Alicia

5 Ways to Avoid Getting Sick This School Year

Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes all the wonderful (and not-so-wonderful) things our kids bring home. My son even asked for $6 to wash his hands — confusing it with getting sick 😂. After a tough tonsillectomy recovery in our house, we’re extra motivated to keep germs at bay this year. And yes, I even braided my daughter's hair to try to dodge the dreaded lice!

Here are 5 doctor-backed ways to help your family stay healthier as we dive into the new school year. These are the habits pediatricians recommend to boost immunity and prevent those common sniffles and bugs.

1. Hand Hygiene Heroes

This is non-negotiable! Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing 'Happy Birthday' twice!). Teach kids to wash before eating, after using the bathroom, and as soon as they get home from school. Hand sanitizer is a good backup when soap and water aren't available.

Make it fun: Create a handwashing sticker chart or let your child pick their own silly handwashing song.

2. Prioritize Sleep

A tired body struggles to fight off illness. Aim for consistent bedtimes and sufficient sleep: 9-12 hours for school-aged children and 8-10 hours for teenagers. Sleep is when their immune system recharges!

3. Fuel Up Right

A balanced diet packed with colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides the essential nutrients for a strong immune system. Don't forget hydration – send those water bottles to school!

Immunity Boosting Grocery List by Color 🌈

✨ Make it fun: Save and print this list for your next store run, stick it on the fridge, and let kids check off colors as they eat them each day — a “rainbow immunity challenge.”

4. Stay Up-to-Date on Vaccinations

Ensure that everyone in the family is up to date on their recommended immunizations, particularly the annual flu shot. Vaccines are a powerful tool in preventing serious illnesses and protecting our communities.

Make it fun: Explain vaccines as 'super shields' that protect their whole team (family, classmates, friends).

5. Practice Smart Germ Etiquette

Teach kids to cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue (and dispose of it!). Remind them to avoid touching their face (eyes, nose, mouth) and not to share personal items like water bottles or utensils. And if they're sick, keep them home to prevent spreading germs!

Make it fun: Play 'Germ Ninja' — kids get a point every time they remember to sneeze into their elbow or wash their hands without being asked.

Healthy Habits by Age (Save This!)

Building healthy habits early sets our kids up for life. Here are some age-appropriate focuses:

What I Learned from My Recent Episode with Maimah Karmo

And while these day-to-day habits matter, I was reminded in my recent conversation with the incredible Maimah Karmo (you can watch it here!) that health is also about the long game. One of her biggest takeaways: health is the best legacy we can give our kids.

This means:
- Advocating for early screenings and regular doctor’s visits.
- Becoming an Angel Advocate at the Tigerlily Foundation to own your health journey and educate others.

What’s your go-to trick for keeping germs away? Share your favorite hacks below — because we all need fresh ideas this season!

by Alicia

10 AI Wins That Actually Work for Busy Moms

Between carpool runs, work deadlines, and remembering who has soccer where, mom life can feel like a never-ending blur. Lately, I’ve found an unexpected sidekick: AI. Not just for work emails, but for real-life mom wins that save time, money, and sanity.

Out of the many prompts I’ve tested, here are 10 that actually worked, with my top five favorites called out.

1. Fixing Everyday Annoyances (like the trunk that wouldn’t budge)

That annoying setting in my Suburban that my husband and I couldn’t figure out how to fix? Yeah, AI walked me through the fix in minutes, saving me both time and frustration. We banged our heads one too many times, and silly, it took me so long to realize AI could figure this one out for me just with the make, model, and describing the issue I was having.

2. Turning Recipes Into Kid-Friendly Favorites

From Giada’s pasta to gluten-free swaps to how smoothie flavors might pair, AI has reworked recipes to fit our family’s dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. This has been especially helpful for keeping meals easy, kid-friendly, and delicious all around.

3. Scripts for Meltdowns That Actually Work

I used to have a lot of angst and no idea how to help my son break free from ruts and patterns. Instead of losing patience during meltdowns, I now ask AI for calm, empathetic responses and role play that might help him correct the problem. The phrases it suggested actually worked and helped me manage tough parenting moments with more confidence.

