Calling All New Parents! Here's Pro Advice for Those Early Years

Baby adviceBaby advice

Those early years of parenthood are nothing short of amazing but also SO hard as you try to navigate the toughest job ever without any training at all. Enter our new favorite web series: Parentalogic from PBS and Nova. Hosts Dr. Alok Patel, a pediatrician and med news expert, and comedian and mom of two Bethany Van Delft offer up excellent info and totally relatable advice about serious topics in a fun, lighthearted way. (Here's the trailer). They help answer some of our most pressing parenting questions about everything from COVID to constipation— read on!

Parentalogic hosts Bethany Van Delft and Dr. Alok Patel

Babies

B + C: Breastfeeding — a challenge for many new moms (personally, some of us thought it was harder than labor!). What advice would you give new moms who are certain they want to go down that path?

Bethany: I think part of the challenge comes from our generation not having grown up with breastfeeding so it's not as familiar to us as generations past, coupled with it having been politicized, so it's turned into this looming, intimidating thing. If mom definitely wants to breastfeed, then stick it out as long as your baby is thriving! Know that it may take time and practice, get support, seek out other moms who have and have not had challenges. If it doesn't work out, it's important to differentiate the disappointment of things not going according to your plans from the feeling that you're not a good mother. Find a way to embrace your situation. Know that whether you're serving milk from your can or a store bought one, you are feeding and loving and caring for your baby.

Alok: Breastfeeding is nature's choice and the recommended source of nutrition for young infants for multiple reasons but that does not mean you're a "bad parent" or "failing your child" if you choose to, or have to, formula feed. I hear this sentiment from parents all the time. Whether or not you want to exclusively breast-feed, use formula or a hybrid of both, be open about your feelings, concerns and ask a lot of questions to your doctors, nurses, lactation consultants, friends, support groups — everyone. Also, remember, exclusively breast-fed infants will need additional Vitamin D and iron supplementation.

B + C: Sleep! This (or lack of it) is one of the hardest parts of those first few months. What are some good habits to get your baby on a solid sleep schedule?

Alok: Pay attention to bedtime routines. Babies learn by pattern. If you always rock your baby to sleep, or drive your baby around to get them to nap, transitioning to a crib may be difficult. Try for consistency in the sleep routine and environment. Also, parents, good sleep hygiene and bedtime behavior starts with you! A consistent bedtime, a dark environment and avoiding excess stimulation will all help build a better sleep schedule for baby, and also for you!

When it's time to start thinking about sleep training, remember, there is no one-size-fits-all method. Chat with your doctor and pick a method which best fits your situation and comfort level.

B + C:You have apoop episode that talks about the good and bad color of poop (greenish = good, black or white = call a doctor). What about constipation? Many little ones suffer through it. What are ways to prevent it?

Alok: Poop is awesome. Everyone should be more excited about the physiologic marvel that is defecation. In those early days, it's normal for exclusively breast-fed infants to go several days without stooling. Formula-fed little ones can make more adult-looking (and smelling) poops. With that being said, true constipation isn't that common in young infants - even if they look like they're straining and struggling. Try going number two on your back without strong abs and tell me how it goes.;)

Pay attention to the consistency of the stool and if it's hard, resembling small pellets, dry or containing streaks of blood, check in with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend adding a little juice (prune or apple) to your baby's diet to help move those stools. There are some other ways to incorporate more fiber into your baby's diet once he/she is eating solid foods.

But, for the love of smooth, regular stools, please do not give your infant a laxative without checking in with your doctor.

5 and under

B + C:OK, now COVID — at what age is it essential for a child to wear a mask? And any advice for helping little ones understand why it's important?

Bethany: Our kids are 4 and 8.5, we talk about empathy and doing our part to keep not only ourselves but others healthy and safe as well. When it's hard for them to understand we ask Elmo and Daniel Tiger for help!

Alok: Be honest with them about what's happening with the pandemic and empower them. Explain to them what germs are, what's happening right now, and how they're protecting not only themselves but everyone around them, including their family. Tell them they're public health superheroes. This will help them understand the importance of physical distancing, hand-washing, AND mask-wearing. They'll even turn it into a game because they're kids and kids are awesome.

