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NAVIGATING THE ROLLER COASTER OF PARENTING C reating H ealthy C hildren and a S moother D aily R outine
MARCH 2024
mattress pad and sheet (i.e., one mattress pad covered by one sheet covered by a mattress pad covered by a sheet) is a game-changer. You can just pull off the top layer of mattress pad and sheet, get your child right back to bed and you can go right back to bed. The dirty sheets can be dealt with in the morning. AMAZING!
MAINTAINING YOUR CHILD’S ‘STUFFIE’
Many children become very attached to their stuffed animals when they are teeny tiny. For my oldest it was “dog-dog” and for my twins it’s these stuffed kitties (we call them their stuffies). Children can become so attached they can’t sleep without their stuffies. Some can’t leave the house without their beloved stuffed animals. But these stuffies need endless washing and endure unbelievable abuse at the hands of our little ones. They get destroyed or even lost, which can feel like the end of the world to a child. And if you try to replace it with a new identical stuffie your children will know it is NOT their beloved stuffed animal. Jenny brilliantly suggested buying multiple of the same stuffed animal right away and rotate them regularly, so they all wear at the same rate, avoiding the inevitable catastrophe of a lost or damaged stuffie. Embracing the concept of parenting hacks empowers parents to approach their roles with creativity, resilience, and commitment to fostering a harmonious family life. But frankly, sometimes parenting feels like the goal is just survival. Hopefully these tips will help you or someone you know on this wild ride I’m grateful for every day. - Esther Vayman and Greg Teitelbaum
Everywhere you turn, there is an “expert” giving advice on how to parent your children. Whether it’s how to discipline them, instill certain values in them, educate them, or something else — the list goes on and on. But what has proven much more difficult to find is practical tips on how to survive the day-to-day challenges of parenting. And let’s be honest, I think many of us are just trying to make it through the day. In my parenting journey, I have gleaned numerous insights and clever strategies that have proven invaluable in simplifying daily routines and addressing everyday challenges. These smart solutions, often inspired by necessity and creativity, provide practical answers to various parenting dilemmas. Jenny Ohsberg, the executive director at V&T and a fellow parent, has provided some of the most valuable tips and hacks we use all the time with our kids. Here are a few of my favorites. UTILIZING A PORTABLE POTTY Though it may appear unconventional, one of the most valuable pieces of advice
I have received is having a collapsible potty in the trunk of the car. In fact, we now have one in the trunk of each of our cars. This portable potty has saved my children countless times during an unexpected potty emergency; I can’t count the number of times my children have encountered urgent restroom needs while traveling or in a parking deck or at the park where the bathroom is disgusting. This compact portable toilet has been a life saver. It was also instrumental in their potty-training journey, fostering a sense of comfort and fun when they needed to go. These formative years are irreplaceable, and every measure to ease their transitions holds significant value. SAFEGUARDING AGAINST POTTY ACCIDENTS DURING THE NIGHT Accidents are expected during the nighttime. My kids have had accidents peeing through their diapers and during the potty-training phase. There is nothing worse that having to pull off a mattress cover and sheets and then replace them in the middle of the night. Jenny’s tip to double layer the
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T he P ower of P ower N apping A 15-MINUTE NAP CAN BOOST YOUR MOOD, HAPPINESS, AND HEALTH
attack. People who don’t get enough sleep have more frequent headaches, immunological issues, and an increased appetite. Gaining weight then leads to many other health problems, so those who want to lose weight should also watch their sleep schedule. In short, fit a power nap into your schedule regularly. Cultures around the world take midday naps for a reason. If power naps don’t help you feel better, consider visiting a doctor. Constant exhaustion — especially insomnia — can indicate other health problems lurking.
To some, a nap is a vital part of a daily routine. To others, naps are accidents and should be avoided. Power naps — also known as “cat naps” — are short, usually around 15–20 minutes, and many believe such a tiny amount of sleep can’t be helpful. You can’t even get to the REM sleep stage. However, peer-reviewed studies show power naps can have many benefits for their minimal time investment. Here are three ways you benefit from adding a 15-minute sleep session to your daily routine. THINK CLEARER Napping is excellent for sharpening your cognitive powers. High sleep quality leads to better memory, fast response times, and mental clarity, so a power nap is perfect for fitting a little more into your schedule. But while a cat nap can sharpen your focus, a longer nap might hinder you. Long naps go through
the entire sleep cycle and result in grogginess, impairing brain function for a short time.