4. Pharmacy Info in a Pinch

When my daughter was at camp, I urgently needed pharmacy details that hadn’t been provided. We had minutes for the doctor’s clearance, and AI quickly pulled the closest CVS near the camp location in seconds. Headed somewhere remote? AI has your back in seconds.

5. New Car Search Help

We are starting to consider a car trade-in, instead of additional work and repairs. AI has become my car-buying copilot—breaking down models, features, and costs so I don’t get overwhelmed. I also want better customer service and not to be left high and dry every time I bring my car into the shop. AI is helping me quickly compare options, along with pulling some pre-owned options for me, so I can focus on the appointments and other logistics that go into making the right choice for our family.

6. New Dog Search Support

We’ve been exploring breeds that fit our lifestyle, as well as adoption options, as we slowly start to think about a dog that could fit our life as well as our last one did. AI has been surprisingly helpful in comparing temperaments, energy levels, and training needs. It can also break down the nightly wake-ups to expect and training based on age and breed, which can really help in the mental preparation that goes into adding a new family member.

7. Family Trip Destination Brainstorming

AI is an incredible travel planner, as I’ve mentioned previously. Need to know the weather where you’re going, how to get around, and cost-efficient options for food and board? It’s got it all dialed and can save you hours scouring the internet. AI continues to help me narrow down family-friendly destinations that would work for kids of different ages, saving me hours of research.

8. No More Grocery Overlaps on Trips

On a recent trip with another family, I used AI to coordinate our grocery purchases, ensuring we didn’t double up on essentials like bread, eggs, or snacks. They sent me their list, and I plugged it in along with items I knew my family needed, so we had the whole stay dialed in. It streamlined the process and kept our fridge organized. No endless leftovers or wasted food amongst our group—especially helpful for a glamping-type stay where stores were not readily available.

9. Quick Weekly Meal Planning

AI has generated weeknight menus and shopping lists that help us avoid the “what’s for dinner?” rut. Now, I have fewer 5 p.m. panics, and everything is mapped out ahead of time, resulting in reduced stress and faster cooking. I’m told in the future, we’ll be able to snap a fridge photo and AI will tell us what to make—hooray!

10. Less Homework Drama

When homework frustration struck, AI provided me with ways to explain problems in kid-friendly language without simply handing over the answers. It’s helped keep study sessions calmer and more productive. I loved my interview with MacKenzie Price, Founder of 2HRLearning, and seeing how when kids learn more efficiently, it opens them up for other areas of creative learning and social bonding, which is critical. 

Final Thoughts: AI for Busy Moms

AI doesn’t replace traditional mom hacks—it supercharges them! From handling everyday frustrations to simplifying bigger decisions, it’s become an unexpected but powerful tool in my daily routine.

Have you tried AI for anything outside of work? I’d love to hear your favorite hacks—drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram (@momshineco). Moms helping moms is the real superpower.

by Alicia

5 Fun Ideas for a Mom Night that Won't Leave You Feeling Depleted

After a summer of zero routines, jam-packed schedules, and family adventures, the thing I looked forward to most was reconnecting with friends for a mom’s night. But the last thing I needed was a hangover—especially with new client contracts kicking off and a more structured work schedule ahead. I also wanted to stop starting my mornings in a scramble and instead build a routine that felt energizing.

That’s why I pulled together this list of mom-night ideas that truly refueled me last year.

Idea 1: Recharge Through Mindful Mom Moments

Some of the best nights were the ones where I simply made space to be. Some weeks, I joined guided meditations with other moms to release stress and anxiety. Another time, I hosted a rejuvenation day at my house, complete with yoga, gluten-free eats, sauna sessions, and even a cold plunge. I also tried a Mexican temazcal ceremony for the first time (you can read about it on the blog).

Finding calm and inner peace lowers stress without leaving you drained. I’m especially excited to try a sound bath for moms this week—it’s a reminder that a mindful mom night can bring huge relief to a busy mind.

