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Just a small collection of boys rocking their fros.

An afro is a collection of overlapping curls, coils, and frizz. Toddlers have the most adorable afros that naturally come in a wide range of lengths and textures. What Are The Different Types of Afros? Picked Fro - An afro that has been picked out from root to end Tapered Fro - an afro that is heavy on top and short on the sides Afro puffs - the afro separated into sections Teenie Weenie Afro (TWA) - a short or compact afro Sponged Fro - an afro styled with a sponge brush Curly Fro - a fro with big curls instead of coils Rainbow Fro - a fro that arches into a rainbow shape (meaning it goes up and hangs down) How Does A Toddler Fro Feel? Amazing! A well hydrated afro no matter the texture feels incredibly soft. Please know a curly fro feels different from a coily fro, which feels different from a picked out fro — but they all can feel heavenly. You’ll want to get to your know your toddler’s unique feel. How Long Does A Soft Fro Last? It depends on the texture and process for maintaining the curls. Since we use very little product on our kids’ hair, our curly fros last a day. This means they have to be fully saturated with water, cleansed, and conditioned to revive the curls' softness. Coily fros can last 5 to 14 days (in our experience) and still maintain a gorgeous coil and incredible softness. Are Afros Hot for Kids? The afro is quite cool, because it naturally shades the scalp. It’s commonly compared to a tree canopy that keeps the forest floor cool. The only time the afro gets hot is if hair is touching the face, neck, back or shoulders. You can use headbands or gentle elastics to slightly lift your child’s hair off of their skin. Or you can regularly trim the hair to keep their fro short. While the afro can keep the head cool in the summer, it also does an amazing job of keeping the head warm in the winter. How To Care For A Toddler's Afro? It really depends on the desired look. A manicured fro may require washing, detangling, and daily styling. As a child ages, they may not like this amount of manipulation or the time the entire process takes. In our home, we preferred the free-spirited look. This meant that we kept the scalp clean and let our children's hair roam free. Until next time... Love The Journey,

Absolutely! ABCmouse is a an online educational tool. It’s geared towards ages 2-8, and can totally be used for homeschooling. Homeschooling is a form of private education that allows parents to tailor their child’s learning path to their specific needs. Different districts have different homeschool requirements. HSLDA (Home School Legal Defense Association) has deemed Massachusetts as one of the strictest homeschooling states in the nation. As a Massachusetts homeschooler, we hope this doesn't scare you! This simply means that our state has a list of areas they deem as essential for children’s learning. These areas include… English Spelling Handwriting Reading Math Science Technology Social Studies Geography History Art Health/Physical Education Music Recess Thankfully, ABCmouse covers all of these subjects. Have Parents Ever Been Questioned For Including ABCmouse In Their Educational Plan? Yes and no. There was a case where a Massachusetts’ parent had to send in a receipt of their ABCmouse subscription. Once this was received their educational plan was approved. There has also been times when ABCmouse was the only listed learning tool and received immediate approval. Getting your district’s okay largely depends on which part of the state you live in as well as which staff is reviewing your plan. How Much Does ABCmouse Cost? Prices fluctuate. We’ve seen a yearly subscription of ABCmouse be as high as $156 a year ($12.99 per month), to as low as $45 a year. We recommend price checking around the winter holidays for their special offer. Is ABCmouse Worth It? We believe the membership is worth it only if your child is interested in the platform. You’ll know that your child enjoys ABCmouse, because they … are excited using it, regularly ask for it, or voluntarily engage with it Does The Boston Public Library Offer Free Subscription to ABCmouse? Unfortunately, the Boston Public Library hasn’t offered free subscriptions to ABCmouse. If you want to try ABCmouse, there is a 30-day free trial. If you’re looking for a year-round curriculum that's free, try ABCya - it’s one of our faves. We hope this was helpful! Until next time... Love The Journey,

