ML Interest Tag: sickness

Give Your Kids an Experience This Christmas, Not Toys! (Here’s Why)

By Missy Woodruff

Over two thousand years ago the Buddha observed that “cravings” were the source of most of our suffering. (And he was pretty wise… like a Buddha, in fact!)

Basically, cravings cause us to chase after pleasure in material things, but this habit always ends in frustration and suffering, as the happiness they offer is fleeting and ungraspable.

I was recently reminded of this as we loaded a mini-van full of toys to donate to the Salvation Army in a struggle to declutter.

These toys were an archive of must-have toys from Christmases past, and most didn’t get much love after the New Year.

In fact, our kids had a bad habit of getting a “pleasure-hangover” after the last toy was opened on Christmas morning. Their moods seemed to sink after the cravings and anticipation turned into discontent, often before we could clean up the wrapping paper.

So, after a number of these unsatisfying Christmases, we got wiser. We stopped spending hundreds of dollars on “things,” and don’t even participate in the commercial bacchanal that is “Black Friday.” (ugh!) 

So, what do we do instead? 

Now we get the kids an experience

Our big gift to the kids usually centers around an event, and includes a night in a hotel. Since we’re a train ride from NYC, there’s no shortage of options for family travel, but certainly anywhere fun and exciting will do.

For the last two Christmases we’ve been on a Hamilton (the Musical) kick, so trips to Williamsburg and Philadelphia were a lot of fun. One year it was a long-weekend trip to Florida after we found cheap, last-minute airfare.

This year? Not sure yet. Maybe (half-price) tickets to Aladdin on Broadway, and a night in the city?

We usually make a photo book of our annual adventure, so that’s fun to bring back the memories years later.

Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that we’re all so much happier not dumping “stuff” on each other on Christmas day. We all feel lighter, and there’s a lot less anxiety.

The True Meaning of Christmas

“Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about…”

Yes, I think Linus was onto something back in 1965.

We’ve all heard that “money can’t buy happiness,” but we’re also told ad nauseam every day that it can.

How? Well, in the form of advertising and social media, of course.

In fact, a recent study shows that we can be bombarded with ads of some sort up to 5,000 times a day. This exposure to advertising is like steroids for our cravings, and that is really bad.

Ugh! If he weren’t so enlightened, Buddha would be so depressed.

Proof that Toys Don’t Buy Happiness (Ah, hah!) 

I’m happy to give you proof that “things” don’t equal happiness. Wrap your brain around this statistic:

You’d think that as the richest country with the most toys, we’d at least be on the list of the 10 happiest countries, but we’re not.

However, we do top the charts in anxiety and obesity, and debt, so maybe we want to stop trying to satisfy our cravings with “things.” 

This obsession with consumption seems to be a human sickness, maybe leftover from our ancient hunter-gatherer DNA? Kind of makes you think that the Buddha was right all along.

Here’s a small way to fight back…

Give An Experience this Christmas!

So, I hope that you consider lightening up on the toys this Christmas. Maybe a Broadway show isn’t in your budget this year, but no problem; it’s the quality time together that matters. 

If you have any ideas of non-material gift substitutes, leave a comment below!

I'm Missy, a mother of three and a middle school drama teacher at a private school. I'm obsessed with my Vizsla (dog), traveling, and the musical Hamilton. I also enjoy writing and sharing fun parenting stories, which is what brought me here.

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Study Proves the Term “Morning Sickness” Is Misleading

by Jennifer Swartvagher

If you have been pregnant you know that morning sickness doesn’t just rear its head in the early hours of the day. Researchers argue that the term “morning sickness” is misleading and should instead be described as nausea and sickness in pregnancy. A study published  in the British Journal of General Practice shows that, while the most likely time for pregnancy sickness symptoms to occur is in the morning, a significant number of women can experience them at any time of the day.

pregnant

‘Morning sickness’ has long been used to describe nausea and vomiting that women often experience in the early stages of pregnancy. Although pregnant women often report experiencing nausea and sickness throughout the waking day, until now no research has described the likelihood of these symptoms occurring at different times of the day.

