Parent Source Serving DeKalb County
Fall Resource Guide For Parents
BACK T O SCHOO L
Tips to s tart the year on the right foot
GOING REMOTE PERMANENTLY?
How to build an effective work environment at home
GET AHEAD OF FALL ALLERGIES
3 strategies to beat seasonal symptoms
what’s
INSIDE 3
Tips & tricks for returning to school with a smile
4
Going remote permanently? 5 essentials for working from home
6
5 tips to get ready for back to school
8
Encourage your kids to keep healthy habits this school year
10
Time to get in front of fall allergy symptoms
Parent Source is distributed in the Daily Chronicle Project Manager | Lisa Angel Design & Layout | Julie Barichello We reserve the right to include and edit all editorial content of this publication.
SOURCE 2 | PARENT FALL 2021
Tips & Tricks
RETURNING TO SCHOOL
M
WITH A SMILE
any students and parents are preparing to head back to classrooms this fall for the first time in over a year. Amazon has compiled tips and tricks to help students - and parents! - keep back-to-school jitters at bay so they can head back to school with confidence.
n Create a family countdown calendar Help your children think of the first day of school as a celebratory moment worth counting down, like the holidays or a birthday. As a family, create and decorate your own calendar leading up to the first day of school. Each day, ask your child to share one thing they are looking forward to this school year. These conversations that focus on positive aspects of the new school year will help you and your child look forward to the new experiences they’ll have when school is back in session.
n Stock up for success With every new school year comes a checklist of supply lists and refreshed wardrobe needs. Amazon makes it easy to get all your back-to-school needs in a convenient one-stop-shop with great
value and free shipping right to your doorstep. You can even shop by grade level and category so you can find everything on your school list. Include your children in the process of selecting items from fun backpacks and lunchboxes to crayons, pens and notebooks. Enlist their help in checking off their school supplies list so they can feel good about how prepared they are for the first day of school.
n Practice your routine
with a dress rehearsal
To help acclimate your children to a new schedule and feel confident in their morning routine, try having a first day of school “dress rehearsal.” Set alarms early, lay out clothing the night before, and get ready as you would on the first day of school. This way your child will know exactly what to expect. Plus, a runthrough will allow parents to anticipate any last-minute needs in advance – a win-win!
n Give back while you
shop for back to school
One of the best ways to feel good, is to do good! Amazon makes it easy to support your favorite charity every time
you shop, including education-related charities and PTAs, at no extra cost. Visit smile.amazon.com to find the exact same Amazon shopping experience – amazing deals, wide selection, fast and free delivery options - and AmazonSmile will donate a portion of the eligible purchase price to the charity of your choice.
n Take the stress out of shopping with Amazon Prime
Forgot an item on your school supplies list? No problem! Prime members can take advantage of unlimited Free OneDay Delivery, with no minimum purchase amount. To help you stay even more organized leading up to the first day of school, Prime members can choose when to have their orders arrive with Amazon Day delivery - simply pick a day that works for you, shop the supplies you need throughout the week, and Amazon will deliver all your orders together on the day you choose. Find classroom essentials, back-to-school fashion, and more and at amazon.com/ backtoschool. (BPT) PARENT SOURCE FALL 2021
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GOING REMOTE
PERMANENTLY?
5 essentials for a successful work-from-home environment
As the pandemic began, many professionals quickly switched from working in the office to working from home. What started as a tentative few weeks turned into a few months and now over a year later, many people are still working remotely. Furthermore, at increasing rates companies are transitioning indefinitely to hybrid or full-time remote work.
SOURCE 4 | PARENT FALL 2021
Perhaps realizing the convenience for employees and the cost savings for organizations, leaders at companies nationwide are making the move permanent. In fact, an April 2021 report from Garner found 74% of CFOs intend to shift some employees to remote work permanently. This appears to be a welcome change for most workers. A Harvard Business School survey found 81% of professionals either don’t want to go back to the office or would prefer a hybrid schedule going forward. If you’re part of the movement and will be working from home more permanently, it’s smart to take a fresh look at your work environment. Many people transitioned quickly to working at home last year and makeshift offices became the norm. Now that you know you’ll be working from home regularly, making strategic updates to the work
environment can support productivity, professionalism and overall success.
DESIGNATE A WORK SPACE
Even if you don’t have the luxury of a designated office, you can still make changes to make remote work a bigger part of your home life. If you have a flex room, designate it as an office during work hours. Some people renovate a closet or corner nook into an office with a desk and other necessities. If space is limited, consider a mobile office such as a desk on casters so you can bring your desk into the kitchen or living room when working, and tuck away at close of business. Monitors, such as LG’s unique Ergo models, can replace a conventional monitor stand with a desk clamp to free up even more room in your work space without sacrificing performance or screen size.
