Not able to make that multigenerational family vacation happen this year? With COVID 19 on the rise and travel restrictions and recommendations changing daily, it’s no surprise to anyone that our elderly grandparent population may be most at risk. That doesn’t change the fact that kids will be disappointed. Here are some ways to help kids stay connected to their grandparents and other relatives when travel isn’t possible.
Create a Video Montage
Grandparents won't miss out on a thing when you use a service like Tribute.co to capture daily special moments. The platform is now being offered for free, and is a simple way to stay connected to loved ones from afar. Invite other family to submit videos through Tribute, then arrange the clips and add effects using the simple tools. When you're done, you'll get a high quality video to send to grandparents in jiffy.
From subscription services like Grandy, designed to help grandparents use technology to stay connected to their grandchildren, or the popular Amazon Echo or Facebook Portal, or just Skype, adding video to calls can help kids feel more connected to the person on the other end of the line. Grandparents can make silly faces, see artwork or read bedtime stories.
For babies and toddlers, consider meal time or snack time to make a video call. Wiggle worms tend to sit still while they’re eating, plus they are occupied and strapped in.
For older kids, prepare a couple of things they want to show and tell with grandparents. A few good jokes, an accomplishment at school.
Routine can be helpful. Having a set scheduled time to talk to G&G is great for some kids, as it gives them something to look forward to, but it’s not a necessity. Sometimes spontaneous calls are the most fun.
The calls don’t always have to be about the weather or school. You can use the time for “lessons” if your grandparent wants to show your kiddos how to bake, build, play piano or draw.
Play "I spy" with the grandparents. Or 20 questions.
Know when to wrap it up. If you’ve got a toddler this will be more obvious. For older kids, setting a time limit can help keep them engaged during the call.
Remind grandparents that there is sometimes a video delay and remind kids that grandparents might need a repeat or louder volume.
If the grandparents can’t do video calls for whatever reason, much of the above can apply to a phone call, i.e. telling jokes, reading stories, recalling something that happened that day in school. It’s always good to bear in mind that an abstract disembodied voice won't hold a toddler’s attention for very long, so prep the grandparents to tell a story or similar.
The Tinybeans app is an easy and safe way to have a social network that is completely private and super easy to use. You can add grandparents to the account, they download the app, and can easily see any images you share. You can also print photo books and gifts in a snap via Chatbooks.
Play a game online that is kid and grandparent friendly, like Scrabble, Words with Friends or something similar where you take turns either in real time or at your own pace. Bonus if there’s a place for the Grands to leave little messages via chat.
Have the grands record themselves reading a book or buy a recordable book and have one of the grandparents (or both!) record it.
f your kiddos can make little cards and notes, sending something along for a special occasion or even just because, helps kids think about their grandparents in a positive way. Did your kid do their first masterpiece in colored pencil? Make a photocopy and drop it in an envelope. Kids don’t have to create custom art each time. Just sending something that shows progress and a child’s world view can be something to share (or talk about on the next video chat).
Start a story together. Have your parents start a paragraph or two of a story and mail it to your child. Your kids can add the next two paragraphs, and send back.
Send postcards from your hometown. It doesn’t always have to be a letter or package. Sometimes dropping a postcard from your favorite park or a place your kiddo loves with just a short-sweet note is a fast and easy way to let people know you care. Buy the pre-stamped kind or load up on postcards stamps to make it even easier to be spontaneous with your correspondence. Try Postcardly for taking it from online to in-hand.
With schools across the country closing temporarily, many kids are left wondering about the status of their extracurricular activities. Drama productions, team sports and musical performances have been cancelled, disappointing many kids that have been working hard for months now. Tony Award winning Broadway star, Laura Benanti has put out a call for all student thespians to send her a video of them singing a song from their cancelled shows.
On Instagram, Benanti wrote,”Dark times for all. Trying to find some bright spots. If you were meant to perform in your High School musical and it was cancelled please post yourself singing, tag me and use the hashtag #SunshineSongs so whoever wants to can be your audience!! Sending all my love and black market toilet paper.”
Other celebrities, including Lin Manuel Miranda, chimed in asking to see the videos as well.
