With the new school year in full swing, now is the time to take your child to the eye doctor for an annual comprehensive eye exam. There’s nothing worse than your child not being able to learn from the classroom whiteboard or enjoy sports activities because they can’t see clearly. Odds are, your child’s routine has changed quite a bit over the past year. You may have found your family spending more time on digital devices and reading along with less time outdoors.

Studies have found that lifestyle factors such as these may have an impact on the development of myopia, whose primary symptom is blurry distance vision.¹⁻³ In addition, children often don’t know their eyesight isn’t 20/20 because it’s all that they know, so it’s up to you to take your child to the eye doctor to find out.

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a very common eye condition. On average, 42% of children age 5 to 19 have myopia.⁵ Your family history also plays a role in whether your child will develop myopia; the odds of a child developing this eye condition is increased by three times with one parent having myopia, and the odds of a child developing myopia is six times as likely if both parents have myopia. 6,7

What are the treatments for myopia?

When children are diagnosed with myopia, glasses are a common next step. While glasses will help a child with myopia see the whiteboard more clearly, they’re not able to impact the long-term progression of their myopia. As myopia worsens, the child’s glasses prescription will get higher. If left untreated, myopia can lead to sight-threatening conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts.⁸ Fortunately, now there is FDA-approved* MiSight® 1 day myopia control soft contact lenses to slow the progression of myopia in children, aged 8-12 at the initiation of treatment.†4 Read on to see how MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses work, and if this product may be a fit for your age-appropriate child!

How Does MiSight® 1 day Work?

MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses feature ActivControl® Technology which utilizes an innovative concentric ring design to correct blurred distance vision while slowing the elongation of the eyeball. Children should wear the lenses for a minimum of 10 hours a day, 6 days a week for best results and should continue using the contact lenses until their eyes stop growing and the prescription stabilizes as directed by their eye care professional.⁴
You’re probably wondering whether contact lenses are right for your child. Your eye doctor will show you and your child how to care for the lenses and insert and remove them safely. Though you may not think your child will be able to use contact lenses, we can assure you that children learn how to insert contact lenses fairly quickly, with 85 percent of them finding it easy to insert after just one month!⁹

Hear Addy’s Story
Addy, an eight and a half year old who was diagnosed with myopia when she was in kindergarten, began controlling her myopia using MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses. Addy’s mom has myopia, and Addy’s myopia had progressed quickly. Putting in the contact lenses took her a little while to learn, but with a little practice, she got the hang of it and now wears her contacts almost every day to slow her myopia.⁴

“It was such an easy option,” says Addy’s mom, “and the contacts give her more freedom so she doesn’t have to deal with glasses. I love everything about it!”
Learn more about MiSight® 1 day soft contact lenses by speaking to a certified Brilliant Futures™ eye care professional in your area. Click here to find a doctor.