UPGRADE TECHNOLOGY
Upgrade your old laptop with technology that keeps up with your professional and personal needs. For example, the LG gram lineup is a top choice among premium Windows laptops. LG gram laptops are sleek, lightweight and powerful, with a vivid display. They feature a 16:10 aspect ratio screen which is larger than the typical 16:9 screens found on most laptops, and maximizes work efficiency, whether you use it for your job, side gig or passion project. With a long-lasting battery, you extend time between charges so you never miss a beat. Plus, the lightweight design makes it easily portable, so it can roll with your daily routine.
ASSESS THE LIGHT
Proper light when working benefits you more than you think. First, adequate light prevents eye strain and helps you work more efficiently. Good light can also help you look your best on video conferences now that you’ll be meeting
digital more often. A good overhead light is a must, so upgrade bulbs if necessary. Natural light is also beneficial, and by setting a desk up to face it, the light will illuminate your face, which is great for video. If no natural light is available, a desk lamp can be helpful. Avoid being backlit as it can cause shadows on video and reflect off your computer to cause visual discomfort.
IMPLEMENT ERGONOMICS
Forget the uncomfortable kitchen chair or the too-comfortable bed - it’s worthwhile to invest in some ergonomic office equipment to support your well-being and streamline the work day. Some of the most beneficial include a comfortable yet supportive office chair and a hands-free headset for ease of communication. Be mindful how you type and interreact with technology as well. Ergonomic navigation is essential, which is why LG enlarged the gram’s keyboard and touchpad for extended comfort and efficiency without compromising the portability.
SET SOME RULES
Working from home can come with many challenges, from distractions and interruptions to the temptation to work through lunch and extend the work day into evening hours. Set some boundaries for everyone’s benefit, including designating times for breaks and start/ stop times on your digital calendar. To focus, add white noise or use noisecanceling headphones, depending on your preference. Talk with roommates or family members about respecting office hours and your workspace, and never underestimate the value of an old-fashioned do-not-disturb sign on the door. Most people have excelled at working from home throughout the pandemic. With permanent shifts to remote work on the horizon, many are making updates like these to help them thrive in a remote working environment long term. (BPT)
HE
T CK L C OS I ! ING K C I T
Reviews 5.0
Fun Group Adventure Games 1170 DeKalb Ave, #107 • Sycamore 815-262-6906 • SycoEscapeRooms.com
KIDS ESCAPE
Party Adventures
Available for Ages 8-12 yrs
Escape Rooms offer fun and exciting 60-minute e games for groups of 4 to 8 participants. Everyone is challenged by working together in a limited amount of time, toward a common goal. These team-oriented games are great for friends and family, corporate groups, sports ts teams. Scout packs and more!
NEW ROOM
COMING IN AUGUST 2021 PARENT SOURCE FALL 2021
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5
TIPS TO GET READY FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
P
arents look forward to it, but kids might not - the time when families everywhere start thinking about going back to school. As savvy parents know, starting early can mean a less stressful transition.
Unfortunately, a new study finds parents facing a more costly backto-school shopping season this year. The survey, conducted by KPMG, found that parents may pay as much as $268 per student for school supplies and clothes, compared to $247 last year. With masks and hand sanitizer on the shopping list, budgets may be even higher. So how can you make sure your kids have what they need without breaking the bank? Here are some tips for back-to-school shopping that can help you stress less – and spend less – this summer.
SOURCE 6 | PARENT FALL 2021
1. MAKE YOUR LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE Check out your school’s supplies list as soon as it’s available. While you can use last year’s list as a starting point, it will likely be different this year. Check your school district website to see when they’re available. Take inventory of items you already have. No need to keep buying more rulers! And if that box of colored pencils was barely cracked open last year, don’t buy a new one. Let kids pick out something new (and small) that they like to prevent complaints about reusing supplies.
2. SCOUT THE DEALS Check to see which of the items on your shopping list are the most expensive, like a new backpack or graphing calculator. Compare prices on your favorite stores’ websites to find the best offers and take advantage of cash back apps and loyalty programs that may provide additional savings.
