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Local group preps over 60,000 turkey dinner meals

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Last night was phase two of the 7th Annual "Love for Thanksgiving" monster feed.

On Monday night, organizers delivered more than 1,000 frozen turkeys to families in need.
     
Now, the efforts have turned to feeding some 64,000 people in our community who've fallen on hard times. 
     
Nearly two thousand people got their hands dirty last night, preparing nearly 2,000 turkeys for a deep pit roasting tonight..
     
The birds are basted, spiced, bagged, wrapped, then placed in cages to await their final destination -- an underground oven.
     
This faith-based cooking bonanza brings together people from 14 different local churchs to give away food for those in need.
     
There is still time if you would like to volunteer.

Organizers say you can head to the Costco on Rosedale Highway Thanksgiving morning between 5:30 a.m. and 6 a.m  to help deliver the meals.

Volunteers gather to send dogs to new homes in New York.

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Operation Home for the Holidays is underway, in an effort to save the lives of dozens of local homeless pets.

Marley's Mutts volunteers, or the Mutt Militia as they're often called, arrived at the Bakersfield Animal Care Center to rescue 50 dogs.

It's just the first step in their journey to new homes on the other side of the country.
     
Volunteers will take the dogs home to foster them for a few days, then the pups will join about 100 others who are already in foster care for a wings of rescue flight to the east coast where they'll be adopted out. 

"We have an abundance of chihuahuas and small dogs that have been at shelter for one month, two months, their time is up, can't keep them around much longer, and in New York they can't adopt them fast enough," said Zach Skow of Marley's Mutts. "So we will be able to get all 50 dogs, added to other 100 dogs from this area, bringing the total to 150 dogs, flying to the New Jersey area, who will all be home in time for Christmas."
Skow said many of these dogs would have died if not for this Home for the Holidays operation.
    
The Wings of Rescue flight takes off on the Dec. 5.

Delano officials investigating 'suspicious' death of woman

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DELANO, CA. - The Delano Police Department is reporting what they say is a 'suspicious' death of an elderly woman.

Just before 1 p.m., Tuesday a woman was transported by ambulance from the 1900 block of Campus Drive to the Delano Regional Medical Center for labored breathing.

However, once she arrived she was pronounced dead.

Her death is being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division as suspicious.  The coroner's office has identified the woman as 79-year-old Aurora Alfaro of Delano.  Police say the investigation is continuing.  

Finding the best buys on Cyber Monday

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Consumers will spend an estimated $100 billion online this holiday season on gifts, according to shop.org. In fact, more and more shoppers are avoiding the crowds of Black Friday and shopping Cyber Monday instead.

Here are some tips on how to find the best deals online and safeguard your personal information from the Grinch.

Every year, people shop until they drop. But others have too little patience or time to shop Black Friday. And that's ok, because there are plenty of deals on Cyber Monday and in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

But before you begin shopping online, consumer savings expert Andrea Woroch suggests you clear the cookies or search history from your browser.

"Cookies on your computer send data information about your online history, what stores you've been to, what products you've been browsing and perhaps even how much you've paid for certain products in the past. And, online stores are using analytical tools to target consumers with discriminatory pricing, meaning they are trying to maximize their profits by offering one shopper maybe a cheaper price because they typically only spend "x" amount on a certain product. And, perhaps targeting someone who lives in a more well to do area with a higher price," explained Woroch.

When you're ready to shop, Woroch says use a website like pricegrabber.com to search for a specific product and compare prices instantly.

You can also go to couponsherpa.com to get coupon codes from some retailers for additional savings.

And, take advantage of sites that offer free shipping.

"Sears and Kmart are offering a free 90 day trial of their 'Shop Your Way Max' program, which you get free two-day shipping. Amazon Prime, of course, you can sign up for the 30 day trial of that service. Otherwise, stores offer free site-to-store pickup options," said Woroch.

