Low-carb diets are nothing new. In fact, the first low-carb diet was peddled as far back as the 1800s by a 66-year-old undertaker named William Banting. However, despite having a long and varied reputation, a new study suggests that low-carb diets may actually be detrimental to your health — as cutting carbohydrates can cut years off your life.

More: The Fine Line Between Fad Diets & Eating Disorders

The research, published in The Lancet Public Health, followed 15,400 adults for 25 years and found that those who ate a moderate number of carbs (meaning they got 50 to 55 percent of their energy from carbohydrates) had the lowest risk of mortality, while those who got less than 40 percent of their energy from carbs had the highest risk of mortality. 

In fact, the former group lived — on average — four years longer.

Lead researcher Dr. Sara Seidelmann told BBC the reason for this discrepancy could be due to the fact that low-carb dieters generally rely on animal-based products.

"Low-carb diets that replace carbohydrates with protein or fat are gaining widespread popularity as a health and weight-loss strategy," she told the BBC. "However, our data suggests that animal-based low carbohydrate diets, which are prevalent in North America and Europe, might be associated with shorter overall life span," though this is speculative (and was not specifically analyzed as part of the study).

More: The Truth About 9 Popular Diet Trends

But as usual, before going ahead and radically changing your eating habits based on one study, we should all pay attention to some of the potential limitations of the research. For starters, the authors note that the data were self-reported and recorded, all information is observational (and not the result of cause and effect) and is subject to personal bias and the limitations of the test subject's memory. 

Additionally, since the diets of each participant were only measured twice during the 25-year study period, at the start of the study and again six years later, the data fails to take into account any and all dietary changes that could have occurred over the subsequent 19 years, the authors pointed out.

Limitations aside, this study seems to support the notion that a well-balanced diet is the best diet, so don't give up those potatoes quite yet.

This year, the White House has stated its intent to create an immigration system favoring refugees who can "successfully assimilate." A senior White House official confirmed this in a January briefing: “A properly functioning immigration system promotes assimilation in all its forms,” he said.

For much of U.S. history, the country has helped immigrants escaping persecution — so putting the immigration focus on assimilation instead would be a brand-new and troubling way of deciding whether someone can legally live here as a refugee. And it may well spell doom for bilingual parenting — and for foreign languages in the U.S. on a much larger scale.

Most immigrants in America are already assimilating and learning English to their best ability; according to a report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, this rate is no different today than it was for the European immigrants of the 20th century. But prioritizing assimilation spells trouble for those who remain bilingual. 

Many families worry about losing the link to their heritage after settling in the U.S. — whether they trace their roots to Mumbai, Mexico or the Mayflower. As an immigrant whose kids were born in the United States, I share this concern. 

More: No, Being Both Muslim & Catholic is Not "Confusing" For My Kids

Assimilation happens

The study by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine also suggests that the longer immigrants live in the U.S., the more they integrate. Anyone who has ever moved abroad — even if it had to do with a work assignment or legally enjoying a pint at the age 18 as an exchange student and little to do with fleeing persecution — knows assimilation doesn’t happen overnight. It takes more than figuring out the pesky verb tenses and getting a job. In fact, psychologists prefer the term “acculturation” instead, noting four different ways newcomers might adapt, of which assimilation is just one.

“Complete assimilation is challenging if not impossible,” Andrés Consoli, an associate professor of psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a former president of the National Latina/o Psychological Association, tells SheKnows. “This would mean a person completely gives up the beliefs, cultural practices, values and language with which they were raised. It is almost impossible.”

Plus, cultural identity isn’t static. It can change over time and impact us in unconscious ways, Dr. Mercedes Fernández Oromendia, a postdoctoral fellow at UCLA TIES for Families who focuses on bicultural identity development, tells SheKnows.

Say someone’s been in the U.S. since childhood — going to public school and hanging out with American friends. But as an adult, that person might stall when asking the boss for a raise. “His apprehension may be associated with his culture of origin's more hierarchical structure, emphasis on respect and collectivist values,” Oromendia says.  

The political views and the language of the new community also play a role in acculturation.

“It takes two to tango,” Consoli explained. “A city that embraces a sanctuary stance is likely to be experienced quite differently by immigrants contrasted with a city that lives by, say SB 1070 [Arizona’s "show me your papers" law] or run by a sheriff such as Joe Arpaio.” 

More: How to Read Your Kid's Body Language

The benefits of bilingualism & the struggle to keep it alive in our kids

The children of immigrants are the ones who do get increasingly more assimilated. By the third generation, most kids from immigrant families blend into the proverbial melting pot so much that they speak only English. I’m certainly noticing this generational language wear: My American-born kids speak and understand Russian and English, but my older one is more comfortable chatting away in English.

Erika Hoff, a developmental psychologist and professor at Florida Atlantic University, tells SheKnows it’s not English, but the heritage language that’s at risk of disappearing among the Spanish-speaking immigrant children she works with.

“English skills develop faster than Spanish skills, given equal input at home,” Hoff says. “The older they get, the closer their English skills come to their Spanish skills and Spanish skills tend to drop off.”

Even more surprising, Hoff discovered, is many toddlers as young as 22 months living in bilingual homes are already English dominant.

And when we hear a foreign language in public, it's not necessarily a native speaker talking. Second-generation immigrants might, for example, interact with family in Spanish, but their English is actually stronger. “They do not have the language skills of an adult native Spanish speaker,” Hoff explained.

These findings shows two things. One is that immigrants in America are not “endangering” the language of Shakespeare, as some might believe. And two is it’s incredibly easy to lose a language if we don’t use it across generations.    

Bilingualism, meanwhile, has many noted benefits. It can improve cognitive functions, like focusing and multitasking, and stave off dementia. It’s linked to empathy and even to a heftier paycheck and retirement fund. Not to mention a connection to our roots and the family abroad.

But preserving the heritage language isn’t easy — something multilingual families are keenly aware of no matter what unique approach they use to keep it alive.

My family does not live in a Russian-speaking enclave, and there is no specialized preschool nearby to get that critical exposure outside of the house. So I am the main “purveyor” of Russian for my kids. I often end up discussing the day with my husband in English at the dinner table, then switch to Russian to ask my daughter to stop snorting her juice and pelting her brother with vegetables.

More: Should Schools Mandate That Kids Learn Cursive?

This linguistic code switching is awkward. I'd like for my American husband and friends to be included in conversations and for my kids not to feel like outsiders in their community, as I once did. Then again, I’m also hoping to raise them bilingual, so every day, at every sentence, there’s a choice to be made.

Also, in the last two years, it seems like every day there's something new about Russia and immigration in the news. So when I speak Russian to my kids in public, I sometimes find myself wondering how it comes across. Maybe that stranger is giving us looks because my cart is blocking the frozen aisle at the supermarket. Or maybe it’s suspicion. Are these children documented? Is their mother a mail-order bride, albeit on the older side for that sort of thing? Did she hack the 2016 presidential election, and please tell me there isn’t a tiny spy camera clipped to her Trader Joe’s shopping cart next to that lowfat yogurt.

