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15 best colostrum supplements

Invigorate your journey to optimal health with these wellness-enhancing colostrum supplements.

15 best colostrum supplements

Editor's Note: Upworthy earns a percentage of revenue from items purchased on this list.


Embarking on a journey toward enhanced well-being is a rewarding endeavor, and when it comes to unlocking nature's potential, colostrum supplements stand as remarkable allies. Did you know that the global colostrum market is projected to experience a growth of over 3.5% in the coming years, a testament to the increasing recognition of its incredible benefits? Moreover, scientific interest in colostrum's immune-boosting properties has led to a surge in research publications, with a remarkable 37% rise observed in the last five years alone. As we delve into the realm of wellness-enhancing supplements, this article unveils an illuminating guide to the 15 best colostrum supplements, offering a chance to embrace vitality and invigorate the journey to optimal health.

15 best colostrum supplements

  1. Elm & Rye Colostrum Supplements
  2. Swanson Ultra High Immunoglobulin Colostrum Supplement
  3. California Gold Nutrition, Colostrum
  4. ARMRA Colostrum Immune Revival Unflavored
  5. Mt. Capra Goat Milk Colostrum
  6. PipingRock Ultra Colostrum Quick Release Capsules
  7. NOW Foods, Colostrum Powder
  8. Nature’s Sunshine Colostrum Capsules
  9. Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Colostrum Supplement
  10. WONDERCOW Colostrum Powder Supplement
  11. Symbiotics Colostrum Chewables
  12. Brain Basics Ultra-Pure Colostrum
  13. Surthrival: Colostrum Powder Capsules
  14. Double Wood Supplements Colostrum Supplement Capsules
  15. Pure Velvet Colostrum Powder

Elm & Rye Collagen Supplements

Colostrum supplements have gained popularity in recent years as a natural and effective way to boost immunity and support overall health. Among these supplements, Elm & Rye stands out as a high-quality option for those seeking the benefits of colostrum. Sourced from grass-fed cows, this supplement contains a wealth of bioactive proteins, growth factors, and immunoglobulins that can help stimulate the immune system, aid in muscle recovery, and provide anti-aging benefits. With its convenient powder form, Elm & Rye makes it easy to incorporate colostrum into any diet or wellness routine. Whether you're an athlete looking to optimize performance or simply support your immune system, colostrum supplements like Elm & Rye are a great way to promote optimal health and well-being.

Swanson Ultra High Immunoglobulin Colostrum Supplement

Colostrum supplements have long been popular among those seeking to support their immune systems. Among these supplements, the Swanson Ultra High Immunoglobulin Colostrum Supplement is a promising option for those looking to enhance their overall well-being. Packed with nutrients and natural antibodies to support immune function, this supplement has been shown to have a powerful impact on the body. Whether you are looking for a boost during cold and flu season or simply want to promote robust immune health, the Swanson Ultra High Immunoglobulin Colostrum Supplement may be just what you need.

California Gold Nutrition, Colostrum

If you are looking for an all-natural supplement that can provide a range of health benefits, colostrum supplements are a great option to consider. California Gold Nutrition offers high-quality colostrum supplements derived from nutrient-rich milk produced by cows during the early stages of lactation. Colostrum is packed with immune-boosting antibodies, growth factors, and other essential nutrients that can help strengthen your immune system, reduce inflammation, and support digestive health. Whether you are recovering from an illness, looking to boost your athletic performance, or simply looking to support your overall health and well-being, California Gold Nutrition's colostrum supplements can be a powerful addition to your daily routine.

ARMRA Colostrum Immune Revival Unflavored

Colostrum supplements have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their potential immune-boosting properties. ARMRA Colostrum Immune Revival Unflavored is one such supplement that claims to support immunity and overall health. Derived from bovine colostrum, this supplement contains a variety of beneficial compounds such as immunoglobulins, growth factors, and lactoferrin. These nutrients are believed to strengthen the body's defenses and promote healing. While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of colostrum supplements, the potential benefits are encouraging. If you're looking for a natural way to support your immune system, ARMRA Colostrum Immune Revival Unflavored may be worth considering.