Jennifer Garner also put out a call as well, saying, “To the Elsas and Matildas; to the Willy Lomans and Romeos. Not to mention the flautists, the pianists, the gymnasts, the shot-putter. We want to SEE—show us what you’ve got!! 🌟 #heyjenlookatme (I just now found out one of my favorite Broadway stars @laurabenanti had the same idea. Hi Laura! ♥️🤗 You can tag her, too, at #SunshineSongs)”
Remember how excited you were to read your favorite books as a kid? How there’s nothing like the feeling of getting lost in a magical land with characters that feel like personal heroes? We all remember those childhood books and, as parents, we want our kids to feel that same magic when they read. But just like so many other aspects of parenthood, our little ones may not love the same books that brought us joy because they have their own unique personality. But that doesn’t mean they can’t love reading and books, and that’s how Kid Curated Books makes reading easy and fun for families.
Kid Curated Books is a monthly subscription-based book club. Every month in the mail, your kiddo receives four books tailored to their interests.
The books are chosen based on your kid’s age and interests, and include classics, best sellers and lesser known titles. Littles ones ages 0-4 receive a variety of board and picture books. Elementary-aged kiddos from 4-8 will receive a selection of picture and early chapter books, and those that are 8-14 get an exciting selection of fun and challenging chapter books. Middle-grade readers also have the option of receiving the monthly book club selection as one of their four books. Kid Curated Books features a different diverse and empowering middle grade novel every month. Past choices include Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend, The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman, and Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia. Each box has $5 flat rate shipping, arrives 2-8 business days after shipment, and is packaged like a present in a colorful box addressed to the kiddo.
There’s something for every reader of every age with Kid Curated Books. New customers can use the code 20LEARNATHOME at checkout to get 20% off their first box.
Using an initial questionnaire and ongoing feedback, Kid Curated Books tailors to your child’s reading level and interest. Once you sign up for a subscription, you’ll complete detailed questions that help Kid Curated Books learn about your kids. And after you receive the books, Kid Curated Books asks for your feedback to make sure they’re sending the right choices each month.
Once you receive your books, there are other great ways to stay involved with Kid Curated Books. There are reviews of their featured middle grade book of the month on their Facebook page. You can add on awesome literary-inspired t-shirts, socks and onesies to your orders. You can also give a Kid Curated Books package for gifts. Picture a Goodnight Moon book and gift item package as a baby shower gift. Or a “Strong Girls Box” for girls ages 9-12 with books like Pippi Longstockings and Anne of Green Gables as a birthday gift.
There’s something for every reader of every age with Kid Curated Books. New customers can use the code 20LEARNATHOME at checkout to get 20% off their first box.
Children are incredibly observant. They have to be in order to learn language and the ways of the world. And once they have language, they are quick to use it to talk about what they see.
According to research, babies as young as six months old can recognize racial differences. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that young children sometimes refer to the variations in the skin color of others. When my own children, who are biracial, were young, they could be heard making comments like: “Dad’s skin is so, so brown, his fingers look like pretzel sticks,” or “I wish that we all matched, I wish that we all had the same color skin.” While their observations were sometimes amusing, sometimes challenging, I always tried to respond affirmatively. Conversations about race can be uncomfortable, but now more than ever, they are essential.
So how do you address this issue with your young child? My first piece of advice is not to wait until your child brings it up. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge differences, albeit in a positive way, pointing out your child’s or someone else’s wonderful hair or beautiful skin.
When talking about skin color, you can explain to even children as young as three, that each of us has melanin in our bodies that determine the lightness or darkness of our skin. People living in hot climates developed more melanin to protect them from the sun, which made their skin darker. Point out that while we may have some physical things in common with other people, we all have a set of characteristics such as hair and eye color, hair texture, height, weight, and the shape of our features, that make us unique.
Like any issue that your child raises, it is essential to keep the lines of communication open, sending them a clear message that there are no taboo subjects.
Secondly, be sure that your children are exposed to children’s books and programming that includes a diverse array of characters. Fortunately, children’s literature has become more inclusive, publishing stories with protagonists with varied ethnic and racial backgrounds. Children’s toys have evolved, as well. Dolls and play figures now come in all shades. Be sure to include diverse choices in your child’s toy collection and use them as conversation starters.
