Bedtime routines aren’t just for kids

The latest in parenting news, tips, and trends:

The one thing you should never do when cleaning your kid’s car seat. Hint: It involves the straps.

Why this mom's viral email signature is making working moms feel seen. Summer break and childcare, iykyk.

How one Korean doula is showing what supportive postpartum care really looks like. And this luxury postpartum facility in NYC that took the note.

Why couples should review their ‘sex script,’ plus tips on getting the convo started, according to a sex therapist.

How Rihanna has liberated maternity style, and the items you can ‘add to cart’ to get the same look. 

How disappointed would you be if you no longer received the Skimm Parenting newsletter in your inbox?

Q: How do I teach my kid good money habits?

It starts with behavioral finance, which involves emotion, psychology, communication, and mentoring by parents, says Jerry Inglet, a certified financial therapist and the senior family legacy advisor for Wilmington Trust. First, reflect on your money habits and ask yourself: What is my relationship with money? What does it mean for me to be successful? Then, if applicable, talk to your partner about how you want to manage money so you’re on the same page. The goal is to practice what you preach and model the behaviors you want your kids to adopt.

Here are some steps to get you started:

• Explain needs vs. wants: This sets the stage for making financial decisions and thinking about priorities. Use that moment when your kid wants to eat the cheesy mashed potatoes over the peas as a learning lesson and explain that your body needs nutrients vs. what you want to eat. It may not resonate as much with a 2 or 3-year-old, but it’s a good place to start. 

• Teach delayed gratification: That’s the ability to resist an immediate ‌reward so that they can get a more valuable one in the future. In early childhood, research shows delayed gratification can lead to positive outcomes later in life, including financial stability. Even babies can learn to regulate their behaviors and emotions. 

• Incorporate math where you can: Math talk with babies and toddlers gives them a good foundation and can help them be successful in the subject later on. For kids 0-3, you can count and talk about shapes or measurements. Here are some ways to incorporate math into your day. 

Do you have a parenting question you want answered by an expert? Ask anonymously here. Your question could be answered in next week's email.

How to Create a Bedtime Routine — for Yourself

For busy parents, scrolling on your phone is a common way to wind down before bed. I’m guilty of this too, says Dr. Nilong Vyas, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of Sleepless in NOLA. But the blue light from your devices can trick the brain into thinking it’s still daytime and prevents sleep-regulatory hormones, such as cortisol, from being appropriately released. If you’re feeling tired when you wake up or have a hard time falling or staying asleep, then it’s time to take a step back and create a healthy bedtime routine that promotes some Zzz-time.

Dr. Vyas’ tips for bedtime success:

• Limit screens: Give your eyes a break from the bright lights – especially blue light – for at least an hour (ideally two) before bedtime to help your circadian rhythm function properly, she says. Pro-tip: After your kids go to sleep, set a timer for 30 minutes and try to stay off your phone.

• Channel your pre-tech self: Get into a relaxed mindset. Read a book, talk to your partner, or have decaffeinated tea to wind down. Journaling is also an excellent way to release the day's worries and clear the mind for sleep, Dr. Vyas says. 

• Try sleep-enhancing snacks: Eggs, chia seeds, or nuts increase the body’s natural melatonin, tryptophan, and magnesium levels, promoting sleep. Grab a bite two hours before bed for best results, she says.

• Make it a routine: You’ll want to do the same things every night before bed to create a pattern, it’ll signal to the body that it’s time to unwind and prepare for sleep. 

Target Lets You Return Some Kids’ Clothes Up to a Year Later

Target lets you return Cat & Jack clothing up to a year after you bought them, even if they’re worn or damaged. All you need are the item and your receipt, that’s it. It may sound too good to be true, but this mom received more than $500 when she returned shoes and clothes her kids outgrew. 

You’re guaranteed a full refund with a receipt, but if you don’t have one, the store may be able to find your purchase if you used a Target RedCard, the Target app, or a credit card. You could still get a refund via store credit without a receipt. 

Oh, and this return policy doesn’t just apply to kids’ clothes. You can return any item from the 45 Target-owned brands for an exchange or refund within a year. Target’s official policy doesn’t seem to have any restrictions on how often buyers can return items. But in the interest of sustainability, keep in mind that there are other ways to get rid of your kids’ clothes, including gifting them to friends or family or donating them.