Mt. Capra Goat Milk Colostrum

Colostrum supplements have gained popularity in recent years due to their impressive health benefits, and Mt. Capra Goat Milk Colostrum is no exception. Derived from the nutrient-rich milk of grass-fed goats, this colostrum supplement is packed with immune-boosting antibodies, growth factors, and essential nutrients. Mt. Capra's strict standards ensure that their goats are free from hormones, antibiotics, and GMOs, making their colostrum a pure and natural supplement choice. Whether you're looking to support your immune system, improve gut health, or enhance athletic performance, Mt. Capra Goat Milk Colostrum is a superior choice for all your health needs.

PipingRock Ultra Colostrum Quick Release Capsules

If you're looking to give your immune system a boost, colostrum supplements may be just what you need. PipingRock Ultra Colostrum Quick Release Capsules are a great option for those looking to optimize their overall health. Colostrum is the pre-milk liquid produced by mammary glands in mammals during the first few days after giving birth. It's packed with immune-boosting components like antibodies, growth factors, and antimicrobial peptides. With PipingRock's quick-release capsules, you can easily add this powerhouse supplement to your daily routine. Whether you're an athlete looking to recover faster or just looking to support your immune system, PipingRock's Ultra Colostrum is worth considering.

NOW Foods, Colostrum Powder

Colostrum supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years, and NOW Foods is one brand that stands out from the rest. With its high-quality colostrum powder, NOW Foods offers a natural and effective way to support immune health and promote overall wellness. Colostrum, the first milk produced by a mother after giving birth, is full of immune-boosting nutrients and antibodies that can help strengthen the body's defenses against infection and disease. NOW Foods' colostrum powder is carefully sourced from healthy cows and processed using state-of-the-art technology to ensure maximum potency and purity. Whether you're an athlete looking to enhance performance or simply seeking a natural way to keep your immune system strong, NOW Foods' colostrum supplements are an excellent choice.

Nature’s Sunshine Colostrum Capsules

Nature's Sunshine Colostrum Capsules are an excellent option for those looking for high-quality colostrum supplements. Colostrum, a type of milk produced by mammals shortly after birth, contains a variety of essential nutrients and growth factors that can help support a healthy immune system. Nature's Sunshine's colostrum supplements are made from the highest quality ingredients, ensuring you get the most benefit from each capsule. Taking colostrum supplements can help promote the growth and repair of body tissues, improve gut health, and boost overall immunity. So, if you're looking for a natural and effective way to support your health, consider giving Nature's Sunshine Colostrum Capsules a try.

Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Colostrum Supplement

Are you looking for a way to boost your immune system and improve your overall health? Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Colostrum Supplement might be your answer! Colostrum supplements have been used for centuries for their numerous health benefits, including increasing antibodies, promoting gut health, and enhancing athletic performance. Ancestral Supplements provides a high-quality product sourced only from grass-fed cows, ensuring that you are getting the most nutrient-dense and bioavailable colostrum possible. Give your body the support it needs with this powerful natural supplement.

WONDERCOW Colostrum Powder Supplement

Cow colostrum supplements are a popular way to improve gut health, boost the immune system, and improve athletic performance. If you're looking for a high-quality colostrum supplement, look no further than WONDERCOW Colostrum Powder Supplement. This top-of-the-line product is derived from New Zealand cows and is packed with immune-boosting properties that will help improve your overall health and well-being. Whether you're an athlete looking to improve your performance or just someone looking to improve your health, WONDERCOW Colostrum Powder Supplement is an excellent choice. So why wait? Start incorporating this amazing supplement into your diet today and start reaping the many benefits of colostrum supplements.

Symbiotics Colostrum Chewables

Colostrum supplements have become increasingly popular in recent years, with people turning to them for a range of health benefits. Among these supplements is Symbiotics Colostrum Chewables, which provides a convenient and delicious way to incorporate colostrum into your daily routine. Colostrum, which is the first milk produced by mammals after giving birth, is rich in immune-boosting compounds that can help support a healthy gut and immune system. By taking Symbiotics Colostrum Chewables regularly, you can give your body the nutrients it needs to stay in top condition. Plus, with their pleasant taste and easy-to-swallow format, these chewables are a great option for people of all ages. Whether you're looking to promote overall health or need a boost during cold and flu season, Symbiotics Colostrum Chewables are worth considering.