Indications and Important Safety Information
Rx only
Results may vary.
ATTENTION: Reference the Patient Information Booklet for a complete listing of Indications and Important Safety Information.  *Indication: MiSight® 1 day (omafilcon A) soft (hydrophilic) contact lenses for daily wear are indicated for the correction of myopic ametropia and for slowing the progression of myopia in children with non-diseased eyes, who at the initiation of treatment are 8-12 years of age and have a refraction of -0.75 to -4.00 diopters(spherical equivalent) with ≤ 0.75 diopters of astigmatism. The lens is to be discarded after each removal. Warnings: Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to the eye.  Do not expose contact lenses to water while wearing them. Under certain circumstances MiSight® lenses optical design can cause reduced image contrast/ghosting/halo/glare in some patients that may cause difficulties with certain visually-demanding tasks. PrecautionsDaily wear single use only. Patient should always dispose when lenses are removed. No overnight wear. Patients should exercise extra care if performing potentially hazardous activities. Adverse events:  Including but not limited to infection/inflammation/ulceration/abrasion of the cornea, other parts of the eye or eyelids.  Some of these adverse reactions can cause permanent or temporary loss of vision.  If you notice any of the stated in your child, immediately have your child remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional.
†Compared to a single vision 1 day lens over a 3 year period.
References:
1.Gifford P, Gifford, K L. The Future of Myopia Control Contact Lenses. Opt Vis Sci. 2016;93(4):336-43.
2.Wolffsohn JS, Calossi A, Cho P, et al. Global Trends in Myopia Management Attitudes and Strategies in ClinicalPractice. Cont Lens Anterior Eye. 2016;39(2):106-16
3.Rose KA, Morgan IG, Ip J, et al. Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalence of Myopia in Children. Ophthalmology 2008;115(8):1279-85.
4.Chamberlain P, et al. A 3-year randomized clinical trial of MiSight® lenses for myopia control. Optom Vis Sci. 2019; 96(8): 556-567.
5.Vitale S, Sperduto RD, Ferris FL 3rd. Increased prevalence of myopia in the United States between 1971-1972 and 1999-2004. Arch Ophthalmol. 2009;127(12):1632-1639. doi:10.1001/archophthalmol.2009.303
6.Jiang X, Tarczy-Hornoch K, Cotter SA, et al. Association of Parental Myopia With Higher Risk of Myopia Among Multiethnic Children Before School Age [published online ahead of print, 2020 Mar 19]. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2020;138(5):1-9.
7.Mutti DO, Mitchell GL, Moeschberger ML, Jones LA, Zadnik K. Parental myopia, near work, school achievement, and children’s refractive error. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2002;43(12):3633-3640. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.0412. 
8.Flitcroft DI. The complex interactions of retinal, optical and environmental factors in myopia aetiology. Prog Retin Eye Res. 2012;31(6):622-660. doi:10.1016/j.preteyeres.2012.06.004. 
9.Sulley A et al, Wearer experience and subjective responses with dual focus compared to spherical, single vision soft contact lenses in children during a 3-year clinical trial. AAO 2019 Poster Presentation.

It’s not that different. I know it seems that way from an outside eye, but it’s not. Raising a non-verbal child with autism may appear abnormal to others. In our house, though, it’s the most normal thing in the world.

I get it. There was once a time when I was raising my daughter and my son hadn’t yet entered my life. I know how I saw families raising similar children to the boy who would eventually join us. I remember pity and misunderstanding. In my mind, those in the position that I would unknowingly one day be in myself had been doomed to an incredibly difficult life.

When Lucas was born and eventually diagnosed, that incredibly difficult life never materialized. Sure, raising my non-verbal son is hard at times. Then again, raising my very-verbal daughter is hard at times. If you’re a parent to any child, on or off the spectrum, feeling that another parent has it hard and you don’t is a big assumption. To be completely frank, if you’re a parent and you don’t think that it veers into difficult territory now and again, you’re doing it wrong.

There are so many reasons why having a special needs child in my home isn’t some daily cause of depression. For starters, he’s great. My kid is great. He’s sweet and kind without any overly selfish or aggressive tendencies. Ironically, I credit a lot of that to his autism. His loves and enjoyments are for his own satisfaction. He doesn’t get joy in insulting others or fighting for his own things. He just goes with the flow. After Autism Awareness comes Autism Acceptance. In our house, we’re up to Autism Appreciation.

Then there’s the fact that normal is as normal does. This has always been our life and, to us, it’s normal. We have long searched for ways to better communicate with him. Thanks to picture boards and communication devices, we’ve been able to. I know when he wants pizza. I know when he wants to watch Raffi. We’ve unlocked many of the same doors parents with neurotypical children opened. It just took us a bit longer and the doors we found were partially hidden. 

The biggest reason it’s not so strange for my daughter and me to have a non-verbal child with autism in our house is that it’s not so strange to have a non-verbal child with autism in your house. It sounds basic, but it’s true. I’ve learned that the unique ways my son sees the world are like how the rest of us see it.

If he returns home after a long day of school and the television goes on with his favorite show, he begins cheering. Clapping and yelping with delight, my 10-year-old little man dances around the den; sporadically stopping to tap my chest with an expression that says, “Yo! Look! My show is on!” It’s adorable.

It’s also exactly what I want to do when, after a long day, I return home and my favorite show comes on. Who doesn’t want to jump around cheering? Who doesn’t want to tap everyone in the room so they see? In many ways, this action is exactly the one I, and many others, would take if it wasn’t for these darn social walls many of us have built since childhood.

