Where It’s At! Beating Summer Boredom!

Barbara

Kathy

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One of the highlights of every kid’s school day is LUNCH! Make it more fun… and increase the likelihood that they’ll really eat what you’ve packed for them by getting them a cool (in some cases, literally!) lunch tote. You might even like one of these for yourself!

Colorful Soft Lunch Bag

This insulated soft bag comes in 30 different patterns. It can hold a good-sized container (not provided) with plenty of room for snacks, utensils, and juice boxes. It has an inner pouch for holding napkins or an ice pack. An inexpensive option at $12.59, it’s perfect for your preschooler or elementary grade kiddo. (by FlowFly, on Amazon)

L.L. BEAN LUNCH BOX

Receiving 4.5 stars out of 1,205 reviews, this soft sided, insulated, BPA-free lunch box comes in 20 patterns, that even grownups would like! We were sold when we read a review that said, “Love it. Bought other cheap ones before and they were tossed out after a couple of months. This product lasted despite 1st grader putting it through torturous conditions.” ($19.95, llbean.com) Larger options are also available on the site.

Packit Freezable Lunch Box

Freezable non-toxic gel is built permanently into the walls of each bag to keep food and drinks chilled for hours. Collapse and freeze the entire bag overnight. Has an exterior zip pocket and a buckle that allows the bag to be attached to a backpack or sports bag. Rated 4.7 out of 3,891 reviews. ($27.82, Amazon) Different variations found through the PackIt Store link in the Amazon listing.

UNDER ARMOUR BACKPACK & LUNCH BOX

For the middle or high schooler who’s outgrown the cutesy stuff, the UA Hustle Sport Backpack ($45), which comes in a variety of color combinations, as well as a matching UA Scrimmage 3 Lunch Box ($30) might be just the ticket to make them feel awesome for the entire school year.

(underarmour.com)

What’s New... IN THE KIDBIZ

WHEN IS A CHILD READY TO WALK TO SCHOOL ALONE?

Children usually aren’t ready to start walking to school without an adult until about fifth grade, or around age 10. Younger children are more impulsive and less cautious around traffic, and they often don’t fully understand other potential dangers they could come across.

By walking with your children to and from school, you can help them learn the neighborhood, teach them about traffic signs, street signs and directions, and model correct behaviors when crossing streets. It’s also a great opportunity for some chat time!

Tips for walking with your young child to and from school:

When crossing streets, hold your child’s hand and always observe the traffic safety laws.

Observe all traffic signals and let the school crossing guard help you. Be sure to look all ways before crossing the street, and continue to watch for vehicles. Remind children drivers may not always see them. Invite families in your neighborhood to walk children to school together as a group.

For older students walking to school without an adult:

Make sure they stick to a safe route to school, one with well-trained adult crossing guards at every intersection.

If they need to cross any streets on the way to school, practice safe street crossing with them before the start of school. Teach your child to cross at designated intersections. Most pedestrian deaths happen midblock, not at intersections.

Ideally, they should walk together with at least one neighbor child or older sibling.

Make sure they know how to say “no” if someone they don’t know offers a ride, and that they yell and run for help if needed.

Explain that it is not safe to use a cell phone or text while walking. It distracts and makes them less aware of traffic.

If your child has limited mobility or other disabilities, give them extra time to learn safe pedestrian skills. Choose brightly colored backpacks, jackets and other accessories, ideally with reflective materials for days when it begins to get dark earlier. Research shows that the hours of 6pm to 9pm are the riskiest times of day for child pedestrians.