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.

At the heart of every family tradition is a meaningful experience.

We had a wonderful family tradition in the early 90’s.

On Friday evenings after work, I would pick the kids up from day care, take them to the Chinese restaurant and put in our order.  We would then walk next door to Blockbuster to choose a movie and head back to pick up the food.  While heading back we did this sort of conga/salsa dance move singing a little homemade song to the words ‘Chinese food and movies’.

What is the alternative to urine drug testing?

Drug testing is a critical practice in various settings, from workplaces to rehabilitation centers. Traditionally, urine drug testing has been the go-to method due to its convenience and non-invasive nature. However, it’s not without its limitations. In this article, we’ll explore alternative methods to urine drug testing and their effectiveness.

Importance of Drug Testing

Drug testing serves several purposes, including ensuring safety in workplaces, maintaining compliance with regulations, and aiding in addiction treatment programs. It helps identify individuals who may pose a risk due to substance abuse and allows for timely intervention.

Challenges with Urine Drug Testing

While urine drug testing is widely used, it has some drawbacks. Factors such as sample adulteration, privacy concerns, and the relatively short detection window for certain substances can impact its accuracy and reliability.

Alternative Methods Overview

Fortunately, there are alternative methods available that address some of the limitations of urine testing. These methods offer different approaches to detecting drug use and have their own set of advantages and limitations.

Oral Fluid Testing

Oral fluid testing involves collecting saliva samples to detect recent drug use. It offers the advantage of being less invasive than urine testing and has a shorter detection window, making it ideal for detecting recent drug use.

Hair Follicle Testing

Hair follicle testing is a method that analyzes hair samples for drug metabolites. It provides a longer detection window compared to urine testing, offering insights into long-term drug use patterns.

Sweat Patch Testing

Sweat patch testing utilizes patches worn on the skin to collect sweat samples over an extended period. It’s particularly useful in monitoring drug use in individuals undergoing rehabilitation or probation.

Blood Testing

Blood testing is a highly accurate method of detecting drug use, offering real-time results. While more invasive than urine or saliva testing, it’s often used in situations where immediate and accurate results are essential.

Saliva Testing

Saliva testing offers a non-invasive and convenient alternative to urine testing. It’s particularly useful in roadside drug testing and post-accident investigations due to its ease of collection and rapid results.

Benefits of Alternative Methods

Alternative methods offer benefits such as increased accuracy, longer detection windows, and reduced susceptibility to sample tampering. They provide valuable insights into different aspects of drug use and offer flexibility in testing protocols.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

When adopting alternative testing methods, it’s crucial to consider legal and ethical implications. Ensuring privacy, maintaining chain of custody, and adhering to regulations are essential to ensure the integrity of testing procedures.

Friday’s were sacred and totally dedicated to family time after a busy work week.  All the week night rules were out the window.  We popped the movie in the VCR, sat in front of the TV and ate our Chinese food.

The tradition lasted until Blockbuster went out of business.

But their failure to evolve as a business was not going to impact our family tradition; we simply moved to Netflix.

Now, with the liquidation of Toys “R” Us many family traditions will change. Where they would have headed to the store to celebrate a good report card, birthday, or holiday, that special trip just won’t happen again.

But you don’t have to lose the joy because you lost the toy.  Instead build memories with experiential gifts.

Why reward the report card, when you can reward the effort?  If your child just completed a dinosaur diorama, take them to a museum that features dinosaurs such as The Museum of Natural History.

Why just give a book as a gift, when you can give a whole experience? One of the best gifts my daughter received from family was the book, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, celebrated with a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge and lunch in Brooklyn.

If you are one of those amazing sports families, you may want to consider planning a trip to the hall of fame of your favorite sport.

There are many opportunities where families can stay close to home, and for little money attend local festivals, or support the local high school by attending concerts, plays and sporting events.  This also teaches kids they are part of a community.

Rather than worrying about your kids’ use of technology, host family game nights.

Why wait for the big holidays?  You can celebrate everyday holidays so there is always something to look forward to.

Here are a few examples:

January

• Science Fiction Day – Jan 2^nd
• Sunday Supper Day – Jan 14^th
• Kazoo Day – Jan 28^th

February

• Random Acts of Kindness – Feb 17^th
• Margarita Day – Feb 22^nd (ok, that’s clearly NOT for the kids!)
• Tell a Fairy Tale Day – Feb 26^th

March

• Dr. Seuss Day (Read across America) Mar 2^nd
• Pi Day – Mar 14^th
• Take a Walk in the Park Day – Mar 30^th

April

• Peanut Butter & Jelly Day – Apr 2^nd
• Teach Children to Save Day – Apr 20^th
• Take our Kids to Work Day – Apr 26^th

May

• Star Wars Day – May 4^th
• Teacher Appreciation Day – May 8^th
• Take your Parents to the Playground Day – May 20^th

