This is a monthly series that 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 October.
Here are the things we’re learning and loving in October! 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 October, and be sure to check out the best deals to look for in October below. (see our September post here)
**This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission. As Amazon Associates we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see the full disclosure in the foot bar.
Parenting in October: Learning
•Here is an amazing story of one man who made a huge difference by trial and error. He spent his own money and time getting arid, desert land to become fertile. It reminds me of the movie Biggest Little Farm. If you haven’t seen that one–it’s the wonderful story of a family who has done the same thing in California!
These are great stories of perseverance, resilience, and hard-work with awesome results. All traits that our kids need more of, my own included!
•There is a book by Rose-Lynn Fisher, she’s a photographer, called Topography of Tears. It shows amazing pictures of tears under the microscope. Did you know that crying can release stress? They can also release toxins. Here is an interesting article about this.
•One thing that I have learned over time is that the more organized I am with my time and planning, the better the experience -no matter what it is. With that in mind, we have a great holiday planner! Just in time for this year!
**Do you have young adult power of attorney for your teen? This is not a subject any of us like to talk about, but having experienced this problem myself, I highly recommend you take care of this before they leave for college or wherever! Check out this blog post for more information: Things You Need To Know When Your Teen Turns 18.
Parenting in October: Books to read
Non-fiction:
I just finished Nobody’s Girl, and it gutted me. Written by Virginia Guiffre, it is a tough read. She was abused in several ways and also trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein. She writes it almost as a letter to the reader, and just when you’re thinking how awful, she says to the reader, “Let’s take a break and talk about something else.”
I am glad I read it though. She doesn’t shy away from details, but hits it all head on. Her reason for writing it was part catharsis, part to inform, part to help other girls feel strong enough to come forward, and part to help the reader to understand how this all works so that we can be aware. I never questioned whether Epstein was evil, but her stance on Ghislaine Maxwell is awful -that a woman could do this to young girls! Virginia is a hero in my opinion.
Fiction:
All the Ugly and Beautiful Things -Greenwood
This was my favorite book that I read this summer! It is such an unusual coming of age book. Wavy is a young girl growing up in a horrible environment. She forms a friendship with an unlikely person who is eventually deemed inappropriate by a well-meaning caretaker. I don’t know how I missed this when it was new! Sooooooo good…
Sea of Tranquility -St. John Mandel
This was a little different. but I liked it. Each character in the book is dealing with personal issues. There is a strand of events that connects them all. This ties the storylines all together. I included the description below because it’s a little complicated to explain.
Edwin St. Andrew is eighteen years old when he crosses the Atlantic by steamship, exiled from polite society following an ill-conceived diatribe at a dinner party. He enters the forest, spellbound by the beauty of the Canadian wilderness, and suddenly hears the notes of a violin echoing in an airship terminal—an experience that shocks him to his core.
Two centuries later a famous writer named Olive Llewellyn is on a book tour. She’s traveling all over Earth, but her home is the second moon colony. Within the text of Olive’s best-selling pandemic novel lies a strange passage: a man plays his violin for change in the echoing corridor of an airship terminal as the trees of a forest rise around him.
When Gaspery-Jacques Roberts, a detective in the black-skied Night City, is hired to investigate an anomaly in the North American wilderness, he uncovers a series of lives upended…
The Kitchen House -Grissom
This was a different spin on an important time period in our history. I loved the way the author intertwined the stories of Belle, a house slave and Lavinia, a recent immigrant and indentured servant.
The Girl Who Wrote In Silk -Estes
This was a fascinating story. It is told in two time periods. And there are connections that are discovered. One is a bit predictable, but I love how the story comes full circle at the end. It all starts when Inara finds an elaborately stitched piece of fabric hidden in her aunt’s island estate in the north west.
Parenting in October: Grandparenting
This is my youngest son’s and my dad’s favorite dessert! So easy and delicious! Fun recipe to make with a grandchild!
Boston Creme Pie Cake: Super easy!!
1 box graham crackers, 1 8 oz. tub Cool Whip (thawed), 2 (3.4) oz packages vanilla pudding, 3 1/2 c. milk, and 1 can chocolate frosting
Whisk together the milk and pudding mix. Then fold in the Cool Whip.
Line the bottom of a 9″ x 13″ pan with a single layer of graham crackers. You may need to break some.
Spread half of the pudding mix.
Top this with another single layer of graham crackers.
Spread other half of the pudding mix.
Put down one more layer of graham crackers.
Soften the can of frosting in microwave in 15 second increments till pourable. Stir well, and pour over the top layer of graham crackers. Spread to cover.
Refrigerate overnight if possible, but for sure at least 6-8 hours. It’s so much better once the pudding starts to soak into the graham cracker layers! Eat!
*I love finding out things that are cool for this monthly blog post. If you ever find out something that is helpful or interesting, please share with me!
Parenting in October: Shows/Movies to watch
I had loved the book, The Love Hypothesis, so I had to watch the new movie with the same name! I thought they did a great job making it, although I did miss the character of Holden…
Have you read this post about Best Movies about Midlife Gal Pals?
Parenting in October: Gadgets to try
Try this little photo printer! You just hook your phone up to it, and easy-peasy, the pictures come out of the printer!
Parenting in October: Clothing
How cute is this cozy striped cardy?
And, if you don’t have khaki sneakers, you need these because they go with everything!
And, this oversized sweatshirt-y sweater comes in so many color options.
Parenting in October: Quote
“I wish that every day was Saturday and every month was October.” -Charmaine J. Forde
Parenting in October: Holidays to remember
1 –International Coffee Day, 14 –National Dessert Day, 21- International Nacho Day, 23- Make a Difference Day,
31 –Halloween
October is ADHD Awareness month, and PTS Coaching has great deals for parents.
Parenting in October: Aging parents
Car Vent Organizer—This is a great way to stay organized for daily life, road trips, etc. My dad loves his, and keeps all his junk up there!
Parenting in October: Deals to look for
Apple AirPods Pro– huge reduction!
Gym bag -what condition is your bag in?
Headphones -these are great for noise blocking! Does your college kid need this?
It’s time to order a new agenda for next year! Here are some great planners, and most are on sale!
Parenting in October: Helpful posts
Halloween Decor For A Teen’s Bedroom or Dorm Room
Halloween Countdown Calendars -order now so it’s there before the first of October!
15 Best Books to Read in the Fall
Complete Guide to College Planning
How Will We Pay For College Next Year?
It’s Time To Order Your Christmas Advent Calendars Now!
Budgeting For the Holidays -start now
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