Kids dread returning to school for a number of reasons.
Some kids worry about returning to school out of fear for facing their bullies, not being included in activities or social groups, or both. But what can parents do to help kids build mental strength, reduce anxiety, and avoid bullies and social distress?
Best-selling author, family therapist, TEDx speaker and Psychotherapist Jodi Aman, LCSW, has a few tips on how to help their kids navigate these onerous social experiences to mitigate their negative impact.
Here’s Jodi’s top tips to help parents prepare for their children returning to school when faced with anxiety and bullying:
Go over some bullying scenarios with your kids and make them come up with ways to respond to each one. This brainstorming will open their problem-solving mind so when they are in a situation they will trust themselves and be able to think their way out, rather than freezing or doing something unsafe. Remind them where to go for help at school and that they can always talk to you when they get home.
Let them know why kids bully. Just saying that “they are jealous” isn’t enough to understand why someone might be jealous. Explain that miserable people are mean because they don’t like themselves. Go over examples from TV or movies so they understand this concept. This will help them not take the mean comments into their hearts.
Some friend groups have cultures of drama and this may not be the best place for your child’s tender heart. If your kid is being excluded have them use their noticing skills to find the nice kids. They are always there and may be just the friend group your child is looking for.
Ask your kids about helping their friends when they are bullied. Do they stand up to them? Do they check in with them? Make sure you go over these options for how not to be a bystander.
The bottom line is to be active! Good luck, parents!
By: Sheyla Scaffo, People Experience Associate & Executive Business Administrator at Bunny Studio
Many parents are currently navigating an entirely new normal: Working from home while taking care of their kids full-time. As school picks back up and many kids remain at home for remote learning, figuring out how to balance their schedule and a full-time job sometimes feels totally unmanageable.
Most parents have had experience working remotely in one-off, unplanned situations. However, working at home day in and day out for the foreseeable future while also caring for (and in some cases, teaching) kids at home proves to be a major struggle without careful planning where needed and flexibility when possible.
Read on to learn how to create better routines and habits that can help parents maintain a healthy work-life integration:
1. When possible, keep things flexible This is often easier said than done. However, when you do have the ability, consider getting creative with your work schedule to base your hours around your kids’ schedules. Giving yourself the flexibility to work differently during this time is crucial to maintaining work-life balance.
This can work in a variety of ways. For example, if you’re an early morning person or a night owl, or you are used to commuting a long way, consider working on projects during these times when kids are usually sleeping. Of course, there will always be vital tasks and meetings that require collaboration with your colleagues during regular work hours, but finding ways to give yourself time for small breaks during the day will help you and your kids stay on track.
2. Establish a kid-free zone There will be times when you need to hunker down and complete work items free from distractions, which is why it is important to establish an area of the house where you can separate yourself from your family.
Not only is it important for this space to be free from other people, but it also needs to be free from other distractions such as dirty laundry and other messes. Keeping the area clean and organized will keep you from wanting to disengage from work to complete other tasks.
3. Clearly communicate with your family If you have a partner who is also working from home and sharing kid duties with you, it is crucial to communicate the times you can and cannot help out during the day. Setting these expectations will allow for a much smoother daily routine.
It is also important to communicate with your children if they are old enough. Set expectations for when there will be breaks in your day that you can check-in, whether it be a quick snack break, lunch, or even hourly check-ins.
4. Utilize special toys and screen time during work hours Set aside designated toys and other gadgets, as well as movies or TV shows, to be used when you need to focus-in during the day. This will give your kids something to look forward to and will allow for some distraction-free work time. 5. Don’t overwork During this time, it can be easy to feel like we need to push ourselves to work extra hours, but the reality is that taking the time to unplug and reset each day is critical to success as a parent and an employee.
With schools and offices closed, parents are likely finding themselves faced with a to-do list that has only grown. Although many of us have now had a few months to settle into fully-remote work, that does not mean keeping up with distance-learning while figuring out the best way to accomplish your work has gotten any easier. Designing a schedule that fits your needs is easier said than done, but following the above tips should help ensure you are on the right track.
Should you find yourself out of work during this time, consider that there are other work options out there, such as freelance and contract work, that may help you meet your scheduling and finance needs. Freelancing is also a great source of supplemental income for people while they look for new full-time employment. Just make sure you choose the right platform to help you get the right kind of projects, such as Bunny Studio.
A while ago, a scientific research study found that first born children are usually smarter than their younger siblings. As a first born child myself, that news tickled me pink being a first born myself. I am a big believer in birth order playing a role in the development and personality of a child.
Genes definitely play a role, but researchers suggest that born-leaders are a real thing – and their success is not based on their teachers or peers but on their birth order. First-borns
First-born children are 30 per cent more likely to become leaders such as CEOs or politicians. This is according to economists at the University of Texas-Austin and at Sweden’s Institute for Evaluation of Labour Market and Education Policy.
They found that first-borns are on average more emotionally stable, persistent, socially outgoing, willing to assume responsibility, and able to take initiative than later-borns.
Researchers say having more children means parents spend less time with each child which means the later ones generally have lower IQs. Parents also invest more time creating rules and being strict with the first child. As a result unique qualities develop that make them great leaders, such as intelligence, discipline and people management.
Well-known first-borns include Beyoncé, Emma Watson, Hillary Clinton, Richard Branson, J. K. Rowling, Kate Middleton, Oprah Winfrey and Winston Churchill.
These are 10 facts from our friends at Nanny.net about the effect of birth order on the eldest children, some of which may shed new light on behavioral quirks and personality traits of your firstborn.
