[They know what they’re talking about] meet the experts
Health
Healthy MOM with Santiam Hospital, page 6
Drive
On the Road with Nicole Kersey, page 8
Smile
Something to Smile About with Dr. Jay Vaikuntam, page 12
Home
Real Estate with Kim Leighty, page 22
Support
Support for Families with Audrey Benson, page 28
“ Parenting is only hard for good parents. “ — Parents who have been there
Publisher
Matthew Nelson, Active Media, Inc PO Box 672, Aurora OR 97002-0672 info@activemediausa.com 503-825-2100
Editor-in-Chief
Managing Director
Audrey Meier DeKam audrey@mommag.com
Salem Advertising Representative Kim Leighty kim.leighty@mommag.com 503-510-9036
Mid-Valley & Lane County
Business Development Manager Linda Blair linda@mommag.com 541-231-7250
Designer Sean Carver sean@activemediausa.com
MOM Magazine TM is owned by Active Media, Inc.
All rights reserved. Any reproduction, in whole or part, without written permission of the publisher, is prohibited. Information in the magazine is provided for general information purposes only with the understanding that none of the content constitutes professional advice.
Opinions expressed by the writers or advertisers are not necessarily the opinions of the magazine or the publisher. Inclusion in the magazine does not constitute endorsement of information, products or services.
Editor’s Note
Smells like back-to-school spirit
There are many calendars to live by but one has me in its clutches for life: the school calendar.
Once I turn the page on my wall calendar to August, core memories roll to the forefront of my mind, much like in the Inside Out movies.
Girlhood moments come rushing back, like my first day of kindergarten coinciding with my birthday. Or, the pleated, plaid skirt I bought at Washington Square for my first day at my new Portland high school that I heard was fancy (it was not; I was overdressed and itchy). The smells of back-to-school are particularly indelible: a pack of crayons with the built-in sharpener, a certain crispness to September mornings, freshly sharpened number two pencils….
Back-to-school time always gave me hope of a fresh, new year in which I could reinvent myself. This would be the year I would master the art of straightening my hair, become a fashion icon of my school and finally turn into a popular girl. I was just one popped collar away from greatness!
It’s no wonder I still feel tethered to an academic calendar: I attended school for 20 years. Then I was a teacher for five years, and having children has added another 12 to the running total. If I’m lucky enough to live a long life, I’ll be a shuffling granny and still have a late summer urge to memorize a new schedule and locker combination.
Me in eighth grade. I’m sparing you my cringey ninth grade one, where a large breakout on my cheek probably should have been checked for impetigo.
As my boys go off to school this fall, I’m in the procurement mode of school supplies, clothes and backpacks. I still feel that tug of wanting to improve myself, sans jelly shoes and neon splatter prints.
Have a great school year, even if you’re not formally in one.
Audrey
Meier DeKam
Editor-in-Chief
P.S. Go and see Inside Out 2. It was really good.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL ROUTINES
IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE that the back-to-school season is once again upon us. While the first few weeks might be a bit frantic, it’s important to incorporate habits that keep everyone happy and healthy.
BEFORE SCHOOL
After the lull of summer, it can be difficult to commit to new pick-up and drop-off routines. Whether your child walks to school, rides the bus or drives themselves, talk to them about ways to stay safe — and continue reminding them all throughout the school year.
Children who walk to or from school should use the buddy system, and should know how to safely cross the street before setting out. Pick a family code word and tell your children not to get into a car with anyone who doesn’t know it — even if the person is known to them.
Bus riders should also pair up or wait in groups. Kids should know the number for the bus they need to get on, because buses look very similar and often have routes that overlap.
Make sure teen drivers are aware of Oregon’s fickle climate. They should know how to react in rain and fog for sure, but in ice or snow it’s probably best to find a different method of transportation.
Backpacks should be sized appropriately for each child and should not be overloaded. Not only can they be extremely heavy, they can be a tripping hazard when too big.
AFTER SCHOOL
Sitting in a classroom all day is not a natural state for young bodies. It’s important that kids of all ages get a chance to decompress and perhaps most importantly, get some exercise to offset a school day of sitting.