When it comes to paying for your purchases online, Woroch says use a credit card instead of debit because it offers more protection.

And, don't just log onto any computer.

"Try not to enter your PIN number online," said Woroch. "And, also shop on a secure network. Don't shop at a coffee shop on a public network or at the airport because that's when hackers can get into your computer and steal all your personal data."

Turning a joyous season of giving into taking if you're not careful when you shop.

Here is a list of helpful websites:

www.pricegrabber.com

www.thefind.com

www.redlaser.com

www.couponsherpa.com

www.giftcardgranny.com (you can buy gift cards to many retailers at a discount)


More tips from Andrea Woroch:

Sign up for alerts so you know when an item goes on sale

Take advantage of free shipping from many retailers on December 18

If you're traveling for the holiday, Kmart offers free "Anyone, Anywhere" pickup. You can buy an item locally and have it shipped to a store in another state for pickup.

Think of small business for Saturday

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BAKERSFIELD, CA - Well after the Thanksgiving turkey, and the bargain hunting that is Black Friday, there is "Small Business Saturday."

It's when shoppers are encouraged to share part of their holiday budget with mom and pop owned stores.
This year, the Bakersfield Downtown Business Association is adding new enticements, champagne and lunch, to get people ready to shop small.

Holiday music and a greeting are the first things you'll hear at the Merry Go Round Antique Mall.

"It's different than going to the big mall. You can find things that you can't find," said Bruce Cooper, Co-owner of the antique mall.

From nicks and knacks to cars and bikes, the small business hopes to attract those on a holiday hunt for the perfect gift this giving season, like shopper Rita Loken.

"They bring more memories and I think they have more value, sentimental value,' said Loken about shopping at the small shop.

The Merry Go Round is one of 26 businesses kicking off Small Business Saturday with the Downtown Business Association, offering lunch and champagne at the Padre before hitting the small stores.

"I mean it's like being a home a hometown and that's the feel we want every body to have because you don't get that in the bigger businesses and everything," said Melanie Farmer, with the DBA.

The National Federation of Independent Business anticipates spending will increase in small shops from $5.7-billion last year to $5.9-billion this year.

"If I don't have people coming through those doors, I don't survive," said Kat Wyatt, owner of Bleu Lavender.

Wyatt says while big box bargains pull customers away, her overhead expenses aren't going anywhere.

"If they shop small in here, that is how I pay my PG&E bill. That is how I pay my Internet bill. That is how I buy more inventory. That is how small businesses across the board survive," said Wyatt.

And the small businesses could possibly thrive because it is the time of year when shoppers can remember, the best things sometimes come in the smallest of packages.

"Everybody wants a little pat on the back and to feel appreciated, so to come in when all of the Black Friday and sales are still going on, for them to still make it in here that actually means a lot to me because they could be spending their time somewhere else," said Wyatt.

The downtown champagne and shop event is this Saturday, November 29, at 11:30 AM at The Padre.
Lunch and champagne is $15 followed by shopping.You may also purchase a passport to have stamped by local stores and enter in a drawing to win prizes.

Rosamond woman arrested for murder

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Kern County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating a stabbing in Rosamond that led to the arrest of a 19-year-old female.

Around 5 p.m. on Nov. 26, deouties found a 48-year-old male with a stab wound to his back. The unidentified male was pronounced dead by paramedics on the scene.

The incident happened in the 7200-block of Dawn Road in Rosamond.

According to the report, homicide detectives determined the victim was in a physical fight with 19-year-old suspect Melissa Shaw and her unidentified boyfriend.

It is reported that all of the individuals live in the same household.

Shaw allegedly stabbed the victim once in the back. She was arrested for murder.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact the Kern County Sheriff's Office at 661-861-3110 or contact Secret Witness at 661-322-4040. Anonymous "text" tips can be sent to TIP411 (847411). Just type the key word "KCSO" prior to the message.