The researchers used data from daily symptom diaries kept by 256 pregnant women. In these diaries, the women recorded their experience of nausea and vomiting for each hour in the day, from the day they discovered they were pregnant until the 60th day of their pregnancy. The researchers then used this data to map the likelihood of experiencing nausea and experiencing vomiting in each hour of the day, broken down into weeks following last ovulation.

They found that while vomiting was most common between the hours of 7.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m., nausea is highly likely throughout the whole daytime, not just the morning. Furthermore, many women still reported vomiting as a symptom even into the evening. The most common hour for participants to experience nausea and vomiting was between 9.00 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. with 82% experiencing nausea in this hour, and 29% experiencing vomiting.

94.2% of participants experienced at least one of these symptoms during the study, with 58% experiencing both.

In addition, by comparing occurrence of symptoms across the first seven weeks of pregnancy, measured from last ovulation, the researchers found that the later the week, the higher the probability of experiencing symptoms. The probability of experiencing nausea is at its highest in weeks 5, 6 and 7 while for vomiting it is in week seven. As the study only examined the first seven weeks of pregnancy, the probabilities after week seven are not known.

Professor Roger Gadsby, of Warwick Medical School, said: “Morning sickness is widely used by the general public, media and even healthcare professionals but it doesn’t give an accurate description of the condition.If a pregnant woman experiences sickness in the afternoon she may feel that this is unusual and wrong, or if she experiences no vomiting but feels nauseated all day she might think she is not covered by the term ‘morning sickness’. And those women who experience severe symptoms feel it trivialises the condition”

He continued, “Nausea and vomiting in pregnancy (NVP) can have a significant negative impact on the lives of sufferers. It can cause feelings of depression, of being unable to look after the family, and of loss of time from paid work. Very severe NVP called hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is the commonest cause of admission to hospital in the first trimester of pregnancy.”

The study authors said: “The continued use of the term ‘morning sickness’ could imply that symptoms only rarely occur in the afternoon and evening so that sufferers will have significant parts of the day symptom-free. This study shows that this is an incorrect assumption and that symptoms, particularly nausea, can occur at any time of the day.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Anastasiia Chepinska on Unsplash

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4 Tips to Help You Get Through Winter Sickness

By Amber Stevens

We are in the thick of winter so we are craving more sunlight and warmer temps. For now, however, we’ll have to deal with the uninspired forecasts. In addition to the lackluster weather, we are in a constant battle to keep the cold and flu germs away. And if you have lost that battle, you are not alone my friend. I am here to admit that I recently had a house full of moderately ill little ones. In fact, I too fell ill. And it was horrendous. I was weak and barely dragging myself around while my kiddies had all the energy in the world. Literally, if it weren’t for their runny noses, you wouldn’t have been able to tell they were sick. But as a mama (or papa) you still have to go on. Life doesn’t stop just because you’re sick. So how did I make it through? I’ll share my simple tips:

1. Rest. This may seem obvious to some but there are those out there who will still try to do everything they usually do while they are sick. Listen, your body is trying to heal and repair itself. It’s ok to slow down a bit. You won’t be able to completely stop, especially if you have toddlers but you can at least modify what you would usually do. And speaking of toddlers, communicate with them that you aren’t feeling too well. I did just that with my four-year-old and it helped her to understand why mommy wasn’t as energetic as usual. 

2. Get help. Whether it’s a family member, neighbor or friend, you may need some backup. My husband was able to stay home one of the days I was sick and it helped tremendously! Just having another adult in the house allowed me to let my guard down even more. I napped when the kids were up- something I obviously wouldn’t be able to do had he not been there. Getting help could also mean ordering out or having sandwiches for dinner. Again, don’t pressure yourself into your usual way of doing things.

3. Get some fresh air ASAP. Chances are that if you get sick, you’re going to be stuck in the house for a few days—not fun. So as soon as you start to feel a little better, get some fresh air. Even if it’s to just go on your front steps for a few moments—bundle up and enjoy some sun rays. 