He repeats sounds and movements that he enjoys. They call this “stimming.” We all do that too. In the case of many, that stim is a song “stuck in your head” or funny-sounding name. We click our pens and tap our fingers. People stim. So does my son. It ain’t no big thing.

Sure, there are some things he does that aren’t connected to me but, as paradoxical as that sounds, that’s actually another similarity. All of us have unique characteristics that no one else in our vicinity can share. We have quirks, habits, and personality traits that are one in a million. He does and I’d like to hope I do. We’re all special. Mr. Rogers said so.

At the end of the day, my kid is a kid. Autism might be a part of his personality, but it’s not his entire being. He’s his own person and that’s why we love him. The old saying might be that “if you meet one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” But the better saying would be, if you meet one person, you’ve met one person. It doesn’t get any truer than that.

Last year, ColourPop’s Hocus Pocus Collection was an instant sensation. Now, even more trouble is brewing with the brand new Coven Crew Collection!

The Disney collab comes with everything you need to embrace the spooky season. You can shop everything from shadow palettes and lip products to a spider face stamp.

The collection is made up of:

  • 12-pan Witching Hour Pressed Powder Palette in mattes and metallics
  • Three new shades of crème to powder Super Shock Shadows in the Trouble Brewing Kit
  • Three new shades of Fresh Kiss Lip Crème
  • Spider QT Mark Face Stamp
  • I Shall Always Be With You Mirror
  • Chestnut-scented Black Flame Candle

You can shop individual sets like a lip and eye set, buy products a la carte or grab the entire collection for $99.

Be sure to check out the collab before it disappears at colourpop.com.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of ColourPop

 

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If you’ve been hesitant to get your kids a Kindle, the newest version from Amazon might be a gamechanger. Kindle Paperwhite Kids just launched and it’s the first-ever waterproof Kindle for kids, plus it has no games, ads or videos.

Now your little bookworm can read and learn with zero distractions. The new e-reader includes educational tools to build literacy skills, with Word Wise quick definitions and Vocabulary Builder to create flashcards. Kids can have fun with achievement badges as they make progress toward pre-set goals. And they can switch between reading and listening to Audible books with an included one-year subscription to Amazon Kids+.

Even though this device cuts out troublesome videos and social media content, you still might want to keep an eye on what your kids are reading. An included Parent Dashboard lets you view reading progress, add books and use a Bedtime feature to make sure sessions don’t cut into a good night’s sleep.

Just like the adult e-reader, the kid’s paperwhite version has a glare-free screen, plus an adjustable warm light. It lasts up to 10 weeks on a single battery charge and it can withstand accidental immersion in water. You’ll be able to buy it for $159.99 starting today and you can choose between black, Emerald Forest or Robot Dreams.

—Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of Amazon

 

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As the Founder of Zovargo, a zoo that brings animals to you—I have had the honor of sharing our animals with thousands of children over the years and I’ve seen a lot of parties. And while some are over-the-top, most are successful for the reasons listed below. So if you’re thinking of adding animals to your next special celebration, here are the things to consider to make your party the happiest celebration yet.

1. Location, Location, Location
Having animals at your party will certainly be an exciting, if not, the most exciting part of your party. Try to avoid parks and busy public locations because you don’t want other children from the playground to drop into your party. It’s distracting from your special event, and can be challenging for the animal handlers because they have to keep track of which children are part of your party or just drop-ins. Choose a private location, like your home, but also make sure there’s enough space for the guests to spread out and be comfortable.

2. Animal Selections
While picking the animals is sometimes the most fun part of planning your animal party, keep in mind which animals the children will really enjoy. And while it’s hard to stray away from impressing your own friends, remember—it’s a kid’s party, not an adult party. Experts that are bringing the animals have lots of experience. Trust me on this and listen to their suggestions! The animal handlers know their animals, and they know what species works best for different age groups. So many times I have had people request the “largest animal you have” for a toddler party. This never works out well as tiny people are scared of large animals. Listen to the experts and go with what you know your child will love!

