Parents 09.2021

Odom stars in The Many
Saints of Newark, a

prequel to The Sopranos,
opening in theaters
and on HBO Max on
October 1.

Granite Dust
5006-1C

FEAR NO
TODDLER.

Valspar Reserve is the most durable, long-lasting, fade-resistant paint we
make. So don’t worry about sticky fingers and applesauce mishaps. Your
hard work is safe with us. It’s overly protective so you don’t have to be.

LIFE.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY TOGETHER

Cheer Up

Your

Furniture

It’s a fact: Color has
transformative
powers. Take a dated
dresser or a ho-hum
nightstand and
watch how a fun coat
of paint can turn it
into a kid-approved
showpiece.

by B E T SY G O LD B E R G

PAINT OFFERS AN EASY
WAY TO ZHUZH UP

OLD PIECES, EVEN FOR
BEGINNING DIYERS.

ERIN KUNKEL. INTERIOR DESIGN BY JORDAN FERNEY.

1 0 3P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

LIFEÑDécor

Step 1 THE RIGHT TOOLS be able to skip a primer on
wood pieces, many DIYers,
PREP Stock these picks like Live Pretty on a Penny
from the pros. blogger Erin Marshall, won’t
START WITH A CLEAN of each drawer in pencil so go without it. “I find that JORDAN FERNEY.
I know where to return them DISPOSABLE GLOVES priming helps the color
SLATE Before wielding a when I’m done.” adhere and makes the paint
brush, lay down a drop cloth MICROFIBER RAGS OR job last longer,” she says. If
to protect floors, or move the FIX FL AWS If your piece RIPPED-UP COTTON the item is laminate, metal, or
project outdoors. Besides has any dings or divots, patch T-SHIRTS FOR LINT-FREE wicker, primer is a must.
covering your floors, you’ll them with wood filler, then CLEANING
need to wipe down your gently sand the whole piece Step 2
furniture, says designer and until it feels smooth when FINE/MEDIUM SANDING
DIYer Meg Piercy, founder you run your fingers over it. SPONGES OR 120-150 GRIT PA I N T
and owner of MegMade. “If (Remove any hardware first.) SANDPAPER
there’s dirt or residue on the “Be careful not to add too AD D C O LO R You might
surface, paint will stick to it, much pressure—you don’t MINWAX HIGH wonder whether to use a brush
and if it chips off at some want to eat into the wood or PERFORMANCE WOOD or a roller. The answer? Both.
point, the paint will come off the finish,” cautions designer “Rollers are designed to hold
too,” she says. Use a damp Barb Blair, author of FILLER $14; lowes.com more paint and cover more
microfiber cloth or ripped-up Furniture Makeovers. Wipe surface at once. Your best
cotton T-shirts (with a mild away sanding dust with a FROGTAPE MULTI- bet is to use a roller on large,
cleaner, if needed), and don’t clean rag, then use painter’s SURFACE PAINTER’S TAPE flat areas and a brush to cut
forget the drawers, she adds. tape to cover areas you don’t in on the smaller or detailed
“I remove them and blow out want to paint, like the sides of $8; amazon.com spots,” says Colin Stipe, a
dust from the inside with a the drawers. Though you may Valspar product manager.
hair dryer, then label the back 6-INCH FOAM ROLLER Apply two coats of paint,
unless you’re layering a light
ROLLER TRAY color over a darker piece—say,
painting a mahogany chair
PURDY 2½-INCH ANGLED white—in which case, you’ll
need three or four coats,
SASH BRUSH “You want Piercy says. Wait at least
soft bristles,” says Blair. 30 minutes (and possibly up to
“If they’re too stiff, an hour and a half) between
they’ll leave lines in the each coat; the paint should be
paint.” $15; lowes.com completely dry to the touch.

VALSPAR STAINBLOCKING K E E P T H I N G S LI G H T For
BONDING PRIMER & SEALER best results, apply thin coats
using only a bit of pressure
This adds durability, with the roller or brush. (The
protects against stains, first coat should look a little
and dries in 30 minutes. transparent.) To avoid getting
$26/gal.; lowes.com gloppy, stretch a large rubber
band over the can’s opening,
PAINT You can use any and use it to wipe excess paint
type, from latex to off the brush so the paint
acrylic to oil. Look for a drips back into the open can,
low-VOC version (many leaving the sides clean. Keep
brands carry a line of moving; paint dries quickly,
nontoxic interior paint), Piercy adds. “You don’t want
which is better for a kid’s to layer on more during the
room since it off-gasses same coat or you’ll pull paint
less than traditional that’s drying and get marks,”
paints. Piercy is partial she says. “If you miss a spot,
to fast-drying chalk paint hit it on the next round.”
and adds 10 percent
water “to make it look
less stroke-y,” while
Blair’s favorite, milk
paint, “gives you more
of a one-of-a-kind look,”
she says, “as if your
furniture has been sitting
in a barn, undiscovered,
for years.”

MINWAX OIL-MODIFIED
CLEAR SATIN WATER-
BASED POLYURETHANE

$19; lowes.com

1 0 4P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

© 2021 Bona US. All rights reserved.

Bona Clean™
means muddy paws
leave no trace.

Bona.com/bonaclean

LIFEÑDécor

Step 3 RAD RAINBOW
MAKEOVER
FINISH
Can’t pick a color?
TOP IT OFF A finish isn’t necessary, Try them all, as Kelly Mindell,
but we all know the damage that kids
can do, so it’s smart to offer an extra of the blog Studio DIY,
layer of protection. Luckily, this isn’t did for her son’s bookshelves.
tricky or time-consuming, and it will
give your piece a more pro look. She painted each floating
shelf a different shade
IF YOU WANT A SATIN OR MATTE
using 8-ounce samples—enough
FINISH Use a furniture finishing wax. for two coats. “I tweaked
It’s as simple as applying the wax with it so it’s not your
a clean rag, letting it dry, and then average rainbow, such as
buffing it with another rag. Just use a periwinkle instead
little more force the second time, of a true blue and pink for
Piercy says. red,” Mindell says.

IF YOU PREFER A GLOSSY FINISH

Apply two or three coats of a clear,
water-based formula (like
polyurethane by Minwax in a clear
gloss) using a natural-bristle brush
(or a paint sprayer, if you have one,
which will provide the smoothest
finish), working in a well-lit area so
you can see the shine as you’re hitting
each spot. “This top coat is your line
of defense against scuffs and spills,”
says Marshall. It dries quickly, so you’ll
need to work in small sections. “Use
long, straight strokes that overlap
a little,” says Blair. “If you move the
brush back and forth in shorter
strokes, you’ll end up with all kinds of
lines, because it sets up instantly.”

PAINT COLORS THAT POP

These striking hues turn plain old furniture into eye candy for your kid’s room.

Electric Orange by Federal Blue by Old Unmellow Yellow by Behr TOP: STUDIO DIY. BOTTOM: COURTESY OF THE BRANDS (3).
Benjamin Moore Fashioned Milk Paint “Superbright neon colors
“It’s punchy but not trendy.
“I know this sounds crazy, from the ’80s are
but orange is a bright Even one chair in a back. People are getting
dramatic color is enough to
neutral. It goes with browns, a little sick of living
blacks, grays—anything, perk up a neutral room.” in beiges and grays.”
really.” —Meg Piercy —Barb Blair
—Meg Piercy

FIND DIY INSPIRATION
Spark your creative side and discover your next home project
at parents.com/DIYClub. You’ll find tons of expert advice and how-tos on everything
from painting perfect stripes on a wall to gorgeous gender-neutral nursery ideas.

1 0 6P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

by invitation | tipsntrends, inc | [email protected]

Mom
Hacking

Upgrades for daily life

with major impact!

LIFEÑMake It

Stock Their Craft Corner

Markers, check! Crayons, check! Once you’ve got the basics down, the
right supplies can help kids tackle a school project or stay busy

on a rainy day. We asked crafty types to share which materials they always
keep on hand and how they organize it all. (P.S. No glitter—more or less!)

by J E N N A N D R LI K / photographs by P E TE R A R D ITO

DECORATING PROP STYLING BY JOJO LI FOR HELLO ARTISTS.