They’re More Reliable – First born children are often expected to look after younger siblings and take on a greater role of responsibility than children born into the family after them, and as a result they often grow into more reliable and dependable adults.
They Tend to Be Higher Achievers – Almost half of all United States presidents have, to date, been first born in their families. In contrast, only four have been last born children. High achievers tend to be eldest children, who place a higher value on achievement and success than their younger siblings.
They’re Natural Leaders – When a child is born first, she’s generally something of an authority figure over her younger siblings. That dominance often becomes a hardwired personality trait, which leaves them more likely to find themselves in positions of leadership in the adult world.
They’re More Likely to be Perfectionists – Unlike younger siblings, who tend to have a more relaxed approach to life, first born children are more likely to be perfectionists, often setting almost impossibly high goals for themselves.
Photo by Viajero from Pexels
They’re Not as Likely to Rebel – Alfred Adler, the father of the birth order psychology movement, asserted that older children often feel “dethroned” by new babies in the household and, as such, may be more likely to actively seek the approval of their parents and the other adults in their lives. In many cases, this drive to please continues throughout adulthood and they’re less likely to be rebellious as teenagers.
They Benefit from Teaching Younger Siblings – When firstborns teach their younger siblings new skills or information, they’re benefiting from what’s known as “the tutor effect.” That’s one of the reasons why firstborn kids tend to be higher academic achievers and to pursue intellectual careers as adults.
They Care More About What People Think of Them – Free-spirited people who aren’t concerned with what society as a whole or even the people closest to them think about their choices tend to be younger siblings, as firstborns generally have a very real drive to be people pleasers.
They Value Organization and Order – Firstborns are more likely to be list-makers, organizers and to bring order to their surroundings than their more haphazard, disorganized counterparts who are lower in birth order.
Photo by Aa Dil from Pexels
They’re Self-Motivated – Because of their desire to please and determination to succeed, older kids tend to be more self-motivated than their younger siblings and to require less encouragement to work towards the goals they’ve set for themselves.
They’re Individuals – There are more studies on the subject of birth order than one could shake a stick at, but one thing that holds true across the board is that there’s more at play than simple birth order when it comes to determining a child’s personality. Genetics, for instance, will have some role in the habits and methods of a person’s behavior, as will environment and other important factors. Knowing a bit about the typical firstborn pattern is helpful, but be careful not to box your child in with expectations that may not hold true in her particular case.
Diaper bags are traditionally feminine and come in nice pretty pastels.
They’re often offered in floral prints and some have cute geometric shapes and target moms who prefer soft aesthetics in accessories. This targeting leaves out the outdoorsy, on-the-go, sporty type moms.
The yoga mom or mom who enjoys running and hiking for fun may be less inclined to purchase bags with soft color palettes.
Similarly, I think those former rocker girl or hip hop loving dame turned mom may prefer a bag that is functional and in darker shades. They may also perfer gender neutral designs.
The solution for me when I was starting my family was to invest in a black leather diaper bag by Coach which had a neutral design but lots of structure. I also invested in a cross body bag.
The benefits of having a non-gender specific styled baby diaper bag is that dad can pick it up and cart it with him when collecting the baby from her grandma’s house.
A diaper back pack is the ultimate compromise between bags that have to be carried over one shoulder and that mimic a handbag and a cross the chest messenger bag which is a style common in men’s bags.
Finally, when it comes to color, you cannot go wrong with black.
Black is stylish, sleek and matches everything. It’s a fave of moministas amongst and stains are hard to spot on black items.
When you add all of these characteristics together, a few bags come percolate to the top of the list.
This back pack is made by the same family-owned company which got its start selling leotards and gear for gymnasts. As you can see from the photo above, it targets the adventurous outdoorsy type family which prefers to keep hands free to actively participate in whatever action is around them.
The backpack has plenty of interior room and comes with a Baby Bottle Cooler and Changing Mat, Shoulder Baby Bag, Food Cooler, Clip to Stroller.
Overall, the diaper back pack gets great reviews for durability, quality of material and sturdiness of structure online.
There is plenty of space within the interior of this bag and atop is a mesh compartment that can be used to store a pacifier, stuffed animal or wash cloth that is airing out to dry and won’t soak the other items in the bag.
15% OFF Back to School Sale at Obersee.com! Hurry! Promo ends on August 20. CODE: SCHOOL1520. SHOP HERE
And for moms and dads who routinely go and explore off the beaten paths, there is an extra large changing pad.
You can be spread it out when there is no available diaper changing station. The size of this pad is extraordinarily large. Exploring outdoors, socially distant, is a great idea during this pandemic!
There is a separate compartment in the front that separates blankets, change of clothes and other items. This compartment soiled by spilled foor or drink. The bag has a metal ring that you can use to attach to the stroller and also has a top strap for grab and go functionality.
The best function of this bag is its detachable cooler. You can house baby bottles or snacks in it. The removable cooler comes in a variety of colors if you want to mix and match.
Parker Baby Diaper Backpack
A second functional and stylish neutral diaper backpack bag is the Birch Bag Birch Bag by The Parker Baby Co.
This bad is super large and comes in a chic grey with tan trim, silver hardware, insulated pockets, stroller straps and a good sized changing pad. I wish the changing pad was a little larger but is it sufficient.
There are ten functional pockets including a “mommy pocket” with key ring, insulated pockets, a laptop/tablet sleeve, changing pad (included) and more. The convenient stroller hooks allow you to connect it to your stroller while you get out for some fresh air after being cooped up inside the house too long.
