crucial for a child’s happiness. To encourage social skills, try:
Encouraging friendships through playdates or social activities
Modeling empathetic behavior, like active listening and understanding
Teaching your child conflict resolution strategies and empathy towards others
Encouraging participation in extracurricular activities that foster social skills
Tip 4: Encourage Creative Expression
Children need opportunities to express themselves creatively to develop confidence, self-awareness, and self-esteem.
Provide various art supplies and encourage your child to explore and express themselves
Engage in creative activities yourself, demonstrating a love for the arts and music
Attend concerts, shows, and cultural events with your child
Encourage role-playing and imagination through pretend play
Tip 5: Foster a Sense of Purpose
When children have a sense of purpose, they feel more grounded and motivated.
Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities or clubs that align with their interests
Help your child set realistic goals and track their progress
Praise their efforts and achievements, celebrating their successes
Tip 6: Model Emotional Intelligence
As children grow, they learn by observing. By modeling emotional intelligence yourself, you’re teaching your child essential skills:
Recognize and label emotions, both in yourself and your child
Demonstrate effective emotional regulation by expressing and managing emotions in a healthy way
Encourage open communication by validating and addressing emotions
Tip 7: Practice Positive Reinforcement
Focusing on the positive can help shift a child’s outlook, promoting a more optimistic mindset.
Recognize and acknowledge positive behaviors and achievements
Praise efforts rather than results to encourage resilience
Show gratitude and appreciation for your child’s contributions to the family
Conclusion
Raising happy kids requires effort, patience, and understanding of what contributes to their overall well-being. By following these scientifically-backed tips, you can foster a sense of happiness and self-confidence in your child. Remember, every child is unique, and it’s essential to adapt these strategies to your child’s individual needs and personality.
FAQs
Q: What if my child is having trouble making friends?
A: Encourage participation in social activities, model empathy and friendly behavior, and provide opportunities for role-playing to develop social skills.
Q: How do I handle a tantrum without feeling frustrated or guilty?
A: Remain calm, validating your child’s emotions while also setting clear boundaries and consequences. Apologize if necessary, but avoid making promises you can’t keep.
Q: How can I make sure my child is developing emotionally intelligent?
A: Recognize and label emotions, encourage open communication, and model healthy emotional regulation yourself. Encourage empathy, self-awareness, and conflict resolution skills through discussions and activities.
Q: What’s the most effective way to communicate with my child?
A: Active listening is key – focus on your child’s thoughts, feelings, and needs while avoiding criticism and blame. Respond in a clear and respectful manner, acknowledging their perspectives.
Q: Can a child’s happiness be improved by changing my parenting style?
A: Absolutely! As children grow, their needs evolve, and adapting to their changing requirements can significantly improve their happiness and overall well-being.
By embracing these tips and approaches, you’ll be well on your way to raising a happy, resilient, and thriving child.
The holiday season is meant for joy, celebration, and cherished moments with loved ones. However, amid the festivities, a hidden danger lurks—accidental poisoning.
More than 90% of all poison exposures occur in the home, with over half involving children under the age of six. From seasonal plants to cleaning products, many hazards can often be overlooked, especially with curious little ones around. Taking a few simple precautions, such as those offered by the Nebraska Regional Poison Center can ensure your holidays remain stress-free, keeping your family safe from unexpected dangers.
Here are a few things to take caution of:
Medications: Accidental ingestion of medicine is one of the leading causes of poisoning in young children. During holiday gatherings, when guests of all ages may be visiting, it is especially important to be vigilant about where medications are stored. Always make sure medicines are securely stored out of reach and out of sight as curious kids might mistake pills or liquids for candy or treats.
Cleaning products: Cleaning products like disinfectants and cleaners should never be stored on the counter, even though it may seem convenient. When stored in easily accessible areas, children may explore them and accidentally swallow them or spray them on their skin or in their eyes.
Alcohol: Alcoholic beverages are an inevitable part of Holiday gatherings. All items with alcohol, including hand sanitizers, and perfumes should be kept from sight and reach of kids to prevent accidental ingestion.
Nicotine: Nicotine exposure in children can have serious and life-threatening consequences. Early signs include agitation, sweating, nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, and seizures. With higher doses, the effects can escalate to a slow heart rate, low blood pressure, respiratory failure, and even coma, making immediate medical intervention essential.