Fuzzy pom-pom balls (Hot
Colors Mix Pom Poms by
Creatology, $6 for 300 pieces;
michaels.com) are easily a kid
favorite. “We like to make
3-D-textured art by gluing the
poms onto cardstock to create
colorful landscapes, animals,
or houses.” —Kristin Gambaccini,
a crafter and author of Crafty
Family Ideas

“I always have an assortment
of chenille stems and
self-adhesive googly eyes
(Assorted Wiggle Eyes by
Creatology, $3 for 160;
michaels.com). You can make
so many things with them,
from crowns to figurines.
The possibilities are endless.”
—Jen Wood, founder of
the Instagram craft account
@craftedbyjen

Collecting little treasures
like beads (The Beadery Bead
Extravaganza Pony Bead
Box 2,300-pack, $20; joann
.com), feathers, or ribbon can
add flair to various projects.
“Place pieces in an open box,
and invite kids to invent
original characters by gluing
them to paper cups or cereal
boxes.” —Rachelle Doorley,
founder of TinkerLab.com, a kids’
art and STEAM activity website

Pick up thick yarn (Eco-
Brights Yarn by Loops &
Threads, $8; michaels.com)
in your child’s favorite colors.

1 0 8P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

Creatology®
is made
for kids!

Only at Michaels

Stock up on colorful,
creative supplies for
the new school year.

Scan the
code to shop
Creatology®
online.

Spark your mini maker’s imagination with free online classes
every week. Go to michaels.com/classes to learn more.

LIFEÑMake It

It’s easier for little hands to
grasp. “Wrap sticks to make
magic wands, string together
a mobile, or create big
pom-poms or tassels.”
—Meri Cherry, founder of
Meri Cherry Art Studio and
Shop, in Encino, California

Funky-edged scissors
(Decorative Scissors Tub by
Craft Smart, $13.50 for a
12-pack; michaels.com) will
dress up handmade cards
or gift tags by turning a
straight edge into a scallop
or a zigzag. —Gambaccini

STICKY STUFF

(shown on previous page)

Aleene’s Original Tacky COLORING
Glue ($1; amazon.com) “holds
things in place better while Double your colors with Paper Roll, $9; melissaanddoug Kwik Stix Solid
still wet than the typical white Switch-Eroo Color Changing .com) and keep markers Tempera Paint (set of 24,
glue.” —Kimberly Stoney, a Markers ($10; ooly.com). The or crayons nearby. When the $18; amazon.com) are
crafter, stylist, and artist based white tip on each end magically kids are done, roll it up and packaged like glue sticks.
in Littleton, Massachusetts changes the hue (green to use it later as wrapping paper.” “The texture is creamy and
yellow, purple to pink). —Jodi Levine, founder of the slick, so they glide over
“I love to have fun washi tape blog Super Make It and author paper with little friction.“
(Heidi Swapp Washi Tape, $7 Up your marker game with of Paper Goods Projects —Doorley
for an eight-pack; joann.com), Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art
colored masking tape, and Markers ($27 for a ten-pack; Cleanup feels doable Kids can accurately depict
patterned duct tape on hand.” amazon.com). “We love both with Mondo Llama’s themselves with the Colors
Personalize pencils or the brush and fine tips.” —Agnes Washable Tempera Paint Set of the World Colored
notebooks with the different Hsu, founder of hello, Wonderful ($10; target.com). The kit Pencils ($6; shop.crayola
sizes and patterns, or stick it comes with 12 colors, two .com), which include 24 skin
on the floor to create an “Cover the coffee table paintbrushes, and an tones like Deepest Almond
obstacle course or a “road” with butcher paper (Easel easy-to-carry plastic case. and Medium Golden.
for toy cars. —Kristen Sabatelli,
cofounder of SplatterBox art
studio, in Westport, Connecticut

Glitter glue (Elmer’s Classic
Glitter Glue, $4; staples.com)
is a fun way to bedazzle any
project, but it can also be used
for coloring, embellishing,
slime making, scrapbooking,
painting, and card making.
You can get that sparkly vibe
without leaving tiny specks all
over the house. —Gambaccini

Adhesive glitter foam
(Darice Foamies Sticky-Back
Glitter Sheet, $6.50 for a
12-pack; amazon.com) is
super-satisfying and easy
for kids to cut. Snip it into
shapes, letters, or characters
to decorate collages. —Cherry

1 1 0P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

Always Be KEEP IT ALL ORGANIZED!
Ready

for School
Projects

Ah, the classic 7 P.M.
“Mom, I have a poster
due tomorrow” line.

Skip the frantic
rush to the store by
having these staples

in your stockpile.

+ Cardboard trifold Cleanup is quick
+ Poster board and easy
+ Foam-core board
+ Multiple colors of when everything
has a home.
cardstock or
construction paper GO CLEAR All the experts of paper or stuff you don’t use containerstore.com) hold things
+ 8.5x11-in. white and agree: Visibility is key. Use glass as often, like a gallon of glue for that normally end up on the
black paper or plastic jars or translucent slime making,” Doorley notes. floor: pom-poms, paint pots,
+ Watercolor paper boxes (Our Shoe Box, $2.50; brushes, ice-pop sticks, googly
+ Glue stick containerstore.com) so kids (and DESIGNATE A SPOT Keep eyes, and beads, says Lynn Lilly,
+ Double-sided tape you) can see what’s inside. For all the goods corralled with a Michaels crafter.
or Glue Dots ($4; even more order, add labels inexpensive shelving units, a few
walmart.com) to each vessel or sort the items plastic bins, acrylic containers TAME THE PAPER Sort it by
+ Extra computer- by color, Sabatelli suggests. with lids, and a mounted color and texture in letter trays
ink cartridges pegboard with hooks, cups, and (KVISSLE Letter Tray, $20; ikea
+ Chenille stems CONTAIN THE SMALL PIECES shelves (SKÅDIS Pegboard .com) to keep everything tidy and
+ Black permanent “I like when kids can get supplies Combination, $37 for pegboard within reach. For larger paper
marker out themselves—and put them and tools; ikea.com). Elevate a and poster board, grab some
+ Markers or paint away,” Stoney says. Pencil cups standard brown pegboard (clean) pizza boxes. “I purchased
sticks that live directly on the table by painting it another color, new ones from Amazon,” says
+ Letter and shape (Gamenote Wooden Pen Holder adding rose-gold hooks, and Nylah Khan, an art teacher in Los
stickers & Pencil Holders, $14; amazon attaching metal baskets. Angeles. “Cut the fronts off, and
+ Washi tape .com) or caddies that tote then use double-sided tape to
+ Crayola Model silverware or cleaning supplies BE PORTABLE Almost all our stack them on top of each other.
Magic Variety work well for wrangling paint craft experts recommended a Paint the boxes, or cover them in
Pack ($13.50; shop brushes, markers, scissors, and rolling cart. “We have several of wrapping paper to decorate.”
.crayola.com) other tools. the RÅSKOG Utility Carts ($30;
+ Child-size scissors ikea.com). I love how much they CORR AL CR AFTS Keep paint
+ Ruler OFFER EASY ACCESS Open hold, how durable they are, and off your table, let projects dry
shelving lets kids reach for that they can move easily from safely, or contain Play-Doh,
Get Your Craft On materials whenever they want. “A place to place,” Hsu says. Within slime, or sand in one spot with
‘behind-the-scenes’ storage area a cart, accessory cases (Small Doodle Hog Art Trays ($30 for
Hover your phone’s camera can hold bulkier items like reams Compartment Boxes, $3.50; eight trays; doodlehog.com).
over the smart code for

nine artsy projects that you and
the kids can try out at home.

ADVERTISEMENT

Let’s Do Lunch! MIX AND MATCH these delicious options to create an out of the (lunch!) box
mid-day meal for your kiddos. Better yet, have them get in on the action and
pick their favorite combos.

