Seeing your little one coughing or sniffly can be heartbreaking. Not to mention exhausting for both of you. So, whether you’re already battling a cold around your house or want to be prepared for the next bout of illness, here are 10 parent-proven ways to soothe and comfort your sick baby. As always, consult your pediatrician about these and other remedies.
1. Get to know your nasal aspirator. As parents, we have to do gross things. It’s inevitable. And when your baby has a ridiculously runny or stuffy nose but can’t blow it, we have to step in and clear that stuff out ourselves. Whether you use a snot sucker like a bulb aspirator, the NoseFrida, or an electronic nasal aspirator like the NoseBot to do the dirty work, you’ll be glad you did when your baby can breathe (and sleep!) easily again.
2. Treat congestion with saline. Saline has been known to work wonders against congestion. Lay your little one down on his/her back and tilt the chin back just slightly. You can then gently spray two or three drops of saline into each nostril. It works best when followed by a nasal aspirator. Yep, you can't get away from that step.
3. Steam it up! When your baby is congested, sleep is almost impossible. (For you and your babe.) One way of easing the congestion is by making things hot and steamy. Running a hot shower and hanging out in the steamy bathroom for a while can give you relief.
4. Run a cool-mist humidifier. If steam isn’t your thing, a cool-mist humidifier can take some dryness out of the air. With the heat running in the house and the dry winter air, stuffiness is almost certain. Run the humidifier while your baby sleeps to offer some much-needed relief.
5. Oatmeal. It’s not just for breakfast. With dry winter air, dry skin is not far behind. If your little one has red, dry, itchy skin, try a soothing oatmeal bath. Grind up some oatmeal in a blender or food processor and sprinkle a half cup of the powder into the bath as the water is running. Be sure to mix it all up and let your baby get a good soak. Around 15 minutes is the most they’ll likely need. Be careful: The oatmeal tends to make the bath pretty slippery.
6. Cuddles & more cuddles. There’s nothing quite like a long snuggle with a parent when a little one has a cold. Even better when it can be skin-to-skin. In fact, being placed directly on a parent's skin is thought to help lower a fever. Get your baby down to the diaper, cover up with a blanket, and settle in for a nice, long cuddle.
7. Fluids. Fluids. Fluids. Preventing dehydration when your baby has a cold is critical. If your baby is under 8 months, breastmilk and formula are the best options for fluids. Offer them often to help with dehydration; plus it gives that extra comfort sick babies need. For older babes, water tops the list.
8. Lukewarm baths. If your baby feels warm or has a slight fever, putting them in a tepid or lukewarm bath can help. Join your baby in the bath to make it extra comforting. Just be mindful of the temperature of the water. Keep it even and avoid too much heat or cold for best results.
9. Try a little sweet & sour. For babies over a year old, honey & lemon help with a sore throat or cough. Lemon is known to dry up congestion, and honey offers a soothing coating for their throats. But this is only safe if your baby is over one year old. If they’ve passed that stage, mix the ingredients and warm it up for a few seconds in the microwave. Once it has cooled to a lukewarm temperature, give your little one a teaspoon to drink.
10. Get out into the cool air. There’s nothing like fresh, cool air to cure what ails you. Believe it or not, a walk in cold, fresh air can help relieve the swelling and congestion your little one gets from a cough. So bundle everyone up and get outside! You could also use the distraction of a nice walk.
February’s birthstone represents empowerment and inner strength
Babies with a February birthday are pretty unique, as some only have a birthday every four years! Plus, those with February birthdays might be more creative (if they’re Pisces), be taller than their peers, and be revolutionary (if they’re Aquarius). If you want to know more fun facts about kids with February’s birthdays and even a few silly facts about February’s birth sign, we’ve got it all right here.
February birthdays are more uncommon, and Leap Year birthdays are rare
Not only is it a short month, which leads to fewer February birthdays, but aLeap Day baby only gets to celebrate the actual day every four years. According to Unity Point Health, 1 in 1,491 people is born on February 29th, so although you might celebrate on a different day most years, it’s fun to throw an extra-special birthday party every four years. February 2024 is a Leap Year, so get ready to celebrate in a big way if you’ve got a Leap Day baby!
Your February baby might be taller than others
A Harvard University study of over 21,000 kids shows that winter babies are consistently born longer, heavier, and with a larger head circumference. The study was conducted over seven years and tested kids at birth, eight months, age 4, and age 7; researchers believe that seasonal issues for both pregnant moms and babies, like diet, exposure to sunlight and temperature, and viruses, may play a role in a baby’s characteristics.
But babies born in February have a higher chance of being born early
According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, there’s a significant spike (nearly 10%) in early births for women who conceived in May, which means their delivery dates fall in February of the following year. What’s the reason? These moms are in late-term pregnancy during peak flu season, which is known to cause pre-term births.
A February birth sign can be Aquarius or Pisces
Will your baby be innovative, a team player, and a rebel at heart like others born under the sign of Aquarius? Or will your kid show signs of empathy, compassion, and being creative like other Pisces? More importantly, how compatible are you with your child? Check out our parent/child compatibility chart to find out.