Idea 2: Get Moving (and Laughing!) With Active Gatherings

One of my favorite discoveries was swapping typical “nights out” for active ones. Think ladies’ kickball games, easy-going tennis matches, or other low-pressure sports. I’m not looking to join a competitive league, but I’ve found that combining exercise, fresh air, and laughter with friends leaves me feeling more connected, energized, and satisfied than a night at the bar ever could.

Idea 3: Incorporate Sports or Social Game Nights

Game nights are another winner. One highlight of the year was our “Adult Olympics”—think silly challenges like grabbing marbles from baby tubs with your toes, transferring M&Ms with straws, or timed beer pong rounds. Structured fun adds just enough focus to keep everyone laughing and engaged.

Other favorites: our ladies’ March Madness bracket (sorry, dads—you’re benched), and hearing about my friends’ Mahjong tournaments. And after listening to Taylor Swift on the New Heights podcast, I’m even tempted to try Fantasy Football one year!

Idea 4: Have Fun With Themed Social Events

Nothing breaks routine like a good themed party. One I’m especially looking forward to is a denim-and-diamonds night. I love how our school auction always has a theme—it gives everyone a playful excuse to dress up, reconnect, and laugh together.

Some other crowd-pleasers: denim and diamonds, pink-and-white parties, hoe-downs, and yes—Adult Olympics, where you can spin it into a battle of the sexes or even a “Parade of Nations” by having each couple represent a country. Themes build instant connection and fun without the pressure.

Idea 5: The Art of Conscious Consumption

This one is still a work in progress for me, but I’ve learned a few things: getting through the first hour without alcohol often sets the tone for the whole night, alternating drinks with water helps more than anything, and choosing activities where alcohol isn’t the main focus makes a huge difference.

Concerts, cooking classes, and art nights all give moms a fresh way to connect. On ski trips or active getaways, the physical movement balances out the impact of any drinks. When I was in Italy, I loved seeing everyone start with a spritz and then switch over to water—it was a reminder that less really can be more.

Some of my favorite alternatives: Katy Perry’s De Soi and Hiyo drinks, both recommended by other moms. My current approach: if I’m not rested or at my best, I skip alcohol entirely, and if I do indulge, I make sure it’s truly enhancing the night. At the end of the day, alcohol is a depressant, and keeping it light helps me wake up recharged instead of depleted.

Your Path to Rejuvenated Mom Fun

Mom nights don’t have to leave you wiped out. Whether it’s mindful relaxation, active play, games, or simply choosing sips with intention, you can design nights that fuel your body and soul.

What I’ve found is that when I put out an idea, other moms are usually game to try something new, too. We put so much effort into recharging our kids—why not ourselves?

Check out MomShine for more ideas to feel your best, and don’t forget to share what’s working for you. After all, when we shine, everyone around us benefits too.

by Alicia

Travel Sports Moms: Essential Health & Wellness Survival Guide

Whether you’re flying cross-country for a tournament or cramming into a car with a cooler and cleats, travel sports life is a lot. As a travel sports mom, you know the juggle is real. This survival guide provides the right mindset and a few intentional shifts to support both your youth athlete's health and your own parent wellness.

I sat down with Anika McKelvey, a seasoned travel sports mom and founder of LAS—a chic, wellness-rooted compression sock brand designed with moms and athletes in mind. Anika’s wisdom, shaped by her own wellness journey (including a varicose vein scare on the road), reminded me that supporting your child’s passion doesn’t mean putting yourself last.

Here are 10 travel sports hacks to help moms and kids stay healthy, connected, and thriving on the road—plus a bonus takeaway you won’t want to skip.

1. Pack What They’ll Actually Drink

Hydration for athletes is key—but that doesn’t mean pushing plain water if it’s not their thing. Bring what they like: hydration powders, coconut water, or low-sugar electrolyte drinks. Pair that with less salty snacks like trail mix or fruit to keep their energy and mood stable. This is a crucial sports mom tip for energy management.