This bag is also made with a neutral design and for the modern mom and dad in mind. The Parker Baby Co is a family-owned business headed by parents of twin girls, a toddler and a sweet baby boy, which claims to “strive for simplification” when designing products. It gets mainly 4 to 5 star reviews on Amazon.
Hap Tim Diaper Bag Backpack
The Hap Tim Diaper bag is a less costly alternative to the previous two which has upper mid price range. This is also cloth bag but is made for the rugged outdoorsy family who don’t mind being out in inclement weather. The bag is waterproof! It wicks moisture in light rain.
As with the other two pags, the shoulder pads on this bag are padded and extra wide for ergonomical comfort. It also has plenty of space and compartments inside to chuck all the various things you have to carte along when you take baby out!
This bag also boasts a double design, meaning there is a separate section made to be removable. It can store items as well similar to the Obersee. The bag is very large and spacious even without the front compartment.
It is also has 18 pockets that you can easily organize all the different things you schlep on trips short and long: your keys, mobile phone, laptop, bottles, change of clothes, burp cloths, receiving blankets, and more.
Finally, for the fan of designer bags, you have the Herschel Settlement Sprout backpack. This sleek yet highly functional back pack features integrated storage for diapers, wipes and toys, with an easy-access folding changing mat that stows in a custom compartment.
It is 17.5 inches deep so if you plan to take your laptop to the park or cafe (when the pandemic is over) you can securely fit it in this bag. It’s 100%woven fabric in the signature of this brand. This bad has large storage in the front pocket and external zippered side access to the changing mat when you don’t have two hands to manever the bag.
Because it is more of an adventure seeker backpag, it has a waterbottle pocket and a mesh container for yoru accessories.
I also like this non diaper bag version that is sold at Smallable.
There you have it! I hope this review was helpful to you and even if you don’t invest in one of these three bags, I hope this post gives you some ideas on what to look for when shopping for your sporty chic diaper back pack!
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, sending a child off to college and shopping for dorm essentials is a little different this year for parents of first time freshmen and upperclassen too.
Although a lot of universities have decided to be “online only” this fall semester, many institutions are still having in-person and hybrid online and in person classes. My son’s school in upstate New York is one.
His college, along with others that have decided to welcome students to campus this year are telling parents and students to pack light and to bring just enough stuff to stay for 2-3 weeks in case there is an outbreak and they have to shut it all down right after classes start.
As a recent New York Times article noted, “[p]arents are discovering that, regardless of what guidelines are posted, policies are changing with new data and little notice almost daily.”
Yikes!
It’s not just about packing lighter than normal, it’s also changing the landscape of the college experience.
Schools are converting triples and quads into double and single occupancy rooms to decrease the density and crowding of dormitories. The move-in process is also changing. At my son’s school, they are only allowing one person to accompany a student at move in day. This decision means the entire extended family that planned to accompany us to send him off to college will have to simply wait in the car.
He had to take a COVID-19 test and quarantine for 14 days in advance of arriving on campus, subject himself to New York state contact tracers and conduct daily health check ins with his school’s app! Oy vey!!
These big changes also mean we parents now have to update, edit and toss aside those 200+ item college dorm shopping checklists we all researched, pinned and downloaded.
Likewise, readers of this blog can go ahead and ignore my tips for creating a lavish dorm room. You won’t be needing all that this year. You can go to Dormify if you insist on making it super cozy and on getting accent elements but don’t get carried away with the matching window treatments, room accents, plush pillows, throw rugs and string lights.
So as far as the packing list goes, it’s safe to keep the usual must-have items on there: casual clothes, an interview, job fair or class presentation outfit, workout gear, PJs, fall and winter outerwear wear along with an umbrella.
However, there is no need to purchase and schlep along school supplies like binders, printer paper, pens and clip boards when your kid can get that stuff at the local Walmart or Target after she moves in. I’d say skip the bed risers to make room under the bed to store supplies needed for an entire school year. Just get plastic collapsible storage bags and be done with it.
Also, I think to save space and time, there is no need to purchase a mini vacuum cleaner, broom and a bunch of cleaning supplies, and I say this not because your kid won’t clean, but this year, you can expect the college will have extra cleaning supplies on hand and will have a housekeeping staff there to do a thorough sweep through more regularly than before.
A bottle of disinfectant and paper towels or a reusable rag for dusting will do…oh and snacks. You can never send too much snacks!
This year, you have other things to focus on such as COVID-specific essentials like Vitamins, disposable disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizers and UV light air purifier.
There is evidence that copper and silver reduce the life span of viruses and while most copper-infused gloves are not touch screen compatible, the GliderGloves Copper Infused Touch Screen Gloves are and are only $14.99 a pair! It can’t hurt and you never know!
Personally, to prepare to pack the car, I edited and adjusted the old college dorm checklists I’ve downloaded from Facebook parenting groups to just include the bare essentials and a Covid-19 quarantine essentials “Go” bag.
That’s the bag that has all a kid would need to be holed up in a hotel, a friend or family’s house for up to 14 days in case the college student tests positive for the coronavirus and needs to go to the hospital and later quarantine somewhere on campus or nearby, in case they are exposed to a roomate, suite mate, floormate or lab partner who contracts the disease and need to do a 14 day quarantine because of that exposure.
The other scenario is that the school decides to shut down altogether and you cannot collect your child in time and need to arrange for him to stay at a hotel or some other transition housing until you can make arrangements to bring them home.
