Top of Mind
Gen Z Takes Big L (thanks to technology?)
In 2002, Maine launched a first-of-its-kind statewide laptop program, aiming to boost learning through technology. By 2016, the state had distributed more than 65,000 laptops and tablets to students. Several states joined them, with the U.S. spending more than $30 billion on putting laptops/tablets in schools.
Years later, some experts question the results.
In a recent Senate testimony, neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath said Gen Z shows declining standardized test scores, citing data linking heavier classroom screen use with weaker performance. Gen Z is the first generation in modern history to score lower on standardized tests than the previous generation.
Researchers argue constant digital access can disrupt attention and memory, while apps are designed to keep users hooked.
Want to help your kid learn without a screen? Here are some fun activities you can do at home.
Your Simplest Win of the Day
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Did You Hear
🫱 Itchy hands could be a major warning sign
In her third trimester, Pittsburgh influencer Abbie Herbert brushed off itchy palms as a normal pregnancy symptom... until her followers urged her to get checked. Blood tests revealed cholestasis, a liver condition that can raise bile acids in the bloodstream and pose serious risks to babies. After abnormal results, her doctor moved quickly, and she delivered her son at 36 weeks. Cholestasis often appears late in pregnancy and may require early delivery to prevent complications. More about it here.
⛹️♀️ Why do girls drop out of sports before boys?
According to the Women's Sports Foundation, by age 14, girls are twice as likely as boys to stop playing sports. Why? It has nothing to do with winning, as that ranked last in a survey of more than 1,500 girls. In fact, the majority of girls said they play to build skills and have fun. So what's happening? Negative experiences with coaches.
🛒 The most and least expensive grocery stores
New research from Consumer Reports compared prices at more than two dozen grocery chains across nine U.S. metro areas to find the best deals. The takeaway: warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam's Club) consistently offer the lowest prices, while some popular chains, including beloved Trader Joe's, aren’t always the bargains shoppers expect. But if you're not shopping in bulk, Aldi, H-E-B, and Walmart offer the best prices, while Whole Foods is by far the most expensive. Full list here.
🧘♀️ Want to be less stressed?
Psychologist Juli Fraga says you should do these 5 things.
☎️ Landlines are making a comeback
Find out why those youths are so excited about this relic.
Things You Need (to spring clean!)
Sure, parts of the country are currently experiencing a blizzard, but spring is right around the corner!
This year, we're adding a few gadgets to our cleaning arsenal.
Packing away all the winter gear? This $10 fabric shaver makes the job more satisfying by freshening sweaters before tossing them in storage. With a safety cover for delicate knits, two speed settings, and replacement blades included, it’s easy to use and super affordable.
Cleaning the bathroom is always a bad time, but this nifty Electric Spin Scrubber makes the job slightly less terrible. It has eight interchangeable brush heads and an extendable handle (up to 55 inches), and tackles floors, tubs, faucets, and tight corners, with no heavy scrubbing required.
The stain killer? Shark StainForce Cordless Portable Spot, Stain & Odor Remover System is THE cleaning gadget of the year, and it's currently 25% off on Amazon.
And finally, a toilet bowl cleaner & storage container that's not gross.
Bites with Kiyah
Friends …. You've made it! February is almost over. But this end-of-month energy calls for something that feels good but doesn’t require thought.
Sheet-Pan Salmon with Potatoes & Green Beans
You’ll need:
Salmon fillets (1/person or a large center cut)
Baby potatoes
Green beans
Olive oil, salt, pepper
Lemon
How to make it:
Roast halved potatoes, tossed with olive oil, salt, and pepper, at 425°F on a parchment lined sheet pan until almost tender.
Push potatoes to one side. Season salmon with salt and pepper, then add salmon and green beans to the pan.
Drizzle beans with a little oil, salt, and pepper.
Roast until salmon flakes easily (or registers 130 with an instant read thermometer)
Finish everything with lemon juice.
Tomorrow’s lunch
Flake salmon over greens, toss with leftover potatoes and beans (chopped), drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette. Avocado, egg, bacon, and tomatoes are easy additions to round out the salad.
Dose of Good
@imnorag Special visitor ✨ #blessings #hummingbird #babygirl
Here’s a Question
More families are opting for off-peak travel during the school year despite attendance concerns. We want to hear from you…
Have you ever taken your child out of school for a family trip during the school year?
Last week, we asked you what evolutionary upgrade you'd most most want for your baby, and more than 70% of you said, "Sleeping through the night" while "Walking at birth" and "Instantly potty-trained" were tied in a distant second.
