Be sure to check your hand sanitizer! Shane Erickson, Inc. is voluntarily recalling various lots of its wash-free hand sanitizer due to the potential presence of methanol. Exposure to methanol risks includes nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death. 

FDA

Recalled products include the following: lot 2020/05/11 and MFG: 2020/05/10 L/N: 20200510-3 of imc Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer 50 ml, 100 ml, 300 ml and Wash Free Hand Sanitizer 300 ml lot 2020/05/11 and Thrifty White Pharmacy Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer 300 ml lot 2020/05/11. Check this link to see more information including UPC codes and product labels. 

No adverse effects in regards to this recall have been reported yet. Consumers with questions can contact Shane Erickson, Inc. by phone at 952.252.1254 or email sales@imcsuccess.com Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Time Zone.

—Gabby Cullen

 

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The sniffles, a bug, a common cold—no matter what you call it, being sick is a pain, and seeing your tiny human under the weather is tough on parents. While you may not be able to fully prevent your little one from catching a virus, there are some steps you can take to help your odds and ways to make things easier on your family when you have a child feeling out of sorts.

We talked to Dr. Amna Husain, a board-certified pediatrician at Pure Direct Pediatrics in Malrboro, New Jersey and mom of one, about her tips for making cold and cough season a little easier on her young patients. Read on for her ten tips to survive cold and cough season:

This post is sponsored by Children’s Delsym, the #1 pediatrician recommended children’s 12-hour cough suppressant* as well as the most recommended children’s cough medication by pharmacists.**

The Common Cold Is Very Common

Ermolaev Alexander via Shutterstock

We’ll start with some tough news: your kid will likely get sick. “It is really normal to have a cold. The common cold is caused by a lot of different viruses,” says Dr. Husain. “There’s tons of viruses out there, and it’s very normal for a child to get eight to twelve colds a year.” The good news: The sniffles are usually not something to stress about, and the average cold will last three to seven days—so you don’t have to worry about them being under the weather for too long.

Remember the Basics

You already know the easiest way to prevent illness, and you child probably does too. “It really goes back to the mainstay of things that we’ve heard so commonly like wash your hands and cover your cough,” says Dr. Husain. Remind little ones to wash their hands when they leave the bathroom, before they eat, when they come in from being outside and after they sneeze, to name a few. Now is also a great time to refresh your kid’s memory about coughing and sneezing into their elbow or into a tissue, when possible.

Sanitize Smartly

As a mom herself, Dr. Husain knows the importance of on-the-go options: “Nothing will ever replace soap and water, but hand sanitizer is incredibly convenient.” If you’re using hand sanitizer, Dr. Husain says to look for a sanitizer that is at least seventy percent alcohol, which will be listed on the back of the bottle. It’s also important to use hand sanitizer correctly, which means rubbing it onto your hands until it dries naturally, as opposed to wiping off excess.

Know What to Look For

fizkes via Shutterstock

Each child and each sickness will look a little different, but there are a few things you’ll want to check no matter what.

Fever: Kids can be sick with or without a fever, but if they are running a temp, Dr. Husain says the main thing to look for is that the fever is going away, either on its own or with proper dosing of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If fever is not going down with the appropriate dosing of antipyretic medications or persists beyond 3 to 5 days, contact their pediatrician.

Hydration: When your little one is sick, there’s a good chance they won’t want to eat. Rather than focusing on appetite, Dr. Husain suggests closely monitoring their hydration. “When your child doesn’t get enough hydrating fluids and, they can get tired, lose energy and even begin to appear sick are much faster,” she says. If you have a young child, Dr. Husain says the number of diapers they put out is a good indicator—three to five wet diapers is ideal. With older kids, checking the color of their urine can let you know if they’re hydrated. 

Energy: Parents know their children’s energy levels. When they’re sick but still playing, it likely means they’re fighting the virus off just fine. But if they’re truly lethargic and having difficulty waking from a nap, that’s when it can become worrisome. "As a pediatrician, that’s something I want to know about," says Dr. Husain. 

