Everyone is Talking
About flu season this year.
Why do I care?
The flu has spread to an epidemic level across the United States according to the CDC. As of January 13th, the flu was widespread across all states with the exception of Hawaii. Thirty children have died since the beginning of the flu season. Most of these deaths are believed to be due to a co-infection like strep or an already weakened immune system, but it still warrants our attention as we all continue to ride out the season.
Tell me more.
Although not surprising, it should be mentioned that experts are recommending that anyone who hasn’t received the flu shot, to get one. Families of loved ones lost are spreading the same message in the hopes more people will get the vaccination and avoid their same fate.
Pediatricians have a few more tips to offer parents during this particularly harsh flu season. The most important tip is to make a plan with them now, and ahead of next year’s season for how to proceed if a family member is showing signs of illness. Early treatment is the best chance for recovery. Determine which symptoms warrant an ER visit and which do not. For example, if your child simply has a fever, it may not warrant a visit to the ER, you can see your doc the next morning. However, any signs of breathing trouble – head to the ER.
Additionally, as the parent taking care of sick children – make sure you are also taking care of yourself. You are no good to anyone if you are rundown or sick.
That’s What She Said
Raising kids is tricky business, especially in a digital world. Katie Hurley, a child and adolescent psychotherapist aims to tackle the dynamics of young girls in her new book No More Mean Girls: The Secret to Raising Strong, Confident, and Compassionate Girls
“… No More Mean Girls is a guide for parents to help their young daughters navigate tricky territories such as friendship building, creating an authentic self, standing up for themselves and others, and expressing themselves in a healthy way.
The need to be liked by others certainly isn’t new, but this generation of girls is growing up in an age when the “like” button shows the world just how well-liked they are. When girls acknowledge that they possess positive traits that make them interesting, strong, and likeable, however, the focus shifts and their self-confidence soars; “likes” lose their importance. This book offers actionable steps to help parents empower young girls to be kind, confident leaders who work together and build each other up.”
Your Digital LITTLE Kid
Apple CEO Tim Cook spoke out again this week on his stance regarding kids and social media. In November he is quoted as saying, “The bigger issue is that some of these tools are used to divide people, to manipulate people, to get fake news to people in broad numbers so as to influence their thinking.”
While we agree that social media can be used to manipulate and divide people, it isn’t going anywhere, so preparing our children for this world they may inevitably live in is a good idea. We like what this educator has to say on the topic of being safe, smart and kind online. He teaches kids a great strategy for how to filter what they post on social media and it involves three questions:
Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it YOU? Does it reflect who you really are?
By asking these questions, he guarantees their life online will positive, helpful and productive. The video offers up additional insight for how to help your kids approach their online life and more importantly, it isn’t a scare tactic to avoid all activity online (in spite of the title). Social media doesn’t have to be good or bad. It can be something positive, when approached right.
Trending Plate
Grill cheese is the best thing since sliced bread, if you ask us. When we came across this Tater Tot Waffle Grilled Cheese we just couldn’t say no.
Waffle iron + tater tots + cheese = a glorious meal. And, we’re pretty sure it’s healthy.
Or not. Who cares.
A Waffle Iron
Parting Thoughts
When Dad puts on a T-Rex suit to greet his kids after school, they know the meaning of true love and family humor. Meanwhile, other parents in the neighborhood are wishing they had thought of it first.
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