Parents, here’s how to vet your babysitter
Finding a babysitter you can trust could be as easy as calling up a family member -- but it's not that simple for every parent. For those who need to employ a sitter, KidSafe Foundation has some advice for finding the right person to handle the responsibility.
5 activities for children with autism who’ve been under stress, anxiety due to the pandemic
One way to cope with any extra stress or anxiety is to have the kids engage in play time to help develop motor skills, social skills and language development, according to Dr. Jen Harstein, a children’s developmental psychologist who works with autistic children daily.
Dr. Mia Taormina was part of team that diagnosed the first COVID case in DuPage County. Two years later, she shares where the pandemic stands.
Dr. Mia Taormina, an infectious disease expert, says of the pandemic two years later: "I actually think that we are in a very good place right now."
chicagotribune.comChasten Buttigieg speaks out against Florida’s ‘Don’t say gay bill,’ warning it could lead to more suicides
The husband of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is taking aim at state legislation that would prohibit school districts in Florida from encouraging classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels.
washingtonpost.comNew Illini booster group aims to give University of Illinois athletes’ name, image and likeness deals a do-gooder twist
As the now common practice of paying college athletes continues to spread, a group of University of Illinois boosters aims to give the money chase a do-gooder twist.
chicagotribune.comThemes of Mary and Joseph’s journey in Bethlehem still relevant as Chicago Archdiocese hosts 16th annual reenactment for immigration reform
The 16th annual Posada for Immigration Reform began outside the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office Friday with a man and woman portraying Mary and Joseph, acting out scenes that depicted themes in Mary and Joseph’s journey that translate to current issues with the U.S. immigration system.
chicagotribune.comWork Shift: Could bringing babies into the office help solve a COVID childcare crisis?
As many Americans get ready to head back to the office, some working parents are wondering who will watch their kids who have been with them while they worked from home during the pandemic. Adriana Diaz found one e-commerce company with a creative solution: make every day "take your child to work day."
news.yahoo.comGet your kids into a healthy sleep routine
Consumer Reports has some ideas that could help your kids sleep better during these uncertain times. Consumer Reports says a key to good sleep is the same for kids and adults. Set a sleep routine, which means going to bed and getting up at about the same time each day. It can boost the effect of sleep hormones like melatonin, especially if it’s done in bright daylight in the morning! Blue light from screens can slow the production of your natural sleep hormones.
Going up: Jaxson de Ville, firefighters visit sick kids
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Firefighters and the one and only Jaxson de Ville of the Jaguars went for a visual visit with the kids at Wolfson Children’s Hospital in downtown Jacksonville. It was all to cheer up the kids who are hospitalized while they battle cancers and other serious illnesses. Jaxson DeVille is getting ready to ladder up with @jfrdjax to visit the kiddos at Wolfson Children’s Hospital @wjxt4 pic.twitter.com/LVZZdjJ8BA — WJXT4 EmilyBoyer (@Wjxt4EmilyBoyer) October 12, 2020Keeping in-line with pandemic precautions for people who are immunocompromised, firefighters hoisted Jaxson de Ville onto the fire ladder truck and waved to the kids through the window. Their smiles are ear to ear, and it’s so important we provide them these opportunities just to be kids, especially during treatment," said Vice President of Patient Care Services Cicely Brooks said. After the window visit, the kids were given ice-cream sandwiches.
Kennedy Space Center offers virtual after school programs for kids
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – What goes better with an after-school snack than a visit to space? Space After School, a new program from Virtual Camp KSC will bring all the wonder and excitement of space exploration into the comfort and safety of homes nationwide when it launches on October 19. Brought to participants live from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Space After School, a five-day program, will be offered at three times each day. During the program, campers will engage in hands-on science, technology, engineering and math activities, perfect for elementary school age students. For more information and to register for Space After School, visit www.kennedyspacecenter.com .
Need to burn your kids’ energy? Try golf -- as in, real golf
But if you’re in need of more ideas, how about this one: Have you tried taking your kid golfing? Depending on which part of the country you golf, other wildlife such as deer and alligators can also easily be present on a golf course. On a side note, you don’t have to have your kid hit EVERY shot. Golf courses know the value of introducing the game to youngsters, and thus, will often offer heavy discounts for kids to play, if they even charge them at all for a round. Some golf courses also will offer discounts for families who want to play.
Why you should stick to your childs scheduled immunization schedule during COVID
We are all socially distancing by staying home more, postponing hair appointments, graduations and family gatherings and telecommuting to work. Well-child visits during the first two years of life help parents and pediatricians track the childs growth and neurologic development at an age when they cant communicate with us. The AAP recommends that well-child care should continue in person, especially during the first 24 months of life when we are vaccinating and building the childs immunity to easily transmitted diseases. Cars have become the new waiting rooms, and you will receive a phone call when its your childs turn to be seen. Parents are encouraged to contact their primary care offices and ask what they recommend, including what COVID-19 safeguards they have implemented.
USDA: All kids across America can get free meals this summer
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. All children regardless of where they live will be able to get free meals for the rest of the summer, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced on Wednesday. The waiver allows local partners to continue serving free meals. Typically, USDA funded summer meals sites are limited to low income areas. As our nation reopens and people return to work, it remains critical our children continue to receive safe, healthy, and nutritious food," Secretary Perdue said. This nationwide flexibility ensures Americas kids will continue to be fed this summer.Click here to find a location near you.
How to watch the historic astronaut launch with your children: There’s an invaluable lesson here
If it goes off as planned, this will mark the first mission involving astronauts from U.S. soil since 2011. Still, NASA astronaut Bob Behnken has said he and Doug Hurley are “really comfortable” with the risks. So you’re making educated guesses, at best.”It seems there’s just more uncharted territory when it comes to space travel. “The first astronauts really started out as test pilots,” Garfinkle said. But assuming this launch goes well, “It would be great for kids to see a successful, triumphant moment of science,” Fink said.
All your favorite children’s books, reimagined for the age of COVID
A mother of two mindlessly picked up a paintbrush in late March, and started painting the cover of one of the books she had read to her children earlier in the day -- and said she incorporated some “cartoonified” coronavirus themes, to try to make the situation less scary.
10 fun, educational websites your kids will love to visit while stuck at home
Nat Geo for KidsSite address: www.kids.nationalgeographic.comWhat it does: Kids learn about geography and fascinating animals. Into the BookSite address: www.reading.ecb.orgWhat it does: Through playing games, kids can practice reading strategies. SuessvilleSite address: www.seussville.comWhat it does: Allows kids to hang out with Dr. Seuss and his friends, all while playing games and reading. PBS KidsSite address: www.pbs.orgWhat it does: Kids can learn while hanging out with their favorite PBS characters. Highlights KidsSite address: www.highlightskids.comWhat it does: Allows kids to read, play games, learn random facts and do activities such as crafts and recipes.