Parents 09.2021

KIDSÑBack to School GOODBYE,
VIRTUAL
child’s teacher to make sure this is WHAT I WHAT I CLASSROOM
okay.) Finally, give them tools to cope. HELLO, NEW
“Encourage them to breathe through ABOUT SCHOOL ABOUT SCHOOL SCHOOL YEAR
their anxiety,” Dr. Olivos says.
“And tell them you’re proud of them “Being in “Seeing who Help support
for working through this.” a real my teacher is. your kids’
I hope they’re as immune
THE CHALLENGE classroom
that never nice as last system* with
Reestablishing glitches.” year’s. And I like Sambucol and
Screen Limits
—Jasper, 7, the muffins the natural
Excessive screen time became its own second grade at breakfast.” antioxidant
epidemic during lockdown—87 percent
of the parents we surveyed said their —Rori, 8, powers
kids’ screen time had increased, and third grade of black
95 percent expressed concern about the elderberries.
uptick. Parents should be aware that behavior, it’s a warning sign that use is
kids generally don’t have the ability to unhealthy and excessive, and you’re Add Sambucol kids gummies to school
regulate this habit. “Screen time doing the right thing in cutting it back.” lunchboxes or drop a spoonful of kids
affects dopamine in the brain, and
some games are engineered to get you THE CHALLENGE syrup into a smoothie for a healthy
to use them more,” Dr. Verduin says. after-school snack.
Socializing After So
Every child is different when it Much Isolation ESSENTIALS
comes to how much screen time is too
much. (Check out the media calculator While some kids will be excited to see AWARD WINNER
at healthychildren.org for an estimate.) their buddies on a regular basis, others
You can try to regulate devices by may be apprehensive. Validate their 2020
allowing usage for a certain number of feelings by saying it’s okay if they’re not
minutes a day or during a specific time sure how to get back to playing like SambucolUSA.com
period, but replacement therapy may be they used to. Role-playing activities like
a more effective solution. Consider the playdates, greeting a friend, or taking *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug
times when your child gravitates toward turns can help get kids back into the Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat,
screens and what function they serve. swing of things, Dr. Olivos says. “Kids
“If they’re going to screens to connect learn a lot through hands-on approaches, cure or prevent any disease.
with friends, can you set up some safe visualization, and having choices in
playdates instead? Or can they do what they can do.” Practice making
a FaceTime in place of a video game?” introductions, which can be as simple as
Dr. Verduin says. Another tactic is “Hi, I’m [name]” or “Hey, want to play
to create an incentive system: If you with me?” Kids starting at a new school
accomplish a specific task, you get may worry about not knowing anyone
X amount of screen time, Dr. Olivos in their class. In this case, Dr. Busman
says. “You want to make sure you’re suggests getting a list of kids in the grade
being predictable in how they can earn or asking your child’s new teacher for a
that access instead of sporadic. The class representative contact. “Reach out
more inconsistent you are with rules, and see if you can arrange a playdate or
the more inconsistency they’re going to a breakfast or lunch in the park.”
display back to you in their behaviors.”
Keep in mind that this time has been
Frame things in a way that doesn’t enlightening for us all, and your child
blame your child: “It’s hard for us to may have come to realize that they
control ourselves around technology, enjoy being on their own. Don’t worry
just like with junk food. I love donuts. too much if your child asks for more
You love Cheetos. We aren’t getting time to read or write stories or just be.
rid of them. We’re just deciding when “Like adults, some kids thrive on ‘alone
it’s a good time to have them, like on a time,’ and that’s healthy. It’s when they
Saturday or with friends.” Some children choose to be alone because they’re too
will resist the new plan. “They’ll afraid to interact with others that you
lie about it, negotiate, beg, and fight,” should intervene,” Dr. Olivos says. That
Dr. Verduin says. “If you’re seeing that may mean talking to the teacher about
involving them in group activities in
class or seeing a psychologist.

4 9P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

KIDSÑBack to School

ESSO

When a meal makes your kid crack a smile, you know
it’s a win. But adorable themed lunches

that are doable IRL and easy to make ahead of time?
That’s a win-win.

recipes by J OY H OWAR D / photographs by J E N CAU S E Y
NL

GOOD EATS

GARDEN OF Use a paring
EATIN’ knife to cut
zigzags into a
Ham & Cheese Butterfly
+ kiwi tulips + kiwi.
gummy worms + crispy
snap pea snacks

For recipe, see page 60.

5 0P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

Slice the bread like
this and you’ll
have all the

pieces to make a
sailboat.

CATCH OF
THE DAY

Tuna Sailboat
Sandwich +
Pepperidge
Farm Goldfish
+ veggie
coral reef with
ranch dip +
gummy sharks

For recipe, see

page 60.

KIDSÑBack to School PACK A RAINBOW

Fruit salad, Veggie Rainbow Roll-Ups
meet + fruit salad + yogurt

ROYGBIV! with sprinkles + Terra Chips

For recipe, see page 60.

Pick Any Color Top your FOOD STYLING BY RISHON HANNERS. PROP STYLING BY CLAIRE SPOLLEN. PREVIOUS PAGE: LUNCH BOX, BUILT.
kid’s favorite
Go green—or whatever hue your kid’s into
yogurt
this week—with these monochromatic meal ideas. with sprinkles.

RED GREEN INSTANT
Chili + strawberries + bell Lettuce-wrapped WOW
pepper slices + fruit leather sandwich + cucumber
slices + grapes + kale chips PRESENTED BY
ORANGE
Grilled cheese + dried PURPLE Justin’s
mango + Sungold tomatoes Pumpernickel bread
Power Up Their Day
+ cheddar crackers with nut or seed (and Yours)
butter and blueberry jam
YELLOW They don’t call it the 3 P.M.
Mac ’n’ cheese + pineapple + purple baby carrots slump for nothing.
+ plum + blue
+ yellow baby carrots + The after-school period is right
buttered popcorn corn tortilla chips when kids need a boost
and, let’s face it, when
5 2P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021
parents do too. You can make
life easier for yourself by

grabbing a JUSTIN’S® Honey
Almond Butter Squeeze

Pack, which offers a solid hit of
protein in each pouch

and which you’ll enjoy just
as much as they do.
Hover your phone’s

camera over the smart code
to find recipes

that use almond butter.

©2021 Justin’s, LLC



KIDSÑBack to School

Cut moons and stars
from Colby Jack

slices and honeydew using
cookie cutters.

ACROSS THE ½ cup panko breadcrumbs 2. Stir together chicken, egg, red bell pepper into two 1-in. THREE-COMPARTMENT RUSSBE BENTO BOX, CONTAINER STORE.
UNIVERSE ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese onion, panko, cheese, oregano, triangular rocket noses. Trim
garlic powder, salt, and pepper in orange bell pepper into two 1-in.
Mini Meatball Rockets + (1 oz.) a large bowl (do not overmix). flames. Thread each red rocket
Colby Jack cheese moons 1 tsp. dried oregano Shape mixture evenly into nose onto a 4-in. skewer (cutting
+ honeydew stars + ½ tsp. garlic powder 24 balls (about 1 Tbs. each), and off sharp points first), then
Pirate’s Booty clouds ½ tsp. kosher salt arrange 1 to 2 in. apart on add 2 meatballs. Complete each
¼ tsp. black pepper prepared baking sheet. rocket with an orange flame.
Mini Meatball Rockets
For the skewers: 3. Broil meatballs 3 minutes. 5. Freeze leftover meatballs in
Active Time 30 minutes 1 small red bell pepper Remove from oven, and flip zippered plastic bags (4 per
Total Time 30 minutes 1 small orange bell pepper meatballs. Return to oven, and bag) up to 2 months. For lunch
Makes 6 servings broil until a thermometer the next day, transfer frozen
MAKE IT inserted into thickest portion meatballs to the refrigerator, then
INGREDIENTS 1. Prepare the meatballs: Preheat of meatballs registers 165°F, make and pack skewers in
For the meatballs: oven to broil with the rack about 3 minutes. a lunch box in the morning.
6 to 8 in. from heat source. Line
Nonstick cooking spray a rimmed baking sheet with 4. Prepare two skewers: Trim NUTRITION PER SERVING
1 lb. ground chicken aluminum foil, and coat with tops and bottoms from bell 183 calories; 17g protein; 8g fat
1 large egg cooking spray. Set aside. peppers; remove seeds and ribs (3g sat. fat); 10g carbs; 1g fiber;
1 cup finely minced onion and flatten bell peppers. Trim 2g sugar; 1mg iron; 60mg calcium;
315mg sodium

5 4P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

GET AHEAD OF ECZEMA
AND SHOW MORE SKIN

DUPIXENT is a breakthrough eczema treatment that targets a key source
of inflammation that can lead to uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema
(atopic dermatitis).

Approved for ages 6 years and up.

DUPIXENT may help provide: JOLIE,
Clearer skin REAL PATIENT
Noticeably less itch
Individual results
DUPIXENT is: may vary.
Not an immunosuppressant
Not a cream or steroid

TALK TO YOUR ECZEMA SPECIALIST AND VISIT DUPIXENT.COM OR CALL 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936)

INDICATION Tell your healthcare provider about all the Tell your healthcare provider if you have any

DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used medicines you take, including prescription side effect that bothers you or that does not go
to treat people aged 6 years and older with and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and away. These are not all the possible side effects
moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) herbal supplements.
of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for medical

that is not well controlled with prescription Especially tell your healthcare provider if you advice about side effects. You are encouraged

therapies used on the skin (topical), or who are taking oral, topical or inhaled corticosteroid to report negative side effects of prescription

cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can medicines or if you have atopic dermatitis and drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch,

be used with or without topical corticosteroids asthma and use an asthma medicine. Do not or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and change or stop your corticosteroid medicine or Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed. Your
effective in children with atopic dermatitis under other asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider will tell you how much
6 years of age. healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION that were controlled by the corticosteroid DUPIXENT to inject and how often to inject
medicine or other asthma medicine to come back. it. DUPIXENT is an injection given under the

Do not use if you are allergic to dupilumab or DUPIXENT can cause serious skin (subcutaneous injection). If your healthcare

to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT®. provider decides that you or a caregiver can give
side effects, including:
Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare DUPIXENT injections, you or your caregiver

provider about all your medical conditions, Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), including should receive training on the right way to
including if you: have eye problems; have a a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. Stop prepare and inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to inject
parasitic (helminth) infection; are scheduled to using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider DUPIXENT until you have been shown the right
receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a or get emergency help right away if you get any way by your healthcare provider. In children
“live vaccine” if you are treated with DUPIXENT; of the following symptoms: breathing problems, 12 years of age and older, it is recommended
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not fever, general ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, that DUPIXENT be administered by or under
known whether DUPIXENT will harm your unborn swelling of the face, mouth and tongue, hives, supervision of an adult. In children younger than
baby. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for itching, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded 12 years of age, DUPIXENT should be given
women who take DUPIXENT during pregnancy (low blood pressure), joint pain, or skin rash. by a caregiver.

to collect information about the health of you Eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if
and your baby. Your healthcare provider can you have any new or worsening eye problems, Please see Brief Summary on next page.
enroll you or you may enroll yourself. To get more including eye pain or changes in vision.

information about the registry call 1-877-311-8972 The most common side effects in patients

or go to https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/ with atopic dermatitis include injection site © 2021 Sanofi and Regeneron

dupixent/; are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into redness, swelling, and itching, and cold sores

your breast milk. in your mouth or on your lips. DUP.21.03.0174

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR AS LITTLE AS A $0 COPAY.* CALL 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936)

*THIS IS NOT INSURANCE. Not valid for prescriptions paid, in whole or in part, by Medicaid, Medicare, VA, DOD, TRICARE, or other federal or state
programs, including any state pharmaceutical assistance programs. Program has an annual maximum of $13,000. Additional terms and conditions apply.

