How to Clean Your Kid’s Backpack (because, Ew!)

by Amber GuetebierMay 13, 2022

We all know it goes: that shiny and new backpack becomes a little worse for wear after a few months of riding on the bus, being dragged along the halls and getting chucked on the playground. If it’s still in decent shape, but covered with mystery stains, we have good news. You can totally clean your kid’s backpack. And prevent it from getting too darn gross, too. Here’s how to clean, disinfect and refresh that backpack!

How to Machine Wash Your Backpack

Yes, most likely you can wash it in the washing machine (unless it’s leather or has leather or suede trim/bottom, in which case you'll want to use a hand-washing method). Use a gentle cycle and and use your regular laundry detergent, but don't use very much detergent. Here's the real trick, though: place the backpack inside a pillowcase or washable laundry bag. Make sure the pillowcase is tied at the top. Be sure and spot clean (see below) any tough mystery stains before machine-washing.

Let it air dry. Be sure and open all pockets and compartments to let it dry out thoroughly.

Don’t put it in the dryer. Strange things will happen.

Tip: Make sure you empty the backpack of all notes, chewed up pens, half-eaten apples, fidget spinners, tiny erasers shaped like food or any other items.

How to Hand-Wash Your Backpack

Fill a tub or sink with lukewarm water and use a mild soap or detergent directly in the water. Before you submerge your backpack, make sure you’ve cleaned it out entirely and spot treated any tough spots.

If you have a Jansport backpack with a suede bottom or leather bottom use this method minus the detergent.

Submerge the bag in the water and “agitate” slightly to get it clean. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the zippers, mesh areas and embroidered threads.

Once you’ve washed it, drain the soapy water and refill with clean water to rinse.

Soak in clean water and then squeeze out as much water as you can.

Air dry.

Tip: Keep the backpack tidier by tossing in snacks that won’t spill out of their packaging and rub into the bottom or inner lining. It also helps to provide snacks you know they will actually devour like these Jif® Power Ups™ our editors (and their kids) love.

How to Spot Clean & Disinfect

little boy going to school with a backpack — iStock

Use a tiny bit of detergent in water and spot clean with a clean sponge.

Use an old toothbrush to scrub the zippers, mesh areas and embroidered threads.

For really tough spots, try a spot-cleaning stick or stain remover.

Don’t let the mixture of detergent or stain remover dry out before rinsing it off with clean water or washing the bag using one of the methods above.

Tip: If your kiddo’s pack has been exposed to something like Athlete’s foot or another fungus, or you can just tell it is extra funktastic (your PE shorts have been in there how long??) use a spot cleaning method as above but sub in a disinfectant like Pine-Sol (never use bleach).

Try This Yummy Wellness Tea Recipe for Cold & Flu Season Relief

By Sara Mercer

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

January 20, 2022

With a preschooler and toddler at home, it seems like someone in my house is always sick. My girls are exposed to a million germs a day between school and all of their activities. No amount of hand washing can spare us completely.

As a busy mom, I have no time for sick days that render me useless to my girls! When the sniffles strike (again and again and again) I have a secret weapon. This cold-busting wellness tea is super intense but if you drink the whole pot you will wake up the next morning feeling like a new person!

This tea is loaded with vitamin C from all the citrus, anti-inflammatories from the ginger, and turmeric while the dash of cayenne gives this tea a real kick.

Cold-Busting Wellness Tea

Ingredients:

1 orange
1 lemon
1 grapefruit
1 lime
1 cup water
1 T cinnamon
1 T turmeric
1 tsp cayenne
Several pieces of fresh ginger (the more the better!)
Raw honey (optional)

Directions:

Juice the orange, lemon, grapefruit and lime.
Add the citrus juices, water, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne and fresh ginger to a pot and heat on medium-low heat for 20 to 30 minutes.
Sweeten to taste with raw honey and drink.
It is best to drink the entire pot if possible to maximize results and hopefully keep your home cold-free this cold and flu season.

Featured image: Kira auf der Heide via Unsplash

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Sara Mercer

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I am a born and bred New Yorker trying to balance life as a mom of two, writer, wellness coach and fitness enthusiast. If I'm not chasing my girls at the playground, you’ll find me shopping the farmer’s market, checking out the latest boutique fiitness craze or blogging for mercer+green.

