Health & Wellness

Nobody wants to be that parent who sends a sick kid to school. If your child has any of these symptoms, it’s best to keep them home to rest (and to avoid spreading germs).

• Fever – 100.4°F or higher? Keep them home until they’re fever-free for 24 hours without medicine.
• Vomiting or Diarrhea – If it happened in the last 24 hours, a sick day is a must.
• Persistent Cough – If it’s disruptive or nonstop, they need time to recover.
• Sore Throat + Fever or Swollen Glands – Could be strep or another infection but it's best to check with a doctor.
• Red, Itchy Eyes with Discharge – Could be pink eye, which spreads fast. Keep them home until treated.
• Undiagnosed Rash or Skin Infection – If it’s unexplained or looks questionable, check with a doctor before sending them back.
• Symptoms of a Contagious Illness – Flu, COVID-19, strep throat. If they seem unwell, give them time to heal.

Pro Tip: Kids should be symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication before heading back to school. A little extra rest now helps keep everyone healthier!

Lice happen. No shame, no panic. Schools are a hot spot, but with a little prevention and quick action, you can keep these tiny troublemakers under control.

How to Prevent Lice

• No Sharing – Teach kids to keep hats, brushes and hair accessories to themselves. Lice love a good hitchhike.
• Hair Up, Spray On – Tie back long hair or use a little hairspray to make it harder for lice to latch on.
• Check Regularly – Look behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. 
  Catching them early = easier treatment.

How to Get Rid of Lice

• Lather Up – Use an over-the-counter lice treatment shampoo and follow the instructions carefully.
• Comb It Out – Use a fine-toothed lice comb on wet hair to remove eggs and bugs. Patience is key!
• Wash Everything – Bedding, clothes, stuffed animals. If it touched their head, it needs a hot wash.
• Vacuum It Up – Clean couches, car seats and anywhere your child sits or sleeps.

Pro Tip: Let the school know if your child has lice so other parents can check their kids, too. The faster everyone treats it, the faster it goes away!

A good night’s sleep = better focus, better moods and fewer morning meltdowns. Here’s how much rest your child should be getting each night:

Recommended Sleep by Age

• Ages 3-5: 10-13 hours (Because preschoolers run on full speed all day!)
• Ages 6-12: 9-12 hours (School, homework and playtime require serious rest!)
• Ages 13-18: 8-10 hours (Yes, teens need more sleep than they think!)

Tips for Better Sleep

• Create a Bedtime Routine – Bath, reading and quiet time help signal that it’s time to wind down.
• Limit Screen Time – Turn off devices at least an hour before bed. Blue light = bad for sleep.
• Keep It Cool & Dark – A comfy, dark and slightly cool room helps kids sleep better.
• Encourage Physical Activity – Active kids sleep better, so let them run, jump and play during the day!

Pro Tip: Well-rested kids are more focused, energetic and ready to learn—so bedtime is worth the battle!

(Because "I’m cold" is not a subject taught in school)

Making sure your child is dressed for the weather can help them stay comfy, focused, and less likely to call you from the office asking for dry socks or a missing mitten. Here’s what to aim for—without overthinking the forecast.

Fall & Spring:

A.K.A. the seasons where it’s 40°F in the morning and 70°F by lunch.

• T-shirt or long sleeves, plus a sweatshirt or light jacket
• Sneakers or closed-toe shoes for those muddy playground missions
• Raincoat or umbrella for sudden downpours (because of course it rains right at pickup)

  • PS, opt for an umbrella that collapses in on itself for easy backpack storage. The bubble umbrellas, while adorable, often get more time in dramatic play (Sword fight, anyone?) than blocking precipitation.

Winter:

Warm layers can't lose.

• Cozy coat, hat, gloves or mittens (bonus points if they match, but no judgment)
  • Double check that your student knows how and can easily slide mittens on themselves to save time
• Scarf and weatherproof boots for snowy stomping
• Layers on layers: long sleeves, sweaters, thermal pants—whatever keeps the “I can’t feel my legs” complaints away

Summer:

Sun’s out, school’s in. Keep it cool.

