As a Floridian, I think I speak for all of us in the South when I say we could use a little break! With relief efforts still in full swing from Hurricane Helene, we’re once again picking up the pieces—namely, a lot of debris left in the wake of Hurricane Milton. But amidst the chaos, there’s a silver lining: the incredible sense of community that shines through as neighbors come together to lend a hand. It warms my heart to see our neighborhood rallying to support those in need.

So, here’s your reminder: even when life throws storms our way, we’re never alone in the struggle. Let’s all strive to be that good neighbor this week, whether it’s helping to clean up or offering support in whatever form it takes in your corner of the world.

And just in case you’re looking for ways to help, here’s a list of resources for those in need:

• GlobalGiving: Supports urgent needs for food, water, and shelter through the Hurricane Milton Relief Fund. Contribute at globalgiving.org.

• Florida Disaster Fund: The state’s official fund for disaster response. Donate online at volunteerflorida.org.

• United Way of Florida: Organizes resources for recovery across the state. Donate to their disaster relief fund at uwf.networkforgood.com.

• CARE: Provides emergency cash assistance to affected families in underserved communities. Support their efforts at care.org.

• Charity Navigator: A useful resource for finding rated charities actively providing relief.

• Mastering Meltdowns: Teaching Kids to Keep Their Cool

• Germ Warfare: How to Dodge Your Kid’s Sick Day Sneak Attack

• Hauntingly Good Co-Parenting: Making Halloween Work for Everyone

PARENTING

Hold the tantrums.

Let’s be real—self-control doesn’t come naturally to anyone (hello, impulse buys at Target!). But for kids, it’s a crucial skill that needs to be developed over time with a little help from us.

So, how do we teach them to keep their cool and make smart decisions? Science says it's possible, and we’ve got the scoop on some effective, research-backed strategies.

Start by reducing temptation.
Keep distractions to a minimum. For little ones, this could mean tucking away that glittery unicorn toy during playdates. For older kids? Maybe it's time to relocate homework zones far, far away from the Xbox.

Create a space that rewards self-control.
Children are more likely to practice patience when they see it pays off. Think of it like teaching them to wait for the cookies to bake—those sweet rewards taste even better after a little delay.

Timely reminders are key.
Kids can easily forget the rules, so give them a nudge when they seem to stray off course. Quick reminders can help them stay focused and avoid meltdowns.

Make it fun.
Games like “Red Light, Green Light” or “Simon Says” aren’t just for giggles—they’re excellent ways to practice self-regulation. Switch things up by changing the rules, and watch your child work those impulse-control muscles!

Playtime helps, too.
Whether it’s make-believe or a playdate with friends, engaging in cooperative play helps children learn to control their impulses while staying creative.

Teaching self-control might feel like a long game, but with these tips, you’re setting your kids up for success. For more activities to build these skills (and some fun worksheets), check out this resource on self-control activities for kids. You've got this!

SELF CARE

Sick of getting sick.

We all know the drill—your little one comes home with the sniffles, and before you know it, you are the next victim. Parenting can feel like a high-contact sport, especially when germs are involved. But you don't have to go down without a fight. Here’s your game plan to avoid catching whatever bug your kid brought home:

1. Wash your hands like it’s your job
   Soap and water for at least 20 seconds—especially after cleaning up messes. Hand sanitizer? Not as effective against some bugs (looking at you, norovirus).

2. Bleach it, baby
   For surfaces contaminated by sick kiddos, a bleach solution is your best friend. Without bleach, those germs can linger for days.

3. Wash it all
   Clothes, sheets, towels, and stuffed animals—throw them in the wash ASAP. The hotter the water, the better.

4. No sharing allowed
   It might be tough, but resist the urge to share food, drinks, or utensils. Keep the communal towels off-limits, too.

5. Close the toilet lid
   Yes, seriously. Flushing can release tiny droplets of germs into the air. Close the lid and keep those germs where they belong.

6. Disinfect like a pro
   Wipe down high-touch areas—light switches, remotes, counters—with disinfectant to minimize the spread of germs.

7. Keep the air moist
   Viruses thrive in dry air, so using a humidifier can help reduce the spread of airborne nasties like the flu.

Taking these steps might not give you superhero immunity, but they’ll certainly help you dodge the worst of it. Here's to healthier sick days and keeping those germs at bay!

TRENDING

SNIPPETS

INFLUENCER HIGHLIGHT

🎃 Non-candy treats to delight. 30 cute Halloween goodies for trick-or-treaters.

🕯️ Pumpkin preservation secrets. I tried 6 hacks to keep your carved creations fresh.

🌟 Future leaders on the rise. Meet the TIME100 Next 2024 influencers shaping our world.

🚼 Swing into safety. Fisher-Price recalls over 2 million baby swings after tragic reports.

👻 Haunted houses, beware! Discover the creepiest and most haunted spots in every state.

Ghosting the drama.

Halloween can be magical for kids—but for co-parents? Well, it takes a bit of extra planning to avoid turning spooky season into a horror show. Here’s how to navigate co-parenting during this season:

1. Prioritize the Kids: It’s their day, not yours. Let them voice how they want to spend Halloween, whether it's trick-or-treating with both parents or spending it with one.

2. Plan Ahead: Set expectations early with your co-parent. Who’s handling costumes, school events, or candy duty? Keep the communication clear to avoid last-minute scares.

3. Create Traditions: Split Halloween into shared moments—pumpkin carving at one house, trick-or-treating with the other. Consistent traditions make the day extra special for your little ghouls.

4. Stay Flexible: Plans change. Be open to adjusting schedules if your child wants to do something extra fun—without the drama.

At the end of the night, it’s all about making sure your kids have a fang-tastic time. Keep it chill, and don’t let co-parenting spook you!

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