Sometimes, I almost wish I had a shirt that reads, “I am not a spy.” I don’t have a fake Facebook account. Like millions of other immigrants, I want to provide a better future for my family while teaching them about their roots, about the beauty of voices and stories around them. When someone at the top tells us to get out or to hurry up and assimilate already, it puts the survival of our languages at risk and sows discord within the multicultural fabric of our country.

One of the most challenging aspects in the bedroom, especially in a new relationship, is learning your partner’s body and what makes it unique. Often, individual physical differences can require a slight adjustment in technique, especially if you are a very different size than your partner. As a 4-foot, 8-inch sex worker, I’ve learned the ins and outs of giving my visitors an amazing bedroom experience regardless of their dimensions.

I could write an entire article on how to accommodate partners of different heights and physical sizes as well as body mass, but for now, let’s focus on what to do with the unexpected surprise waiting for you in your partner’s pants.

More: A Legal Sex Worker on What It's Really Like to Work in a Brothel

What if it's too big?

When it comes to penises, there are two kinds of "too big" — one is length, the other is girth. Of course, you can have a combination of these challenges, depending on the person.

For both length and girth, make sure not to skimp on the foreplay. Foreplay is not only a great way to increase vaginal lubrication, which will help immensely with girth, but arousal actually lengthens the vagina and increases its maximum diameter, which will make you much more comfortable during lovemaking. I recommend at least 10 minutes of foreplay or masturbation prior to intercourse, but 20 minutes is optimal.

If a penis is too long, you’ll want to avoid positions that provide deeper penetration. This means that positions during which your legs or knees are pulled back toward your shoulders are off the table, and you should be very careful about positions during which you are on all fours. If you decide you must be on all fours, you’ll want to raise your back instead of lower it, as lowering provides deeper penetration for your partner and will likely be too intense.

The best position for length issues is reverse cowgirl, as it gives you complete control over penetration depth and speed and provides shallower penetration than forward-facing cowgirl, and with more control.

There is a combination of toys and products available if your partner is too large. These vary from doughnuts that fit around the base of the penis to dildos of increasing size that you can use to prepare your body for a large partner just before an encounter.

Specifically for girth, make sure to use positions that keep your knees apart. Having your legs together reduces the maximum diameter of the vaginal canal and forces far more tissue movement to accommodate your partner. 

What if it’s too small?

This same principle of keeping knees together can be applied in reverse if your partner is smaller or is having trouble finishing. Using positions that keep your knees together increases friction and tightens the vaginal canal. For the same reason, getting on all fours and lowering your middle back will give your partner a greater sensation of deeper penetration and lets them manage any issues that arise from a shorter penis leaving the vagina unexpectedly during intercourse.

A great position for someone with a shorter penis, especially if the person has bad knees or a larger midsection, is for both of you to be on your sides. You draw your knees up closer to your chest and extend your legs; your partner curls up behind you. This position has all the deep penetration of being on all fours with none of the back or knee pressure and much more control. This will also prevent your body from rocking forward and backward during intercourse, which for a lightly endowed person can create complications related to falling out.

There are also creams and lubes you can use that can temporarily tighten up the vagina. These can be a great long-term solution for heightening your and your partner’s pleasure if there are size concerns. It can be worthwhile to invest in a sex sofa, as these ergonomic pieces of furniture are not only comfortable, functional and great for reading a book on a day off, they let you enjoy all kinds of great positions and angles that would be much harder to reach without it. Experimenting will give you the experience you need to have a quality encounter with your partner.

More: How to Be More Vocal in the Bedroom Without Feeling Ridiculous

Bringing it all together

Whether your partner is very large or very small and you're using condoms, it’s important to find ones that fits. Standard condom sizes aren’t for everyone, and it’s very easy to have a condom fall off or break if it’s not being used properly because of a glaring size issue. There are companies, like One, that make bespoke condoms. They are easy to order, easy to size and completely take care of size-related condom concerns. Given that a condom failure can be a very big deal, the minor investment into contraception that fits properly is an important one.

You may find it helpful to have a little fun with your partner and buy an adult toy kit that lets you make a mold and silicone double of your partner’s member. Having a copy of their penis on hand will let you try different positions and techniques outside the bedroom in a completely risk-free environment, and in my experience, most men love the idea of you having a little something to remember them by when they’re not around! Not only will you have a great conversation piece, you’ll have an excellent opportunity to practice your bedroom techniques and be an even better lover for your partner.

Alice Little is a courtesan at the Moonlite Bunny Ranch in Nevada.

Olive Garden's Never Ending Pasta Pass is the stuff of legends. Every year, the restaurant sells eight-week passes for $100. If you're one of the lucky ones who actually manages to make the purchase before it's gone, you get unlimited pasta at Olive Garden for those eight weeks. It's a pretty great deal, but this year, the restaurant is besting itself.

Introducing: The Annual Pass. For just $300, you can eat at Olive Garden as often as you'd like for a full year. If you're truly committed to that Olive Garden life, you could end up saving hundreds if not thousands of dollars on your grocery bill by taking advantage of the deal. A year's worth of lunch and dinner (with leftovers for breakfast) for $300 is a hard bargain to beat... you just have to really, really love pasta.

More: Olive Garden Launches Their Own Rosé Wine That's Perfect for Summer

Both passes also include unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks, so you don't have to worry about getting bored. The Never Ending Pasta Bowl menu that you get to choose from with the passes includes seven different pastas, six sauces and six toppings, including vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The tricky part is actually getting to buy a pass. The traditional pasta pass has sold out nearly instantaneously every year.

This year, passes go on sale on Aug. 30 at 2 p.m. EST for 30 minutes at www.pastapass.com. There will be 23,000 eight-week passes available and only 1,000 annual passes, both of which are sure to sell out.

More: Olive Garden Stands Up to Pasta Pass Fraud, Impresses Us All

If the panic and stress of trying to snag a pass is simply too much for you to bear, fear not. You can still enjoy Never Ending Pasta Bowls at Olive Garden for the reasonable price of $10.99. Just make sure to wear your stretchy pants and maybe hold off on breakfast so you can really get the most for your money.

Sometimes, real life is stranger than fiction. For example, this surprising news from our friends in England: Apparently, when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, who are now the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, have children, those kids will technically not belong to them. What?

More: Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Are Officially Married

You see, in an interview with News.com.au, royal expert Marlene Koenig explained what is commonly referred to as the custody law. According to the law, "the sovereign [aka Queen Elizabeth II] has legal custody of [all] minor grandchildren." This includes Duke (aka Prince) William and Duchess Catherine of Cambridge's three children and any future children the couple or Harry and Meghan will have.

When Queen Elizabeth II dies, custody will stay with the palace, with the primary responsible party being Prince Charles.

Of course, I know what you're thinking: What? Why? Where did this law come from? (I mean, that's what we're thinking at least.) But according to Koenig, the answer is very simple: This ruling dates back to the early 1700s. King George "had a very poor relationship with his son, the future King George II, so they had this law passed that meant the King was the guardian of his grandchildren,” thus protecting the minds and well-beings of future heirs to the throne. And while this law was put in place over 300 years ago, it remains unchanged today.