4. Remember that this too shall pass. When you’re in the thick of the battle, it can seem like it’ll last forever. But before you know it, you’ll be back on your feet like new. So don’t let yourself get down. Go through the process and allow yourself to properly heal. 

I hope these simple tips help. They may not change the weather but they’ll keep you going when the cold and flu bug tries to stop you. 

Hi Everyone. I’m Amber. I’m a wife and mom of 2 beautiful princesses. I was born a creative and I’m learning to find creativity in every area of my life. I’m a lover of all things beautiful but I’m also drawn to the broken because there’s always room for restoration. 

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Being a Third-Time Mom Is Way Easier than Being a First-Time Mom

By Mary Kate Brown

Photo: This is one of our family photos

Dear Mama,

Here we are. In this life of raising littles. We can look at one another with the same weary smile and “get” what the other is feeling. We know the struggle between needing alone time and feeling guilty for taking it. We are all too familiar with the frustrations of our kids NOT getting the hang of potty training, and feeling teary-eyed at their newfound independence. We ask ourselves day after day amidst the sweeping, wiping, and PB&J-making if we nurtured their little hearts. Did we model Jesus to them?

Still, there you are with your growing pregnant belly, asking me how in the world I do it with three? (I may not be expecting, but trust me, I still wonder how those other moms do it with 4 or 5!) I just have to say that you will. You totally will. And dare I say that it will be easier for you than it was when you only had one.

I mean, you have already made it through the toddler years with one of them. You are pretty much smack dab in the middle of them again with your second. You have mastered multitasking. You know that you can’t leave home without snacks and extra clothes. You already know which sippy cups leak all over the place and which two brands are even worth the cash. You know what to do for crying, gas, teething, sleep regressions, growth spurts, etc. You know that a pacifier right after birth is NOT the end of the world and that your newborn’s heartbeat is actually supposed to be super fast. You can function throughout the day on little sleep with coffee, naptime, and Little Einsteins.

I think what I am trying to say is logistically three littles might be harder, but you are also better.

The past five years do count for something you know. Remember how you made it through things like NICU stays, colic, moving, living far away from family, nursing, sickness while raising your family, loss, travel, preschool, and potty training? Just to name a few. Plus, how many doubts, fears, and insecurities have you already overcome as a mother and woman? The things that you used to be so unsure about, or had caused you unnecessary stress, or made you question yourself or your capabilities as a mother that now hardly cross your mind. Those changes are huge.

You are no longer navigating the newborn and new mother stage at the same time. You will be welcoming a new little life into a family that has grown up together. You will get to mother this new babe as a mother who has already overcome, experienced and learned so much. You’ll pay closer attention to the fleeting moments, and worry less about the to-do list.

You will figure out how it works best to make trips with three instead of two. You will learn how to give your older two the attention and love they need while attending to the needs of a new baby. You will “get it all done” because it is just what you do. Even if you don’t realize it, it is what you already do every single day.

So that’s it, friend. You are better at doing what you already do. That’s how you will do it when baby three comes along.

My only advice is to definitely drop the guilt about taking some time for yourself.

With love & solidarity,

—Another Mama of Three

This post originally appeared on Choosing Grace Blog.

Our family moved from the Chicago subrubs to rural Western Michigan to pursure our dream of homesteading. We're learning together as we homeschool our three daughters. I am passionate about thriving despite autoimmune disease, and encouraging other mamas. I serve on the editorial team at www.kindreddmom.com and write at www.choosinggraceblog.com

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5 Tips to Help Keep Your Family Healthy during Flu Season

By Linda Hanna

Once you start to plan out your “home for the holidays” travel, yo might forget to think about how you and your baby might be exposed to germs and viruses during air travel or visiting your family and their kiddos. 

The risk of a cold or flu to both mom and baby can be serious—with things like reduced milk production and a host of other issues—but there are many precautions that you can take so that you can travel and still feel safe and protected. 

Here are some general tips to keep you and baby healthy during the contagious holiday travel months. 

Make Hand Washing a Priority: Make sure your toddlers or school age children wash their hands with soap and water when they arrive home. Get into the habit of washing your hands thoroughly and using hand sanitizer before touching the baby.