And finally, if you want to send a positive message about race to your children, the most important thing that you can do is be inclusive in your social circle. Reach out and develop relationships with people who do not look like you. Not only will you be enriching your own experience, but you will also be expanding your child’s as well, sending a clear message that differences are not just to be tolerated but celebrated!
I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.
Parents of young children who are entering nursery school for the first time are wondering what the best way to prepare their child for this transition is. As someone who has supported children, their parents, and the teachers of young children through this process for many years, I have several thoughts.
First of all, I will assume that parents, in going through the registration or enrollment process, have already become familiar with the school or child development center that their child will attend. If not, find out now about the philosophy and mission of the school and learn about the class size, center layout, and daily routine. Familiarizing yourself with information about the school will help to calm any anxiety that you might have about your child’s transition. Your attitude toward the school or center, your child will be attending is the most significant factor in how your child will cope with this new routine.
As parents and caregivers, we want to strike a balance between communicating necessary information to children so that they know what to expect and giving them too much information—which may contribute to increased anxiety about a situation.
For example, talking to your children about nursery school, what and where it is, that it is a place where they will meet other children and play with lots of toys, is a good start. Mentioning it every day with lots of hype, asking them if they are excited, if they want to go to nursery school, etc., is not. Of course, many children breeze through life’s transitions, and for them, it is hard to get such situations wrong. However, for others, they are more sensitive to change, and we cannot assume that they will be excited about an event for which they have no prior experience. Moreover, contrary to our instincts, bringing it up at every turn may actually heighten their anxiety about it. Of course, if the child brings it up, then, by all means, answer their questions and most importantly, send the message that you feel positive about this next chapter in their lives.
Parents often ask me to recommend a children’s book that might help introduce the idea to their child. Frankly, most books that I have come across all touch on the topic of how scared a child might be, to go to school. For some reason, introducing the notion that nursery school is a place that you might be afraid of going to, seems like a recipe for disaster for some children. It reminds me of when a toddler falls, and all the adults in the room gasp and leap at the child. It does not allow the toddler to form their own conclusion about the experience, and more often than not, the child will start to cry based on the startled and scared reaction of those around them. If, however, your child expresses fear or says that they don’t want to go to school, then maybe a book that addresses that might be helpful. If anything, I would preview books about starting nursery school and if you don’t think the text provides a good introduction, talk about the illustrations, asking your child to describe what they see like toys, paint supplies, dolls and dress-up, cars, and trucks. Let them ask questions about what they observe and start a conversation.
What also might be helpful is to tell your child that it’s okay to be afraid of something, that we all feel afraid of new things sometimes. Telling your child about an experience where you have been fearful of a new school, or a new job helps them to learn that fear is part of everyone’s experience. Sending the message that you believe that they can handle this emotion goes a long way in supporting them as well. Also, sending the message that you are confident that their feelings will change when they get to know their teachers and the other children helps to reduce anxiety.
Children of all ages love when parents personalize a story, so I would tell a child about my own memories of the first day of school. Also, I would occasionally point out the school when passing it and if possible, even visit before the first day, especially if there is access to a playground. If you have friends with older children, I might ask those children to tell your child about their nursery school experience. What was the name of their school? What was their teacher’s name? Who were their friends? What was the best part about it?
Experiences like these give your child information about what to expect but in a relaxed and easy-going way. They get the idea that lots of children go to nursery school and that it is a place where you meet other children and have fun.
I often recommend to families for the first week or two of school, that if possible, they have the child brought to school by the family member or caregiver that the child most easily separates. While parents are sad to miss that “first day of school” moment, it frequently minimizes the child’s separation anxiety and helps to ease their transition from home to school. Other tips include walking into the school or classroom holding their child’s hand if possible, instead of holding their child in their arms, as this can make for an easier separation. It also allows the teacher to make eye contact and connect with the child more easily. It again sends the message that you, as the parent, believe your child is ready for nursery school and that while the message may be subtle, you are reinforcing the idea of their independence. Which after all, is what nursery school is all about.
