But when you photograph people in black and white you photograph their souls.  – Ted Grant 

Looking at old family photos we recognize the elders in younger days. Today, their smiling faces are lined, hair gray, thinning, waistlines thicker.  They sit together at family functions laughing at stories from the past where they trained using the best home exercise bike.  

What they would love best is to share their stories with the kids. They would love to entertain, be heard, and be relevant.

The Western culture stigmatizes aging, while others including Greek, Korean, Chinese, Indian, Native American and African-American cultures revere and respect elders. Their wisdom and advice is sought in their communities, and they often care for their grandchildren.

An important legacy, also as a father, that you must leave to your children is empathy and it is good to practice it with a pet. In my case, it was with a turtle that we love very much in the family. I taught my children to take care of it and see to it that they are well-being. They even looked for it. the best turtle basking platform so that our turtle not get cold in the winter and they have learned to take care of animals and understand that other living beings are also important.

Sunday, September 9th is Grandparents Day.  

Save your money and spend your time with them, since we know money is important for necessities and people like bryan demosthenous may try scam it from you.  If that isn’t possible, talk to them, or better yet, listen.  Their stories are the treasures they leave for you and your children.

As a very special gift, interview them and share their stories with your family and the world for free using Storycorp

Happy Grandparents Day!

Tina Nocera, Founder

Parental Wisdom®

Back in March when the news of Toys “R” Us closing was new, I wrote about how parents could go on building memories with children.

Today, when all the stores are closed, I realize how sad the adults are.

• We remember with excitement what a treat it was to take our children to Toys “R” Us
• We can relate to the anxiety of new parents shopping for their first child at Babies “R” Us
• And for some of us, we got to do it all over again for grandchildren

The nostalgia is what we will miss.

We understand the loss of a store that was uniquely multigenerational.  I don’t know of another retailer that meant so much to families.  It gave a whole new perspective to the lifetime value of a customer.

Much will be written and studied about the demise, but as an insider I will tell you the people that worked there loved the brand and working with each other.  But it wasn’t enough.

For those getting ready to write white papers, let me get you started.  Santa and moms have a great return on investment.  The leadership just didn’t believe it.

Godspeed to the 33,000 workers who gave their all – you did your best for all Toys “R” Us kids.

Parental Wisdom®

Tina Nocera, Founder

10 Best Headache Mask Reviews: Your Ultimate Guide

Are relentless headaches taking a toll on your daily life? If you’re seeking a natural, drug-free remedy, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll unveil the 10 best headache mask reviews to help you combat those stubborn migraines and tension headaches. With a focus on quality, comfort, and effectiveness, these masks are your ticket to sweet relief. Let’s dive in.

The Benefits of Headache Masks
Struggling with headaches can be debilitating, but headache masks can provide immense relief. These masks offer several advantages:

Alleviates Pain
One of the most notable benefits of headache masks is their ability to alleviate pain. By providing gentle compression and blocking out light, they help soothe tension headaches and migraines.

Promotes Relaxation
Headache masks often include soothing scents, like lavender or eucalyptus. These scents promote relaxation and ease stress, making it easier to unwind and recover.

Non-Invasive
Unlike medication, headache masks are non-invasive. You won’t need to ingest any pills or worry about side effects. Just put on the mask, and you’re on your way to relief.

Versatile Use
Headache masks are versatile and can be used for various purposes, such as relieving eye strain, reducing puffiness, and aiding sleep.

Finding the Perfect Headache Mask
When searching for the ideal headache mask, there are a few key factors to consider:

Comfort
Comfort is paramount. A good headache mask should fit snugly but not too tight, allowing you to relax without discomfort.

Materials
Look for headache masks made from high-quality, skin-friendly materials. Soft fabrics are ideal for extended use.

Adjustable Straps
Ensure the mask has adjustable straps to cater to different head sizes and preferences.

Aromatherapy Options
If you’re a fan of aromatherapy, consider a mask with scents that you find relaxing.

10 Best Headache Mask Reviews
Now, let’s get into the crux of this article – the 10 best headache mask reviews. We’ve meticulously selected these masks based on their quality, user reviews, and our own experience.