February’s birthstone is the amethyst
People with February birthdays claim amethyst as their birthstone. The stunning purple variety of quartz has mesmerized people for thousands of years and can often be found in royal jewel collections in Europe and Asia. The gem represents empowerment and inner strength.
Your kid shares their special month with these celebrities born in February
Many celebrities and historical figures share your kiddo’s celebratory month: Abe Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Steve Jobs, Jennifer Aniston, Elizabeth Taylor, Henry Golding, Danai Gurira, Laura Linney, Charles Darwin, George Washington, Nina Simone, and more.
Whether you’re avoiding germs outside your home or you’re the one who’s sick, here’s how to help your baby stay healthy
A few weeks ago, my one-year-old and I flew to visit family out of state. The trip there was relatively smooth, save for a tricky leaky diaper situation, but a couple of days into our stay my throat started to feel like it was lined with sandpaper and I knew that my first cold of the season was officially here. There’s never a “good” time to have a cold, but I hated the prospect of a rockier return flight if my daughter caught it and had to suffer through congestion and painful ear pressure on the plane. As a nurse, I went into germ-prevention mode to avoid getting her sick—and with a lot of diligence (and a little luck), it worked! (As a reward, she treated me to an uneventful ride home.)
Since newborn immune systems aren’t completely mature, they’re especially vulnerable to becoming very ill with viruses that are annoying but otherwise harmless in older kids and adults. When it comes to keeping babies safe from the season’s nastiest respiratory viruses, the good news is you probably already learned some of the key advice when you brought yours home from the hospital: Wash your hands often, pop a bottle of hand sanitizer by the door for visitors, and don’t let anyone who’s ill hang with your baby. But what if you’re the one who’s sick and you still have to take care of them?
As a nurse and mom, I’ve seen how taking a few extra proactive steps can protect your little ones from colds and other respiratory viruses like RSV, COVID-19, and the flu, even as they age out of the danger zone. Whether the germs are inside or outside your house, here are some of the most common viruses and what I recommend to keep them at bay.
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Which respiratory viruses are most common in babies?
Respiratory viruses are spread by droplets that are released into the air when a sick person coughs or sneezes. We become sick when the virus enters our respiratory tract through either direct person-to-person contact, by breathing in infected droplets, or by touching a contaminated object and then touching the mucous membranes on our face such as our eyes, nose, and mouth.
Common Cold
Many cases of the common cold result from a rhinovirus infection. For babies, the symptoms of a cold and those of more serious illnesses can look the same at first. If your baby is less than 3 months old, cold symptoms or a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher warrants an immediate call to the pediatrician. What to look for: Stuffy or runny nose, unusually fussy, fever.
COVID-19
COVID-19 spreads much more easily than other respiratory viruses like the cold or the flu. In addition to coughs or sneezes, respiratory droplets can also spread from talking or singing. While kids aren’t as likely as adults to become very ill with COVID-19, some do end up in the hospital with respiratory support from a ventilator. What to look for: Fever, cough, extreme tiredness, nausea, diarrhea.
RSV
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus and is especially dangerous if your baby is less than 6 months old. This is because if they catch it, their first symptom may be apnea, which means they take long pauses in breathing, causing their oxygen level to drop. Babies with RSV are often hospitalized because they require medical care and oxygen support until the infection resolves. What to look for: Apnea, runny nose, cough, and sometimes a fever.
Flu
The flu is caused by influenza viruses and, as with RSV, your newborn can become much sicker than if you or an older kid were to catch it. The flu increases newborns’ risk of developing more serious respiratory complications such as pneumonia or apnea. What to look for: Cold symptoms like cough, fever, and runny or stuffy nose. Can also include sleepiness, vomiting, diarrhea, fussiness, and trouble consoling baby.
Remember, you are the expert on your baby’s behavior and disposition. With any illness, if you feel that something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider for guidance. Symptoms that require immediate medical attention include breathing much faster than usual, retractions (the muscles around their ribs pull in with each breath), wheezing, or lips or skin that is a bluish color.
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Tips for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses:
As your child gets older, getting sick becomes inevitable—especially when they start daycare. But if your baby is brand new, or you just want to try to limit how much your family is home sick this flu season, here are some things you can do to keep respiratory viruses at bay.
I like to think about giving my baby a bath when I’m washing my hands. If I simply dipped her in the tub, dabbed on some soap, and then rinsed her off, she’d still be kinda dirty. To effectively reduce the spread of germs, you’ll want to work up a good sudsy lather. Soap contains ingredients that lift dirt and disease-causing germs from your skin. These unwelcomed guests are then rinsed down the drain. Your goal is to create friction as you carefully clean all parts of your hands while singing “Happy Birthday” twice to yourself. This gives you the recommended time (20 seconds) to get your hands adequately clean. After a good rinse, be sure to dry your hands well because germs are transferred more easily if they are still damp.
If soap and water aren’t handy, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help prevent the spread of certain germs. Use enough to wet all surfaces of your hands and rub them together, again for 20 seconds, until they are dry. Good hand hygiene at the right time is crucial to preventing the spread of germs, especially after touching public surfaces or blowing your nose if you’re the one who’s ill. Make sure your hands are clean before touching your baby’s face around their eyes, nose, or mouth. Remember, respiratory viruses love those mucous membranes.