This post is sponsored by Children’s Delsym, the #1 pediatrician recommended children’s 12-hour cough suppressant* as well as the most recommended children’s cough medication by pharmacists.**

Check for Retractions

You remember contractions, but do you know about retractions? “If your child is really struggling to get air in, you can see their muscles working,” says Dr. Husain. “We call these retractions.” Retractions can look like their belly popping in and out, the muscles in between their rib cage pulling in and out or their clavicles poking in and out.  If you’re noticing retractions in your kiddo’s breathing, it may be a sign that they’re struggling to get air—and a reason to get in touch with your pediatrician.

Partner

Pick the Right Cough Syrup

kornnphoto via Shutterstock

If your kid is old enough, cough syrup can be a game changer on sick days. “I often tell parents you have to look at what’s in cough syrups because there is such a big variety,” says Dr. Husain. “You have to focus in on what you’re trying to treat.” If you’re using a cough syrup, first make sure that you are giving your child medication that is FDA approved for their age. Look for a cough medicine that covers the symptoms you’re trying to treat (cough, runny nose, nighttime relief) and double check the dosing.

Children’s Delsym® provides 12-hour cough relief and multi-symptom treatment just for kids. Children’s Delsym® has a single active ingredient, dextromethorphan, and is free from pain relievers, sulfites and alcohol—which some kids may be sensitive or allergic to. Whether your child has a cough, cold, or chest congestion, Children’s Delsym ® relieves their symptoms and helps little ones feel better. If you’re dealing with more than a cough, Delsym has Cough+ products for both adults and children with daytime and nighttime formulas. Plus, it comes in two flavors: orange and grape. 

Stop the Snot with Saline

No matter how many times they blow their nose, the snot still stays. “Saline helps to clear the nasal passages, which loosens the mucus and helps them to breathe a little easier,” says Dr. Husain. She suggests using saline nasal drops and suctioning or a saline spray after bath time (when steam has helped loosen everything up) or before they go down to sleep to prevent a post-nasal drip that may cause middle-of-the-night coughs.

Cuddles Could Be a Cure

Tomsickova Tatyana via Shutterstock

Sniffles mixed with exhaustion is a recipe for disaster. “If they’re in the safe age group, you can let them sleep near you,” says Dr. Husain. “That way you can keep an eye on them, and you’re able to comfort little ones.” A warm drink can also be your best friend before bed: think warm milk with honey, hot chocolate or tea.

This post is sponsored by Children’s Delsym, the #1 pediatrician recommended children’s 12-hour cough suppressant* as well as the most recommended children’s cough medication by pharmacists.**

Keep It Contained

What’s worse than a sick kid? Multiple sick kids. “The best thing you can do is make sure that your little one who is sick stays to their room, if possible,” says Dr. Husain. She also suggests designating their own bathroom apart from other kids and holding off on sharing toys, utensils and anything else for a few days.

If You’re Concerned, Call Your Pediatrician

As a parent, it’s stressful to wonder if it’s just the sniffles or potentially something more serious. “If you’re considering going to the emergency room or an urgent care, try to talk to your pediatrician before you make a decision go somewhere,” says Dr. Husain. Your pediatrician may be able to help you determine where to go next, if needed, and can help your little one get the care level they need.

 

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A post shared by Pediatrician in NJ (@dr.amnahusain)

Dr. Syeda Amna Husain

Dr. Amna Husain is a board-certified concierge pediatrician providing quality pediatric care to children of all ages throughout Marlboro, NJ. At her private practice she offers a wide spectrum of services for young children including acute and non-acute sick and well-care visits, physical examinations, minor procedures, and lactation services for mothers.