Ask Your Sick Relatives to Wait Until They Are Better: It’s not rude to ask people to make sure they are healthy before they visit. For anyone that’s been recently sick, two weeks of symptom-free health before they get anywhere near you or your little one should be standard. 

Reduce Exposure: Young or school age children pose the highest risk exposure to viruses and bacteria. Change school-age kid’s clothes once they get home, and have them use a small amount of hand sanitizer before touching a newborn.

Avoid Stuffy Places: Mamas and infants should avoid stuffy, poorly ventilated places where other at-risk individuals gather. Pathogens are equally passed through airborne and touch, and no ventilation keeps the little buggers stuck in stuffy spaces

Consider a Flu Shot as Prevention: Often flu shots are covered by insurance. If you’ve had a good experience with flu shots in the past, consider it before the flu season starts.

Look for these early signs of fever or head cold symptoms: 

  • Nasal drainage
  • Cough
  • Difficulty feeding
  • Low urine output

If you or your baby have any of these above symptoms, head straight to your doctor to try and catch a sickness early while it can still be treated. 

Rather than feel a little stressed about the possibility of getting sick or arriving with a sick baby on your hip, you can feel a little better knowing that there are many things you can do during these weeks leading up to the festivities, to make sure your holidays are healthy and happy for everyone. You can also check out our in-house nurse Kelly’s useful tips on traveling with your baby and keeping both of you safe and comfortable. 

 

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. 

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Up, Up, Up! Get a Bird’s Eye View of the Holiday Lights

by Maria Chambers

Buckle up and take your holiday lights enjoyment to all new heights from Santa’s point of view, 1,200 feet above the bundled-up crowd. Chicago Helicopter Experience, a helicopter touring company with a heliport in Bridgeport, is offering adventure seekers sky-high views of Chicago’s magnificent light displays. Whether you’re taking the family or escaping for a much-needed date night, read on for an experience you won’t soon forget.

Chicago Lights Helicopter Tour

Tour Route
The charismatic pilot gives a guided tour of the lights at Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, Millennium Park and the Chicago skyline, which is breathtaking no matter the time of year but exponentially so during the holidays.

Chicago Lights Helicopter Tour LPZoo
photo: Bird’s Eye View of LP Zoo

Duration of Tour
Expect the entire experience to last an hour.  When you arrive, all participants must go through pre-flight training where staff covers safety procedures and passengers practice working the seatbelt. The time spent in the air is approximately 17 minutes.

Chicago Lights Helicopter Tour Navy Pier
photo: Navy Pier from 1,200 feet up

Transportation and Parking
There is plenty of free parking at the facility.  If you opt for the train, hop on the Orange line and take the Halsted stop. The entrance kinda sneaks up on you, so keep your eyes peeled for the gravel lot.

While You Wait
You’ll be asked to arrive early for your flight, but you can entertain yourself and the kids with a variety of games like cornhole (aka bags), connect four, UNO and Jenga. There is also a separate room with a flight simulator, fun facts about Chicago, information on helicopter history and interactive games.

Chicago Lights Helicopter Tour Lake Shore Dr.
photo: looking onto Lake Shore Dr. from over Lake Michigan

Good to Know

  • Be sure to bring your driver’s license, as you’ll need to show a form of identification just as you would at the airport.
  • The helicopter seats 6, plus the pilot. You can schedule yourself for a tour open to the public or private tours are available upon request and for an additional cost.
  • Passengers will be provided noise-canceling headphones with a headset. Be warned: everyone on board can hear what you’re saying through the mic.
  • The cabin is temperature-controlled, so dress as though you’re going for a car ride.
  • This tour is appropriate for any age, provided the kiddo can sit up on their own in the seat.
  • Just in case you’re wondering, no one has ever gotten sick on the tour—the question was asked and answered. So, don’t get yourself worked up over concerns about motion or air sickness. You won’t experience the same turbulence you find on a plane ride—it feels more like floating in the clouds.
  • After the tour, riders get a picture taken next to the helicopter and receive a digital copy.