2. Stop the droplets however you can.
Avoiding sick people is a good idea in general, and if you’re the one who’s coughing and sneezing, you can reduce the spread of germs by containing your respiratory droplets with a tissue or the inside of your elbow. But let’s be honest: when you’re caring for an infant, you don’t always have a tissue or a free elbow. As a nurse working in the hospital pre-COVID-19 times, if you had the sniffles but were otherwise healthy enough to report to work, the expectation was to wear a mask when doing direct patient care. I did this with my recent cold to keep virus-containing droplets from landing on my baby while I was holding and feeding her. If another member of your household is sick, having them wear a mask at home can help protect your baby and others in your family, particularly if they are coughing and sneezing. With sick siblings, this can be a tall order, but do your best to encourage them to cover their mouths.
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3. Take advantage of current vaccinations.
Unfortunately, there isn’t an effective vaccine against the common cold because there are over 100 different kinds of rhinoviruses and each one is constantly changing. But for other respiratory viruses like COVID-19, RSV, and influenza, there are vaccines available that are a great way to reduce the spread and protect those who have a higher risk of becoming severely ill. Mothers who have immunity against these illnesses, either from receiving vaccines or from actually getting sick during pregnancy, provide passive immunity to their newborns through the placenta or breastmilk. However, this passive immunity is temporary and protection decreases after a few weeks or months. Chat with your pediatrician to better understand the benefits and risks of each vaccine and recommendations for when you and your baby should get them.
Yes, navigating the real world while shielding your baby from so many seasonal viruses can be tricky. But when used in combination, these three strategies provide a powerful defense. Whether you’re at the pediatrician’s office for your newborn’s well-baby check-up, introducing your new arrival to family and friends, or traveling with your toddler, remember how respiratory viruses spread and practice these habits to lower the likelihood of your little one getting sick.
The very best Chicago spots to find Instagram-worthy decorations, full-sized candy bars, and plenty of family fun on Halloween
Grab your biggest treat bag and get your bell-ringing fingers ready. Halloween is upon us. However, with All Hallows Eve falling on a Tuesday this year, trick-or-treating won’t likely start until the grown-ups are home from work. Considering that late timing—plus the ever-present threat of snow in October—it might make sense for parents of little kids to take their pint-size ghouls and goblins to one of the formally organized daytime events on the weekend prior.
Whatever your family decides to do, there are frights and delights from A to Z (or, rather, Andersonville to Lincoln Park Zoo)—so many, in fact, that you might need a second bag to carry your candy haul. We know which neighborhoods and events you should hit this Halloween to find the fewest tricks and the best treats. These 15 spots throughout Chicago are guaranteed to be well worth a costumed visit.
Buena Park Long before the pandemic inspired candy givers to get creative with their distribution tactics, the Booena Park Safe Trick-or-Treating event always went above and beyond to make trick-or-treating uniquely interactive. Case in point, the use of dryer hoses to send candy down from upper-level units. Since the pandemic they have only upped their game and have been encouraged to do so again this year with prizes for the scariest house and best overall house. Kenmore Avenue is closed from Irving Park to Montrose from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. on the 31st. Insider Tip: If you head out towards the end, residents tend to offer candy by the handful!
Edison Park For a different spin on trick-or-treating, check out the Edison Park Trunk or Treat event taking place on Oct. 26th from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Collect candy from 60 different decorated vehicles at this free neighborhood event. The first 350 kids will receive a complimentary trick-or-treat bag, and each goodie bag will contain a dining coupon to a local restaurant to be used that night only. There will also be bounce houses, face-painting, a balloon artist, and Affy Tapples.
Gold Coast Visit the over-the-top, professionally decorated mansions on Goethe Street from Dearborn to Astor. Here you will find full-size candy bars and even plush toys as the generous treats being passed out.
Andersonville At Aville-o-Ween, you can get a head-start on Halloween. On Oct. 28th from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. families can trick-or-treat all along the Andersonville Business District on Clark St. Businesses will had out a variety of regular candy, gluten-free candy, nut-free candy, and even small toys. Go online for a map of who is handing out what.
Hyde Park
Year-round, Hyde Park has that East Coast autumn vibe, and Halloween is when it really shines. The setting of hordes of kids going mansion door to mansion door of the tree-lined streets could be taken straight out of a Hollywood movie. Check out Harper Avenue between 57th and 59th Streets. Go early to avoid the crowds!
Lakeview While Lakeview is another great area in which to trick-or-treat come Halloween night, there are two organized events before Old Hallow's Eve not to be missed. Trick-or-Treat on Southport will take place one day earlier on October 30th from 4 p.m.-7 p.m. In addition to trick-or-treating at local businesses, there will be other family-friendly activities including a DJ, inflatables, and a pumpkin patch. There's even a craft beer tent and lots of business discounts for the well-deserving parents!
On Oct. 29th, from 12 p.m.-3 p.m. join The Little Monsters Crawl around the streets of Lakeview, (mostly Clark St. and Broadway), to collect candy and treats, for all ages, from local businesses.
Lincoln Park Burling St., located between Fullerton and Diversey, blocks off party-style on Halloween night, offering visiting trick-or-treaters a night of fun and candy galore. Your best bet is to hop on a bus, or jump on the "L" as evening parking can be tricky. This is destination trick-or-treating at its finest; it's particularly fun to get a glimpse of the homes all open and welcoming to the sounds and little feet of kids on the spookiest, silliest night of the year.
