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April 2025
Once Upon a Time … Parents Weren’t This Exhausted
The Bedtime Story No One Told Us
Spring is in full swing, but instead of summer plans and outdoor activities, I have something else on my mind: books. International Children’s Book Day is in early April, and that got me thinking — do we ever outgrow the books we read as kids? I don’t remember noticing the messages in the books I read when I was younger, I just liked the stories. But as a parent, some of those same stories feel very different. Take “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein. When I was a kid, I thought it was about generosity. Now? It feels like a warning for parents. The boy takes and takes, and the tree just gives until there’s nothing left. It’s supposed to teach kids not to take advantage, but parents need that reminder, too. Because let’s be honest — giving endlessly, never saying no, and constantly trying to do everything is exhausting. Feeling the Pressure to Do It All Parenting has never been easy, but things have changed. It’s like you’re expected to do everything these days — work all day, keep the house running, drive kids to activities, and somehow throw together a decent dinner. After that? You’re supposed to sit down for “quality time” like you’re not running on fumes. The U.S. Surgeon General even called parenting a “public health concern.” Honestly, I’m not surprised. Some nights, I feel so exhausted it’s hard to get
through a bedtime story without nodding off. And as for turning into some picture- perfect, Instagram-ready super parent? I certainly don’t have the energy for that. The worst part is that the harder you work to do more as a parent, the harder it becomes to be present. Navigating Screens, Sports, and Never-Ending Schedules Another unique aspect of modern parenting we all need to work through is constant screen time. It’s not like screens didn’t exist when I was a kid. We had one or maybe two TVs in the house. Now? Screens are everywhere. The problem is that if kids aren’t busy doing something active, they’ll likely be staring at a screen watching YouTube, playing Roblox, or swiping through TikTok. So, what do we do as their parents? We fill their schedules with anything to keep them engaged (and off their screens) — soccer, dance, music lessons, tutoring. Sports and other activities are great but lead to another parenting issue. When you’re racing from work to practice to dinner to bedtime every night, you can start to feel like an Uber driver for your kids. At some point, it gets tough to find the balance. Rethinking Lessons From the Past Thinking back to other books reminds me of characters from my childhood, like Ramona Quimby. Ramona walked to school alone in downtown Portland
when she was 5. Today, a 10-year-old can’t walk two blocks without someone asking where their parents are. I get it. The world has changed, but have we overcorrected? We supervise everything, schedule everything, and expect parents to micromanage every aspect of their kids’ lives while somehow taking care of themselves. When does that stop, though? At some point, kids need downtime, and parents need a break, too. Finding the Right Balance The great thing about children’s books is that the good ones resonate at any age. They have important lessons for both kids and adults. “The Giving Tree” reminds me to set boundaries, and the Ramona Quimby books make me think about how much childhood has changed. And International Children’s Book Day? It gave me a good excuse to take a break and read some of my favorite childhood books without worrying about the next thing on my to-do list. If you’re a parent, consider taking a break yourself. Whether that means reading one of your old favorites or just skipping an activity this week, it’s okay to prioritize yourself occasionally. Also, remember the best thing we can give our kids isn’t a packed schedule — it’s us.
–Joel Thrift
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Bon Voyage! Your Ticket to Adventure TURN YOUR DREAM CRUISE INTO REALITY
As we grow older, life shifts and creates new opportunities we may not have had before — like the chance to finally turn our travel dreams into reality. For many, few travel experiences compare
to the comfort and excitement of a luxury cruise, and these four tips can help make your dream cruise happen. Choose the right cruise line. With luxury cruises, it’s essential to compare lines to get your preferred experience and the most bang for your buck. Consider your personal preferences, but remain flexible with accommodations. A little research will help you find the perfect fit. Plan your perfect itinerary. There are many cruise options, so planning an itinerary aligned with your interests and comfort level is easy. River cruises, for example, are perfect for scenic travel, while ocean cruises provide access to exotic ports of call. River cruises are also quieter and
more intimate. If you prefer a lively atmosphere with plenty of activities, an ocean cruise is the better option. Book smart for the best deals. Just because a cruise offers luxury accommodations doesn’t mean your trip has to break the bank. Take advantage of early-bird deals, off-peak pricing, and loyalty programs to save big. Some companies even include airfare! You can also save with discounts for seniors and military members. Your adventure awaits! A cruise offers the ultimate way to see the world, from exploring iconic cities to relaxing on scenic rivers or enjoying stunning ocean views. Now is the perfect time to embrace new adventures on a luxury cruise.