Heart star is an adorable platformer created by Adventure Islands. One player controls two characters that have to work together to get to the next level. This includes carrying each other, pushing each other, and catching each other. The blue-haired character is restricted to the blue star world. And a pink-haired character is limited to the pink heart world. The limitations of their parallel worlds, force them to be codependent in order for the both of them to reach the golden torch. There are unique problems on every level, such as gaps they can fall through, moving platforms, spikes, and more. No matter what the two face, there’s always a way for them to win. As a mom, I was introduced to this game by our kids. I loved that the game taught some super valuable life lessons, such as… encouraging players to literally put themselves in the other person’s shoes reminding players that any obstacle can be overcome with the power of teamwork demonstrating how different perspectives can still be working towards the same goal You can check out the game trailer below... Who Created Heart Star? Jussi Simpanen is an illustrator, character designer, and the indie game developer behind Adventure Island and Heart Star. Jussi created the 60-level game using Stencyl and first released it on the App Store on February 9, 2017. The playful music is by Christina Antoinette Neofotistou. Is Heart Star A Family-Friendly Game? Heart Star is rated E for everyone ages 10 and older. There is fantasy violence, for example the players can hit spikes and fall off of platforms. It's totally up to you if you want to try it out with your little ones. In our home we play side-by-side with our kids to see who can beat levels quicker. Is Heart Star A Brain Game? Yes! Its game-play is super simple, yet challenging at the same time. The world swapping, forces players to think strategically about each move. Every time the player switches between worlds, they literally see different obstacles and challenges that have to be overcome in order to win. Gaming skills (we think) it supports include... memory building strategic thinking problem solving timing What Happens At The End Of Heart Star? After beating the 60th level, the storyline is replayed. It shows a male and female character trying to connect. Then eventually sitting on a purple moon platform (the only world they are both able to exist in). The characters are holding hands and happily staring into each other's eyes. If you're ready to experience this hard-working duo -- there are multiple ways to play. Our favorite is on Poki, because it’s free (with ads). But you can also download it from the App Store, Google Play, or find it on other gaming websites. Have you played Heart Star? What other games help you reflect on motherhood? Until next time… Love The Journey,

Baby combs can be super useful tools when it comes to the health and maintenance of your little one’s hair. Below we describe four types of baby combs to choose from. Traditional combs have medium to fine teeth and an extended handle. The fine teeth help smooth the hair and reveal its natural shine. While the wider teeth are designed for longer hair with bigger curls. Handle-less combs are held by cupping the hand. Dual density combs have fine teeth on the top and medium teeth on the bottom. Double-sided combs have teeth on both sides (and no handle). The absence of a smooth side can make the comb get caught in baby's curls. When Can You Comb Baby’s Hair? You can start combing baby's hair following their first bath. It’s best to comb damp hair, because it makes it easier for the comb to glide through the hair without snagging or getting tangled. Regularly combing baby hair also helps to remove any lint that may get trapped. How To Comb Baby’s Hair? Comb in the direction the hair is growing. For example, if the front hair naturally falls towards baby’s forehead, you’ll want to comb their hair that way. If the hair naturally falls towards their ears, you can comb that section of the hair that way. It's totally natural for different areas of baby's hair to fall in multiple directions. Just follow their natural pattern. If baby has short hair, you can comb starting from the root to the ends. If they have long hair, switching to a detangling brush may be better. Can You Use a Baby Comb For Cradle Cap? Yes. Just remember when peeling cradle cap, you should only remove flakes that are ready to fall out. Scraping flakes that are firmly attached can cause the baby’s scalp to get red, raw, and irritated. While cradle cap can look disturbing, it typically doesn’t bother baby and should be given time to naturally come loose. You’ll want to avoid digging or scraping the scalp. Instead, use the comb to lightly lift the flakes. Do You Need A Baby Comb? You do not need a baby comb per se. If you already have a fine-tooth comb at home, you can totally use that! The benefit of using a baby comb is that you’ll have a designated comb for your little one. This way family members are not sharing or spreading hair issues. Baby combs also have rounded teeth, so that combing is safer, more gentle, and won’t scratch their delicate scalps. Finally, baby combs are intentionally lightweight and smaller. As your little one grows, they may naturally reach for the comb and want to practice combing their hair themselves. Baby combs are perfectly sized to fit in their tiny hands, so that they can get a secure grip. If you’re shopping for your mini-me, you’ll want to choose a comb that’s best for their hair type. You'll also want to choose a comb and material you can comfortably hold so that hair time is relaxing for the both of you. This comb comes from a well-loved brand that focuses on safety. If you prefer an eco-friendly option, our readers love this brand. Until next time... Love the Journey,