On Oct. 21st from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (or while supplies last), the Lincoln Park Zoo will host a free Spooky Zoo event. This year’s event will offer trick-or-treating on zoo grounds and family-friendly entertainment.
Lincoln Square/Ravenswood Ravenswood has become known for its "full-size chocolate bar houses." Even kids from neighboring Lincoln Square flock to the streets of Ravenswood to score these rare finds. Check the week's weather forecast, and if its not looking too good for Halloween night, head to Lincoln Scared Ravenswoooood on Sunday, Oct. 29th from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. when participating businesses in both Lincoln Square and Ravenswood will be passing out candy. Check the Chamber of Commerce's website for maps for both neighborhoods.
Logan Square Bernard Street between Fullerton and Wrightwood might as well be deemed the honorary Halloween-town. Families go all out in decorating their homes for the season. People travel in from far and wide on the 31st to admire the spectacle and get in on all that candy!
NorthCenter On Oct. 28th, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., don your most creative costume and hit the streets of Lincoln, Damen, and Irving in NorthCenter to collect sweet treats and other prizes. Pick up your map, and drop of non-perishable food and toiletry donations for Common Pantry, at the NorthCenter Town Square. Be sure to return back to the square for the annual costume contests, refreshments, and free Halloween-themed crafts with Macaroni KID.
River North Visit Navy Pier on Oct. 28th from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. for a Slightly Spooky Saturday, including its free Trick-or-Treat Bonanza. Over 70 candy stations around the pier will be stocked with Ferrara Candy. There will be lots more family entertainment including live performances, arts and crafts, Halloween science experiments and more. You can ever enter your pet into its own costume contest.
Rogers Park Check out the free Family Full Moon Halloween Fest on Jarvis Square on Oct. 28th from 3 p.m.-8 p.m. Wear your costumes for a Halloween candy hunt, as well as family entertainment including a stilt walker, jugglers, drummers, a face painter, and a tarot card reader. There will also be LED "fire" throwing and free s'mores around a firepit.
Roscoe Village One of the most family-friendly neighborhoods in Chicago, Roscoe Village is the perfect place to spend Halloween night. Most blocks are lined with side-by-side, single-family homes, making it easy to earn a handsome loot without too much walking. You'll find the owners of said houses, gathered together by outdoor fire pits in this tight-knit community, enjoying the evening as much as the kids. If you want to get a head-start on the Trick-or-Treating, join the Roscoe Village Halloween Block Party on Sunday, Oct. 22nd from 12 p.m.-6 p.m. Roscoe Street will be closed to traffic while businesses between Damen and Hoyne will be handing out candy to all the costumed creatures. You'll also find kid's activities in the center of the road.
Wicker Park/Bucktown Purchase tickets and reserve a time slot to trick-or-treat at The Bucktown Green (1714 N. Hoyne Ave.) on Oct. 30th from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. There will be 25 booths to visit. Online: wickerparkbucktown.com
Wilmette From near and far, people flock to Wilmette, specifically Lake Ave., east of Green Bay Rd., to see huge historic homes transformed into haunted houses with spider webs, ghosts, and goblins. The trick-or-treat theory of big houses equals big candy haul is certainly the case here. Trick-or-treat hours in Wilmette are 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on the 31st. Online:wilmette.com
Make sure to capture all the fall fun—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Guess what? They can tell when your kid has had too much screen time
From excitement to anxiety to sighs of relief, going back to school this year looks a little different for everyone. But, according to a survey by Learning Resources, more than ever, one of the most important things is active parent involvement. In order to get an idea of what that really means, we talked to school teachers across the country (many of whom are parents themselves) and gathered up their best back-to-school tips for parents to succeed throughout the school year.
Back-to-School Tips for Parents About Attitude
Almost every teacher we talked to said something along these lines:
“Your children take on your attitudes, BE POSITIVE!” —Michele Jenkins, Fernley Elementary School 1st-grade teacher, Nevada
“School is fun! Remind your kids to be creative and take risks.”—Anonymous
“It’s okay to cry on that first day, it can be emotional for parents, but try and wait until your kiddo gets to the classroom before you burst into tears.”—Anonymous
“Dress them for the weather because we're going OUTSIDE!”—Teacher Tom
“Be aware, those cute shoes they get WILL get dirty while doing PE. Don’t tell them they can’t run in shoes you buy them for school use. They will run at school. Don’t punish them for dirty shoes; shoes get dirty when worn properly. Also, close-toed, non-dress shoes (athletic shoes) have the best support, so please make sure they wear a pair any time they have a day that includes recess or PE.” —Anonymous PE teacher
“If they come in tie shoes, they should know how to tie them themselves, or else come in velcro.”—Erin S.
