If you’re having difficulty connecting with your goals, try using these writing prompts to help you get the creative juices flowing.
Continue readingTalking to Your Children About the Los Angeles Wildfires: A Guide for Parents Amid Tragedy
As the Los Angeles Palisades and Eaton fires continue ravaging the city, many families have lost their homes. The situation is exceptionally challenging for adults but also for children who may not know how to process what is happening.
If you’re having trouble speaking to your kids during these challenging moments, Allison LaTona at BABYGROUP has shared tips on discussing what is happening and the road forward.

“Young children won’t understand the full impact of what is happening or what the immediate future will mean,” LaTona shares. “They live in the moment and need to be re-directed to activities where they can take a break from the reality around them as well as lots of reassurance and connection with you.”
Refrain from talking about fires or having the news on around young children
LaTona’s first tip is to keep children away from the news and the television.
“I know this is going to be one of the hardest things you will do as you are also dealing with your own feelings of loss, and continuing to cope with the fear you felt when trying to get to your kids from work/pick them up from school, or possibly being trapped on the road trying to escape the flames,” she explains. “I know that sense of panic you are feeling right now. Do your best to set it aside and create the coziest space you can for you, and your children.”
Additionally, LaTona recommends telling children what is happening in a story format, as if it were a book or coming from a teacher. Here’s a prompt she recommends using:
“Sometimes we get a rain storm, or a snow storm, and this time, there is a firestorm. There are helpers called firefighters who help people stay safe by taking them to a safe space where there is no fire…like where we are now…there is no fire here and we are in a safe space together.”
You can also add, “The firefighters help mommies and daddies get to their children so they can all be together again. The firefighters spray lots and lots of water on the fire to make it go away. This can take a very long time but the firefighters are strong and brave, and they know how to do this to keep everyone safe.”
Include emotional tones such as “It is very sad….(pause)….but sometimes the fire does burn the grass……and the trees…..and the houses…..and we can’t go back to that house again.” If you or your children begin crying, it is okay to let them comfort you and to comfort them.
Provide reassurance
Although children may not know exactly what is going on, it’s normal for them to feel scared. One way to comfort them is by providing reassurance. LaTona recommends being honest, keeping sentences short, holding them, being repetitive, and using the word “safe” often.
You can use this prompt as an example when providing reassurance:
“Sometimes mommy/daddy burns the toast and it leaves a bad smell in the air…that is what is happening outside. Some things got burned and so it is making lots of smoke, and dust in the air, and it smells bad. We need to stay inside today to protect our bodies and keep our bodies safe from the smokey air and dust. We are safe. And also, “We will be able to go outside again soon.”
Acknowledge people helping in the community
Help your children feel safe by letting them know there’s help around them. One way to do this is by acknowledging helpers. From helicopters to sirens, make sure you explain to them what is going on. For example, “Those are helicopters dumping water on the things that are burning,” or “Those are the firefighters driving to the burning places so they can spray water.”
Engage children in activities to keep them distracted
If you ever built a fort as a child, this is the time to do so again! LaTona shares that these kinds of containment helps children feel safe.
This is also a good time to engage them in arts and crafts, without making it overly complicated. Painting, coloring, gluing, cutting, and other activities that keep children an outlet to release anxiety and worrying. You can also have them paint so they can process feeling scared without judgement. Another great activity is to watch movies or clips of the family having a good time, so they can remember happy memories.
For families with children of diverse ages, have older children help you in making the little ones feel safe. This can help them feel included and empowered.
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Continue readingSelena Gomez Pledges to ‘Break Down Barriers’ for Women in Entertainment
Selena Gomez is showing up for Latinas once again. This time at The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment Gala on December 4. During an emotional speech, the Rare Beauty founder sent a powerful message after receiving the Equity Entertainment award.
During the emotional speech, Gomez amplified Latina voices and their impact, particularly the power of representation.
Selena Gomez’s advocacy and impactful platform was lauded during the awards ceremony
The Equity in Entertainment Award started in 2016 to celebrate individuals who uplift underrepresented populations through their careers. Introduced by her Only Murders in the Building co-star Molly Shannon, Gomez took the stage to praise the Wizards of Waverly Place actress’ commitment to mental health, UNICEF, lupus, and her Rare Impact Foundation.
“Her advocacy work has transcended the entertainment world, as she uses her voice to speak out for those who need it most,” Shannon said during her speech at the event. “She is a role model, not just because of her immense talent and success, but because of the way she uses her influence to empower others. She challenges the status quo and creates a more inclusive, compassionate world for all.”