2. Move Like It Matters During Sports Travel

Whether you’re stuck in an airport or seated for hours, bodies are built to move. Encourage your kids (and yourself!) to walk, stretch, or do a few squats on long travel days for sports. It’s not just about circulation—it helps with mood and focus too. I downloaded the BetterMe app on the road to ensure I hit 15 minutes of targeted movement for my body, and don’t lose all the muscle I’ve worked hard to gain. Prioritizing movement for travel can prevent stiffness and boost morale.

3. Factor In Your Wellness on the Road

Compression socks and cozy layers aren’t just for athletes. What will you do on the road to feel your best? Maybe it’s a walk between games, a local yoga class, or 15 minutes with a book before the day starts. Travel sports are their season, but don’t lose your own routine along the way. Your wellness is non-negotiable.

4. Prioritize Language and Learning During Sports Travel

Travel is the perfect opportunity to expand kids’ worldviews. Apps, tutors, and bilingual sitters can help them pick up local language skills and cultural curiosity—especially if they’re heading abroad for tournaments. Make the most of youth sports travel beyond the field.

5. Anchor in a Morning Routine to Build Consistency for Young Athletes

Anika sends her kids a Bible verse each morning, even when they’re apart. When her son played soccer in Spain, he kept the habits she taught him—folded laundry and all. Small routines build big independence. Consistency is a powerful sports parenting strategy.

6. Share “3 Snaps” of Gratitude to Cultivate a Positive Sports Mindset

Each day, ask: What are three things you’re grateful for? It’s a simple but powerful mindset shift that keeps kids focused on joy—even when games don’t go their way. This helps foster a positive athlete mindset.

7. Respect the Season You’re In and Adapt as Needed

Life moves in seasons. So do kids. Acknowledge the current chapter—whether it's intense youth sports travel or downtime—and give yourself permission to adapt. You don’t need to have it all figured out. This is key for parenting travel sports sustainably.

8. Don’t Forget Your Supplements to Support Gut Health & Immunity on the Road

Gut health shifts when you travel. AI tools can help create packing lists, but only you can prioritize your wellness. Just as important as the waivers, uniforms, and forms needed is your health. Bring the vitamins, probiotics, or meds that help you feel grounded and energized. Essential for an athlete's health on the road.

9. Nurture Your Child’s Evolving Interests in Sports

Kids evolve. So do their interests. Stay present, listen closely, and support their growth—even if it looks different than what you envisioned. What they love now may change—and that’s okay. This is a vital sports mom tip for long-term engagement.

10. Really Listen to Their Feedback

This one hit home. Anika used to be the loudest cheerleader on the sidelines—until her son told her to stop. She realized she was cheering for her inner child, not her actual child. Since then, she’s followed his lead, supporting him in ways that truly serve him. This fosters genuine athlete wellness.

Your Essential Travel Sports Mom Survival Checklist

To make your next travel sports trip as smooth as possible, here’s a quick checklist of must-haves and must-dos. Think of this as your ultimate travel sports packing list and prep guide!

• Hydration: Pack a variety of hydration options your kids actually like (powders, coconut water, electrolyte drinks).
• Supplements: Don't forget your personal supplements, vitamins, and any essential medications.
• Documents: Gather all necessary waivers, uniforms, and a copy of birth certificates (if required for tournaments).
• Logistics: Confirm all hotel reservations and travel destinations well in advance.
• Team Meal Plans: Coordinate or inquire about organized team dinners to simplify meal planning.
• Flight Comfort: Wear or pack compression socks for flights to support circulation and reduce fatigue.
• Movement Map: Have a personal movement plan for yourself (e.g., stretching, short walks) to stay energized.
• AI Assistant: When in doubt about anything on the road—from local restaurants to quick problem-solving—don't hesitate to ask AI for help!

Bonus: Be Present – Leave Work Behind

Anika once cheered for the wrong kid because she was answering a work email. That was her wake-up call. These seasons with our kids are short. Be there. Really there. Prioritizing presence is a powerful act of mom self-care during the travel sports season.

