While your kids are out splashing through the rest of summer, keep this new study in mind! A former college swimmer and graduate student at the University of Delaware wanted to research if exercise would boost vocabulary learning performance. The results among a group of elementary school children backed that theory up—with certain forms of activity.

The study focused on 48 participants between the ages of six and 12. All of the kids completed a word learning task, then colored for three minutes before testing on their ability to recognize the words. The exercise condition split the kids in two groups for another word learning task. Group one then completed three minutes of aerobic exercise (swimming in this study) and group two completed three minutes of anaerobic exercise (a CrossFit-like workout) before testing.

And the results? The kids who completed the aerobic exercise did 13% better compared to resting conditions in follow up testing on the new words. Meanwhile, kids who completed the anaerobic exercise had no significant difference in performance compared to resting conditions.

Co-author Madison Pruitt, the former college swimmer who is now a speech and language pathologist, had a hypothesis for the difference in performance based on exercise type. Because the aerobic exercise demanded less brain energy, it was easier for kids to retain information. When combined with the physical activity, it actually improved their ability to learn new vocabulary. The University of Delaware’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders plans to conduct a similar study with toddlers.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Jeff Dunham on Unsplash

 

RELATED STORIES

Study Shows Children Make Progress When Given Space

New Study Shows Surprising Positive Effects of Quarantine

This Study Offers New Insight Into Toddler Language Development

Kids (and kids at heart) all look forward to staying up late and watching fireworks over the summer. But dogs? Not so much. Those loud booms, pops and crackles are enough to make them beeline it for a spot under the bed. Since animals don’t understand that the noise and bursts of light are for July 4th celebrations, fireworks can feel unexpected and downright terrifying for pets. Signs of distress may include shaking, pacing, panting, hiding, crawling into your lap (even when they’re 80 pounds!), or engaging in destructive behavior. Pro tip: Hide your favorite shoes! Here are some simple tips to ease your dog’s anxiety during fireworks:

Every family’s pet journey looks a little different, but one thing remains the same: We all want our furry friends to be healthy and happy. Hill’s provides science-backed nutrition for every age, size and need and makes it easier to support your pet’s needs. See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.

Stay Inside

The sounds from fireworks may feel like a threat, and your anxious pup doesn’t know where to flee if his natural “fight or flight” response is triggered. That’s why it’s important to keep dogs inside during fireworks, so you don’t risk him running away from home in an attempt to get away from the noise. Make sure his collar, with correct contact information, is on just in case you have an escape artist on your hands! Avoid bringing your dog to a firework show, especially if you don’t know how he’ll react when seeing fireworks among a crowd. 

Stay Close By

Your dog will feel better being close to you—a reassuring, familiar presence. If you won’t be home during a fireworks session, arrange for your pooch to stay with a trusted pet sitter or family member so he’s not alone during a stressful time.

Set Up a Safe, Cozy Space

Cuddle up on the couch with blankets and toys, guide him to his crate if that’s where he likes to curl up, or consider hanging out in a smaller room of the house (with the door closed) where the noise won’t feel so threatening. Keep windows and doors shut during fireworks. Closing the blinds also helps dim the startling lights.

Drown Out the Noise

Play calming music, an audiobook or other soothing ambient noise to help minimize the sensory overload from fireworks. There are tons of playlists online made just for dogs! Aside from fireworks, pup-approved music really comes in handy as a technique to handle other bouts of fear, including separation anxiety. 

Dress for Success

Some dogs (and cats!) respond really well to wearing a Thundershirt. This snug wrap works much like an infant swaddle by applying gentle pressure to calm anxiety from fireworks, thunderstorms, travel, vet visits and more. 

Every family’s pet journey looks a little different, but one thing remains the same: We all want our furry friends to be healthy and happy. Hill’s provides science-backed nutrition for every age, size and need and makes it easier to support your pet’s needs. See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.

Talk to Your Vet about Treatment

Some dogs benefit from medication during high-stress times. There are over-the-counter pheromone sprays, chews or prescription medications for severe cases. Ask your veterinarian about options for your dog if you’re concerned.

Keep Calm and Carry On!