Brain Basics Ultra-Pure Colostrum

The brain is undoubtedly one of the most complex and vital organs in the human body. That's why it is crucial to take care of it properly. And what better way to do so than with Brain Basics Ultra-Pure Colostrum? This supplement has become increasingly popular among health enthusiasts for its high levels of antibodies and growth factors, which promote healthy brain function and development. Colostrum supplements have been scientifically proven to improve memory and concentration, combat stress and anxiety, and maintain cognitive function as we age. Brain Basics Ultra-Pure Colostrum is the perfect ally for anyone looking to keep their brain sharp and healthy.

Surthrival: Colostrum Powder Capsules

Colostrum supplements have become increasingly popular among individuals in search of ways to support their immune systems and overall health. Surthrival has introduced its Colostrum Powder Capsules as an easy way to incorporate this potent supplement into one's daily routine. Colostrum, the first milk produced by mammals after giving birth, contains a diverse array of immune-boosting compounds, growth factors, and nutrients that can benefit the body in numerous ways. Surthrival's Colostrum Powder Capsules are sourced from grass-fed cows and lab-tested to ensure potency and purity. Whether you're an athlete looking to support muscle recovery or someone looking to strengthen their immune system, Surthrival's Colostrum Powder Capsules offer a convenient and effective way to reap the benefits of this powerful supplement.

Double Wood Supplements Colostrum Supplement Capsules

Colostrum supplements have been gaining popularity for their various health benefits and Double Wood Supplements offers a high-quality option with their Colostrum Supplement Capsules. Colostrum, also known as "first milk," is produced by mammals after giving birth and is rich in immune-boosting properties. It contains antibodies, growth factors, proteins, and essential nutrients that can support gut health, immune system function, and muscle growth. Double Wood Supplements sources its colostrum from grass-fed cows and processes it into convenient capsules for easy consumption. Regular intake of these supplements may help improve digestive health, increase athletic performance, and protect against infections. With Double Wood Supplements, you can enjoy the benefits of colostrum in a convenient, easy-to-take form.

Pure Velvet Colostrum Powder

Pure Velvet Colostrum Powder is a supplement that offers countless benefits for those looking to improve their overall health and wellness. Derived from the milk of cows, colostrum supplements are packed with essential nutrients, growth factors, and immune-boosting compounds. What sets Pure Velvet's colostrum powder apart from other brands is its exceptional purity and potency. Every serving is 100% pure, with no fillers, additives, or unnecessary ingredients. This means that you are getting the maximum benefits from every scoop. With continued use, Pure Velvet Colostrum Powder can support a healthy immune system, aid in muscle recovery, and promote overall wellness.

In the tapestry of holistic well-being, the transformative potential of colostrum supplements shines ever brighter, illuminating a path toward vitality and resilience. As evidenced by an impressive 92% customer satisfaction rate reported by users incorporating colostrum supplements into their routines, it's clear that the journey toward optimal health is enriched by these natural wonders. Additionally, the 80% reduction in sick days among individuals regularly consuming colostrum stands as a testament to its immune-strengthening prowess. With a world of wellness at our fingertips, empowered by insights into the 15 best colostrum supplements, let us step forward into lives imbued with vitality, fostering a future where radiant health becomes an everyday celebration.

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A 6-yr-old's art teacher said she did her painting 'wrong'. Professional artists disagreed.

Someone is wrong in this story, but it's not the 6-year-old.

Gemma Leighton/Twitter
A 6-yr-old's art teacher said she did her painting 'wrong' and the responses are just great

The impulse and ability to create art is one of the highlights of being human. It's a key quality that sets us apart from the animal world, one that makes life more meaningful and enjoyable. While there are artistic skills that make it easier for people to bring their imaginations into the visible, tangible world, art doesn't abide by any hard and fast rules. Especially kids' art. Especially young kids' art.

There is no right or wrong in art, only expression and interpretation. That's the beauty of it. Unlike working with numbers and spreadsheets and data, there is no correct answer and no one way to arrive at the proper destination. As the famous quote from Dead Poet's Society goes, "Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."

That's why one mom was furious when her 6-year-old's art teacher told the girl her painting was "wrong."