Here is an abbreviated list of what should be on this year’s Covid era dorm packing list:
LAPTOP
In lieu of a full desktop that some kids haul to campus, consider investing in a laptop which is more portable solution like this renewed Apple Macbook Air with 128 gigs of ram at Amazon. My son is a computer science major and insists on taking the two monitor system he built in the 11th grade so we are traveling with that, but most people will not need to go that route.
ANTIMICROBIAL DESK PAD
Because we are in a season of trying to mininize germs and knowing that computer keyboards and mouse controllers are a common source for accumulating germs, an antimicrobial desk pad like this Artistic Rhinolin II Self-healing desk pad, available at Amazon may be a good thing to have. I also found a less expensive one at Walmart.
PORTABLE AIR PURIFIER WITH UV LIGHT
There is some evidence that UVC light kills viruses, there is a thinking out there among some moms that it cannot hurt to invest in an air purifier that kills germs with UVC light and has that capability. I found a pluggable portable one that sanitizes, purifies and cleanses germs from the air for $39.99 made by Germ Guardian which has GREAT REVIEWS from asthmatics and others who’ve used this product! That’s a good size and price for a small room!
A mini pill sound box is not just good for listening to music but also for connecting a phone or mobile device to it while listening or watching a class. Your student can multitask and get dressed for the morning, do some light cleaning or fold laundry without having to be at the desk watching. The Beats mini portable speaker is $126 on Amazon.
A much less expensive bluetooth speaker is the DOSS for just $27.99 which produces top quality sound and gets decent reviews.
COFFEE MAKER
My kid doesn’t drink coffee but I heard great things about the Keurig K mini coffee machine which can be enivronmentally friendly if you opt to used the reusable filter and purchase coffee grounds! It’s a good price at $78 and comes with great reviews. Alternatively, for a cheaper and definitely eco friendly option, you can get a mini Mr. Coffee for just a little over $25!
POWER STRIP
You can never have too many power outlets so a power strip which is also a surge protector is a must have. We got a double pack at a steal for just $4.99 at Ikea! Also, because of COVID , he may spend more time in his room than the computer lab.
Although the students in my kid’s school say they did not use the printer they took to college in previous years, this year may be different with reduced hours or with students wanting to limit their time spent in buildings and spaces that are not their rooms. Therefore, it may be worth it to invest in a small printer to print out paper assignments, or project elements.
I have a printer graveyard but the one that has been the best to us is the Canon PIXMA MG-2522. The ink cartridge replacement is significantly cheaper than for HP and other brands.
It’s a little loud but you get tons of ink jobs before it runs out and I predict your child will not need to replace ink all semester but if she does, you can sign up for the cartridge replacement plan which itself is really reasonable.
CLIP ON FAN
If your college student will be rooming with another person, it is inevitable that there will be some disagreements on the room temperature. If ever your kid gets too hot, having his/her own portable mini fan like this one is a good bet.
CLIP ON DESK LAMP
Similar to a small fan, a small light is needed for those nights when the roomate is napping or sleeping but your college kid still has an exam to study for. I got my son a clippable desk lamp that can be easily moved from his desk to a post on the bed. It was at Target for just $7!
FLOOR LAMP
Although I would think a floor lamp would be overkill, I like lots of light. Heavy illumination brightens my mood, gets me in the mindset to work and keeps me alert.
And I believe there is research to back up the fact that plenty of light energizes in addition to makes it easier to see what’s on a computer screen or inside a text book when working on a desk with a desk lamp.
Here is a chart with some data to back me up:
I plan to pick up this one above from Walmart.
UNDER BED STORAGE UNITS
In lieu of hard collapsible storage container that take up room, this year, opt instead for plastic underbed storage containers that are pliable and are maneuverable in a crowded mini van or SUV and takes up less space. Also, this year, skip the bed risers and stuff thse plastic and cloth storage container under the bed. The Onlyeasy foldable storage container comes in packs of 2. Fold and Carry the winter clothes in there and have your kid replace them with the August and early September clothes for the warmer months.
SHEETS SET
Send two sets of sheets: one that can be used while the other is in the laundry bag. I went with recommendations from blogger Sophia Lee and purchased the Mellani Bed Sheets on Amazon.com.
MATTRESS TOPPER
My son’s school needs a specific kind of protectors that meets a very high California consumer board anti-flammable standard. One brand that works is sold at Target but is always sold out there so we lucked out and got one from Walmart.
COMFORTER
A plush and cozy comforter is a must have for having a full rest before class. I lucked out and got a steal on a nice comfy reversible grey Brookside Downs comforer at Overstock.com.
BLANKET
For studying in the student lounge at the desk on chilly evenings, a blanket or throw is in order. This is also a good cover option for warmer months when a comforter may be too much coverage. We got a very soft one at Ikea this past weekend. They have other styles and materials and this one in other colors like pink and other feminine colors.
PILLOWS
Any standard pillow would do but in addition, a back rest pillow is a must to lean up against those concrete dorm walls or while in the study lounge propped up against a wall or sofa.
We picked up the Therapedic back rest at Bed Bath and Beyond which is a bit pricey considering there are a lot of much much cheaper ones out there, but if you get it online after signing up for their newsletter, you can get it 20% off!
COMMAND STRIPS
For hanging up photos, white boards, mirrors and other heavy vanity items, the Command strips are a plus. A lot of dorms forbid hammering in nails so if you get a 7 pack of the command strips, you should be good to go! They’re about $5 at my local Target or if you don’t want to go into a store, order this pack of 7.
HANGERS
I got two sets of wooden hangers forat Ikea in packs of 8 and plan to pick up a couple packs of plastic ones at the Dollar Tree or Target.