I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.
As the start of the school year approaches, parents of young children who are entering nursery school for the first time are wondering what the best way to prepare their child for this transition is. As someone who has supported children, their parents and the teachers of young children through this process for many years, I have several thoughts.
First of all, I will assume that parents, in going through the registration or enrollment process, have already become familiar with the school or child development center that their child will attend. If not, find out now about the philosophy and mission of the school and learn about the class size, center layout, and daily routine.
Familiarizing yourself with information about the school will help to calm any anxiety that you might have about your child’s transition. Your attitude toward the school or center, your child will be attending is the most significant factor in how your child will cope with this new routine.
As parents and caregivers, we want to strike a balance between communicating necessary information to children so that they know what to expect and giving them too much information – which may contribute to increased anxiety about a situation.
For example, talking to your children about nursery school, what and where it is, that it is a place where they will meet other children and play with lots of toys, is a good start. Mentioning it every day with lots of hype, asking them if they are excited, if they want to go to nursery school, etc., is not.
Of course, many children breeze through life’s transitions and for them, it is hard to get such situations wrong However, for others, they are more sensitive to change, and we cannot assume that they will be excited about an event for which they have no prior experience.
Moreover, that contrary to our instincts, bringing it up at every turn may actually heighten their anxiety about it. Of course, if the child brings it up, then by all means, answer their questions and most importantly, send the message that you feel positive about this next chapter in their lives.
Parents often ask me to recommend a children’s book that might help introduce the idea to their child. Frankly, most books that I have come across all touch on the topic of how scared a child might be, to go to school.
For some reason, introducing the notion that nursery school is a place that you might be afraid of going to, seems like a recipe for disaster for some children. It reminds me of when a toddler falls down, and all the adults in the room gasp and leap at the child. It does not give the toddler the opportunity to form their own conclusion about the experience, and more often than not, the child will start to cry based on the startled and scared reaction of those around them.
If, however, your child expresses fear or says that they don’t want to go to school, then maybe a book that addresses that might be helpful. If anything, I would preview books about starting nursery school and if you don’t think the text provides a good introduction, talk about the illustrations, asking your child to describe what they see…toys, paint supplies, dolls and dress-up, cars and trucks. Let them ask questions about what they observe and start a conversation.
What also might be helpful is to tell your child that it’s okay to be afraid of something, that we all feel afraid of new things sometimes. Telling your child about an experience where you have been fearful of a new school, or a new job helps them to learn that fear is part of everyone’s experience. Sending the message that you believe that they can handle this emotion goes a long way in supporting them as well. Also, sending the message that you are confident that their feelings will change when they get to know their teachers and the other children helps to reduce anxiety.
Children of all ages love when parents personalize a story, so I would tell a child about my own memories of the first day of school. Also, I would occasionally point out the school when passing it and if possible, even visit before the first day, especially if there is access to a playground. If you have friends with children who are older, I might ask those children to tell your child about their nursery school experience. What was the name of their school? What was their teacher’s name? Who were their friends? What was the best part about it?
Experiences like these give your child information about what to expect but in a relaxed and easy-going way. They get the idea that lots of children go to Nursery School and that it is a place where you meet other children and have fun.
I often recommend to families for the first week or two of school, that if possible, they have the child brought to school by the family member or caregiver that the child separates most easily from. While parents are sad to miss that “first day of school” moment, it frequently minimizes the child’s separation anxiety and helps to ease their transition from home to school.
Other tips include walking into the school or classroom holding their child’s hand if possible, instead of holding their child in their arms, as this can make for an easier separation. It also allows the teacher to more easily make eye contact and connect with the child. It again sends the message that you as the parent believe your child is ready for nursery school and that while the message may be subtle, you are reinforcing the idea of their independence. Which after all, is what nursery school is all about.
Best wishes on this next step for you and your child. Your child and your family are about to make many happy memories!
I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.
Whether we stick with New Year’s resolutions or not, it’s hard not to reflect on the previous year and look ahead to making some adjustments. While we are contemplating lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, should changes in our parenting approach also be considered?