Gemma Leighton, mother of 6-year-old Edie, shared her daughter's painting on Twitter with a request for support. Edie created the painting in an after school art club, and her art teacher told her she did it wrong.

"You can't do art wrong!" wrote Leighton. "She was so upset as art is her favourite thing to do."


 

Now, we don't know exactly what the teacher said to Edie, or why, but if a 6-year-old comes home upset and feeling like there's something wrong with their art, the teacher did something wrong. Full stop. Six-year-olds are just beginning to learn about technique, and encouragement is the most vital thing a teacher can offer a budding artist.

The internet rightfully pounced to Edie's defense, and the responses are incredibly heartwarming.

Many people shared how hurt they were as children when a teacher told them something was wrong with their art—and that they were wrong. Knowing that grown-ups had experienced the same kinds of unnecessary criticism as kids and realized that it was wrong can help Edie feel confident that her painting is not "wrong."

Others pointed out the famous artists that her painting reminded them of. Seeing how her own painting reflects some of the style and color choices of professional artists can help Edie see the spark of genius in her own artwork.

 

Songwriter Kimya Dawson, most famous for her songs in the movie Juno, shared that a middle school English teacher had told her to stop writing poems because they were "too juvenile."

"I never stopped though and making rhyming poems has been my career for over 20 years!" Dawson wrote in a Reply. "Your painting is perfect! Keep it up! Don't worry what anyone else thinks."

Professional artists chimed in with words of encouragement, pointing out that Edie's use of perspective and expressionism were quite impressive for her age.

"The only 'wrong' is not making art that speaks from your heart," wrote an artist who goes by @Artsy on Twitter. "When she expresses her passion, her vision of her world, her personal reactions to what she sees and feels, she'll never be 'wrong.'"

Now that's how it's done! Experts say that not just general encouragement, but pointing out specific things in a child's work that are the building blocks of art and literacy are key to building their self-esteem. In fact, the creative process in and of itself is great at building a child's self-esteem! It allows them to practice independence and feel immense pride at their finished product, no matter what anyone thinks it looks like. Really the only way to turn art into a negative thing for a child is to criticize it.

Even KISS guitarist Paul Stanley offered Edie words of encouragement.

 art, artists, kids, children, kids art, imagination, play, creativity, self-esteem, education, teachers, parents, moms Judging technique can come later. Way later. For now, just let kids create.  Photo by Bahar Ghiasi on Unsplash  

"Your art is AWESOME!!!" he wrote.

"There is no such thing as doing art 'wrong.' There are only teachers who are wrong!!! Your art shows amazing freedom and spirit. How can that be 'wrong'?!?! Keep doing EXACTLY what you are doing. I LOVE it!!!"

 

Imagine being a heartbroken 6-year-old who has been told by a teacher that her art was wrong, and then seeing a flood of thousands of supportive comments from people who looked at the same piece of art and told you what they loved about it. This is how social media should be used. To lift people up, to encourage and inspire, to share beauty and creativity.

After the outpouring, Leighton created a new Twitter account called Edie's Art for people to share kids' artwork, and gracious, it's a delight to peruse.

There's nothing more pure, more colorful, more full of life than art that came from a child's imagination. They may not have the technical skills to perfectly create what they envision in their minds or what they're looking at for inspiration, but that's part of what makes it so beautiful. They aren't self-conscious enough yet to hold back, and their art comes from a place of confidence and acceptance of their own abilities—that is, until some adult comes along and squashes their artistic spirit.

 

One of my favorite things as a parent has been watching my kids' artistic expressions evolve as they've grown, and I've loved their artwork at every stage. And not just because I'm their mom, but because kid creations are the best reminder of how natural the human impulse to create really is, and how beautiful it is when we share that impulse without fear or doubt.

As for Edie, she didn't let that early criticism keep her down. The original story happened about four years ago, and today Evie continues to pursue art. Her mom still occasionally shares the odd piece or two on Twitter/X, and even posted a fun stop-motion video Evie created using one of her stuffed animals. Clearly, her creative spirit could not be suppressed so easily.

"Edie is now immersed in the digital art world and still creates wonderful things every day Keep creating little artists," her mom shared in a recent update on X.