Volunteers set out to deliver over 60,000 meals today

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Instead of preparing their own Thanksgiving meals, volunteers from 14 local churches and organizations gathered to prepare meals for families in need.

The gathering of nearly 1,000 volunteers is all part of the 7th Annual Love for Thanksgiving community feed taking place at Costco on Rosedale Highway where they will be delivering 64,000 meals to familie in Bakersfield.

Love for thanksgiving was created by Brandon Smith seven years ago because of his passion to serve others.

Preparation started two months ago when organizers purchased 2,900 turkeys at a cost of $50,000. 

On Tuesday, volunteers were hard at work flavoring each turkey, basting, spicing, bagging, and wrapping. Then, each turkey was placed in an underground oven.

Fire at trash sorting facility in Tehachapi

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TEHACHAPI, CA - Investigators are still trying to figure out what started a fire inside a trash sorting facility in Tehachapi on Thanksgiving Day.  

Kern County Fire crews received several calls for the fire in the 400 block of Dennison Road around 2:30 in the afternoon. They reported tires and debris on fire inside of a 15,000 square foot structure.

Fire crews deployed hose lines and established a water supply, bringing the fire under control within 10 minutes. The fire resulted in approximately $1,000 in damage to a conveyor belt. The structure sustained minor heat damage to overhead skylights.

Kern County fire credits the quick arrival of extra fire personnel and apparatus to help save the structure.

Although the cause of this fire is unknown, as we lead into the winter season, the Kern County Fire Department reminds residents to be sure that coals from the fireplace are completely cold before disposing.





How to get the best deals on Black Friday

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BAKERSFIELD. CA. - Black Friday is in full swing this morning. For those still looking for ways to take advantage of today's deals, consumer expert Andrea Woroch has these last minute Black Friday tips to help make sure you get the best deals.

     1) Shop with a plan & bring cash. Unprepared shoppers can end up with bags filled with items they didn't intend to purchase. Always shop with a list and use cash if you know you can't control credit card spending.

     2) Compare ads online, ask about price matching. Some products are made specifically for black Friday and do not have all the bells and whistles you expect, so be sure to research desired products by model number and not just brand name and size.

     3) Track prices throughout the day. Track price drops using the Poachit app and then request a price adjustment if you find your purchase was sold for less later in the day. Citibank card members don't have to do any work because the card will track price drops and sales after purchase for you and help you get a credit.
  
     4) Download money-saving apps. Target's latest app points you to specific aisles where you can find the items on your list, while Coupon Sherpa provides extra savings from hundreds of retailers. Set sale alerts on the products you purchase with SnapUp as you can request a price adjustment and use OneReceipt ensures you don't lose important purchase slips.

     5) Review return policies. Are there return shipping fees? How long do you have to return? Will you get cash back or can you only receive store credit? Make sure you know.

     6) Know what to buy and what to skip. Not every item on black Friday is a good deal. Best buys include off-brand TVs, video games, apple products (from third-party retailers) and small kitchen appliances. The worst buys are winter apparel, jewelry and holiday décor as these items will get cheaper as the holiday season progresses.

     7)Shop online and pick up same day for free. You can get your hands on the same doorbusters online and beat the crowds, but beware of those free shipping deals. If there's a minimum required to qualify for complimentary delivery, don't add more to your online cart. Instead, opt for free in-store pick up or sign up for free two-day rush shipping trials, like the free 90-day trial of Shop Your Way Max from Sears and Kmart.

Two pedestrians struck on Thanksgiving, one killed

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - There were two hit and run incidents on Thanksgiving day, one of them fatal.

Accoding to the California Highway Patrol, a 25-year-old man was struck and killed around 6:15 p.m. on Weedpatch Highway near Sunset Boulevard.

Investigators aren't sure if the victim was walking in the road or on the shoulder when he was struck.
     
Witnesses said the driver left the scene in a blue, late model Chevy S10 or S10 blazer.
     
