Last Updated on January 18, 2026 by Daily News Staff

Finding Your Rhythm Again: Reestablishing Routines in the New Year

(Family Features) The holiday season is special, fun and often a bit chaotic, filled with family gatherings and joyful celebrations. Once the decorations come down and chaos subsides in the new year, many families face a familiar challenge: getting children back into their regular routines. After weeks of excitement, travel and inconsistent schedules, the transition back to structure can feel daunting. However, with a thoughtful approach, parents can help their children ease back into their daily rhythms, and in the process, restore calm for the entire family. Dr. Lauren Loquasto, senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School, provides this insight and guidance for parents. Understand Why Routines Matter Children thrive on predictability. Routines provide a sense of security, reduce stress and support emotional regulation. Children feel safe, even proud, when they know what comes next. Routines also help them develop independence and self-control. After the holidays, reestablishing these patterns is essential for a smooth return to school and everyday life. Start with Sleep For young children, sleep is the foundation of a successful routine. Consistent sleep supports focus, tolerance and cooperation. For optimal brain repair and growth, preschoolers typically need 10-13 hours of sleep per night, but seasonal festivities can disrupt sleep schedules, frequently leaving children overly tired. Begin by gradually adjusting bedtime by moving it earlier in 15-minute increments each night until you resume your regular schedule. Pair this with calming pre-bedtime rituals like reading or quiet play to signal it’s time to wind down. The morning routine is equally important. Strive for consistent wake-up times, even on the weekends. If your child is resistant, teach them how their sleep routine helps their body and mind. For example: “Your body relaxes and grows stronger when you get enough sleep, so you feel good afterward.” Reintroduce Standard Mealtimes Holiday snacking and large meals at family gatherings can disrupt normal eating habits. Reinstate regular meal and snack times to help your child feel grounded. Offer balanced options and involve them in planning or preparing meals, as they’re more likely to embrace healthy choices when they have a role in the process. Prioritize Physical Activity After extended periods of lounging indoors – and likely an overdose of screen time – children need movement to burn energy and boost their moods. Coordinate outdoor play and family walks. If the weather isn’t cooperative, move around indoors with hide-and-seek and dance sessions. Physical activity not only supports health but also helps regulate sleep and behavior. Strategically Provide Choices When children have a voice, they are more likely to stay engaged and stick to their routines. As your child settles back into familiar patterns, this is an ideal moment to assess where you can ease your grip just enough to support their growing autonomy. This doesn’t mean relinquishing full decision-making power; rather, it’s about offering structured, intentional choices that help them feel a sense of control over their day. You know your child best, so you can determine when to be flexible. For example, it may not matter if they change into their pajamas right after dinner or just before bed but shifting when they go to the bathroom could completely disrupt their routine and, in turn, your day. Model Behavior Children learn by example and they are always watching their parents. If you reestablish and consistently maintain your own routines – healthy meals, quality sleep and physical activity among them – your child is more likely to follow suit. Make it a family effort rather than a set of rules imposed on them, and make it fun. To help routines stick, consider sticker charts to track progress and incentivize independence and accountability. Resetting routines isn’t about perfection; it’s about creating a supportive environment where children feel secure and prepared for what’s ahead. With patience, consistency and a positive attitude, you can help your child start the new year on the right foot. For more parenting guidance and insights, including a blog and webinar series, visit the Parent Resource Center at GoddardSchool.com.   Photos courtesy of Shutterstock SOURCE: https://stmdailynews.com/why-i-never-gave-my-small-dog-rawhide-chews-a-pet-parents-perspective/

Diva Fam Inc.. announced a voluntary recall of all lots and flavors of its True Sea Moss brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood due to a lack of required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for pH-controlled food products, according to a company statement released January 9, 2026.

The company said the recall applies to products manufactured prior to January 9, 2026. The manufacture date (MFD) is indicated on the can lid in MM/YYYY format.

Why the products are being recalled

Diva Fam said the recall is related to missing required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for certain pH-controlled food products. The company noted that pH-controlled foods that are not manufactured in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements may present a potential risk of microbial growth, including organisms that can produce toxins associated with botulism.

Botulism is a rare but serious illness that can affect the nervous system. Symptoms may include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing or muscle weakness.

Diva Fam said no illnesses or adverse health events have been reported in connection with the products subject to this recall to date.

Where the products were sold

The affected products were distributed nationwide through select retail locations, online via https://truеsеamоss.cоm/, and other distribution channels, according to the company.

Recalled products (all flavors, all lots)

The recall includes all flavors and sizes and batch numbers of True Sea Moss brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood packaged in 16 FL OZ (473 mL) glass jars, manufactured prior to January 9, 2026.