»

»
»

LIFEÑ Solutions

THE
VANITY

Your Bathroom, Clear countertops. SARAH ELLIOT/CHANGO & CO.
Organized It may be tempting to toss
everything into a cabinet or
Is your family’s bathroom overflowing with tub toys, drawer, but you can optimize
toiletries, and towels? It might be space by corralling a few
of your most-used tools like
time to give your WC some decluttering TLC. scrunchies, cotton swabs,
and floss in a countertop
by CA S S I E H U RW IT Z organizer. “There’s something
nice about being able to grab
an item you use every day,”
says Alison Mazurek, the
expert behind the blog 600 Sq
Ft and a Baby. Look for a
compartmentalized piece
that has drawers (to stash
small items) and open sections
(so kids can help themselves).
Or DIY a system by securing
some cleaned-out jam jars
and pretty containers onto a
tray. “Having a go-to spot
for all the items helps this
area stay neat,” says Shamika
Lynch, a designer who
specializes in small spaces.
Just be sure to leave some
sink space open. If you’re
starting to stack soap bottles
on top of hand cream and face
masks, it’s time to move some
of those things elsewhere.

Streamline storage
under the sink.
Since this area is hidden
away, it’s typically neglected.
Avoid the mess by giving each
family member their own
basket that lives under the
sink or in a cabinet, says
Mandy Yang, a professional
organizer and KonMari
consultant, a certification
she received from Marie
Kondo’s organization
program. “We each have a bin
that holds our toothbrush,

1 14P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021



LIFEÑ Solutions

face cream, lotion, and so on, items—but keep it out of the compact, like stacking cups. EVERYWHERE
which frees up space,” she kids’ reach so nothing topples If your kid is attached to their ELSE
says. Yang also suggests over. “These are great options collection of squishable sea
adding tall shelves inside that don’t compromise creatures and fleets of boats, Think up.
under-sink cabinets to precious space,” Lynch says. Yang suggests organizing them Consider sneaking shelves
maximize vertical space. in wall-suctioned corner bins onto an empty section of the
But don’t sweat it if you only Tame the toys. with drainage holes. “They wall. “If the room is small, set
have a stand-alone sink Tub time isn’t complete don’t take up too much space, up a stand-alone unit that
without a vanity or a without toys, but when they and they create a home for uses the vertical space,” Yang
countertop. “Use shorter outnumber your actual easy cleanup,” she says. “I says. Store toilet paper, towels,
storage units, like stackable toiletries, things get crazy. also love suction-cup hooks and other odds and ends on
waterproof shelves or Look for ones that are for hanging toys and sponges.” it. Floating shelves also
a set of drawers, next to or work wonders when mounted
surrounding the base of BATHROOM FIXTURES over the toilet or above the
the sink for extra items,” doorframe, but you can add
Lynch offers. Sleek Stowaway Spin Class funkier storage by attaching
Fill this Yamazaki Home When the under-sink a wire-framed basket to the
THE TUB wall to act as a cubby, Lynch
Fit-Anywhere Slim chaos cannot be says. To keep the room from
Wrangle the bottles. Storage Cart with extra contained, pile products feeling clunky, Yang drops in
Between your deep toiletries, washcloths, elements of nature. “Bamboo
conditioner, your partner’s onto the Crazy Susan bins and greenery from the
dandruff shampoo, and the and toys, then slide Two-Tier Turntable. Both yard instantly bring the room
kids’ superhero body washes, it into any tight spot—it’s to life,” she says.
the shower can get jam- levels rotate fully, and
packed. It’s okay to have just under 5 inches the bins are removable. Use negative space.
variety, but Mazurek deep. $65; food52.com For that sliver between the
suggests being choosy about $30; youcopia.com tub and the toilet or the vanity
the products littering your and the wall, find something
shelves. “I’m trying to get Brush Up Support System like a skinny lidded trash can COURTESY OF THE BRANDS.
everyone to use the same Eliminate the need for a The Flex SureLock or a slim tiered cart, Mazurek
shampoo and conditioner Shelf suctions to shower says. In nooks not near the
so I can buy just two of the toothbrush organizer walls like a charm. toilet, you can hang an extra
large sizes,” she says. If and a rinsing cup and save It holds up to 10 pounds, hook for robes, washcloths, or
that’s not going to cut it, sink surface space with this a hair dryer. “The back of the
Lynch recommends having Wall Suction Toothbrush so you can store door is another underused
an out-of-the-way spot for Holder. The cup is made shampoo and conditioner, area that can do a lot for you,”
toiletries. Hanging Mazurek says. “It adds
organizers that hook onto from shatter-resistant, plus hang loofahs storage for hanging towels or
showerheads let wet products BPA-free plastic and shields or mesh bags for toys a canvas organizer.” Those
drip-dry quickly, and on hooks underneath. pockets are genius for
waterproof (adhesive or two brushes. $10; out-of-rotation bath toys, hair
suction) hooks and shelves mdesignhomedecor.com $13; westelm.com tools, and loose ends like
designed specifically for headbands and clips. If you
bathrooms will stick to want a dedicated spot
empty tiled walls. You can for laundry, Lynch suggests
also squeeze in an additional hanging a small hamper
tension rod against the on the back of the door. You
shower wall and add hooks can even buy one that’s
or mesh bags to it for extra designed to slide into a corner
to fully maximize every
inch in your bathroom.

1 1 6P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

©Inter IKEA Systems B.V. 2021

never place a TV or other never allow children
heavy objects on furniture to stand, climb or
not intended for that use hang on drawers,
and never open
always attach more than one
your furniture drawer at a time
to the wall
with tip-over
restraints

place heavy objects
in the lowest drawers

The IKEA Safer Home mobile app helps you make child safety checklists based on
your child’s age and find easy home safety tips. It can be downloaded for free at your

favorite app store. For more home safety ideas, visit IKEA-USA.com/saferhomes

LIFEÑPets

Calm an Anxious Pet

With school starting, the kids are off having
adventures, and the house is quieter. Help your dog or cat

chill through changes to the family routine.

by J E N N Y C O M ITA

IF YOU R household is anything like mine, you’re coming home to unwelcome certified veterinary behaviorist and WE ARE THE RHOADS/TRUNK ARCHIVE.
at least one family member was living surprises on the carpet or nasty notes owner of Insight Animal Behavior
the dream during the pandemic: the dog. from the neighbors about incessant Services, in Chicago. Keep playdates on
Pups thrive on togetherness, a state barking, you’re not alone. The good news? the short side initially, and consider
of affairs that, as descendants of pack “These problems are addressable,” gating off your pet in a different room
animals, they’re built for. It’s no surprise, says Dr. Sueda. “Most vets are familiar that can be their safe space.
then, as we “return to normal,” that our with these issues, and we have plenty
fur babies—yes, even the felines—are of strategies up our sleeve.” Even harder, Dr. Ballantyne says, will
a little freaked out. “The pandemic be your absences. “If you ask an animal to
threw pets for a loop,” says Karen Sueda, Ease Into It go from having all-day contact with
D.V.M., a board-certified veterinary their people to spending eight hours a
behaviorist at VCA West Los Angeles Friends coming back into your house day, five days a week, alone, they’re likely
Animal Hospital. “Separation anxiety and noise ratcheting up will surprise going to struggle.” The key is to start
is now more prevalent in dogs and, while your pets.“The best way to prepare pets with short trips out of the house and
less common, even in some cats.” So if for any newness is to do it gradually,” gradually increase the amount of time
says Kelly Ballantyne, D.V.M., a board- you’re gone, Dr. Ballantyne notes. “This

1 1 8P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

GoNoodle® x tonies®
Mindfulness Starter Set

Screen-free GOOD ENERGY to your
little listeners. They'll enjoy a guided
mindfulness and relaxation experience
designed especially for them.
us.tonies.com

BIG FUN Wearable Breast Pump
with Tiny Toys!
Loved by moms who love being more than moms.
Bake tiny desserts, Pump, play & multi-task with cord-free, leak-free,
make mini ice cream, smarter pumping technology. onewillow.com
or grow teeny plants
with these three new kits ro•sham•bo baby We’ve Got You
from SmartLab Toys. Covered for College.
Available on Get ready for back to school with
Amazon.com our indestructible prescription glasses If you are looking for a statement
and sunglasses for kids! Flexible, piece that will not overwhelm your
Natural Sleep Relief ultra light, Italian-made and available dorm, the Janford Upholstered Bed
for the Whole Family in 5 sizes for the whole family. is the perfect solution for you.
roshambobaby.com
Melatonin-free SleepCalm is a @roshambobaby Shop the Janford bed now at
blend of plant-based and other Walmart.com
pure active ingredients that help The award-winning Arlo Essential Indoor
restore a natural sleep pattern.* Camera is a must-have for moms and dads dhpfurniture.com | @dhpfurniture
Find at Whole Foods | Sprouts seeking added peace of mind. Protect your
Boironusa.com family’s privacy while monitoring babies, kids
and pets. Easily distinguish if the camera is
*Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, monitoring/recording thanks to an automated
not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated. privacy shield. arlo.com

Have fun and save the planet with eco-friendly
products from Adventerra Games. Teach kids
smart environmental actions through play!

adventerragamesusa.com

Tripp Trapp® Chair Brushing Just Got Brighter!