This Is How Families Plan to Spend Easter in 2021

by Erica LoopMarch 30, 2021

How will you celebrate Easter in 2021? OnePoll (on behalf of HI-CHEW) recently conducted a survey of 2,000 American parents and the results show that family, safety and holiday traditions are key to this year’s celebrations.

According to OnePoll’s results, 73 percent of parents rank celebrating with extended family as the best part of Easter. Of course, with the “new normal” changing almost everything about anything parents do, this extended family type of Easter awesomeness won’t look the same in 2021.

photo courtesy of OnePoll/HI-CHEW

Eighty-one percent of the parents surveyed agree they need to find a “safe” way to bring their families together this year. This includes virtual gatherings and Easter egg hunts as well as outdoor activities such as picnics.

If you’re planning a classic Easter-time egg dying day type of holiday event, you aren’t alone. OnePoll’s survey found 41 percent of parents will have this sort of Easter activity at their own home this year. Another 42 percent plan on having an Easter celebration at a family member’s house, while 24 percent say they’ll go to a church, 18 percent plan on a public park day and 14 percent will dine out at a restaurant.

To make the day safer, 67 percent of survey participants say hand washing and sanitizing is an important part of their Easter day, 64 percent plan to wear masks/face coverings in public, 51 percent will spend family time in a social distant outdoor space and 25 percent will call ahead to make restaurant reservations.

Along with where they’ll spend the holiday and how they’ll maintain a safe celebration setting, the surveyed families also reported on their top Easter activities. A whopping 83 percent will have an Easter egg hunt, 69 percent will eat candy, 69 percent will dye eggs, 58 percent will take fam photos, 57 percent will make a holiday dinner, 51 percent will put together Easter baskets and 42 percent will get crafty with Easter projects.

If you’re wondering how much candy other parents buy or how much they allow their kiddos to eat, the survey has answers. The parents surveyed said they’ll buy an average of four bags of candy and will allow their children to eat 12 pieces!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Cottonbro via Pexels

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How to Make Handwashing More Fun

By Britannica For Parents

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

November 30, 2020

Photo: © Marilyn Nieves—E+/Getty Images

Back in March, when we were all first learning how to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, experts encouraged us to wash our hands often and thoroughly. The popular measure of each handwashing session was singing the ”Happy Birthday” song, twice. Months later, how many of us are still singing and counting as we wash?

We may be growing weary of COVID routines, yet as parents and caregivers of young children, we’re still responsible for teaching our little ones to wash their hands and follow good hygiene practices. It’s time to shake things up and find some new ways to make handwashing fun and educational.

Mix Up the Music!

You can sing the “Happy Birthday” song in about 10 seconds. When you sing it twice, you’re sure to reach the recommended 20 seconds of handwashing. But of course there are other songs children can sing as they wash. “The ABC song,” for example, takes a bit longer than 20 seconds, but is still an excellent choice for preschoolers.

How about one of these?

“Itsy Bitsy Spider” (20 seconds)
“If You’re Happy and You Know It (Wash Your Hands)” (20 seconds)
“Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” (28 seconds)
“Old MacDonald Had a Farm” (26 seconds per verse)
“The Wheels on the Bus” (15 seconds per verse)
“Baby Shark” (5 seconds per verse)
“BINGO” (16 seconds per verse)
“London Bridge Is Falling Down” (12 seconds per verse)

Or check out this awesome handwashing song from The Wiggles!

Try New Soap!

The novelty of a new type of soap can be enough to add some zing to your child’s handwashing routine. Your child may enjoy foaming soap, colored soap, soap that comes in fun shapes, or soap with a special scent. If spending money on fancy soap is not for you, maybe you have some little hotel soaps or soap samples you can let your child use for handwashing.

Pretend & Play at the Sink

Does your child have a plastic doll or animal toy that won’t be damaged by water? Ask your child to teach their toy how to wash their hands or paws. Your child will likely enjoy the opportunity to be the boss. And their own hands will get clean in the process!