3. GET SHOPPING REWARDS – AND FREE SUPPLIES To help millions of children heading back to school this year, mobile rewards platform Ibotta has teamed up with Five Star, Kleenex, Skippy, Nature’s Own and more to provide free school supplies and lunch items at Walmart and online at Target, H-E-B and more. “We want to help make sure every child goes back to school with a full backpack and a full lunchbox,” said Richard Donahue, chief marketing officer, Ibotta. “This year, we hope to ease the financial burden for teachers and families alike as they head back to school.” From July 14 to August 31, shoppers that download the Ibotta app or Ibotta browser extension can get 100% cash back on a bundle of school supplies including: • 3-Subject 5 Star Notebook • Package of pencils • 3-pack of erasers • Box of Kleenex • Loaf of Nature’s Own bread • Jar of Skippy peanut butter • Squeeze bottle of Smucker’s Fruit Spread
4. SHOP ONLINE IF YOU CAN Shopping online means not only less rushing around, but also keeping your kids from getting distracted by all the shiny things on the shelves. You can choose to have items shipped, delivered or picked up curbside. Don’t forget to look for retailers that offer free shipping to further save on costs.
5. SHOP ALONE WHEN POSSIBLE If you do need to shop in-store, try to go without the kids. If you need to bring them along, try allowing each kid to pick just one item for themselves (like a lunchbox or backpack), to avoid overspending at the store. Shop when it’s less likely to be crowded, and when you feel your best - not when you’re tired, rushed or hungry (same goes for the kids). You’ll feel better, and you’ll be less likely to give in to those impulse buys. With these tips and a little planning, you can conquer the backto-school shopping season with less stress - while saving time and money, too. (BPT)
Ibotta’s Back to School Free-for-All offer is available exclusively in-store at Walmart or online at Target.com, HEB.com, Walmart Pickup & Delivery, or Shipt.
PARENT SOURCE FALL 2021
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Encourage your kids to keep
healthy
habits
this school year
I
t may be mid-summer, but back-to-school season is just around the corner. While the world is slowly returning to normal, it can be a hectic time for you and your kids. You want your kids to have everything they need to do well in school. At the same time, balancing their educational needs with your responsibilities can be challenging. One of the biggest challenges is ensuring your kids maintain a healthy lifestyle. A CDC study shows that when kids have healthy habits, they tend to have high academic achievement and display better classroom behavior. When you encourage the proper habits, you can help your kids reach their full potential. To do so, make sure they:
GET QUALITY AND CONSISTENT SLEEP Rest is vital for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. According to Abington Health, young elementary school kids should get at least 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night, which can feel impossible on a hectic schedule. However, there are a few easy ways you can help ease them into bedtime, like: l Cutting out electronics one hour before bed l Creating a bedtime routine l Keeping their room at a cool temperature
EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and for a good reason. Breakfast not only helps your child break their overnight fasting period; it also boosts their energy. That energy can help keep them full and focused throughout the day. A solid breakfast with a mix of whole grains, fruit and protein can give them the energy they need to do well in school. At the same time, getting your child to eat a healthy breakfast can feel like pulling teeth, especially when you’re trying to get yourself ready in the morning. However, there are both convenient and nutrient-packed options your child can enjoy. Shine Bakehouse’s pancake and muffin mixes are packed with plant-based proteins, allowing you to give your child a nutritional boost without the extensive meal prep. For the pancakes, all you need to do is add water to the mix, stir, pour, cook and serve. The muffins offer simple recipe prep as well. Check out shinebakehouse.com to find more mixes your kids will love. “Most healthy foods require extensive prep, but with an easy-to-make mix, you can achieve a great balance that you can feel good about,” says Randy Newbold, CEO of Custom Bakehouse, which makes the Shine Bakehouse Brand. “Even better? Shine Bakehouse Baking Mixes strike a balance of using plant-based protein and identifiable ingredients without sacrificing taste. Kids can have a breakfast or snack they can fully enjoy!” SOURCE 8 | PARENT FALL 2021
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER Keeping kids hydrated can significantly impact their health, especially if they’re involved in sports or active when the weather is hot. The amount of water your child should drink depends on how old they are. According to a BBC Good Food report, children between ages 4 and 8 should drink approximately 5 glasses of water per day. If your child is between 9 and 13, they should drink around 6 cups a day for girls, and boys should drink approximately 7 cups a day. Kids might find drinking that many cups of plain water a day boring, but there are plenty of simple ways to make it fun, like putting fruit in their water, or getting them naturally flavored sparkling water.