June

• Drive-In Movie Day – Jun 6^th
• Flag Day – June 14^th
• Meteor Watch Day – Jun 30^th

July

• Mac and Cheese Day – Jul 14^th
• Toss away ‘Could Have Should Have’ Day – Jul 21^st
• Cousins Day – Jul 24^th

August

• Friendship Day – Aug 5^th
• Bowling Day – Aug 11^th
• Tooth Fairy Day – Aug 22^nd

September

• Day of Encouragement  – Sep 12^th
• Talk Like a Pirate Day – Sep 19^th
• Family Health and Fitness Day – Sep 29^th

October

• Do Something Nice Day – Oct 5^th
• Mad Hatter Day – Oct 6^th
• Magic Day – Oct 31^st

November

• STEM/STEAM Day – Nov 8^th
• Philanthropy Day – Nov 15^th
• Day of Giving – Nov 27^th

December

• Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day – Dec 8^th
• Nobel Prize Day – Dec 10^th
• Thank –You Note Day – Dec 26^th

Here are 62 ideas I posted last year, that are especially helpful as you plan for summer.

Personally, I am deeply saddened by the store closings.   I so enjoyed taking my children there, and I was looking forward to taking my grandchildren there too. I worked at Toys “R” Us for many years with amazing and talented people who will not only lose the traditions, but their jobs.

Change is the only constant, but we need to teach our children resilience.   I hope these ideas help all of us move on.

Wishing you the very best,

Tina Nocera, Founder

Parental Wisdom®

Planning the perfect costume, only to have your child change his/her mind two days before.   Pulling the kids off the ceiling from the incredible sugar rush as they ate their way through their trick or treat bag. Rushing out of work in your Kohl’s holiday sweater with the pumpkin pockets so you would never miss a single Halloween parade.

As I think back on these moments, I smile and realize it was my time with my kids, and look forward to the realization that my adult children will get to build their own memories and traditions.

Where we pulled ideas from magazines, they have Pinterest. We took dozens of pictures of the kids and their friends in the hopes we had a single keeper; they post directly to Instagram, Facebook, and share Snapchat stories.

In the end, parents both past and present gets to have their moment. And despite how we get there or how it is shared, it is a tradition that each family gets to build, and the way each family creates their own culture.

How to Make a 4th of July Costume

Whether you want to dress up for a local 4th of July parade or you want to go all out for a big Independence Day backyard barbeque, there are a number of getups that will show off your patriotic pride. What’s more, the costumes are not hard to make. Say happy birthday to the land of the free by piecing together the following 4th of July-inspired costumes:

Uncle Sam

Party like a real man by dressing up as Uncle Sam. Don’t worry if you don’t have a red, white and blue tuxedo like the one Sam donned in the old army propaganda posters. Instead, look around the house for a white button down shirt, red bow tie and a blue coat. If you don’t have red and white striped pants, make your own from a pair of cheap white sweats which can be embellished with red fabric. Or, you could use an old pair of white pants and attach strips of red fabric. Purchase a plain top hat from a costume store and paint on stars and stripes. Finish off the look with a fake white beard and white wig. This is the most comfortable American flag hat in the world.

Betsy Ross

Pair a white top, a red skirt, and blue apron to bring Betsy Ross back to life. Accessorize with sparkly star stickers stuck on the apron and a white sleep cap. You could also carry around red, white and blue fabric scraps to mimic Ross’ hard work sewing the first American flag.

Statue of Liberty

No other costume celebrates the joy of independence than Lady Liberty. The famous statue greeted millions of immigrants as they sailed into New York Harbor when the United States was still in its infancy. Now you too can look like the queen of sweet freedom by putting together a costume made from household items.  Start by making a wig out of green yarn. Hold it in place with a green headband and a crown made from green poster board. Next, wrap a mint-green flat sheet around your body in a toga-like fashion. Then, make a torch from rolled up green construction paper. Use red and brown construction paper taped to the top of the torch to mimic a flame. Accessorize with a pair of sandals and a green notebook featuring the Declaration of Independence. Finally, use some light green face paint to cover your forehead, cheeks, nose, mouth and chin.

American Flag

Red, white and blue never looked so good. This is an especially appropriate costume for a young child, who might fuss at putting on an elaborate getup on a sizzling hot July day. Dressing like an American flag can be as simple as slipping on a shirt covered with stars and red and white striped pants. Otherwise, purchase a super cheap American flag shirt at a post-holiday sale and save it to wear the following year.

Why does that matter you might ask? So that many years from now, you sit around a holiday table, and laugh about how perfectly imperfect it all works out.

And you smile happy tears that you had those moments. They are after all, your new traditions!

Happy Halloween!