Brief Summary of Important Patient Information about DUPIXENT® (dupilumab) Rx Only
(DU-pix’-ent)

injection, for subcutaneous use

What is DUPIXENT? • If your dose schedule is every other week and you miss a dose of
• DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used: DUPIXENT: Give the DUPIXENT injection within 7 days from the missed dose,
then continue with your original schedule. If the missed dose is not given within
– to treat people aged 6 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis 7 days, wait until the next scheduled dose to give your DUPIXENT injection.
(eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin
(topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or • If your dose schedule is every 4 weeks and you miss a dose of
without topical corticosteroids. DUPIXENT: Give the DUPIXENT injection within 7 days from the missed dose,
then continue with your original schedule. If the missed dose is not given within
• DUPIXENT works by blocking two proteins that contribute to a type of 7 days, start a new every 4 week dose schedule from the time you remember
inflammation that plays a major role in atopic dermatitis. to take your DUPIXENT injection.

• It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis • If you inject more DUPIXENT than prescribed, call your healthcare provider
under 6 years of age. right away.

Who should not use DUPIXENT? • Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medicines to use with DUPIXENT.
Do not use DUPIXENT if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients Use the other prescribed medicines exactly as your healthcare provider tells
in DUPIXENT. See the end of this summary of information for a complete list of you to.
ingredients in DUPIXENT.
What are the possible side effects of DUPIXENT?
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DUPIXENT? DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including:
Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), including a severe reaction known
medical conditions, including if you:
• have eye problems as anaphylaxis. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get
• have a parasitic (helminth) infection emergency help right away if you get any of the following symptoms: breathing
• are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a “live vaccine” problems, fever, general ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face,
mouth and tongue, hives, itching, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low
if you are treated with DUPIXENT. blood pressure), joint pain, or skin rash.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether DUPIXENT will • Eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening
eye problems, including eye pain or changes in vision.
harm your unborn baby.
– Pregnancy Exposure Registry. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for The most common side effects of DUPIXENT in patients with atopic
dermatitis include: injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including
women who take DUPIXENT during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is redness, swelling and itching, and cold sores in your mouth or on your lips.
to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Your healthcare The following additional side effects have been reported with DUPIXENT: facial
provider can enroll you in this registry. You may also enroll yourself or get rash or redness.
more information about the registry by calling 1 877 311-8972 or going to Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that
https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/dupixent/. does not go away.
These are not all of the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA.
passes into your breast milk. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take including General information about the safe and effective use of DUPIXENT.
prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a
Patient Information leaflet. Do not use DUPIXENT for a condition for which it was
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you: not prescribed. Do not give DUPIXENT to other people, even if they have the same
• are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines symptoms that you have. It may harm them.
• have atopic dermatitis and asthma and use an asthma medicine This is a brief summary of the most important information about DUPIXENT for
this use. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider.
Do not change or stop your corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information about
without talking to your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms DUPIXENT that is written for healthcare professionals.
that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine For more information about DUPIXENT, go to www.DUPIXENT.com
to come back. or call 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936)

How should I use DUPIXENT? What are the ingredients in DUPIXENT?
• See the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with DUPIXENT for Active ingredient: dupilumab
Inactive ingredients: L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80,
information on how to prepare and inject DUPIXENT and how to properly sodium acetate, sucrose, and water for injection
store and throw away (dispose of) used DUPIXENT pre-filled syringes and
pre-filled pens. Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591
• Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. U.S. License # 1760; Marketed by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC, (Bridgewater, NJ
• Your healthcare provider will tell you how much DUPIXENT to inject and how often 08807) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Tarrytown, NY 10591)
to inject it. DUPIXENT® is a registered trademark of Sanofi Biotechnology / ©2021
• DUPIXENT comes as a single-dose pre-filled syringe with needle shield or as a Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. / sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. All rights reserved.
pre-filled pen. Issue Date: January 2021
• DUPIXENT is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection).
• If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give the injections DUP.21.03.0281
of DUPIXENT, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to
prepare and inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to inject DUPIXENT until you have been
shown the right way by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and
older, it is recommended that DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision
of an adult. In children younger than 12 years of age, DUPIXENT should be given
by a caregiver.

KIDSÑBack to School

PUPPY LOVE Pupperoni Pizzas

Pupperoni Pizza + Active Time 15 minutes
orange ball + pretzel bones Total Time 25 minutes
Makes 4 servings
+ doggie biscuits
INGREDIENTS
Fetch the ball! ⅓ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
Use a
1 garlic clove, grated (1 tsp.)
citrus zester to
cut stripes ¼ tsp. kosher salt

into an orange. ⅛ tsp. black pepper

LUNCH BOX, LUNCHBOTS. 4 sandwich-style pepperoni
slices

1 green bell pepper

6 large pitted black olives,
divided

2 whole-wheat English muffins,
split

⅓ cup part-skim shredded
mozzarella cheese (1½ oz.)

MAKE IT

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Stir
together ricotta, garlic, salt, and
pepper in a small bowl; set aside.

2. Trim about ¼ in. from each
pepperoni slice to create a puppy
snout. Trim bell pepper into
8 small wedges (about 2x1 in.)
that look like puppy ears. Cut
4 of the olives in half crosswise
to make 8 eyes. Halve the
remaining 2 olives lengthwise
to form 4 noses.

3. Spread ricotta mixture evenly
onto split English muffin halves
(about 1 Tbs. each). Top evenly
with mozzarella. Decorate each
with 1 pepperoni snout, 2 bell
pepper ears, 2 olive eyes, and
1 olive nose.

4. Arrange pizzas on a rimmed
baking sheet. Bake until cheese
melts and pepperoni begins to
crisp, about 10 minutes.

5. Let pizzas cool, then pack in
a sealed container or wrap in
parchment paper or plastic wrap
and refrigerate until ready to add
to lunch box with a cold pack. If
freezing, let cool completely, then
wrap and freeze for up to 2 weeks;
thaw in refrigerator overnight
before packing the next day.

NUTRITION PER SERVING
260 calories; 16g protein; 14g fat
(7g sat. fat); 17g carbs; 2g fiber;
1g sugar; 1mg iron; 381mg calcium;
684mg sodium

Draw paw prints and
bones on vanilla wafer cookies

with an edible marker.
Wilton FoodWriter

Edible Color Markers, $9;
joann.com

5 7P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

KIDSÑBack to School

A-B-C-D, EAT! Stamp your kid’s name in a
piece of fruit leather using mini
Alphabet pasta + Trader
Joe’s Cinnamon alphabet food cutters.
Schoolbook Cookies + (Or go for a monogram if their
personalized fruit leather
+ cucumber wedges name is long!)

Alphabet Pasta

Active Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS
½ tsp. kosher salt, plus more
for pasta water

2 cups large alphabet pasta
(6 oz.)

1 Tbs. olive oil

1 cup chopped onion
(from 1 onion)

1 garlic clove, minced (1 tsp.)

1 14-oz. can whole tomatoes

½ cup tomato sauce

½ tsp. dried oregano

¼ tsp. black pepper

¼ cup plus 2 Tbs.
2% reduced-fat milk

1 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese

MAKE IT

1. Prepare pasta according to
package directions. Set aside.

2. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over
medium. Add onion; cook,
stirring often, until softened,
about 3 minutes. Add garlic;
cook, stirring often, 1 minute.

3. Using kitchen shears, cut
canned tomatoes inside the can
into small pieces; add them,
with their juices, to Dutch oven.
Stir in tomato sauce, oregano,
salt, and pepper. Bring to a
simmer over medium, stirring
often. Reduce heat to medium-
low; cook, stirring occasionally,
until sauce is thickened and no
longer watery, 10 minutes.

4. Remove sauce from heat.
Using a blender or an immersion
blender, process sauce until
smooth, about 30 seconds. Stir
in milk and cheese. Add pasta,
and stir well.

5. Let pasta cool; store in an
airtight container in refrigerator
for up to 1 week. In the morning,
warm up 1 serving; pack in a
thermos and add to lunch box.

NUTRITION PER SERVING
245 calories; 8g protein; 5g fat
(1g sat. fat); 42g carbs; 4g fiber;
7g sugar; 2mg iron; 88mg calcium;
534mg sodium