Children and teens should get at least one hour daily of physical activity. If they go outside, make sure they are dressed for the elements.
Limit screen time as much as possible; kids today spend quite a bit of screen time on schoolwork, so factor that into the total.
Kids who are on their own at home after school should have a current list of emergency contacts. Introduce them to a trusted neighbor who they can run to if they ever need help in a hurry. Teach all children how to dial 9-1-1 and when it is appropriate to do so.
The fall is a busy and often hectic time of year for most families. Observing some basic safety guidelines can reduce the risk of harm and let both children and their parents ease into a school routine.
Life in the pick-up lane
Many moms spend hours in their cars, ferrying kids to and from school, sports, lessons and more. What can you do with those odd pockets of time? A lot!
IF YOU HAVE MINUTES... 10
Make a call to schedule an appointment you need to make, like getting a mammogram or dental check-up.
Clean out your glove box. How many napkins do you really need in there anyway?
Check your car’s paperwork to see when your tags and insurance are due.
Look at your vehicle’s maintenance schedule and book necessary appointments. Keeping your car running its best is key to keeping family life on track.
Stare at the clouds for a mini relaxation sesh.
NICOLE KERSEY
IF YOU HAVE MINUTES... 20
Round up all the garbage in your car for an instant clean.
Bring a portable craft like knitting or an adult coloring book.
Meditate. Try an app for guidance, if you’re new to it. Go through a car wash.
Read a book or magazine — like MOM Magazine!
Organize your wallet and purse.
Hit the drive-through anything, like the bank, a favorite coffee hut, prescription pick-up, etc.
IF YOU HAVE MINUTES... 40
Finally deliver those bags of charitable items in your trunk to a local donation site.
Food run: get dinner or snacks for those always-hungry kids.
Stop by a self-serve car vacuum and suck out all the crackers from the crevices.
Call a friend or loved one for a real chat, instead of texting memes.
Clean out your phone’s photos and delete the trash. Same for bulky voice mails and unused apps that bloat your phone.
Visit that cute local food stand you’ve been meaning to see.
Brought to you by:
Nicole Kersey has been with Capitol Auto Group since Sept 2022 as a receptionist. She has two great kids: daughter Kiera, age 12, and son Parker, age 10. She loves working at Capitol Auto Group because it’s family-oriented. Outside of work she enjoys attending Parker’s basketball games, shopping with Kiera and playing Mario Kart with her family.
Liz Baer CPM, LDM
Julia Bailey CPM, LDM, IBCLC
THE CALENDAR
Whether you’re a paper person, or have gone fully digital, a calendar is the core of a family’s logistical functioning. Many schools publish the year-long calendar on their websites. Download yours and input all the dates for early release, in-service, conferences, holidays, etc. Note that inclement weather can sometimes change a pre-planned day off into a school day; keep it on your radar so you’re not caught unprepared for childcare.
Once you set the academic calendar, add in the next layers:
• Before and after-school childcare
• Busses, carpooling
• Sports practices and games
• Lessons and recitals
• School-based concerts, plays, spirit events
• Birthdays
NOW WHERE DID I PUT MY PHONE?
According to our cover MOMs *, they use their phones for reminders/alarms to pick up kids, calendars and notepads. Other apps they like:
• Life360
• TeamSnap
• Goblin Tools
• Keeper Password Manager
• AnyList
• Grocery List: Out of Milk
* From surveyed Cover MOMs Jan. 2022 - May 2024
DON’T FORGET TO ...
Go through all the water bottles: no matching lid? Goodbye. Same for any with known leaks.
Backpacks from last year: if your kid’s is still full of stuff from spring, then you are exactly like us. Time to clean it out, wash it and test all the zippers for functionality.
Supplies from last year: Don’t trust the glue and markers for reusing until you test them first.
Stock up on tissues, cold medicines, comfort care for all the cruds you know are about to drop. Tip: buy extra tissues to donate to your kid’s classroom.
There are more September-born people than any other month. Stock up on your go-to gifts and have them ready for all the invites.
KIT OUT THE KIDS
Get dental, eye and well-child visits on the calendar. A regular pediatric well child visit can double as a sports physical — just ask for the form.