Act normal around your pet during fireworks. Play together and provide treats for good behavior. Your dog will pick up on your mood cues and feel secure.

Every family’s pet journey looks a little different, but one thing remains the same: We all want our furry friends to be healthy and happy. Hill’s provides science-backed nutrition for every age, size and need and makes it easier to support your pet’s needs. See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.

 

Thinking about bringing a furry family member into your life? Fostering a pet from a shelter or rescue organization may be the perfect way to ease into pet parenthood. Not only do you get to experience caring for a pet before making a long-term commitment, but you’re providing safe, temporary housing (and much-needed TLC!) to animals in need before they find their forever homes. If you’re considering fostering a pet, read on to learn what you need to know to prepare.

See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.

 

Why Do Animals Need Foster Care?

While there are many reasons dogs and cats need foster homes, often it’s because a shelter doesn’t have the capacity to fit every abandoned animal they bring in before an adoption takes place. Fostering is especially beneficial for animals who have a hard time adjusting to shelter life, need extra help socializing with people or are recovering from an illness, procedure or injury. You may also be able to foster orphaned kittens and puppies (however, there are certain requirements the organization you choose may have!). Fostering not only frees up space for a shelter organization to take in more needy animals, but it gives your foster pet the time he or she needs to be ready for adoption. Being around people (and perhaps other pets!) helps timid animals feel more comfortable and let their true colors shine. 

How Do I Find a Foster Organization?

Aside from good old Google, ask friends and neighbors if they’ve worked with shelter organizations nearby. You’d be surprised at how many people in your area are involved with these lifesaving groups. Once you find a local spot that feels like the right fit, you’ll most likely fill out an application and questionnaire so they can begin the process of pairing you with a foster pet. You may then have a phone screening followed by an at-home visit. 

See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.

 

What Can I Expect?

A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to match people with foster pets. Organizations make sure you’re compatible and well equipped to take on the needs of your new buddy. Animals will have received veterinary care and been temperament tested. You’ll be provided with any medication the animal requires, their medical record, as well as guidance on how to best care for them. You’ll want to know if there are behavioral issues to be aware of. And before you go on a shopping spree, find out what supplies are included. Your pet visitor may come with a collar, leash, crate, tags, medication (if need be) and more. You will be responsible for food, toys and any other extras to spoil your little guy or gal. 

Expect the first couple of days to be an adjustment for all of you as your foster pet adapts to their new space and new people! Don’t be surprised if that sweet pup hides under the coffee table for the first few hours before making his way to your lap. Have an open mind and be respectful (new humans can be overwhelming!). Creating a daily routine for food, rest and exercise can be helpful. 

While you’re busy providing love and attention, the shelter organization will be hard at work on the adoption process. You’ll most likely be required to bring your pet to an adoption drive/event or have potential adopters come to your home. Fostering may last just for a few days, a few weeks or longer. It’s good to be flexible about the commitment since the time frame is never certain.

If you're considering fostering, Hill's Pet has helpful resources of with how to prepare for fostering, and how to become a foster family for a cat!

What if I Want to Adopt My Foster Pet?

You may go into fostering convinced this is a short-term situation. Then… you fall in love. (Yep, it happens All.The.Time. It’s lovingly referred to becoming a member of the “foster fail club.”) Foster parents often have the option to adopt, but each organization has its own policies. Check with the group you’re volunteering with beforehand to know if you’ll be able to turn temporary into forever should your circumstances head in that direction! 

No matter what, fostering is a rewarding, feel-good experience. Whether you prepare a pet for their new home or decide to add that cuddly creature to your crew, you’ve made life better for an innocent animal in need. 

See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.

 


Literacy leader Amira recently announced the launch of its brand-new app—Read with Amira. Backed by 20 years of research from Carnegie Mellon, the app uses artificial intelligence (AI) technology to help kiddos become better readers!

Targeted for children ages five through 10, Read with Amira provides real-time reading feeding that may boost a young child’s literacy level. If your kiddo is suffering from a school reading lag or just needs extra help with their literacy-based lessons, this app is a tech-friendly helper to explore.

photo courtesy of Amira

The app listens to your child as they read, checking for correct pronunciation. Read with Amira then provides real-time feedback, correcting your child when needed. Not only does the app help your child as they read, it provides you with detailed feedback on the correct number of words read per minute, what your child is reading and how many times each week they read.