5 8P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021



KIDS—Back to School

Ham & Cheese 5. Bake pinwheel butterflies until ADD A CHUCKLE 1/4 cup olive oil
Butterflies golden brown in spots, 10 to
12 minutes. Let cool completely, Pack extra laughs 3 Tbs. tahini
Active Time 15 minutes about 30 minutes. and slip in a silly joke such
Total Time 1 hour 6. To freeze, place each cooled 3 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
Makes 5 servings butterfly in an aluminum-foil as “What do you call (from 1 lemon)
packet; place packets inside a pasta cooked in a hot tub?
INGREDIENTS zip-top plastic bag and freeze up 1 Tbs. water
1 8-oz. can crescent- to 2 weeks. Place butterfly on top Spa-ghetti.” You’ll
dough sheet of lettuce in lunch box. (Frozen find a ton of good ones in 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
cooked pinwheels can be added
1 Tbs. Dijon mustard directly to lunch boxes in the the book More Lunch 1/4 tsp. black pepper
morning and will be ready to eat Lines: Tear-Out
1/4 tsp. dried thyme at midday.) 1 small garlic clove
Riddles for Lunchtime
6 deli ham slices (about 4 oz.) NUTRITION PER SERVING Giggles, by Dan For the roll-ups:
251 calories; 12g protein; 13g fat
6 thin Swiss cheese slices (3g sat. fat); 21g carbs; 0 fiber; Signer, which you can 2 8-in. spinach wraps
(about 3 oz.) 5g sugar; 1mg iron; 143mg calcium; easily rip out and include
751mg sodium 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
10 broken pretzel sticks or in your kid’s lunch (from 1 small head)
chow mein noodles Kiwi Tulips box. $10; amazon.com
1/2 cup thinly sliced Persian
1 lettuce leaf, like romaine, Using a paring knife, poke side 3 circles from one of the rounded cucumber spears (from
Bibb, or iceberg of fruit until you reach the center, bread pieces. Repeat process 1 small cucumber)
and cut a zigzag line around the using remaining 2 bread slices.
MAKE IT equator, without cutting all the 1/2 cup sliced yellow bell
way through. Gently pull halves 2. Stir together tuna, celery, pepper (from 1 small
1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a apart, then place a blueberry in mayonnaise, dill, and pepper in a bell pepper)
baking sheet with parchment the middle of each half. small bowl. Spread 1/2 cup tuna
paper; set aside. salad evenly over half of the 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper
Tuna Sailboat bread pieces (use 1 of each size), (from 1 small bell pepper)
2. To make the butterfly bodies, Sandwiches then sandwich with remaining
unroll crescent roll sheet on bread pieces, being sure to use 1/2 cup thinly sliced carrot spears
a clean work surface. Using Active Time 20 minutes the bread piece with holes for a (from 1 medium carrot)
kitchen shears, trim 2 in. from Total Time 20 minutes top piece. Repeat process with
one short end of dough (reserve Makes 2 servings remaining ingredients to make a MAKE IT
the rest); using your hands, roll second sandwich for a sibling.
the trimmed piece into a 16-in. INGREDIENTS 1. Prepare the white-bean
rope. Cut rope evenly into 4 whole-wheat sandwich- 3. Refrigerate, then add to lunch hummus: Process beans, oil,
5 portions. Roll each portion into bread slices boxes with a cold pack. tahini, lemon juice, water, salt,
a 4-to-5-in. piece. Set aside. 1 5-oz. can tuna packed pepper, and garlic in a food
in oil, undrained NUTRITION PER SERVING processor until smooth, 20 to
3. To make the pinwheel wings, 1 small celery stalk, chopped 438 calories; 26g protein; 25g fat 30 seconds. (If mixture is too
spread mustard evenly over (1/4 cup) (5g sat. fat); 25g carbs; 4g fiber; thick, blend in additional water,
remaining dough sheet; sprinkle 3 Tbs. mayonnaise 3g sugar; 2mg iron; 99mg calcium; 1 tsp. at a time, until desired
with thyme. Top with ham to 1 tsp. chopped fresh dill 817mg sodium consistency.)
cover, slightly overlapping slices; 1/8 tsp. black pepper
top with cheese slices, slightly Veggie Coral Reef 2. Prepare the roll-ups: Spread
overlapping. Starting at one MAKE IT 3 Tbs. hummus over 1 spinach
short end, roll dough up into a 1. Stack 2 bread slices; trim and Spoon a few tablespoons ranch wrap. Place 1/4 cup cabbage
log. (Trim outer log ends, if discard crusts from square end. dressing into the well of a bento on one side of wrap, then top
uneven.) Using a sharp knife, cut Cut about 11/2 in. from the rounded box or a small container. Stand with about 1/4 cup (a few spears
log crosswise into ten 3/4-in.-thick end of the slices, and set aside. small cut vegetables, such as or slices) each of cucumber,
pinwheel slices. Cut remaining rectangular bread purple and green broccoli, baby yellow bell pepper, red bell
pieces diagonally into 2 triangular bell peppers, and purple carrots, pepper, and carrot. Roll tightly,
4. To assemble each butterfly, sails, trimming and discarding upright on their ends in dressing. tucking in edges of wrap
arrange 1 rope-shaped dough bread as needed to make 1 sail as you roll. Seal with a dollop of
body on prepared baking sheet. larger than the other. Using a 1/2-in. Veggie Rainbow hummus. Cut wrap in quarters
Poke 2 pretzel sticks into round cutter (or the opposite end Roll-Ups crosswise. Repeat process with
one body end for the antennae. of a small pastry tip), cut out remaining wrap and vegetables
Place 1 pinwheel on each side of Active Time 20 minutes for a sibling.
body to make wings, pressing Total Time 20 minutes
wings into the dough but being Makes 2 servings 3. Refrigerate, then add to
careful not to cover the body. lunch boxes with a cold pack.
Repeat process with remaining INGREDIENTS Refrigerate remaining hummus,
dough, pretzels, and pinwheels For the white-bean hummus: covered, for up to 5 days.
to make 5 butterflies.
1 15-oz. can cannellini beans, NUTRITION PER SERVING
drained and rinsed 333 calories; 10g protein; 13g fat
(2g sat. fat); 46g carbs; 6g fiber;
6g sugar; 4mg iron; 136mg calcium;
707mg sodium

6 0P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

Drum Roll Please!

Parents editors picked our
Quaker® Chewy Fruity Fun
Amazing Apple flavor as a 2021
Best Snack winner! Check out
what they had to say about our
orchard-inspired fruitylicious
treat in the “Best Packaged
Snack Food Awards” story in
the Kids section of this issue.

The Parents® Food Awards seal is owned by Meredith
Operations Corporation and is used under license.

KIDSÑBack to School

ESSO
NL

BACK ON TRACK
After an incredibly frustrating year, you may be
wondering about the long-term impact

on your kid’s learning. But experts say it’s worth
keeping things in perspective—and that

there are ways to support students this go-round
(without having to supervise their classwork).

by E LLE N LE E / photographs by TH AY E R A LLYS O N G OW DY

AS S C H O O L S throw open child wouldn’t meet grade- from the teacher that her third- estimates that, on average,
their doors and kids return level expectations this year. grader was watching YouTube students had lost five
to answering word problems And disparities across the instead of paying attention in to nine months of learning
and math equations, the country were stark: Some class, her two sons returned by the end of June 2021.
question on most parents’ kids were in the classroom all to school in Portland, Oregon, And research from The
minds appears to be: Are they year, while others received for a few hours a day in the Wharton School of the
ready for academics? little live instruction and spring. “I heard people say, University of Pennsylvania
lacked access to technology. ‘My kids are thriving online,’ calculates that the lasting
It’s understandable to be Still others lost loved ones, but it was very hard to keep my effects of learning loss from
worried that your child suffered from housing or son engaged with Zoom,” she school closures on the
didn’t learn as much as they food insecurity, and wrestled says. “I threw up my hands and economy, including lower
should have last year. In our with anxiety or depression. said, ‘This year was a wash.’ ” productivity and lower
2021 Back-to-School Survey, wages, will reduce the U.S.
36 percent of parents After Alyssa Hanada A report by the consulting GDP by 3.6 percent in 2050.
expressed concern that their received repeated warnings firm McKinsey & Company

6 2P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

WHAT I ABOUT SCHOOL

“On the last day, we had every snack
you can imagine. I bet we’ll get to do

that again.” —Abe, 8, third grade

WHAT I ABOUT SCHOOL

“Seeing my friends. Also, the
school’s chicken and noodles.

Don’t tell anyone that part.”
—Kadence, 9, fourth grade

KIDSÑBack to School

says Jimmy Halpin, an
elementary-school teacher in
New York City. “It’s about
organizational and time-
management skills and
self-motivation.”

But despite such predictions, from textbooks and solve word founders of a charter school in Give them time
many educators on the problems. So the parents Menifee, California, and author to settle in.
ground are more optimistic. of third and fourth graders of the picture book Meena’s
The nonprofit Collaborative may want to be especially Mindful Moment. Think of the Students, especially younger
for Student Growth at vigilant. In general, though, new school year as if you’re kids, will need to relearn—or
NWEA found that students, rather than focusing taking your child to a foreign learn for the first time—the
particularly those in third exclusively on learning loss, country—one that they’ve fundamentals of classroom
to fifth grades, fell behind both parents and teachers never been to or haven’t behavior, from raising
in math but appeared to stay should reframe this year as an visited for a long time, Athaide their hand in class to working
more or less on track with opportunity for a fresh start, suggests. “Students need to collaboratively with their
reading. Especially in early suggests James S. Kim, Ed.D., learn the language of school peers on small-group projects.
elementary school, kids have professor of education again.” You can establish—or Wait a month or two before
time to master reading and at Harvard Graduate School reestablish—your routines getting too concerned about
math fundamentals, says of Education. at home, such as setting aside whether they’re on par with
Emily Levitt, vice president of a regular time and place for their classmates, Athaide says.
education at Sylvan Learning. Get ready, get completing homework and Students who fell behind only
Because math tends to build psyched. reading. Create a station for slightly last year will likely
sequentially, not grasping incoming and outgoing make quick strides, picking
a key concept—like graphing Above all, it’s important for paperwork, since kids will up forgotten skills with a little
or subtracting three-digit returning students to think of likely be bringing papers review. “Once a child is back
numbers—last year does school as a positive, welcoming home again after submitting in the routine, the learning will
make it harder to advance, but place to be. “During the most work digitally last happen,” Athaide notes.
kids will have opportunities pandemic, some kids became year. Set up older students for
to review the material this isolated and detached from success by buying them During the first few
year and fill in gaps as they school,” says Matthew Kraft, an academic planner to help weeks, teachers will likely do
move ahead in school. Ed.D., associate professor them get organized. assessments to determine
of education and economics whether your child is meeting
Teachers do say that third at Brown University. “We These steps will not only grade-level standards. Tests
grade is a particularly want to make sure that they smooth your child’s transition help teachers see what most
crucial year, Levitt points out. reconnect with their learning back to school but also students in the class learned
“By the end of third grade, environment, which will build a strong foundation for and retained last year, and
you’re no longer learning to foster long-term success.” learning—and catching up. they also identify individual
read, you’re reading to learn.” There’s more to being a good students who need extra help,
Students need to be able To best help your child, student than knowing how Dr. Kim says.
to comprehend information “plan, don’t panic,” says teacher to, say, calculate fractions,
Tina Athaide, one of the Share information
with the teacher.

Chances are, you already have
an inkling if your child is
significantly behind, because
last year’s teacher will have
let you know. But all parents
should think about what
did and didn’t work for their
child in remote learning.
“You’ve had a direct window
into your child’s struggles
and achievements and can
provide valuable insights,”
says Parents advisor

6 4P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

Paying attention to lead filtration, even when you’re not.
That’s

The ezH2O® Bottle Filling Station ©2021 Elkay Manufacturing coMpany

Reducing contaminants to ensure cleaner drinking Elkay.com/education
water for students.