DORM ROOM SLIPPERS
My son has always wanted a more manly pair of slippers so it was wonderful to see these Dockers slippers on sale at our local Sears for only $20.99. I saw Joe Boxer brand had some for young women at $19.99 too while I was in there!
This year, college kids may be in a position of having to be hospitalized, God forbid, and have a medical directive, also, some may need a passport or social security card for getting an on or off campus job to satisfy employer verification process.
Further, even though a lot of us use digital form of currency, in an emergency, having actual cash may be necessary. A small safe like this one disguised as a book is the best to store cash and valuable and high security documents.
TOWEL SET
We have not yet gotten our towels but I think I will get the set I saw at Sears when I was there picking up casual clothing for the kids. These are the softest around.
BATHROOM CADDY
My son has indicated that he would prefer not to use a shower caddy so, we got hin the Kusoofa Shower Caddy tote which doesn’t look like a traditional and more femine tote at Amazon.com because it got great reviews from travelers, gym goers and others.
SHOWER SHOES/FLIP FLOPS
An old pair of rubber flip flops or beach slipper syour kid already has will probably be enough to use for shower shoes. These are shoes you wear when using a community shower as they have in dormatories. If your child will be in a suite or apartment with a dedicated bath for just the unit habitants, this may not be necessessary.
Walmart sells a good low cost pair that gets great reviews for just $7.49!
WATER PURIFIER
Save money on purchasing bottle water by getting a water purifier jug so your coed can just filler up out of the tap and put this in this in the fridge. A BPA-Free Brita Water filter goes for $34.99 on Amazon but you can find other brands for less at other big box retail stores.
PLASTIC DINNER SET
A set of hard plastic bowls, plates, cups and cutlery is in order considering that your kid may be spending more time in his or her room consuming food than inside the dining halls especially if your child is immunodeficient and is being extra cautious about being inside enclosed places where it is easier to contract the novel coronavirus.
These are pretty cheap and in fact, Target has each piece for $.78 cents right now. If you want to get an entire matching set, 12 piece Cambridge dinner set sells on Amazon and is a Prime recommended product!
PRESCRIPTIONS
Whether your child has prescriptions or just takes over the counter allergy medicines, vitamins and other pills for common ailments, get these all pre-ordered and enough for the year with insurance to save the hassle of transfering orders to a local pharmacy at your child’s college.
I make my kid fill up his in Sunday-Saturday pill box us older folks use to keep track of all of our medicines. It’s not too embarrasing because it can stay in the dorm and they only get to be embarrassed by their roomate. This tool is great for travel and to be added to the quaranting Go bag!
I purchased the Apex twice a day pill box from Walmart!
LAUNDRY BAG
Again, Ikea to the rescue! I considered getting a collapsible laundry bag or basket and then saw mention of a laundry backpack in a parenting book.
I saw one promoted on Amazon for $15 but then at Ikea spotted a backpack that is 8 gallons and would work!
LAUNDRY SHEETS OR PODS
Instead of heavy bottles, the wisdom from current college students is to go with the detergent pods or detergent sheets.
A popular brand is Breezeo and 48 sheets sell for under $9 on Amazon. They are light and easier to carry and store. Your kid just pops a sheet on top of a load and can go and they are less likely to destroy clothes the way pods can for kids who never ever do their own laundry and might not know what the heck to do!
It’s a different world out there and this year, a pre-packed bag is needed that can be picked up in a hurry in case a kid tests positive and cannot return to the dorm. He or she can simply tell his or her roomate to grab the grey Nike bag in the closet, for example.
This bag is a headache saver. No need to have them run around the room gathering stuff and rummaging through private stuff trying to fill up what’s needed.
Here is what needs to go in that bag:
DUFFEL BAG or BACK PACK
Start with a large duffel bag or backpack that is big enough to hold a few bulky items like clothes, a towel and a toiletries kit. I purchased an extra IKEA backpack that I got for him to use as laundry bag but in another color for the go bag to avoid confustion.
FIRST AID KIT
A lot of parents say these kits are rarely if ever used but just like at home, they are a great thing to have and add a feeling of security knowing one is in the room. You don’t have to get a large one like this one at Amazon because you can probably get a smaller kit at a brick and mortar store like Target or Walmart for less.
I would suggest taking out the excess first aid items and replacing small bottle of cold, cough and flu medicine, fever reducer, elderberry throat longezes and cough drops, Vick’s vapor rub, a small thermometer.
PULSE OXIMETER
Sadly, if your kid does get the novel coronavirus, she may need to take her blood oxygen level and so a portable pulse oximeter is a good purchase to put in the bag for safety and security sake. The Zacurate Pro has the most positive user reviews on Amazon compared to other brands on the market so I will be putting my trust in other consumers here and hope for the best.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Important documents (e.g., driver’s license or government ID, health insurance card or copy, social security card) – Keep these in a platic waterproof envelope or plastic envelope with a clasp like this one that you can get on Amazon for $8.70 for a pack of 3.
Face masks– 7-10 face masks, a mix of cloth and paper ones will do. We just ordered a set of N95 replicas for $16.95 in a pack of 5 from Amazon and a pack of 50 masks we picked up from our local Target but which is also available on Amazon for $18.99.
Portable charger – Portable charge bank like this one at Amazon for $12.99
2 pill boxes-For prescriptions, pre-fill two weeks worth of medicine, vitamins and OTC drugs. See Above.
