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Where window coverings rank among the hidden hazards in your home. When their cords are accessible to small children, they may become strangulation hazards. The Window Covering Safety Council urges parents to replace any corded window coverings with safer, cordless products this month for National Window Covering Safety Month. Look for products that are marked with the Best for Kids™ certification label. If you have corded window coverings and can’t replace them, ensure that the cords are out of sight and reach by shortening or moving them up and away so that they are inaccessible to young children. You can check them for specific hazards and order a free retrofit kit at windowcoverings.org.
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The time you should wait before offering coping statements to young children after getting a shot, according to a new study. Researchers found that in the first minute after the needle, the more parents said things like ‘you can do this’ and ‘it will be over soon,’ or tried to distract preschool-age children by talking about something else, the higher distressed the children were. However, during the second minute after the vaccine, when the child was calmer, these same statements resulted in them calming down faster. Experts recommend parents should not start encouraging coping right away, but rather keep them calm by using physical strategies such as hugging, cuddling or handholding. Once children get over that initial minute of peak distress, they’ll benefit more from what you say.
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PYO apples, pumpkins, decorative corn, and more. Brew Barn, Cidery, and BBQ open 7 days-a-week.
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Pick-Your-Own Fruit Your Authentic, New England, Family Farm www.redapplefarm.com Phillipston, MA 6 | OCTOBER 2021 | BayStateParent
The percentage of adults who say they’ve learned to appreciate “playtime” over the past year, according to a survey by The Genius of Play. What’s more, 84% say taking time to play helps them be more productive at work. While most of us associate playtime with childhood, adults are increasingly acknowledging the importance of play and leisure time for themselves. Research links play with a number of wellness benefits in adults, such as reducing stress, boosting life satisfaction, and empowering people to be creative, flexible thinkers.
The number of kids in the U.S. living with a food allergy. That’s nearly 8 percent, or one in 13 children. Halloween can be a tricky time for families managing food allergies, as many trick-or-treat goodies aren’t safe for children with lifethreatening food allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project makes the holiday a little safer and more inclusive for them. If you see a teal pumpkin on a doorstep this Halloween, it means the home has non-food treats available, such as glow sticks or small toys. You can find participating households – and add your own – on the Teal Pumpkin Project Map at foodallergy.org. Similarly, if you see a child with a teal trick-or-treat bucket, consider passing out a nonfood treat to them.
