No matter what furry, feathered, or finned creatures you choose to love, pets push you to move, put you in a happy mood, and make you feel special. Simply put, pets can improve your physical, mental, and emotional health in immeasurable ways – all while helping you be the best version of yourself.

How Pets Contribute To Our Overall Mental and Physical Health

Aside from being good friends, pets can keep their owners in overall good health – emotionally and physically. Here are a few ways pets keep us on top of our game:

They keep us active

When Fido points to his leash, you have to get off your couch – like it or not – and take him outside for his routine walk. There is no way around it and, in the end, it’s good for both of you. For humans, regular exercise not only releases endorphins (helping to keep your mind clear and improve everything from sleep to anxiety), but it is proven to improve heart health, lower blood pressure, and, best of all, keep you physically strong and fit.

They provide mood boosts and stress reduction 

If you’ve had a long day and need to vent, you don’t always want to hear someone talking back. The good thing about talking to our pets is they don’t answer back, at least not verbally. But the real beauty of pets is that they don’t have to, we can feel and sense their love without a word.

Personal interaction with our pets increases our oxytocin level, boosting our psychological health. Pets can also do wonders to improve our stress levels and reduce anxiety. Whether it’s the comfort of knowing you have a faithful defender by your side or simply the fact that pets are constant friends and companions, they are always there to help us lighten the mood. It’s no wonder therapy animals are used to reduce stress, prevent feelings of isolation, and reduce depression, right?

They add routine to our day

In today’s current climate, with schedules that have gone out of the window and so much uncertainty about the future, routine is important for maintaining our sense of normalcy. Fortunately, pets are all about routine! They have their basic needs such as regular feeding and bathroom breaks, but they also have their own schedules they like to keep. Whether it’s your dog’s daily walks, your cat’s nightly belly rubs, or your fish’s weekly aquarium cleaning, our pets help us remain on track and remember the importance of routine.

They can sniff out medical and mental health conditions

Pets often have senses that work on a higher frequency than our own, including their sense of smell. But it’s not just household smells they pick up on – pets can also detect the chemical changes in your body. In multiple scientific studies, dogs, in particular, have proven to be effective “medics.” Some dogs have been able to detect diabetes after sensing a drop in blood sugar, or sniff out unique cancer elements that may have otherwise gone unnoticed.

Additionally, pets often have a “sixth sense” that allows them to pick up on vibrations in our mood or overall well being, even when we’re not aware of the changes ourselves. How often has your pet taken the initiative to show you a little extra love when you were feeling blue? Or maybe they’ve shown anxiety when you’ve been particularly high strung. The simple fact is that we can often measure and evaluate our own moods and mental health by watching how our pets act around us.

They Make Us Feel Good

Mental and physical health are intricately tied together. When we feel good on the inside, we’re more inspired to take care of ourselves on the outside. This could mean more exercise, greater productivity, or just higher levels of energy and alertness. Petting, playing with, chatting to, cuddling, or just being with your pets can calm you if you are agitated, allowing you to regain a day that may have otherwise gone off the rails; or they can simply provide you with that feel-good vibe you need to stay productive. Whatever the cause, because our pets make us feel good emotionally, they can also help us take care of our physical needs in healthier ways.

They provide companionship and prevent loneliness

Extended periods of social isolation like the ones we’re all experiencing now can take their toll on us – mind, body, and soul. Science tells us that loneliness, particularly for long periods of time, can be detrimental, not only to our mental health, but to our physical well being. Loneliness has been shown to increase illness, serve as a catalyst for depression, and even shorten life spans. Now more than ever, our pets are key!

Pets may not be able to talk back, but we can still talk to them and they will understand many of our words and gestures, as well as our overall body language; and chances are, they will respond accordingly. By seeking the companionship of our pets, we can stop ailments, ward off depression, and add years to our lives.

They keep us social 

Even during times of quarantine and social distancing, our pets can be a way to interact with others. Maybe it’s striking up a conversation with a fellow “pet parent” while walking your dog or chatting with another cat lover who happens to be strolling by as you’re bringing your cat in from the yard. It could even be chatting to a stranger at the pet store or vet’s office. Regardless of our backgrounds or circumstances, pets and the love we have for them create a common bond with our human friends – not just our four-legged ones!

But we can learn more than just healthy emotional and physical lessons from our pets. They can also teach us a thing of two about living our best life…

What Pets Can Teach Us About Life

Pets don’t just learn from us; we can also learn from them. Here are some powerful life lessons we can learn from our pets:

They teach us how to give back

Pets are loyal, great companions, give wholeheartedly, and, dogs, in particular, will defend their people until the end. These are the qualities we value most in our pets and are the reasons we love them. In this, they teach us about giving to others and practicing the Golden Rule: treat others how you would like to be treated. Emulating the same love and loyalty and giving back to others (including your pets!) will enrich your life and your mental health in many ways.

In the case of our pets, this means not just providing them with a loving home, but making sure they have quality of life until the end. For example, if you have a dog and the years are starting to catch up him, you might notice mobility issues. Take him to a canine rehabilitation specialist who can help reduce pain, improve fitness, and restore his mobility. It is this constant love and attention to the well being of others that helps us feel our own sense of well being and makes us more receptive to getting help when we need it.