KIDSÑBack to School

Patricia Edwards, Ph.D., first-grade teachers. It helped of the most effective tools If Your Child TIM MARSELLA.
professor of teacher education her see what he was learning for helping students who are Already
at Michigan State University and how she could assist him. behind. Ask if your school
College of Education. Just as “They’d share the screen and provides group tutoring or Had Learning
doctors collect medical say, ‘Here’s an exercise you even individualized tutoring Challenges
history, teachers want to know can do, here’s a math game with a specialist, which
these types of details. you can play with them,’ ” she schools may be offering with Students with learning
says. “It kept us in the loop, the help of federal funding. disabilities or special needs
Once the school year starts, especially because we had to “There may be additional were disproportionately
you can observe and collect pick up the slack at home.” opportunities for students to affected by the pandemic.
more specifics for the be tutored by volunteers and Jamie Davis Smith, a mom
teacher. Can your child finish You should expect that kind college students,” Dr. Kraft of four in Washington, D.C.,
homework by themself? If they of partnership to continue. says. Kids can’t hide in a worries that she lost valuable
are struggling to read, which It’s not so much about buying one-on-one setting, and it’ll time to help her 6-year-old
words make them stumble? flash cards or workbooks for allow them to focus on building son, who’d been diagnosed
Which words do they your kid, but knowing how to the specific skills they missed. with dyslexia during the
mispronounce? What kind of reinforce what they’re learning pandemic but couldn’t get
books do they prefer? You in class. For instance, teachers Last fall, when Melissa the proper support. “The
can discuss this information stress that it’s not your job LaFreniere saw her 11-year-old message to parents has
during your first parent- to tutor your child to advance daughter struggling to finish been, ‘Everybody is in the
teacher conference, but if you from one reading level to the her math homework, she used same boat,’ but we’re not.”
have concerns and the next. Rather, you should read the family’s stimulus check
teacher hasn’t contacted you to them and encourage them to hire a tutor through Sylvan Most schools struggled to
within a few months, don’t to read books at their level Learning. The tutor helped offer support services during
hesitate to reach out. “If your and discover books they enjoy. her fifth-grader solidify the the past year, and it has
child cries because they get Listening to audiobooks, skills—some dating back to exacerbated inequities
so frustrated doing homework, sharing silly puns, and baking third grade—that she needed to that were already hurting
you need to share that with are a few fun ways to review catch up with her class. “She’s students of color with
the teacher,” Halpin says. and practice reading and in a much better place now,” disabilities, according to a
math skills at home, Athaide says LaFreniere, a mom of two national analysis by The
Develop a plan says. Especially for kids who in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Civil Rights Project at UCLA.
together. are only a little behind, this
will build their confidence Remember the Now that students are
Now more than ever, parents and prepare them to make the big picture. back in school, it’s an
and teachers have to work next leaps in learning. opportunity to revisit your
hand in hand, Dr. Edwards As much as Alyssa Hanada child’s individualized
says. Teachers should inform Consider using worried that her third-grader education program—and
parents about their lesson a tutor. had fallen behind in math work with their teachers
plans and how they can last year, she was even more and special-education
support the curriculum at Not all parents can afford to concerned that he was missing specialists to identify the
home. During the pandemic, use private tutors—nor out on interacting with other support your student needs.
Sa’iyda Shabazz, a mom of should they be expected to. But students and making new
a 7-year-old in Los Angeles, if your teacher suggests it, friends. “School is more than An influx of federal
attended regular online parent know that research has shown just academics,” she says. funding is expected to
workshops led by her son’s one-on-one tutoring to be one provide schools with more
Now that kids are back in resources, and some may
school, relish the time they’ll have already begun using it
have to connect with peers, by offering summer school.
learn to take turns, speak in Heather Clarke, a disability
front of an audience, and work advocate and adjunct
together on a project—all the professor of education at The
elements that are now possible City University of New York,
because they’re together in encourages parents to
person. “We’ve come together band together to advocate
as a community and have that schools use those funds
weathered a once-in-a-century to adequately provide
pandemic,” Dr. Kraft says. support for students with
“Let’s celebrate all that we’ve disabilities or special
survived and support those needs—services that are
who need the most support.” mandated by law. “These
are things that students need
to thrive and that directly
affect them both inside and
outside the classroom.”

6 6P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

Better nutrition.
Stronger immunity.
Today, they’re more
important than ever.

6 TIMES MORE VITAMIN D* These times call for the better egg–
10 TIMES MORE VITAMIN E* only Eggland’s Best. Providing
superior nutrition to help you and
38% MORE LUTEIN* your family maintain a strong
immune system and support overall
health. And, produced with the Better taste. Better nutrition.
highest quality standards to ensure Better eggs.®
that you and your family are getting
nothing but the best.

+

Make the Grade with
Your Child’s Teachers!

Show your appreciation to those who
make a difference every day.

How do you show your Give Your Time THE POWER OF GIVING
kid’s teacher how much
they mean to your family? Last year, most teachers had to Supplying Our
Check out this list of easy make do without parent volunteers— Superheroes
and sure-to-be-appreciated and that placed a huge strain on
ways to express your thanks. them when they were already Clorox wants to recognize
overstretched. Raise your hand everything teachers do on a
Put it in Writing to devote your time: offer to daily basis to support our kids.
photocopy and collate worksheets, That’s why Clorox is donating
Ask teachers their number one plan class parties, volunteer in the $1 million to equip teachers
favorite gift, and chances are they’ll lunchroom, or chaperone a field trip. with the tools they need to
say they value notes from their set students up for success in
students more than anything. Have Help Stock the Classroom the classroom.
your child sit down and draw a In partnership with DonorsChoose,
picture or write a thank you to a An apple might be the traditional Clorox is helping to clear teachers’
special teacher. And don’t forget teacher gift—but most teachers back-to-school wish lists by
the power of a parent thank you prefer more practical tokens of providing them with essential
too. A quick, heartfelt email showing appreciation. Think supplies for the supplies to run a safer and
your appreciation is always valued. classroom, like tissues and Clorox effective classroom, including
Disinfecting Wipes. It will save them books, wipes, crayons, masks,
from needing to spend their own and more.
money on necessary items to keep Together, let’s champion those
the classroom humming. who help our kids thrive. After all,
sometimes even superheroes
need people to have their backs!

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT
INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL
RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.) 18 YEARS
OR OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Sweepstakes
ends 9/15/21 at 11:59 a.m. ET. For Official Rules, prize
descriptions, odds disclosure and full details, visit https://
bit.ly/3vwlqZf. Sponsor: The Clorox Company, 1221
Broadway, Oakland, CA, 94612.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY CLOROX

KIDSÑBack to School

1 LISTEN UP

Our priorities
have shifted.

A welcome result of the
pandemic mentioned by
every teacher we spoke with?
An emphasis on social-
emotional learning (SEL).
“The fact that it’s become
part of the curriculum is
huge,” says Jessica Jones, a
K–5 art teacher in Dallas.
“Mental health is going to
continue to be a real issue
for kids years from now
because of the past year.”

“We begin every morning
with an SEL lesson, using
a program called Sanford
Harmony, which has cards
with conversation starters
that give kids the opportunity
to share with each other,”
says Lisa Bloom, a fifth-grade
teacher in New York City. An
example: Think of how you’re
feeling today. What color
best describes this feeling.
Why? There has also been an
increase in mindfulness to
address students’ emotional
needs. “We did a lot of

L ESSON School Superhero
Spotlight
The more we understand what they’re
grappling with behind the scenes, the better prepared Caleb Lovely
Middle-school band
we can all be to help our children thrive this year.
Teachers told us what they wish they could tell you. director,
Pensacola, Florida
by E R I N Z A M M E T T RU D DY / photograph by PAU L TH O R B U R N
EDUCATIONAL PASSION

Watching students go from
playing their first notes to
performing in full concerts.

HOPE FOR THE YEAR

“That my students will return
with a renewed sense of

purpose and that everything
is up from here.”

Brought to you by

6 9P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

KIDSÑBack to School

breathing exercises and 4
simple meditations,” says
Monique Keith Golding, a Your children
second-grade inclusion-class are more
teacher in Centerport,
New York. “We had a school resilient than you
motto, ‘We can do hard realize.
things!’ and we centered our
SEL lessons on this theme.” “Last year, my students
ages 3, 4, and 5 rose to the
The need for mask breaks occasion and didn’t skip
led to new routines—getting a beat,” says DJ Mitchell, a
outside, getting children’s preschool teacher in Lincoln,
bodies moving, getting fresh Massachusetts. “They wore
air—that schools hope to masks every day, spent most
continue. “We took daily of the time outside—in the
walks, ate snack outside, and cold, rain, and wind—spread
even did lessons on the out to eat, and they never
grass,” Keith Golding says. complained.” Stephanie
“This was something we Scalise, a third-grade teacher
never did in the past. It was in Naples, Florida, had a
amazing to see the impact tougher time wearing a mask
some outdoor time had on the than her students did. It
children—and teachers.” may not always seem that
way, but kids handle change
2 3 quick two-line email asking much better than most THIS PAGE: PETER ARDITO. PROP STYLING BY JOJO LI FOR HELLO ARTISTS. OPPOSITE: PAUL THORBURN.
if you missed something,” adults do, she says. “Seeing
Kids need It’s key to stay says Deborah Phillips, life through a child’s eyes
to see that you in the loop. a second-grade teacher in helps remind you what life
Greenlawn, New York. is all about.”
trust us. Keep track of all the printed “Things get overlooked, we
information that comes understand, but just ask 5
“We go through years of home (check your child’s us.” Double-check that you
training, we have continued backpack and folders daily have any login details, We are always
education while teaching, in the younger grades), read and familiarize yourself with grateful for extra
and we really know what we the emails, and check the the digital platform your
are doing,” says Dana school portal before asking child’s school uses. It can supplies.
Kindelmann, a third-grade questions. “We know that be frustrating, but it’s
teacher in Greenville, South life can be overwhelming, crucial for staying involved The top five classroom needs
Carolina. “If you side with but if you are unsure about and on top of things. mentioned by the teachers we
us and let your kids know something, please type a spoke with:
that we’re on the same team,
we will grow your child WHAT I ABOUT SCHOOL Tissues! So many tissues!
together.” That means talking
positively about the teachers “Wondering what I’m going Dry-erase markers, which
to your child even if there is to learn each day!” dry out quickly (especially
an issue you need to address. black, since colors don’t
“They are with us all day, —Kloee, 10, fourth grade erase as easily, but any are
so try not to make them feel welcome)
caught in the middle if you WHAT I ABOUT SCHOOL
don’t like something we do,” Art supplies (teachers
adds Kelly Smith, a first- “Making my class laugh, tend to spend a lot of their
grade teacher in Montgomery and playing basketball with own money on these)
County, Pennsylvania.
“And give us the benefit of my friends.” Wipes (baby wipes,
the doubt, just as we give you —Ethan, 10, fifth grade hand-sanitizing wipes,
the benefit of the doubt when disinfecting wipes—anything
your children tell us things that makes cleanup easier
that happen at home.” and safer)

Gently worn sweatpants
and T-shirts for the preschool
set (backup clothes in case
of accidents or spills)

70P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

6 them, planning for them, after school, before school, 7
creating things for them,” on the weekends, and
Teaching is more than says Heidi Moran, an over the summer,” Jones says. Kids should do
it appears to be. elementary-school teacher So let’s all stop telling homework as
in Beverly, Massachusetts. teachers, “Oh, it must be nice independently as
It’s like an iceberg. The part “The most important to have summers off.”
you see is in the classroom, part of my job, teaching my Many teach for an extended possible.
but the part underneath kids, gets done during school year, some take
is all the preparation. “You school hours, and everything classes on new ideas to This is so important, says
spend your day engaged else—planning, grading, bring to the classroom, and Danielle Crockett, a third-
with the students, and then continuing education, parent all are planning for the grade teacher in Queens,
you spend your afternoon communication—gets done upcoming year. New York. “Teachers work
and night thinking about hard to teach students
new ideas, and it’s frustrating
Backpacks on, when assignments are
lunch packed—and completed by their parents.
We need to see that the
ready to hang children understand the
with their teachers. work, not you.”

8

A simple thank-you
note means

so much to us.

“Parents who acknowledge
when they see their
child’s happiness in school,
educational success, or a
positive change in behavior
goes such a long way
for teachers,” says Kristina
Garcia, a second-grade
teacher in Loxahatchee,
Florida. “We feel appreciated
when others let us know we
are doing a good job. That’s
really all we need.” What
to say? “You’re awesome!” or
“Thanks for teaching my
kid to read!” or “That was a
really cool project!” Bonus:
Send a cc to the principal or
the superintendent.

9

Think before
you vent.

You can also express
appreciation by not bashing
teachers on social media.
“You can’t say ‘My daughter’s
teacher who I will not name’
and think you’re being
discreet,” Smith says. “Yes,

KIDSÑBack to School

WHAT

I ABOUT

SCHOOL

“Not having
to wear

a dang mask,
hopefully.”