Anika built LAS during one of the hardest seasons of her life—and it shows: movement, wellness, and motherhood are woven into everything she does. Her story reminded me that when moms prioritize themselves, everyone wins.

Want More?

Listen to my full interview with Anika McKelvey on the MomShine podcast or watch on YouTube for even more stories, laughs, and real talk about what it means to show up—on the road and in life.

by Alicia

Rome with Kids: 3 AI Travel Hacks for a Smoother Family Trip

Traveling to Rome with three kids in tow (ages 4, 9, and 12) has been magical, hilarious, and slightly chaotic in all the right ways. I wish I had found more honest family travel blogs before we arrived, because there’s so much you only learn on the ground. Like:

• Late June in Rome is sauna-level hot.
• You’ll want to pack only linen, breezy dresses, Birks or sneakers, and a solid backpack.
• Be prepared for jet lag, heat exhaustion, snack drama, and the kind of travel flexibility that can make or break a trip.

That said, if you keep expectations low and curiosity high, you'll ease right into la bella vita. Additionally, AI can save you if you're like us and enjoy planning on the fly. Here are three AI family travel hacks that saved my sanity during our trip, which you can apply to make the logistics much smoother.

1. Leverage AI to Navigate the Metros in Rome

One of the most rewarding (and sweaty) adventures we took. We climbed to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica—165 narrow steps each way—and even our 4-year-old made it most of the way up (with a little Hulk dad assist). The view is breathtaking and gives kids a real sense of accomplishment.

Pro parenting tip: Split up afterward if needed. I took the younger two home while my husband and our oldest ventured into the Sistine Chapel. There's no way the little legs would have made it.

AI Power Hack #1

Use ChatGPT or Google Maps with AI-generated route help to navigate the Rome metro system. I took the wrong train at first, then realized getting an Uber or taxi in Rome is basically impossible. AI helped reroute me on the fly.

2. Use AI to Maneuver What to Eat While You Travel

It’s crowded, and we are not ones to map out each and every day with three young kids. We like to maneuver on the fly, so for nights you eat in, you can input the local produce, and ChatGPT can come up with fantastic recipes to make. I'm also mostly gluten-free back home, and my AI tool knows that. It created a beautifully curated list of recipes and helped me make this fantastic frittata, which I survived on for the week.

AI Power Hack #2

Leverage AI to recommend what to make with local cuisine and where to go when eating out. If eating out for lunch, I highly recommend an incredible lunch at Bottega Ciccone, complete with amazing pizza and antipasti. If you’re planning to eat out for dinner, don’t miss dinner at Roma Sparita. Their cacio e pepe served in a parmesan bowl is what dreams are made of.

3. Ask AI for Easy Things to Do in Rome, Based on Your Kids Ages and Interests

Not far from Termini Station, the Santa Maria Maggiore, or one of the oldest churches in Rome, was one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring spots we visited. The line moves fast, the ceilings dazzle, and it’s a great place to cool off—both literally and spiritually.  Also, maybe confess those sins you’ve accumulated while bribing your kids with gelato.

Our kids lasted about 90 minutes at the Coliseum, which was perfect. We made it fun by staging pretend sword fights, imagining the crowds, and rewarding them afterward with gelato and granita. It’s an unforgettable place, but be sure to arrive early and book your tour time to avoid the heat and crowds.

Last but not least, I asked ChatGPT for the best kid activities to do on our last day there. Explora (a kids' museum) popped up and may have been one of my kids' favorite activities, along with a family bike and carriage through Villa Borguese beforehand. Explorea is a hands-on, kid-focused museum with water play, cooking, trains, and STEM zones—perfect for ages 3–12.

AI Power Hack #3

Ask AI if you are stuck on what to do if you get stuck. I input my kids' ages and interests, as well as our location, and it curated the perfect list to choose from. 

How to Use AI to Discover Fun Family Things to Do in Rome 

Traveling to Rome with kids isn’t always smooth, but it is always worth it. Let them sleep in, eat too much pasta, and explore at their own pace. When in doubt, slow down, split up, or bribe with gelato. And when your brain is too fried to figure out your next move, let AI help you shine. 