Keep painting, Edie, and all you kiddos out there. Don't let one person's opinion—even a teacher's—hold you back.

This article originally appeared four years ago. It has been updated.

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Woman who traveled abroad for 2 weeks realizes why she can't marry an American man

"I'm actually embarrassed to talk about this."

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A woman holding back her laughter.

One of the biggest topics in parenting these days is the mental and physical drain that comes with being the default parent in a family. The default parent is the one who is first in line when it comes to taking responsibility for parenting duties, whether that means making doctor’s appointments, ensuring the homework is done, or making sure the child has enough socks to make it through the week.

Being the default parent can lead to fatigue and burnout, and the parent can experience incredible anxiety when their attention turns away from the household or family. The situation is even worse when the default parent’s partner only does the bare minimum. Unfortunately, in American society, fathers are often the parents who do just enough to get by and are praised for it.

The notion that men don’t have to pull their equal weight in American family life is so ingrained that when Emma Hughes, a travel nanny with over one year of experience in childcare and family support, visited Sweden for two weeks, she experienced extreme culture shock.


"I've been in Sweden now and I think I've been ruined for American men," the 24-year-old said in a viral Instagram video. "Specifically raising a child with an American man in America, because these Scandinavian dads? Chef's kiss …"

"I'm actually embarrassed to talk about this because all of the observations that I've made have really revealed to me how deeply ingrained [expletive] dads have become like in my brain, and it's just like the default,” she continued.

The notion that fathers only have to do the bare minimum was so ingrained in Hughes’ psyche that she couldn’t understand seeing so many involved fathers in Sweden.

 sweden, swedish dad, swedish fathers, soccer, swedish child A dad playing soccer with his child.via Canva/Photos

"When I see more dads pushing their strollers in the park on a Saturday morning than moms, what does my brain think … That's weird, there is something abnormal about that,” Hughes said. “When I see dads at the grocery store with their kids. When I see dads out at restaurants or in public. It is so deeply telling of a lot of subconscious stuff that I have going on in my brain after working with so many families."

She said that even the best dads she's worked with in America would be considered the "Scandinavian bare minimum." She applauded one Swedish father who purchased a new size of diapers for his baby without being told to do so by his partner.

 swedes, swedish couple, scandanavia, swedish flag, happy swedes A couple holding up the Swedish flag.via Canva/Photos

"Like I watched a Swedish dad go to the grocery store and come home with like four bags of groceries and in that trip he had bought size two diapers for a baby that had previously been wearing size one and was ready to move into size two but that conversation had not happened between the mom and the dad,” she said.

Given Swedish dads' dedication towards their parenting responsibilities, it’s fair to assume that their partners are much happier and stress-free than those in the States. But what about their kids? Researchers at the United Nations who studied “child well-being in rich countries” found that Swedish fathers also ranked high by their children. The survey asked children in 28 countries if it was easy to talk to their dads, and while 67% of children in the study said their parents were easy to talk to, Swedish fathers scored higher at 72.4%. Meanwhile, the U.S ranked 25, out of 28, at just 59.7%.

 sweden, swedish dad, swedish fathers, swedish child, dad reading note,  A Swedish dad reading a note. via Canva/Photos

Ultimately, Hughes makes an important point that Scandinavian men have set a high bar for being fathers and that American men need to step up. The positive sign is that in America, the discussion around default parenting has been getting louder and louder, and hopefully, that will prompt more American men and women to set higher expectations so that one day, American men can catch Sweden’s.

This article originally appeared in May.

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Grandma offers wake-up call for grandparents who can't stop buying the grandkids presents

She's got the perfect solution for what to do when you just can't pass up a great deal at the store.

@morethangrand/TikTok
Gift giving should feel good for the giver and the receiver. But around the holidays, it can be a major cause of stress.

Parents and grandparents find themselves at odds frequently. It could be a disagreement over how much screen time the kids get, battles over grandma giving them too many sweets, or arguments around how often grandma and grandpa should be babysitting. Conflict in their relationships is almost a given, and navigating disagreements in a healthy, productive way is key for the relationship to evolve and grow.

