Bubble space, tomato paste, and that extra hour

Hi!

Lots of stuff to schmooze about:

A big thank you to the 340+ of you that voted in last week's poll (but 10x that amount read the email 👀, we'd love to hear from you too!) The front-runner by a mile? Challenges. Stay tuned… 😊

We’ve been sharing more on our WhatsApp status and have a fun game — with prizes! — coming Thursday night at 9pm. Follow us (201-472-3867) so you don’t miss it.

(Working on bringing it to those of you off WhatsApp as well be”H!)

JAM readers have the opportunity to be part of something very special by joining Tehilim For Shidduchim. Learn more about it and sign up to join here.

Thanks to JAM reader A for sharing this video — every Mommy who's ever been up at 3 AM will enjoy it 😴 Watch Who Needs Sleep Anyway here.

JUST WONDERING

We’re schmoozing about this on status: What’s one thing you love that most people don’t?

Answer anonymously here 👉️

JUST A THOUGHT

Little ones are huggers, climbers and leaners (and we wouldn't trade the cuddles for anything 🥰). But sometimes you just need a minute, and knowing about — and respecting — personal space is an important skill. It can be hard though, so try teaching them about bubbles. Everyone has one, and their job is to not pop them.

🫧 Make it visible. Have your child stretch their arms out and turn in a slow circle. That's their bubble.

🫧 It’s relative. Kids can come into Mommy’s bubble but in school we don’t go into others’ bubble without asking. How do you know if you’re popping someone’s bubble? If they move away, ask you to stop, or look sad or upset.

🫧 Practice asking. "Can I sit next to you?" A yes means come in. A no means we stay outside the bubble, and nobody needs to feel hurt.

🫧 Use it! Help your kids practice by using this language, which can be more understandable to them: instead of "stop climbing on your brother," try "Oops, you're in his bubble. Let's ask him first." or “Mommy needs a minute in my bubble space, when I’m ready I’ll let you know so you can sit on my lap.”

🫧 Their bubble counts too. Bubbles go both ways, and they’re allowed to ask for their bubble space back too.

JUST FOR YOU

⏰TIP: Make the clock change (a little more) manageable. That "extra hour" usually means kids up at 5 AM 🙃 To make it easier, start tomorrow (Weds): push bedtime (and naps) 15 minutes later each night, so by Sunday they're already on the new time. Open the shades first thing in the morning so the body resets faster, keep evenings dim, and most of all… give it tiiime.

🍅HACK: Never waste half a can of tomato paste again. Scoop the leftovers in tablespoon portions onto a parchment-lined tray, freeze, then pop them into a bag. Next time a recipe calls for a tablespoon, just grab one. No thawing needed.

✨REC: Get tefillos at the Kosel (without booking a flight). 40DaysKotel davens for yours or your loved one’s name and personal request — refuah, yeshua, parnassah, shidduchim — at the holiest place for 40 days straight of tefillah. Your participation supports Torah families in Yerushalayim so it’s a big zechus all around. Join the next 40 day cycle; reserve your 40 days.

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JUST FOR LAUGHS

MOTHERHOOD MUSING

That’s all for today!💜☕

The JAM Fam

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