• Lightweight clothes that breathe at recess and gym class
• Sunhat and sunglasses for maximum shade and style points
• Comfy shoes (sneakers or sandals with a back strap—flip-flops on the monkey bars = fly-away shoes)
• Apply sunscreen at home unless your school gives the OK for a midday reapplyPro Tip: Slap a name tag on everything—because the lost-and-found box is where jackets go to retire. Masking tape and a Sharpie will usually do the trick.

(Because learning on an empty stomach is basically a lost cause)

A balanced diet helps kids stay focused, energized, and ready to tackle everything from math facts to recess races. The good news? Healthy meals don’t have to be expensive, complicated, or boring.

Start the Day Strong: Breakfast Ideas That Stick

Fuel their morning with something more than a handful of cereal dust at the bottom of the box. Instead, try:

• Whole-grain toast with peanut butter and banana
• Greek yogurt topped with berries and granola
• Scrambled eggs with whole wheat toast or a side of fruit

Pro Tip: Anything you can hand them while they put on socks = a win.

Pack Smart: Lunchbox Must-Haves

Keep lunch colorful, balanced, and easy to eat:

• Lean proteins like chicken, turkey, tuna, or beans
• Fruits and veggies—sliced apples, baby carrots, or cucumbers all travel well
• Whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat wraps, or quinoa
• Skip the sugary drinks—stick with water or low-fat milk

Need snack ideas? Think cheese sticks, hummus with pretzels, or whole grain crackers with sunflower seed butter.

Hydration Hack: Remind kids to drink water throughout the day. A fun water bottle goes a long way—bonus points for kid-friendly enhancements like stickers and gems.

(Because nobody learns well with nonstop sniffling)

Seasonal allergies can make school feel like a sneeze-filled obstacle course. If your child deals with itchy eyes, runny noses, or the dreaded springtime sniffles, a few proactive steps can make their day a whole lot more comfortable (and less tissue-dependent).

Simple Strategies for Allergy Season Survival:

• Talk to the teacher. Let them know about your child’s allergy triggers so they can help avoid exposure and keep an eye out for symptoms.
• Loop in the school nurse. Provide any medications your child might need—antihistamines, inhalers, or epinephrine—and make sure all forms are up to date.
• Handwashing is your friend. Pollen sticks to hands, faces, and everything else. A few extra trips to the sink = fewer sneezes.
• Suit up for the season. On high pollen days, long sleeves and sunglasses can help keep allergens off skin and out of eyes. It’s allergy protection and fashion-forward.
• Check pollen counts. Use weather apps to monitor daily levels and keep windows shut when counts are high—especially during peak morning hours.

Pro Tip: Keep a backup stash of tissues and allergy-safe snacks in your child’s backpack—because classroom Kleenex is always one sneeze away from extinction.

(Because big feelings don’t always come with instructions)

Kids experience stress just like adults—but they may not always have the words to explain what’s going on. By learning the signs and offering simple, steady support, you can help your child build resilience and emotional well-being from the inside out.

Common Signs of Stress in Kids

• Trouble sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Mood swings, irritability, or sudden outbursts
• Changes in eating habits
• Complaints of headaches or tummy aches
• Avoiding school, friends, or activities they usually enjoy

(Translation: It’s not always “just a phase.” Sometimes it’s stress in disguise.)

Ways to Help Kids Manage Stress

• Stick to routines. Predictable schedules give kids a sense of safety and structure.
• Talk it out. Encourage open, honest chats about feelings—without fixing or judging.
• Try breathing exercises. Deep breaths, counting to five, or “smell the flower, blow out the candle” tricks can calm a busy brain.
• Move their bodies. Outdoor play, dance parties, or just walking the dog can help release pent-up energy and tension.
• Create a calm-down zone. A quiet space with books, soft pillows, or fidget tools can give kids a moment to reset.