“If you live in a climate with cold winters, get your kids used to taking on and off snow clothes, boots, etc., so they have a routine for doing so before winter and the end of the day. Practice on the weekend as cooler weather arrives and make a game of it by timing each child to see who can get cold-proofed fastest.”—Anonymous
Tips for the Early Morning Routine
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Not surprisingly, a lot of teachers spoke about the importance of eating a healthy breakfast, being on time for school, and getting a decent night’s sleep. Here are a few other helpful tips:
“Don’t delay drop off for little ones. Give a big hug and kiss and get out the door. Lingering only leads to upset kids.”—Early elementary teacher
“For an easier beginning to the year, start routines like going to bed and waking up on time before school starts again, not the day of.”—Jared H.
And Brad B agrees: “Get their bedtime routine back in order before school starts. Lack of sleep affects so many things beyond drowsiness or lack of attention. I personally think it undermines our confidence."
“Go to the bathroom at home before school!”—Anonymous
“Routine in the morning is important to start the day positively. Pick out clothes the night before (or even the whole week before and put in boxes for each day if you have a diva girl like mine!).”—Anonymous
Teacher Tips for School Supplies
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School supplies don’t just mean what you need for your own child. Consider what a classroom needs and grab an extra item or two when you can afford it. Don’t forget tissue during the winter cold and flu season!
“Small tokens of appreciation throughout the year are a real pick-me-up! A pad of post-it notes, sharpies….teachers are easy to please, and it’s nice to let them know you notice their hard work. Also, read the weekly newsletter...please!” —Early elementary teacher, TX
“If there are specific things on the supply list (like particular brands), I promise the teacher isn’t trying to be difficult. They’ve probably learned from experience that that particular type works the best or lasts the longest.” —Nicole D., middle school math
“As teachers, we spend a great deal of our own money on supplies to make our classrooms a more creative learning environment for your child. So please, believe me when I say that every little bit helps our classroom; an extra ream of paper, a container of disinfecting wipes, paper towels, etc. It means so much, and I promise they will be put to good use.”—Holly R., autism teacher
“Make it a habit of asking a teacher if they need anything for the classroom or upcoming projects or holidays. Most teachers will be happy to give you a few inexpensive items they need that you could pick up at the grocery store.”—Anonymous
When it comes to communicating with your teacher, whether it’s messaging during the day or at parent-teacher conferences, or even a requested meeting, consider these factors from a teacher’s point of view. One overarching theme? Teachers know and love your children, too!
“Parents, teacher, and students are all on the same team–parents need to be open to communication and should be open with teachers about student needs.”—Tori R., teacher
“Remember that teachers see your children in a totally different environment with a totally different set of kids at a totally different time than you do on a normal basis. It should be expected that we see behaviors, attitudes, and reactions that are different than what we have come to know. Be open to learning about your child in a unique setting to understand them better.”—Anonymous
“Please be on time for meetings. Our time is very limited.” —Janel M., middle school teacher
“Please don’t expect an email response within the hour. We are teaching 90 percent of the day and often have meetings to attend during our conference period and/or after school.” —Kristi W., elementary teacher
“If there is a conflict at school, notify the teacher. Listen to what your child has to say and encourage him/her to tell an adult at school. Do not bash the other student in front of your child. So many times, this is just a misunderstanding that has been blown out of proportion. Little ones learn how to problem solve with their peers and hearing their parents becoming angry and calling names shows them that that is the right way, which we know it is not. Listen to the details and then call the teacher!” —Anonymous
“Meet the Teacher night (before school starts) is NOT the appropriate time to verbally tell the teacher your child’s specific needs. ... put it in writing (an email is great). So much is going on that the teacher may not remember what you told her or even who your child is yet. You might introduce yourself and let them know to look for an email from you.” —Kristi W., elementary teacher
“Teachers spend a LOT of time on communication mediums and may only have 30 minutes of prep time during the day…so read/reread ALL the emails, updates and directions before you email/call the teacher (resourcefulness and responsibility — this is what we’re trying to teach your kids, too.).” —Katie, teacher and mom
“We are here to help your child. We want the best for them just as you do. Please give us the benefit of the doubt and the respect we deserve. We are not out to get your child. We aren’t telling you things because we are mean. We are telling you the truth about your child in the classroom. And no, they may not act like that at home, but they may act differently in a classroom setting. Believe us. Help us.” —Anonymous PreK teacher
“Be sure to check in on your child’s well-being socially, emotionally, and academically and ask for help if needed!” —Tiffiny Peterson, American Heritage Charter School 2nd-grade teacher, Idaho
Every parent wants their kids to do well in school, and pretty much every child will groan about homework at some point. Here are some ideas for helping kids stay on track and keep up the good work.
“Set aside time daily during the first month of school to help your child unpack/pack their backpack, go over assignments, organize supplies and binders, and chat about school. This helps you both ease in and allows your student to share concerns with you organically and as they arise.” —Anonymous 7th & 8th-grade teacher
“Sleep. They are better students with a solid night of sleep as opposed to those who stayed up all night studying.” —Kathleen, teacher
“The grade is never as important as the effort behind it.”—Katy D., teacher, and mom
“Teach your students to advocate for themselves... to ask for help and to pursue it until they receive it and understand the concept with which they are struggling. A helicopter parent can never be as effective as a student who is determined to learn and knows how to make it happen, regardless of their level of intelligence.” —Jeremy H., veteran elementary and middle school teacher
“Read, read, read to your child! Be sure to talk about the book. Ask questions about the characters and the problems they face, your child’s favorite part, etc. If your child is bilingual or learning English, reading to your child in your native language will not interfere with learning English in school, but will actually help develop their background knowledge and vocabulary acquisition in both languages!” —Anonymous
“Please limit screen time and take your kids either outside to play or engage with them in a board game, puzzle, helping with homework, having them help with dinner/dishes/ANYTHING! So many young kids I teach are turning into little zombies because they come home from school and just sit in front of video games. And remember, your child is NEVER too old to be read aloud to.” —Anonymous
“Even if you don’t agree with the common core or the amount of homework, you want your child to respect his/her teachers and the expectations.” —Anonymous
Advice About Volunteering
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You might not be able to make every function or volunteer a ton of classroom hours, but just being there for your kids makes a big difference.