SHOES. What, you just bought them shoes? Their feet grow at night. Recheck the sizes… and that they haven’t burned the soles off by using them as scooter brakes.
You probably have school clothes shopping already on your to-dos, but don’t forget sports uniforms and gear.
Haircuts for all. And while you’re at it, nails.
Dr. Jay Vaikuntam
When to talk braces
Many parents consider getting their children started with braces. Two common parental concerns: does my child need braces, and if so, when is the best time to start the process?
If you have already established a “dental home,” your pediatric dentist can discuss any concerns or questions you have about braces during your child’s routine cleaning appointment. We advise parents on if and when the time for orthodontic care is appropriate, and we send a referral to an orthodontist of their choice.
Prior to starting orthodontic treatment, we recommend your child have a well-established oral hygiene routine, and that they see their pediatric dentist if they are due for their routine appointment.
During orthodontic treatment, cleaning appointments with your pediatric dentist are especially important to ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy and cavity-free. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!
Kayla Steinborn
PROFESSION
Behavior professional
COMMUNITY
South Salem
CHILDREN
Edwin, age 5, and Oliver, age 2
PHOTOS BY: BETTY BOYCE
MOM’s Favorite...
Tell us about your favorite…
…family game: I spy
…place to find some peace & quiet: The only place I can be alone is the bathroom, and only if I lock the door. Otherwise I have to wait for the kids to fall asleep before I can be alone.
…binge-worthy TV or podcast:
My five-year-old and I love to watch Bob Ross videos on Youtube when we have one-on-one time.
…way to get out of making dinner: Did someone say chicken nuggets?
…inspirational quote: “It’s hard to see things when you are too close.” — Bob Ross.
…time-saving app or digital tool: Timers! In my household we use timers for transition warnings, turn-taking and bedtime routine.
HOW DOES THIS SINGLE MOM OF TWO DO IT? IT TAKES TIMERS, STRUCTURE...AND CRAZY AMOUNTS OF DUTCH BROS.
Family comes first.
All families are unique. Tell us about yours. My family consists of myself and my two children, Edwin and Oliver. The boys live primarily with me and visit their dad every other weekend. When my youngest, Oliver, was four months old he suffered a traumatic brain injury and was in the hospital for a week in Portland. Oliver fought through this and came out with the best possible results of his injury. There are no known developmental delays and no physical ailments. Oliver does experience sensory sensitivities at times, and we work through these by reducing sensory stimulants within our home and the community when needed. Edwin has been the best big brother through these struggles. He is caring and protective of his little brother, and often checks in on me when he notices the slightest change in mood to make sure I am okay.
Every family has its own traditions, rituals or inside jokes. What are some of yours? We have a very consistent bedtime routine that we complete on a very strict schedule. At 7:30 p.m. the boys take turns taking baths or showers and get their pajamas on, then play independently. Then at 8:15 p.m. we turn off unnecessary lights, and read books until 8:30 p.m. Once the bedtime timer goes off, the boys get tucked in and we sing songs until they are both asleep. This happens every night and I decline evening hangouts or family visits to ensure that we can stay on routine and prevent any tantrums that occur if we stray too far from it because of my youngest son’s rigidity. When did you know you wanted to be a mom? I think I have always wanted to be a mom. I was raised by a single dad who tried his best to be a mother and a father figure to me before he passed away, and my grandmother played a significant role in my life. They both made parenting look fun and easy. I strive to be just like them every single
day. I’ve learned that being a parent really is not always fun or easy, but it’s worth it.
Tell us about one of your proudest mom moments. I limit screen time in my house. For the longest time, I even refused to have a television in my living room and would hide it behind our couch when it was not in use. I have refrained from allowing the boys to have screen time because I noticed a direct connection between my oldest’s behavior and the amount of screen time that he has. I feel very proud of myself for sticking to my guns about this. Now the boys get less than thirty minutes a day, sometimes not having any screen time while at home on days that they have daycare/preschool. My kids are far from perfect, but their behaviors have significantly improved because of this.