This iconic chair’s unique design is highly adjustable Introducing BURSTkids, the sonic toothbrush designed especially
providing a comfortable and ergonomic seating position for your child’s developing teeth. Available at BURSToralcare.com
at any age, from birth through adulthood. stokke.com

LIFEÑPets

Let �em shows them that when you leave, it “If you have a 1-year-old dog that is
doesn’t mean you’re not coming back,” suddenly home alone, they might think
Chomp! says Tampa-based canine behavior it’s party time,” Dr. Sueda says. “I’ve
consultant Sam Ivy. “It can take some seen hilarious videos of a dog thrashing
Deliciously heal�y time to get that message across, so think the couch cushions with a huge smile.”
oven-baked biscu�s ahead. If you’re going in to work next
week, start now by taking a 15-minute A big upside to doing some surveillance,
W f! solo walk during work hours.” Also Ivy points out, is that it might alleviate
important, Ivy adds, is to get your dog your own anxiety. “I had one client who
LOVE them like family. used to “holding it in” while you’re gone. imagined her dog crying constantly
TREAT them like family.ª “If you were letting the dog out every while she was at work,” he says. “But when
hour, start to correct that,” he says. we watched a video, what we saw was
the dog sleeping all day. That immediately
Leave on a High Note put her at ease.”

If your pup begins whining the minute he Chill Them Out
sees your work bag, it’s going to be a long
day. “Start making positive associations If, on the other hand, your pet’s suffering
with your exit,” Dr. Sueda says. “Think isn’t all in your head, there are a variety
about what your pet enjoys, and introduce of strategies that can assuage their little
those things when you leave.” Bonus mind. Some dogs, for example, do
points if whatever you offer keeps them better in a crate, where they feel safe and
busy for a while. If your pet is a foodie, protected. “A lot of people look at the
that might mean tossing a Kong toy stuffed crate as punishment,” Ivy says. “But
with frozen peanut butter to your dog from the dog’s perspective, it’s a cozy den
or a treat ball to your cat. Just don’t give where they can relax.” If your dog isn’t
them a big petting session and then accustomed to being crated, get them
leave immediately, Dr. Ballantyne says. used to it with short stretches while
“Let them do their thing with a toy for you’re home. “Think of it as putting your
a few minutes before you cheerfully slip baby down for a nap,” Ivy says. Whether
out,” she says. That sort of disappearing your pooch ultimately thrives in the crate
act would freak out your kid at preschool depends somewhat on their temperament
drop-off but works fine for your pet. and previous experiences. If your pet
“When you come back, be chill about that does worse, avoid confining them when
too. You want them to see that your they’re alone. Block their access to
coming and going isn’t a huge deal.” certain rooms by closing doors, if needed.
Dr. Ballantyne suggests trying a
Keep Tabs All Day Long plug-in pheromone dispenser like Adaptil
(for dogs) or Feliway (for cats), which
If you have a hunch that your pet is in releases a synthetic version of the
distress, don’t wait for shredded curtains animal’s naturally occurring pheromones
to confirm your suspicions. “Videotape is to create a sense of calm.
the gold standard for diagnosing anxiety,”
Dr. Sueda says. Many webcam devices, Call In the Pros
such as Amazon’s Blink series, Google’s
Nest cams, and Hoop Cams, also have But what if these tricks aren’t working and
a talk-back feature. “You can speak to your pet is still a barking or scratching
your pet and calm them down, and in ball of nerves? “The best thing to do is
my experience, that can work,” Ivy says. talk to your vet,” Dr. Sueda says. “A vet
can refer you to a positive-reinforcement
When checking in virtually, watch trainer, discuss prescription anxiety
for anxiety symptoms, which aren’t always medications and supplements, and rule
as obvious as scratching at the door. out physical causes for a pet’s acting out.”
“Look for panting and pacing in dogs as Many new pandemic pet owners haven’t
well as tucked tails and drooling, all signs yet established relationships with their
of fear. Cats will often start vocalizing primary-care vet. “Your dog or cat may
with a very plaintive tone,” Dr. Sueda have been up-to-date on shots when you
says. Going to the tape can also clue you adopted them a year ago, but at this point
in as to whether, say, your torn sofa is a it’s probably about time to schedule a
result of misery or plain old naughtiness. wellness visit,” Dr. Sueda says.

1 2 0P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

©2021 Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd. Our Promise to Blue
Is Our Promise to You

What started as a simple promise
to feed an Airedale named Blue

like one of the family has turned into the #1
natural pet food company. And while a lot
has changed, one thing has always remained
the same at Blue Buffalo – a commitment
to making the best pet food possible with
ingredients you’ll feel good about feeding.
BlueBuffaloStory.com

Love them like family.
Feed them like family.®

LI F EÑD i n n e r

WORK SOME
FREEZER MAGIC

Stock the icebox with a few key ingredients,
embrace these make-ahead recipes, and

you’ll face the school year with meals good to go.
(Your future self is thanking you already.)

recipes by A LI R A M E E / text by SA R A H W H A RTO N / photographs by CAITLI N B E N S E L

Yup, you can
freeze

whole dinners and
also meal

building blocks.

FOOD STYLING BY CHELSEA ZIMMER. PROP STYLING BY CHRISTINE KEELY.

1 2 2P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

© 2021 Reynolds Consumer Products LLC CHICKEN WITH CHEESE & VEGETABLES

NOTHING WILL STICK BUT
THE SMILES ON THEIR FACES.

LI FEÑD i n n e r

APPROVED Blanch WHAT DO
2021 fresh veggies YOU KEEP
IN YOUR
Your Cold-Storage before FREEZER?
Dream Team freezing them.
“Pork carnitas can
These are the products lend itself to so many
that will set you
dishes, and it does
up for freezer success. great in the freezer.”

THE DO-IT-ALL —ASHLEY CHRISTENSEN
Made of thermal shock-
resistant borosilicate glass, the “I scoop homemade
three-quart Good Grips cookie dough into
Glass Baking Dish With Lid is balls, do a ‘formative
a freezer-to-oven-to-table freeze’ on a sheet
workhorse. $20; oxo.com tray, then transfer to
a freezer bag. I love
THE CLOSER Defrosting Done Right being able to bake two COLD-STORAGE IMAGES: COURTESY OF THE BRANDS. BROCCOLI: FOTOGRAFIABASICA/GETTY. PANCAKES: MARKGILLOW/GETTY.
For an easier-on-the-planet or four cookies at a
Chefs follow exacting guidelines time.” —KAITLYN GOALEN
alternative to disposable regarding food temperatures, but many home cooks
bags, rely on the Reusable “Frozen peas punch
Silicone Bag. At 51 ounces, just leave things on the counter and walk up anything with
it can hold several servings of away. Cordialis Msora-Kasago, R.D.N., shares what
extra green matter,
tomato sauce or chicken you need to know to keep your family safe. whether it’s pasta
soup without leaking, thanks to sauce, a stir-fry, or
Thaw in the fridge when you can.
the sealing clip on top. $18; It takes about 24 hours for ground meat, chicken just a bowl of peas for
lekueusa.com my son.” —JEFF MAURO
breasts, and other small cuts of meat to
THE KEEPER defrost, and then they can hang out in the refrigerator “We don’t eat a ton of
Store your meat and veggies at bread, so freezing
for another day or two.
their freshest with the it is a great way to be
affordable Geryon E2900-MS Or try the microwave. able to make a veggie
Use the defrost setting, which adjusts
Multi-Use Vacuum Sealing the power level to work more efficiently on frozen or egg sandwich.”
Food Preservation System. items, but even this may result in uneven
It removes all the air to stave thawing. One caveat: Cook the food immediately. —CHRISTENSEN
Cooking right after defrosting reduces
off freezer burn and “Hard cheeses, like
create a minimal footprint in the risk of bacteria growth. grated Parmesan,
freeze incredibly
your freezer. $46; Cook straight from frozen.
geryonkitchen.com It’ll work for most foods, but know that it well.” —MELISSA CLARK
may take up to 50 percent longer. Soup, for instance,
can generally be heated in the pot successfully, “I’ll make a batch
and many casseroles can too. But most meats of pancakes or
can be trickier, as they may cook on the outside before
French toast on the
reaching doneness inside. weekends and