We recommend all children above the age of two wear a mask when they can't physically distance. Bonus points if you get them masks that can double as an everyday Halloween costume. I wish I could've worn a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles mask everyday when I was a kid. Maybe I'll start now...

B + C: You talk about tantrums on your show and a lot of kids are regressing right now (a friend recently told us she doesn't recognize her 5YO). How can we ease up the pressure kids are feeling during this pandemic?

Bethany: We let them know they can ALWAYS talk about their feelings with us. We draw pictures about how we're feeling, we make plans for "when Coronavirus passes." We are honest with them about what is going on, in an age-appropriate way. We let them know we don't like it at all either, but we are going to get through it and we have to stay safe in order to do so. Sometimes I just have a tantrum with them.

Alok: Even with limitations in place, routine is still important for kids as are physical and creative activities. Try and find time to escape outdoors, you can have physically distanced play dates. I hear from many parents that a silver lining exists amidst the pandemic and that's the time many are now able (or forced) to spend with their families. Try to embrace that, to whatever degree you can, and encourage your kids to do the same.

One very important note, many kids and teens are at risk for mental health issues right now. Isolation and the stress faced by families can add to anxiety and depression. If you notice your child is regressing beyond the norm, not acting like themselves, or has outright signs of depression (lack of interest in hobbies, changes in sleep, appetite, etc), please do not hesitate to ask for help. It's never too early to check in about your child's mental health.

B + C: Finally, what's your take on sugar? What are some good guidelines for parents to follow, especially with Halloween around the corner?

Bethany: We limit sugar to things that are homemade. We always talk a lot about healthy teeth, what happens when they are not healthy, what sugar does to teeth and your body, how candy and soda are almost all sugar. Now they think soda is gross and except for two licks of a lolly pop every now and then, they turn down candy themselves. They love Halloween and the getting of candy so we definitely trick or treat, but insteading of eating their booty they play games with it, then pack it back up. After a week or so when they get bored with that, daddy takes all the candy to the office so mommy can keep fitting in her jeans. Uh oh, what's gonna happen now???

Alok: Here are some pearls of wisdom from the American Academy of Pediatrics:

  • Try and limit daily added sugar intake to less than 25 grams or 6 teaspoons for children 2 and older. Children less than this should not have added sugar in food or drink.
  • No soda, sports drinks or juice. I'm not trying to deprive your child, it's ok to give them treats and let them partake on special occasions but soda and juice will never be recommended for daily consumption.
  • Good habits start early. Try using whole fruits or fruit-sweetened snacks as dessert.
  • Juice really makes me mad. I don't care what the bottle says about its nutrient content or if it says it has "8 apples and a daily serving of vitamin C and blah blah," it's never better than whole foods. A bottle of juice can often carry as much added sugar as a can of soda.
  • Let your kids live a little on Halloween, birthdays, and holidays. After all, you do, don't you? It's all about limitations, good daily habits, and understanding healthy versus junk food. If you deprive your child, they're inevitably going to hang out at the one house with abundant candy and go wild.

Thanks guys! Check out new episodes biweekly of Parentalogic on YouTube.

If you can't stop talking about Severance season 2, you're not alone. The Apple TV+ show has totally taken over the internet (and all my group chats) and as the mysteries at Lumon continue to unfold, there's one heartbreaking, viral theory surrounding this week's episode, and Gemma, that has the internet in a tizzy.

Keep reading for the most insane Severance season 2, episode 9 theory on the internet.

Has Gemma been an innie the whole time?

Apple TV

TikTok user @msauroraalice made the connection that Severance season 2 episode 9, "The After Hours," has the same title as a specific Twilight Zone episode in which a mannequin, well, forgets she's a mannequin. And now we're all wondering whether Severance is going to reveal a very similar plotline with Gemma.

"Could Gemma have been manufactured at Lumon and all of her experience with Mark is just a severed version of herself," @msauroraalice says, theorizing that "there is no Gemma."

"I bet this next episode, Gemma or Helly has a horrifying discovery about themselves just like the mannequin realizing she's not even alive," she continues.

Clearly, this Twilight Zone episode has a ton of similarities to Severance, with the split identities of it all. And as one Reddit user just made it even more heartbreaking by saying, "She could be an experiment from the very start which is why they went as far as to fake her death and recruit Mark to work for them. That would be heartbreaking. It would mean Mark and Gemma 's relationship was manufactured from the beginning."