We don't think so. Let us explain... Banks and credit unions offer Christmas Savings accounts (also known as Christmas Club accounts). They’re designated accounts that allow you to automatically save until the shopping seasons begins. Think of it as an early Christmas present that’s supposed to surprise the heck out of you. We wanted to make sure you knew the pros and cons… Pros Set specific goals for holiday spending Automate deposits (don’t have to think about it) Save throughout the year Cons Account limitations (such as minimum deposits and savings caps) Money is locked up (some have early withdrawal fees) Super low interest rates (earn more storing savings in another account — like a CD) Extra account to manage Closing account may void interest What Are Christmas Accounts Used For? Gifts Holiday hosting Holiday dinner Holiday travel Who Are Christmas Accounts Good For? People who need help saving People who may overspend or go into debt for the holidays People lured in by clever marketing Christmas accounts were started on the idea that having a separate account will make it less tempting for you to touch and easier for you to save. They’re marketed as a way to “stock up for the holidays.” But with mobile and online banking, accessing different accounts is super easy with the click of a button. Investopedia says they were popular in the 60s and 70s, but we found less institutions having them. Do Christmas Accounts still exist? Yes! And interestingly, all the accounts below are from credit unions. The following info is accurate as of Dec 18, 2023, but can change at any time. While we try our best to summarize each account, please refer to each financial institution for the official details. CDC Federal Credit Union CDC Federal Credit Union is based out of Atlanta, but if you work for Whole Foods or another one of their 100 Select Employees Groups -- you can join. They limit transactions to 6 per month and only charge a $10 early withdrawal fee. Learn more. Metro Credit Union Metro Credit Union is located in Boston and also requires you meet certain eligibility criteria to become a member. While you only need $10 to open their Christmas Club, you need $25 to start earning interest. It beats other club accounts in that the savings are transferred a month earlier - October 1st. Interest is compounded monthly, but if the account is closed interest is lost. Learn more. Ascend Federal Credit Union Ascend is based in Tennessee, is reserved for a specific set of people, and also requires a membership account. If you're eligible, it's the most appealing on this list as it has the highest rate and no penalty or limits. Learn more. When Are Christmas Accounts Started? According to Google Trends, Christmas Club account searches noticeably increase every December. Below is a graph showing the spikes in inquiries. Screenshot of Google Trends Christmas Club Accounts Topic Search in U.S. from 2004 -2023 These searches tend to be extremely popular in New Zealand. For the U.S., Louisiana and New York also love them. We're assuming most accounts are opened in January, just in time for New Year's resolutions. That way savers have 10 to 11 months to reach their goals. What Are Modern Forms of Club Accounts? Thanks to the rise of fintech (financial technology), there are more modern ways of saving. Special purpose accounts, supplemental accounts, and subaccounts are some of the products designed to designate funds for a specific goal. For example, account holders may save to pay their student loans or mortgage off early. Each institution may have a different name for these organizational tools. For example, Sofi calls them vaults and Ally calls them buckets. Despite these accounts not specifically being called Christmas accounts, they can definitely serve that purpose and have the potential to reach or surpass savings goals quicker. For example, say you want to save $200 a month for the holidays. Using the highest earning Christmas Savings account listed above, you'd only make $2.80 after 12 months (if the interest were compounded daily). You can save $1,923.93% more (that's $53.87) if you used a high yield savings account instead. Please know that some accounts compound interest monthly, quarterly, or yearly, which can decrease earnings. We hope this demonstrates that where you store your money definitely matters, no matter what your goals are. How Much Do Families Typically Spend During The Holidays? $1,652 predicted per consumer in 2023, according to Deloitte's annual online survey. Below is a breakdown by income... >$50k predict they will spend $742 $50k - $99k predict they will spend $1,534 $100k - $99k predict they will spend $2,167 $200k+ predict they will spend $3,922 Similar to any research study, these are the results of an extremely small sample and may not represent all consumers. What Are Helpful Ways To Save During The Holidays? Pay close attention to what your kids talk about so you’re only buying what they really want. Only buy 1-2 gifts (per child) Utilize cash back cards (some will save you up to 5% or more) Take advantage of big sale days (i.e Black Friday, Cyber Monday, etc). In conclusion, having a way to plan and organize savings is smart!! However, Christmas Savings accounts seem to have way too many restrictions and (we think) there are more beneficial ways to save. Are you happy with how much your savings is making? Which digital tools do you use to save? Until next time… Love The Journey,