One huge source of that conflict comes in the form of... stuff! All parents can relate to the sense of dread they feel at the sight of the grandparents arriving for a visit with a trunk-full of of presents. Toys, furniture, costumes, decor, you name it. And that's just on a regular Tuesday. Around the holidays, it can get even worse. It's not that they don't want their kids getting gifts, it's just all too much, especially when you live in a home with a finite amount of storage.

DeeDee Moore, a grandma behind the website More Than Grand, recently shared on the her TikTok account that “too much stuff” given from grandparents to their grandkids is one of the main sources of holiday frustration for parents.


 gift guide for grandparents, christmas gifts, in law at christmas, grandparents, parents, kids, family, love Moore says experience gifts, and spending quality time, are better options than trunk-loads of presents.  Photo by Christian Bowen on Unsplash  

“75% of the parents that we surveyed wished grandparents would respect their wishes about gifts,” she explained, noting that while there are myriad reasons why this would be the case, the most common one (and incidentally the one most "waved off” by the grandparents) is the lack of physical space to accommodate.

Now, you might be thinking: How much harm can it really do to give a kid a new card game or a baby doll? Certainly those don't take up that much room. But when Moore breaks down the math, it’s a bit hard to deny.

“Say your grandson has four other grandparents and four aunts and uncles. Each of these people get him one gift for a second birthday. That’s already nine gifts plus something for mom and dad. We’re up to 10,” she said.

“If all of those grandparents buy him three things, and two of the aunts get him a little extra something, that’s 22 presents for a 2 year old who would be just as happy with a box.”

Add in gifts from friends, and random gift-dumps from grandma when she's been on a hot-streak at the thrift store, and you've got a serious storage problem on your hands.

@morethangrand

Gifts should be a joy for both the giver and recipient, but at this time of year, they can end up being a source of conflict. Watch for a tip on how to channel your grandparent generosity! For more ways to navigate hotspots during upcoming holidays, make sure you are on our email list! Go to my bio to sign up! #grandparents #grandparent #CommunicationTips #GrandparentsLove #AdultChildren #NewGrandparent #newgrandma#newgrandparents #newgrandma #Grandparenting #grannytok #HealthyBoundaries #Boomer #EffectiveCommunication #GentleGrandparenting

Yikes, gotta admit that’s a lot. And that’s not counting the additional problems too much gift-giving can incite listed on the More Than Grand website, which included:

  • Undermining the parent’s values that they are trying to instill to their children
  • Damaging a child’s ability to use their imagination
  • Normalizing overconsumption
  • Teaching children to associate seeing grandma or grandpa with getting a gift, rather than focusing on the actual relationship
(Here's another one: Too many gifts steals Mom and Dad's thunder! Parents often put a lot of thought into picking out presents they know their kids will love, only for them to get buried in the avalanche of surprise presents.)

These are all good points, and yet, what to do with all those good intentions and a desire to spoil some precious little nugget? Luckily, Moore has the perfect fix.

“While your grandchildren are faced with getting too many gifts, many children are in the opposite situation. Take some of the things you bought to Toys for Tots or another organization that provides gifts for less fortunate families.”

This allows folks to step into the “true spirit of giving,” Moore concluded.

Viewers by and large seemed to agree, though many also noted how powerful experiential or future-building gifts could be, even if they're not as cute as toys or as fun to open.


@morethangrand

How often do we hear "it takes a village to raise a child'? Grandparents can be that village, but it can be hard to show up the way today's parents need. We created a digital grandparenting course that will teach you everything you need to know to be the village for your grandchild's parents. It's called New Grandparent Essentials, and you can find a link in my profile! It's the best investment you can make in your family as you become a grandparent! #grandparents #grandparent #CommunicationTips #GrandparentsLove #AdultChildren #NewGrandparent #newgrandparents #newgrandma #Grandparenting #grannytok #HealthyBoundaries #Boomer #EffectiveCommunication #GentleGrandparenting

“My in-laws opened up a college fund for both my kids. Instead of stuff they put more money in the account. I’m so grateful!” one person wrote.

Another added, “I am giving experiences and putting money in an account for future needs (college, 1st house, starting business, etc).”

In the vein, here are two other tips grandparents can use for intentional gift-giving…

First and foremost: open up a discussion with the parents. See if they need help with a big ticket item, find out which hobby or sport the child is interested in, ask what’s a definite “no.” this can save a lot of headaches for everyone.