3 CUSTOMS WITH SURPRISING BACKSTORIES What Wedding Traditions Are Hiding
Weddings are filled with traditions we follow without question, but have you ever wondered where they come from? Many customs we associate with saying “I do” have fascinating and unexpected origins, and these three common wedding traditions have some of the most surprising backstories. Wearing a Veil The bridal veil has a long history rooted in both symbolism and practicality. In ancient Greece and Rome, they believed veils warded off evil spirits and protected brides from bad luck. In other cultures, veils served as a symbol of modesty or purity, particularly in religious ceremonies. Over time, the veil also became a way to heighten the anticipation and
drama of the bride’s grand reveal. Many brides wear them today because veils carry special meaning in their families (or they like the look). Matching Bridesmaids The tradition of having bridesmaids dressed alike also dates back to ancient times and has supernatural origins. Back then, bridesmaids wore identical clothing to confuse evil spirits or jealous suitors who might harm the bride or disrupt the wedding. The practice was a “protective” measure to ensure the bride’s safety on her wedding day. Saving Part of the Wedding Cake Many traditions exist around the wedding cake, originating in the mid-
17th century. One enduring tradition is saving part of the cake to eat later. This was originally a practical, money-saving measure — the saved portion of cake would serve as the christening cake for the couple’s firstborn. Today, many couples eat the preserved top-tier of their wedding cake on their first wedding anniversary as a symbol of good luck!
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TAKE A BREAK
Working toward big goals is a rewarding and exciting process, but it can also feel overwhelming. It’s easy to get bogged down thinking about how far you still have to go, but you can use a simple strategy to maintain your momentum: Focus on small achievements. The Science of Small Wins While seemingly insignificant, celebrating small wins has psychological benefits that can carry over into every aspect of your life. When you celebrate small achievements, your brain releases dopamine, the “feel good” chemical that lifts your mood and motivates you to keep going. This positive reinforcement generates momentum, making it much easier to tackle the next step. WHY EVERY WIN MATTERS Celebrate the Small Things
ARBOR ARIES
BASEBALL CHERRIES CHOCOLATE DAISY DIAMOND FOOLS GARDEN KITE
RAINBOW SHOWERS
Ginger Veggie Stir Fry Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Acknowledging small wins also has a measurable impact on mental health. It reduces stress, improves resilience, and helps build a growth
mindset. Focusing on your accomplishments allows you to alter your perspective, and you
With delicious vegetables seasoned with tangy ginger, this recipe is sure to please vegans and meat-eaters alike!
learn to see challenges as opportunities for growth. Practical Ways to Celebrate Small Wins
Ingredients
• 4 tbsp vegetable oil, divided • 2 tsp fresh chopped ginger root, divided • 2 cloves garlic, crushed • 1 tbsp cornstarch • 1 small head broccoli, cut into florets
• 3/4 cup julienned carrots • 1/2 cup snow peas • 1/2 cup halved green beans • 3 tbsp water • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 1/4 cup chopped onions • 1/2 tsp salt
Incorporating small celebrations into your daily routine doesn’t have to be complicated, so here are three strategies to help you get started. • Track your achievements in a progress journal. Seeing progress in writing can be very rewarding and provide much-needed motivation when things get difficult. • Share your win with friends and family. When you celebrate your achievements with others, you strengthen personal connections and add positivity to the experience. • Reward yourself. Even simple rewards reinforce the habit of recognizing progress and help make the journey more enjoyable. Achieving small goals is always worth celebrating. Acknowledging every step forward, no matter how seemingly insignificant, helps you stay motivated and confident while improving your overall mental well-being.
Directions 1. In a large bowl, mix 2 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 tsp ginger, garlic, and cornstarch. 2. Add broccoli, carrots, snow peas, and green beans, and toss lightly. 3. Heat the remaining oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes. 4. Stir in water and soy sauce. Add onion, salt, and the remaining ginger; cook and stir until the vegetables are crisp and tender.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Neverending Story of Parenthood
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Secrets to the Perfect Cruise
Wedding Rituals With Unexpected Origins
Ginger Veggie Stir Fry
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The Psychology of Celebrating Small Wins
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Bizarre Tales of Fairy Romance
WHEN MYTH MEETS REALITY FAIRY TALES IN COURT
Why These Stories Resonate The allure of fairy romance tales remains strong. Modern literature and media frequently draw inspiration from such stories while reimagining them to explore contemporary themes and societal issues. Authors like Philip Pullman, for example, have crafted thought-provoking retellings, such as his “Grimm Tales,” giving us new ways to look at classic ideas. The continued interest in fairy folklore highlights its timeless relevance. Stories like those from Sweden 400 years ago — where claims of fairy romance sparked legal disputes — bridge the past and present and remind us how imagination and belief have shaped history.
In 17th-century Sweden, stories of fairies and other supernatural beings weren’t just the stuff of folklore — sometimes, they even showed up in court. Tales of people falling in love with these creatures fascinated communities and blurred the line between myth and reality. These beliefs influenced real-life events, leading to bizarre legal disputes and societal consequences. Historical Tales of Fairy Romance Documented examples from Swedish history involve people claiming they had romantic relationships with fairies. According to court records, these claims
weren’t uncommon during the 1600s, when many believed in supernatural creatures. Cases often involved accusations of kidnapping, enchantment, and moral corruption, which mirrored the era’s deep-seated anxiety about the influence of otherworldly powers. These stories went beyond the fantastical and were deeply tied to the cultural norms of the time. Accusations often targeted those on the edges of society,
reflecting how supernatural elements could support real- world prejudices. While these cases might sound unbelievable today, they show how folklore influenced people’s actions and even legal proceedings.
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