HIBERNATION and ELASTIC WAIST BANDS
Human mama bears, do you ever wish you could hibernate like a bear? Well, you cant! But here’s how mama and papa bears can take a few cues from the wild ones to survive the winter season.
Fact 1:
Bears pack on up to 5 inches of fat to prepare for their long winter nap. Sound familiar? While bears hibernate, our holiday food comas only last a few days. The lesson? Cut yourself some slack.
You’re human, not a bear—elastic waistbands exist for a reason!
Fact 2:
Zoos now let bears hibernate for their health and happiness, even if it means fewer visitors. Parents, try it! Encourage your teens to embrace extra sleep & downtime. Less screen time = fewer “unwanted virtual visitors” in your teen’s life.
Fact 3:
Bear cubs are born helpless, hairless, and blind. Teens? Not so helpless and they are hairy ! They still need you for:
- support,
- full fridge,
- car pools
- bear hugs
- unconditional love
- late night hot choc chats
- your teens are really not independent
- they still need you and… want you around (kind of!)
Winter Survival Tips for Mama Bears
Mother nature has set downtime in motion for us!. This winter, embrace winter with some simple strategies:
- Hibernate from social media: Less scrolling, less comparing. Be the role model.
- Rest: Recharge with some “you” time. It’s not selfish—it’s essential.
- Simplify: Focus on family, health, cozy socks, and what truly matters.
- Get Outside: Winter’s quiet beauty is underrated. Fresh air never fails the spirit!
- Try a Fun Day Trip- new scenery is happiness
What “Mama Bear” Means to Me
To me, being a mama bear is a perfect blend of cuddly and fierce, loving and protective.
This winter, channel your inner bear. Slow down, savor the quiet, and remember: even fierce mama bears need their beauty sleep. Because every mama & papa bear needs a break. 🐻
And its OK to ROAR when necessary, even in the winter!
Much love,
Conni, founder of STL
a fellow mama bear too , literally in my elastic waist band as I write!