Learning the Letters W – A – S – H

If your family needs some reminders to wash their hands, ask your child to help make some signs to place near the sink or by the front door, and they’ll learn their letters at the same time. The sign might be a simple reminder, such as “Have you washed your hands?” Or try a more elaborate project, such as a poster with instructions and diagrams. Your child may also enjoy making a chart or graph to record how many times family members wash. Use stickers or checkmarks and help your child count up the total at the end of each day.

Science Experiments

Aspiring scientists may enjoy using a magnifying glass at the sink to study their hands before, during, and after each wash. Make sure there’s enough light to see the texture of the skin, the shine of the soap bubbles, and the slick surface of the water.

Adding fun and educational activities to your child’s handwashing routine may mean allowing for more time at the sink, but the benefits include cleaner hands and wiser minds.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “When and How to Wash Your Hands,” 2020 UNICEF, “Everything You Need to Know about Washing Your Hands to Protect Against Coronavirus (COVID-19),” 2020

Learn More

BrainPOP, “Washing Hands Activities for Kids,” [n.d.] Gordon, Beth, “20 Ideas for Making Hand Washing for Kids FUN!” 2020

Britannica For Parents

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We’re living in a time when it’s nearly impossible to distinguish fact from fiction. Parents need information they trust to help them make good decisions about raising their curious learners. Britannica for Parents provides safe and credible resources to empower all kids and parents and inspire curiosity for generations to come.

“Doc McStuffins” Special Highlighting Healthy Habits to Air on Disney Junior

by Jennifer SwartvagherNovember 19, 2020

Now more than ever we realize the importance of washing our hands. Amplifying Doc McStuffins themes of health and wellness, “The Doc Is In,” a special featuring the beloved animated icon interacting with real kids, families and medical professionals about healthy habits, premieres Fri., Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT on Disney Junior. The special coincides with National Handwashing Awareness Week.

Set to some of the series’ iconic songs, the special includes real medical professionals Dr. Myiesha Taylor, MD, founder of the Artemis Medical Society and the “We Are Doc McStuffins” movement, and Mark Lee, RN, who provides tips to preschoolers about ways to prevent spreading germs.

Disney Junior and Doc McStuffins also recently joined forces with the World Health Organization to amplify the message of thorough hand washing as a way to prevent the spread of germs and disease with a PSA, which was released on Global Handwashing Day (Oct. 15).

The series has also inspired a new addition to its award winning retail line with the Doc McStuffins “Wash Your Hands” Singing Doll from Just Play. Nominated for The Toy Association’s 2021 “Toy of the Year Awards,” the doll comes with an interactive stethoscope, facemask, doctor’s bag, thermometer and otoscope, and sings the popular “Wash Your Hands” song from the series. Coinciding with the doll’s launch, Disney Junior and Just Play will donate funds to Feeding America, which will provide two million meals to families across the country.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Disney Junior

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Still Confused about Which Face Mask to Buy? Read This

By Michael Braunold

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

August 25, 2020

Photo: Zach Vessels on Unsplash

With COVID-19 being part of our daily lives let’s try and understand why wearing a protective face mask can help us prevent getting the virus from others and protect the community at large. Also what type of mask is suitable for adults to wear and do children also need to wear one?

Why are people wearing masks right now? The purpose of people wearing masks in public right now is to protect the community. Since so many people who have COVID-19 don’t have symptoms, wearing masks can help reduce the possibility that someone with no symptoms could transmit the disease to others.

Why does wearing a mask help? Face masks reduce the spray of that person’s infectious respiratory droplets so masks can help reduce this kind of spread of the virus. Masks also can protect you from others who may have coronavirus but have no symptoms showing and who could come within 6 feet of you which is the range of transmitting infection through acts like sneezing or coughing.

Is there a right way to wear and use a mask? For a mask to be safest and most protective for children and adults they should securely cover the nose and mouth area. Masks should not be worn when eating and should not be touched when on. Hand washing should take place before and after you remove a mask. Also masks should be washed after each wearing. Remove the mask from behind without touching the front of the mask.

Should children wear masks? It is not recommended for children under age 2 to wear a mask. Some opinions hold that children under age 6 for various reasons should not wear a mask. Also if children can be kept at least 6 feet away from others and not be in contact with surfaces that could harbor the virus then they do not need a mask for the protection of themselves or others.  Additionally, a child should not wear a mask if it causes touching their face more frequently hence increasing the child to an increased risk of getting exposed to the virus.