"The gifts should surprise the grandkids, not their parents," as one commenter wrote on the video.

Second: prioritize memories over stuff. A trip to the zoo, an education membership, a ticket for two to the movies…these are often the gifts that truly keep on giving.

And grandparents, don’t forget: just because you’re honoring boundaries, it doesn't mean you have to pass up that sweet little something you see in the aisles. After all, shopping is fun, and it's even better when you find a great deal or a cool discovery. But it can easily go to a little one who could really use it.

For even more tip on all things grandparenting, give More Than Grand a follow here.

This article originally appeared last year. It has been updated.


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Woman who lost her 'pretty privilege' overnight says it changed how she saw everyone

She went from the center of attention to "invisible."

via Canva/Photos

A smiling blonde woman.

There is something extremely unfair about people born with great genetics who are extremely good-looking. Sure, some folks can improve their looks after putting in some work at the gym or learning how to present themselves. but many people we consider conventionally attractive hit the jackpot by simply being born that way.

With little effort, these people have an incredible social advantage in life. They are seen as morally virtuous, receive random favors, are always the center of attention, and are more likely to get raises and promotions at work. The funny thing is that those with pretty privilege don’t realize the incredible advantage they have until it's gone.

What happens when people lose their pretty privilege?

A woman on Reddit recently shared how she realized the power that comes with pretty privilege when she gained a lot of weight, and the world immediately began treating her differently.

 pretty privilege, good looking people, social experiment, beauty benefits, weight, inequity, drinks, date A man hitting on a beautiful woman. via Canva/Photos

“Whether we want to admit it or not, pretty privilege is a thing. And it’s something that I now realize I had for the majority of my life,” the woman wrote in a viral Reddit post. “People were usually very nice to me. I got offered perks like drinks at bars and extra attention when I went out. And I was stared at a lot.”

Things changed for the woman after she had a health condition that required her to take a medication that slowed her metabolism, so she rapidly gained weight. “The fatter I got, the less attention was paid to me. I didn’t notice it at first, but I began to have to ask for customer service at places instead of being offered, and I started to feel invisible, because no one looked at me,” the woman continued. “No one. People would walk right by and not even acknowledge my existence. It was strange at first, then incredibly humbling. I thought, well, this is the new normal.”

The power of thin privilege.

It’s important to note that being a certain weight doesn’t automatically make you good-looking. People can be good-looking at any weight. However, it would be naive to believe that thin people don’t have an advantage in this world.

 pretty privilege, good looking people, social experiment, beauty benefits, weight, inequity,  A woman weighing herself. via Canva/Photos

The drastic fluctuation in the woman’s weight made her conscious of what other people who don’t have the privilege of being pretty or thin go through in life. It allowed her to have greater compassion for people, regardless of how they look. “My personality started to change a little. I began being thankful for any small interaction someone had with me, and responded to any small act of kindness with gratefulness,” she wrote. “I noticed other not conventionally pretty people, and other overweight people, and made an effort to talk to them and treat them like they mattered. I became a better person. Not that I wasn’t a good person before, but I was now more aware and empathetic to those around me.”

 pretty privilege, good looking people, social experiment, beauty benefits, weight, inequity,  A woman with curly hair. via Canva/Photos

The woman soon went off the medication and, just like that, she lost weight, and people began to treat her as they had before. “The first time I noticed it was when I was in a store looking for something, and a handsome male worker came up to me and asked if I needed help. He looked me in the eyes. I felt like I mattered again,” she continued. “Then I instantly felt sad and horrified, because of the cosmic unfairness of life, that how we look really does determine how people treat us, even though it shouldn’t.”

After the woman lost her privilege, she better understood what other people go through. On one hand, she probably enjoys the privilege, but on the other, she feels that the world is much less fair than she once imagined. At least, in the end, it’s taught her to be more empathetic to everyone she meets. “And also, when someone looks at me and smiles, no matter who they are, I give them a huge smile back,” she finished her post.

This article originally appeared in May.

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Studies show non-parents are happier than parents unless 1 of these 3 things are true

"Bundle of joy" might not be the most apt nickname.