HAVE NOURISHING SNACKS WHEN WORKING ON ASSIGNMENTS Your child probably has homework and projects to work on after school. Having a snack that keeps them full and focused can help them tackle those projects with ease. Nutritional snacks can provide a natural source of energy, which is necessary for students of all ages. Shine Bakehouse has cookie, brownie, muffin and no-bake bar mixes to help you make delicious, better-for-you snacks. As the days get shorter, it’s important to have nutritious snacks that are easy to make so you can care for your kids on your timeline. (BPT)
PUMPKIN ROL’DOWN OCT. 23
CLOSING DAY @ SPLASH FOUNTAIN SEP. 26 SUPER HERO CHALLENGE SEP. 19
YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Fall brings fun at the sycamore park district Connecting Sycamore to Wellness, Nature, and Each Other!
Check out the full lineup of fall programs and events at
480 Airport Rd.| Sycamore 815-895-3365
sycamoreparkdistrict.com PARENT SOURCE FALL 2021
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Now’s the time to get in front of
FALL ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
O
ne day you can breathe easy and enjoy long walks outdoors and fresh breezes through open windows. The next day you’re hit with headaches, sneezing, an itchy throat, watery eyes and a nose that’s running and congested. Fall allergies can be challenging, but experts agree a proactive approach makes a difference. “Ragweed pollen comes from 17 species of plants and typically peaks mid-September,” explained Dr. Luz Fonacier, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “This type of pollen can cause seasonal allergic rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever, which affects up to 23 million children and adults in the United States. Taking action now to create a management plan for fall allergies can help you manage symptoms.” Last year during fall allergy season, many people were working and studying at home due to the pandemic. They had more flexibility controlling allergy triggers because they could stay indoors more often and use a mask when out and about. As restrictions lift and people go back to work and school, it’s important to prepare for seasonal allergies ahead of time. The experts at ACAAI recommend three important steps to prepare yourself for fall allergy season:
MEET WITH AN ALLERGIST
It’s smart to schedule an appointment with your allergist before peak pollen levels hit. This helps ensure you have a plan that works for your needs before you start feeling symptoms. For kids heading back to school, meeting with an allergist before school starts ensures prescriptions are up to date and asthma is controlled, and these plans can be relayed to school administrators and nurses. “Allergists are the best trained medical professionals to treat allergies and asthma,” Fonacier said. “They are among the only specialists who don’t treat just one part of the body. They treat your immune system, including nasal passages, skin, eyes, stomach and more.” SOURCE 10 | PARENT FALL 2021
MAKE A PLAN
Voted Best Preschool
Talk with your allergist about preparations for fall allergies. In general, ragweed allergies can be treated with antihistamines and other allergy medications. Ask your allergist about getting ahead of any allergies by starting your medication two weeks before you expect symptoms to be at their worst. If you have more severe allergies, treatments that start much sooner may be required. One option is immunotherapy shots to help your body build resistance. Another option is prescription tablets that dissolve under your tongue, which are started 12 weeks before the beginning of ragweed season.
STAY INFORMED
Visit acaai.org to learn more about ragweed allergies and other seasonal allergies you may have. It’s important to know which pollens you are sensitive to and then check pollen counts regularly by searching online. During ragweed season in late summer and early fall, pollen levels are often highest in the morning. Keep your windows closed at all times, both at home and in the car. Remember that pollen can be tracked into your home on your clothes, shoes and hair, so change after being outside and shower before going to bed.
Limited Openings STILL AVAILABLE
of Immanuel Lutheran Church 511 Russell Road, DeKalb, IL 60115
2021-2022 school year • Classes begin September 7, 2021 Small class sizes/5:1 student/teacher ratio Classes 2, 3, 4 or 5 mornings per week • For Children ages 3–5 years Our desire is to partner with parents in nurturing your child in a Christian setting
• Play-based • Academics • Social behavior
• Emotional Growth • Physical development • Cognitive Learning
• Spiritual Growth • Field Trips
Little Lambs is licensed by the State of Illinois, and has been awarded the Bronze Circle of Quality designation from ExceleRate Illinois. Little Lambs Preschool is open to children of all religious backgrounds. www.ImmanuelDeKalb.com or visit us on Facebook For more information or to schedule at tour call: 815-756-6669
“It’s necessary to stay ahead of allergies by thinking about treatment and other proactive measures in advance,” said Fonacier. “Act now and you’ll help yourself feel your best when pollen levels climb.” (BPT)
SM-CL1907671 SM-CL1907671
Celebrating 25 years in the community PARENT SOURCE FALL 2021
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Tune to
NIU
Find out more about the arts at NIU.
niu.edu/cvpa
College of Visual and Performing Arts
2020 - 2021 Season Presented By
est. 1851