Frizz gets a bad rap. Not only is it gorgeous, it’s a super important characteristic of kinky, curly, and coily hair. Frizz happens when the hair shaft expands. We believe it’s opening itself up to take in all the information from baby’s environment. When Does Baby's Hair Start To Frizz? Around 3 months. That's when intermediate hair starts to form. You'll first notice it around baby's whorl (that adorable spiral in the middle of the back of their head). Within a few weeks it will be everywhere. While intermediate hair is the frizziest, it's also temporary. When Is Baby's Frizzy Phase Over? Every baby is different, but their terminal hair (which is the last hair texture phase) should be in by their second birthday. Terminal hair is still able to get frizzy, but you'll definitely be able to see more curl definition. What Is The Least Frizziest Stage? When baby is first born. Their tiny heads will be covered in vellus hair. This type of hair typically lays against baby's scalp. It may wave (or curl) a bit, but it frizzes the least. Why Embrace Baby Frizz? Frizz is a layer of protection that is super soft and naturally warms the scalp. Baby hair is also an extension of their nervous system. In other words, hair is their external nerves. Instead of going against nature we like to celebrate that it's serving a real purpose and helping our babies discover the world around them. How To Take Care Of Frizz? Keep it clean with a gentle cleanser. Fully saturate the hair with water and detangle with a light conditioner (if baby lets you). How To Style Frizz? Baby's frizziest stage happens to coincide with when they become mobile. This means that they may not stay still long enough for you to style it. But if you're up for a challenge (and end up winning the negotiation) comb coiling with baby elastics was one of our go-to styles. It combats frizz by keeping the hair in small sections. And when our daughter refused to let us near her head, we found a cute hat that we both loved. In conclusion, frizzy hair may feel different, but it's not a reason to panic!! We support the stress-free approach -- allowing our baby's hair to roam free. By the time your little one turns two, it will be time for a new hair adventure! Suggested Products Botanical Cleanser Our Favorite Hair Oil Toddler Elastics Until next time... Love The Journey,

Baby bonnets are a form of sleepwear sized for babies. They’re typically made from silk, satin, or another lightweight and breathable material. They feature a thick stretchy band, so that the bonnet can securely wrap around baby's head. And the body of the bonnet slightly hovers, instead of smushing the hair flat. Many families have been flocking to baby bonnets to protect their baby’s curls and to prevent infant hair loss. Below we outline the pros and cons. Pros Preserves curls Minimizes dryness Minimizes friction Minimizes tangles Quicker morning routine Cons Can be too big (slides down or off) Can be too small (leaves indent) Can cover baby’s face while sleeping Can be uncomfortable (even with perfect fit) Be mindful of overheating (make sure baby isn't red or excessively sweating) When Can A Baby Wear A Baby Bonnet? Baby bonnets are designed for ages 0 to 36 months. How Small Are Baby Bonnets? For comparison, an adult bonnet typically measures between 20" - 22". Are Baby Bonnets Safe For Newborns? A baby bonnet is meant to function like any other headgear for babies. The main difference is they are designed as sleepwear — a time when parents may be sleeping too. As a result many baby bonnets will come with a warning to only use under adult supervision (for example, for a day nap while the parent is awake). Since some bonnets may be baggy, or come with strings or ties, this can create a major safety concern especially for babies with limited mobility. Whichever bonnet you choose, make sure it’s a comfortable and secure fit for your little one (with no hanging pieces). Do Baby Bonnets Help With Infant Hair Loss? It depends on the cause of the hair loss. Please know that baby balding can naturally occur in the first year. Your baby's hair should naturally grow back within a few months without needing any special products. Can Baby Bonnets Be Worn Outside? Because of the fabric choice, baby bonnets are made for indoor use. There are satin-lined caps and hats for babies if you want curl-friendly headgear for colder weather. In conclusion, baby bonnets can totally help keep your baby’s curls fresh. It’s a personal decision if you want to incorporate one into your baby’s hair routine. Mentioned Products Soft Measuring Tape Satin-Lined Baby Cap Baby Bonnet (Reader’s Pick) Until next time... Love The Journey,