“For many working parents, daytime events at the school or volunteering isn’t always an option, we get that, but even just one event per school year makes a lasting memory and positive reinforcement for your child. We provide a calendar at the beginning of each school year so parents can plan ahead.” —Anonymous
“Read and play games with your kiddos! There is nothing a teacher can do that takes the place of family time!” —Tess Brist, Marion School 3rd-grade teacher, Montana
"You don’t have to be perfect. Just show up."—Anonymous
Gentle Reminders: Teachers Are Humans, Too
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Don’t forget that teachers, while they are modern-day superheroes in many ways, are also human with families of their own!
“I spend seven hours teaching 125 students each day for 9 months, each year. Please don’t judge me if we meet at the grocery store and I totally space on your and your child’s names.”—Betty R., 7th-grade science teacher
“Remember that the teacher can have 30 other children—be patient and start a positive relationship from the start.”—Tori R.
“Many teachers are parents as well. Please don’t think I am ignoring your 6 p.m. email because I don’t respond within an hour. I am spending time with my own child.” —Anonymous
Amid an ongoing shortage, some stores are limiting sales of Children’s Tylenol and other over-the-counter painkillers for kids
As RSV, flu, and COVID-19 converge to create a surge in illnesses—especially for kids—there’s been a growing shortage of over-the-counter children’s pain reliever medications, like Children’s Tylenol, Motrin, and Advil, for months. Now, as the shortage shows no signs of letting up, some stores are starting to limit how many bottles parents can buy.
CVS is limiting both in-person and online purchases to two children’s pain relief products per customer.
Walgreens has limited online purchases to six products per customer but does not currently have limits on in-person purchases.
And Rite Aid just announced that while it doesn’t have in-person store limits at this time, online orders of 4-ounce, grape-flavored Children’s Tylenol are limited to five per customer.
“Due to increased demand and various supplier challenges, over-the-counter pediatric fever-reducing products are seeing constraint across the country,” Walgreens said in a statement, adding that the limits have been put in place “in an effort to help support availability and avoid excess purchases.” A statement from CVS said purchase limits are intended to “ensure equitable access” for all parents who need these products for their kids.
There’s still no timeline on when the OTC pain reliever shortage might let up, but some experts are now starting to worry that it could last until spring. And while weekly RSV hospitalization rates are finally beginning to trend downward, the current flu season remains more severe than usual, and COVID cases are beginning to climb nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other public health agencies have been issuing warnings that, as families gather for the holidays, these respiratory illnesses are likely to spread at even faster rates.
John Beckner, a pharmacist and senior director of strategic initiatives for the National Community Pharmacists Association, told CNN that he’s heard of many pharmacies in the association complaining of Children’s Tylenol and other painkillers being hard to find right now.
“My thought is, we’re really not going to see a lessening of this until we get through the crux of the flu season, and that’s going to be in early to late spring,” he said. “It’s definitely a team effort, and pharmacists are really doing yeoman’s work right now to try to help take care of their patients.”
Here’s why Children’s Tylenol and Motrin are so hard to find right now—and what parents can do if they’re struggling to get medications
If you’re having a hard time finding over-the-counter medications for your kids, you’re not alone. As respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) sweeps across the nation, combining with flu season and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, kids are falling ill in record numbers, swamping ERs and pediatricians’ offices and causing shortages of children’s formulas of acetaminophen and ibuprofen—better known as Tylenol and Motrin.
“The shortages aren’t everywhere,” infectious-diseases specialist and professor of preventive medicine William Schaffner told the Washington Post. “There are spot shortages.”
Schaffner pointed to the “tridemic” of RSV, COVID, and the flu, saying the three respiratory illnesses “have hit children early and fiercely and simultaneously.” In areas where rates of these illnesses are particularly high, he said, parents have hurried to stock up on children’s Tylenol and Motrin, leading to “isolated shortages.”
“Everybody is sick, and everybody needs medicine at once,” added Joanna Dolgoff, a pediatrician and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Pediatricians.
Schaffner said he believes these shortages will be short-lived, but there’s always the possibility that they could go on for weeks or even months. And even if they do resolve quickly, that “doesn’t help somebody whose child is sick today,” Dolgoff said.
So what should parents do if they’re struggling to find over-the-counter medications their sick kids need?
Dolgoff said the shortages are mostly focused on name-brand fever reducers and painkillers, like Tylenol, Motrin, and Advil. She said parents may have an easier time finding the generic versions and store brands, which are labeled as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. But she also noted that it isn’t always necessary to treat a fever in a sick kid.