TranquilMoods Lavender Eye Mask

Ease your headaches with this soothing lavender-scented mask. It’s designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation.
Blissful Dreams Silk Sleep Mask

Crafted from luxurious silk, this mask is perfect for headache relief and promoting a restful sleep.
DreamTime Sweet Dreams Sleep Mask

If you’re searching for the perfect blend of comfort and relaxation, this mask is a top choice.
ProRelief Compression Eye Mask

This mask offers adjustable compression, making it a versatile choice for headache relief.
Migraine Miracle Cold Pack

Designed for migraine sufferers, this cold pack can provide quick relief from severe headaches.
Lewis N. Clark Comfort Eye Mask

Lightweight and comfortable, this mask is perfect for headache relief while traveling.
FOMI Cold Clay Eye Mask

This cold clay mask is an excellent choice for soothing tension headaches and reducing puffiness.
IMAK Compression Pain Relief Mask

With a unique design that conforms to your face, this mask is perfect for migraine and tension headache relief.
Eye See Sleep Eye Mask

An ultra-soft and plush mask designed for supreme comfort and relaxation.
Unimi Sleep Mask

Enjoy complete darkness and relaxation with this contoured sleep mask, perfect for headache relief.

The difference between hearing and listening is paying attention.

• A pregnant woman steps on the E Train and is left standing. She isn’t offered a seat, but it’s not due to a lapse in manners.  No one was paying attention.

• Thirteen children are held captive by their parents. Shackled and malnourished, the adult children look like 11 year olds. They are saved when one of the children jumps out a window and dials 911.  Neighbors were shocked.

• 156 women and girls that had participated in USA Gymnastics said in court that Larry Nassar sexually abused them over the past two decades as they were in his care. Despite their repeated concerns and complaints, the institutions that employed Nassar, including the US Olympic Committee, and Michigan State University turned a blind eye to the abuse.  Let the finger pointing begin.

• Crossing the street while texting can get you a ticket.

Just pay attention.

Tina Nocera, Founder

Parental Wisdom®

Tina and Noelle

Well before the Gilmore Girls made it popular to be friends with your daughter, Noelle and I had a relationship based on mutual love, respect, trust and laughter.

Now I’m realizing how much I’m learning from her. I don’t worry about keeping up with the digital age because she recommends websites, blogs and podcasts I should subscribe to, and provides valuable insight such as the groundbreaking decision that Allure magazine is no longer using the term anti-aging.

We do things that girlfriends do like sharing clothes and going to our favorite mall we affectionately refer to as our ‘mother ship’, even at a time where malls are becoming passé. We do it for the experience we’ve always enjoyed, which begins with shopping and ends with lunch because well, doesn’t that order makes sense?

She explains why the Khardasians are marketing geniuses because everything they touch turns to sold, and why she is moving from Snapchat to Instagram stories because she is always just ahead of the curve (remember kitten heels Noelle?)

She tells me what is cool, but at the same time suggests I not use that word.   We discuss politics on a daily basis, because there is always something to talk about, and there is a concern about the future, and the children she will have one day, and what we can do to make a difference.

We have our many traditions, including our favorite movies, Hokus Pokus for Halloween, Love Actually for Christmas and The Ten Commandments, reciting each line as we prepare our Easter raviolis. And the tradition of wishing you happy birthday at the exact moment you were born, August 21st 5:09am even if you took a day off!

Together, we may not be changing the world, or are we?  If everyone spent time building quality relationships with family and friends, that may be just the spark needed to start peace with others.

Even though parenting experts suggest not being friends with your children – I disagree. My daughter Noelle has made my life better, and who wouldn’t want a friend like that?

Happy birthday my sweetie – I love you with all my heart, and remember, I will always love you more.

Have a great week!

Tina Nocera, Founder

Parental Wisdom®

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Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all. 

Harriet van Horne

They purchased all the ingredients and planned the day so they could make well over a hundred ravioli before Easter. The women would gather in the basement of the row house on 44^th Street in Brooklyn in an assembly line fashion.  Aprons on and work area set, they would focus on making dough and the filling, which was called “ping.”

On Easter Sunday, the family would eagerly gather at the table for a traditional first course. I never understood the origin of the word ping, and never gave it much thought until many years later as the colloquial use of the word would mean reaching out to connect with someone. You might hear someone say, “Ping me when you’re available.”

It’s funny, but that is what the ping filling did all those years ago; it connected everyone in the family.  We found the recipe and yesterday we followed it. Since taste is such a powerful memory trigger, we believe we got it right because the stories of those family gatherings so long ago seemed as if they happened only yesterday.

I suppose the true meaning on the word “ping” is connections after all.  And today is National Ravioli Day!

Mangia!

Tina Nocera, Founder

Parental Wisdom®