More: The Queen Gifted Prince Harry & Meghan Markle Yet Another House

The good news is that the palace doesn't appear to put much stock in the antiquated ruling. Koenig says the queen “doesn’t make a big deal” out of the law and doubts she would ever step in and exercise control over her grandchildren's lives. But we'll just have to wait and find out.

Hold the phone; two of our favorite celebrity couples have recently hung out and we need to talk about it. No, we need to celebrate it because it's really and truly that exciting. So, which couples reportedly just hung out in Lake Como, Italy? 

More: George Clooney's 57th Birthday Itinerary Was More Glamorous Than Usual

Well, the location is a dead giveaway that one of the couples in question was none other than George and Amal Clooney. However, the other couple, the ones the Clooneys got to host is the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan. According to ABC News royals correspondent Omid Scobie, "Amal and Meghan spent much of their days lounging by the pool together and, of course, playing with the twins," and additionally, "George and Harry have a shared passion for motorcycles and checked out George's collection and they also played basketball together."

With Harry and Meghan spending the weekend with the Clooneys, there was plenty of time to do more than look at some motorcycles. People magazine also reports the George and Harry enjoyed some time together playing on the Clooney's private basketball court (uh, if there are pictures of that, we'd like to see them for... research) while Amal and Meghan hung by the pool and watched the Clooneys twins, Ella and Alexander, at one point. Also, the Clooneys reportedly held a private dinner party for Harry and Meghan on Saturday evening.  

More: Jennifer Aniston Visited a Very Close Friend While Filming in Italy

Neither couple has commented on the visit in any public forum, nor are any pictures available right now for public consumption. That said, between the Clooneys showing some love by attending the royal wedding in May and Harry and Meghan returning the love by coming to Italy to hang out, we're liking the idea of this A-list foursome hanging out more and look forward to seeing where they vacation next. 

Back-to-school means starting fresh — for kids and parents alike. A new teacher, new classmates, a new grade, a new and revitalized attitude toward school... and often all-new school supplies and clothes to boot. But how are companies marketing to that back-to-school desire to start over — and at what (and how wasteful a) cost? 

There’s a reason one particular business supply store created a commercial that played a Christmas song as a parent joyfully shopped for school supplies. All that new stuff makes it feel like Christmas! But there are so many things we don’t actually need to buy in order for our kids to successfully return to school.

I’m not suggesting you ignore an entire list of supplies that’s been sent to your child, especially when some of those supplies are meant to make up for education budget shortfalls at the school itself. If, however, you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint (or stop reducing your bank account), here are some suggestions for what you don’t need to buy for back-to-school.

More: What Your Child's Teacher Wishes You'd Do Before School Starts

Clothes

I can remember being a kid and "needing" to have a special first-day-of-school outfit, so I’m not going to argue this too much. Sure, get your child an outfit they’ll feel confident in as they walk into the unknown. But if you think that same kid magically changes sizes the moment they start a new grade, the clothing stores have gotten inside your brain. Chances are, the weather is the exact same for the start of school as it was the week before. Let kids wear summer clothes a bit longer; then, sort through your kid’s early spring clothes to see what still fits as the weather changes. 

I would also highly recommend shopping at a gently used kids’ clothing boutique, either online or in person. When they’re young, they don’t realize their clothes aren’t brand new (and don’t care); as they get older, you can talk to them about how cool it is to buy clothes in vintage stores or at the local thrift shop. 

Backpacks

Sure, if your kid dragged their backpack to and from school every single day last year, you may need to get a new one. If it’s relatively unscathed, though, why would you invest in another? One way to add new life to last year’s backpack is by sewing a few patches on it or letting your kid go wild with fabric paint. Yes, you’re still spending some money on the additions, but you’re wasting far fewer resources.

More: The Back-to-School Checklist Every Parent Needs

Shoes

Similar to clothes: Your kids likely don’t need brand-new shoes for the first few weeks of school. And buying new ones in their old size knowing they’ll likely be growing out of them soon is pretty irresponsible, environmentally speaking.

Pencils, erasers & crayons, oh, my!

I’m not sure where it’s written that all your kid’s pencils need to be brand new and freshly sharpened. The same goes for their erasers. If your kid is anything like mine, they’ve already received approximately 43 erasers in various shapes and sizes over the years — from loot bags, Halloween, you name it. Parents, do yourselves a favor: Keep those erasers in a box for future use.

The same goes for that pencil case/box and lunch bag your child used last year. Is it broken? Moldy? Stained and gross? Go ahead and replace it. Otherwise, there’s no reason not to reuse it.

Binders & planners

These two items are often made to be used again and again. If your kid’s school doesn’t require you to purchase one through the school, you can be better to the environment by purchasing a planner shell in which you can replace the inside paper year after year. Decorate it with stickers or decoupage to make it feel fresh — and to reinforce any wear and tear.

More: Important Questions to Ask Your Child's Teacher

Ultimately, far too many of us have been convinced (or rather, we’ve convinced ourselves) that we need to completely start over every August or September — and we've convinced our kids, too. If we can begin teaching our kids that all that new stuff isn't "cool" as much as it is wasteful and destructive, perhaps we’ll see more kids diving into "reduce, reuse, and recycle" just as much as "reading, writing, and 'rithmetic" this school year.

Every time I experience the dull throbbing that warns me a full-blown headache or migraine is on its way, my first instinct is to hide under the covers in a dark room. Of course, more often than not, this isn't a viable option (although it's certainly an appealing one). What has proven effective in the long-term is working with a doctor to identify what triggers these headaches from hell. 

Like anything else, not everyone will have the same triggers — but a look at the following nine causes of headaches can help identify the lifestyle choices and underlying medical issues that may be contributing. 

1. Specific foods

Dr. Vincent Martin, physician and professor of clinical medicine at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, tells SheKnows that headaches can be caused by certain foods. "There is a naturally occurring compound called tyramine that has been identified as a major trigger for migraine and headache patients," Martin explains. "Tyramine-rich foods include meats, fruits and vegetables, primarily those that are aged, smoked, pickled or marinated." Other foods in this category include pickles, tofu, sauerkraut and cheeses. 

More: Every Single Way Migraine Has Impacted My Life

2. Smells

Dr. Niket Sonpal, practicing physician and assistant professor at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, says that many of his patients have very sensitive noses and certain smells can trigger headaches. "The most common smells that trigger headaches are gasoline, tobacco and floral perfume," Sonpal tells SheKnows. 

3. Hairstyles

Braids, tight ponytails and other hairstyles that pull on your scalp cause tension in the cranium, which (you guessed it) is a surefire way to get a headache. Sonpal notes that a study conducted by researchers at The City of London Migraine Clinic found that more than half of all women experience tension headaches due to too-tight hairstyles. 

More: Is It Possible for Our Hair to Hurt?

4. Dehydration & Hunger

Dehydration is a very common trigger for headache and migraine, making it absolutely imperative that people drink water consistently throughout the day, Martin explains. Hunger is also a trigger because it causes blood sugar to drop, which can result in adrenal fatigue and muscle contractions, he adds.