AI is transforming parenting! For more inspiration, please check out my latest episode (Ep. 321) on how to save time and parent smarter, not harder, as we utilize AI to regain some precious time.

And if you would like the packing checklist or our full itinerary? Just let me know—I’m happy to share my lists from AI and how it helped me avoid any disasters during our time away!

by Alicia

10 Parenting Lessons Americans Can Learn from Sweden

Recently, I told a friend I was thinking about shifting back into a more full-time role. Her response surprised me: “But you’re so present with your kids.”

It hit me—why is that framed as an either/or? Can’t we be present and professional? Can’t we embody ambition and motherhood?

That tension is something I explored in a recent interview on my podcast with Emma Lundwall, a Swedish native and inspiring parent who shared how drastically different the parenting culture is in Sweden—and how much lighter it feels when there’s true systemic support behind working families.

She also pointed out a stat that stopped me in my tracks: The majority of mothers in Sweden work, well above the OECD average for maternal employment. Let that sink in. In fact, the country has a very large participation rate with nearly 90% of 25- to 64-year-olds employed on the Swedish labour market, according to statistics from the OECD. It’s not because they’re forced to—it’s because the ecosystem is designed to support them. 

The parental leave entitles parents to 480 days of paid leave, divided equally between the two parents. From subsidized childcare to societal norms that value balance over burnout, Sweden is a living example that thriving as both a parent and a professional doesn’t have to feel impossible.

Here are 10 ways Swedish parenting differs from the U.S.—and why they matter more than ever:

1. Fostering Independence Early in Young Kids

Kids in Sweden walk to school alone (around age 4 and 5), are tasked to manage their time, and take responsibility from a young age. It’s about trust, and it’s modeled early and daily.

2. Prioritizing Outdoor Play

Rain or shine, children are expected to get outside. The national motto? “There’s no bad weather, only bad clothes.” And the kids? They’re better for it.

3. Minimal Overscheduling for Kids

There’s a cultural respect for downtime. Less chauffeuring to constant activities, more space for creativity, rest, and connection.

4. Gender Equality is the Norm in Parenting

Parental leave is not just available to mothers, and it is expected for both parents. This results in stronger co-parenting dynamics and a more shared mental load.

5. Avoiding Overpraising Your Children

Swedish parents celebrate effort, not just achievement. Resilience and persistence are core values over gold stars.

6. Play-Based Learning is Prioritized

Preschool isn’t about early academics—it’s about play, exploration, and curiosity. Learning is led by interest, not pressure.

7. Less Focus on Discipline, More on Dialogue

Instead of time-outs or punishments, Swedish parenting leans on conversation, empathy, and understanding.

8. Balanced Screen Time

Technology isn’t vilified—but it’s balanced with outdoor time, unstructured play, and shared experiences.

9. Encouraging Healthy Risk-Taking 

Children are trusted with tools, allowed to climb trees, and encouraged to stretch their comfort zones safely.

10. Valuing Family Meal Time

Dinner is sacred. It’s not rushed or skipped. Families eat together, enjoy real food, and share their day, every day. A Harvard Study verified that 80% of teenagers open up with their families at the dinner table, and this has been shown to boost mental health for kids.

Final Thoughts: How to Change Your Parenting Mindset in the US

As I prepare for my next interview with elite athlete moms balancing Olympic training with school pickups, I can’t help but think: what if we could bring more of this balanced mindset home? What if we stopped glorifying the grind and started investing in support? What if our policies—and our parenting—reflected trust, balance, and respect?

The world doesn’t need more moms choosing between their ambition and their families. It needs more systems, stories, and shifts that allow us to fully shine in both. If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear in the comments. Check out my full episode with Emma up now on MomShine.

by Alicia

Skincare for Tweens: Your Guide to Clean & Confident Kids

The skincare aisle isn't just for grown-ups anymore. If you’re a parent to a tween or teen, chances are you’ve seen firsthand the explosion of youth-targeted clean skincare. From viral body sprays to bedtime routines packed with serums and creams, skincare is quickly becoming the self-care ritual for Gen Alpha.