CHE Chicago Heliport
2420 S. Halsted, Bridgeport
312.967.8687
Online: chicagohelicopterexperience.com

— Maria Chambers

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Daycare or Nanny? Use This Checklist to Help Make Your Childcare Decision

By Amanda Tallent

Spending time with your little one is the best part of being a parent but unfortunately, we can’t always be there to watch our kids. When looking for someone else to take care of them, you want someone you can trust and the number of options can be daunting. However, by carefully weighing your needs and the needs of your child against the factors that affect your decision, you will likely be able to make an informed choice.

You’ve probably considered a daycare, nanny, or maybe a family member but which option is best for your family?

 

What to Consider in Your Search for Childcare

Cost: It’s likely that the number one consideration when seeking the best childcare option for you family is also based on your finances. There is no getting around the fact that childcare is excessively (even prohibitively) expensive. Studies show that while the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services quotes a healthy cost for childcare to represent 10% of the income of a family, the average cost can be significantly higher.

In places where childcare is the most expensive, like Washington D.C. for example, care can cost an average of $3,000 a month and families spend more to the tune of 25% of their annual salary. Making a budget is crucial. As you begin to plan financially for childcare, make sure you take into account your eligibility for tax credits. While the Child Dependent Tax Credit will not cover all of your expenses, it may allow you to find a more desirable option within your means.

Schedules: If you need someone to watch your child at regular times everyday while you are at work, a daycare may be a less expensive and more clear cut option for you. If, on the other hand, your work schedule tends to be a bit more flexible, or if you only need a couple of hours a day covered, you may want to lean further toward a nanny situation.

Environment: You know your child best and understand if they will thrive in a social atmosphere or if they will feel overwhelmed. This may play into your decision. Take into account the environment you want your child to grow up in and determine your ideal scenario.

To help you compare each of your childcare options, use a checklist to aid in your search and be on the lookout for all of your necessities (and red flags).

The Pros and Cons of Daycare: 

If you’re considering daycare there are positives and negatives you’ll want to run through.

Benefits of Daycare:

  • Costs are generally less than what a nanny would charge.

  • Daycare encourages socialization with other children which is important for development.

  • Curated activities are generally part of a daycare situation including educational toys, games and field trips.

  • Government accreditation can be a good indication of a daycare that is well managed and has to conform to cleanliness, class sizes and general safety standards.

  • A number of teachers mean that if a staff member gets ill you can still receive care, also it’s likely that staff members have training in child development.

  • Daycare may have many reviews that give you a sense of ease that it is reliable.

Some Disadvantages of Daycare:

  • There are more germs to be exposed to, meaning the cycle of sickness comes earlier and can infest the whole household.

  • Daycares usually have strict hours and therefore if your job is less predictable, you may have difficulty with timing.

  • The greater the number of children at daycare the less individualized attention your child may have. This means that more accidents are possible and it can be more stressful for your child.

The Pros and Cons of Hiring a Nanny:

While daycare has certain conveniences that make it favorable, sometimes a nanny makes more sense. That said there are negative aspects to nanny care as well.

Benefits of a Nanny Include:

  • Personal individualized care for your child which leads to an improved sense of attachment for your child to the caregiver.

  • Staying in a familiar environment where you can control safety, food access, and other aspects of your child’s care.

  • Flexibility that might allow you to have a more erratic schedule or be able to use the same person when you need an evening off as well.

Some Disadvantages of Having a Nanny:

  • If your nanny is ill it’s likely that you’ll need to call a backup option or stay home.

  • Recommendations may be fewer than with daycares as even an experienced nanny may have only worked with one or two families.

  • Nanny care can be costly.

  • Having to manage an employee can be a little trying, including keeping up with payments, sick time and vacation days.

Ultimately, you have to balance your options and see what makes the most sense with your budget and what your childcare needs represent. This checklist plus asking around, doing your research will help provide all the information you need to make the right decision for you.