If your child’s stress feels too big to manage at home, reach out to a school counselor or a pediatric mental health provider for extra support. You’re not alone—and neither are they.

When a child experiences the death of a loved one, even simple routines can feel overwhelming. Grief looks different for everyone, and kids often express it in ways that may surprise you. The most important thing you can offer? Your steady presence and open heart.

Signs a Child May Be Grieving

Grief in children doesn’t always look like sadness. Watch for:

• Changes in mood or behavior (withdrawal, irritability, clinginess)
• Trouble sleeping or recurring nightmares
• Physical complaints like headaches or stomachaches
• Difficulty focusing at school or losing interest in activities
• Repeated questions about death or the person who died

Ways to Support a Grieving Child

• Talk honestly—at their level. Use simple, clear language (e.g., "They died," not "They went to sleep.") and avoid confusing euphemisms.
• Validate their emotions. Let them know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, confused—or even to laugh.
• Stick to routines. Daily structure helps create a sense of security and normalcy.
  Give them choices. Let them decide how (or if) they want to participate in things like funerals, memory projects, or conversations.
• Offer outlets for expression. Drawing, journaling, storytelling, or play can help kids process what they can’t always say out loud.
• Let them grieve at their own pace. Grief isn’t linear. Emotions may come and go—and come back again.

When to Seek Extra Help

Reach out to a school counselor, grief support program, or pediatric mental health professional if your child:

• Shows signs of intense or prolonged distress
• Begins acting out aggressively or withdrawing entirely
• Expresses hopelessness or talks about wanting to join the person who died

Pro Tip: You don’t have to have all the answers. Just showing up—again and again—lets your child know they’re not alone.

(“One more episode” can turn into five real fast.)

Screens are everywhere—homework, video chats, learning apps, and yes, the occasional dance challenge. But too much of a good thing can throw off sleep, focus, and real-life connection. Here’s how to help your child strike a healthy balance, based on expert recommendations.

Recommended Daily Screen Time by Age:

• Ages 2–5: Keep it to no more than 1 hour per day of high-quality programming. Watch together when possible and talk about what they see.

• Ages 6–12: Aim for 1–2 hours of recreational screen time per day (not counting homework). Set clear limits and mix in lots of offline fun.

• Teens: It’s less about a strict number, more about making sure screens don’t steal time from sleep, school, exercise, or face-to-face time (yes, that includes awkward family dinners).
  
  

Tips for Encouraging Digital Balance:

• Plan daily screen-free time for outdoor play, board games, books, or creative projects.
• Use screens with your child when you can—it builds connection and teaches healthy habits.
• Create a “no-screens” zone (like the dinner table or bedrooms after 8 PM).
• Talk about what they’re watching or playing—media literacy starts with curiosity. Pro Tip: Screen time guidelines aren’t about perfection—they’re about keeping tech in check without turning into the screen-time police.

(Let’s be real, supervising doesn’t stop at the Wi-Fi password.)

From videos to video games, technology can open amazing doors—but kids still need a little guidance on how to use it wisely. These simple strategies help families set healthy tech habits without feeling like full-time screen referees.

Smart Ways to Stay Involved:

• Set parental controls.
  Use built-in device settings or apps to filter content, manage app access, and set time limits. Think of it as digital training wheels.
• Establish screen-free zones.
  Keep bedrooms, mealtimes, and family hangouts tech-free. It encourages more real talk—and fewer “hold on, I’m almost done” moments.
• Watch together.
  Whether it’s a silly video or a new app, co-viewing helps you understand what your child is watching, playing, and learning. Bonus: it sparks great conversations.
• Talk about digital footprints.
  Help kids understand that what they post or share online can stick around—and may even affect future opportunities like college or jobs. If they wouldn’t say it out loud or wear it on a t-shirt, it probably doesn’t belong online.

Pro Tip: The goal isn’t spying—it’s teaching. When kids know you’re interested (not just monitoring), they’re more likely to come to you when something online feels off.