—Sam, 11,
sixth grade

Florida. “I want to create
the best lessons, impart the
most knowledge, build
the greatest level of self-love
and self-esteem, and
help create the kindest tiny
humans I can.”

we will make mistakes, they don’t care—they have remember that we take our 11
but if you had 23 pairs of eyes lives too. The teacher might jobs seriously, but we’re people
on you all day that report be trying to catch their too,” Phillips says. We’re truly excited
home, you wouldn’t like own child’s soccer game or about this year.
people posting opinions of take them to a doctor’s 10
you either.” And if you see appointment, or they’re just Everyone is looking forward
a teacher leaving along with headed out with some friends We love your kids to the return to normalcy
the buses, it doesn’t mean for happy hour. “Please so much. with our fingers and toes
crossed—no masks! no
School Superhero Melisa Chaudhary “We lie awake at night plastic partitions! no social PETER ARDITO. PROP STYLING BY JOJO LI FOR HELLO ARTISTS.
Spotlight Bilingual kindergarten teacher, worrying about your son or distancing!—but teachers
daughter the same way are excited about other
Brought to you by Brooklyn, New York we do our own children,” says benefits of lifting restrictions
Ginny Goerz, a preschool too. “I really missed hugging
EDUCATIONAL PASSION teacher in Centerville, Ohio. the kids—and dancing
“I take my job home every together during our brain
Meeting with families of diverse single day—not just the lesson breaks!” Kindelmann says.
cultures, and seeing students bring plans or tests that need “I want my students to
to be graded. I take home the see me smiling at them with
those cultures into the classroom. weight of the responsibility my whole face!” Goerz
of being an educator,” says. And the education piece
HOPE FOR THE YEAR says Meg Terry, a first-grade of it is huge—going back
teacher in Orange County, to small reading groups and
“When I asked my students last year, engaged learning with
they said they’d like the new kids centers and morning meeting
in a circle on the rug. “We
to see each other not just on a screen.” all want parents to take a
deep breath because you
did an amazing job last year,”
Moran says. “Now let’s
continue to work together to
help ensure that students
feel successful, included,
and happy.”

7 2P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

Teachers create
safer spaces
that lead to endless
possibilities.

Clorox is proud to be
Teachers’ #1 Wipe*. Find out
how else we are supporting
teachers by scanning the
QR code below.

Use as directed. Data rates may apply.
* Based on TeacherLists, the leading platform for K-12 school supply lists in the U.S.

KIDSÑBack to School

N Activities You
Can Eat
CUT LOOSE
L ESSO Caprese Skewers

Creative moms and dads share cool games and activities These are fun and easy for
to keep kids entertained for hours at your house. The kids to assemble—plus,
everything tastes better on
best part? None cost much or require a lot of wrangling. a stick. In a bowl, mix 1 Tbs.
balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp.
by M I C H E LLE C RO U C H / photographs by P R I S C I LL A G R AG G Dijon mustard, 1 tsp. honey,
and a pinch each of salt
Make the Outdoors pies, and leaf salads. Ages 2 to 8 Play noodle hockey. and pepper. Whisk in 2 Tbs.
Their Playroom —Alison Schumpp, a former olive oil until fully blended.
preschool teacher who posts ideas Let the kids loose with pool Thread cherry tomatoes, basil
Draw a raceway. Wild on Instagram @TheChildhoodGlen noodles and a ball and leaves, and mini mozzarella
encourage them to hit the ball balls onto skewers in an
turns, pit stops, stop signs: Be bug scientists. into a net or a tipped-over alternating pattern. Drizzle
Chalk them all on the driveway, laundry basket. Ages 4+ —Cahill the balsamic glaze over the
then bust out ride-on toys for Shovels, magnifying glasses, skewers before eating.
the kids to drive around. Ages and a keen eye are all kids Invite the Whole
3 to 10 —Justin Cahill, a physical need to search for worms and Car Pool Ice Cream In a
education teacher in Atlanta insects. Don’t forget to dig,
look under stones, and closely Consider a toy potluck. quart-size zip-top plastic
“Cook” up nature. Bring examine tree trunks. Ages 5+ bag, combine ½ cup whole
—Megan Calnan, a mom of seven Ask each child to bring an milk, ½ cup heavy cream,
bowls, cups, and forks outside in Albany, New York activity they’re into, like 2 Tbs. sugar, and ½ tsp.
to serve grass spaghetti, mud vanilla extract (for vanilla
ice cream) or 1 Tbs. cocoa
powder (for chocolate
ice cream). Push out excess
air and seal. Combine
3 cups ice and 1/3 cup kosher
salt in a gallon-size zip-top
plastic bag. Place the small
bag inside the bigger bag,
then place both bags in
another gallon-size zip-top
bag to prevent leaking.
Shake the bag vigorously
until the mix has turned to
ice cream (about 7 to 10
minutes). Eat it right out of
the bag with spoons,
or scoop it into bowls and
serve with toppings.

Animal Toasts

Spread cream cheese onto
a slice of toasted bread
or a rice cake. Use fresh or
dried fruit, cereal, pretzels,
or chocolate to create
eyes, ears, and noses. Slice
apples, carrots, or bananas
into half-moons or triangles
to create ears, mouths, and
wings. Cut dried coconut
flakes into thin strips with
scissors to use as whiskers.

Before any cooking project,
call the friend’s parent
to make sure food allergies
aren’t a concern.

Source: Jill Santopietro, founder
of the Children’s Food Lab, in
Brooklyn, New York, which offers
hands-on cooking classes.

74P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

DEEPER
CLEAN

WITH FEWER
INGREDIENTS*

*vs. original ARM & HAMMER™

CERTIFIED SAFER
FOR YOU AND
YOUR FAMILY

Made with 6 essential ingredients;† delivers the deep clean you need from the brand you trust.
ARM & HAMMER™ Clean & Simple™. Deeper Clean, Fewer Ingredients.‡

†plus water
‡vs. original ARM & HAMMER

KIDSÑBack to School

with magnetic tiles, a bin of Star Wars figurines,
or a craft. They’ll love sharing their
Pepperoni Pizza favorites and trying out the different
options. All ages —Schumpp
Crescent Rolls
Set up your own art museum.
Prep Total Ingredients Servings
Tape a big piece of butcher paper to the
15 MIN 30 MIN 4 8 wall, a table, or the floor, then draw
circles and squares of different sizes to
Ingredients look like frames. Hand out crayons or Go Big on Creativity
markers and let the kids transform the
1 can (8 oz) shapes into different scenes. All ages Build an epic blanket fort. Let
refrigerated —Schumpp
Pillsbury™ them raid the linen closet for blankets
Original Crescent Play charades. This game is a classic and sheets, then work together to
Rolls (8 Count) construct an indoor hideaway. Binder clips
for a whole lotta reasons: It’s interactive, and bungee cords aren’t required but
24 slices (about it involves everyone—there’s even can help stabilize their igloo, cave, or
5 oz) pepperoni physical comedy! Have kids write simple palace. All ages —Jamie Gremillion, a mom
prompts on note cards (swimming, of three in Lake Charles, Louisiana
2 oz shredded mozzarella dog, airplane), then take turns acting out
cheese (1/2 cup) the words. Ages 6+ —Shanicia Boswell, Put on a performance. Ask for
founder of BlackMomsBlog.com and author
1 cup tomato pasta or pizza of Oh Sis, You’re Pregnant! a show, and get ready for a kid tour
sauce, heated de force. Whether it’s a dance recital,
Perk Up the Park a puppet skit, or a magic act, the
1 Heat oven to 375°F. Separate planning and practicing will keep your
Pack toy vehicles. The kids will get child and their friend engaged. (If you
dough into 8 triangles; pat out notice one calling all the shots, ask them
each triangle slightly. a kick out of racing cars and trucks to take turns being director.) Ages 6+
off the equipment and building roads for —Becca Kucera, a mom of two in
2 Place 3 slices pepperoni, them in the dirt or sand. Ages 3 to 8 Charlotte, North Carolina
—Parents advisor Eileen Kennedy-Moore,
slightly overlapping, on center Ph.D., a psychologist and author of Turn squiggles into art. Have
of each triangle. Top each with Growing Friendships
about 1 tablespoon cheese. each child draw a simple, curvy one-line
Rig a simple pulley. Bring a rope design on a piece of paper. Then suggest
3 Roll up, starting at shortest they trade and design a picture out
and tie one end to the handle of a bucket. of the other’s squiggle. Will it become
side of triangle and rolling to Loop the other end over a low branch, a snake, a spaceship, a fantastical
opposite point. Place rolls, then let the kids pull things up and down. garden ...? Ages 5+ —Jennifer Tammy,
point side down, on ungreased This simple machine totally fascinates founder of SugarSpiceAndGlitter.com
cookie sheet. kids, and it’s a super STEM learning tool
too. Ages 4+ —Jackie Currie, a home Craft a mandala. Send the kids
4 Bake at 375°F for 10 to 14 day-care provider who shares ideas at
HappyHooligans.ca outside to collect an assortment of items,
minutes or until golden brown. including leaves, flowers, and stones. Give
Remove from cookie Switch up hide-and-seek. Take them each a round piece of cardboard,
sheet. Serve warm and have them start from the center gluing
crescents with turns stashing a doll, an action figure, or objects in a repeating circular design.
warm pasta a rock in the park, then call a search Ages 6+ —Yanique Chambers, a licensed
sauce for party. Kids can give clues and tell friends clinical social worker in Albany, New York
dipping. they’re getting warmer or colder. Ages 2+
—Melissa Laracuenta-Hernandez, Psy.D.,
a psychologist in White Plains, New York

And Just a Few Reminders ...

We might all be feeling a little out of practice. Here, some playdate
pointers from Dr. Melissa Laracuenta-Hernandez.

Start in a neutral place. can offer the parent the option to drop
them off for a set amount of time.
If you don’t know the child’s family, you
may want to meet at a park, a trampoline Don’t forget manners.
gym, or another location outside your
home. You and the other parent can get It’s great if you can prep your child
to know each other while the kids play. beforehand to say “Thank you for
coming” at the end of the playdate. But
Know when the other parent if they’re being shy, don’t stress too
should stay or go. much. Just make sure you share your
own appreciation, along with a few
For kids under age 4, it’s usually best specifics about what the kids did and
to invite the parent to stick around. For how much fun they had together.
older kids, if you’re comfortable, you

76P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

with Pepperoni
Pizza Crescent Rolls

Find recipe
inspiration at
pillsbury.com



YOU. BEAUTY
AWARDS
TEND TO YOURSELF, BODY A ND SOUL
1 2021
2

3

5 4 Masks off, lip color on!
7 Try Revlon ColorStay Satin

Ink Liquid Lipstick in
(1) Seal the Deal, (2) Your
Majesty, (3) Black Cherry,
(5) Silky Sienna, (6) My Own

Boss, and (8) Eyes on
You; and Róen Beauty Kiss

My Liquid Lip Balm in
(4) Shimmer Bowie and

(7) Shimmer Rumor.