Now tell us about one of your most humbling mom moments. Speaking of behaviors improving…have you ever taken a twoyear-old into a grocery store when they were hungry, tired, and recently denied access to screen time? Recently I went to Winco, and Oliver was hungry, late for a nap and angry that I would not give him my phone. We walked through the entire store with him screaming and crying at the top of his lungs, getting glared at by other people, or the well-known “I feel for you” facial expression from others who have been through this exact situation. I had no idea how to calm him down, was trying everything from my toolbox except giving him my phone, and finally, I was saved by a wonderful woman who passed us that had a sucker in her purse. She stopped us, asked if she could help by giving him a sucker, and pulled one out to give to him. I was so overwhelmed, anxious and ready to leave the store because I was embarrassed by my two-year-old screaming in the middle of the grocery store. Thank you to that woman, she was a life-saver.
What is something you swore you would never do before kids that you now do? (skip showers, go to a drive through coffee in your pjs, etc.)?
I swore that when my kid started crying in the middle of a store I’d take them to the car and go to the store later. From my previous story, we all know that I just walked through the store with a racing heartbeat and a screaming toddler on my hip throughout the entire trip though. When you need to buy food, you do what you have to!
You know you’re a mom when you hear yourself say, “__________.” “Don’t put that into your mouth,” “Don’t lick your brother,” or ‘’Ew, what is this?”
What are you enjoying the most about parenting right now? Watching the boys grow. They both have their own unique personalities and have their own interests and personal skill sets. I love seeing that sparkle in their eyes when they accomplish something or do something that they think is fun.
No one works harder than mom.
Tell us about your work or volunteerism outside of the home. I’m a behavior professional at KIDS, LLC. I get to support other families with finding solutions to their loved one’s behaviors. This profession is not just a job for me though. It’s something that I have always been interested in, and something that I get to do within my own home, with my own kids. I’ve learned through years of supporting people within the IDD (intellectual and developmental disabilities) community that behavior is communication. I lean on that to support people within my job when taking care of my children, and taking care of myself.
Through KIDS, LLC, I write functional behavior assessments to identify the “why?” behind people’s behaviors, and then I write a positive behavior support plan to recommend a variety of strategies for all support providers to assist the individual with their routine, communication, behaviors, and many more aspects of their life.
What have you learned professionally that has helped you as a mom? Everything we do is behavior, and there is always a reason behind us engaging in that behavior. We are always trying to communicate something.
If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.
Tell us about your upbringing. How did it shape the mother you are today? I was raised by a single dad, and he passed away when I was twelve. We never had a lot of money, and my dad was always putting my needs before his. Watching him be patient, kind and caring, not only toward me but also toward everyone he encountered, impacted me in such a positive way. Because of my dad, I am patient, kind and caring. I am also very aware of not just my kids’ needs, but my own as well. I know that taking care of me, and not himself, took a big toll on my dad’s mental health, and I saw him cry when he thought that nobody was watching because of how stressed he was. This taught me to take care of myself just as much as I take care of my children.
What do you think is the most important life skill or value your parents taught you? I think the most important life skill that my dad taught me was to be kind. No matter what, just be patient and be kind.
When did you realize you were no longer a child? Recently actually! I hit my 25th birthday and something about that birthday made me realize, woah, I’m a full-blown adult, how did that happen?
What is one thing you never had that you want for your kids? Growing up I had very small Christmases. It was primarily just my dad and I, and because we didn’t have a lot of money, I did not get a ton of presents like my friends and cousins did, and there was one Christmas that I remember getting nothing at all, and staying at home doing nothing to celebrate. I want my kids to always have a lively Christmas where they visit with family, eat wonderful holiday food, and open at least one gift from me.
It’s Saturday afternoon and you suddenly find yourself at home alone for a few hours (we know, it never happens). What do you do?
I snuggle with my cat on the couch, play Sims 4 or watch Big Bang Theory and drink Dutch Bros.
What keeps you up at night (apart from kids, of course)? The worry that my kids aren’t getting enough from me. Did I give them enough attention, or feed them healthy food? Did they drink enough water today, or did they need something from me that I never gave them?