Like many of you, I have spent lots of time with family members of all ages during the past month. For me this time of year unites both sides of the Cioffi-Obenhaus gang with a holiday party in Chicago, bringing three generations together for food and fun. Such gatherings highlight the challenges that holidays can bring to families of young children. As always, my greatest heroes are the parents hanging in there as their responsibilities grow during the holiday season, juggling work, child care, shopping, decorating, and food prep. Throw in the challenge of children with heightened stimulation and sugar overload, and parents quickly gain superhero status in my eyes.
So, here are my top three suggestions for any parenting new year’s resolutions:
1. Make sure that you and your children are getting plenty of rest. Young children need close to 12 hours of sleep in a 24 hour period, and it is not unusual for children under five to still need a nap. Eliminating fatigue goes a long way toward improving patience (yours) and coping skills (your children’s).
2. Choose nutritious foods for healthy meals and snacks. Celebration foods like cookies and cakes should be limited to holidays and special occasions. You know best which works for you and your family—either by cutting down on the sweet treats or eliminating them altogether.
3. Spend more time outdoors. Whether it is in a city park or a walk in the woods, fresh air and exercise should be part of your new year’s reset and will help with the first two suggestions, improving healthy appetites and better sleeping habits.
All that said, don’t get too discouraged if getting back into the regular routine after the holiday frenzy dies down, takes a bit of time; it will be worth it.
Sending my best wishes to all for a happy, healthy, and peaceful new year!
I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.
What happens when you are considering divorce (whether in your head or out loud) and February rolls around? If it is still all internal thoughts, you may still go to the card store and spend an extra half hour finding a card that does not overpromise love forever or make claims of soulmates. You may not want to be obvious in your questioning of the marriage, but also not insincere about making promises in a signed Hallmark document that you are not looking to keep.
If you are feeling bad and do not want your change of heart to be obvious, do be careful what you write in that card. I have had clients who save Valentine’s Day cards and use them as evidence against their ex during divorce! It can be that much more hurtful if you write about undying love on February 14th and then a week later you are serving divorce papers. And if you the word “divorce” has been bandied around the dinner table, then it feels even worse to send a “I will die by your side” card and you may just opt for a Shoebox funny card that makes fun of his lack of ability to fix the dishwasher. What about if your spouse takes it upon themself to use the day for a grand romantic gesture as a way to bring you back into the marriage? Who knows—it could work! If the reasoning you may be planning your exit is due to a lack of communication and effort on your spouse’s part, Valentine’s Day could give them the excuse to address what is lacking in the marriage.
If your spouse does not take the opportunity that Feb 14th gives (Hallmark or not—it is a great day to show love), then it may be your final straw. And of course, if you learn that their Valentine’s Day love is misdirected…well…that could be your answer as well. When in the first stage of divorce—the deciding stage—Valentine’s Day can be the day that makes you or breaks you.
Valentine’s Day during Divorce
Now let’s assume that you already know what the inside of your divorce attorney’s office looks like when Valentine’s Day rolls around. Under most circumstances, you nor your soon-to-be-ex acknowledge the holiday to each other.
If you are in the sad stage of the divorce process, you may have a sentimental exchange with your ex, reminding them of happier Valentine’s Days of the past, which depending on where your spouse is in the emotional rollercoaster of divorce will be responded to with a sad emoji face or ignored altogether.
If you are in the angry stage of the divorce process, there may be bitter and sarcastic text exchanges with your friends about sending black roses or chocolates filled with toothpaste (cures his gross halitosis). There are thoughts of sending edible thongs and leopard skin handcuffs (with or without the keys) to his conservative new girlfriend or her new boyfriend claiming that is what she is into. Obviously, these should be just fun fantasies and not acted upon (I am not looking to give anyone any good ideas).
It is perfectly normal to acknowledge that while Valentine’s Day was meaningless to you in the past, during a divorce, it can be an emotional day. Just be sure to keep yourself in check as your divorce is not over and you do not want your impetuous antics on Valentine’s day to affect the resolution of your case.