Your New 6
Favorite
PROP STYLING BY RACHEL STICKLEY. Beauty 8
Products
79P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021
For the tenth annual
Parents Beauty

Awards, 35 moms
(plus a few dads!)
put 160 makeup, hair,
and skin launches
to the test. And the

winners are ...

by S H A N N O N M . B AU E R
photographs by

CLAIRE BENOIST

YO UÑB e aut y

WHAT BEAUTY IS This foundation
lived up to its name,
ALL ABOUT
offering a natural
With the help of my fellow finish that covered
beauty editor, Shannon
Bauer, I had the honor imperfections.
of selecting and sending
hundreds of beauty Best in Makeup
products to parents
across the country, from LIPSTICK LIP GLOSS BLUSH AND BRONZER
San Diego to Secaucus,
for testing and review. Oh, how good it feels to flash a The moms who reviewed Róen Stila Cosmetics Putty Blush/
This year, we amassed our smile IRL again, especially, Beauty Kiss My Liquid Lip Balm Bronzer Duo ($34; stila
most diverse testing panel in Shimmer ($26; roenbeauty
yet of moms—and now, testers said, while wearing one of cosmetics.com) comes in four
for the first time, dads. All 20 shades of Revlon ColorStay .com) wrote love notes: shade pairings, taking the
the makeup you’ll see in “It’s glossy with zero stickiness.” guesswork out of creating a
these pages passed a set Satin Ink Liquid Lipstick ($11;
of standards for quality, drugstores). “It stays on so well “The hint of sparkle makes my pretty golden-hour glow for our
ease of use, and inclusivity. and isn’t drying or uneven at all.” lips look fuller. And it’s minty!” testers’ wide range of tones.
Foundations had to come
in at least 30 shades,
and tinted moisturizers in
ten. All our skin and hair
winners received approval
from parents whose
skin types and hair textures
matched those of
the product’s intended
consumer.

As the reviews came in, a
common refrain emerged:
Because many of us were
home so much during
the pandemic, we skipped
our beauty routine, and
we’ve missed it deeply. It
was mood-shifting, and
we never realized how
much it made us feel like
ourselves. Now we’re
rediscovering how fun it
is to shop and play with
beauty products. Here’s
to finding new favorites
and stepping out—fully
glowed up—once again.

—Kate Sandoval Box,
Beauty Director

8 0P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

WHAT BEAUTY
MEANS TO ME ...

BROW PEN FOUNDATION TINTED MOISTURIZER

For the most naturally full arches, With 50 shades to choose from, Milk Makeup Sunshine
flick NYX Professional Makeup Sephora Collection Best Skin Skin Tint Clean SPF 30 ($42;
Lift and Snatch! Brow Tint Pen Ever Foundation ($20; sephora
.com) easily matched our sephora.com) has a cool
($11; drugstores) through them; it diverse panel and gave moms click-pen applicator and “sheer
has a fine tip and dries fast, then full but lightweight coverage.
lasts all day, according to testers. coverage that was perfect for
school drop-offs,” one fan said.
MASCARA
“Once I became a mom, NAIL POLISH
“I’d given up on makeup during I landed on a makeup
the pandemic, but CoverGirl Quick-dry Essie Expressie Dial It Up
routine that feels fresh Collection ($9; drugstores) is made for
Lash Blast Clean Mascara ($10; and polished but takes mom-and-kiddo manis: “Polish tends to
drugstores) brought me back. me five minutes max.”
smudge on my daughter—girl’s got
It made me look awake in —Beauty tester things to do—but this one dried in minutes
seconds,” one mom confirmed. Karina Cortes
and stayed smooth,” a tester raved.
Bronx, NY

EYELINER 1 2
3
“The ultrablack formula of
Maybelline New York Tattoo

Studio Smokey Gel Pencil
Eyeliner ($9; drugstores) didn’t

budge,” one tester marveled.

EYESHADOW

Easing back into eye makeup
was nice, testers said, thanks to

the subtly shimmery Burt’s
Bees Color Nurture Cream Eye
Shadow ($10; burtsbees.com).

BROW POMADE 4 Millennial moms were
feeling these nail
It was unanimous: Nothing works
better than Benefit Cosmetics polish names from Essie:
(1) Skip the Track,
POWmade Brow Pomade
($20; benefitcosmetics.com) for (2) Sh00k, (3) Up Up &
Away Message,
a perfectly sculpted arch.
and (4) Mall Crawler.

ADVERTISEMENT

As a single mother of three kids under age nine and the digital content creator behind the vlog Britt’s Space,
Britt Null rarely has a free moment. Inspired by new 2-in-1 One by Poise¨ pads and liners for period weeks

and bladder leaks, she shares the double-duty products that help make her life a little easier.
A Stylish and Convenient Crossbody

A Versatile Water Bottle

“One of my secret weapons is a 2-in-1 water bottle
with a built-in snack container that screws on top. I’m
a very giving mom, but sometimes I just want some
candy to myself. Is that so much to ask? The bottle’s
clever design allows me to discreetly treat myself to my
favorite gummies without the kids making me share!”

A Pad That Protects From Everything

“One by Poise® is a pad for periods and bladder leaks, so
it can handle whatever’s going on down there—because,
let’s face it, my mom bladder isn’t always 100 percent, and
my period sneaks up on me sometimes! Having three kids
in tow means frequent bathroom trips to change my pad
are a no-go. With One by Poise®, I don’t have to worry
because it’s made to stay 10 times drier† and keeps me
feeling fresh every day of the month.”

SCAN THE CODE TO LEARN HOW
ONE BY POISE® CAN HELP YOU
HANDLE BOTH PERIOD WEEKS
AND BLADDER LEAKS.

†For Bladder leaks, vs the leading period pad (or liner).

HANDLES PERIOD WEEKS

& BLADDER LEAKS

WHILE YOU HANDLE BEING CHEF, CHAUFFEUR, AND CHAPERONE

HANDLE IT ALL WITH ONE BY POISE¨ SCAN TO
SAVE $5
Save $5 on the new 2-in-1 pad uniquely designed to stay 10x drier†
and multitask like a mother, so you can feel fresh 24/7 and 365.

Save on any One By Poise product when
you sign up and use Fetch Rewards.¨

†For bladder leaks, vs. leading period pad

®Registered Trademark of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. © KCWW

YO UÑB e aut y

WHAT BEAUTY
MEANS TO ME ...

Luscious textures “Having an A.M.
and colors skin-care routine
brings me joy. If my
made these skin-care skin looks youthful
products feel and glowing, I own that
next-level fun.
feeling all day.”

—Beauty tester
Jeanine Balian
San Diego, CA

EYE CREAM RETINOL SERUM

“Between my kids’ busy Retinol newbies started
schedules and a new puppy, out hesitant but ended up giving

I don’t sleep much, and my Mary Kay Clinical Solutions
eyes show it,” said one mom, Retinol 0.5 ($78; marykay.com)
who found that Ole Henriksen
five-star reviews. “It looked
Wrinkle Blur Bakuchiol like I got a facial in my sleep,”
Eye Gel Crème ($49; sephora
one tester exclaimed.
.com) made her fine lines
and puffy undereyes “look

less obvious.”

Best in Skin

MOISTURIZER WITH SPF EXFOLIATOR CLEANSER NONRETINOL SERUM MAKEUP IMAGES: COURTESY OF THE BRANDS. TESTER PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE SUBJECTS.

Neutrogena Invisible Daily Merle Norman Exfoliating “Garnier SkinActive Micellar Pregnant testers avoiding harsh
Defense Face Serum SPF 60+ ($13; Charcoal Scrub ($43; Cleansing Water With Vitamin C actives loved how smooth
drugstores) is SPF goals: Feels light,
absorbs clear, and is easy to blend. merlenorman.com) contains All-in-1 Brightening ($9; skin looked after they used these
skin-sloughing volcanic sand drugstores) became my go-to hyaluronic acid–packed
and charcoal that “you could feel
on days when I was too tired RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate +
working,” testers agreed. for a skin-care regimen,” said Plump Serum Capsules ($33;

one mom. “I’d pour it on a ulta.com).
reusable cotton round and
swipe; it’s more eco-friendly

than a regular wipe.”

LIP TREATMENT WHAT BEAUTY NIGHT CREAM
MEANS TO US ...
ChapStick Total Hydration Pond’s Rejuveness Advanced
With Sea Minerals Overnight “Finding the right products Hydrating Night Cream ($8;
for us is so important. We
Lip Renewal Treatment ($8; target.com) addresses uneven
target.com) works as you sleep. don’t have the time or energy tone, dullness, and fine lines
to waste on the wrong ones.”
“I woke up to the softest in one step—“and we love a good
pucker ever,” one tester said. —Beauty testers Ronald Espiritu multitasker,” testers said.
and Joyce Retizos-Espiritu
Yardley, PA

8 4P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021



YO UÑB e aut y

Best in Body

SCRUB BELLY TREATMENT SHAVING GEL BODY WASH

Testers liked that the coarse Summer Fridays Babymoon “The thick lather of Skintimate Ivory Gentle Moisturizing Body
grains in Drunk Elephant Belly Balm ($28; sephora.com) Spark Shave Gel ($3; Wash With a Hint of Coconut

Sugared Koffie Almond Milk became a calming ritual for walmart.com) was a step up ($5; walmart.com) generated a
Scrub ($28; sephora.com) pregnant mamas who found that from plain soap and gave cloud of foam that “left skin
the blend hydrated their bellies.
“revitalized neglected skin.” a close shave,” our tester said. clean but not dry,” one dad said.

LOTION

The wide pump on the Vaseline
Intensive Care Almond Smooth

Body Lotion ($6; target.com)
“made one-handed applications
a breeze. IYKYK,” a parent wrote.

IN-SHOWER LOTION

“Olay Nighttime Rinse-Off Body
Conditioner With Retinol

($6; drugstores) is genius,” said
one enthused mom who has dry

skin and is too busy for lotion.

ANTIPERSPIRANT

The cooling Secret DERMA+
Antiperspirant ($8; drugstores)

“was clutch for stressful
meetings, LBDs, and lots of

momming,” said a tester.

Sunflower seed DEODORANT
oil, avocado oil,
and calendula Moms appreciated that Dove 0%
soothed expanding- Aluminum Refillable Deodorant
bump itchiness. ($15; drugstores) was both chic
and sustainable, and it worked for

our testers with sensitive skin.

8 6P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

LIGHTWEIGHT MOISTURE

FOR FINE CURLS.

UNCAP THE LOVE™

YO UÑB e aut y

WHAT BEAUTY
MEANS TO ME ...

Creams, thick masks,
and foams ... 

These hair winners
offered amazing

sensory experiences.

MASK “I’ve been inspired
to actually keep up
One tester said that she could
feel her strands being repaired with my beauty
with each use of the luxely thick routine because these
and botanical-rich Aveda Invati
products made me
Advanced Intensive Hair & feel so wonderful.”
Scalp Masque ($45; aveda.com).
—Beauty tester
Adrienne Farr,
Parents Executive
Operations Coordinator

WHAT BEAUTY
MEANS TO ME ...

Best in Hair SHAMPOO AND “Beauty is about
mental and physical
CONDITIONER FOR DAMAGE self-care. It extends

When a tester swapped her beyond how I look
expensive formulas for in the mirror. It makes

TRESemmé Keratin Repair me feel calmer and
Shampoo + Conditioner more comfortable.”
($5 each; target.com), her
—Beauty tester
hairstylist was impressed by how Elizabeth Tung
much healthier and shinier Berkeley, CA

her hair looked after only a few
weeks of use.