MOMs Love Local
We love locally owned businesses, restaurants, places and organizations. Share your favorite…
…shop to pick up a gift for friend: GreenSpaceDesign on Commercial Street
…spot to get a good workout: Minto-Brown and Nelson Park
…place where kids can let off steam: Gilbert House Children’s Museum
…event in your community: Salem Seekers. In the summer they hide glass-blown birds for people to find in local parks.
What keeps you sane? My partner, James. I’ve been in a relationship with him for a little over two years now, and even though we don’t live together yet, we talk every day. Talking to him every night at the end of the day allows me to vent, get social interaction outside of my children, and get comfort. James keeps me grounded on a daily basis and always gives me amazing advice when I feel like I’m struggling with the kids.
What is your least/most favorite household chore? I really really dislike dishes, and I would trade the dishes for cleaning the bathroom any day.
What’s your guilty pleasure? (dark chocolate hidden in the pantry, TJ Maxx, daily latte habit?) I have a crazy addiction to Dutch Bros. The baristas know my drink and are ready to make it as soon as they see my car! It is such an expensive guilty pleasure.
Who is your favorite real-life hero? My dad is my favorite real-life hero. I am not even his biological child, but he took me in as his own and allowed my mom to put him on my birth certificate. I could never thank him enough for being the best parent I could ask for.
Listen to mom.
Is motherhood what you expected? What surprised you the most? Not at all. It is way harder than I thought it would be, my dad and grandma made it look so easy. I am still surprised by the amount of times I have to tell my kids not to lick each other.
Do current events shape how you parent, and if so, how? Sort of. The constant fear of my children becoming the kind of man who hurts another person, physically or mentally, scares me. I worry every day that they will be wrongfully accused of something, or rightfully accused of something, that so many men have done in the past, and still do. I am doing my best to raise respectful men, men who will take care of others and protect others rather than bring harm.
What advice would you give your younger mom self? What do you wish you knew then that you know now? What message would you like to share with other moms? Remember to tell it like it is. Your best is different every single day. Parenting is hard. You cannot be Mother Teresa every day, and you won’t be. Give yourself grace, as long as your child is fed, has a roof over their head, and knows that they are loved, you are doing an amazing job.
Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities Guide
Do you or a loved one have an intellectual or developmental disability?
The IDD Resource Guide is your FREE, essential companion for every support you need.
Find services, support groups, and professional advice to feel understood, supported, and empowered.
hello@iddresourceguide.info iddresourceguide.info
100+ Free Courses for caregivers, teachers, and families
Support for new diagnoses and advanced behaviors.
Vital Knowledge to enhance understanding of the IDD community.
sunflowercommunity.info DO YOU SUPPORT SOMEONE WITH IDD?
hello@sunflowercommunity.info
Plum delicious
It’s a short but delicious season for plums in Western Oregon.
OF THE MANY REASONS TO LOVE PLUMS…
• They’re a sweet and easy sell to kids — add them to school lunch boxes.
• So much fiber: they are prunes, after all, which we tend to forget.
• The dark purple color is stunning and great for your health: they’re loaded with anthocyanins, a type of antioxidants packed with health benefits.
• Simple to freeze: just cut in half and take out the pits first.
Plum compote
Top off waffles, pancakes, oatmeal or serve over yogurt or ice cream
15 plums, cut in half with pits removed
¼ cup water
3 - 4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Optional: 1 stick of cinnamon
Bring the plums (no need to remove the skins) and water to a boil, then add the sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon. Turn heat down to a simmer and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes.
Once cooled, remove the cinnamon stick, if used. The compote will thicken as it cools.
Store in a tightly lidded jar in the fridge for up to a week.
Baked
plums
An easy, sweet treat
15 plums, cut in half with pits removed
3 - 4 tablespoons of honey
½ cup chopped nuts or granola of your choice
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Lightly coat a cookie sheet with non-stick spray.
Pour the honey onto a plate and then dip each plum, cut-side down, into the honey to coat the surface.
Place plums cut-side up on the sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes.
Sprinkle the chopped nuts or granola overtop and enjoy!
real estate MOM
The path to home ownership, simplified
Owning a home is a dream for many, but the buying process can feel overwhelming. A good real estate agent, some patience and diligence are key. Here’s a simplified look at the path to owning a home:
Prepare your finances: First, review your budget. How much can you comfortably afford for a down payment and monthly mortgage? Then, get pre-approved for a mortgage, which strengthens your future offers.