3. Look for a Unique Experience
The days of traditional petting zoos are fading as more people become aware that lots of tiny people trampling around a corral of animals isn’t the perfect idea of a party. This is old-school and is unsafe, unsanitary, and stressful for animals. Zoos like Zovargo, travel to you and bring enough staff to provide a safe experience that is manageable and highlights each special animal one at a time.

It’s also helpful to look for places that offer a special experience with the animals instead of just an opportunity to pet them. For example, who can say they’ve shaken the hand of a duck? This is just one type of extra-special experience that will leave some lasting memories for the children and your guests.

4. Manage Your Wild Guests
Plan ahead for late arrivals. To do this, have your guests arrive 30-60 minutes ahead of the animal program start time. As the animal handler, we have had to delay our start for late guests more times than I can count. While this is not a problem, consider that the animals are sitting in crates just waiting for their time with the children. They may have traveled an hour (or hours) to get to your party already and then we all wait which is unfair to everyone. Another party tip? Mind the adult chatter. Yes, it’s a party, and parents sometimes like to let loose, but be mindful that adult chatter can cause a distraction from the animal program forcing the animal presenters to have to speak louder than the parents so the kids can hear. To prevent this, I suggest having an “adult area” if some parents want to catch up while the children are entertained.

5. Avoid Too Many Activities at the Same Time
Usually, the animals are the main attraction, but sometimes there are five other activities happening at the same time! Be mindful, that booking other services like face painting, magicians, caterers, and jumpy houses are all great, but be careful with scheduling too many things. You don’t want to waste money by giving a small group of kids too many things to do while at your party. It’s sometimes best to have one main attraction or activity, and let the kids play the rest of the time. As one of “the animal people,” it’s always a let-down when kids hear pizza has arrived, then they quickly run off to eat. Be mindful of distractions like this and keep a schedule in mind to be considerate of the people you’re booking for your celebration.

6. COVID Considerations
It’s nothing new to consider doing a virtual party, but a ZoomFari virtual animal party takes things up a notch! There are many zoos that offer virtual animal celebrations.  Zovargo offers the reasonably-priced ZoomFari virtual party that allows guests to see animals literally eye-to-eye. This type of party can unite family from all of the world and provide everyone a unique experience together.

 

I'm a conservationist, animal-lover, and I wear many hats! I'm the Founder of Zovargo and with that comes responsibilites for animals, for our clients and for our team of amazing educators and animal handlers!

Fall and baking go hand in hand, so why not up your cookie game this year? Going over the top is super easy with Duncan Hines newest EPIC baking kit!

The EPIC Fall Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Kit includes everything you need to create eye-popping treats this fall. Each one comes with chocolate chip cookie mix, caramel frosting and autumn-colored leaf sprinkles.

photo: Courtesy of Duncan Hines

Inspired by influencers and master bakers, the new kit joins other flavors in the EPIC line that include S’mores Brownie, Cookies & Cream, Cooke Dough, Fruity Pebbles and Salted Caramel. They make the perfect family baking activity!

You can already find Duncan Hines EPIC Fall Chocolate Chip Caramel Cookie Kit at retailers for just $4.99. And keep your eyes peeled, more festive flavors are coming soon!

––Karly Wood

 

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Fabulous! LEGO just dropped another epic set and it features five guys you know and love. The LEGO Queer Eye – The Fab 5 Loft set showcases the original loft from the first two seasons, with plenty of fantastic details.

Tan, Bobby, Antoni, Jonathan and Karamo have been transformed into some of the most stylish minifigs we’ve ever seen. Tan’s hair shimmers in silver, Karamo is rocking his signature baseball cap, Jonathan’s long mane is perfectly coiffed, Antoni features his classic bandana and Bobby is wearing one of his familiar printed button ups. Don’t forget Bruley the dog!

This set features 974 pieces and it’s packed with plenty of pieces you’ll recognize from the show. Look for the “STYLE, TASTE, CLASS” sign and the “Yaaas Queen” print in the kitchen. You’ll also find the guys’ tools of the trade: the kitchen island, the clothes rack, the couch and scrapbook, a salon area and a laptop plus ideas board. And of course, the TV to watch the transformations!