freeze them. You
can just pop them in

a toaster oven.”

—JESSICA GAVIN

MEET THE FREEZER EXPERTS

Ashley Christensen, chef, and Kaitlyn Goalen, restaurateur, coauthors of It’s Always Freezer Season.
Melissa Clark, staff reporter for the New York Times Food section and author of Kid in the Kitchen. Jessica
Gavin, certified culinary scientist and author of Easy Culinary Science for Better Cooking. Cordialis Msora-
Kasago, R.D.N., spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Jeff Mauro, cohost of The Kitchen
on Food Network and author of Come On Over. Ali Rosen, host of Potluck With Ali and author of Modern
Freezer Meals. Angela Smith, owner of Just Live, a professional organizing company based in Atlanta.

1 2 4P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

FREEZER FAVE 5 WAYS
THE FREEZER
Creamy
Green Chile MAKES
Enchiladas KIDS’ MEALS

For recipe, see EASIER
page 130.
1

“My Sausage, Egg, and
Cheese Breakfast Sandos are

a great grab-and-go
breakfast. I crack six or
eight extra eggs on Sundays
and cook some sausage
patties. Then I put them on
toasted English muffins with
cheese and wrap them
up individually in parchment.
They heat in the microwave

in a minute.” —MAURO

2

“When my daughter was
little, I would bake mini
muffins that I would throw
into her lunch box. By
midday, they’d be thawed
and ready to eat.” —CLARK

3

“I also love the muffin
tin for freezer-friendly food.

I use a full-size tin to
make single-serving lasagnas.

They’re a good size for a
little kid.” —ALI ROSEN

4

“To have an easy option for
my daughter, I slice chicken
breasts in half so each breast

becomes two thick fillets,
and I wrap those individually
in parchment. I season them
ahead with salt and pepper.

If I have herbs, I’ll throw
some on, or I’ll crush a garlic

clove and smear the paste
over it. They defrost quickly

and are ready to cook.”

—CLARK

5

“One of my favorite
things that my son and I make

together is two-ingredient
ice pops—just yogurt

and berries. It’s something
that he can get himself,

and it feels like a treat, but
there’s no added sugar.”

—ROSEN

LI F EÑD i n n e r

FREEZER FAVE FREEZER-MEAL TIP

Mini Meatloaves When it makes sense, freeze
in individual portions.
Active Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour, plus freezing This grants you last-minute
and thawing time flexibility, since you can feed one
Makes 4 servings
or two family members quickly
INGREDIENTS (the same or different foods!).
11/2 lbs. ground sirloin Even if the whole family will eat the
same thing together, it’s still
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow faster to defrost small portions
onion (from 1 small onion)
than a giant block.
1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar
cheese (2 oz.) BLUE PLATE, MEILEN CERAMICS.

1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 large egg, lightly beaten

2 Tbs. ketchup, plus more for
topping (optional)

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. dried thyme

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

MAKE IT

1. Stir together sirloin, onion,
cheese, panko, egg, ketchup,
Worcestershire, garlic powder,
thyme, and salt in a bowl until
combined. (Do not overmix.)

2. Cut four 8-in. square pieces
of plastic wrap. Place 1 cup
meatloaf mixture on each piece
of plastic wrap. Form each cup
of mixture into a 4x2x2-in. loaf.
Wrap in plastic. Place loaves on
a baking sheet, and freeze
4 hours to solidify shape. Then
transfer loaves to an airtight
container or a zip-top bag and
freeze for up to 2 months.

THAW, THEN BAKE Transfer to

refrigerator 24 hours before
cooking. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Line a rimmed baking sheet
with foil. Unwrap mini loaves,
and place on baking sheet. Bake
until a thermometer inserted
into center of loaves registers
155°F, about 40 minutes.

BAKE FROM FROZEN Line a

rimmed baking sheet with foil.
Unwrap mini loaves, and place
on baking sheet. Set oven to
350°F, and let loaves thaw in
oven as it preheats. Once oven
reaches 350°F, bake until a
thermometer inserted into
center of loaves registers
155°F, 40 to 45 minutes.

3. Let stand 5 minutes
before serving. Top loaves
with ketchup, if using.

NUTRITION PER SERVING
424 calories; 40g protein;
23g fat (10g sat. fat); 11g carbs;
0 fiber; 2g sugar; 4mg iron;
137mg calcium; 549mg sodium

1 2 6P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

SCAN TO BUY
©2021 PURE LEAF logo® is a registered trademark of the Unilever Group of Companies used under license.

LI FEÑD i n n e r

FREEZER FAVE STORAGE BASICS
AND HACKS
Spinach and
Artichoke There are a few ways to
wrap food up well.
Stuffed Shells
With Chicken Learn your layers.

For recipe, see You can cover food with foil,
page 130. plastic wrap, or parchment

to limit air—and stop the
dreaded freezer burn.

All are great first lines of
defense, but the advantage

of parchment and foil is
that they don’t need

to be removed for reheating.
(Parchment can also be
used to separate foods

within a container so they
don’t stick.) Cover with a
second layer of foil or wrap,
then place in a freezer bag
or a freezer-safe container

for extra protection.

Leave room.

Never fill a vessel to the
top or you risk the lid
popping off or the

seal breaking when the
food expands.

Choose the right dish.

Tempered glass is ideal
for going from freezer
to oven to table. Make sure
ceramic dishes are labeled
oven- and freezer-safe.

Opt for freezer bags.

“Bags that are not made for
the freezer are more

porous, so freezer burn is
likely. Freezer bags are

thicker for keeping more air
out. If you only have

standard bags, use two or
three.” —ROSEN

Go pro.

“I have a vacuum sealer
that’s paid for itself

a hundred times over. It
removes air to prevent ice

crystals. I can reheat
things in the bags in a pot

of simmering water like
a sous vide.” —MAURO

Repurpose.