Find your perfect home: Decide on your must-have features: location, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, yard size, etc. Partner with a real estate agent to help you find properties that meet your criteria, negotiate offers and guide you through the process.
Make an offer and negotiate: Your agent will research comparable properties to determine fair market value. You’ll submit an offer that includes the purchase price, earnest money deposit and any contingencies (such as a successful home inspection). Buyers’ closing costs are typically paid for by the buyers, but negotiations can sometimes lead to the seller covering some or all these costs.
Inspections and loans: Schedule key inspections and finalize your mortgage application by providing necessary documents to your lender. Choose loan terms (fixed or adjustable rate, loan term length and interest rate).
Close the deal : The lender will evaluate your finances and the property. While a professional inspector assesses the property’s condition, an appraiser determines its market value. Closing involves signing what feels like a million documents, then — finally — becoming a homeowner!
Brought to you by:
Kim Leighty REALTOR® /Broker
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Real Estate Professionals
(503) 510-9036 | kimleighty@bhhsrep.com
BUYING SELLING or a home?
WORK TOGETHER!
Buying or selling a home can be a stressful process if you don't have the right real estate agent.
Allow me to be your Real Estate Expert for all your buying, selling, investing needs.
Kim Leighty
Kids and wildfire smoke
THE SUMMER OF 2020 WAS A PIVOTAL YEAR FOR WILDFIRES IN OREGON, WHEN FIRES TOUCHED THE MID-WILLAMETTE VALLEY LIKE WE’D NEVER SEEN BEFORE. NOW WILDFIRE SMOKE IS PART OF OUR NEW NORMAL.
WHILE
FIREFIGHTING teams work diligently to keep us safe from fires, the smoke is inescapable — and known to be harmful to humans. For children, the risk of harm is even higher as the smaller the body, the bigger the toxin load. What’s a mom to do? Stay informed, for starters. And be prepared.
KNOW THE AQI
The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measurement of how clean or dirty the air is for a geographic population. In the U.S., this is determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has established a scale of 0 to 500, where the higher the number, the greater the level of pollution and public health concern.
Measurements over 100 can be troubling for what are called sensitive groups — anyone with health conditions that make them more susceptible to harm. Once the measurement reaches 150, we all have problems. In 2020, Oregon broke records for having some of the most polluted air in the world. The air was hazardous for days, requiring the general public to stay inside and create, as best we could, clean air bubbles to live in until the smoke cleared. Many kids (and adults, too) went stir-crazy being made to stay indoors. While it’s hard to explain to a five-year-old why she can’t go outside on a summer day, you can plan ahead with games and activities to keep yourselves busy (see sidebar).
HOW CHILDREN ARE AFFECTED
According to the Oregon Health Authority, children’s airways are more likely to be affected by smoke because they breathe more air per pound of body weight.
“Children are more active which means they breathe faster, and they breathe more air relative to their weight,” said Dr. Jennifer Serfin, MD, FACS, trauma medical director at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Corvallis. They are also growing and developing, which adds another level of concern.
For a mom with kids who have asthma, more precautions are needed. Dr. Serfin said to have rescue inhalers at the ready.
“Additionally, if your child is recovering from an upper respiratory infection, they may be more susceptible to smoke-related symptoms. If your child has severe trouble breathing, is very sleepy, or will not eat or drink, reduce their exposure to smoke and get medical help right away.”
WATCH FOR SCHOOL CLOSURES
Just like with snow, local public school districts will cancel classes, sports, activities and before/after school childcare whenever there is a danger to children. Know your district’s preferred method of communication such as FlashAlert,
ParentSquare, etc. For sports with outdoor practices or games, the Oregon Schools Activity Association governs when to move practices and games inside, or reschedule or cancel completely. Late August is a popular time for daily doubles — your child’s coach should be in regular contact over health safety issues like poor air quality, as well as high temperatures.