In fact, in 2023 alone, tweens and young teens spent nearly $4.7 billion on beauty and skincare—and that number is only going up. But how much is too much? What’s truly safe for their growing bodies? And how do we make sure our kids are building confidence—not clogged pores?

On Episode 323 of the MomShine Podcast, I sat down with Sabrina Yavil, founder of Gryme, a clean personal care brand specifically designed for boys, to discuss raising skincare-smart kids—without the overwhelm or hormonal disruption.

Here’s what I learned—and what every parent should know.

Less Is More: What Kids Really Need for Healthy Skin

As tempting as it is to mirror adult routines, young skin has a natural barrier that doesn’t need layers of heavy creams, retinols, or scented serums. In fact, overloading skin at a young age can lead to early breakouts, barrier damage, or even hormonal imbalances.

Think of skincare like food: You wouldn’t feed your kids McDonald’s every day—so they don’t load up their faces with products designed for adult skin. Save the trendy actives and overnight masks for later in life. At this stage, your kids need:

• A gentle, hydrating cleanser
  
• A non-comedogenic moisturizer
  
• Mineral sunscreen (daily, even on cloudy days)
  
• Occasional exfoliation with parental guidance (tweens only)
  

Watch Out for “Greenwashed” Ingredients

Just because a product says “paraben-free” or “natural” doesn’t mean it’s safe. In our conversation, Sabrina reminded us that brands have learned how to label their products to seem clean—while still sneaking in:

• Synthetic fragrances
  
• Hormone-disrupting phthalates
  
• Harsh sulfates
  
• Dyes and preservatives banned in other countries

Pro Tip: Check which ingredients are listed first. If fragrance is one of the top ingredients, it might be better to pass. Additionally, consider European-produced products, as their skincare regulations are more stringent than those in the U.S. But always read the full ingredient list—and teach your kids how to do the same.

Why Boys Need Better Skincare, Too!

The skincare movement hasn’t traditionally included boys—but Gryme is changing that. Inspired by her own sons and backed by years of experience at Clinique and Bumble & Bumble, Sabrina built a line that’s clean, cool, and confidence-boosting.

Why this matters: It’s challenging to get teens to do the basics, such as showering. Boys often skip steps like applying lotion or conditioner so that a safe 2-in-1 product can be really helpful for an efficient bedtime transition. Giving them products that work—and aren’t secretly toxic—is a small but powerful way to support their mental and physical well-being.

Build Confidence, Not Consumerism

One of my biggest takeaways? Skincare is a teaching tool. Helping our kids discern what they put on their bodies teaches them to think critically about what they’re sold—whether on TikTok, in a store, or by their peers. This isn’t about policing their beauty hauls—it’s about modeling discernment. And that’s a life skill that shines well beyond the bathroom mirror.

Alicia’s Tween Self-care Picks for Summer

At our house, my son is obsessed with Gryme’s body wash and chapstick (especially with two older sisters around!). Here’s what I keep stocked:

• Gryme Hydrating Body Soap – Clean and gently scented
• Mineral Sunscreen – Brands like Thinkbaby, Blue Lizard, or Babo Botanicals
• BuzzPatch or Buggables bracelets for bug-free beach days

Want to try it? Use code MOMSHINE15 at Gryme.co for 15% off your purchase. Your summer toiletry bag just got safer.

Listen, Learn & Share

If this conversation resonated with you, make sure to:

• Listen to Episode 323: Raising Clean Kids: Skincare 101 & Confidence with Sabrina Yavil
• Rate and review MomShine on Apple or Spotify
• Watch the full interview on YouTube
• Share this post with a fellow mom navigating the beauty aisle minefield!

We’re all figuring this out together—and I hope this helps you breathe a little easier (and spritz a little less) on your next trip to Target.

by Alicia

Swedish Parenting Secrets: 5 Ways to Transform Your Family Life

What if parenting didn’t have to feel like a pressure cooker? What if fewer rules actually created more trust? What if independence came not from pushing—but from letting go?