Valentine’s Day after Divorce
So, divorce papers are signed off by the judge and you now can file taxes separately. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, Valentine’s Day may still not be just like any other day. You may have accepted the divorce, but you still may feel the old feelings of anger and sadness creep up on February 14th. The hope is that as you have more and more years of distance between you and the divorce, those feelings will lessen and the day goes back to just being a Tuesday.
However, the real hope is that you have possibly found someone else who will once again be making the dinner reservations a month in advance looking to impress. Or that you will be at Hallmark reading cards and having a hard time deciding which one because they are all so perfect for your new love. I have seen it happen.
Jacqueline Newman is a divorce lawyer and matrimonial law expert. As managing partner of a top-tier 5th Avenue Manhattan law firm focused exclusively on divorce, her practice runs the gamut from prenups for high net worth people contemplating marriage to high conflict matrimonial litigation in dissolutions.
Whether you’re a Frozen fan or you covet that perfect rose in Beauty and the Beast, there’s a gorgeous Disney bouquet made just for you in this incredible collection.
The Roseshire x Disney collab features stunning rose bouquets themed to some of the best and most romantic Disney films and characters of all time. Each bouquet is packaged in a decorative box featuring a personalized message. Unfortunately, only a handful of this gorgeous collection are available for delivery during Valentine’s week, but there’s no rule against sending flowers just because, and these are so worth it.
If you’re a fan of The Little Mermaid, Aladdin or Alice In Wonderland, you’ll definitely want to check out the rest of the Disney collab collection, which is available year round, with the exception of Valentine’s week.
‘Tis the season for putting up the tree, wrapping presents, and sending holiday cards. We look forward to seeing the festive cards our favorite celebrities are sending out this year. This year’s greetings did not disappoint!
Hager and her husband, Henry Hager, recently welcomed baby Hal to their family. Hal joined big sisters, Mila and Poppy. This year’s card feature the trio with the caption, “How wonderful life is now that you’re in the world — Happy Hal-idays!”
Mollen and Biggs always find a way to make us laugh. This year’s hilarious card feature their sons, Lazlo and Sid, tying up the couple with a strand of Christmas lights. Mollen wrote, “From me and my elves to you and yours, happy holidays!”
Hudson is seated in the bed of a blue pickup surrounded by her children, Ryder, Bingham, and Rani Rose, along with boyfriend, Danny Fujikawa, in this festive holiday photo. “We take Christmas MERRY seriously,” she wrote.
Kardashian matched her children, North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm, donning grey sweats as she posed for this holiday photo alongside husband, West, who wore white. “The West Family Christmas Card 2019,”she wrote on Instagram.
“Time to pin down your children to brush their hair and keep them clean in the outfits you spent hours shopping for.” Conrad wrote on Instagram. Her holiday card, simply captioned, “Joy!” shows off Conrad and husband, William Tell, alongside new baby, Charlie Wolf, and older brother, Liam James.
Spelling referred to this year’s card as the “most fab holiday card yet.” The couple’s children Stella, Hattie, Liam, Finn, and Beau look stylish wearing coordinating colors.
Sparks and husband, Dana Isaiah, are all smiles as they pose with their son, Dana Jr for this year’s holiday photo. “They turned out amazing, and they were delivered so fast, I’m even getting my cards out on time this year – toddler or no toddler!!” Sparks wrote on Instagram.
Richards along with husband Aaron Phypers, pose with her daughters, Sam, Lola, and Eloise. The family looks great wearing matching white tops with jeans. “Very blessed to call this family mine,” Richards wrote on Instagram.
The Fuller House star posed alongside daughters, Zoie and Beatrix in this sweet holiday photo. “Love my girls to the moon and back and can’t wait for all the adventures 2020 will bring,” she wrote on Instagram.
Rimes and husband Eddie Cibrian, pose alongside his sons Mason and Jake, and dog, Fleetwood. “It’s been a year full of love and joy… and we sneak peace in there when we can,”Rimes wrote on Instagram.
“Happy Holidays to Tom, Ellen and Peanut whose names were accidentally printed on the bottom of the Meyers family card!” Meyers wrote on Instagram, when he shared this hilarious holiday card flub. He continued, “The whole thing is a reminder that the true meaning of Christmas is things will go wrong and the best you can do is roll with it (we cut off the bottoms!)”