LOWER STRESS People get cranky when they’re tired. Less sleep causes aggression, emotional outbursts, and mood changes. Adequate sleep makes you feel a lot better — emotionally and physically. While power naps aren’t the solution to every problem, they can be a lifesaver in high-stress situations. Consider taking a cat nap if you’re under a tight deadline. Doing so can boost productivity and lower stress levels. LIVE LONGER Power naps help more than just the brain. They also benefit the cardiovascular system, as regular naps can lower blood pressure, which means you’re at a lower risk of a stroke or heart
COURTROOMS AND COMPASSION
S potlighting A ndrea
Esther Vayman and offering a compassionate ear for those who need encouragement or to vent about a tough case. Despite the demands of managing a caseload of five or six cases and collaborating with associates, Andrea is dedicated to the well- being of her team. “Nothing too big and nothing too small. If it needs to be done, I’ll do it,” she asserts. Her enthusiasm for her work stems from the incredible care and admiration she holds for the people she collaborates with, including those outside of the legal team. Outside of the office, she’s been married for 25 years and has two sons, aged 23 and 17. The eldest is making his mark as a college football coach at Western Carolina University, while the youngest is set to play college baseball at Delaware State University. “We’re the parents who go to all the things,” she says, and she
intends to continue that tradition. She and her husband are going to have to figure out how to get to Delaware for her son’s games, but she’s sure they’ll figure it out, even if there isn’t an airport in the whole state. Beyond sports, her family loves vacationing. While they’ve had annual passes to Universal for years, Andrea says that they’re now transitioning to “grown-up vacations,” though the focus on making lasting memories remains unchanged. In her professional and personal life, Andrea’s commitment to care is clear. She wants clients to know that they’ll be well taken care of when choosing Vayman and Teitelbaum. Andrea is an amazing team member who blends professionalism, compassion, and dedication to lift the firm to a new level. We’re so appreciative and hope readers get to experience her prowess themselves!
Meet Andrea, a powerhouse managing attorney who joined us in October 2022 and has become a vital force in our team. With a dynamic role that encompasses a diverse array of responsibilities, Andrea thrives on the unpredictability of her daily tasks. From covering for other attorneys to crafting policies for the firm to attending hearings to overseeing litigations, Andrea wears all the hats. She describes herself as the go-to person for problem-solving. “I am mom to all the problems and fix all the things that need to be fixed,” she says while laughing. Her commitment extends to being a sounding board for founding partner
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WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE BOARD OR CARD GAME?
Madison Telestrations! Katie Rummikub! Amanda D. Ticket to Ride Amanda H. Clue Julia Wingspan Sara
Kimberly Monopoly! Maggie Scattergories Mari Twister
Jen B. Monopoly Esther Settlers of Catan
Jennifer H. Ticket to Ride
Jenga! Abby Phase 10 Grace Spymaster!
C hipotle - I nspired C hicken B urrito B owl Inspired by EasyChickenRecipes.com
ingredients • 2 boneless chicken breasts • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp chili pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1 cup white or brown rice, cooked • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce • 1 cup canned corn
• 1 cup canned black beans • 1 avocado, cubed • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup shredded cheese For Salsa • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro • 1/2 tomato, chopped
BRAIN BREAK
• 1/2 onion, chopped • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 4 tbsp lime juice • Salt, to taste
directions 1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In a medium-size bowl, add chicken, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 7 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. 3. In a large bowl, layer the rice, lettuce, corn, beans, and cooked chicken. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa ingredients, then pour over the chicken mixture. 5. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
AQUAMARINE BASKETBALL BUTTERFLY CLOVER DAFFODIL GREEN
IDES LEPRECHAUN MADNESS SPRING TANGERINE WOMEN
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NURTURING THE BOND BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN
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3 REASONS TO TAKE A CAT NAP
LEGAL MARVEL ANDREA, MANAGING ATTORNEY AND SUPER MOM
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QUESTION AND ANSWERS
CHIPOTLE-INSPIRED CHICKEN BURRITO BOWL
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UNIQUE LAWS AROUND THE WORLD
W eird L aws A round the G lobe SMILE AND DON’T RUN OUT OF GAS
Let’s embark on a journey around the globe to uncover some of the most unique laws on the books, from Arizona to Egypt. Protecting plants and birds, enforcing public cheerfulness, and preserving cultural dance traditions are among some of the examples of unique legislation we’ve uncovered. ARIZONA’S CACTUS CUSTODIANS In Arizona, the local cactuses are not just plants; they’re legally protected entities. It behooves everyone to avoid harming these prickly residents, as you could face up to 25 years in prison. This law serves as a stern reminder to treat nature with respect. The bottom line to stay out of jail? Don’t cut the cactus. Period. AUSTRALIA’S HOMING PIGEON HEROES Down under, harming a homing pigeon isn’t just frowned upon; it’s illegal. These birds,
known for their remarkable navigation skills, are protected by a law that imposes a fine of $250 for causing them harm. It’s a testament to Australia’s reverence for its avian inhabitants. GERMANY’S RUN-OUT-OF-GAS BAN The idea of a highway where drivers can go as fast as they want is a reality on Germany’s Autobahn. But it comes with a peculiar (yet understandable) rule: No matter what you do, don’t run out of gas! Not only would it be a safety issue, but you’ll also face a hefty fine. So, fill up before heading out. MILAN’S SMILE MANDATE In Milan, Italy, they take fashion seriously. Smiles are at the top of their list, too. An old, never-repealed city regulation from Austro-Hungarian times mandates that everyone must smile at all times, barring
those attending funerals or spending time in a hospital. This unique law, originating from an idea by Luigi Fabio, is aimed at ensuring a cheerful public demeanor. So, when in Milan, keep smiling — it’s not just good manners, it’s the law!. EGYPT’S BELLY DANCING DECREE In Egypt, the art of belly dancing is a cultural treasure and is also subject to gender-specific legislation. Here, men are prohibited from performing this traditional dance. This law highlights the unique cultural and historical significance of belly dancing in Egypt and the gender roles traditionally associated with this mesmerizing art form. These laws are a testament to the diverse nature of legal systems across the world. They remind us that the rule of law can sometimes be as varied as the cultures they represent.
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