Food: Caution should be taken while cooking and storing food during gatherings. When preparing meals with frozen meats or other items, always thaw them in the refrigerator and never on countertops to avoid food poisoning. Once the meal is finished, refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours, as bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature and can cause illness.
Plants: Seasonal plants like mistletoe, holly berries, yew plants, and poinsettias, often featured in holiday decor, may seem harmless but can be harmful if ingested.
Ensure your child is getting adequate sunshine vitamins. Beyond the role of calcium absorption and bone strengthening, researchers have discovered more about its connection to the immune system. A recent study revealed how a deficiency of vitamin D in young children can raise the risk of developing autoimmune disorders.
According to the latest study published in the journal Science Advances, the deficiency of vitamin D in kids is linked to premature aging of the thymus gland. The thymus is a small lymph gland that makes and trains T-cells that are crucial for the immune system, defending the body against infections and diseases. While most of these vital cells are produced before birth, the remainder are generated during childhood, and by puberty, individuals would have developed the complete T cells for their lifetime.
“An aging thymus leads to a ‘leaky’ immune system. This means the thymus becomes less effective at filtering out immune cells that could mistakenly attack healthy tissues, increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes,” said the lead author of the study John White in a news release.
Studies have shown that vitamin D is essential for immunity but according to White, the recent study findings “bring new clarity to this connection and could lead to new strategies for preventing autoimmune diseases.”
During the trial, researchers examined mice that could not produce vitamin D to assess how this deficiency affected their thymus glands. They then conducted cell analyses and gene sequencing to understand the impact of vitamin D deficiency on the immune system. The researchers expect similar findings in humans as the thymus functions similarly in both species.
Based on the study findings, researchers suggest that young children should get adequate vitamin D, either through natural sources such as fortified food and sunlight or through supplementation.
“If you have a young child, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure they’re getting enough,” said White.
Earlier research conducted by the same team in 2021, which followed up more than 10,000 children showed that early vitamin D supplementation can reduce the risk of developing type 1 diabetes by up to five-fold.
Children often catch a cold, which usually runs its course. Although a mild illness, the common cold often stirs anxiety in parents as it can escalate into severe respiratory infections and fever, and spread to others in the family. However, a recent study suggests a quick remedy that not only shortens the duration of a cold but also lowers the risk of transmission.
In the latest study presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Vienna, Austria, the researchers discovered that using nasal saline drops can reduce the length of the common cold in children by two days.
“Children have up to 10 to 12 upper respiratory tract infections, what we refer to as colds, per year, which have a big impact on them and their families. There are medicines to improve symptoms, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, but no treatments that can make a cold get better quicker,” said Professor Steve Cunningham from Child Life and Health, University of Edinburgh, UK, who presented the study.
Salt-water solutions, like nasal irrigation and gargling, are common remedies recommended for colds. Researchers decided to test the clinical benefits of saline nasal solution in a trial involving 407 children under six. Of the 407 participants, 301 kids caught a cold during the study. When the kids developed a cold, half of the parents were taught to make salt-water nose drops and apply them to their children (three drops per nostril, at least four times a day) while the other half gave the children their usual care.
“We found that children using salt-water nose drops had cold symptoms for an average of six days, whereas those with usual care had symptoms for eight days. The children receiving salt water nose drops also needed fewer medicines during their illness,” Professor Cunningham said.
During the trial, 82% of parents said the nose drops helped the child get better quickly and 81% said they would use nose drops in the future.
So how does a simple salt water work against the cold virus? Salt contains sodium and chloride, and the cells in the nose and windpipes use chloride to create hypochlorous acid, which helps defend against viruses.
“By giving extra chloride to the lining cells, this helps the cells produce more hypochlorous acid, which helps suppress viral replication, reducing the length of the virus infection, and therefore the duration of symptoms,” explained Professor Cunningham.
The benefits of saline nasal drops go beyond shortening a cold’s duration. The study noted that they also reduce transmission within households, lowering the spread from 61% with usual care to 46% when nasal drops are used.
“This extremely cheap and simple intervention has the potential to be applied globally; providing parents with a safe and effective way to limit the impact of colds in their children and family would represent a significant reduction in health and economic burden of this most common condition,” said Professor Alexander Möeller, Head of the ERS Pediatric Assembly and Head of the Department for Respiratory Medicine at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Switzerland, who was not involved in the research.