CURL ENHANCER SMOOTHING TREATMENT

“I used Maui Moisture Flexible Pantene Pro-V Hydrating
Hold + Coconut Milk Curl Foam Glow Thirsty Ends Milk to Water

Mousse ($9; amazon.com) Serum ($7; drugstores)
on my twist out, and it left my melts into wet or dry strands

hair feeling supersoft with to moisturize, seal split
literally no frizz,” said one tester. ends, and make hair feel silky.

WHAT BEAUTY SHAMPOO AND DRY SHAMPOO
MEANS TO ME ...
CONDITIONER FOR Not only did Suave Hair
“I’m a military spouse, and Refresher Dry Shampoo With
each move means a new H Y D R AT I O N Amino Acids ($5; walmart.com)
help testers squeeze a few more
learning curve for my hair Moms and dads alike enjoyed
routine. But it gives me a the gender-neutral scent of days out of their style, but it
chance to focus on myself.” Aveeno Hair Sunflower Oil also smelled amazing and didn’t

—Beauty tester Caroline Myers Blend Shampoo + Conditioner leave a chalky residue behind.
Colorado Springs, CO ($9 each; target.com),

which they said helped nourish
dry hair and flaky scalps.

And “this packaging was like
sunshine and happiness,” one

tester enthused.

8 8P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

© 2021 MyLifeTM. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.
App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. © 2018 Google LLC. All rights reserved. Google Play and the Google Play logo are
trademarks of Google LLC.

4:32 am
6:27 am
10:49 am
1:45 pm
3:46 pm
5:47 pm
8:42 pm
11:07 pm

Your emotions change. That’s why MyLifeTM offers a personalized
mindfulness solution, any time of day.

START A FREE 7-DAY TRIAL. DOWNLOAD THE APP TODAY.

YOUÑ Sel f-Ca re

RECHARGE YOUR BATTERY

Smart, Simple Ways to Deal With Stress

When Sarah Larson Levey, the founder of Y7 Yoga, a national
chain of yoga studios, became a mom, she changed

her thinking on sleep, exercise, and her body—and she’s never
felt better. Now her self-care lessons are yours.

by S H A N N O N M . B AU E R

On jam-packed environment to get calm. 4 Celebrate What Sarah’s Picks FROM LEFT: COURTESY OF SARAH LARSON LEVEY; COURTESY OF THE BRANDS (3).
days, she And I’m the same way. To Your Body Does
reset our moods, I strap him Pregnancy helped shift “This Jade Yoga Mat is great
sneaks in a few to me and go for a quick my perspective on my body. because I can keep my grip
yoga flows right walk in the neighborhood. Suddenly, my body was without putting a towel on top.”
Those ten minutes of responsible for protecting and
before bed movement throughout the growing another human, so $80 each; jadeyoga.com
to calm down. day offer a huge payoff. my workouts became about
strength and flexibility. It was “The Free People Movement
1 Adults Need a 3 Self-Care, Anywhere frustrating postpartum to take Leggings are incredible. Their
Bedtime Too I love gua sha facial massage the time to heal and not be options take me from workouts
Before my son was born, and find ways to fit it into active, and I needed to learn
I used to be able to function my day; I often do it while how to have more gratitude to errands and everything
on very little sleep. Now I’m on a phone call. First, for my body and how to speak in between.” Starting at $60;
it’s important for me to I apply a face mist or oil for kindly to myself. Because I
carve out time for true rest. some slip, then I glide the work in fitness, there was freepeople.com
Without it, I can’t give my stone over my face and neck. extra pressure to bounce back,
best to any of the things in my The repetitive motion feels and it was hard to shift that “For gua sha, I use The
life. It’s not always possible, good, makes my skin look narrative. I had an “aha” Golden Secrets Sorceress
but getting rid of screens tight, and really relaxes me. moment when I realized I
and distractions in the may never have the body I had Stone Beauty Tool,
bedroom plus being in bed before, and that’s okay. Now which has different edges
by 10:30 has helped. I’m all about feeling my best.
that cup the face.”
2 Get a Change 5 Put Your Needs $73; thegoldensecrets.com
of Scenery on the Calendar
When my son, who is now It’s important for me to take a
14 months, is having a Pilates Reformer class once
meltdown, he needs a new a week, so I had a conversation
with my partner, and we
worked it into our family
schedule. I feel guilty about
taking the time, but it isn’t
for a frivolous reason. We are
responsible for crafting
these little lives, and I think
it’s so cool for kids to see
us as well-rounded people in
more roles than just as a
caregiver. And doing things
that make me happy makes
me a better wife and mom.

9 0P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

3XIMPROVES SKIN

BETTER*

Infused with prestige skin care ingredient
Retinol, Olay transforms skin from dry
and stressed to bright and smooth.

+RETINOL

FEARLESS IN MY SKIN

YO UÑR e l at i on s h ip s

Mom Friends Make Their
Comeback

If summer was the easing-back-into-socializing phase,
September is when things officially get real. Will regrouping with our

friends be awkward? Are some rifts beyond repair?
Perhaps this can be the start of deeper, more fulfilling bonds.

by LI SA LO M BA R D I / illustrations by K R I S TE N S O LE C K I

M OVI N G I S N E VE R fun, but Baltimore, she found herself perhaps you, too, felt stranded casualty that still hasn’t been
Shefali Shah and her family without a friend circle ... or a during social distancing, talked about much—in part
suddenly had to relocate early friend, period. She wasn’t pulled apart physically and because we’ve all been so
in the pandemic because of able to meet anyone, and emotionally from your go-to burned out. “Tired AF and
her husband’s job. The actual when she did, she didn’t feel support squad. When we not able to handle one more
move happened so fast—one comfortable talking about lost our literal face time thing” is how Trisha Pierson
minute she was in Illinois, safety protocols. “It’s such an together—playground chats, Kelly describes it. Teaching
and the next she was in awkward conversation to workout dates, and shared kindergarten over Zoom and
Maryland—that many friends have with someone you don’t book-fair shifts—we lost a lot. remote schooling her two
who missed her Facebook know at all,” she says. daughters last year had left
post didn’t even know it had And yet even as we are the Montclair, New Jersey,
occurred. Newly settled in You may not have relocated letting go of our masks, mom mom with zero energy to put
during the lockdown, but friendships are a pandemic

9 2P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

YO UÑR e l at i on s h ip s

an Omaha mom of two, was
diagnosed with COVID-19 on
Mother’s Day weekend in
2020, had to quarantine from
her kids, ages 7 and 4, and then
became the sole breadwinner
when her husband was
abruptly furloughed. It was a
lot, but she didn’t confide in
even her closest friends until
months later. “COVID was
still pretty new and there
were a lot of unknowns, so I
didn’t want to scare anyone,”
she says. When she finally
told people, some moms in
her social circle made
dismissive comments like, “It
was probably a false positive.”
She ended up reconnecting
virtually with old college
classmates, who were more
understanding about what
she’d experienced.

into her friendships. “But not hours didn’t replace grabbing and seen and loved for the Leaning
having the time to laugh or coffee together or going to person you are at your core.” Into
vent with my mom friends Target and laughing as we Spending time with more
made everything harder.” added another thing we casual “school mom” friends Authenticity
didn’t need to our carts,” says matters, too, as comparing
It makes sense that we’re Bryana Dunn, a blogger with parenting notes reassures It’s also possible we’ve been
excited to spend time with two daughters, ages 10 and 3, you that the process of too busy fuming to be
our wider social circle—and in Jacksonville, Florida. motherhood isn’t easy for Zooming. Without a forum for
yet we may also be kind of “Reading someone’s status anyone, Dr. Kaiser says. face-to-face conversation,
dreading it. A survey in on social media wasn’t our social media parenting
March 2021 by the American communicating. It just made Adding to this year’s groups and school email lists
Psychological Association me realize how much we general sense of disconnect, have seen a run of blowups.
found that about half of missed each other.” some of our friends may have (“What was she thinking
Americans were nervous no clue of what we’ve gone sending her son to hockey
about resuming normal life. There’s science to back through. Jacqueline Sanchez, after her daughter tested
We’re going through “reentry that up. “Friendships are positive?” “She went to Aruba
anxiety,” says therapist Nina extremely important for a “There’s been a and posted poolside pics?”)
Kaiser, Ph.D., who works with mother’s mental health,” thinning in the Even those of us who’d
moms and children in says Suniya Luthar, Ph.D., normally never post from the
San Francisco. “After a year cofounder and chief number of hip have found ourselves rage
of having limited contact, research officer at Authentic connections typing or texting at 1 a.m.
and largely via screens, we’re Connections and professor people have
feeling justifiably weird as emerita at Columbia maintained, but This was a sign of how much
we’re expected to show up in University Teachers College. a deepening we’ve been through, Dr. Luthar
person and navigate a new Such ties can protect our explains. “Our anxiety,
way of relating that now feels emotional state even more than in those fear, and grief escalated all
out of our comfort zone.” marriage does, according to a connections,” year, and that could come out
study Dr. Luthar published in Dr. Kaiser says. as impatience and anger.”
Social Lives in Developmental Psychology. Differences we might have
Limbo Close friends often influence rolled with in the past pushed
your resilience most because our buttons instead. And they
While video hangouts helped, they make you feel, as she often weren’t disagreements
they were no match for puts it, “psychologically safe over minor issues like the best
the real thing. “Virtual happy age to send a kid to summer
camp or start piano; they were

9 5P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

YO UÑR e l at i on s h ip s

about our family’s safety or So You Want to Keep Your this spring when she went to
racial justice. a backyard gathering and
Social Circle Small ... realized it was the first time
During the stress of the she’d been out after dark in
past year, however, some Perhaps you relate a little 14 months. “I was like, ‘This
friendships have managed to too much to the “Fully vaccinated; feels weird—I have no more
grow stronger and more open. going to start over with new people” small talk in me!’ ” If you
“There’s been a thinning in aren’t quite ready to, say, join
the number of connections memes. No worries. It’s healthy karaoke night with the
that people have maintained, to want to use this transition as a reset, preschool moms, Kat Vellos,
but a deepening in those author of We Should Get
connections,” says Dr. Kaiser, Dr. Nina Kaiser says. It all Together, suggests saying
herself a mom of two kids, comes down to asking yourself: something like, “Hey, I’m still
ages 5 and 2. “I think a lot of Who and what makes me happy? Here are getting my sea legs back when
that came from moms not a few ways to keep boundaries it comes to socializing. It’s so
having the energy to pretend in place and decide which interactions good to see your faces, and
that life is perfect anymore or once I’m back up to speed, I’d
to put effort into friendships you genuinely want. love to hang out more.”
that weren’t meaningful or
supportive.” Have a ready comeback. Shah—who has finally been
able to meet people in her
Dunn found that this When you get a call or a text from a casual new hometown—became
period crystallized who her friend you’d rather cut loose, Dr. Kaiser suggests saying, a fan of putting it all out there.
true friends were and which “I was comfortable sharing
qualities mattered. “Empathy “We’re actually still easing back into socializing. that I was vaccinated as a
and dependability, but also, Thanks for asking, but I’m going to say no for now.” way to find out if the other
as a Black mom, I value mom was too,” she says. That
sincere allyship more than Don’t feel obligated to make an excuse or made it easier to suggest
ever,” she says. Indeed, many overexplain, she adds, because “no is a complete meeting up for coffee. After a
of us are now putting our long, lonely stretch, she’s
entire lives through a truth answer, in and of itself.” You might have to been finding her new crew.
filter, Dr. Kaiser says. “The do this multiple times, but sooner or later, most
silver lining of the pandemic The simple act of putting on
is that it is an opportunity people will get the message. a nice outfit to go to an event
to reset and restructure what can still feel like a herculean
your social life looks like.” Tweak your script for vague invites. effort after a year-plus of
wearing sweatpants and no
Expect Awkward While it’s much easier to decline an makeup. It’s helpful to
Moments invitation for a specific time and date, you can remember that your good
friends couldn’t care less if
As school restarts and we’re also get out of those “Let’s have coffee your eyeliner game is off and
running into our wider circle, sometime” ones. Dr. Kaiser’s advice: Go with a you’ve put on a few pounds.
we may have to find our new And if you go in for a hug at
comfort zone. Doesn’t this, noncommittal “I’ve got a lot going on Back-to-School Night and
deep down, feel a little like at the moment, but I appreciate the invitation.” the other mom backs away?
the first day of seventh grade? Ellen Vora, M.D., a psychiatrist
You’re back from summer, Skip the big parties. in New York City, suggests
and you have no idea whether laughing at yourself, with a
your friends will want to talk If you’re an introvert and not into large events, line like, “Oof, looks like I
anymore. Or it’s like that first own it. “You can feel emboldened to say forgot how to ‘people!’ ” But
day back from maternity running into mom friends
leave, when you worry that to yourself, ‘You know what? No, not going, that’s not after not seeing them for so
the lunch alliances shifted my true yes,’ ” Dr. Ellen Vora says. If there’s many months may also feel
and you’ll be left to eat your an event you’d feel bad about missing (like a surreal—in a wonderful
salad alone. way, Dunn says. “You don’t
good friend’s birthday), ”do an hour and go home,” know what to do first! Should
Even though Dr. Kaiser’s Dr. Kaiser says. No big goodbyes needed. we hug, laugh, cry—or do
job involves helping people all three?”
get over anxiety, she admits See them on the side.
that she felt strange herself
If you don’t love a few moms in the
book club/soccer moms group/PTA committee,