The name of the victim has not been released.

About an hour earlier, a pedestrian was struck in Oildale on Bardsley Aenue, east of Pymouth Aenue.
     
The CHP said the victim was in dark clothing, walking in the middle of the road when he was struck.
     
No word on the condition of the man who is believed to be in his 40's.
 
If you have any information on either hit and run crash, call the CHP at 864-4400

Taft family welcomes home quadruplet newborns

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TAFT, CA. - The holiday season just became four times as merry for a family in Taft.
     
This week, doctors at Bakersfield Memorial cleared a set of quadruplets to leave the NICU and go home.
 
We visited them all once the family settled in and talked to them about the blessings that doubled their size: Emma, Payton, Liam , and Elijah, also affectionately referred to as the Harp Quad Squad.

"They are a handful, but they are a blessing," said father Jared Harp.

Jared and wife Christina already had two kids, Kris and Sam, when they went to a fertility doctor to help them expand their family, never dreaming what that would mean. 

"It was supposed to just give me one egg. Instead, it gave me four," said mother Christina Harp.

"The first ultrasound they said it looks like you have three," Jared said. Then the next ultra sound we went to said we had four, and then I didn't want to go back for another one."

At 29 weeks, Sept. 20, Christina delivered two girls and two boys -- all healthy, but tiny -- weighing about two and a half pounds each.
The babies stayed in the nicu for two months until they became strong enough to go home. That was Monday.

Everything is now four times the work for mom and dad.

"The last couple of nights I think we got two to three hours of sleep," Christina said.

The care is quadrupled, the pacifiers, the changings, the feedings -- and once one cycle ends, it starts all over again.

The doctor recommended formula costs $40 a day, and they go through an average 30 diapers daily. 
"We've had two baby showers and people at work have given us diapers but they are going fast," Jared said.

Christina stays at home with the babies while Jared has returned to his job at a local ulitilty to keep up with the costs. 

The family has received some donations and help from church members, family and friends. 
     
Now, the Harps need to fine-tune a schedule so the expanded family can relax and count their blessings. 

Love for Thanksgiving wraps up day of giving

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - An army of volunteers from more than a dozen local churches delivered some 64,000 warm Thanksgiving meals to those in need.

For the last seven years, Love for Thanksgiving has given hope to those less fortunate, many of whom wernen't sure if they would have a holiday meal.
     
Organizers said the need in our county continues to grow.
     
They said this year, 3,200 turkeys were distributed, along with 11,000 pounds of potatoes, 8,000 pounds of yams, three tons of carrots and 12-thousand boxes of stuffing.  
    
Volunteers worked hard throughout the week, preparing each meal.They said serving the community is what matters to them most on this thanksgiving.

"I told my husband several months ago, 'honey, I just don't want to sit home on Thanksgiving and just wait for the family and eat -- let's go out and do something for someone else first and then we can go home and enjoy ours,'" said Tina Miller.
 
Volunteers said Love for Thanksgiving may get even bigger next year where they hope to start the event in Dallas, Texas, Washington DC and France.

If you're looking to get on next year's list, you'll have to wait until October as that's when planning and preparations begin.

Rosamond woman accused of killing a man speaks out

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - A woman accused of killing a man in rosamond, is telling her side of the story from behind bars.

Sheriff's deputies said the incident happened in the 7200 block of dawn Road just after 5 p.m.Nov. 26.
     
Detectives said 19-year-old Melissa Shaw stabbed the 48-year-old man during an physical altercation with Shaw and her boyfriend.
     
Shaw shared with 17 News, the victim had been stalking her and taking nude pictures of her, so her boyfriend confronted the man.
     
Shaw said an altercation ensued, and she acted in self-defense.

She is accused of first degree murder.