More: 6 Types of Headaches You Had No Idea Existed

5. Alcohol

Ah, yes, the dreaded hangover headache. Dr. Jesse Sandhu, board certified emergency room physician and owner of Steamboat Emergency Center, tells SheKnows that it is caused by the expanding of blood vessels within the brain. Alcohol is a diuretic (which makes you urinate), and it can result in significant dehydration. 

"Your body responds to this by shunting your blood flow to the most important organs, including your brain," Sandhu says. "It does this by causing dilation of the blood vessels in the brain in order to increase blood flow, and [thereby causes] headache." 

6. Hormones

"If you get your migraines mostly around your menses or ovulation — mid-cycle — these result from fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone," Dr. Jacob Teitelbaum, a board certified internist who specializes in treating patients with chronic pain and chronic fatigue, tells SheKnows. Progesterone is the body's "natural valium," and hormonal fluctuations can trigger changes in our brain chemistry and neurotransmitters, he adds. 

"These headaches are very resistant to standard treatment but respond well to giving an estrogen patch and bioidentical progesterone, Prometrium, for the week around one’s menses," Teitelbaum says. 

More: The Location of Your Headache Can Help You Figure Out What's Causing It

7. Stress

Stress can cause prolonged tightening of the muscles in the head or neck, leading to built-up tension in these muscles and headaches, Sandhu says. 

8. Glare

The glare of staring at a computer screen or being in the sun without proper optics can cause headaches according to Sandhu. "The mechanism is similar to stress, where you have a constant tightening of muscles in the forehead, eyes and neck," he explains.

9. Migraine

Whether it's from dehydration, hunger or lack of sleep, most of us get a headache every once in awhile. But if your headaches are common, incapacitating and accompanied by other symptoms, you should be assessed for migraine, a neurological condition that's the third-most prevalent illness in the world.

"Migraine is a chronic and episodic disorder characterized by headache attacks," Martin tells SheKnows. The condition is characterized by recurrent headaches that last anywhere between four and 72 hours; one-sided, pulsating, moderate to severe pain; and decreased ability to function in everyday situations. 

Martin notes that often, two of these three associated symptoms are present during an attack: nausea and/or vomiting, sensitivity to light and sensitivity to sound. Other symptoms can include pale skin, diarrhea and sweating or cold hands. 

If this sounds painfully familiar, it's time to check in with your doctor to be assessed for the condition. And although most of us won't be able to get rid of headaches for good, at least now we know that some of the causes are avoidable. 

Celebrity weddings are always grand affairs, and, yes, that includes Hilary Swank's secret wedding to Philip Schneider. On Tuesday, not only did Vogue reveal Swank's marriage, but the magazine also shared stunning photos from her special day. 

Based on the photo gallery, they clearly couldn't be any happier. Over the weekend, they said "I do" at the Saint Lucia Preserve in Carmel, California. Swank and Schneider both love nature, so it made for the perfect location. "It’s a stunning private community surrounded by 20,000 acres of conservancy and an intimate redwood grove populated with trees that are over 800 years old," Swank told Vogue.

If you had no idea Swank was even with someone, well, you're not the only one. As soon as they started seeing each other, it seems like they kept their relationship as private as possible. Supernatural star Misha Collins' wife, Victoria Vantoch, even helped set up the two. "It was a blind date set up by actor Misha Collins’s wife Vicki and another close friend Jean," Swank told Vogue. "We met at 10:00 a.m. and parted ways at 11:00 p.m. We clearly enjoyed our time!"

More: Robin Wright Got Married in Secret (Sorta) Over the Weekend

It only took a year and a half for them to get engaged. "We don’t know why waited that long!” Swank said. Schneider popped the question in Colorado in 2016. "We stumbled upon a beautiful sanctuary deep in the mountains," Swank dished. "It had a stunning waterfall that cascades down to rustic cabins built in the 1800s surrounded by beautiful pines and big skies. One evening, Philip dropped to his knee in front of the waterfall and proposed — he sweetly made sure my dogs were nearby so they could bear witness!" 

And now they are married. This next wedding detail will please Law & Order: SVU fans. First of all, did you know Swank and Mariska Hargitay are best friends? Well, they are, and Hargitay served as Swank's maid of honor. Hargitay's daughter, Amaya, who is Swank's goddaughter, was also the flower girl.

More: All the Celebrity Couples Who Recently Said I Do

Schneider's best man was his father. As for Schneider's best friend, Collins, he read a poem during the ceremony that he wrote specifically for the newlyweds.

Oh, and just wait until you hear about what Swank and Schneider did during the reception. They performed a "Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers–style tap dance choreographed to Moby’s 'In My Heart.'" They even changed into costumes for what sounds like an amazing dance routine. Yes, Christian Louboutin designed their tap shoes.

More: 30 of the Most Gorgeous Celeb Wedding Looks of All Time

They had such blast at the wedding, that they even had an unplanned after-party. They all danced to wireless headphones and then when the evening officially ended, they all rode on "bicycles decorated Burning Man–style with LED lights and streamers by our friend’s children. Swank said, "It was the perfect custom creation to punctuate a perfect custom evening."

The wedding was definitely everything Swank could've hoped for. "It was timeless," she gushed. "There is just no other way to describe it. I was overwhelmed with such gratitude and thanks to be marrying the man of my dreams and to see all the people we love together in the middle of such a profound setting. It was truly a dream come true."

When's the last time you got your hands on Red Lobster's warm, cheesy, flaky Cheddar Bay biscuits? Whether it's been months (maybe even years!) or you had them, oh, a few days ago, Red Lobster is handing them out for free very soon.

More: Here's How to Get Free McDonald's for the Rest of Your Life — Seriously

In honor of National Just Because Day on Aug. 27, whenever you place a Red Lobster order via the DoorDash app or website, you'll not only get free delivery, but they'll also add six free Cheddar Bay biscuits to your order — free of charge. And as we all know, those biscuits pair well with literally everything on their menu, be it crispy fried shrimp or irresistible snow crab legs. 

Not sure if Red Lobster delivers to your area? Chances are high they do, as the restaurant recently teamed up with DoorDash to expand delivery from nearly 400 Red Lobster locations.   

"We know our guests are busy, so we want to offer ways that make it easy and convenient for them to dine with us," said Kim Lopdrup, CEO of Red Lobster, in a press release in June when the DoorDash expansion was announced. "We're excited to expand our partnership with DoorDash as another way to grow our off-premise offerings and provide guests with an ultimate seafood dining experience, no matter where they are."

More: Olive Garden's Never-Ending Pasta Pass Now Lasts for a Full Year

Next, you're probably asking, why on this particular day? The answer is simple: just because! On Just Because Day, you can do whatever you want for no real reason and no explanation at all. According to National Day Calendar, this easygoing day, started as a family holiday by Joseph J. Goodwin in California in the late ‘50s, quickly grew into an annual celebration. And we're 100 percent here for it.

So mark your calendars, because these biscuits are only free for one day.