Mark Angel, CEO and Co-Founder of Amira Learning, said in a press release, “Closing the literacy gap among children in the U.S. will increase academic engagement in school and at home for children.” Angel continued, “Amira is focusing on correcting early literacy issues by combining the science behind how young people learn to read and recent developments in AI to create a virtual reading scientist for every teacher and every student.”

Learn more about Read with Amira and get started with the app right here!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

 

RELATED STORIES

What Are Kids Reading? This Report Has the Answers

21 Incredible Reading Nooks You Will Want in Your House

It’s Not Just Reading, But How You Do It That Makes Kids Successful

 

Have a new baby (or know someone who does)? There are so many decisions to make, from car seats to sleeping arrangements and feeding schedules—why not take one off your plate! We all want to give our child the best start possible and that’s why we are beyond excited about The Play Kits by Lovevery: toys delivered every few months to help them develop their skills in a stage-appropriate way!

Experts design The Play Kits by Lovevery for your baby’s developing brain. They deliver each Play Kit for your child’s exact learning stage, so they have the right toys at the right time. Read on to learn why these kits are so popular with parents, family and caregivers just like you!

Explore the Play Kits & save up to 10% when you prepay for a Play Kits Subscription Program.


How Does It Work?

So simple, it can be summed up in one sentence: Every 2–3 months, Lovevery delivers a Play Kit to your home that’s matched to your child’s development stage and what they’re hungry to learn at this very moment.

 

What Makes These Playthings So Perfect

The Play Kits are filled with playthings and activities designed by experts who link brain science and Montessori philosophy. Each Play Kit includes The Play Guide, packed with expert tips, ways to play and DIY at-home activities. Even better: their social media and blog deliver loads more science-backed and stage-based fun which means no guessing what’s good for your kiddo!

Explore the Play Kits & save up to 10% when you prepay for a Play Kits Subscription Program.

Quality That’s Modern + Minimal

Toys don’t need to clutter up your space. Lovevery toys are designed to make every detail to be engaging, which means zero space wasted and less clean up for you. They believe that simple is better and prioritize Montessori-inspired elements. Their play essentials are designed to look at home in your home. Plus, their durable play products stand up to plenty of play. Their playthings are even made with sustainably harvested wood, organic cotton, and baby-safe plastics!

 

Play That Grows With Them

We all know that learning a new skill takes time. Lovevery intentionally packages its Play Kits to bring your child new play experiences that build specific skills as they grow. These innovative and creative playthings are tailored to your child’s stage—providing challenge, confidence and belly-laughs. No throw-away toys here: As your child grows, you’ll see them revisit and repurpose playthings for new, open-ended and more advanced play.

Explore the Play Kits & save up to 10% when you prepay for a Play Kits Subscription Program.

The Magic of Montessori

Watch your child take the lead on their learning as they connect with playthings that are rooted in the real world. Lovevery’s Montessori influence brings you seemingly simple toys that capture your child’s curiosity while they’re learning. Their products help your child connect with play, connect with you and connect with the world around them. 

 

Explore the Play Kits & save up to 10% when you prepay for a Play Kits Subscription Program.

 

 

 —Jamie Aderski 

 

Forget about those little plastic eggs––Skittles has a better way to hide your kiddo’s Easter haul. Skittles Impossible Egg Hunt packets are here and these fun sized candies will make your backyard holiday happening into a super-sleuthing experience.

While the idea of teeny tiny bags of Skittles is far from new, this version of the beloved brand’s candy has a whole new twist. Unlike the snack packs you stock up on to give out at Halloween, these tasty treats come in a camouflaged container.

Photo: Walmart

Before you picture an army-esque camo fun-sized pack, think again. These Skittles are dressed up like your home’s natural environment. The packs are backed with pics of everything from green grass and tree bark photos to kitchen tile floor designs. Just hide the packs outside or in your house and get ready for a fun-filled family Easter egg hunt! That is, minus the actual eggs.