“A fever itself is not dangerous unless it gets super high, super quick,” she said, adding that for most kids, treating the fever doesn’t treat the underlying illness or shorten its duration (although it can help make a sick kid more comfortable, which is valuable too).
For parents who can’t find medication, Dolgoff offered this advice: Keep the sick child’s room cool, and place a fan nearby to keep cool air moving. Have the child drink plenty of extra fluids, and if they’re really uncomfortable, use a sponge or rag soaked in tepid (not cold) water to help them cool down. Don’t give children the adult forms of over-the-counter medications, even at reduced dosages. If your child is extremely sick or if you have other questions, give their pediatrician a call.
Thanks to COVID, flu, and RSV, sick kids are keeping parents out of work in record numbers
If you feel like sick kids are just everywhere this season, you’re not alone. Between common colds, flu season, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and a huge surge in pediatric cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), many parents feel like they’re living in a sea of runny noses, coughs, fevers, and body aches. And record-breaking numbers of them are missing work to take care of their kids, as this surge in illnesses coincides with staffing shortages at schools and daycares across the nation.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 100,000 Americans missed work in October because of child-care problems. That was an all-time high number—notably, more parents are missing work due to sick kids now than they were at the height of the pandemic.
“We have sick kids at the same time we have a child-care crisis — you put the two together and there just isn’t any wiggle room,” Diane Swonk, chief economist at KPMG, told the Washington Post. “People are falling through the cracks. It means missed paychecks, disruptions at home, and staffing shortages that erode productivity growth and increase costs at a time when we’re already worried about those things.”
What’s even worse is that this is happening at a time when inflation is high and the economy is on shaky ground, even though many businesses were just beginning to turn a corner after the disruptions and difficulties they’ve faced since 2020.
A big part of the problem is that thousands of educators and childcare workers left their jobs for higher paying positions in recent months. The overall job market has recovered from the job losses that began in 2020, with one notable exception: childcare. Public schools are still down more than 300,000 jobs across the country, while daycare centers have 88,000 fewer employees than they had before the pandemic.
Meanwhile, respiratory illnesses like RSV and common colds are tearing through communities of children who spent the last three years social distancing, so they have no natural immunity to many common sicknesses. Schools and daycare centers have largely abandoned mask policies, allowing many illnesses to spread unchecked.
With no relief in sight in the coming months, doctors are urging parents to do what they can to help cut down on contagious illnesses, especially in kids. Get your kids their flu shots, and any COVID boosters they qualify for. And if your area is seeing high numbers of cases of COVID, flu, or RSV, it’s never a bad idea to start masking in crowded, indoor spaces.
It’s better late than never when it comes to getting vaccinated for the flu
If you’ve been wondering whether to get your flu shot, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends it with a resounding yes. Even though the weather is still warm and you’re probably not thinking about the flu yet, experts at both the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that adults and children over six months old should get the new 2022-2023 vaccine to prevent the spread of influenza.
The CDC has released all the info you need to know about this year’s specific influenza virus strands and when you should make your appointment to get vaccinated.
CDC/Unsplash
Why should people get vaccinated against flu?
With Covid-19 dominating our lives for the past few years, its easy to see how Influenza took a backseat––but it can still be deadly. The flu leads to hospitalizations and death for thousands of people every year from complications like bacterial pneumonia and chronic health issues like diabetes and congestive heart failure.
Because every flu season is different, getting the vaccine gives everyone the best possible chance to fight the flu. Even though you may still contract the virus, vaccines have been shown to lessen the severity of symptoms and side effects which means less time missing work and school.
How do flu vaccines work?
Your body needs antibodies to help provide protection against influenza, and vaccines help them to develop as soon as two weeks after getting the jab. Seasonal flu vaccines are specifically designed to fight certain flu strands projected to be the most common in the U.S and fight against four viruses: an influenza A(H1N1) virus, an influenza A(H3N2) virus, and two influenza B viruses.
When should I get vaccinated?
Don’t wait until your friends and family start dropping like flies from the flu. September and October are great times to get vaccinated for anyone six months and older. Most flu vaccines will become available starting in September, and while you shouldn’t wait until the season is in full force, even getting vaccinated in November and later is a good choice. With flu season peaking in February, the earlier you can protect yourself, the better.
Adults 65 years and older should not get vaccinated too early, to ensure proper protection during the entire flu season. On the flip side, children can get vaccinated as early as July or August. If you’re pregnant, be sure to check with your physical on getting immunized during your third trimester.
Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?
As mentioned above, each flu season is unique and annual vaccines are developed to combat the specific strands prevalent that year. Getting a flu shot every year also offers protection for waning immunization from the year prior.
Does flu vaccine work right away?
Immunization reaches optimal protection levels two weeks after vaccination. This is why it’s of utmost importance to get your flu shot before everyone in your community starts spreading the virus.
You can read more about this year’s influenza season and vaccines on the CDC website.
Let the teachers know you appreciate all their hardwork with these thoughtful, easy teacher gifts you can snag on you next shopping list.