Moving to a new school is exciting, but it can also be a tough transition for kids — from navigating a new school building to finding their place in a new class to striving to make friends all over again. Your child may experience feelings of stress and anxiety; sometimes, switching schools can even be as stressful as going through another tumultuous kid life change such as loss or divorce. But although being the new kid in school isn't easy, it can be a fantastic opportunity to cultivate confidence and self-identity. 

Here's how you can support your kids through that process according to child psych experts.

More: The Back-to-School Checklist Every Mom Needs

Don't let it be a surprise

Dr. Gail Saltz is an associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine, and she explains how a move can be stressful for children. “Any major transition, like a house move, can cause anxiety for children. Their home provides comfort; losing it can make a child feel very unsettled and uncertain about day-to-day life until they adjust,” she tells SheKnows.

Nobody likes to be blindsided with life-altering information, so as soon as you know a move is imminent, share this information with your child and answer any questions they may have about the process and exactly what will happen.

Tour the new school together

Mary Masellis, lead psychologist for the Queen Creek Unified School District in Arizona, has helped many new arrivals to get their bearings and feel part of their new school community. She advises parents to bring their child along to orientation to view their new school, check out the bus routine and ask for a school buddy or mentor to be assigned to their child. She also suggests families get involved in their new local community. “Play at the school playground and local park to encourage your child to meet new friends that already go to the new school. Get involved with the school, volunteer if you can, network with other parents and be patient. It may take about six weeks or 30 school days before children begin to settle,” she tells SheKnows.

Get kids involved with the details

Let children have some choices over how their new bedroom will be decorated, and if a process of decluttering will be taking place, give them control over which toys and possessions they are happy to pass on and which they want to bring to the new home. Kids can also become excited about the move if they can choose new clubs or after-school activities to join. Check out the new neighborhood together and get them interested in their new environment.

More: School Supplies You'll 100 Percent Steal From Your Kids

Explain the process of moving

As an adult, it’s easy to forget we have prior life experiences our children do not share. They may not understand the process of moving or where all those boxes are being sent. Children may worry that their pets won't be coming along, that their toys will be lost or that they may even be boxed up too! Carefully go over the schedule of moving day, explaining exactly what will happen to all your possessions, and then if possible, send children to their grandparents or a babysitter so you can focus on the move.

Make it special

It’s natural for kids to feel anxious about starting a new school, but parents can help their children feel more in control by making the first day of school feel exciting and special.

Saltz says, “Let them choose fun stuff to prepare, and go in with... special erasers or pencils, a fun binder and backpack.”

Give your child a pep talk

Confidence to handle new and challenging situations is a skill that can be strengthened with repetition. Masellis says that parents can help their children to adjust to a new school and overcome any nervousness they might feel by giving them a little pep talk and reminding them just how capable they really are.

“Remind your child of all the 'firsts' they have already accomplished and how those firsts were handled,” she says.

Keep home/school lines of communication open

It’s really important to keep the lines of communication open between home and school. You should keep your child's teacher abreast of any worries your child may have about being at a new school, and they can give you a clear picture of what's happening in the classroom and how your child is coping with all the changes.

Keep listening to your child

When starting at a new school, children may well have to keep their fears at bay all day long as they try their best to present a confident front. Dr. Katie Davis, a licensed clinical psychologist in New York State, reminds us that once they get home, our job as parents is to be that soft place to land.

“The most important thing to do is to validate your children's concerns and thank them for sharing their thoughts and worries. It is crucial to keep that conversation open and to make them feel heard, considered and safe. You may not have the answers to all of their questions, but you can always say, 'Thanks for letting me know. I'm not sure yet how to answer your question, but I can understand why that might upset you, and I'll start thinking about ways to help,'” she tells SheKnows.

Know when to seek help

Most children will adjust to a new school, house and even a new city or country relatively easily. Children are very resilient. Be patient with kids and expect to have some setbacks. They may love their new school one day and then the next complain they don't want to go. However, if their anxiety persists or they seem very unhappy, you may need to speak with the school about solutions, including the possibility of seeing a family therapist for advice and coping strategies.

Saltz has the following advice on spotting warning signs your child might not be coping with the change. “If a child regresses in already-accomplished milestones (potty training, sleeping in their own bed, going to other children’s homes), if they start socially isolating themselves, if they refuse to go to school, if their grades really drop or if they can’t sleep or lose their appetite, then these may be signs of high anxiety or depression.”

More: 15 Must-Haves to Keep Kids Healthy During Back-to-School

Moving schools can be hard on kids, but if you prepare them, keep talking about the process throughout, encourage them to try new activities and get involved with the new school community, you can help them to make new friends and feel secure and safe in their new home away from home.

In her upcoming film, Destroyer, Nicole Kidman gives new meaning to going undercover. Not only will Kidman play a Los Angeles police officer who does, in fact, hide her identity to infiltrate a criminal gang, but photos from the movie also show that she is hardly recognizable in the role. The typically glamourous actor underwent a dramatic makeunder to bring character Erin Bell to the big screen.  

More: Here's Everything Nicole Kidman's Working on Right Now (Hint: It's a Lot)

Per Vanity Fair, credit for the transformation goes to director Karyn Kusama (who has worked on thrillers like Jennifer's Body and The Invitation), who had a very specific vision for Kidman.

"We always knew that what we wanted her to look like was a real middle-aged woman with a past that she wears on her face. With sun damage and sleep deprivation and stress and rage, just in her whole physical body,” Kusama told the magazine.

The only catch? Kusama revealed that Kidman “hates being in the makeup chair,” so they had to work efficiently to make the transformation possible. “She just wants to be on set working,” Kusama said, adding, “So we had to make it as short an application as possible.”

More: 14 Roles That Guarantee Nicole Kidman Will Always Be a Superstar

Pretty impressive when you consider the end result. Photos from Destroyer show Kidman with dark, shaggy hair tinged with gray. Her eyes appear almost sunken, with dark circles beneath. The pale, flawless complexion we’re accustomed to seeing has been replaced by the type of skin Kusama described: uneven and mottled with dark spots from the sun. The trauma of Bell’s time undercover is splayed across Kidman’s face.

This isn’t the first time Kidman has transformed for a role. It’s the most recent in a growing list of characters the star has committed wholly to embodying.

More: Nicole Kidman Almost Quit Acting 9 Years Ago

In 2018, she adopted a soccer mom coif to play conservative matriarch Nany Eamons in Boy Erased. Photos from 2019’s The Goldfinch are already garnering major buzz for Kidman’s metamorphosis into Mrs. Barbour. In TV’s Top of the Lake, she traded her platinum blond tresses for unkempt gray curls. And who could forget how convincing she was as Grace Kelly in Grace of Monaco, or how jarringly realistic her tawdry portrayal of Charlotte Bless in The Paperboy proved to be?

She even took home the Best Actress Oscar in 2003 after donning a prosthetic nose and turning herself into Virginia Woolf for The Hours. 

Destroyer could cement Kidman’s status as Hollywood’s reigning queen of transformation. The film, which comes out on Dec. 25, also stars Sebastian Stan, Bradley Whitford and Tatiana Maslany.