* Based on the QuintilesIMS ProVoice Survey, 2016
** Based on Pharmacy Times’ OTC Guide 2016-2017

You know and love the diapers from The Honest Company, but did you know there are a ton of other great things made by the wellness brand to discover? The company founded by Jessica Alba has expanded into skincare, sustainable gear and so much more. We’ve rounded up our favorite gifts you can feel good about giving to the whole family, and here’s a bonus: there’s free US shipping on any beauty purchase, and no code is required! 

Splish Splash Holiday Gift Set 

This gift set includes everything new parents need to make bath time the best time! Plus, they’ll get some of The Honest Co’s best-selling wipes.

Jessica’s Fave Twist Headwrap, Palm Print 

If 2020 isn’t the year to invest in chic headwraps, we don’t know what year is! Not to mention, this is a fave of founder Jessica Alba.

Award Winners Kit

This kit includes mascara, a lip crayon and lipstick. Perfect for the beauty lover in your life! 

Honest City Backpack

This vegan backpack is actually a diaper bag! There’s even a changing mat tucked away for easy access.

 

Reusable Magic Silicone Sheet Mask

A mask that you can use again and again? Yes, please!

 

Hand Sanitizer Spray 4-Pack

Keep your loved ones safe with this four-pack of sanitizer!

Honest Mama Bump Care Kit 

Moms-to-be need all the pampering they can get, and this kit is the perfect solution.

Men’s Must-Have Kit

Don’t leave the guy in your life out! This must-have kit has everything to keep skin looking great.

Honest Canvas Pouch

Keep everything you need for on-the-go fixes in this adorable canvas pouch with a geometric pattern.

 

Sugarfina Bandana Bib

Your new eater will love this sweet bib with an easy magnetic release.

 

Healthy Child Healthy World

Read all about the steps you can take to create a greener household from The Honest Company co-founder Christopher Gavigan.

Tween Skincare Kit

Get your tween started on a healthy skincare regime with this bundle of washes and moisturizers.

—Gabby Cullen

 

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‘Tis the season and all-natural eco-friendly brand for skin and body products, Green Goo, is sharing the joy. The company has announced its Season of Goodness, which involves $100,000 worth of giveaways!

For the next eight weeks until Jan. 6 2021, Green Goo will give one winner a $500 gift basket of products. The randomly selected winner will then pay it forward by choosing an organization such as a hospital, school, restaurant, fire station, shelter or other group to receive a large allotment of Green Goo’s FDA-compliant hand sanitizer.

photo: Green Goo

In addition, Green Goo will also select its own hand sanitizer recipients to meet their 100 gallon donation of hand sanitize per week commitment. So, do you want to win one of those $500 baskets?

You can visit the entry form page on the Green Goo website. You’ll also be able to nominate a worthy organization for donation consideration without entering the giveaway by completing the alternate submission form. It’s time to pay it forward!

––Karly Wood

 

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Sure, your kids know Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen. But after a trip to the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm, where they’ll have reindeer eating right out of their hands, they’ll be all about Elsa, Sugar Plum and Forrest. Add in a photo opp with Santa and you’ve got a truly magical holiday experience. Read on to make your plan!

Gather ‘Round the Campfire

The reindeer farm experience starts like all good ones do, around a cozy campfire. Relax at a picnic table or pull up a comfy chair, because this part of the day is all about cool reindeer facts, fun trivia and some silly puns that’ll make your kids chuckle. It’s also a chance for families to touch antlers, feel real antler velvet and ask the owners questions about their farm. And don’t worry, there’s plenty of hand sanitizer and ways to socially distance while you and the kids learn fascinating facts.

Make a New Friend

After the campfire, it’s time to meet the stars of the show. Before entering the reindeer enclosure, there’s a brief safety orientation, and then it’s go time. Although visitors only interact with the animals for about 15 minutes, it’s plenty of time for your kiddos to feed, pet and gaze in awe (or aww, take your pick) at these amazing creatures. They definitely know the routine and aren’t shy about approaching anyone with a cup of food, so if you have cautious kiddos, be sure to let them know. This is also the perfect time to take all the pictures. Staff is available to take them for you if you want to join the kids, standing alongside experienced reindeer models like Elsa and Sven. Smile!