Tina Nocera, Founder

Parental Wisdom®

Running a small business comes with unique challenges—limited resources, tight budgets, and the constant need to stay competitive. However, leveraging the right IT solutions can transform these challenges into opportunities. Whether you’re a startup, a family-owned business, or an expanding local enterprise, IT services tailored to small businesses can provide the tools you need to grow confidently and securely.
Cloud Solutions: Flexibility and Scalability

For small businesses, flexibility is key. Cloud solutions offer on-demand access to essential applications, data storage, and collaboration tools without the need for expensive hardware. By moving your business to the cloud, you can scale operations as you grow—whether that means adding new team members, expanding your customer base, or launching new services. Cloud platforms also enable remote work, making it easier to attract top talent and enhance productivity across locations.
Robust Cybersecurity: Protecting What Matters

Cybersecurity isn’t just a concern for large corporations; small businesses are often prime targets for cyber threats. A single data breach can lead to significant financial loss and damage to your reputation. Our IT services provide robust security solutions, including firewalls, data encryption, and regular system monitoring, ensuring your sensitive information stays protected. With strong cybersecurity in place, you can focus on growing your business without worrying about online threats.
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IT Services That Grow with You
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But here is an interesting connection related to something we love as a tradition, yet take for granted – sweet potatoes!

Four scientists have been awarded the 2016 World Food Prize for enriching sweet potatoes, which resulted in health benefits for millions of people. Please read this incredible article to see science and parent education can have transformational effects on millions of pre-school children in 118 nations.

And to us, it was simply a traditional side dish!

Enjoy the holiday season!

Tina Nocera, Founder

Parental Wisdom®

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®

Truly wonderful the mind of a child is.

Yoda to Obi-Wan about the purity of innocence and the insights that can be gleamed from listening to fresh ideas. – Episode II: Attack of the Clones

While wrapping my gifts I noticed empty paper cardboard rolls and ribbon spools.  Rather than toss them out, I looked at them differently; almost as if they would be treated as treasures for children with wonderful imaginations. If you are looking to gift something educational to your kids check this guide https://twincitieskidsclub.com/the-ultimate-list-of-spy-gear-for-that-spy-loving-kid-of-yours/

My thinking was heightened as I had recently spent time with such a little boy.  He seemed to be able to make a game out of any object, and included adults as part of the game.  That gave him time to get to know and appreciate us. When we left his house, he turned and said, “I want to give you one more hug.” I thought how priceless it is for family to hear that from a child.

I suspect that was largely due to the creative freedom he had to make up his own games.  Since he was a four-year-old boy, naturally the games involved a lot of physical movement.  But that might be why he was so happy.  I remember an interview a number of years ago with Dr. Vicki who talked about little boys and anger.  Please listen to her complete broadcast on dealing with anger, but the message is that little children, especially boys, need to move and play.  If they don’t have such opportunities, their pent up energy is displaced as irritability and anger.

When buying your children presents for Christmas, remember that playing with them makes the game so much better and far more memorable.

See how these toys from the past 100 years jar your memory.

During this holiday season, remember it’s more than the gift or the toy.  Be part of the fun and include extended family as well. The time you play with them is what the kids will remember.

Merry Christmas

Happy Hanukkah

Happy Kwanzaa

Tina Nocera, Founder

Parental Wisdom®

I am grateful for what I am and have. My thanksgiving is perpetual.

Henry David Thoreau

This past weekend, Saturday Night Live did a great skit about a family Thanksgiving ‘discussion’ and how the Adele song Hello made people stop and think.

The scene is likely repeated in homes all over the country; it’s a great, simple message.  No need for controversy; we will have differences of opinion, but let’s be thankful for the people around the table, and in our lives.

Peace is harmony, and something we can create for ourselves.

Enjoy spending time with the people that you love, and give thanks you are able to celebrate with them.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Tina Nocera, Founder

Parental Wisdom®

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart”

 -Helen Keller

One of life’s biggest frustrations is knowing the right thing to do and not doing it.

Sometimes it is because we wait for things to be perfect which is like saying I don’t want to leave for work until all the lights are green.

But a friend (thanks Suzanne!) posted a link to an article The Important Thing About Yelling by Rachel Macy Stafford which causes you to stop and think.

That article coupled with an amazing ad directed to moms demonstrates how critical moms are of the job they do, while their kids have a totally different and far more positive reaction.

The clichés express we are to enjoy each moment. Since we are driven by our emotions, I thought the article and video will help.

But simply stated moms, lighten up!

You see – the greatest impact you will have in the world is on your own family.  And you can do that every day in little ways by finding reasons to celebrate without waiting for the big traditional holidays.

First up – Trivia Day – January 4th

What I love about this ‘holiday’ is that you could tailor it to your own family.   Think about creating:

• Family trivia
• Age appropriate trivia
• Have kids research a topic and discuss at dinner
• Google the topic Trivia day!
• This day in history

For future ‘holiday’ days/dates – please follow me on Twitter

Have a great week!

Tina Nocera, Founder

Parental Wisdom®