Finding out a partner has cheated can rock your world. People can suddenly experience an array of emotions — sadness, anger, shock and disbelief. If your partner cheats, it's hard to understand why they would do that, but what you decide to do afterward is important. Here are some expert tips on what to do right after your partner cheats.

1. Take a breath & allow yourself to cry or scream

Far too often, people don't give themselves the space and time to simply be in the emotions and feel them, Piper S. Grant, a licensed clinical psychologist, sex therapist and relationship expert, tells SheKnows. “So if you need to scream, scream — into a pillow rather than at your partner. If you need to cry, then let yourself go into that ugly cry.”

More: Why You Shouldn't Try to Make Your Partner Happy

2. Reach out to trusted friends

Reach out to a friend that you know can be supportive and free of judgment. “It is not uncommon for friends to want to jump to your rescue and quickly offer advice for what you need to do. This can be further confusing and actually can make it hard to figure out what is best for you,” says Grant.

3. Try to understand why or how the infidelity happened

Make sure you listen and don't make assumptions. “As much as you might not want to hear about the specific details, you will want to create an understanding for why your partner did what they did, Bethany Ricciardi, a sex and relationship expert with TooTimid, tells SheKnows.

4. Make sure to assess the status of your situation

Where did you find out? Are you safe? Do you feel comfortable staying in the same place as your partner? If not, find somewhere safe for the night and make sure you take care of yourself first, suggests Ricciardi. “Things can get pretty unstable when working through infidelity, and you want to make sure you are in a stable environment so that you can continue to take care of your everyday life.”

5. Understand it’s not your fault

It was their call to cheat when they did, and you can’t take it out on yourself. “No matter what the situation was, your partner had a commitment to you, and you can’t feel responsible for it,” Lori Bizzoco, a relationship expert and founder of Cupid's Pulse, tells SheKnows.

More: My Phone Ruined My Relationship

6. Evaluate your options

It might be hard to make a final decision, but start to lay the foundation for which direction this relationship is going. “Whether you stay together or decide to move on, at this stage, you need to focus on your coping skills. Work through it to forgive or to forget,” says Ricciardi.

7. Give yourself at least 24 hours before making any big decisions

No big decisions need to be made immediately, so give yourself at least 24 hours to make any big decisions, suggests Grant. “Right after finding about a partner cheating, we can feel like we need to go straight into fix-it mode or make big decisions based on discovering the sexual infidelity. Rather than being reactive, be intentional and thoughtful.”

8. Reevaluate the relationship

You should take a step back and decide if your partner cheating is something that is forgivable. “If it’s something that you can forgive them for, then you’ll need to have a conversation about how to move forward in the best way possible. If not, then you’ll have to move on in the best way you can,” says Bizzoco.

9. Avoid social media if you can

“You don't want to react online and write about how much you hate your partner just to later forgive them for their actions,” says Ricciardi.  And the exact opposite can be just as bad. “Don't post fake, happy photos to get your partner jealous or to disguise that you're OK when really you're not. Keep your business to yourself and give yourself some time to process everything and stay offline.”

10. Don't try to get back at your partner or to act vengefully 

“You're really hurting right now, and you want your partner to hurt the same, but don't spread the pain,” says Ricciardi. You don't want to do anything you can't reverse, and at the end of the day, you won't feel better “getting back” at them.

11. Accept what happened

“In a lot of cases, people are in denial about their significant other cheating on them. Pushing the problem aside won’t change what happened, so confronting the problem with your partner head-on is the best way to go about it,” says Bizzoco.

12. Don't forget to take care of yourself

Sometimes, these emotions can be overwhelming, and people might find themselves not eating or binging on loads of unhealthy food. “When you are going through something so emotional, it is imperative to try and take care of yourself physically because it will only help support you in being able to process all of the emotions,” says Grant.

Nothing is going to make the process painless, but hopefully, by following this expert advice you can heal completely and in a way that is healthy for you and your partner. 

If you're still grasping onto summer, milking every last bit of it before fall arrives, then this refreshing secret-menu Starbucks drink is just what you need.

It's called the White Drink, and the best part is it's keto-friendly. 

More: Starbucks Announces 2 New Beverages, & They're Unlike Anything Else on the Menu

Following the hype of the keto-friendly Pink Drink in June, keto dieters are at it again, concocting new Starbucks drinks that work with their dietary restrictions. For those unfamiliar with the keto diet, basically, you focus on consuming fats, limiting proteins and nearly eliminating carbs. Also on the list of foods to avoid are sugars and sweeteners.

So, what makes this White Drink keto-friendly? It's made with Teavana Shaken Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion, which is a blend of flavors mixed with their iced white tea. While the white tea blend does have added liquid sugar cane, making it keto-friendly is easy — you substitute the liquid sugar cane for sugar-free vanilla syrup.

That said, here's how to order the White Drink the next time you're at Starbucks:

1. Ask for the Teavana Shaken Peach Citrus White Tea Infusion.
2. Tell the barista you want it unsweetened (this is important!).
3. Ask for a splash of heavy cream.
4. Ask for two to four pumps of sugar-free vanilla syrup.
5. Ask for no water and light ice.

More: 9 Celebs Who Are on the Keto Diet

Of course, you can customize this drink any way you want. In the end, you can expect it to taste just like a peaches and cream dessert. At least that's how Instagram users are describing it according to Spoon University.

We're sold. See you soon, Starbucks.

Pregnancy is hard on a person's body, and morning sickness can be brutal. It can strike all day, every day for 13 weeks and, according to the American Pregnancy Association, it is one of the most common pregnancy symptoms, affecting more than 50 percent of all expectant mothers. And while there is little a person can do to find relief (save for sucking on some mints or chewing on saltines) a new study reveals that some are now using marijuana as a way to self-medicate.

More: We May Finally Have a Drug to Treat Postpartum Depression

According to a news release from Kaiser Permanente, the study, published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzed data from more than 220,000 pregnant people in northern California. Researchers found that those with severe nausea and/or vomiting were four times more likely to use marijuana than those without morning sickness symptoms, and those who reported mild morning sickness symptoms were twice as likely. 

To put it another way: 1 in 10 pregnant individuals in California are now using cannabis to treat morning sickness.

Of course, drug use (of any kind) during pregnancy is not considered safe; in fact, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists encourages women who are pregnant or considering becoming pregnant to stop using marijuana immediately. However, it should be noted that the health effects of marijuana on pregnancy remain unclear.

That said, the team from Kaiser Permanente — who conducted the study — hope their findings will lead doctors to offer and develop safer methods for treating morning sickness symptoms.

“We hope our study can help alert clinicians to the fact that women with nausea and vomiting in pregnancy are more likely to use marijuana,” the study’s senior author, Dr. Nancy Goler, a Kaiser Permanente OB-GYN in Northern California and associate executive director for The Permanente Medical Group, said in a statement. “Pregnant women need to be screened and given the information about the possible negative effects, while also receiving medically recommended treatment options.”

More: Number of Pregnant Women Addicted to Opioids Increases, CDC Reports

What's more, the team hopes to do additional research to examine how pregnant people use marijuana (smoking versus edibles), whether trends in prenatal marijuana changed with the legalization of pot for recreational use and — perhaps most important — the health effects of prenatal marijuana exposure.