So what kind of mask is best to wear? There are 3 types of protective face masks available in the market at present:

3-ply mask: This is a mask made of 3 layers with the innermost layer used for absorbing moisture, the middle layer is a filter and the outermost layer repels water. You should always wear the 3-ply mask with the pleated side facing out. The pleated material allows you to expand the mask so that it covers the area from the nose to the chin. The better-manufactured ones have a pliable nose piece for proper fit across nose & cheekbones. The 3-ply mask is the most popular and least expensive protective face mask for mass-market use.

KN95 mask: This mask model is similar to the well-known N95 mask. With such similar-sounding names, it can be confusing to understand the difference between N95 and KN95 masks. What are KN95 masks, and are they the same as N95 masks? In short, they are both multi-layered protective masks (usually 4-layers) and N95 masks are the US standards for respirator masks and the KN95 masks are the Chinese standards for masks. In reality, the two masks are equivalent or nearly equivalent on the features that most people care about. Even according to mask manufacturer 3M, “it is reasonable to consider” China’s KN95s “equivalent” to US N95s. Mask standards for Europe (FFP2), Australia (P2), Korea (KMOEL), and Japan (DS) are also highly similar. A good comparison is in what percentage of particles the masks capture. On this parameter, N95 and KN95 respirator masks are the same. Both masks are rated to capture 95% of tiny particles (0.3 micron particles, to be exact). If you want a sturdier mask at a reasonable cost the KN95 is a good option.

N95 mask. This is the “professional” mask and the most expensive. The N95 mask reduces exposure to airborne elements, has a higher filtering efficiency and is made to have a better fit than conventional face masks. The N95 typically come in a contour cup design, has an adjustable nose piece and has at least two elastic straps that go around the head, one above the ears and one below. Due to very limited supply now in the market professional grade masks like N95 masks should be reserved for medical professionals on the front lines who have increased risk of exposure to coronavirus in close proximity.

Alternatively you can order one of these clever face masks or make your own protective mask using cotton fabric and elastic bands ensuring that the fabric is securely covering the nose and mouth area.

Whatever mask you decide to buy and wear just keep safe and healthy out there.

Sources: the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC])

Michael Braunold

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Michael Braunold is CEO of Elepho, Inc, the company that created eClip. eClip is a device that attaches easily inside the car and connects to a cell phone via Bluetooth. It alerts parents if they walk more than 25 feet from their car without removing their child along with monitoring the temperature within the car. Elepho has also developed a device called eFloat to constantly monitor water temperature in a baby bath as well as eTherm to check baby temperatures.

Gear to Get You Through the Pandemic: Our DC Editor’s Guide

by Meghan Yudes MeyersAugust 20, 2020

Staying at home for months on end has had us all online, and shopping online, a lot more. Our DC Editor Meghan Yudes Meyers feels us. A working mom with two kids, we asked Meghan for her top 12 products that have gotten her through the pandemic, the summer, and beyond. Read on to hear more from Meghan.

As a working mom of six-year-old twins, I’ve spent the past five months feeling a little bit like I’m on the ultimate episode of Survivor. Like you, I’ve navigated the new challenges (and adventures!) that come with raising kids in a pandemic world. I’ve brushed up on ways for us to stay healthy and invested in products that allow us to enjoy our home in new ways. Below are some of my favorite mom hacks and survival gear for quarantine life with kids. Scroll on for my must-haves to help get you through another week!

Healthy Measures

Suds2Go

For years, wipes were my can't-live-without mom crutch. But these days, my Kinders don't appreciate me pulling out a pack of wet ones. Enter Suds2Go. It's a portable hand washing station that makes cleaning up on-the-go a cinch. Officials tout that hand washing is the best defense against viruses, but even if a restroom is open (and most aren't) I aim to avoid these germ havens. Suds2Go is now a permanent fixture in my mom bag.

Get yours here, $36.99.