"The After Hours" is sure to set us up for a crazy 'Severance' season 2 finale.

Apple TV

After everything Mark has been through, this would truly be a heartbreaking turn of events and I don't know if I could handle it! I'm not alone, either. TikTok users flooded the comments of the post (which has over 900K views).

"If Gemma was never a full person to begin with I'm gonna lose my mind," one user said, while another theorized, "I think Gemma is real but she actually died. Lumon had plans for her to begin with so they revived her body because they effectively own it and now she's stuck in purgatory testing."

But if this Severance theory breaks your heart as much as it breaks mine, there's a silver lining. "The next episode after 'The After Hours' from TWZ is called 'The Mighty Casey' and is about a robot who becomes more human I believe," a third TikTok user says.

But honestly, emotional devastation — and peeling back a character's insecurities, fears, and heartbreak to get to their core — make for really good TV because of how relatable those moments can be. So we'll just have to see what the Severance season 2 finale has in store.

Here are 10 Questions I Need Severance Season 2 To Answer — let us know on Instagram what kinds of questions and theories you have.

I didn't know I was doom scrolling on social media until I had a nightmare I was being chased by oddly-shaped thought bubbles filled with conflicting ideology. It was enough to make me set screen limits for myself, but I wondered if other people were still struggling with the same thing I'd been doing.

According toDr. Dr. Mikki Lee, Psy.D.,Manhattan-based psychologist at Clarity Therapy NYC, she works "with many people with ADHD who struggle specifically with doom scrolling." If you're doom scrolling, it doesn't necessarily mean you're neurodivergent, but she's seen this phenomenon enough to know it's not another trendy word that'll come and go.

So Here's what these professionals know about doom scrolling — and how they wanna help you stop doing it!

Scroll to learn what doom scrolling is, how to recognize it, and steps to take to curb your new habit!

What does "doom scrolling" mean?

Monstera Production/Pexels

"Doom scrolling" is exactly what it sounds like — an incessant amount of staring at social media feeds. From Dr. Lee's perspective, it's "when we continuously and compulsively scroll through negative news or distressing content on social media or news sites." The worst part is that she says "we often continue to do so even when it makes us feel progressively worse over time!" It's almost like we're in a toxic relationship with it 👀.

Also, the news is much more accessible than it used to be. I vividly remember my grandmother being glued to the morning and evening reports growing up, but now we don't have to look far for a breakdown of what's going on. Because of this, Dr. Lee believes "breaking ourselves out of this cycle is especially difficult because much of the news today is presented in a way that keeps us 'hooked.'" How?

Why are more people talking about it?

MART PRODUCTION/Pexels

Based on her observations, Dr. Lee feels "social media algorithms often prioritize content that is engaging and gets reactions (often fear-based)." If you've ever used the word "rage-bait" in a conversation then you're already familiar with what she means. As a result, this "makes it easy to get stuck in a loop of distressing information," according to her. "In fact, with world issues such as climate concerns and political polarization, there seems to be an endless stream of negative news," she adds.

As much as I haven't wanted to talk about them, it's hard to escape concerns and opinions related to topics such as politics, reproductive health, or celebrity PR disasters. They have a way of showing up in conversations because almost everyone I know has access to a smart phone, where news is readily available at our fingertips.

What are negative side effects of being on social media or news sites 24/7?

Antoni Shkraba/Pexels

If you've been feeling on edge or skittish lately, Dr. Lee wants you to know there's a connection between them and doom scrolling. "There are plenty of negative consequences of doom-scrolling. It can increase our feelings of stress and anxiety, lead to feelings of depression and hopelessness, disturb our sleep (if doom-scrolling late at night), and eat up our time during the day when we’re trying to be productive and engage in positive life activities," she says.

However, some good has come out of an increased awareness about doom scrolling. According to Dr. Lee, "we are becoming more aware of the effects of screen time, especially doom scrolling, our our mental health." I didn't know it at the time, but going into my phone settings to create boundaries for myself was the right thing to do!

How can I curb this habit?