Holiday Lights at CALM

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12th Annual Holiday lights at CALM with Josh Barnett's Lightasmic

"Holiday Lights at CALM" returns for its 12th season in Bakersfield from Nov. 28 through Jan. 3, exciting families with more than two million lights in dazzling night time displays. A volcano spews multi-colored lava, frogs leap across lily pads, a sea serpent appears in CALM's tranquil pond, a monkey throws coconuts and Santa rides around the world with his sleigh and reindeer. And there are many more fascinating displays set against the California Living Museum's (CALM) beautiful botanic landscape of native vegetation housing injured or abandoned animals native to California.

Receive $2 off all tickets on the following days: Dec 1st - 4th and 8th - 11th. 

Tickets may be purchase at CALM during their normal business hours and starting at 5pm at the ticket trailor every day the event is open. Your ticket price includes free parking, free train rides, free rides on the Merry Go Round.

You can also purchase tickets online HERE.

Proceeds from Holiday Lights benefit the non-profit CALM Foundation, providing funding for developing new and exciting animal exhibits at CALM.

Rosamond man killed now identified

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ROSAMOND, CA. - The coroner's office has released the identity of a man stabbed to death in Rosamond on Wednesday.      

Donald Stites, 48, was stabbed in the back in the 7100 block of Dawn Road. 

Sheriff's detectives said 19-year-old Melissa Shaw stabbed Stites during a fight. 

Shaw was booked on a charge of first degree murder.

In a jailhouse interview, Shaw told 17 news she had been stalking her and taking nude pictures of her, and that's when her boyfriend confronted the man.

All three shared the same home.

Man struck and killed on Thanksgiving identified.

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - The coroner identified a pedestrian who was killed Thanksgiving day during a hit and run accident.

Johnathan Daniel Uribe, 22, was hit on Weedpatch Highway near Sunset Boulevard.
     
Investigators aren't sure if Uribe was walking in the road or on the shoulder when he was struck.
     
Witnesses said the driver left the scene in a blue, late model Chevy S-10 or S-10 Blazer.

By our count, Uribe is the 22nd pedestrian hit and killed on a Kern County road so far this year.

Meadows Field set to offer more flight destinations

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BAKERSFIELD, CA. - Meadows Field airport is preparing to offer more flights to new destinations.

A new report from the Kern Department of Airports states recent recovery in the airline industry will allow our local terminal to expand its operations.

In addition to new a aircraft, numerous new routes are planned for the near future.

Current routes offer trips to San Fancisco, Phoenix, Denver, and Houston.

But the new routes will include flights to Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Dallas.

With even more routes planned in the long-term for San Diego, Atlanta, Minneapolis, and Chicago.

The report states that airlines  U.S. Airways, Southwestern, Delta, and United Airlines now make up more than 84 percent of the industry.

And, recent rebounds in profit compared to the past few years has triggered new investment in domestic flights.

Arvin Christmas parade rescheduled

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ARVIN, CA. - The annual Arvin Christmas parade was cancelled last week due to early forecasts of rain, however, it has been rescheduled.

Randy Thompson with the Chamber of Commerce said they've cleared all the bureaucratic hurdles and the parade is now re-scheduled for Monday night, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m.

Information on city road closures

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For updates, visit the Thomas Roads Improvement WEBSITE.

BAKERSFIELD, CA - Get ready for more road work in and around Bakersfield this week.

The thomas roads improvement program is urging motorists to plan accordingly.

The westbound 58 on-ramp at Chester Avenue and H Street will be closed 24 hours a day starting tomorrow through Dec.19.

Nighttime lane closures will take effect Dec. 2 on Highway 58, between Highway 99 and Cottonwood Road.
     
The closures are set for tomorrow through Thursday, from 7 p.m. through 6 a.m.
     
And construction will resume tomorrow on the Highway 99 and Hosking Avenue interchange project. 
     
The outside traffic lanes will be closed in both directions between Panama Lane and Taft Highway.
     
The construction is expected to last from Dec. 1 - 5.