The placenta perm is the super thick biofilm that covers a baby’s hair (and body). The medical term (in the US) is vernix caseosa. It has Greek origins - vernix meaning varnish and caseosa meaning cheesy-like substance. Much of medical research (in America) has focused on how vernix nourishes and protects baby skin. But vernix is very noticeable on baby’s hair. And so, Gen Z has brilliantly renamed the substance to acknowledge its impact on the baby’s crown. If you've witnessed labor and delivery, then you've seen the thick whitish substance that temporarily cements the newborns strands in place. If left untouched, it magically disappears. We like to call it nature’s best deep conditioner that is still noticeable days after birth. In fact its effects can literally be felt for months. While the vernix leaves baby’s skin feeling like butter, it leaves baby’s hair feeling initially waxy, then incredibly soft. Vernix absorbs into the skin within minutes, but absorbs into the hair after weeks. It loses its cheesy look moments after delivery, but continues to resemble a glossy covering until it has fully absorbed into the hair. You’ll notice it's gone when the hair becomes more fluffy and full. The following picture shows the difference between our baby's crown at 7 days old and 24 months. When Does The Placenta Perm Develop? Researchers believe the placenta perm forms in the uterus around the 23rd week of pregnancy (closely following the hair follicle's development at 18 weeks). It serves as a... waterproof barrier during the 3rd trimester, lubricates the love tunnel during delivery, and helps hair adapt to its drier environment in the 4th trimester Overall, the placenta perm plays a super important role in cell growth, and barrier functionality both in and outside the womb. What’s In The Placenta Perm? The placenta perm is a super complex substance that has so much left to be discovered. At this point, scientists believe it is 80% water, 10% lipids and 10% protein. Should You Wash Off The Placenta Perm? No! You do not need to scrub baby immediately following birth. As the newborn lays on mom's chest you'll witness the change. Full absorption of the placenta perm sets the stage for a healthy crown. It's a living substance that communicates with the newborn's environment. It will naturally dissolve after it has done its job of helping baby transition to life outside the womb. When baby is ready for their first bath, you can use a gentle cleanser to wash their hair. According to the Global Health Media Project, parents should wait at least one day after baby's birth. At that point the thick whitish film should be long gone. When Does The Placenta Perm Wear Off? Between 4 and 6 months. This is around the same time that intermediate hair begins to grow. Intermediate hair is the temporary fuzzy hair that appears right before babies get the hair they will have for the rest of their lives. Why Is It Called The Placenta Perm? The placenta is the temporary organ and lifeline supplying nutrients and oxygen to the baby inside the womb. A perm is a synthetic cream that chemically changes the hair's structure and helps the wearer achieve their desired look. Using the two words together cleverly describes the temporary cream that yields beautiful results. It’s important to note, that unlike the man-made perm, the placenta perm is natural and isn’t damaging to baby’s health. How To Care For Hair Once The Placenta Perm Is Absorbed? You’ll want to use gentle cleansers and nutritious oils to seal in the moisture. Since hair is such a vital part of our culture, there are so many products geared towards altering its appearance. However babies are naturally blessed with the best. They enter this world with the most lubricating, protective, and nourishing treatment. So our job is to make sure the placenta perm is left uninterrupted so that it can work its magic. Suggested Products Baby Wash (Popular) Coconut Oil (Our Fave) Organic Hooded Towel (100% Cotton)

As newborns grow into toddlers, their curls change. We outline the main differences between the two below. How To Wash Newborn Curls vs Toddler Curls? A light wash with a gentle cleanser should be sufficient. Harsh soaps may break down the vernix, which is the nutrient-rich biofilm your baby was born with. It has so many amazing benefits and will naturally absorb into your baby's curls over time. Toddler curls may require a more thorough wash. A toddler is generally a baby who is learning to walk and/or is walking. This period ranges from 6 months and up. This new mobility means that your child’s curls may be collecting items in their hair, such as food, lint, sand, and dirt. Consequently, their wash routine may require more suds and a natural conditioner to help detangle. How To Moisturize Newborn Curls vs Toddler Curls? Newborn curls get enough moisture from warm water and sealing with a light oil. This simple regimen should freshen and restore your little one's curls. Many parents tend to get concerned that their toddler’s hair is dry because it looks frizzy and very different from the newborn curls. Please know that your child’s hair is simply transitioning. Frizz serves to protect your little one’s scalp and shouldn’t be an indication that you need to apply a product to tame it. How to Style Newborn Curls vs Toddler Curls? Newborn curls are perfect just the way they are. A gentle massage with your hands and light brush is all you need. If you’re obsessed with the latest accessories, you can always decorate their crowns with cute hats, bows, and the occasional loose headband. Toddler curls also look the best when they are free (in my personal opinion). But it’s totally fine to experiment with different styles. Just know that your child may start to move when doing their hair. Suggested Products Botanical Cleanser Nutritious Oil Organic Hooded Towel 100% Cotton Wash Cloths Wood Baby Brush Until next time... Love The Journey,