Delight in Farm Activities

While visiting the farm, be sure to take advantage of all the bells and whistles that are part of the experience. Families can find bowls of food near the barn to feed the chickens, who will eagerly eat whatever you offer. There’s a sweet swingset that will keep your kiddos busy for quite a while on a sunny winter day, and the vintage tractor with the barn and oversized wreath in the background make for festive photos. Don’t forget to introduce your kids to Tom the turkey who likes to show off for visitors.

Sit Down with Santa

While the reindeer will get your kids in the door, we know that meeting the Big Guy is the moment they’ve been waiting for. This year, Santa will be wearing a face shield and families can choose their comfort level when interacting with him. Stand to one side, give an elbow bump or simply a wave, he’ll still be taking orders for special toys and posing for your annual Christmas photos. When you book your experience, keep in mind that the Winter Farm Tours plus Santa Claus Meet kick off on Nov. 14 and run through Dec. 29 (with the exception of Nov. 16, 20 & 27; Santa has other plans). Photos are included with pricing. Be sure you’ve got room on your phone!

Explore Leavenworth

An added bonus of this excursion is that it’s just a few minutes from the holiday hustle and bustle of downtown Leavenworth. When hunger strikes warm up with a bowl of hot bone broth soup and spectacular mountain views at Yodelin. All seating is outdoors and tented to keep you safe during COVID, and the metal plates, cups and paper-free menu is par for the course at this restaurant committed to sustainability. After a meal, take time to dash in and out of shops on Front Street—the Nutcracker Museum and Gingerbread Factory are timely faves your kids will love. The street is closed to traffic so you can wander with plenty of space and enjoy the holiday lights too. Waterfront Park is another great spot to find space and fresh air, even on cooler days. Its flat, stroller-friendly walking trails, hidden ponds and bridges are naturally intriguing spots to for kids to explore. And if you still have time left in your day, many of Leavenworth’s sleigh ride providers are booking reservations for the season. After a busy day your kids will crash on the way home. And to all a good night!

Good to know:
1. Starting Nov. 14, families can check in at the cozy kiosk in the parking lot where they can also grab a cup of hot cocoa and a cookie before heading down to the farm. This will help with social distancing too.

2. Make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before your ticketed time slot. Earlier is better, as families can use this time to play on the farm playground and maybe even meet the horses.

3. The tour lasts about one hour from start to finish, and new tour groups start every 30 minutes, so things move quickly.

4. Closed-toed shoes or boots will keep feet warm, dry and safe in the muddy corral, and dressing for the weather will keep your kids happy. Psst…they have umbrellas out to use in case in rains, but bringing your own is easy too.

5. When it comes to COVID, masks are required, and families will find hand sanitizer in a few key spots around the farm (although packing a pocket stash never hurts). Temp checks before entry are planned to start Nov. 14.

Cost: $20/person; free for kids 3 & under
Ages: All

10395 Chumstick Hwy.
Leavenworth, WA
509-885-3021
Online: leavenworthreindeer.com

—Allison Sutcliffe (all photos courtesy of the writer)

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You’ve been “boo’ed!” CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health today announced that is working with the Hershey Company to offer Boo-Bags, a family friendly and socially distanced solution to making Halloween as safe and fun as possible in the time of COVID-19. Boo-Bags are a fill-your-own kit to surprise friends and neighbors with Halloween treats as an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating during the pandemic. Boo-Bags are free with a CVS Pharmacy purchase while supplies last. 

Boo Bags

To “boo” a neighbor, fill the Boo-Bag with their favorite Halloween candy and décor, including twists on Hershey favorites including Reese’s Frankencups, Hershey’s Cookies & Cream Fangs, KIT KAT Witches Brew, Hershey’s Vampire Kisses and more. Spooky facemasks, hand sanitizer and wipes are available for purchase alongside a selection of Halloween-themed Hallmark cards to help family and friends stay connected while being apart.