“This sounds weird,
but those little breast-milk

bottles are amazing for
freezing leftover coconut
milk. I’ll add it to oatmeal
or soup for creaminess

without dairy.” —CLARK

1 2 8P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021



LI FEÑD i n n e r

Creamy Green Chile 2. Coat a 9x13-in. freezer- and Spinach and 3. While pasta cooks, melt butter
Enchiladas oven-safe baking pan or Artichoke in a saucepan over medium. Add
disposable aluminum pan with Stuffed Shells flour; cook, whisking constantly,
Active Time 15 minutes cooking spray, and add ½ cup With Chicken until light golden brown, 1 to
Total Time 1 hour, plus freezing salsa to bottom of pan. Working 2 minutes. Gradually add milk,
and thawing time with 1 tortilla at a time on a clean Active Time 40 minutes whisking constantly; whisk in
Makes 12 enchiladas surface, add about ⅓ cup black- Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes, cream. Bring to a boil over
bean mixture down the center of plus freezing and thawing time medium-high, whisking often.
INGREDIENTS tortilla; roll tortilla. Place seam Makes 6 servings Cook, whisking often, until cream
2 cups no-salt-added canned side down in pan on salsa; repeat sauce has thickened slightly, 2 to
black beans (from two 15-oz. with remaining tortillas. INGREDIENTS 3 minutes. Remove from heat,
cans), drained and rinsed ½ tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus and add ¾ cup mozzarella and
1 cup precooked microwavable 3. Whisk together sour cream more for pasta water remaining ¼ tsp. salt; stir until
white or brown rice and remaining ¾ cup salsa in a 1 10-oz. pkg. frozen chopped cheese is fully melted.
1 4-oz. can diced mild Hatch bowl; pour on top of enchiladas. spinach, thawed
green chiles Sprinkle with remaining 1 cup 2 cups shredded rotisserie 4. Coat a 9x13-in. freezer- and
4 green onions, thinly sliced cheese. Cover with foil. Wrap chicken (from 1 chicken) oven-safe baking dish or
½ tsp. ground coriander dish in 2 layers of plastic wrap. 1 cup chopped marinated disposable aluminum pan with
2 cups shredded Colby Freeze for up to 2 months. artichoke hearts cooking spray. Pour ¾ cup cream
Jack cheese (8 oz.), divided ⅓ cup store-bought pesto sauce on bottom of pan. Stuff
THAW, THEN BAKE: Transfer 2 cups shredded part-skim each cooked shell with 1 Tbs.
1½ cups tomatillo salsa, divided, mozzarella cheese (8 oz.), spinach mixture, and place open
plus more for garnish (optional) dish to refrigerator 24 hours divided side up in pan. (Discard or reuse
Nonstick cooking spray before cooking. Preheat oven 1 12-oz. pkg. jumbo broken or leftover shells.) Pour
to 375°F. Remove plastic wrap pasta shells remaining cream sauce on and
12 6-in. flour tortillas from dish but leave foil cover 2 Tbs. unsalted butter around stuffed shells. Sprinkle
½ cup sour cream on. Bake until heated through 2 Tbs. all-purpose flour with Parmesan and remaining
and cheese is melted, about 2 cups whole milk ¼ cup mozzarella. Cover with foil.
Sliced avocado and cilantro, 45 minutes. ⅓ cup heavy cream Wrap dish in 2 layers of plastic
for garnish (optional) Nonstick cooking spray wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months.
BAKE FROM FROZEN: Remove ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
MAKE IT THAW, THEN BAKE: Transfer dish
1. Stir together black beans, plastic wrap from dish but MAKE IT
rice, green chiles, green onions, leave foil cover on; place in oven. to refrigerator 24 hours before
coriander, 1 cup cheese, and Set oven to 425°F, and let 1. Bring a pot of salted water to a cooking. Preheat oven to 375°F.
¼ cup salsa in a bowl to combine. enchiladas thaw in oven while it boil over high. Wrap spinach in Remove plastic wrap from dish
preheats. Once oven reaches paper towels; squeeze out excess but leave foil cover on. Bake until
425°F, bake until heated through liquid. Stir together squeezed cheese sauce is bubbling,
and cheese is melted, about spinach, chicken, artichoke about 45 minutes. Remove from
1 hour 30 minutes. hearts, pesto, 1 cup mozzarella, oven, turn oven to broil, remove
and ¼ tsp. salt in a bowl. foil, and broil until top is golden
4. Garnish with salsa, sliced brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
avocado, and cilantro, if using. 2. Cook pasta according to
package directions until al dente. BAKE FROM FROZEN: Remove
NUTRITION PER ENCHILADA Drain, and rinse under cold water
256 calories; 10g protein; 11g fat until cool enough to handle. plastic wrap from dish but leave
(6g sat. fat); 28g carbs; 4g fiber; foil cover on; place in oven.
3g sugar; 2mg iron; 220mg calcium; Set oven to 425°F, and let stuffed
570mg sodium shells thaw in oven while it
preheats. Once oven reaches
A PRO ORGANIZER’S BEST TIPS 425°F, bake until cheese sauce
is bubbling, about 1 hour
Angela Smith specializes in helping clients take 30 minutes. Remove from oven,
control of their kitchen. She’s also a mom of four boys under age 10, turn oven to broil, remove
foil, and broil until top is golden
so she knows the value of a tidy freezer. brown, 2 to 3 minutes.

Sort by category. the dishwasher, so don’t require the bags and vacuum- NUTRITION PER SERVING
no need to scrape off box’s cooking sealed foods are also 621 calories; 37g protein; 31g fat
Use clear bins, (14g sat. fat); 49g carbs; 5g fiber;
which allow you to sticky residue. $12; instructions, like easily stacked 8g sugar; 3mg iron; 534mg
see what’s inside, and avery.com individual or squeezed into calcium; 778mg sodium
label them. Think in
Take some ice-cream pops. You tight spots.
terms of genres foods out of their could even cut
like meat, veggies, Embrace your
fruit, and snacks. But packaging. out the instructions system.
for products
feel free to get Breaking down a few If you always put
specific for your bulky items will you buy regularly, like something in the same
family: Do you need a frozen waffles or
bin for smoothie give you more wiggle place, your family
kits? Backup bagels? room. For example, pizzas, and save them. will naturally look for it
Baking supplies?
Avery Dissolvable divide a pack of Skip round there, Smith says.
Rectangle Labels meat into meal storage. Get your kids to help
dissolve during portions and put them
hand-washing or in in their assigned It’s more space put away groceries
container. Do the efficient to use square so they can see
same for things that
or rectangular what’s coming in and
containers. Freezer where it goes.

1 3 0P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

This quiet moment is brought to you by nature.
Also by FASENRA.

FASENRA helps prevent asthma attacks, improve breathing,
and lower daily use of oral steroids.* It’s only 1 maintenance
dose every 8 weeks† and has a convenient pen option.

Talk to your doctor or visit FASENRA.com. Think of this
moment as a quiet victory.

FASENRA is an add-on treatment for people
12 and older with severe eosinophilic asthma.
It’s not a rescue medication or for other
eosinophilic conditions.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION *Results may vary.
†The first 3 doses are given on day 1, week 4, and week 8.
Do not use FASENRA if you are allergic to benralizumab or any of
the ingredients in FASENRA. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if FASENRA
Do not use to treat sudden breathing problems. passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about
the best way to feed your baby if you use FASENRA.
FASENRA may cause serious side effects, including:
• allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including anaphylaxis. • are taking prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins,
Serious allergic reactions can happen after you get your FASENRA or herbal supplements.
injection. Allergic reactions can sometimes happen hours or days after
you get your injection. Tell your healthcare provider or get emergency Do not stop taking your other asthma medicines unless instructed to
help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an allergic do so by your healthcare provider.
reaction:
o swelling of your face, mouth and tongue The most common side effects of FASENRA include: headache
o breathing problems and sore throat. These are not all the possible side effects of FASENRA.
o fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure)
o rash APPROVED USE
o hives FASENRA is a prescription medicine used with other asthma medicines
for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people 12 years and older
Before using FASENRA, tell your healthcare provider about whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines.
all of your medical conditions, including if you: FASENRA helps prevent severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and
may improve your breathing. Medicines such as FASENRA reduce
• are taking oral or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop blood eosinophils. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that may
taking your corticosteroid medicines unless instructed by your contribute to your asthma.
healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were
controlled by the corticosteroid medicine to come back. FASENRA is not used to treat other problems caused by eosinophils
and is not used to treat sudden breathing problems. Tell your healthcare
• have a parasitic (helminth) infection. provider if your asthma does not get better or if it gets worse after you
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if FASENRA start treatment with FASENRA.

will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you It is not known if FASENRA is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age.
become pregnant during your treatment with FASENRA.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to
o There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
outcomes in women exposed to FASENRA during pregnancy.
Healthcare providers can enroll patients or encourage patients Please see Brief Summary of full Prescribing Information
to enroll themselves by calling 1-877-311-8972 or visiting on following page.
www.mothertobaby.org/fasenra.
FASENRA is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
©2021 AstraZeneca. All rights reserved. US-49836 3/21