Then, Gomez took the stage to receive the award, stating she felt “truly humbled” by the recognition.
“Equity and representation means ensuring that women, regardless of their background, have equal opportunities to share their stories and showcase their talents,” she started. “It’s about moving from tokenism to true inclusion, creating spaces where women of all races, sexual orientations and abilities are [welcome].”
Gomez recalled the moment she realized the importance of on-screen representation
During her speech, Gomez remembered how much her role in Wizards of Waverly Place impacted Latinas watching her. Once, while filming the Disney Channel show, the mother of a young Latina told her she felt grateful her daughter had someone who looked like her to look up to.
“I really wasn’t thinking about the importance of representation or the gravity of what those words meant,” Gomez said. “But I knew that I was very grateful. And I wanted to do my best to live up to that, whatever form it looked like.”
Adding, “We are now seeing more authentic, powerful stories about who we are, where we come from and what we’re capable of accomplishing. I am sure we all can agree that while we’re getting there, we’re not all the way done.”
Emilia Pérez is another example of Gomez amplifying Hispanic stories
Aside from her advocacy work, Gomez recently received ample praise for her work in the Oscar-buzzed film Emilia Pérez. The film co-stars Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Adriana Paz. While reflecting on her role, she shared that kind of work, ensuring “our voices are not only heard but represented truthfully.”
She also added why her focus on activism has strengthened over the years.
“When we give people the platform to tell their stories, we not only deepen our understanding for one another, we open doors of what’s possible,” she said. “That’s why I’ve been so committed to my advocacy. From mental health, Lupus awareness or encouraging young people to embrace the strength that comes from being vulnerable and sharing your story.”
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Continue readingFive Journal Prompts to Tap into Gratitude this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Many of us are preparing to sit down and have a grand meal with our families, but remembering to tap into gratitude is an excellent way to spend the holiday weekend.
Gratitude journaling is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to cultivate a positive mindset, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing. Shifting away from negative thought patterns is easier when you intentionally focus on all the good in your life. This is especially important when spending a lot of time around loved ones.
If you don’t know where to start, we’ve crafted five gratitude journal prompts that can help you connect with your heart.
Prompt 1: What’s one small thing you often take for granted but are truly grateful for?
It’s easy to overlook the little things that make life easier or more comfortable, but they’re often the most meaningful. It could be something as simple as your morning coffee, a warm towel when stepping out of the shower, or even having a moment to yourself during the day.
Use this prompt to reflect on small daily rituals or possessions that bring you comfort. Focus on why this is important for you, and how it enhances your life ways you could have overlooked.
Prompt 2: How can you show people in your life gratitude this Thanksgiving?
Gratitude isn’t just about appreciating things, it’s also about appreciating people in your life who make a difference. Whether it’s a friend, family member, colleague or even a stranger that shows you kindness, expressing gratitude for others strengthens connections, love, and appreciation.
You can use this prompt to think of someone who has had a positive impact on your. life. Write on how they have supported you, how they made you feel, and the qualities in them you’re grateful for. If you feel inclined, you can also send them a note or message to let them know how you feel.
Prompt 3: What has been the brightest moment of your week so far?
Focusing on the positive events in your life, even small ones, can uplift your mood and help you gain perspective. By identifying high points in your week, you can start training your bain to look for joy and meaning in everyday moments. You don’t have to wait for something “big” to happen, life is what happens every day.
Use this prompt weekly or monthly to reflect. What event or experience made you feel grateful or joyful? Try describing the moment in detail, including who was there, what you were doing, and why it stands out to you.
Prompt 4: What is something about yourself you feel grateful for?
Gratitude doesn’t always have to be outward. Appreciating yourself is just as important as appreciating others. We build confidence and a stronger sense of self-worth when we highlight our strengths, talents, and resilience.
Reflect on a personal trait or skill you are thankful for. Whether it’s your creativity, compassion, or ability to stay calm in stressful situations, find those things that make you feel great about yourself.
Prompt 5: What’s something you learned recently that you’re grateful for?
Learning new things can help us learn about ourselves and the world around us. This can also be a great source of gratitude. Think of a new skill you mastered, an insightful lesson, or something you meditated on. Recognizing your growth keeps you grounded in the present moment and helps you appreciate your own journey.
To use this prompt, think of a recent lesson or realization that made a positive impact in your life. What did you learn and how has it made you feel more grateful? Write about how this has shifted your perspective or improved your life.
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