Baby pterodactyl shrieks (iykyk)

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

If you’re worried about what your picky eater will eat at Thanksgiving, don’t stress. Here's what to do.

How a study on paternity leave shows us one new benefit: it 'trains' dads' brains for fatherhood. No workout required.

The parenting hack you shouldn't do. Nose thank you.

How some men are finally doing what it takes to share the mental load. Took you long enough.

Why your baby’s pterodactyl shrieks are normal and should actually be encouraged. Grab your ear plugs.

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

How do I talk to my toddler about death?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Brittany Smith, LCSW

Licensed clinical social worker with Grow Therapy

“When considering how to approach these topics with young children, it’s important to be mindful of the timing and setting for the conversation. 

“Choose a time when there are few external distractions. For example, around the dinner table or in the bath would be too distracting and overstimulating for the child. Additionally, before nap or bedtime, the child may be too tired to be able to handle emotional information. 

“Sit near your child and tell them you need to talk about something and name the emotion they may feel about it (hard, sad, difficult, etc.). Use words that align with your own beliefs about death …. For example, Grandma was very sick … and went to be in heaven [or] a place where she isn’t sick anymore. 

“You can also simply state the person is no longer alive and able to be with you anymore. Telling the child the person is gone and no longer able to come back is difficult but should be done to allow the child to understand the permanency. It can be helpful to continue to discuss this person as you naturally would and even create a memento (photo album, picture ornament, etc.).

Psst… Dougy Center offers grief resources for kids (videos, podcasts, activities). Here are some books Smith recommends for kids:

• “A Terrible Thing Happened” by Margaret Holmes

• “When Someone You Love Has Died” by Stephanie Seidler

• “Something Very Sad Happened” by Bonnie Zucker 

•  “The Invisible String” by Patrice Karst

Parent-centered advice, recs, and resources.

Mothers Need a Village—Here's How to Make Sure You Have One

“For many, finding trusted support people and groups is intimidating. [And] we know asking for help in the way moms need is complicated. Consequently, some parents find themselves socially isolated and feeling lonely at a time when they need support the most,” says Nkechi Charles, MA, from the 4th Trimester Project at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Her tips to feel less alone:

• Make it a goal to regularly connect with your favorite people: Text, call, FaceTime, or schedule a visit with someone you care about, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. Tools like this postpartum plan for new parents can help you think through the types of support you need, and help you communicate those needs with your friends and family.

• Be vulnerable and put yourself out there: Making new friends as an adult can be awkward, and intimidating. To start, try joining community groups that include kids, like IRL meetups at local storytimes or finding online support through Facebook parenting groups. It may be hard, but reaching out with a “hello” to a mom passing by or sending a message to a fellow parent on IG asking to grab coffee can lead to amazing friendships.

• Remember self-care is not selfish: It’s doing something that makes you feel like you. Prioritize your mental health to better care for yourself, baby, and loved ones. Maybe it’s reading or getting some fresh air. Just 15 minutes of solid self-care (even if it’s just to sleep) can do wonders.

• Seek professional help if needed: It’s important to care for your mental needs. If you aren’t feeling like yourself, tell your healthcare provider or reach out anonymously to a support hotline. And know that it gets better — the phases of parenthood pass quickly.

Since it's gift-giving season, here’s one of our top recs for littles this year:

A Gift to Spruce Up Your Playroom 

The Little Bot x World of Eric Carle baby play mat ($179.99) is not only beautiful, it’s big (6.5 ft. x 4.5 ft.), easy to clean, and nontoxic. It’s made of foam and features a comfortable, plush surface. One side has adorable illustrations that “The Very Hungry Caterpillar'' fans will love, and the other has chic black and neutral stripes. Plus, it can easily be rolled up and put away. 

Parenting Editorial Director Karell Roxas says both her 7-year-old and 5-month-old can play on the mat at the same time. “I love that one of the sides is a pretty minimalist neutral that almost looks like a cool area rug at first glance. I wasn’t sure if the price was worth it, but the quality is high — it’s soft and squishy but still durable. I can see us using this for years.”

CDC Director Mandy Cohen on the RSV Shot Supply Issues

The new RSV shot for babies is supposed to be a game-changer in preventing infant RSV hospitalizations, but doctors across the country say they’re experiencing frustrating shortages of the monoclonal antibody shot called nirsevimab. Here’s what CDC Director Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH, told us about accessibility and what parents can do to protect their kids: 

Q: When will the RSV shot for infants be more readily available? 

A: The manufacturer of the antibody underestimated how many people would want to get the shot, but we've been working with them to accelerate as many doses as possible. We're seeing more and more come out each week. What I would say to folks is to get in touch with your pediatrician and see if they have supply, and keep checking back.

Q: Do you expect that eligibility for the RSV shot will be expanded to kids older than 8 months?

A:  I don't anticipate expanding yet because with limited supply … we’ve given guidance to pediatricians to prioritize kids who are at highest risk. We're asking folks to prioritize those under 6 months, our American Indian and Native Alaskan babies who we know are at higher risk for RSV, and then babies that have underlying lung disease. 

Q: What message do you have for parents who want to keep their families safe but can't access or aren't eligible for the vaccines?

A: [Remember] that the flu and COVID vaccines are recommended for everyone over 6 months. We need to do what we've always done to protect our kids, which is making sure that if you’re sick, you stay home [and] do simple things like wash our hands, [use] more ventilation, and…testing is really important. Talk to your pediatrician or nurse practitioner when your kid is not well to make sure that you're doing everything you can to protect them.

Skimm HQ will be OOO for Thanksgiving, but we'll see you back here on Nov. 30. Happy holidays!