Lanes will be closed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

And in the area between Canteria Drive and Highway 178, traffic will be slowed from 6 a.m to 4 p.m while an overhead power line is removed.

Motorists are reminded to obey flagging personnel and construction signs.

Local moms juggle work and family time

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BAKERSFIELD, CA- We heard from many viewers on our Facebook page who wanted us to explore the lives of working moms and how they are able to balance professional time and play time.

Wife and mom Jennifer Resolme said the key to striking that balance is taking advantage of each minute with her children.

"We still spend a lot of time together and it's about the quality I think, not the quantity of time," said Resolme.

Her time is split between teaching drama to her students at Ridgeview High and her girls at home.

"It's good to be a good role model for my girls," said Resolme. "To get an education and have a career and find that balance between having your family life and your career life."
Jennifer's work life balance is thanks to the village she says helps raise her girls.

"My mom helps out a lot and my husband is very involved," said Resolme." He doesn't do hair, I do all the girls hair. But other than that he's very involved."

A support system is crucial for the 70% of moms with kids under age 18 who are working or looking for work, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Shelley Roberts ends her day in medical billing and starts her other jobs as a chef and homework helper. She's a single mom of four kids. Her husband passed away when her girls were young and years later she had twins while in another relationship that ended this year.

"Financially its hard," said Roberts. "Financially its hard because the girls and you know having 20 hands to do everything at once."

Being the sole provider is stressful but she reminds herself of one simple thing.

"I'm all they have. So they're going to feed off of me. So if I come home angry or frustrated or if I'm stressed out about money or life or whatever it is they're gonna feed on that," said Roberts. "That's not fair, I can't allow them to be like that."

Her eldest girls see how hard she works and often help with cleaning or whatever their mom needs.

"She does so much for us we want to do something back," said Kaelee Roberts.

To help moms maintain that work life balance, the author of "Working Mom 411: How to Manage Kids, Career and Home," has these tips:
1. Have places and times for key items and tasks. If you're constantly tripping over shoes or running late in the mornings because your kids can't find their backpacks, find some easy storage options like baskets and low-cost storage bins. Also, establish a regular day for tackling tasks. Designating laundry day on Sunday mornings will add time during the work week.

2. Smooth out the bumps in your mornings. Do as much as you can the night before. Set out clothes for the next day - both for you and your children - and pack lunches. Try and wake up about an hour before your kids to drink coffee and plan the day.

3. Feed kids on your terms. Use a crock-pot to cook meals while you're away, come up with a weekly menu and breakfast for dinner is ok if it's easier to make. Remember easy and dishes like quesadillas and grilled cheese, along with vegetables. Also, having your kids help cook dinner will be educational and fun.

4. Juggle kids' after-school activities. Don't feel guilty if you can't attend every after-school activity. Attend all the events you can without making your day more stressful. If you want to help at your child's school but don't have the time, ask a teacher how you can help during your off hours and any assistance you can provide that doesn't require being present while you're at work.

5. Make sure you're not slipping at work. Make sure your busy life as a mom isn't affecting your professional life. Try to take a personal day every few months, use break-time and lunch-time to make doctor's appointments for your kids or whatever else you may need to do. Also find another working mom at work who you can confide in and share tips with.

6. Devise a system for tackling housework. Make sure your kids are helping clean if they can and hire a maid for help if you can afford it. But also let go of the need to have your home as spotless as it may have been before you had children.

7. Carve out time for romance. Set a date night and make it just as much of a priority as your kids' play dates. You can also take a personal day or vacation day a couple times a year where the two of you stay home together while the kids head off to school.

8. Maintain A Social Life. In addition to being a mom, you're also a sister or friend or co-worker. Make sure to take time to spend with loved ones and close friends when you can. Arrange play dates with girlfriends so you and your children can have fun at the same time.

9. Remember What Matters Most. If you're feeling overwhelmed and your child needs something, take the time to breathe and start listening. Whatever else you need to do can wait.
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