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FASENRA

Read this brief summary carefully before using FASENRA for the first • If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give
time and each time you use a new dose. There may be new information. the injection of FASENRA, you or your caregiver should receive
This summary does not take the place of talking to your healthcare training on the right way to prepare and give the injection using the
provider about your medical condition or treatment. FASENRA PEN. Do not try to inject FASENRA until you have been
shown the right way by your healthcare provider. See the detailed
What is FASENRA? “Instructions for Use” that comes with FASENRA PEN for
FASENRA is a prescription medicine used with other asthma medicines information on how to prepare and inject FASENRA.
for the maintenance treatment of asthma in people 12 years and older
whose asthma is not controlled with their current asthma medicines. • If you miss a dose of FASENRA, call your healthcare provider.
When added to other medicines for asthma, FASENRA helps prevent
severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) and may improve your breathing. What are the possible side effects of FASENRA?
Medicines such as FASENRA reduce blood eosinophils. Eosinophils are
a type of white blood cell that may contribute to your asthma. FASENRA may cause serious side effects, including:

• FASENRA is not used to treat other problems caused by eosinophils. • allergic (hypersensitivity) reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Serious allergic reactions can happen after you get your FASENRA
• FASENRA is not used to treat sudden breathing problems. Tell your injection. Allergic reactions can sometimes happen hours or days
healthcare provider if your asthma does not get better or if it gets after you get your injection. Tell your healthcare provider or get
worse after you start treatment with FASENRA. emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms
of an allergic reaction:
It is not known if FASENRA is safe and effective in children under ° swelling of your face, mouth and tongue
12 years of age. ° breathing problems
° fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure)
Do not use FASENRA if you are allergic to benralizumab or any of ° rash
the ingredients in FASENRA. ° hives

Before using FASENRA, tell your healthcare provider about The most common side effects of FASENRA
all of your medical conditions, including if you: include headache and sore throat.

• are taking oral or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop These are not all the possible side effects of FASENRA.
taking your corticosteroid medicines unless instructed by your Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
controlled by the corticosteroid medicine to come back
How should I store FASENRA?
• have a parasitic (helminth) infection • Store FASENRA in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C).
• FASENRA may be stored at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if FASENRA
will harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you (20°C to 25°C) for up to 14 days.
become pregnant during your treatment with FASENRA. • Once removed from the refrigerator and brought to room temperature

° There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy FASENRA must be used within 14 days or thrown away.
outcomes in women exposed to FASENRA during pregnancy. • Store FASENRA in the original carton until you are ready to use it to protect
Healthcare providers can enroll patients or encourage patients
to enroll themselves by calling 1-877-311-8972 or visiting it from light.
www.mothertobaby.org/fasenra. • Do not freeze FASENRA. Do not use FASENRA that has been frozen.
• Do not expose FASENRA to heat.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if FASENRA • Do not use FASENRA past the expiration date.
passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider • Keep FASENRA and all medicines out of the reach of children.
should decide if you will use FASENRA and breastfeed. Talk to
your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if What are the ingredients in FASENRA?
you use FASENRA.
Active ingredient: benralizumab
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you
take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, Inactive ingredients: L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride
and herbal supplements. monohydrate, polysorbate 20, ,-trehalose dihydrate, and Water
for Injection
Do not stop taking your other asthma medicines unless your
healthcare provider tells you to. The information provided here is not comprehensive.
Ask your healthcare provider for additional information about
How will I use FASENRA? FASENRA. You can also contact the company that makes FASENRA
(toll-free) at 1-800-236-9933 or at www.fasenra.com.
• FASENRA is injected under your skin (subcutaneously) one time
every 4 weeks for the first 3 doses, and then every 8 weeks. FASENRA is a registered trademark and FASENRA Pen is a trademark
of the AstraZeneca group of companies.
• FASENRA comes in a single dose prefilled syringe and in a single © 2019 AstraZeneca LP. All rights reserved.
dose autoinjector. Manufactured for: AstraZeneca LP, Wilmington, DE 19850

• A healthcare provider will inject FASENRA using the single-dose 11/19 US-30267
prefilled syringe.

For more information, visit FASENRA.com
Or call 1-800-236-9933

ADVERTISEMENT

GoodStuff

MUST-HAVES & MUST-DOS FOR MOM & FAMILY

The First Hybrid Baby Bottle Amazing Support from Skechers

Wellness benefits of glass + convenience Busy parents love the support of
of plastic in one remarkable bottle. Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit™.
Baby’s milk only touches pure glass.
Featuring innovative comfort
chiccousa.com/duo-bottle technologies, this style provides

happy feet for a happy mom.

skechers.com

Imagine the Memories Bona.
You’ll Make. For Simply Beautiful Floors.

With Pillsbury™ Pepperoni Pizza Clean and reveal your floor’s
Crescent Rolls, every bite will natural shine and beauty with Bona.
We believe in plant-derived ingredients,
remind you of that home-baked and waterbased and biodegradable
feeling you love. Golden and
buttery tasting crescents are solutions, making a safer product
picky eater-approved. for you and our planet.

Find recipe inspiration at bona.com/bonaclean
pillsbury.com

SOME LANGUAGE
AND SUGGESTIVE
REFERENCES.

Soundtrack Album on
Atlantic Records/WaterTower Music

© 2021 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.
“In the Heights” is a trademark of 5001 Broadway Productions, LLC

and Barrio Grrrl! Productions, Inc.

PARENTSPROMO.COM

Ages + Stages

ADVICE AS YOUR CHILD GROWS

0–12 MONTHS without forcing contact. Brief, upbeat remain calm so these activities don’t
experiences are better in the long run than become a power struggle.
HOW TO prolonged, stressful ones. Always have
an adult supervise when your baby and Give them some control.
Introduce Your pet are near each other, and if either one
Baby and Pet seems upset, separate them. Your child may be more cooperative if
you involve them in the process. Let
by R E B E C CA R A KOW IT Z Watch out for allergies. your kid choose their diaper and pick
the location where they want to be
Set the scene early. If you or your partner has allergies, your changed. You can say, “Do you want to
baby is likely to develop them too. As have your diaper changed on the floor
Your infant and your dog or cat have this babies get older, they may experience or the changing table? Standing or lying
in common: Their world is filled with trouble breathing, full-body skin down?” A change may be less frustrating
daily routines, predictable sounds, and irritation, or a more localized patch of if it’s done where they want it to be.
familiar people. It can be stressful for hives if a dog licks them. The allergen
both of your babies to get used to each from dogs is found mainly in their saliva, Focus on distraction.
other. Ease the transition ahead of not their fur, so even hypoallergenic pups
time by preparing your pet well before can cause a reaction. A cat’s allergens Diaper changes can be quite boring for
the arrival. Introduce baby smells and are often in their fur or dander. Talk to your toddler, so look for ways to make
sounds to your pet (wear baby lotion and your pediatrician or pediatric allergist them interesting. Sing silly songs, make
play gurgles and cries on your computer). about any concerns. goofy faces, blow raspberries on their
Give your pet time to get accustomed to tummy, or speak in a funny voice. A small
any new spatial arrangements, including Sources: Ashwini P. Reddy, M.D., a pediatric allergist basket of toys or books can be a great
adjusting to denied access to rooms and assistant professor of pediatrics at Perelman distraction too. To make the items more
they previously could enter. Establish School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania; appealing, bring them out only during
feeding, petting, and playtimes as they Jennifer Shryock, founder and director of Family diaper changes.
will be when the baby arrives. Create Paws Parent Education, in Cary, North Carolina; Matt
safe spaces (like an open carrier or Wildman, a cat- and dog-behavior expert and Make sure they’re comfy.
a cardboard box) for cats who want to get animal caregiver at Red Robin Song Animal Sanctuary,
away from it all. For dogs, incorporating in West Lebanon, New York. Sometimes excessive wiggling can mean
play yards and gates is essential. your child feels uncomfortable or
1–2 YEARS something hurts. They might just be too
Take it slow. hot or too cold. Also check for signs of
HOW TO a diaper rash, which may include pink or
The introduction should be gradual, red patches in the diaper area. If your
and your pet should set the pace. Make Handle Squirmy child has a diaper rash, changing the diaper
treats readily available so your pet Diaper Changes more frequently (as soon as it’s soiled)
can form a positive association with your and treating the rash with an over-the-
baby. Let them both observe each other by TA M E K I A R E E C E counter diaper cream or ointment
should clear it up within a few days.
Get More Stay cool.
Age-Specific Tips Consider potty training.
As much as it may seem like it, your
Hover your phone’s toddler isn’t trying to drive you bonkers If your toddler wriggles during changing
camera over the smart as you swap out their dirty diaper. They and is 18 months or older, it may mean it’s
code to subscribe to just want to play, explore, and move, and time to ditch diapers. Some signs your
our daily newsletter. staying still for a diaper change kills child may be ready to start potty training:
their vibe. Plus, toddlers want to assert They can stay dry for two or more
their independence. Trying to get them hours; they show interest in the toilet or
to do something they would prefer not to underwear; they can follow simple
do, such as being changed when they instructions; and they seem to dislike a
want to keep playing, means they’ll put soiled diaper (possibly even trying to
up a huge fuss. Take a deep breath and remove it). If this sounds like your kid, it
might be time to put them on the potty.