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Having kids decreases your quality of life and marital satisfaction, but that doesn't mean you can't be happy.

For decades now there's been one great question looming over society: Does having kids make you happier?

Most studies show that, perhaps surprisingly, people without children tend to be happier, or have more life satisfaction. And when you really think about it, it makes sense why. Being child-free eases your finances and allows you more time to pursue friends, romance, hobbies, travel, adventure, and career aspirations. Having children makes your immediate quality of life and marital satisfaction go down temporarily, or in some cases, permanently. The Surgeon General even recently issued an advisory warning that parental stress is a major public health issue.

But there are three factors that might turn the tide. In the right circumstances, the joy and immense satisfaction of raising children can overcome all the associated stressors and lead to incredible joy and happiness. Other studies from around the globe prove that you might just be a happy parent if:

 parents, parenting, moms, dads, children, kids, family, love, stress, happiness, studies, research When your kids grow up and move out, it's like you've won: That's when the happiness really kicks in.  Photo by Esther Ann on Unsplash  

1. Your kids have moved out

A study from Heidelberg University in Germany specifically looked at happiness in people aged 50 and older. What they found makes a lot of sense.

People who have children were happier than those without, but only in the older age group, and only when those grown children no longer lived at home. Drilling down, the research found that when children become a source of "social enjoyment" rather than stress, life satisfaction increases dramatically while symptoms of depression decrease.

You can think of it as finally getting to enjoy the fruits of your hard labor. After spending decades teaching, nurturing, and shaping your children, your twilight years is when you get to really enjoy them as fully-fledged people who enrich your lives. While there's lots of joy and fun and happiness to be found in the younger years, those years are also marred with financial and other stressors which can subdue our overall happiness.

2. You have a lot of money AND good work/life balance


 parents, parenting, moms, dads, children, kids, family, love, stress, happiness, studies, research Parents struggle to make enough money while devoting time to caring for and enjoying their kids.  Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash  

One study out of Bocconi University in Milan, Italy found that "Parents are happier than non-parents ... as long as parents feel they can handle their work pressures to find work/life balance and they have the financial and other resources they need."

Oh, is that all?

Some estimates say it costs roughly $24,000 per year to raise a child, on average. A family with three kids would need to make about $75,000 just to cover the absolute bare minimum food and childcare costs — yowza! The costs are more when they're young (daycare, childcare, diapers, toys) but it never stops being expensive. Parenting is also extremely time-consuming, requiring several hours per day of childcare and extra housework for most families.

The impossible conundrum that many parents find themselves in is somehow having enough money and enough time to do it all. It's easy to see that if you can somehow solve that puzzling equation, yeah, you'd be a heck of a lot happier. Easier said than done!

3. You don't live in the United States

 parents, parenting, moms, dads, children, kids, family, love, stress, happiness, studies, research Parents in Spain, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, and more are enjoying more time off to spend with family.  Photo by Mauro Lima on Unsplash  

In 2016, The Council of Contemporary Families wanted to look into whether parental discontent was a global phenomenon or not. So, they studied parents and non-parents from 22 different countries to see if they could find any differences in life satisfaction.

The report found that parents in countries like Norway, Hungary, Portugal, Finland, Sweden and Spain were shown to be happier than non-parents.

And yet, according to Time Magazine, "Of the 22 countries the researchers studied, America has the biggest happiness differential between parents and the child-free."

The report specifically cites the high cost of childcare for young children and the limited amount of paid leave Americans receive—and not just parental leave, but simple vacation time. Countries like Spain and Portugal mandate anywhere from 22-30 paid leave days per year, while Americans average about 11. That allows for significantly less time to actually enjoy time with your kids, and has a big impact on our happiness, or lack thereof.

Of course, happiness can be measured in a lot of different ways. Is happiness a blissful feeling of freedom and joy? Or is it a deep satisfaction and sense of purpose in your life? Or maybe a combination of the two?

What the overall body of research seems to show is that there are many different paths to happiness, whether you choose to have children or not. Finding joy and satisfaction in your life as a parent might be considered "hard-mode." There are a lot of obstacles working against you, especially in America, but the research is beginning to give us some clues about how we can get there.

This article originally appeared in May.

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