After sitting down with parenting expert and globally-minded mama Emma Lundwall on the latest episode of MomShine, my entire perspective on parenting cracked wide open. Emma, who has raised her kids in both the U.S. and Sweden, shared how radically different Swedish parenting is—and how it’s working.

Turns out, they’re doing things very differently over there. And maybe, just maybe, we should be paying attention.

Here are five things I've learned about Swedish parenting—and how I’m starting to make some changes in my own life (and you can, too)!

1) Lead with Energy, Not Just Rules: The Swedish Parenting Approach

While this may be more Emma’s personal philosophy than a national Swedish norm, it aligns with the broader cultural emphasis on trust, connection, and dialogue over rigid discipline. In Sweden, kids don’t follow long lists of rules their parents lay out for them and are generally trusted early. Parents instead focus on how their energy impacts their parenting and leverage more communication, connection, and leading by example. That means your tone, presence, and overall vibe have more impact than your screen-time policies.

New habit I’m trying: Checking my own energy before I try to “correct” theirs.

2) Fostering Independence Early: Lessons from Swedish Kids

In both Sweden and Switzerland, fostering independence isn’t just a parenting choice—it’s a cultural expectation. Kids take public transport early (~starting in 1st grade), manage their own time, and are encouraged to explore. It’s all about confidence-building and preparing for real-life challenges. The culture is designed to encourage kids to take healthy risks, manage their time more responsibly, and have a system of support in place for their autonomy. Work schedules are designed around school hours, typically ending the day at 4 pm instead of 5 pm or later.

Shift I’m making: Trusting my kids with more small tasks. Packing their own bags, grabbing groceries with a list, and making their own breakfast.

3) Embrace the Outdoors: The Swedish 'No Bad Weather' Mentality

The Swedish have an expression: There is no bad weather, just bad clothes. Wouldn’t it be nice if schools didn’t close at the first sign of rain or cold? It’s not just about toughing it out—it’s about finding joy in nature, rain or shine. It’s a cultural norm that benefits both working parents and weather-proof kids. Things stay open to help working parents, and better yet, kids learn resilience, coming armed with raincoats, water shoes, and more, so they are prepared.

What I learned? Get them outside, no matter the cost. Stop complaining and grab a jacket instead!

4) Screen Time Wisdom: Swedish Parenting for Digital Natives

Emma doesn’t fight screen time—she approaches it with curiosity and connection. By removing the 'forbidden fruit' vibe, her kids are less obsessed and more aware of how screens impact their moods. 

The goal with screen time? Tune in and entrust kids by coming with curiosity and fostering self-regulation. If you stop making it forbidden, kids stop obsessing over it. Screens are treated like tools—not trophies. And they need to be more empowered to learn boundaries instead of fearing screens instead.

My reframe: Ask why they want the screen before saying no. And notice what it’s telling me about how their day’s going.

5) Collective Parenting: Finding Freedom & Community Support

Emma reminded me that good parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. And sometimes, presence looks like a neighborhood food truck night where no one has to cook. Over 90% of moms work in Sweden. Why? Because the system is built for families—not against them. That includes real paid leave (480 days per kid, to be exact!), affordable childcare, and a culture of shared responsibility.

How I’m contributing: I hosted a free food truck night in my neighborhood, and it was a huge success! There was no cost other than each family buying what they needed, and our community was able to enjoy and connect. The food trucks were happy, too, on a mellow Monday! Because parents deserve a break—and a meal they didn’t have to make.

Final Thoughts: Swedish Parenting Mantras to Live By

We may not live in Sweden, but we can take inspiration from it. From how we show up with our kids to how we support one another, we can start shifting the system, one family at a time.

Want to hear the whole conversation with Emma?
🎧 Listen to Episode 322: Swedish Parenting—Ditching the Rules of the Old-Fashioned Way
Or catch it on YouTube!

Let me know on Instagram @momshine.co: What’s one Swedish-inspired parenting idea you’re excited to try?

Let’s keep shining,
Alicia ✨

by Alicia