5 minute read
Family F.Y.I
2021 Northeast Camp Guide
The 2021 digital edition of Northeast Camp Guide features helpful articles on picking the right camp, specialty programs, preparing for camp and more. Read it on
BostonParentsPaper. com – just click on the Magazine tab then on the image of the Northeast Camp
Guide.
$205 According to a National Retail Federation’s annual survey, the average consumer will spend $205 on their mama this Mother’s Day for gifts and celebrations. Categories like electronics, housewares, gardening tools and books saw a significant boost this year as more consumers are interested in giving these items as gifts. But we mamas all know that nothing is better than sweet hugs, burnt toast in bed and a kid-made craft to celebrate.
TM
Virtual Camp & Summer Expo Join Us!
Events in May and June
VIRTUAL CAMP & SUMMER PROGRAM EXPO 2021
VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP FAIR
Boston Parent has redesigned the Summer Camp Fair into a Camp Expo Flip Book complete with information and video for over 75 camp and summer programs. Information in the flip book is sorted to fit your needs. Register today to receive the next Camp Expo Flip Book on May 15.
Woo-hoo! Warm weather is here! More outside time, more playing, more fun! Just make sure you and your family are slathered in sunscreen. Remember, even on cool or hazy days, SPF is a must. The sun can affect your skin no matter the weather, so be sun safe. If you are going to the beach search up sunscreens that protect our oceans while still protecting you and your brood.
May the Fourth be With You
May 4th is National Star Wars Day. National Star Wars Day
was first organized in Toronto, Ontario, Canada at the Toronto Underground Cinema in 2011. Festivities included an Original Trilogy Trivia Game Show, a costume contest, and the web’s best tribute films, mash-ups, parodies, and remixes on the big screen. May 4th was chosen because of the play on words. Thousands of Star Wars enthusiasts celebrate this day each year with parties and celebrations around the nation. Wear your Wookie costume or bring your lightsaber. Then prepare for warp speed. Wherever you go, may the fourth be with you. Oh, and be sure to watch some Star Wars films or play some trivia and make some outer space snacks to enjoy, too.
Family F.Y.I.
How To Help Your Child During Isolation
Stefanie Hartman, MSN, RN, CPNP Brain Injury Center/Trauma Center Nurse Practitioner
Although many children across the state are back to school, illnesses still happen and it is more important than ever to keep sick children home. When that happens, it can be tough to isolate your child or quarantine your entire family. While you are waiting on test results or if a family member has tested positive, there are many things you can do to help the whole family get through this difficult time.
Keep a normal sleep schedule. Most children do much better when they have a routine and know what to expect. Allowing a child, that feels ill or tired due to illness, time to nap is important, but keep the schedule otherwise consistent. Don’t start the habit of allowing the family to stay up much later or sleepin hours past their usual wake up time, as it can make it difficult to return to regular school and life schedules when everyone is feeling better.
Try to get work or school done earlier in the day. If children are continuing to keep up with their studies, or your job requires you to get some work in, try to get that done early in the day before everyone is tired. Create a list of fun rewards to do together! Help your child create and then choose a fun activity to do later in the day if all their work is done. Try building blanket forts, or have a dance party. Play a favorite board game or pick a new movie to cuddle up on the couch and watch. If your child is older and needs to isolate in alone, the effects of not seeing others can make this difficult. Use technology to your advantage! If you have multiple Alexa devices, teach your child how to “drop in” to another device to let you know if they need something. Use Facetime so your child can “eat with the family” and feel less alone.
Lastly, accept help. If friends or family offer to pick up groceries, say yes. If they drop off dinner, accept graciously. These are difficulty times we are living through, and the support and connection of people close to us makes all the difference. From that same perspective, if your family or friends are in isolation, send them meals. Put together a basket of fun things for the kids to do, or even special treats. Friendship is about being able to pull together during stressful times.
Let’s Grill!
If you’re salivating at the very thought of the approaching barbecue season, know that you are most certainly not alone. The most popular holiday for barbecuing in the United States is the Fourth of July, followed by Memorial Day (we’re counting the days) and, of course, Labor Day. Now go make sure you’re stocked up on charcoal, wood pellets or propane and get those grills cleaned in preparation.