Aretha Franklin died last week, leaving behind a massive legacy in music. But that’s not all she left behind — the Queen of Soul had a reported $80 million estate, and sources say she had no will in place for it at the time of her death.

On Thursday, the iconic singer succumbed to advanced pancreatic cancer at her home in Michigan. According to Franklin’s longtime publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, the singer was surrounded by family at the time of her death. Now, some of those family members are stepping forward to stake their claim to her estate.

More: Aretha Franklin Has Died, & the World Is Paying Tribute to Her

Per the Detroit Free Press, Franklin had not set up a will or trust prior to her death. 

So, on Tuesday, Franklin’s four children — Clarence, 63, Edward, 61, Ted, 54, and Kecalf, 48 — filed a document declaring themselves to be “interested parties” in her estate. This isn’t necessarily groundbreaking news given that Franklin’s kids stand to inherit her entire estate anyway based on Michigan law.

What is less clear is whether Franklin’s children are aware of or are communicating with Franklin’s niece, Sabrina Owens, who is petitioning the court to be appointed as personal representative for Franklin’s estate. Judge Jennifer Callaghan has been assigned the case.

More: All the Celebrities We've Lost in 2018

Los Angeles attorney Don Wilson seemed to suggest familial tension could be afoot, telling the Detroit Free Press, “I was after her for a number of years to do a trust. It would have expedited things and kept them out of probate, and kept things private.”

Pertaining to privacy, Wilson is referring to the fact that Franklin’s finances will become public in the absence of a will. Had Franklin created a will or trust, the attorney could have kept her financial records under wraps. Wilson says he would also have helped the legendary soul singer manage her holdings in music publishing and handle any copyright issues. He did reveal, though, that she retained ownership of her original compositions.

While nothing at this time solidly suggests anyone will create trouble for Franklin’s children, creditors or extended family members could contest their inheritance of the state. However, one of Franklin’s former attorneys told The Detroit News that just because Franklin didn’t have a will doesn’t necessarily mean she didn’t have a plan.

“You have (estate) representatives for numerous reasons that have legal ramifications that don’t necessarily point to a person having or not having a will,” Arnold Reed said on Tuesday. And, as far as Reed is concerned, there isn’t likely to be additional drama during the inheritance proceedings. “I’m not aware of any tension in the family and I don’t anticipate they will face any issues,” he said.

Franklin’s funeral will be held in Detroit on Aug. 31. While that service is private, there will also be a viewing on Aug. 28 and 29 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

The benefits of vaccines cannot be overstated. They not only improve one's quality of life, they improve the longevity of one's life, and in short, they save lives. And while the great vaccine debate continues to rage on, new research from Kaiser Permanente is putting one very common argument to bed: the HPV vaccine — which provides protection from human papillomavirus — does not have a negative impact on its recipients' future fertility.

More: These Are the Vaccines Your Kid Needs Before Going Back to School

The study, published in Pediatrics, found that girls (and women) who receive the vaccination for HPV do not have an increased risk for primary ovarian insufficiency, also known as premature menopause.

“Reports of premature menopause after HPV vaccination have received a lot of media attention, including on social media,” Dr. Allison Naleway, lead author and investigator with the Kaiser Permanente Center for Health Research in Portland, Oregon, said in a statement. “However, these reports were based on a small number of isolated cases and must be interpreted with caution. To bring clarity to this issue, we conducted a study of nearly 200,000 young women.”

That said, not all of the study participants received the HPV vaccine: 119,078 females received Tdap vaccines, 84,783 received flu vaccines, 58,871 received the HPV vaccine and 46,231 received meningococcal conjugate. 

However, "of [the] 58,871 young women who received the HPV vaccine during the study period, we found only one case of an individual who possibly had symptoms of primary ovarian sufficiency after vaccination,” said Naleway. “If POI is triggered by the HPV vaccine or another recommended adolescent vaccine, we would have expected to see higher incidence in the younger women who were most likely to be vaccinated. But we found no elevated risk for these individuals.”

More: There's a Measles Outbreak in 21 States Right Now Because of Unvaccinated Kids

Of course, this is great news for parents and kids alike, as HPV is a virus (well, a group of viruses) which can lead to cancer in both women and men according to the CDC. And while the rates of HPV vaccination remain relatively low — due to uncertainty surrounding the immunization — this information should negate most parental safety concerns.  

It would seem Ben Affleck, newly single and very ready to mingle, doesn’t want to waste another minute worrying about what others think about his romantic decisions. Days before his breakup with now-former girlfriend Lindsay Shookus was even confirmed, Affleck was spotted spending time with Playboy model Shauna Sexton in LA. And per People, a source says Affleck really just wants to live his best (casual dating) life, y’all. 

“He is happy being able to date who he wants and not feel tied down to a serious relationship. Lindsay was more serious about him. He enjoyed her company but was not looking for anything permanent now,” the source said. 

More: Did Ben Affleck Break Up With Lindsay Shookus?

To his credit, the actor-director did put in over a year with Shookus. Given that he’d just come out of his decadelong marriage to Jennifer Garner shortly before that, it’s not surprising Affleck would want to pump the brakes a bit. 

For Affleck, that means reverting back to some of his pre-Garner (and possibly mid-Garner) ways. “Ben likes a woman with brains and beauty but he also likes to be free to do what he wants,” the source told People. 

As for Garner, well, what’s an ex-wife going to do, right? Sources say while she isn’t thrilled about Affleck’s perceived frat boylike behavior (our words, not hers), she’s long since accepted that he is who he is. And these days, whoever he wants to be isn’t really her problem, especially since they're working out their divorce and seemingly have no intention of getting back together.

More: Jennifer Garner & Ben Affleck's Divorce May Get Dismissed

“Of course she’s not pleased he’s dating a 22-year-old Playboy model,” a source allegedly quite close to Garner revealed to Us Weekly. “But she’s also not surprised. Jen has come to expect this from Ben. She’s not going to get involved. She can’t make decisions for him.” 

The former couple’s three children — Violet, 12, Seraphina, 9, and Samuel, 6 — are Garner’s primary concern.

“Jen realized a long time ago that she cannot fix Ben and that his problems are not hers to solve. She’s not his babysitter. She just wants to protect the kids. But she does wish Ben would keep his life more private,” said the source. 

More: This May Be the Real Reason Jennifer Garner Isn't Divorcing Ben Affleck Yet

However, for any eye-rolling she's undoubtedly be doing in her ex’s direction, it’s clear Garner also has his best interests at heart since it's also in the best interest of their kids that she keep things amicable with Affleck. Just last week, sources claimed that Garner has been drawing out their divorce to “give Ben the time and opportunity to work on his health and sobriety.” 

If the coffee he’s constantly carrying around and the perma-smile on his face right now are any indication, Affleck is going to be just fine doing whatever he needs to do to stay on the sunny side. 

Many children start exploring their bodies at a very young age, which is very normal and natural. After all, they may quickly discover that it feels good, which could lead to some questions about what's going on there. 