You can nab bags of the camo packs at retailers nationwide. Target and Target.com has 10.72 ounce bags of Skittles Impossible Egg Hunt fun size packs for $2.99 and Walmart.com has the goodies for $2.48 right now.

—Erica Loop

 

RELATED STORIES

Spring Is in the Air with Dove’s New Citrus-Fused Chocolates

Lucky Charms Is Dropping a New Cereal With a Magical Twist

Forget about the Gingerbread House, Now There’s a Peeps Cookie Coop Kit

Everything I have known for the past six and half years has revolved around my children and around being a stay-at-home mom. It is how I have defined myself and I honestly do not know who I am without that title. Once I held my first baby in my arms, smelled her head, kissed her cheek, I knew I would dedicate my life to her forever. I quit my job and never looked backed…until now.

Once I had my first child, I became riddled with post-partum anxiety with a crippling fear that something bad would happen to her. My mind literally went to the worst place in every scenario. The older she got, the more my anxiety melted away, and the more I yearned to find “me” again. I started small, got a position in my field for 10 hours a week, and tried to stay active with hobbies that gave me joy outside of being a mom (dancing, working out, crafting).

Just as I was beginning to feel like I was possibly ready to send her to preschool and start working full time again, my husband and I decided to bring our second (and last) baby into the world to complete our family. During my pregnancy, I felt guilty about the thoughts of giving up part of myself again, instead of being completely overjoyed with planning for our newest addition. Once I got my head straight and got completely on board, I was determined to give him everything (and more) that my firstborn got. Well…second children never quite get that first-born treatment, let’s be honest, but I did my best. My heart exploded all over again, and I knew the moment I held my little boy in my arms for the first time and I watched him sleep blissfully, I would be dedicated to him forever.

So here I am, a stay-at-home mom of two and feeling a little less than fulfilled. My kids are at the age now where they are in school full time (or could be if COVID wasn’t putting a strain on life) and it is time to redefine myself again. Who am I if I am not a stay-at-home mom? Will I be able to jump right back into the workforce? How will I be able to juggle full-time responsibilities at work and still have more to give to my children at the end of the day? How will they adapt without me being there all the time? Oh, yes, and mommy guilt. I am feeling it already by just the mere idea of work, can’t imagine how that will be once I start.

Well, resumes were written, and jobs were applied to; now I have been offered and accepted my first full-time position, post-baby. I’ve still got it! But now comes the anxiety of actually being able to pull it off. Will mommy brain cooperate? Will old skills resurface from the corners of my memory? I can’t say for sure, but I am sure that I am excited to try. Even though I have my reservations, I do think it is important for my children to see their mother be passionate about something and put herself back out there. So, this stay-at-home mom, turned working mom will have to gain a new identity, find a new way to define herself, and make a new safe place for her children. Wish me luck!

Hello! My name is Brittany and I am the creator of Mama Bear Britt! I am a child development specialist, former preschool director and mama of two littles. I am working hard to create a place for parents to gather, learn and share. Join my tribe! 

Dolly Parton is bringing some holiday cheer to Pandora LIVE stage. She will be joined by Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Brett Eldredge and Carly Pearce for a special virtual celebration on Dec. 4 at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT. Listeners can RSVP for the free event now

Christmas

To get in the holiday spirit leading up to the event, attendees can tune into Christmas Radio and Holiday Hits on Pandora. Both stations now feature Modes, a new feature that allows users to customize their station listening experience based on a musical theme.

Taking place in a Nashville studio majestically decorated for the holidays, the evening will feature each artist performing classic holiday tunes backed by Dolly’s longtime band members.  There will also be exclusive interviews with the guest artists, where they will recall their favorite memories of Dolly and talk about their favorite holiday traditions. Additionally, children around the country will act as the evening’s interviewers, asking Dolly about her holiday traditions in a special “Dear Dolly” segment.

For her Pandora LIVE performance, Parton will be performing tracks from her latest release A Holly Dolly Christmas which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Country Albums and Holiday Albums chart.