Recalled flavors and UPCs

Flavor	UPC
Mango	5065006235875
Pineapple	5065006235288
Wildcrafted	5065006235073
Apple and Cinnamon	5065006235776
Elderberry	5065006235189
Passion Fruit	5061033691882
Blue Spirulina and Raspberry	5065006235813
Strawberry	5065006235271
Cherry	5061033691264
Mango and Pineapple	5065006235301
5 Blends in 1	5061033690052
Soursop	5061033691875
Lemon Pie	5061033691271
Orange	5061033692926

How the issue was identified

The company said the matter was identified during a California Department of Public Health inspection that raised questions regarding regulatory authorization and related production records for certain distributed products. Diva Fam said it is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities and initiated the voluntary recall to ensure regulatory alignment.

The company said the recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

What consumers should do

• Discontinue use of the affected product.
• Follow the instructions provided by the place of purchase regarding product return or disposal.
• Contact the company for additional information (details below).

Consumer and media contact

Consumers seeking additional information may contact:

• Email: support@divafam.com
• Phone: (818) 751-3882
• Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time

Source: Diva Fam Inc. (PRNewswire, Jan. 9, 2026)

Culver’s Thank You Farmers® Project Hits $8 Million Donation Milestone

https://stmdailynews.com/culvers-thank-you-farmers-project-hits-8-million-donation-milestone/

Swisse Launches Glam Bites: Zero-Sugar Beauty Gummies Designed for Busy Routines

Swisse, the premium supplement brand under Health & Happiness (H&H) Group and a Certified B Corp, is kicking off 2026 with a new way to support “beauty from within.” The company just introduced Swisse Beauty Glam Bites, a line of zero-sugar beauty gummies made with science-backed ingredients—without the usual “junk” found in many gummy supplements. Positioned for today’s always-on lifestyle, Glam Bites aims to make daily self-care feel less like another task and more like a quick, enjoyable habit: bite, nourish, and glow.

What makes Glam Bites different?

Gummy supplements are popular, but they often come with tradeoffs—added sugars, sugar alcohols, artificial flavors, or ingredients that don’t align with cleaner-label preferences. Swisse is leaning into the opposite approach. According to the company, Glam Bites are crafted with:

• Zero sugar
• No sugar alcohols
• No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
• Gluten-free
• Free from major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame)

That “clean but still tasty” promise is a big part of the launch—especially as more shoppers look for supplements that fit into wellness routines without feeling like a compromise.

A beauty routine that starts from the inside

Swisse is framing Glam Bites as a simple daily add-on that supports skin, hair, and nails through targeted micronutrients. Leading dietitian Dana A. White highlighted the brand’s approach in the announcement, noting that Glam Bites deliver “powerful, science-driven beauty benefits” through a precisely balanced blend of nutrients—while keeping the formula free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.

The Glam Bites lineup (available now)

Swisse launched Glam Bites in three formulas, each with its own ingredient blend and naturally flavored profile.

1) Hair Skin Nails Glam Bites

• Price/Count: $19.99 (60 count)
• Key ingredients: Biotin, Zinc, Bamboo Extract
• What it supports: Stronger hair and nails, plus skin firmness and elasticity*
• Flavor: Blood orange (naturally flavored)

2) Glow Skin Glam Bites

• Price/Count: $24.99 (60 count)
• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C & E, Sea Moss, Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Peptides
• What it supports: Collagen production, improved elasticity, and a stronger skin barrier*
• Flavor: Blueberry lavender (naturally flavored)

3) Skin Defense Glam Bites

• Price/Count: $24.99 (60 count)
• Key ingredients: Astaxanthin, L-Glutathione, Green Tea Extract
• What it supports: Healthy aging, even skin tone, and antioxidant protection against environmental stressors*
• Flavor: Raspberry green tea (naturally flavored)

Why gummies—and why now?

Swisse is launching Glam Bites at a time when gummies are increasingly becoming the preferred supplement format for younger consumers. The company cited research showing:

• 45% of Gen Z and 31% of millennials favor gummy supplements.
• 74% of U.S. personal care buyers agree that skin health reflects overall health.

In other words: the market is shifting toward convenience, better taste, and wellness products that connect beauty with whole-body health.

A global wellness brand expanding its portfolio

Swisse was founded in Australia in 1969 and has grown into a global wellness name known for premium supplements made with ingredients backed by scientific research and produced under world-class manufacturing standards. With Glam Bites, the brand is clearly betting on a “cleaner gummy” future—one that fits modern routines and modern label expectations.

Where to buy

Swisse Beauty Glam Bites are available now.

• Shop on Amazon
• Shop direct: https://swisse.us/collections/glam-bites
• Learn more: https://swisse.us/

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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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