Oximeter Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor

My kids are still at the touch everything phase, so I've been avoiding trips to doctors' offices like the plague. I read about a simple device that can help me gauge whether respiratory issues require a trip to our ped or the local ER; it's an Oximeter Blood Oxygen Saturation Monitor. By slipping this meter on the end of your finger, you can quickly check a heart rate and oxygen saturation. I purchased one made for kids, but it works for everyone in our family.

Buy yours here, $23.95

Anti-Blue Light Glasses

If you have school-age kids, chances are they will be spending the majority of their school day online this fall. These glasses work for those that don't have a prescription for eyewear, but still want to protect their eyes (and mind) from the harmful effects of blue light.

Get them here, $15.90.

New Adventures

The Nature Anywhere Window

The Nature Anywhere Window lets you turn any room of your house into a wildlife observatory. Simply wet the suction cups and slap this bird feeder onto any glass surface; voila instant home viewing! It took the birds in our hood a few days to feel comfortable eating at our eye level, but they soon learned we were harmless. We even got two different bird nests in our yard!

Buy yours here, $28.90.

Blast Zone Magic Castle

Some of our favorite places have still not opened, so I've done my best to replicate those experiences within our four walls (and, lucky for us, in a backyard). We got a supersized bound house so that each kid would have enough room to bounce without jumping into one another. We're looking forward to the day when we can jump with friends, too (yes! It's big enough for that, too).

Get it here, $597.88.

Hape Adjustable Telescope

We've been finding new ways to make our outdoor activities more interesting... and educational. These magnifying glasses have become a must on our nature walks. But when we want to get a better look at the birds or a distant landscape, we pull out our binoculars or this telescope.

Get yours here, $19.44.

School At Home

Canopy Tent

We're spending as much time outside as possible, but while we welcome the fresh air, we don't always want to be in the sun's direct rays. I can skip slathering the kids in sunblock with this portable tent. It's perfect for quite classroom activities, like reading and painting.

Get it here, $59.99.

Portable Caddy

We've logged an excess number of hours at home so far this year, so I plan on trying to make our classroom as mobile as possible this fall. This caddy tote let's each of my kiddos bring their necessary supplies with them. We can easily relocate from the dining room table to our maker space to our outdoor classroom with all our necessary supplies.

Get it here, $14.99.

Jonti-Craft Creativity Board

I'm obsessed with this double-sided magnetic wipe board that let's my kids work on their individual educational needs at... get this... the same time. You can use dry erase pens to practice letters, sight words, numbers and math problems. Or get into some STEM fun with magnet play.

Get it here, $340.20.

Independent Play

SmartGames Snow White

Like a lot of parents, I'm experimenting with new ways to carve out work time from home. While Disney+ has been a go-to for Zoom calls, I've been trying to find more ways to keep my kids occupied without using screens. Both my littles love games and puzzles, so these brain challenges by SmartGames build cognitive skills while also increasing their confidence; they can be done independently!

Get it here, $26.99

OOLY Colored Pencils

My kids are creative bundles of energy; give them some craft supplies, and they are self-sufficient for a solid 60 (at least!). I love all of OOLY products because they feature bright, vibrant colors, but these colored pencils are some of my faves. With two kids heading off to Kinder soon, pencils let them practice the fine motor skills they'll need in (or out of) the classroom. And with more control over their art work, they are able to master more difficult drawings.

Find them here, $16.99.

Simolio Headphones

These days, headphones are a must in our house. They let my kids rock out on their electric guitars while I'm busy on my computer. They also come in handy for letting kids watch a movie by themselves or getting joining an online Zoom class without retreating to a different room.

Get them here, $25.99.

All images, except those credited, courtesy of retailers.

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase.

—Meghan Yudes Meyers

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Tee Time! Where to Find Kids Golf Lessons in Los Angeles

by Jenifer ScottJuly 8, 2020

Summer sports may seem like a swing and a miss these days. But one game that lends itself to social distancing? Golf lessons for your pint-sized putters. We’ve uncovered some awesome golf camps and instructors around town that are open for business, with safety measures firmly established. Read on for all the details and get ready for an above par summer!