Blue Bird/Pexels

If you're ready to stop being so attached to your phone, Dr. Lee has a few tips to help you make this necessary change.

  1. Create screen limits: "Set time limits on how much news you consume. I like to keep it around 30 minutes a day of news exposure."
  2. Review your notifications: "Remove news notifications from your phone to remove the constant barrage of 'breaking news' so that YOU can decide when to check in."
  3. Try listening to a podcast: "Subscribe to a news podcast such as The Daily or NPR News Now. Podcasts automatically have a time limit and often discuss the most pressing news of the day. PLUS, you can listen while doing something stress-relieving, such as working out."

How can I tell if I'm doom scrolling or casually looking at social media?

Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels

It can be confusing when you're not sure if you're casually scrolling on social media, or succumbing to doom and gloom. But Dr. Lee doesn't want you to stress yourself out even further! Here's how she says you can tell which one you're doing:

  1. Stay curious: "Pay attention to your mood during and after scrolling. Are you feeling anxious, drained, or exhausted? Do you keep scrolling bad news and struggle to stop even though it makes you feel progressively worse? These are signs that you are doom-scrolling."
  2. Pay attention to content you're consuming: "On the other hand, if you are engaging with a variety of content (not just bad news) that makes you feel informed, entertained, or inspired, you are likely just casually scrolling. Casually scrolling often feels easier to stop than doom-scrolling."

You don't have to stop using your favorite social media apps, but it does help to limit how often you're online. If it's been more than two hours since you've gotten up to eat, use the bathroom, or work, you need to break up with doom scrolling ASAP.

Visit the rest of our site for even more self-care tips!

St. Patrick's Day in America is known mostly as an excuse to have a day-long marathon of drinking green beer (we'll take some green cocktails, too), but if staying in is more your jam, you'll need some epic DIY party favorsand a slew of adorable St. Patrick's Day-themed treats! In this collection of St. Patrick's Day desserts, you'll find everything from rainbow cupcakes and Lucky Charms pancakes, to Leprechauns made out of Nutter Butters and boozy green fudge. Yum.

Throw on your best “Kiss Me, I'm Irish" apron and have some fun with these 25 delicious St. Patrick's Day desserts!

Brit + Co

St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow Donuts

This adorable DIY requires no cooking and is a blast to make with friends. At the end of this rainbow you may not find gold, but you will find a fluffy cloud of coconut just waiting to be devoured. (via Brit + Co)

Sarah Anderson

St. Patrick's Day Dessert Shots

These cute, tiny shots are sweetened with flavors like dark chocolate, vanilla, and peppermint extract — and they even have a bite-sized brownie on the bottom. Now that's a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, amiright? (via Sarah Anderson forBrit + Co)

Brit + Co

Lucky Charms Ice Cream

This one isn't a specific recipe per say, it's more of a how-too... but arguably the most useful how-to you'll learn this month. This overview of how to make Lucky Charms-infused ice cream can be put to use this St. Patrick's Day and beyond! (via Brit + Co)

Grandbaby Cakes

St. Patrick’s Day Dessert Pizza

Deep dish pizza should always have a sugar cookie crust and a Bailey's Irish Cream chocolate filling. Top with green sprinkles, green tinted white chocolate and chopped chocolate mint candies for that extra festive feel. (via Grandbaby Cakes)

Brit + Co

Double Rainbow Cake

Labor intensive? Maybe. Totally worth it? Absolutely. Grab a partner or your kiddos, and settle in for a fun afternoon of food coloring and multi-colored M&M decorating. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Recipeas

Drunken Grasshopper Fudge

This is definitely an adults-only fudge. Made with both Crème de Menthe and Crème de Cocoa, this fudge has a boozy flavor that bites back. Throw on a handful of shamrock sprinkles to really drive the theme home. (via Sweet Recipeas)

Home Made Interest

St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Cookies

These little guys would be so cute to make for your kiddo's school St. Patrick's Day party. Plus, they double as a fun activity to do with them at home. They're almost too cute to eat… almost. (via Home Made Interest)

The Cake Blog

Leprechaun Hat S’mores

Obviously a large marshmallow on top of a cookie makes the perfect top hat. Once it's covered in chocolate and adorned with green decor, you have the perfect edible s'mores hat that any leprechaun would be happy to wear. (via The Cake Blog)

