Welcome
Hello Darling Weekly readers! Issue #80 is filled with great articles!
This past week, we have have been able to finally play outside a TON. (I know all my east coast readers can relate--we are over this winter!) I can not describe the joy I feel when we are able to get outside and get some fresh air. After a long winter, you can REALLY appreciate the warm weather!
A couple evenings this week, we have found ourselves playing outside way past dinner time. One evening, as my son zoomed around in his John Deere Tractor, several neighbors were taking walks with their kids. As each group of people passed, they stopped and said 'hi' and even some of the families stayed for a while as the children started to play. Our street was filled with kids and families taking in the nice weather. This took me right back to memories of my childhood...
We were lucky to live in an area filled with kids. I smile as I think about my children growing up on our current street---there are many young children (and I am sure more to come) for them to play with. There is something to be said for great neighborhood friends. They might not be in the same grade as you in school or involved in the same activities as you, but I know these friends will help you create special memories. These are the kids that you don't have to set up special playdates and the friends who you can just pop over to their house and knock on the door without hesitation. These are the buddies you will get muddy with, ride bikes with, and maybe get into a little trouble with-ha!
Hopefully this weekend you can get outside and connect with a neighbor...you never know, that could be a friend for life!
Enjoy issue #80!
Best Reads
When You Have Postpartum Depression, Attending Your Son’s Bris Is Pretty Complicated
This time is so hard, add postpartum depression on top of that and the struggle is real!
Some Babies Are Just Easier Than Others
Would totally agree! Just like adults, some babies are just easier than others.
Why Your Kids Need to Be Able to Do This by Their 5th Birthday
There's a new deadline on getting your kid to sleep well.
Paid time off for kids' activities? California could make it happen -
Now California parents, who already have the right to attend a certain number of school events without pay, might just get paid for it, if a state lawmaker's proposal is passed.
What to do when your kids get bossy
We have all had that aha moment when we find ourselves searching in the closet for an elusive shin guard while our child taps their feet impatiently, like an imperious supervisor, disappointed in our performance.
Aren't we the ones who are supposed to be in charge?
5 Rising Parenting Fears and What to do about them
Becoming a parent changes your life. And not just in the way you think. It rewires your brain.
Mommy Approved
The 3 Things Millennial Parents are Looking for in Kids Products
I see three key areas when creating products and resources for millennials and their families that support the needs of our newest parents while also sparking our own corporate growth and creativity:

13 Children’s Books That Encourage Kindness Towards Others
Kindness is one of the most important character traits, but sometimes kids need an extra reminder about the best ways to be kind to others or why kindness matters. These books provide that reminder in creative and appealing ways. Happy reading!
Free Play

Over 100 Toddler Crafts
We love toddler crafts! It’s so much fun to see what the little ones will create when you present them with a few craft supplies.
We have the ultimate list of toddler crafts to choose from right here. There are over 100 ideas to inspire you and the list is growing!
Smartest Kid on the Block

FREE Fingerprint Counting Activities
This is a super cute idea to work on counting skills and number recognition.
Why We Should Share Sad and Scary Stories with Kids
Most stories for kids end happily ever after. But sometimes the richer story shares sad topics or has a sad ending. Kids need both.
Healthy and Happy
49 Phrases to Calm an Anxious Child
It happens to every child in one form or another – anxiety. As parents, we would like to shield our children from life’s anxious moments, but navigating anxiety is an essential life skill that will serve them in the years to come. In the heat of the moment, try these simple phrases to help your children identify, accept, and work through their anxious moments.