Hand sanitizers – A couple travel size containers and/or a large pump
Disinfectant Wipes – Inside a resealable package that is soft and pliable and can easily fit in a bag
2 weeks worth of clothes – Think casual clothes, tee shirts, sweatshirt and shirt pants, maybe 3 outfits that can be recylced and don’t forget undergarments
Towels – A full set in case the one your kid has used in the morning is still hanging up to dry and they need a fresh one just for the go bag
TOILETRIES KIT
These travel kits can be purchased in drug stores, on Amazon pre-packaged or you can create your own kit. This men’s bag is just $17.99 and includes everything in it. a A women’s version is a dollar less.
Umbrella – a smaller portable umbrella is good to be put in the go bag.
Headphones – A separate less expensive back up pair of headphones your son or daughter may already ave at home or on hand can go in the bag as a back up.
Non Eletronic Entertainment – Coloring book, Soduku, magazine, novel or some other non electronic thing to distract or pass time.
What not to bring tips curated from Winds of Change: • Decide about the “nice to haves” once you’ve lived there a while. Maybe you’ll realize it would good to have an area rug, a full-length mirror, or a closet organizer. But you don’t have to know everything ahead of time. Get settled in first. • Avoid bringing hard-sided suitcases. They can be difficult to store and create clutter. Instead, opt for duffel bags or collapsible storage bags (and don’t forget under-the-bed storage). • You don’t need a year’s worth of toiletries — they take up space too. Pack enough for a couple of weeks, then restock. • Know how you’ll get stuff you don’t pack. Research nearby stores. Consider ordering items online and having them delivered. (Back-to-school merchandise often goes on sale after September). Budget to make a few purchases once you have your bearings. • Have secure, clean, and cashless ways to pay for things. This means at least two options, whether credit or debit cards (which can be pre-paid), wallet apps, gift cards, or vouchers.
That’s it! Good luck and God speed to all of our children as we are indeed all in this together! Stay safe!
When your first baby is born, you’re probably a bit nervous about bonding. Breastfeeding is one of the more obvious bonding experiences that comes to mind, but if you’re having difficulty with it, you might feel like a failure and even wonder if you’ll ever bond with your child.
It’s hard to look at this brand-new little person and imagine that not long from now, they’re going to be covering you in kisses and calling you Mommy!
The good news is, you’ll soon find that their universe revolves around you and that they love you very much, but here’s some tips for some fun activities you can do with your baby/toddler to strengthen that bond even more.
SKIN-TO-SKIN CONTACT
We all love cuddles, right? Of course, so does your baby! In particular, the feeling of your warm skin against theirs is very soothing and pleasant for a baby. This unfamiliar new world that they are in can feel pretty scary sometimes, and a nice relaxing skin-to-skin cuddle with mommy is a great way to calm them down when they’re frightened or upset.
Skin-to-skin cuddling of your baby also has benefits you may not have been aware of. According to the International Breastfeeding Centre, skin-to-skin contact helps to stabilize the baby’s body temperature, heart and breathing rates, and immediate skin-to-skin contact after birth will colonize the baby with the same bacteria as the mother, which is believed to prevent allergies.
READING TO YOUR BABY
You can start reading to a baby straightaway! It might feel a little bit silly to be reading to a newborn, but your baby has been listening to your voice while in the womb for a while now and already finds it soothing. It’s easier to get into the reading habit now than when they’re a 4-year old racing around the house, so start reading now for great rewards later.
The experience of reading has so much to teach babies: the tactile sensation of the pages, the sounds of the words, the visuals of the pictures, etc.
Reading to your child benefits their language development, as they get used to the sounds and words. It also helps the baby to learn about the things they will see in their daily life. Make sure you point to the pictures while you’re reading the story, i.e. if there’s a train in the story, point to the train as you say the word “train”.
You’d be surprised before they even start to speak how many vocabulary words they will have committed to memory this way. But beyond development, this is also a shared experience, and before long they’re going to be following you around the house with board books asking you to read to them!
I am a Swim mom but this year, because of COVID, my family decided to skip joining the Summer recreational league swim team.
I am certainly going to miss it. love it even though it’s a tough job. Being a swim mom (or dad) involves getting up at the crack of dawn to load the car, pick up your team snack bar contributions, and schlep the family to the pool in time for warm-ups, then spending upwards to 4-5 hours standing up volunteering as a timer, runner or scorekeeper.
To make up for losing a year, I decided to treat myself with a swim mom-related t-shirt or other souvenirs to wear, cherish, and show off. Here is what I have my eye on, mainly from Etsy.
[Note; If you swim parents out there decide to beat me to it to purchase any of these items, I earn a small commission as an Etsy affiliate.]
I love this “I can Fly” tee shirt which is a take off of the Butterfly stroke. ($24)
In this COVID-19 era, people are wearing masks that reflect their personalities, likes and passions so this Swimming Face Mask is perfect. ($19.99)
This Tears of my Swimmers wine cup is great for a mom or a coach or a mom who is also a coach. ($25)
Add this Swim mom pendant to your toggle bracelet ($13.95)
Your swimmer will heartily appreciate this personalized swim print ($10.95)
Get this wooden display plaque to hang all your swimmers’ swimming medals ($36.99)
You can never go wrong with personal swim bag tags ($12.99)
Your swimmer will appreciate being able to send greetings and personal notes with these personalized swim note cars ($2)
For the mom who has a daughter or daughters on the swim team, get this personalized matching mom-daughter tumbler set ($33)
I’m a cap girl so I found this cap with a swimmer inside a heart so adorable! Swim cap- $19.89
Be chic and rep your kid’s sport with these cute assorted “Swim Mom” graphic t-shirts (starting at $10)
With a summer overshadowed by COVID-19, parents are taking a hard look at how to make the right decisions regarding their kids’ increased reliance on screens— which are helping to maintain a sense of normalcy during this socially-distanced time— while also finding the right balance with other important activities.