Once your bag is full, you can deliver a holiday surprise by anonymously dropping the bag on a neighbor’s doorstep. 

Recipients will receive directions on how to pass it forward, along with a sign to place in their window to let any passerby know that they’ve been “boo’ed.” For friends and family outside the neighborhood, customers can send Boo-Bags through one of 5,600 UPS Access Point locations within CVS nationwide, picking up all the necessary shipping supplies for one-stop shopping.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: CVS

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Editor’s Note: Here at Red Tricycle, we respect and celebrate every mom’s feeding journey. Bottle? Boob? It doesn’t matter—we believe fed is best. Our Spoke Contributor Network is inclusive and open to all parenting journeys—yours, too!

Breastfeeding is hard enough, but going through the ups and downs of lactation and feeding during a global pandemic makes things infinitely more stressful for moms. It’s such a vulnerable time for both mom and baby that extra care should be made to make sure everything is functioning properly and the mom feels well supported.

There are 5 essential things new moms can do while breastfeeding during this challenging time:

1. Go Big on Sanitizers: Wash your hands before feeding or pumping. Step up your sanitizing routine by creating a nursing nook that includes a hand sanitizer for your hands and disinfectant wipes for your materials. Make it an important part of your baby feeding schedule but also for any other time with the baby.

2. Balance Your Time Online. While it’s great to stay informed on current events around the web, prioritize time away from the screen to maintain balance of mind and body when feeding your baby. Embrace that time while keeping stress low, practicing both social and mental distancing.

3. Switch up the Normal Routine. You want the newborn journey to be enjoyable, but it’s hard to enjoy your time with your baby when you can’t leave the house. The key is to find activities around your home that are enjoyable—like creating fun new ways to play with the baby, taking the baby into the tub with you, going on walks, creating a fun nighttime routine, etc.

4. If You Have Been Diagnosed, Wear a Mask. If you have symptoms or have been diagnosed, you should still breastfeed, but do so with a mask. The CDC says breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for baby and limited early data suggests that there is no risk of infection to babies via breast milk. However, always check the CDC website for any updates and new findings around breastfeeding.

5. Control Visitors. Keep “non-essential” family members away from the baby. If grandparents want to be close, they must quarantine, or wash their hands, use sanitizer and wear a mask—and even though he/she may seem irresistibly cute, no kissing baby’s face.

This is a hard time for everyone but moms and babies are particularly vulnerable right now to experiencing challenges along the breastfeeding journey. These are just a few of the things moms and their caregivers and family members can do to make sure things go as smoothly as possible during this precious moment in time in the baby’s life.

 

Linda M. Hanna, RNC, MSN/Ed., IBCLC, and co-founder of Mahmee, has been a registered nurse since 1978. She pioneered the Great Starts program at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills, which was so successful it was adopted by Kaiser locations throughout the US. She also developed Cedars-Sinai's Lactation Education program. 

While Halloween will look different this year, many still plan on taking part in the holiday. Mars Wrigley is launching the first-ever digital trick-or-treating app, Treat Town on Oct. 1. Treat Town will offer an immersive experience encouraging celebration and connection, allowing users to collect “candy credits” that can be redeemed for real candy while trick-or-treating in digital neighborhoods near or far.

Treat Town

The virtual Halloween portal will offer Halloween fans of all ages the ability to create personalized spooky avatars, customized Halloween decorations for your in-app door and most importantly, the ability to “knock”on the doors of friends and family across the country. Mars Wrigley Treat Town offers people the chance to still experience Mars Wrigley’s beloved portfolios of brands such as M&M’S, Snickers, Twix and Skittles this season. Participants will earn candy credits in the app which can be redeemed for real Mars Wrigley products through national retail partners, online and in-store.