Golf Tec - Multiple Locations

With more than half a dozen Southern California locations to choose from, Golf Tec makes it easy to find a great teacher for your golf-loving tot! Their customized lesson packages are all about zeroing in on what your golfer needs and how to fine-tune their skills. Package plans start at 5 lessons for $357 (with swing evaluations an extra cost) or if you really want to submerge your student in some hardcore instruction there are comprehensive game plan packages starting at $928. Best to contact them directly for accurate pricing which can vary depending on the location.

Ages: While there are no age minimums in place, they usually teach kids ages 8 and up.

Covid considerations: Golf Tec has put a ton of new safety procedures into place for all budding golfers such as masks required for both teacher and student, reducing the number of people in the facility at any given time, and hand sanitizer pumps available at all teaching bays.

Online: golftec.com

Golf Outings With Derrick - Rancho Park

From now through September 4, get your mini Mickelsons signed up for personalized golf instruction from one of LA's finest at the Rancho Park Golf Academy. Their "Golf Outings With Derrick" classes are taught by former PGA golf pro Derrick Allen (who has also taught the likes of Bill Clinton, Morgan Freeman, and David Duchovney to name a few!). These outings are scheduled Monday - Friday each week, 3 sessions per day and each session is 2.5 hours long with only 3 kiddos in a session at a time. Prices range from $165/per student per day for a 3 student session to $375 per day for a one-student/private golf outing with Derrick! Check out the website for more details on how to get the little golf pros in your family signed up!

Ages: 5 - 16.

Covid considerations: To adhere to state-mandated safety measures, there can only be a maximum of 3 students per session, students must bring and wear their own protective masks, no sharing of supplies, hand washing, and sanitizing often and 6 feet of distance between everyone involved.

Online: ranchoparkgolfacademy.com

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A post shared by PGA Junior Golf Camps (@pgajuniorgolf) on Jun 6, 2016 at 5:44pm PDT

PGA Junior Golf Camps - Encino & Van Nuys

If private lessons are a bit more than you were looking to spend, there actually is a golf camp running this Summer and you can find it either at the Sepulveda Golf Complex located on the Encino/Balboa golf courses or in Van Nuys at the Van Nuys course. PGA Junior Golf camps are offering both half-day (best for beginners) and full-day (geared more toward the advanced player) experiences with hands-on instruction from certified PGA professionals for a fraction of the cost of private lessons. Here your little birdies will learn basic golf skills while they have a blast playing engaging games and activities.

Encino/Balboa: Your tiny Tigers are in good hands here with coaches/camp directors Riley Michaelis and Dan Martin who have years of experience with both professional golfing and with instructing others! Camp runs from July 27 - August 7 with the half-day camp (3 hours) at $295/week and full-day camp (7 hours) is $495/week.

Van Nuys: PGA member Wayne Tyni wants to make sure all junior golfers enjoy themselves on the golf course so there is no doubt his campers are in for an ace of a time! Camp runs from August 3 - 7 and costs $250/week for half-day instruction and $495/week for a full 7 hours.

Ages: The half-day camp is specifically for kids ages 6-13 while the full-day camp is aimed at ages 9-16.

Covid considerations: Safety is PGA Golf Camps' biggest concern with rules in place to keep everyone safe such as 6 feet between campers at all times, no sharing of equipment, and mandatory hand washing/sanitizing every 60 minutes (and more!).

Online: pgajuniorgolfcamps.com

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A post shared by Ayumi Hori, PGA (@ayumihorigolf)

Ayumi Hori

Another PGA golf pro offering private lessons, Ayumi Hori has years of experience teaching the younger set and even recently won "Best Teacher in the State of California" from Golf Digest magazine (so you know you're small swingers are in good hands)! Her first experience with your kiddo will be an introductory evaluation and swing analysis where she will be able to gauge ability and from there will tailor each individual lesson to make sure you're getting the right bang for your buck. Ayumi teaches her private lessons at the Encino Balboa golf course and prices range from $85 for a 30-minute lesson to $125 for an hour session. If you have a real putter-in-training on your hands, it's most cost-effective to purchase one of her package deals which also range from $440 for 8 lessons at 30 minutes each or $680 for 8 lessons at one hour each. If your wee one is 6 and under, prices drop to $396 for 8 30-minute lessons or $612 for 8 60-minute lessons!