Teachers are pretty much our saving grace, but with the hecticness of the end of the school year (and multiple teachers to thank) it can get tricky to pull off DIY projects or not blow your budget. The secret? Pair up simple, affordable items from the grocery aisles to make extra-special teacher gifts. Just add a homemade card or note from the kids and you are good to go.
A beautiful box of tea is always a lovely gift, but you can one-up the package by adding a box of simple cookies in the English biscuit style: We love green tea and ginger snaps; black tea and lemon thins; chai and snickerdoodles, but there’s really no wrong pairing here!
Don't just give flowers and call it a day—the simple addition of sending them in a reusable tote makes the gift both beautiful and practical, long after the stem fades. Tote here!
A gift card is always a welcome item, but you can up the joy by pairing it with a few donuts. Who doesn't like donuts, right? Try and find a gift card for somewhere special—teachers always spend their own money on school supplies so skip the Target or Amazon cards and go for a local restaurant or coffee house where they can really treat themselves. Or give them a grocery gift card so they can spend the money on special supplies (or wine) for the holidays.
Let your kiddo's teacher know that you want them to really relax and unwind over the winter break by combining two of the world's greatest decompression tools: wine and novels. Most grocery stores have the latest paperback sensation and a bodice-ripper might not be as looked-down on as you'd think. It makes for an adorable gift pairing, that's for sure.
The whole cocoa and marshmallows thing is great, but why not up your game by adding either real, vanilla extract or the actual whole vanilla beans to the gift bag? Drop in a high-quality powdered chocolate to the gift bag, marshmallows and maybe some cinnamon sticks too.
Tip: If you slice open a vanilla bean and place in on a tray in your oven at a lower temp for 30-45 minutes, you'll get a house that smells like cookies without having to bake!
You can’t go wrong with a bottle of fancy bubble water: look for one in a glass jar to make it uber-special and then add a few fresh lemons to the mix. Paired together in a small basket, this simple gesture is cheerful and healthy at the same time.
Give the gift of celebration and recovery! Assuming your teacher partakes in a glass or two on the weekends, a nice bottle of wine or champagne is always a treat. Add box of effervescent relief of a different kind and you can make it a funny-but-practical gift, too. Warning: do not give this gift if you or your giftee do not have a sense of humor.
Whether it’s a box of chocolates or your favorite local artisan bar, give the gift of “treat yo’self” directly to your favorite teacher by pairing chocolate (or another candy) with fun magazines. Choose 3-4 of the latest issues on a couple different subjects: if you know your teacher’s hobbies you can tailor the stack or just go for general coolness (House Beautiful; Conde Naste Travel; National Geographic). Tie the magazine stack together with twine and tuck the chocolate bar inside.
Eating natural honey is said to be good for staving off illness and allergies, and the soothing properties for a teacher’s throat after a day in the classroom can’t be beat. Take this treat from sweet to indulgent by adding a nice round of goat cheese: bonus props if you can find the kind with edible wildflowers pressed in.
For a proper tea time, package a nice lemon curd or jam with traditional crumpets. If your grocery store doesn’t have crumpets, you can opt for nice basket of muffins and scones.
Help teach keep her blood sugar up in the afternoons with a sweet gift in a reusable jar! Also, gummy bears + blue Ball jar = the perfect gift. Any kind of Mason or Ball jar will do, of course. Just fill it up with colorful bulk candy such as gummies, individually wrapped caramels, Jelly Bellys, licorice, etc. You can buy a set of jars and make these gifts for all the teachers in your life.
A nice coarse sea salt is a handy kitchen item: some grocery stores sell them in bulk and include Hawaiian red clay; pink Himalayan salt and more. Choose your favorite and then snag a bottle of olive oil to go with: look for an extra-virgin and stick to a smaller bottle so you don’t break your bank.
For many teachers, coffee goes with everything (especially grading papers and report cards) but even if you didn’t have time to paint a mug in advance you can still pair a pound of coffee with something spectacular. Look in the sugar aisle for a nice raw sugar, cane sugar or turbinado sugar.
The traditional teacher gift of a shiny red apple gets an upgrade when you place a triple-cream brie in the mix. It’s a simple pairing that never goes wrong: we’re pretty sure if your teacher doesn’t like brie there’s someone in his house who does.
This one is only for a teacher you know well enough to know that they drink vodka! You don’t have to go top shelf, just make sure to steer clear of the bottom shelf. Grab some queen stuffed olives for their martini mixer and you may just become the most popular parent on campus.
You can grab this one the night before or even the morning-of gift giving because the fresher the bread the better. Choose a crusty, rich loaf and then pair with a spreadable olive tapenade. You can also look for a rich roasted red pepper version, or opt for artichokes. The point is, give them something delicious to spread on their bread that screams “special occasion” and not mayo.
Fight cold and flu season (which is year round for teachers!) with a big basket of fresh oranges. Add in a box of tissue (go for the kind with lotion infused in a fancy-patterned box) and you’ll not only give them a chuckle, you’ll actually give them something they will use. Like, right away.
There’s self-soothing, and then there is self-soothing. Put the bath salts in a beautiful jar (ahem, Mason jars to the rescue again!) with a label that says what the contents are (bath salts) for soothing weary muscles and then get a package of mini-cupcakes or bite-sized brownies. Tell your teacher to take a bath and eat a brownie, because they deserve it!