KEEP YOUR HOME AIR AS CLEAN AS POSSIBLE
Keep windows and doors closed. Use air conditioning if you have it, and set the fan to recirculate. “With wildfire smoke, it’s important to close any dampers that let outside air into your air handling system,” said Boone Morris, of Advantage Heating & Air in Salem. “And check your air filter after a period of heavy smoke. If it’s darkened, change it out.”
While Morris notes that most home air handlers and filters do a solid job, a smart system with a built-in purification system is worth it if you’re replacing your HVAC or choosing one for a new build.
Free-standing air purifiers are also widely available and can typically handle a single room (just don’t expect one small unit to cover an entire home). You can also DIY an air purification system by using box fans and filters; visit the EPA’s website and look up “DIY air purifier” for a helpful how-to.
Wiggly kids stuck indoors can make everyone a bit stir-crazy. Some idea to expel extra energy:
• Scavenger hunt
• Active games such as Twister or Simon Says
• Dance party
• Hide & seek
• Build a fort with couch cushions and sheets
• Make an obstacle course
• The floor is lava!
Audrey Benson Behavior Supervisor
922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112
Corvallis, OR 97330
kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360
Communicating with your child’s teachers
As the school year kicks off, building strong communication with your child’s teachers is key to a successful year. Here are some tips to help you establish and maintain effective communication...
Start with an initial meeting || Take advantage of any initial parent-teacher meetings to discuss your child’s strengths, areas for improvement and specific needs. Share important information, such as medical conditions, effective behavioral strategies and your child’s interests.
Create a communication plan || Work with teachers to set a clear (and realistic) communication plan. Decide on the best methods for staying in touch (email, phone or communication apps), the frequency of updates, and the type of information to be shared. Regular check-ins help you stay informed and address issues promptly. On that same note, parents need to respond to teachers promptly. In a highly virtual world, checking your emails at least a few times a week is necessary, if not more.
Read the newsletter || Many school districts provide a newsletter delivered monthly to parents. This is a great way to stay involved!
Be an advocate for your child || Advocate for your child’s needs by clearly communicating any required accommodations or modifications. Provide necessary documentation, such as IEPs or 504 plans, and ensure teachers understand how to implement these supports.
Get it in writing || Many parents have children who are being sent home or reprimanded frequently for behavior struggles. Ask for written documentation of why a child was asked to be picked up or provided a consequence. This will help you identify skills that need to be worked on at home and advocate for your child if needed.
Stay positive and collaborative || Most teachers want to do the right thing for their students and parents. Show appreciation for teachers’ efforts and acknowledge their challenges. When issues arise, discuss them calmly and work together to find solutions. Building a strong partnership with your child’s educator will make you feel great, and benefit your child’s educational experience.
Brought to you by:
KIDS NW connects families with compassionate caregivers, specially trained in serving individuals with disabilities.
“Terrible
twos” and beyond: How to tackle tantrums with confidence
Raising children comes with its fair share of challenges. From sleepless nights to endless diaper changes, every day is an adventure. But perhaps one of the most daunting tasks we face is navigating behavior challenges, especially when it comes to tantrums and discipline.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tantrums are a normal part of child development, but that doesn’t make them any easier to handle. When faced with a meltdown, it’s important to stay calm and patient. Remember, your child is still learning how to express their emotions and needs your guidance.
Here are a few tips to help navigate those difficult moments:
1. Focus on the positive: When you praise good behavior and redirect negative behavior, you can help your child learn right from wrong in a way that is loving and supportive.
2. Stay consistent: set clear expectations, model appropriate behaviors, and follow through to help your child feel safe and secure.
3. Take care of yourself: Parenting can be exhausting. Make sure you carve out time for relaxation.
With the right tools and support, you can navigate tantrums with confidence. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. Together, we can raise happy, healthy children who grow up to be confident and compassionate adults.
Brought to you by Salem Health Family Birth Center. Learn more at salemhealth.org/FBC.
That is why at Advantage we take the time to get to know you and your needs. No two homes and no two families are the same. Each has their own quirks, history, and future. Whether you’re settling into your forever home, or moving out in 5 years, you deserve an HVAC system built for you. Call today and ask about our current specials on installation, service, Smart HVAC systems and more.