Classy Clutter

St. Patrick’s Day Rice Krispie Treats

You may have to go digging for marshmallows in a box of Lucky Charms to make these, but it's totally worth it. The pretty pastels in the marshmallows also looks perfect with the light green of the Rice Krispies. (via Classy Clutter)

Takes Two Eggs

Matcha Roll Cake

This sponge-y roll cake is packed with matcha whipped cream, and it looks just as good as it tastes! (via Takes Two Eggs)

Averie Cooks

Irish Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes

The batter these cupcakes are crafted with is spiked with Guinness and Jameson for a bit of booziness. (via Averie Cooks)

Barbara Bakes

Mint Chocolate Chip Pie For St. Patrick’s Day

You don't have to have a lot of time and ingredients to make a great St. Patrick's Day dessert. All you need for this freezer pie is a pre-made Oreo pie crust and mint chocolate chip ice cream. Whipped cream and chocolate shavings optional – as if! (via Barbara Bakes)

Created By Diane

St. Patrick’s Day Mint Chocolate Cake

Before you cut into this cake, you would have no idea that what lies inside is an intricate mint chocolate design that tastes just as good as it looks. This concoction is definitely going to impress whoever you serve it to. (via Created By Diane)

Nifty Mom

No-Bake Mint-Free St. Patrick’s Day Dessert

St. Patrick's Day desserts are almost always full of mint. Well, you know what? Not everyone likes mint. This dessert is still chocolatey and green with no mint in sight. (via Nifty Mom)

Foods Of Our Lives

Crème De Menthe Cake Pops

If you have a package of Oreos lying around, you're already halfway to making these flavorful cake pops. They're so addicting, you may want to give them away as St. Patrick's Day gifts just to avoid eating every single one. (via Foods Of Our Lives)

Pizzazzerie

Shamrock Sour Cocktail

Swapping standard whiskey for Irish Whiskey gives this cocktail a St. Patrick's Day twist. Add a few drops of food coloring to make the green really stand out. (via Pizzazzerie)

Half Baked Harvest

Chocolate Irish Cream Filled Donuts

If you're feelin' fancy, opt to make these homemade donuts filled with St. Patty's-ready Irish cream! (via Half Baked Harvest)

Two Peas & Their Pod

Chocolate Mint Brownie Milkshake

You can never go wrong with a combo of chocolate and mint! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Baking A Moment

Pot of Gold Cupcakes

The rainbow Swiss buttercream that tops these decadent chocolate cupcakes is way easier to make than it looks. Make sure to get some gold foiled chocolate coins to put on top for an extra fun touch. (via Baking A Moment)

Recipe Girl

Green Velvet Cheesecake Cake

What's better than cheesecake? Cheesecake that's sitting in the middle of two layers of green velvet cake, of course. It's like having a giant layer of creamy frosting in the middle… but it's cheesecake! (via Recipe Girl)

Simply Happenstance

St. Patrick’s Day Caramel Corn

Caramel corn is a treat that both adults AND kids love. Just by adding a bit of food coloring to your caramel, you'll create a crunchy masterpiece that everyone will gobble up in seconds. (via Simply Happenstance)

The Recipe Rebel

White Chocolate Lucky Charms Cookies

Not only do these cookies have finely ground Lucky Charms in the cookie batter itself, chopped cereal and marshmallows are also folded in for extra texture and flavor. We'll take two dozen, please. (via The Recipe Rebel)

Completely Delicious

Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

These sweet bites are described as the epitome of mint chocolate chip ice cream, but in cupcake form. Perfect, perfect, perfect! (via Completely Delicious)

Gal On A Mission

St. Patrick’s Day Puppy Chow

Puppy chow is the perfect on-the-go munchie for the whole family. Green candy melts give this snack its hue, while spearmint essential oil gives it its minty flavor. (via Gal On A Mission)

Pillsbury

Mini Whoopie Pies

These tiny whoopie pies are just small enough that you can enjoy them in one delicious bite. It doesn't get much easier than using refrigerated sugar cookie dough to make them, either. Score! (via Pillsbury)

Follow us on Pinterest for more St. Patrick's Day recipes and desserts!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.