I declared my dream of being a mom at the age of five years old on my kindergarten graduation day when answering the age-old question "what do you want to be when you grow up?" Many years later, it still seems like the best job in the world. 

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11 Tips for Grandparents Traveling with Grandkids

by Mira Temkin
Partner Content

The grandparents have agreed to take your kiddos on vacation, hoorah! We gathered the best advice from from seasoned pros who’ve been there, done that and keep the gang safe, happy and prepared for their big adventure. Scroll down to see the tips.

Before the Trip

1. Proper ID

Agus Dietrich via Unsplash

Be proactive. Make sure both grandparents and grandkids all have proper identification. Write a letter giving permission for your parents to travel with your child, including your parents’ names, address, phone numbers and authorization to travel, as well as the destination and the length of stay. This is necessary especially when traveling out of the U.S. with grandchildren in tow.

2. Photos

Mira Temkin

They probably already have them in their wallets, but make sure grandma and grandpa have a few recent photos of your kids, in case of emergency, both physical and digital. 

 

3 Medical & Dental Insurance Info

Mira Temkin

Grandparents should have a notarized letter from parents or legal guardians, giving medical personnel permission to treat your child as well as permission that they can make medical decisions as their guardian. Include your child’s medical and dental insurance cards as well as prescriptions for medication in case they need to be replaced.

Tip: Print all of these records as well as scan and email them to the grandparents. With a digital version, it’s easier to keep track of and harder to lose.

4. Consider Travel Insurance

iStock

Life happens, and with kids and older adults, it happens a lot! Sickness or injury are the most common reasons for canceling or interrupting a vacation. Depending on the length and distance of your trip, travel insurance may cover the risk for both adults and children. Investigate and then suggest a policy which could save the grandparents a substantial amount of money in the long run. If you can, pay for the insurance yourself since the grands are likely covering everything else. 

Packing Tips

5. Have Kids Bring Something from Home

Donnie Ray Jones via Flickr

If your child sleeps with a lovey or favorite teddy bear, make sure they pack it along. Ditto for their favorite snacks. Fill a bunch of plastic zippered bags for grandma with grab n’ go treats like granola bars and crackers. 

6. Pack in Plastic

Mira Temkin

Make the Grands morning easier by putting each day’s outfits in a Ziploc bag. Include underwear, socks, t-shirt and shorts/jeans. Let your little explorer pick the bag they want, but with everything inside, grandpa or grandma won’t have to search for any necessities.

Tips for an Epic Experience

7. Play by Mom & Dad’s Rules

Mira Temkin

While the grandparents are not strangers to your kids, they’re also not their parents. Grandparents might fudge on bedtime or excess sweets, but make sure everyone has a plan in place to keep to the family rules. 

When it comes to screentime, Amazon Kids Edition tablet makes it easy for everyone to be on the same page. Parents can set their desired parental controls prior to the trip so that kiddo and grandparents don't have to negotiate screentime. Parental control features include giving Junior access to his own profile so he can access age-appropriate content, setting daily goals and time limits and daily activity reports so you know what your child viewed. 

Bottom line: whatever methods you follow as a family, it's a good idea to discuss these with the kids present one more time before heading out as well as appropriate responses to any inappropriate behavior. 

8. Let the Kids Help Decide

tortugadatacorp via Pixabay

Kids should help decide what activities they want to do. Give them choices: Do you want to go swimming or go play mini-golf? Make sure the activities are age-appropriate and appeal to their interests. If they don’t want to go, don’t push it, however the beauty of travel is to experience new things, so be sure that everyone, grands included, get a choice in the matter. One grandma told us she had to convince her granddaughter to go to Medieval Times. And guess who was cheering the loudest in the end? 

9. Account for Downtime

iStock

Make sure there’s some downtime for the kids to chill out with books or tablets. If your family is staying at a resort, see what amenities they offer, like games at the pool, face painting or other included activities. And, if you're bringing along your Amazon Kids Edition tablet, your kids get access to thousands of age-appropriate books, apps, games and more with FreeTime Unlimited—no matter where you travel. Bring the tablet for downtime in the room or poolside. The tablet's parental control dashboard ensures your child won't see anything he shouldn't, which means grandparents can also enjoy a bit of downtime and not have to worry about what kiddo is accessing on their watch.