it’s perfectly fine to permanently bail
on the big drinks things and meet up with your

one or two favorites.

Say yes to the good stuff.

The whole point of not overextending
yourself with social obligations is that it frees

you up for what you’d rather be doing.
“This is a perfect time to think with intention

about which social interactions genuinely
bring you joy or offer some other benefit that’s

valuable to you,” Dr. Kaiser says.

9 6P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

WHAT'S
MY NAME?

The #WHATSMYNAME Foundation RIDESHARE ZONE
was established in honor of our
daughter—Samantha Josephson. S
A
Our mission is to educate the world on rideshare safety, M
supporting charitable organizations and providing I
college scholarships to selected high school seniors.
Samantha may be gone but our goal for the rest of our time #whatsmyname
on earth is to share her story and make a lasting change.
Before you get in a rideshare ask, “What’s my name?”
and please, remember hers—Samantha Josephson.

—SEYMOUR & MARCI JOSEPHSON
WHATSMYNAME.ORG

If you would like to support the efforts of the #WHATSMYNAME Foundation please visit WHATSMYNAME.ORG

YOUÑ Cover Story

Laying a Strong
Foundation

How do you teach kids to build relationships?
Stand up for themselves? Take the pressure off? Grammy- and
Tony-winning actor, singer, and songwriter Leslie Odom Jr., who

this year was also nominated for an Oscar and an
Emmy, and his wife, actor and singer Nicolette Robinson,
are thinking hard about what it means to parent—and the essential

lessons they want to pass along to their children.

by CA R I N A C H O CA N O / photographs by C H R I S E A N RO S E

FO U R W E E KS after their second child, The Broadway-famous pair—Odom What was it like to play a
Able Phineas, was born in March, Leslie originated the role of Aaron Burr in couple in One Night in Miami?
Odom Jr. and Nicolette Robinson got all Broadway’s Hamilton, and Robinson was RO B IN S O N : We’ve done music together.
dressed up to go on a date—to this year’s the first Black woman to play the lead, We help each other with auditions. But
Oscars. Able tagged along. It’s not that Jenna, in the musical Waitress—enlisted this was the first time that somebody
there was no one to look after him—he the help of Amazon, the studio that hired us to play opposite each other on-
and his big sister, Lucille, 4, have two released the movie, and the awards-show screen. It just felt really easy.
sets of grandparents living within a organizers. Robinson’s mother and Able ODOM: We got to lean into the comfort
five-block radius. The hitch was that were put up at a hotel ten minutes away of our 13-year partnership. But the
Robinson was breastfeeding. Skipping from the ceremony, and a Sprinter van characters—based on real people, singer
the awards was not an option, as Odom shuttled Robinson between the Oscars Sam Cooke and his second wife,
had made history as the first male and the hotel. “I’d pop out, hang my dress Barbara—in the movie, they’re 20 years
performer to be nominated for both best in the van, and nurse him,” Robinson in. They met in grade school and are
supporting actor and best original song says, laughing, “and then go back to the at a contentious time in their marriage.
for One Night in Miami—in which the Oscars.” She did this twice, which meant They’ve lost a child and there’s been
real-life couple play husband and wife. that date night was also family night, infidelity. Those parts you imagine as
So what to do about Able? and definitely a night to remember. much as you can let yourself.

9 8P A R E N T S SEPTEMBER 2021

“A lot of dads have the
idea that we go out and we

acquire things to bring
back,” says Odom, with
wife Nicolette, daughter

Lucille, and son Able.
“To spend a year losing my
footing a bit and having to

find a new way to be
of service to my family was

really valuable.”

YOUÑ Cover Story

Your daughter, Lucille, goes to Parents’ Lightning Round suddenly family time got gobbled up. Then LESLIE’S WARDROBE STYLING BY AVO YERMAGYAN. NICOLETTE’S WARDROBE STYLING BY LINDSEY DUPUIS BLEDSOE. ASSOCIATE STYLIST, RYANN REDMAN. CHILDREN’S WARDROBE STYLING BY ASHLEY MONTAGUE.
pre-K this fall. What are your With Leslie Odom Jr. quarantine wiped everything clean. MAKEUP BY MIRNA JOSE. PROP STYLING BY GABRIELA COBAR. PREVIOUS SPREAD, ON LESLIE: SHIRTS, PAUL SMITH. PANTS, ETRO. ON NICOLETTE: DRESS, ROKSANDA. JEWELRY, BAYOU WITH LOVE. ON LUCILLE: SHIRT
hopes for her with school? So now at least we can say, okay, let’s be AND SKIRT, TIA CIBANI. SHOES, NIKE. ON ABLE: SHIRT AND PANTS, TIA CIBANI. THIS PAGE, ON LESLIE: SUIT, AMI. SHIRT AND VEST, MISSONI. SHOES, DUNHILL. ON LUCILLE: SHIRT AND SKIRT, TIA CIBANI. SHOES, ADIDAS.
RO B IN S O N : We’re really excited about and Nicolette Robinson mindful about how we come back.
the social aspect of it for her. When she RO B I N S O N : It’s become a lot more
spends time with other kids, there’s just HOW WE TEACH KINDNESS clear how important friends and family
such a huge leap in her development. Odom: We do our best to model it. are. As we move forward, we’ll look at
ODOM: She’s our first kid, so we’re going work in a different way. We’ll choose the
to learn a lot too. We’re no experts! If we treat our kids respectfully, things that feel worth it. Also, the world,
big human to little human, we can our country, and our entertainment
What was school like for you community experienced a lot of loss to
two growing up? ask the same of them. COVID-19, so that’s made us keenly
ODOM: It was a little bit of a drag. It was aware of how precious time is.
way more buttoned-up than Lucille’s FAVE CHILDREN’S BOOK ODOM: I just have never been home this
preschool is. I turned out okay, but I’ll say Odom: The Book With No Pictures, much. Even as a struggling actor, I was
I was very excited to relieve my kid of out and about. A lot of dads have the idea
some of the pressures by choosing a place by B. J. Novak. that we go out and we acquire things
that is less about testing and grades. Robinson: The Rabbit Listened, to bring back. To spend a year losing my
RO B IN S O N : I loved school as a kid. footing a bit and having to find a new
I was a really well-behaved kid, so my by Cori Doerrfeld. way to be of service to my family
parents didn’t have much trouble with was really valuable. I was making my
me, but school was competitive. The TUNES WE LISTEN TO AT HOME daughter breakfast or the family dinner.
circle that I grew up in, it was very much Robinson: If Lucille had anything to Those are things that will stay with me.
about doing the best, being the best.
That is something that I want to protect do with it, we’d listen to the How would you say music
Lucille from, just to allow my kids to fail. Trolls sound track at top volume and theater and parenting
I was so afraid of failure growing up. intersect for you?
ten to 15 hours a day. RO B I N S O N : My mom was a
What do you bring to parenting Odom: Emily King is an artist we choreographer, and I grew up sitting
from your childhoods? against the mirrors, watching her
ODOM: Before I became a parent, can all agree on. rehearsals. It shaped my childhood in
I thought, “I’d better start making a list of such a strong way. I developed such
all the things that I want to teach them.” SONG WE ALL SING TOGETHER an appreciation and a love for the arts.
How do you remember all of the things Robinson: “You Are Music and performance are a way to
that you want to teach your kids? My Sunshine.” connect to other people.
[Now] I think you’re lucky if your kids ODOM: You know what it’s like when
remember three to five things that you BEST PART OF THE DAY there’s a VIP in the audience, whether
say. I think you need to pick the three Odom: Bedtime. it’s a teacher or a mentor who is very
to five things that are most important to important or your parents or your
you and find a hundred thousand ways Robinson: That’s what I was grandparents? There’s a certain kind of
to say those three to five things. going to say! shine that does something to you. It
makes you rise to an occasion. You want
What are those things? Lucille and her best friend were playing to show them the best of yourself. I’ve
ODOM: I know one right now. I really in the sandbox, and there was this other got two VIPs. Even if they’re not at the
want my kids to know how to be in a little girl who was bullying them, trying show or on the set of the film or in the
relationship. If you know how to make to kick them out. My mom said Lucille studio when I’m recording, I’m making
a friend, you can build your whole life told her, “Don’t talk to us like that.” It work with them in mind. I’m making
on that. You can build your whole life on reminded us that we have a tough cookie. work that I imagine one day they may
your support network, and that will discover. What do I want them to know
cover you in places where you may fall How did the experience of about their dad when they discover it?
short. That extends to partnerships being home during the pandemic
and to intimate relationships. change you? Video Exclusive!
RO B IN S O N : Also, how to set boundaries. ODOM: I am more cautious than I like to
How to say no. How to stand up for be, moving through the world. Hover your phone’s camera over
yourself. One of our favorite stories came RO B IN S O N : Usually, Les travels for the smart code for a peek at our
from my mom, who saw it happen on half the year. So being able to have cover shoot and to see the fam in
grandparents’ day in Lucille’s preschool. family time has been such a blessing. our new parenting series, “I Wish
On the other hand, when you have a Someone Told Me.” You can also
newborn, you’re already conscious of visit parents.com/leslie-odom
germs. So I’ve had to manage my anxiety. and watch on PeopleTV.

How do you hope things might
change for the better?
ODOM: We used to always talk about
how we wanted to be more intentional
with our time, but it was really hard to
do. Things would get scheduled, and

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