Sources: Maria Milla, M.D., a pediatrician and
section chief at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Pediatric
Care Centers, in Miami; Florencia Segura, M.D., a
pediatrician at Einstein Pediatrics, in Vienna, Virginia.

1 3 4P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

AGES + STAGES

3–4 YEARS banana bread together—your child Know when to go to the dentist.
can help mash the bananas, add the
HOW TO ingredients, stir the batter, and scoop it Take your child to their dentist if
into a loaf pan. And say yes to the mess. the baby tooth will not fall out even
Get Them Flour will probably fly everywhere, and after the new tooth has pushed
Cooking your kid is inevitably going to dump in through the gums. The dentist can
too much baking soda. But it’s a small tell if it should be extracted. The
by M I C H E LLE C R O U C H price to pay. Being involved in cooking healing time afterward is roughly one
makes kids better eaters and boosts their or two days, and some bleeding
Time it right. fine motor skills. And it’s fun! will occur. Have your child bite on dry
gauze until any bleeding subsides.
Schedule their first kitchen session on a Source: Parents advisor Sally Kuzemchak, R.D., author Your doctor may also advise a soft-
weekend, not a busy weeknight when of The 101 Healthiest Foods for Kids; Amy Palanjian, food diet (bring on the ice cream!)
you’re pressed for time, and make sure creator of YummyToddlerFood.com and author of Busy while your child heals.
that both you and your child are in the Little Hands: Food Play!
right frame of mind for cooking. Your Sources: Parents advisor Lezli Levene Harvell,
child shouldn’t be tired or cranky, and D.M.D., a pediatric dentist and owner of Dental
you’re going to need patience and energy. Kidz, in Newark, New Jersey; Kenya McCalebb,
Kids love to do as much as they can on D.D.S., co-owner of Smile Theory, in Chicago.
their own in the kitchen, so the more
time and space you can give your child 5–6 YEARS Send Us Your
to do that, the better the experience will Kid Quotes!
be for both of you. HOW TO
BEST OF GIGGLES PROMOTION, PAGE 136
Use kid-friendly equipment. Prepare for NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO PARTICIPATE.
New Teeth Send your funny story to kidquotes@
Consider bringing your mini chef up parents.com. Include your full mailing
where the action is with a “learning by A D R I E N N E FA R R address, phone number, and your
tower.” It’s sturdier than a traditional eligible child’s name and date of birth.
step stool, and it has a rail around the Bring on the snaggles. Subject to Terms and Conditions at
top to keep kids from falling. Other tools parents.com/gigglespromotion. Open
worth investing in: plastic bowls with Your little bud is sprouting, and so are to legal residents of the 50 United States
handles that make stirring easier, and a their teeth. By now, your child probably and the District of Columbia, 21 years
dough whisk for mixing batter. And has 20 primary teeth—ten on the top and or older. One submission per person per
don’t forget a kid-size apron. ten on the bottom. Very soon (if not email address per day. Void where
already), these baby teeth will begin to be prohibited. Sponsor: Meredith Corporation,
Keep it simple. replaced by permanent (adult) teeth, 225 Liberty St., New York, NY 10281.
starting with the bottom two in the front,
At first, assign basic tasks like tearing then the top two. Keep in mind, every little
lettuce, dumping smoothie ingredients person is different; yours may lose teeth
into a blender, or adding toppings to at different times than their peers.
oatmeal. They’ll keep little hands busy
and will give your young chef a sense Let teeth come out on their own. COME TO YOUR
of accomplishment. Preschoolers also
love breaking off broccoli or cauliflower You may remember running around Waves lapping. Sand
florets and using a potato masher to smash the house to get away from your parent, between your toes. Warm
beans, cooked potatoes, or an avocado. who was going for the dreaded tooth coastal breezes. When you’re
pull. You didn’t like it, and your kid won’t ready, come experience the
Try an easy recipe. either. Typically, once an adult tooth is sights, sounds and scents of
pushing through the gums, most of the the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Ready to take it up a notch? Offer your root of the baby tooth will have already
child a variety of precut, preprepared dissolved. If a procrastinating tooth is GulfShores.com
ingredients (cheese and crackers, fruit, hanging out in your kid’s mouth, have 877-341-2400
or veggies and dip), and let them go your child wiggle it multiple times a day
to town assembling their favorites into with their tongue or a clean finger. The
a colorful cheese board. Or try making more they do, the looser the tooth will
get. You can also give them foods they’ll
have to bite into, like an apple, to help a
stubborn chomper come out.

GIGGLES

Julian, 6 Batsheva, 9 PRISCILLA GRAGG.
PARENTS (ISSN 1083-6373); September 2021, Vol. 96, No. 9, is published monthly by Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust Street, Des Moines, IA 50309-3023. Periodicals postage paid at Des Moines, IA, and at additional mailing offices. Subscription prices, $15.98 per year in the
My cousin said We were driving U.S.; $27.00 (U.S. dollars) in Canada; $49.00 (U.S. dollars) overseas. POSTMASTER: Send all UAA to CFS. (See DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: Send address corrections to Parents, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508. In Canada: mailed under
to my son, behind a Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40069223; Canadian BN 12348 2887 RT. © Meredith Corporation 2021. All rights reserved. Your bank may provide updates to the card information we have on file. You may opt out of this service at any time. Printed in the U.S.A.

“Congratulations, Jeep 4x4 when
you passed my daughter

kindergarten!” sighed and said,
Julian responded, “They want

“What’s that?” us to practice
multiplication
Yvette Cobian wherever we go!”
Santa Paula, CA
Rivkie Chase
Sawyer, 7 Lakewood, NJ

Teacher Appreciation Shaylee, 7
Week was coming
“Can I wear makeup to
up, and I asked my son school on Monday?” my
if we should get his
teacher a gift card for daughter asked. I was
confused and said, “No,
The Cheesecake Factory.
He said, “I think she why?” Shaylee replied,
“Because you told
would like seeing how
cheesecake is made.” Grandma that Monday
was a makeup day!”
Nicole Dalesandro
Fort Myers, FL Alesha Rothberg
Oak Park, MN

Got a Funny Logan, 5 Helen, 3
Kid Quote to
As my son climbed into the My daughter was
Share? car after a statewide explaining that

Hover your phone’s math assessment, I eagerly she had learned about
inquired, “What kinds of elephants and
camera over the
questions did they ask you?” told us, “They use
smart code for a chance His response: “Too many.” their trunks to

to be featured. Or Jessica Koller shoot water at their
Haymarket, VA creditors and scare
email kidquotes@
them away.”
parents.com. See the
Mandy Tarzanin
abbreviated terms Cary, NC

on page 135.

1 3 6P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

©2021 Kraft Heinz

Even when all your garbage is all gross. New Glad® with CloroxTM bags
eliminate food and bacterial odors to keep all your trash all under control.

This product is bleach-free.