TV, streaming platforms, and app downloads have all seen notable in their use since the pandemic started, and children’s television viewing has also skyrocketed as parents across the world are increasingly turning to screens and technology to entertain and engage their kids.
To get further insights into kids’ screen time habits and behaviors during the pandemic, Brainly the world’s largest online learning community for students, parents, and teachers— surveyed 5,000 U.S. students (grades 6th-12th, ages 11-18) on its platform.
Some shocking insights were discovered. Consider this: About 25% of kids spend more than 9 hours every day looking at a screen. That screen time has led to just over 50% of students reporting headaches, soreness, and dry or irritated eyes. Since the pandemic began, students said they are spending at least 50% more time in front of screens daily.
Given the unprecedented situation we are facing which has brought on copious new challenges, the traditional boundaries and limits for screen time need to be reassessed.
So, how can parents handle screen time during the pandemic? Eric Oldfield, Chief Business Officer of Brainly and father of two school-age daughters, has a few tips for parents to consider when deciding the best course of action.
Not all screen time is created equal. It’s important for parents to assess how their child is spending their screen time with this in mind. Consuming content to gain information and get creative, as well as collaborating or socializing with their peers, is a great way for kids to maintain connections and continue learning during this unique time. However, time spent playing non-educational video games and watching mindless TV should be more closely monitored.
Designate specific times the entire family unplugs. To avoid battles, it’s best to establish and communicate boundaries before your children start using devices, and sticking to those limits as much as possible. Children, especially younger ones, often crave structure, especially during unpredictable times. It’s still good, for instance, for everyone to eliminate screen use for at least one hour or two before bedtime to avoid impacting sleep cycles.
Make sure screentime consumption is done healthily. Parents may want to consider having their children use blue screen glasses or switching their computer display screen settings to make sure their eyes are protected from harmful blue light. It’s also a good idea to ensure kids don’t sit too close to the screen, get up for a break at least once an hour, and sit with good posture while on the computer for hours on end doing schoolwork.
Come up with a plan that makes sense for your children. As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else and are therefore the best person to decide what and how much media use is the right amount. Remember that screens are no longer the enemies of social interaction, learning, and productivity. Rather, they are enabling people around the world to work and learn and communicate with others during this uncertain time.
The real enemies of healthy development in children are the same as adults: a sedentary lifestyle, social isolation, and distractions from schoolwork and learning. Using screens too much can contribute to all of these problems – but they can also counter them.
The COVID-19 pandemic could last for a long time, so as families create new routines, it’s always best to focus on habits that are practical and sustainable. Above all else, don’t feel guilty about turning to screens more than you used to.
Now that people are confined to entertaining themselves at home due to global stay home quarantine orders, those with backyards, patios and balconies are designing and decorating these spaces to expand their at home living, play and dining rooms to the outdoors.
I was invited to a Facebook group with women who have been mulching, trimming, hedging, hauling and performing tiny miracles to transform their neglected or underutilized back porches and yard space into tiny oasis. I have been thoroughly impressed. Those with large acres of land have more to work with but even if you live in a small space or an apartment, there are options.
Redecorating your backyard can be as simple as putting up string lights you can get at Target for $5, dusting off old pillows from the basement and situating them on ignored patio chairs, color coordinating the potted plants, and upgrading your table or investing in an umbrella and solar outdoor lighting. That’s what I did and am currently doing as I am inspired. (see my set up so far in the last photo of this post)
I sourced 7 backyard living spaces inspirations and found places on line where you can order the same or similar items in these spaces to achieve a similar look and aesthetic. Check them out:
What I like most about this backyard living set up is the rustic, Southwest Aztec detailing. From the ottomon to the throw rug, every piece of the design elements tie together. The outdoor lighting is a mix of rustic lanterns, candles and string lights. Wooden benches offer ample room for entertaining family who may come by during a time in your life when you are entertaining intimate family as guests. The potted and planted greenery breath extra serenity into this space. I love it!
RECREATE THIS SPACE
Christopher Knight Outdoor Acacia Wood and Rustic Metal Bench ($134)
nuLOOM Kellee Contemporary Wool Area Rug, 5′ x 8′, Black ($99)
Torched Star Waterproof Outdoor Patio Lights ($17.88)
JhY Designs Brushed Antique Hanging Lanterns Set ($49)
Now the wicker bird next or egg chair is a common item you may see being shown off by the Instagram Martha Stewarts in your life. This chair is the perfect pod to escape to read a book, for your little one to watch a YouTube video or instructioal video when school starts on her tablet. Working from home? Escape the noise and interruption of distance learners, spouses and your teen and take your call on this thing. Use pillows to tie it in with the color scheme of your outdoor living space.
RECREATE THIS SPACE
Christopher Knight Home Indoor/Outdoor Tear Drop Hanging Chair ($219)
or Get Hampton Bay’s version with the stand at Home Depot for $499
For those amongst us with a larger budget and space to work with, transform a patio or space in the back part of your backyard into a desert oasis. Hire a contractor to instal a brick or stone patio, or intall durable outdoor flooring for a lower cost alternative (though this option may not be sustainable). Purchase a gazebo, panels, and planters. Frame the space with panel curtains, add patio furniture, pilows, and an outdoor rug and you’ve got your own mini paradise right at home.
