Unlike their cousins, rain frogs spend very little time in water. Instead, they live in the sand dunes of Namibia and South Africa. They have adapted to this harsh environment, with a host of curious traits. For example, they don’t croak — but that doesn’t mean they’re docile. In fact, these frogs make a high-pitched squeal sound that sounds like a child’s toy when they are threatened, a frightful noise that may deter predators from attacking them.

Another odd characteristic of the rain frog is its skin, which has smooth warts and small knobby tubercles. The frog’s skin can also cling to sand, a strategy that helps it blend in with its surroundings and keep away predators. It’s one of many ways that the frog survives in its desert habitat.

Pitter-Patter Players: Exploring the Ecology and Behavior of Rain Frogs

You might think that rain frogs are not able to reproduce since most frog species require access to water to lay eggs and hatch their young into tadpoles. The frogs in the Breviceps genus, however, didn’t get that memo. Instead of producing a rigid egg case, they produce a mucous layer that mimics the effect of water and allows them to thrive on land.

Despite these adaptations, the desert rain frog’s situation is still precarious. Humans are the frog’s biggest threat, with mining operations for useless diamonds encroaching on their natural habitat. These frogs’ narrow tolerance for environmental conditions makes them particularly sensitive to changes in their surroundings, making them useful indicator species that show us how healthy our shared planet is. Each Wednesday, One Earth will feature a different animal that is remarkable in its own way to highlight the beauty, diversity and wonder of our world.

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Empathy-building activities are great, Empathic Parenting Guide: Recognizing Co-Parent Harassment cross the line into harassment. That’s when it’s time to seek help. Fortunately, there are many options available. Effective communication, establishing clear boundaries, seeking professional guidance, and legal intervention when necessary can all reduce the impact of non-custodial parent harassment and promote healthy co-parenting.

Harassment includes any action intended to scare, intimidate, or control the other party. It can take many forms, from making demeaning comments in front of the child, to sending threatening text messages or emails, to even physical violence. Any behavior that interferes with custody or visitation arrangements is also considered harassment.

Empathic Parenting Guide: Recognizing the Signs of Co-Parent Harassment

One of the most difficult forms of harassment to recognize is humiliation. Your co-parent may publicly shame you through social media, spreading rumors or posting false information about you to destroy your reputation. This is a form of emotional abuse that can be extremely damaging.

Physical violence is another form of harassment that should never be tolerated. Hitting, slamming doors, punching, pinching, or any other physical contact that causes you pain is considered assault and is a crime. It is important to document any incidents of harassment, including a detailed description and the names of witnesses. Also, be sure to save any related emails or other digital communications for use in the future. This information can help you defend your rights in court if necessary. In addition, seeking the assistance of a family law attorney may be advisable to guide you on legally enforcing your boundaries.

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If the couple has opted to take fill out wedding rsvp card, you’ll find instructions on how to do so either on their website or on a dedicated email address (common with couples who use Zola for their weddings). If you are being asked to reply digitally, it’s important that you respond using the method the hosts have requested. Sending an email to a general couple email address, for example, will make it hard for them to keep track of responses.

On the wedding rsvp card, there is usually space for guests to write their names and a line to indicate whether they can attend or not. Many couples like to include a space to write an option other than “accepts” and “declines”. This can be something fun or formal such as, “can’t wait!” and “wish I could make it!”

Demystifying RSVP Cards: What You Need to Know

Some couples will also ask guests to select their meal preferences on the RSVP card. If this is the case, be sure to write your initials next to the options so that the bride and groom know who each preference belongs to.

It is never acceptable to bring children to a wedding that is specifically stated as adults-only. It’s important to respect the couple’s wishes as some venues and caterers charge a higher fee for each additional guest they serve.

Traditionally, couples will ask guests to return their RSVP by a certain date. If the couple has specified an RSVP date, it is important to stick to this as it will give them a clear picture of how many guests are attending.

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