Treat Town

For those trick-or-treating in-person: Mars Wrigley has partnered with the National Safety Council to help create tips and guidance for a mindful Halloween experience for all during the pandemic. See below for tips for communities, parents and caretakers to keep in mind before, during and after trick-or-treating, as well as safety pointers for those staying behind to pass out candy at home.

Treat Town

2020 Halloween Safety Tips:

Before:

  • Buy wrapped candy to hand out to trick or treaters. Fun-Size packs are the easiest form of candy for trick-or-treaters to grab and go. Consider creating fun individual candy goody bags to give out on Halloween – a fun activity to complete with the entire family.
  • Make sure your yard is well-lit; replace any burnt-out light bulbs.
  • Create signs encouraging trick-or-treaters to stay 6 feet apart and display them in your yard.
  • Don’t hand out treats if you’re not feeling well.
  • Consider socially distanced options such as “trunk or treating,” during which prepackaged goodies are handed out, or a virtual costume parade.

During:

  • Carry a trick-or-treating care pack with hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and extra face masks. Use the sanitizer after picking a piece of candy, and help little ones clean their hands throughout the night.
  • Maintain a distance of 6 feet from other groups of trick-or-treaters, allowing one group to collect candy at a time.
  • Wear face masks and reflective tape or clothing and carry flashlights or glow sticks if you’re walking in the dark.
  • Do “mask checks”: Stop in a safe place and make sure young children’s masks are covering their mouths and noses.
  • Use sidewalks and crosswalks; don’t cross the street between cars and be as visible as possible as drivers are often distracted.
  • Respect the latest guidelines – such as trick-or-treating hours – provided by your local health and safety officials.
  • If you’d prefer to stay indoors but still want to offer treats for your neighbors, consider setting up a grab-and-go “candy corner” for visitors, inclusive of hand sanitizer and treats. Setting up an easy-to-follow, step-by-step process for sanitizing and collecting candy is quick and efficient.

 After:

  • Wash your hands when you get home.
  • Let the candy sit for 24 hours or sanitize the wrappers before eating.
  • Throw out any candy that is open, ripped or has torn packaging, an unusual appearance, or pinholes. Discard any homemade items made by people you don’t know. Follow the rule: When in doubt, throw it out.
  • If you have a young child, make sure candy they collected isn’t a choking hazard. If it is, discard it.
  • Keep candy away from pets, especially chocolate and sugar-free gum, which can be poisonous for your furry friends.

Staying home to hand out treats?

  • Move out of the way any items that children could trip over and keep pets inside. 
  • Stand outside when handing out treats, wear a mask and use hand sanitizer often. Consider keeping a large bottle near you for visitors to use as well.
  • Allow one small group at a time at your door.
  • Find fun, hands-free ways to give candy to trick-or-treaters to minimize the number of hands reaching into a bowl. You can place candy on your lawn or driveway – maybe in the shape of a pumpkin – so trick-or-treaters don’t have to crowd around your front door, touch handrails or knock.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Mars Wrigley

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New Jersey’s American Dream is set to reopen following Governor Murphy’s recent announcement. Guests are invited to visit the acclaimed indoor entertainment experiences including Nickelodeon Universe, DreamWorks Water Park, Out Of This World Blacklight Mini Golf and The Rink beginning Oct. 1. Retailers will also be opening at American Dream for the first time, including ZARA, H&M, Primark and more.

Nickelodeon Universe at American Dream

To ensure the safety of guests, reduced attendance levels and extensive health and safety protocols will be observed by all attractions and retailers.