RECREATE THIS SPACE
IKEA 4-seat conversation set ($785)
Snowcity Outdoor Waterproof ($19.99 per panel)
Bed Bath and Beyond Mayne Cape Cod Square Patio Planter ($57.99 each)
10×10 feet Gazebo ($399)
For those of us with less space and a more modest budget, we can use artificial turf, wooden coffee tables and wrought iron dining sets accented with pillows and colorful seasonal plants and have our own little comfortable backyard or patio space to escape to or enjoy a meal at on occassion.
RECREATE THIS SPACE
San Simeon Outdoor Wicker Rectangular Dining Table with Tempered Glass Top ($248)
Hampton Bay Wicker Coffee table ($229)
We cannot forget our townhouse, condo and apartment dwellers! They too have options when it comes to revitalizing underused outdoor spaces. It might be a tighter squeeze but a small dining table and two chair set, with a wicker love seat and just the right small area rug and potted florals are all that are needed to create a nice nook. If there is room, you can certainly invest in a small umbrella to add shading for hot days.
RECREATE THIS SPACE
Ikea’s SALTHOLMEN Table and 2 folding chairs ($79)
Hanging Umbrella with base ($118)
And this is my set up which is a work in progress… teenager not included!
Every year, I share a post on how to set up a homework station where work will get done.[ Read that post here].
This year, now that more and more school systems across America and the globe have decided to continue distance learning, I think it is time we all step it up a notch and start being more deliberate, intentional and strategic about setting up a home school set up that works.
I mean no more allowing your grown rug rats to study in the basement or in their rooms where there is a TV and video games there to distract them and keep them unfocused on the daily assignments.
Also, no more leaving it up to them to schedule their work and break times.
In real school, their teachers alot for scheduled breaks from instruction and you should too. So, I scoured the Internets and my Pinterest feed and came up with a few workstations that you can copy and try to replicate this month before school officially launches next month.
Check them out with affiliate links to sources where you can buy some of the items you’ll see in these dreamy set ups!
If you have a small nook in your home that you can comfortably squeeze in a table and desk, do so because it’s ideal for removing distractions by having your child confined to the equivalent of a pod space so they can focus. I like the idea of a large chalkboard stationed above them that can be used to jot down drills, motivational words like in the above poster or their schedule.
The rustic cannisters affixed to the wall in this set up are great for housing supplies like pens, pencils, sharpeners, rulers, etc so your child or children have no excuse to leave this space during instructional or homework time. The closest thing I could find similar to achieve this similar set up were bathroom storage containers on Amazon for like $29.98 otherwise make do with pieces you already have at home. If you’re handy, hammer a storage bin or affix one to the wall using 3M command strips.
RECREATE THIS SPACE
Buy this Rustic Framed magnetic chalk board, 18″ x 22″ ($38.18)
For people who live in small spaces and do not have a dedicated space away from distractions, you might want to set up your child’s work station in your dining room or eating area. Why is this a good idea? Because this space is usually an open area so you can keep an eye on them to make sure they are doing their work or watching their zoom or Google classroom instructions.
Ideally, you have to use a wireless router or have a wired connection if you need to set up a computer, tablet or desktop in this space. But for the most part, sacrificing a corner of your dining room could be a great option.
RECREATE THIS SPACE
AmazonBasics Kids Solid Wood Table and 2 Chair Set ($79.99)
It can be tempting to store items away to keep things looking neat but keeping supplies like art supplies- crayons, markers, paints, chalk, etc. in glass jars are great for making sure they are in mind and available to use as an option during instructional breaks in lieu of watching TV or gaming. That was the idea that blogger Tiffany of Raising Lemons had when she arranged her supplies on a shelf in her kitchen like this in this photo from her website. I love it!
1 Gallon Anchor Hocking Glass Storage Heritage Hill Jar ($14.99)
Ordinarily I would think that you need to be at a desk and in a chair to concentrate but when reading a book or scrolling a device doing research, it might just be better if your child is in a comfortable seat and that’s where a big old bean bag chair may come in handy. We used to have a papasan and it was wonderful space for reading a good book. If you have unconventional seating somewhere in your home, drag it out into the work space or grab one online.
RECREATE THIS SPACE
Source
Memory Foam Bean Bag Chair ($72.51)
Now if you have the space and room for more furnishings, you might want to consider investing in a new multifunctional shelving unit that can accommodate baskets for holding binders, notebooks and other large items and a farm table with a bench. The larger table can allow your young scholar to spread out and situate various supplies, papers, and pens and more across a larger space. Some kids are messy and others just like to see their options sprawled out all over the place. A large farm style table will accomplish this.
source
RECREATE THIS SPACE
Farmhouse table and bench ($199.99)
TRYING TO CONCEIVE THIS YEAR? DOWNLOAD MY FREE FERTILITY 100 EBOOK
I think everything on any homeschool or distance learning station needs proper lighting. A nice standing lamp or a good desk lamp that varies in degree of illumination will be perfect. Whether your kid prefers to work in the early morning or the wee hours of the night like my kids do, they will need to be able to read their text and good lighting is part of that.
In addition to a comfy lounge chair for reading, I think every child should be seated in a comfy office chair if possible that is good for their back.
You don’t have to get a brand new chair either. I purchased most of our office chairs for our work spaces for five people from second hand online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace. If it is within your budget, you should invest in a good quality chair with solid ergonomics. They’ll be occupying a lot of space at home working so they should be set up properly.
No matter what you do, study your child’s habits from Spring semester and adjust the workstation to suit your child’s learning needs and habits. It can really make a difference as to whether you will have a successful fall semester or not.