Ages: All ages

Covid considerations: Masks for both instructor and student are required and everyone tries to stay at least 6 feet apart during the lesson. At the course, every other stall is blocked off with caution tape so your student will certainly be 20 feet apart from the person hitting behind and in front of them! Ayumi also carries disinfecting wipes and rubbing alcohol with her at all times to make sure everything is sanitized before use!

Online: @ayumihorigolf

Coming Soon!

It's worth keeping the following kid-centered golf schools/coaches on your radar as they all may be taking students soon!

Play Golf LA - Sean Keller, PGA

L.A. Golf Academy - Carlos Rodriguez, PGA

Westchester Golf Course - Lynn Ralston

Tregnan Golf Academy

Maggie Hathaway Golf Course

–Jenifer Scott

featured photo: Donna Berry Glass

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KidNation and Ludacris Share “Get Along” Music Video

by Jennifer SwartvagherJune 9, 2020

In direct response to the racial injustices impacting our country, KidNation, a new media platform for kids is sharing a timely message and music video entitled, Get Along. This new video teaches children the importance of love and inclusivity to instill acceptance and prevent racism before it even starts. The video debuted on the heels of KidNation’s inaugural Stay Clean sing-along video, which launched in May in response to the pandemic and rallied kids to wash their hands to avoid getting sick.

Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and entertainment attorney/ music executive Sandy Lal co-founded KidNation, which will officially launch later this year, as a vehicle to educate children through smart, yet cool content. Get Along offers another sneak peek from the company before its launch, and it continues to amplify KidNation’s mission to provide wholesome and high-quality entertainment for children everywhere. Over soft strings and guitar, the track locks into an unshakable melody before the uplifting and undeniable hook, urging for us all to simply Get Along.

“KidNation was built on the foundation of enrichment through entertainment for the next generation. With everything going on in this world, we felt extremely passionate about releasing “Get Along” early,” said Bridges. “The message is simple, but needed now more than ever. You tell your kids how important it is to lead with love. Somewhere along the way, we sometimes forget that. We’re going to let the kids remind you. Let’s Get Along.”

Audiences everywhere instantly fell in love with KidNation during the sneak peak of Stay Clean earlier this year, which highlighted the importance of hand washing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There’s too much division in the world,” added Co-Founder, Sandy Lal. “Kids see past our differences. They look beyond what we’re told separates us. They know how to get along, so let’s take a lesson from them.”

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: KidNation

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Universal Studios’ CityWalk Opens in Orlando

by Karly WoodMay 25, 2020

As the country begins to reopen, regional theme parks are also initiating their phases to invite guests back. As of Mon., May 18, Orlando’s Universal CityWalk is now open daily from 4 to 10 p.m. daily.

During that time frame, select venues will be open, along with complimentary self parking. All guests will be expected to followed the recommended CDC guidelines which includes wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, and following floor markings to ensure adequate space between individuals.

photo: Guneet Jassal via Unsplash

Additionally, guests will undergo a temperature check before entering CityWalk, and those with a temperature of 100.4 or greater will not be allowed in. In an effort to keep everyone as safe as possible, Universal is limiting capacity and most venues, offering more hand washing and sanitizing stations, thoroughly cleaning high-touch surfaces and offering cashless payments at all venues.

To read more, head to Universal Orlando.

––Karly Wood

San Diego Zoo Announces Birth of Endangered Pygmy Hippo

A Disney Parks Themed Monopoly Exists & It Looks Amazing

How to Machine Wash Your Backpack

How to Hand-Wash Your Backpack

How to Spot Clean & Disinfect

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Cold-Busting Wellness Tea

Ingredients:

Directions:

Sara Mercer

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Mix Up the Music!

Try New Soap!

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Learning the Letters W – A – S – H

Science Experiments

Britannica For Parents

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Michael Braunold

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Healthy Measures

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The Nature Anywhere Window

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Canopy Tent

Portable Caddy

Jonti-Craft Creativity Board

Independent Play

SmartGames Snow White

OOLY Colored Pencils

Simolio Headphones

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Golf Tec - Multiple Locations

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PGA Junior Golf Camps - Encino & Van Nuys

Ayumi Hori

Coming Soon!

featured photo: Donna Berry Glass

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