This can be a tricky talk for parents, who may be unsure of the appropriate time to approach this subject with their children as well as the appropriate dialogue to use for their age. 

We know this can be a tough subject to navigate, so we asked the experts to weigh in and let us know when we should start the conversation and how to talk to our kids about masturbation in a way that feels somewhat comfortable for everyone.

There is no set age

This conversation really depends on your child. Rachel Wright, a psychotherapist and therapeutic relationship coach, says it's incredibly important to talk to your kids about masturbation. And as the parent, you know your child best, so lead with that and have the conversation when you feel it will be most beneficial instead of paying attention to a specific age, she tells SheKnows.

Jill Whitney, a licensed marriage and family therapist, agrees and says there is no "right age" to talk to your kids about masturbation. Some toddlers and preschoolers begin touching their genitals at a young age, and when you notice it, you should talk about it right away, she tells SheKnows.

Other kids may be much older, and Whitney suggests if you don't notice your child self- pleasuring, you should talk to them about masturbation as they are nearing puberty.

"Before puberty, most kids aren't masturbating to orgasm," Whitney says. It simply feels pleasurable to them, and some even do it to soothe themselves. 

Typically, those with a penis start masturbating when they start getting erections and wet dreams. When they reach this point in their life, Whitney explains, it’s important to let them know what's happening to their body is normal, even if you aren't sure if they have started masturbating yet. 

People with a vagina usually discover self-pleasuring on their own and should be taught they have a clitoris that's only used for sexual pleasure, says Whitney. Let them know where it’s located, "toward the front of the vulva," and let them know they should look for it at some point. 

While they may be surprised by your comment, it's so important to teach them we are "built for sex to feel good," Whitney adds. This also takes away any shame they may be feeling about masturbating. 

As your children get older, it may feel more awkward to talk to them about masturbation. Most kids shy away from this as they get older and don't want to talk to their parents about it at all. 

Whitney says there is no need to go into detail about it at this age as long as you are normalizing masturbation. An example of what you can say to your older child is, "Some people used to think it was wrong or unhealthy to masturbate, but of course that's not true. It's completely healthy and normal to touch yourself any way that feels good to you." 

Your child will probably not have a positive reaction to your mentioning it to them, but that's OK. The important thing is "you've made the point that self-pleasuring is nothing to be ashamed of," Whitney says. 

Don't make your child feel wrong for masturbating

Masturbating is something almost everyone does, and there should never be any shame attached to it. The way you talk to your child about masturbation, especially your tone, can make a lasting impression. Whitney says to "be calm, warm and matter-of-fact" when addressing the potentially touchy subject.

Along the same lines, as much as we want to convey the message that it's normal, parents also have the challenge of explaining that masturbation isn't something that should be done in public.

Wright says a good way to approach this with a younger child who has discovered masturbation would be to say something like, "Just like we don't go potty in the middle of the grocery store, we don't stick our hands in our pants in the grocery store either," and says the focus should be more on where it's happening, not what is happening.

Set boundaries

It is OK to tell your child there are appropriate places and times to touch their genitals. According to Whitney, a good way to start the conversation is to say something like, "I know it feels nice to touch yourself like that but your penis/vulva is a private part of your body, and touching yourself there is a private activity. So, not in the living room OK? Save it for when you are alone in your bedroom." 

This way, your child does not feel wrong about masturbation or that it's off-limits. You are simply teaching them there is a time and place for doing so.

Wright mentions the importance of telling your child with a penis that "not all holes are created equal" so they are aware of what is safe and what could be dangerous. 

If your child has a vulva, talk to them about what is safe to put near it or in their vagina. We teach our children the right and safe way to do things, such as how to brush their teeth and eat healthy foods, and masturbation needs to be included in these teachings, Wright adds.

What to look out for

If you feel your child is excessively masturbating at home and in public, even after you've talked to them about it, Wright says it might be a good time to talk about it. Similarly, she says that if they are masturbating "in conjunction with other symptoms of behavioral or emotional difficulty" or you notice inappropriate sexual talk or activity, you may want to talk to your pediatrician about their behavior.

Consent

According to Wright, masturbation is a great gateway to talk about consent with your child as well. You can say things like, "Would you force yourself to masturbate if you didn't want to?" And then go on to talk about how we never force anyone to do something they don't want or allow anyone to touch our bodies in a way that makes us uncomfortable. You can then reiterate the fact it is OK to touch your own genitals in private, but not someone else's.

And while these chats with your kids may not be easy, they are an important part of their sexual development and education and well worth your time and effort.

Uh-oh! Although Netflix’s Queer Eye reboot has been met with nearly universal praise since premiering, it would seem one key person isn’t entirely on board. In an interview with Variety this week, original Fab Five member Carson Kressley made a subtle dig at the reboot. 

Speaking to the outlet at NeueHouse Hollywood in Los Angeles to celebrate the upcoming 70th Emmys, Kressley waxed nostalgic. “Are we 70 already?” he joked of the anniversary. “Gosh, I remember the first one like it was yesterday.” 

More: This Queer Eye Season 2 Music Video Is the Best Thing You'll See All Week

The RuPaul’s Drag Race judge was also quick to give his creative medium a shoutout, saying, “We’re so lucky to work in TV. It’s really having a renaissance right now and so inclusive and diverse.” Where Kressley was less inclined to give credit, though, was to the Netflix revival.

 “I’m thrilled that they’re nominated, but it was a little more groundbreaking back when we won an Emmy in 2004,” he said of the original series’ 2004 win (and 2005 nomination). 

While that was definitely shade being thrown by Kressley, he’s not without a point. When the original Queer Eye debuted in 2003, it was hailed for its progressive premise. The original Fab Five — Kressley, Ted Allen, Kyan Douglas, Thom Filicia and Jai Rodriguez — were dubbed the “greatest gay success stories” of the year by Out magazine. Thanks to the boundaries they broke and their mass popularity, the first Fab Five paved the way for more LGBTQ-inclusive programming.  

Of course, that’s not to say that the importance of the Netflix series’ nomination should be downplayed. The practically instant likability and success of the new series serve as a testament to how far representation for the LGBTQ community has come on television. 

The new Fab Five certainly seems to be aware of the cultural and personal significance of their predecessors. “That show, it was so important for me. Like, being on a river in, like, the middle of America to see that show… it was really important,” Queer Eye’s new grooming expert, Van Ness, told ET in February. “It’s definitely big shoes to step into because any time you’re coming back into something… this was such a beloved show and… it’s just such big shoes to fill.” 

More: Another Queer Eye Couple Tied the Knot

Kressley's fans obviously agree, going so far as to say that the OG fashion expert is irreplaceable. 

"The new Queer Eye sorely misses Carson," one such fan commented on Variety's coverage. "They should have carried him through to the new version and made the show better than the poor knockoff it is now. Emmy nom or not, it’s just not Queer Eye without Carson. It would be like doing a Will and Grace Reboot without Karen."

Regardless, at least there's enough Emmys love to go around. After all, Kressley stands to add another to his collection — RuPaul's Drag Race has also been nominated this year.