Event sponsors will help to create a truly unique virtual event experience that brings interactive fan activities and exclusive content together in an innovative and engaging way. Leading up to the show, Sierra will get fans in the holiday spirit with a curated gift guide and a chance to test their artist knowledge with pre-show trivia.

During the show, fans will be invited to pose in the Meow Mix virtual photo booth and partake in the interactive chat hosted by Wendy’s. CarMax will provide a limited amount of exclusive artist merchandise for attendees on a first-come, first-served code redemption basis. In addition, Pandora and flavor brand McCormick will be partnering for a charitable donation to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and encourage viewers to get involved and give the gift of reading this holiday season. 

For fans looking to continue the celebration after the show, Wendy’s will be partnering with a social influencer to host an official virtual afterparty on Instagram Live and soon will announce a deal for fans to enjoy Wendy’s at home during the show.  For fans looking for more music, LendingTree Powered by VantageScore will invite fans to check out the new Pandora Live: Backstage with Dolly Parton station on Pandora featuring commentary from Dolly.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Rodion Kutsaev on Unsplash

RELATED STORIES

35+ New & Cool Stocking Stuffers 

2019’s Top Gifts for Every Age & Stage 

18 Garlands You Can Make with the Kids 

21 Ingenious Gift Wrapping Hacks for the Holidays

Sometimes it can be hard to find healthy food options for picky kids. Cerebelly is the first science-backed, brain-focused children’s food brand created by a mom of three and practicing neurosurgeon to deliver age-optimized nutrients for early brain development. Now they are collaborating with Peppa Pig for the launch of Smart Bars. 

Cerebelly x Peppa Pig Smart Bars

The Cerebelly x Peppa Pig Smart Bars are perfect for children 1 and older. They are portable and accessible for more refined palates and further Cerebelly’s mission of making the highest quality, science-backed food accessible for all children and families. 

“We initially launched Cerebelly with a focus on pouches so we could confidently cover the critical window of brain development that happens in the first three years of life. While we’re always innovating our pouches, I realized that as kids grow up, they will need a new format to continue benefiting from Cerebelly –something portable and accessible to their more refined palates. These Smart Bars were the perfect next step,” said Dr. Teresa Purzner, Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of Cerebelly. “Kids are used to eating bars, but ones that are low sugar, vegetable heavy and packed with hard-to-get brain-supporting nutrients are hard to come by. Ours are allergen free, school safe and so tasty for even the pickiest eaters.”

Cerebelly x Peppa Pig Smart Bars

The Smart Bars are available in two delicious flavors that kids will love, Blueberry Banana Sweet Potato and Carrot Raisin. Each contains zero grams of added sugar, 3g of protein and 10-12 brain-supporting nutrients, compared to leading competitors on the market which offer only 0-3 nutrients. The special edition bars will debut in all Whole Foods markets nationwide, priced at $4.99 for a variety box of five, as well as on Cerebelly.com to coincide with the brand’s site relaunch. 

“Supporting our Peppa Pig fans growing up as they embark on everyday new adventures, helping to create everlasting childhood memories is at our core,” said Jamie Epstein, eOne Director of Marketing – North America, Family Brands. “We’re thrilled to join Cerebelly on their newest journey teaching nutrition through education for preschoolers and their parents with the launch of Cerebelly x Peppa Pig Smart Bars. We can’t think of a better partner, whose mission aligns with ours of giving children the best possible start in life.”

The special edition Peppa Pig Smart Bars will launch alongside two additional smart bar flavors, Strawberry Beet and Green Apple. All smart bar varieties contain organic whole grain oats, organic nutrient blends derived from spinach, broccoli, squash seed, cranberry, maitake mushroom, chlorella, sunflower seed and more, along with natural flavors, kale, organic beets, lemon juice and sea salt.

The Cerebelly x Peppa Pig Smart Bars will be priced at $4.99 for a variety box of five at Whole Foods. Additional smart bar flavors and subscriptions will be available on Cerebelly.com, ranging from $3.74 to $4.99 depending on quantities purchased.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: Cerebelly

RELATED STORIES

Healthy, Smashable 1st Birthday Cakes 

Mom-Approved Meal Time Products & Gear

Drool-Worthy Baby Bibs & Cover-Ups