A few things guests can expect upon their return to American Dream include, but are not limited to:

  • Face coverings required for entry into American dream
  • Reduced capacities throughout American Dream and within each of the open attractions
  • Increased sanitizing and disinfecting throughout American Dream common areas and attractions 
  • Hand sanitizer stations and hygiene reminders installed throughout American Dream and within the attractions
  • Physical distancing guidance, including ground markings, plexiglass barriers, touchless programming and more.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: American Dream

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Photo: shutterstock.com

I have always thought in terms of possibilities. When I was younger, I used a coke bottle and filled it with ideas and goals I wanted to achieve. When I started my company, Bold New Girls, I set up a binder filled with blank paper, calling it my “binder of possibilities.” I spent time each day creating my dream job. Combined, these ideas convinced me that focusing on potential generated positive emotions and energy as well as momentum.

These experiences now help me teach both girls and boys that amidst uncertainty and change, they, too, can focus on opportunity. Positive psychology tells us that by focusing on the positive aspects of any event (losing a friend or adjusting to a new school routine), expressing gratitude for the highlights of your day, or using the language of strength such as, “I am so proud of myself for…”, one can feel more positive, hopeful, and even motivated to keep trying. I couldn’t agree more.

No doubt back to school is looking different than previous ones. Kids will likely be placed in learning pods in a new quarter system, encouraged to wear masks and frequently use hand sanitizer, and asked to practice the essential social distancing. Perhaps they won’t get to see all their friends as often, participate in as many after school activities, or feel the security of familiarity.

Even still, they can learn to embrace this time as a time of possibility. Here’s how parents can help:

1. Prepare your kids for what back to school means. This is two-fold—talk to them about what this could look like by painting the picture of possibilities—both the positives and challenges. Ask them what they are thinking, expecting, and wondering about. This fosters connection and conversation. Also, prepare them with their own supplies: mask, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and tissues. Help them take ownership of their cleaning items and feel ready to do their part. The possibility of being prepared can help them feel in control and powerful.

2. Normalize this experience. It’s not to say a global pandemic “normal” in any means but it is the “new normal” that we are all navigating together. Knowing everyone is facing the same worries and transition does help. Together, watch videos and scroll through Instagram to see everyone—every day people and celebrities alike—wearing masks and socializing in new and creative ways. The possibility of normalcy and the “we’re all in this together” feeling, can help kids feel calm and secure.

3. Talk to them about their “what if’s.”  “What if we go back to lock down?” and “What if I face pressure to deviate from the COVID protocols?” or “What if I or someone I know contracts the virus?” These are all legitimate fears. Ask this key question, “Then what?” and explore some action steps for each concern—both the best-case and worst-case scenarios—so they gain balanced thinking. Remind them how much they have had to deal with so far and how these life experiences have already fostered resilience. Talking it out beforehand can alleviate their stresses and know they have a plan in place to rely on.

At the same time, talk to them about the possibility of how this return to school, though admittedly different, could be even better than returns prior. How? I don’t know entirely but I do know some of my clients have told me they like smaller classes (more teacher attention, less worry about peer judgment), they appreciate the rooms being cleaner (really) and it feels good to know they are helping flatten the curve and doing their best to protect everyone’s health and safety. They also enjoy a less busy schedule (where they have more downtime, playtime, and time to relax). The possibility of “even better” provides the possibility that a new way of being is different and, potentially, improved.

Yes, back to school is coming. We know this. What we don’t know is what it will be like. Why? This is because there are still questions and uncertainties. Yet, these unprecedented times can teach us about possibility and may prove to be a fabulous opportunity for kids and parents alike to grow.

Lindsay Sealey, BA, MA Ed, is the author of Growing Strong Girls: Practical Tools to Cultivate Connection in the Preteen Years and Rooted, Resilient, and Ready – now available on Amazon and Audible. She is the founder and CEO of Bold New Girls and Brave New Boys, and an instructor with Udemy.

 

I am a girl advocate and girls champion; the founder of Bold New Girls and Brave New Boys teaching and coaching for girls, boys, and their parents. As well, I am the author Growing Strong Girls and Rooted, Resilient, and Ready (available on Amazon and Audible). I am an international speaker and an instructor with Udemy.