Finally, there’s an extra special touch with the inclusion of Kathi Dooley, one of the show’s most memorable characters. She’s Jonathan’s former high school teacher and she receives an emotional makeover on the show. The set includes before and after minifigures, plus a transformational chamber, to capture the spirit of the reveals.

You’ll be able to add this fabulous set to your collection on October 1. It retails for $100 on LEGO.com. As Jonathan says, “You’re strong, you’re a Kelly Clarkson song, you got this!”

—Sarah Shebek

All photos courtesy of LEGO

 

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Adulting isn’t easy, especially the school morning grind. Between packing lunches, hunting down homework and making sure shoes match every single day, it’s no wonder we’re barely keeping it together. When it’s time for a breather, Stonyfield has launched the Breakbox Collection, lunchboxes for parents that encourage a little self-care!

Three themed lunchboxes are available to buy online now, with some hilarious goodies:

  • Adult Time Out: Even adults need a time out once-in-a-while, but they’re more fun as an adult… Includes everything parents need to take a load off after (another) long day: an organic mixer, Unreal Candy, Simple Mills and Forager Chips
  • You Got This: Meant to reassure parents that they’re doing an amazing job and give permission to pat themselves on the back; includes a trophy, gold star stickers, a magnet family organizer for the fridge, a “You Got This” mug – and coffee + a hydration bottle to keep them going along the way
  • Hide in My Closet: For those days when you just want to hide out from everyone in your house and squeeze in some much-needed self-care; includes a candle, Bliss Bright Idea under-eye patches, a jade roller, an eye mask and a Swear notebook to let out all your frustrations

They’re cute, but also charitable! Stonyfield is donating 100% of the purchase price ($50 each) to No Kid Hungry. And inside each Breakbox, you’ll find a packed note with a note of wisdom from parents across the country.

If you need a little extra help to make it to school day downtime, we’ve got you. Whether it’s breakfast inspo or delegating some of the morning tasks, cutting down the craziness is totally doable!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Stonyfield Organic

 

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Calling all Barbie fans! America’s favorite doll is headed off on a new adventure in Netflix’s newest film.

Debuting Sept. 1, Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams follows Barbie Roberts across the country to New York. Excited to spend the summer at the Handler School for Performing Arts, no one is more surprised to run into another student named Barbie Roberts, than Barbie herself!

 

The music-packed film brings Barbie and Barbie together as the two share their dreams of making it big on Broadway. With new nicknames to set them apart, Malibu and Brooklyn both set out to win the program’s Spotlight Solo with their own unique talents.

While Malibu Barbie is self-taught, Brooklyn Barbie has been trained for years in music, dance and singing. The duo demonstrates that there is never one single path to success, and that anyone can succeed if they bring their A-game!

The newest Barbie film celebrates the potential in every child to succeed and that sometimes a competition is more about bringing out the best in each other, rather than winning.

Barbie: Big City, Big Dreams will debut on Netflix Sept. 1. Keep an eye out for a new line of dolls, playsets and accessories all themed after the film this fall.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Mattel & Netflix

 

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Time to fall in love with a new collection! Joanna Gaines’ ever-popular Hearth & Hand line just dropped a myriad of new products at Target. Starting at under $4, it’s an affordable way to do a little seasonal redecorating.

If you’re just looking to make a few simple swaps, the new line of artificial plants and flowers should do the trick! We’re particularly partial to the Faux Bleached Purple Achillea Flower Plant Arrangement, which is already racking up stellar reviews. The 18″ Asymmetrical Faux Rusted Eucalyptus Wire Wreath is another eye-catcher perfect for any entry way, plus it’s only $14.99.

If it’s time to go a bit bigger, check out the Shaker Dining Bench with Curved Back for a statement piece in the kitchen. It seats two people, it’s made of wood and it’s $199.99. Or grab one of the new cozy blankets just in time for chilly nights. The Color Block Stripe Throw Blanket adds a pop of pizazz and comes in three different combinations!

For even more design inspo, Joanna Gaines personally curated a list of her favorite products in the collection. Happy browsing!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Target

 

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