Carpooling during COVID-19: Is it safe?
There are many advantages to carpooling. It’s convenient, it saves on gas and parents’ time, and when you’re carting around kids, it gives them company for the ride. But during the coronavirus pandemic, carpooling may also carry a big risk. Carpooling is a risk “You’re in a very enclosed space, so you’re taking on a ... Read More about Carpooling during COVID-19: Is it safe?
How will the winter darkness affect kids’ learning and sleep this year?
The recent fall back of the clocks marked the official end of daylight saving time (DST). It also marks the beginning of the season of shorter days and darker evenings. For many of us, this makes it harder to spend time outside. So, what effect will the increasing darkness have on kids and teens as ... Read More about How will the winter darkness affect kids’ learning and sleep this year?
Keeping kids active indoors: Top tips from our experts
For many parents, keeping their kids active during the spring and summer months of COVID-19 involved a lot of outdoor time. But with colder temperatures on the way, you might be wondering how to survive the winter months, especially if your kids are doing most of their schooling from home. For answers we turned ... Read More about Keeping kids active indoors: Top tips from our experts
Anxiety in kids during COVID-19: What parents should know
Some kids hide in their rooms. Others turn their cameras off during remote learning and don’t want to talk to anyone. Still others feel panicky when they do go out in public. As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, its effects on our mental health may have become increasingly noticeable — especially in children and teens. “My ... Read More about Anxiety in kids during COVID-19: What parents should know
Testing the COVID-19 vaccines in kids: Is it safe?
The drug company Pfizer recently announced they had opened their clinical trial of the COVID-19 vaccine to teens as young as 16. And as vaccine trials move into phase 3 testing, it’s likely that other drug companies will follow suit. This news may leave parents wondering about the safety of vaccine trials on teens and ... Read More about Testing the COVID-19 vaccines in kids: Is it safe?
Preparing your kids for the holidays during COVID-19
Like most things this year, the holiday season will be marked by the coronavirus pandemic. For you and your family, it may feel like one more disappointment at the end of a long, challenging year. So, how do you talk with your kids about the upcoming holidays? And what can you do to celebrate, even ... Read More about Preparing your kids for the holidays during COVID-19
Let them play: Why free play is crucial for kids
As the school season winds down, you may be wondering how to keep your kids busy if they’re home all day. Consider letting them play. What is free play? Free play is any type of unstructured play that is directed by the child. It helps children develop their imaginations while experiencing and exploring the world ... Read More about Let them play: Why free play is crucial for kids
Does your child need a flu shot? Yes, especially this year.
Have you and your children received your flu shots yet? If not, it’s important to get them as soon as possible. Every year, flu shots save lives by preventing influenza (another name for the flu), or reducing complications if people do get sick. In fact, the flu vaccine is mandatory this year in Massachusetts for ... Read More about Does your child need a flu shot? Yes, especially this year.
Can the show go on? Song, dance, and other activities during COVID-19
At the start of any typical school year, Kelly Blake is busy meeting with the after-school clubs she runs. This year, however, Blake’s schedule — and her students’ schedules — are full of unknowns. “The school has so many things related to COVID-19 to figure out this year,” she says. “After-school activities are not a ... Read More about Can the show go on? Song, dance, and other activities during COVID-19
Behind the mask: How to prevent and treat mask-related acne in children and teens
Wearing a mask is very effective at helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it can also trigger a host of skin problems for children and teens, including acne, irritation, rashes, and chafing behind the ears. Many adults are also suddenly experiencing acne and other skin issues for the first time in years. Fortunately, you ... Read More about Behind the mask: How to prevent and treat mask-related acne in children and teens