This is a new monthly series which we will update each year as the particular month arrives. Much of each post will be good from year to year, and because parenting is often challenging, we want to present tools and strategies that might be helpful, in this case for parenting in February.
Here are things that we’re learning and loving in the month of February! We will talk about a few things that we are learning and loving in our lives right now. This may include recipes, books, movies and tips for life in the middle of the sandwich, etc.
Here are some ideas for parenting in February, and be sure to check out the best deals to look for in February down below.
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Parenting in February: Learning
The 10 best ways to “hygge”, we mention some tools for this below. We should all be Danish! “Hygge”, basically means getting cozy and warm with people you love!
Here are some tools for hygge: this blanket looks luscious, BEST hot chocolate mix, and finally a recent series of books that I (Mel) loved.
There are some great books to check out for creating hygge, which is pronounced Hoo-ga―it’s “a sense of comfort, togetherness, and well-being.”
The Little Book of Hygge -“Hygge is about an atmosphere and an experience,” Wiking, the author, explains. “It is about being with the people we love. A feeling of home. A feeling that we are safe.”
The Little Book of Lykke -“We can deepen our blissfulness and contentment with little adjustments in our behavior,” again according to Wiking.
Make sure that as you parent or grandparent that you teach your young people about this contentment. This is a strategy that we can all incorporate into our lives to improve our wellness.
Parenting in February: Books to read
The Energy Bus -Gordon
I (Mel) had to read this at school for a book club with other teachers. It is SO good! The story is that George’s day starts out with a flat tire, and in his opinion his day goes down from there. Everything in his life is falling apart -his marriage, his job…
George ends up taking the bus to work, and meets Joy, the energetic bus driver. Joy and the other passengers on the bus give George 10 lessons for living life with positive energy which makes a huge difference in his life.
Other books by Jon Gordon that are on my list to read! One thing I like about him is that he has some children’s versions of a few! And, the fables he uses to tell all of his stories are so relatable.
Parenting in February: Grandparenting
The best part of being a grandparent is creating memories with our grandkids. I have special memories of baking cookies with my maternal grandma. This little ice cream maker that makes 2 bowls of gelato or ice cream would be the perfect way to bond with them.
Parenting in February: Show to watch
If you never caught Schitt’s Creek, what are you waiting for? The death of Catherine O’Hara hit me hard the other day. I love so many of her roles in various movies, but especially Moira Rose on Schitt’s Creek. There’s even a Schitt’s Creek game!
This show carried my family through the pandemic as a way for us to bond each evening for an episode or two after we each did our own things during the day. We would often rewatch favorite episodes again and again. It’s a show about love, acceptance and love, family, and all the ups and downs that come with all sorts of relationships we encounter in life.
Parenting in February: Gadgets to try
Love this tiny cutting tool! You can attach this to your keychain, have one in your car or wherever!
Parenting in February: Clothing
Buffalo plaid tennies -How cute are these for Valentine’s Day?
Cute Heart Pullover Long sleeve Tee
Parenting in February: Quote
“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is time for home.” – Edith Sitwell
We love this quote because it perfectly sums up winter.❄️❤❄️
Parenting in February: Holidays to remember
Groundhog’s Day (2), Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day (first Saturday), Superbowl Sunday (date varies), National Pizza Day (9), Valentine’s Day (14), President’s Day (third Monday of the month), Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday (date varies), Ash Wednesday (date varies), National Margarita Day (22), Leap Day (29-the next one is 2028)
Parenting in February: Aging parents
Some of us are parenting as our own parents age.
This is a great tool for your parents to fill out so that you have a record of their things eventually. The Important Records Spreadsheet puts everything into one easy to use Google Sheet Spreadsheet. It creates a record for you and your family of all of the information needed in an emergency. It also has all of the information you need in ONE PLACE for the completion of forms like the insurance forms, mortgage and other loan applications, etc.
It includes 8 Tabs for: healthcare providers, personal information, key contacts and advisors, location of documents, bank/investment/credit accounts, insurance policies, property records, and health insurance.
This is a helpful tool for both you and your aging parent!
Parenting in February: Deals to look for
This is a great time to look for winter clothing or winter related items because they’ll be clearancing it all out for spring.
Look for mattress deals, many are listed with limited time deals.
Do you have a room or space that is chilly this winter? This is the time to grab a space heater to conquer that problem.
Also, look for deals surrounding the above holidays if there is something you are looking for in particular.
Parenting in February: Helpful posts
Surviving Senior Year Conversations as a Mom
15 Valentine Movies about Midlife Romance
7 Ways to Celebrate Valentine’s in Midlife
9+ Ways to Show Valentine Love to Young Adults
Best Valentine Gifts for Teens to Give and Get
Best Valentines Decor For A Dorm Room: 9 Fun Ideas
25 Movies About Love for Valentine’s Day
We would love to stay in touch!
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