10. Stay Connected

filmbetrachterin via Pixabay

Encourage the kids to use FaceTime or call home once a day. This will make them feel more secure as they can share their adventures with the parents and also see that everything is ok at home.

11. Souvenirs

Jordan Rowland via Unsplash

Buy a gift card or set aside cash for your kids to use for souvenirs for themselves or their siblings. The grandparents will appreciate your thoughtfulness!

12. Take Lots (& Lots) of Pictures

Mira Temkin

After the trip is over, make two photo books from Shutterfly or other online photo company: one for you, the other for the kiddos to remember the cherished memories you all made together.

When you purchase a new Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet it comes with one year of FreeTime Unlimited at no additional cost. FreeTime Unlimited offers thousands of content titles for children ages three to twelve years old. Use code REDTRI to get 20% off your purchase of an Amazon Fire Kids Edition tablet. 

—Mira Temkin

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4 Tips to Help Ease Camp-Sickness

By Jess Michaels

Photo: Camp Wayne for Girls

It’s August and the end of overnight camp is just a few days away. For all those times over the summer you thought your camper would be homesick, the reality is, your child will be coming home absolutely camp sick, the feeling of missing camp so much that it hurts! Your child will miss camp so much that they may even experience extreme campression! Try not to take it personally—summer camp is your child’s summer home where she gained independence, made lifelong friends and became part of a community of her own. Consoling her will be one of your greatest parenting challenges. Here are a few tips to help your child ease back into home life after an amazing summer at camp.

  1. Give Your Child Some Independence. Your child has been away for a few weeks and has been making decisions on her own. When possible, give your child the opportunity to make some more choices at home. Allow your child to practice that newfound independence gained at camp.
  2. Don’t Overbook. From swimming to soccer to archery to hiking, along with special event days and evening activities, your child has been very busy having fun! But having so much fun can be exhausting. Give your child a few days to just relax. Don’t make big plans or sign your child up for another summer program once home. Your child needs to unwind and just be on her own schedule.
  3. Talk About Camp. Your child has been immersed in her camp world and it’s all she has thought of for weeks. Make sure to talk about camp at home and ask questions but while you are dying to know every detail about camp, but don’t push. Allow your child to talk about camp on her own time. Let her tell you what she wants to share. 
  4. Make Plans with Camp Friends. Your child has lived with her best friends for weeks and now she is home, miles or states away. Arrange a get together for the fall or winter so your child has something on the calendar to look forward to. Remember to invite everyone in the bunk—leaving a few children out creates hurt feelings and can cause tension for next summer. 
  5. Spend Time Together. You’ve missed your child so much, even though you know she was having the time of her life at camp. Once your child relaxes a bit, make some family plans and enjoy the last few weeks of summer together!

Jess Michaels is the Director of Communications for the American Camp Association, NY and NJ, a not for profit organization dedicated to enhancing the summer camp experience.  She loves everything summer camp and frequently writes about her favorite topic for various parenting publications, websites and blogs. 

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Funniest Parenting Tweets of the Week: Mar. 1, 2019

by Karly Wood

Goodbye February! We are ready to embrace shamrocks and the warm spring weather, but until the snow totally thaws we’re going to keep ourselves warm with the laughter that comes with catching upon on some funny tweets. Keep scrolling to see this week’s roundup of hilarious thoughts on parenting from Twitter.

1. 👏

2. Too TRUE!

3. Same.

4. Don’t fall for it!

5. No there are not.

6. Yep.

7. Starting the day off right.

8. Yes, please.

9. Sickness BE GONE.

––Karly Wood

photo: Ryan McGuire via Gratisography; composite by Karly Wood for Red Tricycle

 

RELATED STORIES

Funniest Parenting Tweets of the Week: Feb. 22, 2019

Funniest Parenting Tweets of the Week: Feb. 15, 2019

Funniest Parenting Tweets of the Week: Feb. 8, 2019

 

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