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Tenured Magpie parents: what is your biggest piece of tactical advice to those of us with younger children? I’m looking less for philosophical wisdom and more for fine-grained tips along the lines of curfew policies and navigating how involved you should be in your child’s social network. I’m curious about this because, over the past year, I’ve picked up two pieces of advice from older parents who have been around the block that are already informing my perspective:
The first, from my neighbor who has grown children already out of the home: “Always offer to drive the group.” He was talking about ferrying his children and their friends to homecoming, school musicals, the mall, etc. He said he has learned so much about his children and their friends when playing chauffeur and becomes privy to things they might not otherwise offer up. It has also given him better visibility into the dynamics between the friends in his daughter’s group.
The second, from a friend: “When you volunteer at your child’s school, do it in a way that is visible to your child.” Of course, schools need all kinds of help and support, but if you are (like me) limited on time, you might think about helping with a field trip, recess duty, hot lunch, bake sale, class party, etc — any venue in which your child will see you in the school and appreciate your presence there.
What else might you offer up?
Post-Scripts.
+The winner of the Dr. Dennis Gross face pads giveaway is Sofia! Sofia, I will email you! For anyone who wants to try them: they are on sale at Sephora! You must be logged in to use the code HAVITALL but then you get 20% off one order!
+More parenting advice I love.
+What stage of parenthood are you in?
Shopping Break.
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+Bottega gloves look-for-less. I think I might treat myself to these! So chic!
+On the heels of my random commentary on skin gadgets, PMD offered to send me this at-home microderm tool. I’m going to test it, along with the Current Body red light mask, the Newa, and the gua sha and will report back with thoughts, probably in January after I’ve had time to figure them out and really test them for awhile. Based on my recon, all of these tools do different things (!!), which is probably why some of you have been sharing products that do multiple things at once / have different settings / etc. It’s a whole new world. In the meantime, a Magpie reader helpfully shared this Instagram account, which provides a research-oriented approach to skin gadgets. I thought this breakdown on the red light masks was interesting and made me feel excited to keep going with the Current Body one I received.
+Last minute, effortless holiday dressing: these pull-on velvet pants and a cableknit.
+Last minute treat-yourself outfits for holiday travel: the F&E sweat sets (I own multiple styles but this one is my favorite) and the Tuckernuck cashmere hoodie and wide leg sweatpants. You’ll feel pulled together but comfortable.
+Also wanted to mention that a Magpie reader raved about this F&E sweatsuit look for less. I think the code 47DBSYTP gets you 50% off but I could have read that wrong!
+Very limited sizes left in stock, but these Valentina sneakers (more sizes here) continue to be a favorite of mine. They are shearling-lined and slip-on!!! And I love that it adds an extra inch or two to my height. Vibe for less: these New Balances, currently on sale! Pair either of these sneaks with the cashmere sweatsuit or the F&E set and you’re golden for long plane/car travel for Christmas.
+Price drop on these incense smokers so many of you loved! A fun little gift.
+These new Freda Salvador velvet dijon flats are SO GOOD and selling very fast.
+Swooning over Toteme’s new tote style.
+My children have two of these “magic playsets” — one is a library-themed one, the other is this NYC one — and they really love them. They have replica “forms” to fill out in both sets that make them feel very grown up. My son loves to take “orders” with the food cart order form in particular.
+I know a lot of people love these undereye masks! Currently on sale. I’m personally in a committed relationship with the Jillian Dempsey ones but these are a good value!
+Have you seen Emilia Wickstead’s latest resort collection?! Wow wow wow wow. It’s thrilling to me that labels like this still exist. Clothing for princesses.
+I keep coming back to this Dehanche belt…
+These little Target stuffies are so cute – love this style and this style and this little house!