They show us how to overcome fear with love

If you’ve ever seen a dog or cat cower in a thunderstorm, you know how important it is to help them calm their fears. And most likely, you have seen how your pets overcome their fear and insecurities when you show them love. Remember this rule for yourself and others – show love no matter what and even the most fearful situations become better.

They don’t hold grudges

You just gave your dog a tongue-lashing for chewing your shoes or for peeing inside the house. He will be in front of you listening with his head bent down, but when you call him afterwards he comes running. All is forgiven because neither of you held a grudge. Remember this in all of your personal relationships. Release grudges and let the bad vibes out. It is then that you will find personal freedom and restored relationships.

They show unconditional love

In good and bad times, in sickness and in health, your furry friend is always by your side. Pets give us a reason to laugh when we’re sad and companionship during our lonely moments. But most importantly, they don’t ask anything in return except our love and care. Follow your pet’s example, and you will learn how to love more, show compassion, be generous, display kindness, and overall, be the best version of yourself.

No matter how many pets you have or what type of pets your prefer, the bottom line is that we can gain a lot from them and they deserve to have the best from us. By understanding and appreciating what you can learn from your pets, as well as the overall health benefits they provide, you’ll find that pets are more than just another distraction – they truly are “man’s best friend.”

The post How Our Pets Contribute to Overall Health and Happiness appeared first on Richmond Mom.

Teens are by nature social beings. We all remember the friendships and social connections we had as teens and whether they are fondly remembered or happily forgotten, we can acknowledge the impact they had.

The teen years are formative and shape the people we become as adults. For kids who are used to daily interaction with peers through school, sports, and social engagements, this is a particularly difficult time as they find themselves cut off from their regular activities. In addition to the loss of interaction, many teens have also lost milestone events such as proms, sports’ seasons, and graduation ceremonies.

CNN recently published an article highlighting the impact the current climate is having on teens and the long term effects it might have. This article underscores the importance of monitoring our teens’ mental health and emotional well being during such a difficult time and offers many useful perspectives for parents.

Here are just a few of the hardships that teens are facing currently:  

1. A naturally heightened sensitivity to stress (often hormonally-driven)
2. Loss of in-person interaction
3. A disruption to the formation of their identity
4. Loss of memory-making opportunities (i.e., milestone events and daily interactions as mentioned above)
5. Increased anxiety
6. An uncertain future
7. Difficulty finding distractions

Add all of these things together, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster – or at least, a teen whose emotions are on a constant pendulum.

This is a hard topic to tackle. I, personally, have four teens in my household. After five weeks in quarantine, I can look back and say that it’s been less than ideal, particularly given the fact that I have one teen with a diagnosed anxiety disorder and another with ADHD. I can also openly and honestly admit that I’ve made a lot of mistakes and have not always handled the increased levels of stress and lightning charged atmosphere of our newly confined lives with anything remotely resembling grace.

However, it is this fact alone that emphasizes the need for thoughtful and conscious parenting. And it is with this in mind that I not only seek to find ways to improve my own response to my teens’ needs during quarantine, but offer suggestions to others who are navigating these tricky waters.

Ways to Help Your Teens During Quarantine: 

 1. Be empathetic to your teens

While sympathy is a feeling of regret or sadness for someone’s situation or plight, empathy is feeling (or at least attempting to feel) the emotions that person is experiencing. This can be difficult with a teenager who tends to swoon at the slightest disruption, explodes at the mention of chores, cries when their favorite band breaks up, or sees a disagreement with a friend or family member as the end of the world. It is even more difficult when you, the parent, are feeling stress around issues of employment, financial hardships, and the health and safety of your family. In other words, it’s hard to feel empathy for someone who sucks the oxygen out of the room with their hysterics when you have “real” issues to deal with.

This is when it is important to take a step back and allow your teens to simply feel what they’re feeling. Their worlds have been turned upside down and the are feeling grief and anger. It may not seem rational to you, but to them, it is reality. Don’t try to rationalize with them as that will only lead to feelings of invalidation. Rather, lend an empathetic ear to their concerns, remembering your own emotional volatility as a teen – and remind them that their feelings matter.

NOTE: It can be easy to feel resentment towards teens who often seem like rational beings, then lose it over the slightest thing. You may find yourself feeling frustrated that you’re constantly talking them off the ledge, when you, yourself, are plagued with worries. Just as it’s important that you be there for them, you need to find someone to be there for you – whether it’s a spouse, therapist, or friend. The healthier you are, the more you’ll have to give to your teens.

2. Find a balance between technology and spending time “unplugged”

If you have teens, you already know they have a better relationship with their phone than they have with you most times; at the very least, they often seem to show that little handheld portal to the outside world more love, attention, and respect than they show you. And as frustrating as it may be to have teens that would rather stare at their screens than enjoy a family dinner, we can be grateful for technology during quarantine.

Being able to communicate with friends through social media, messaging, and video calls provides a vital link for them. Technology has become their only bridge to the outside world and keeps them connected to the friends who, for the time being, have the greatest influence on them and their identity. Let them have that.

Likewise, gaming, television, and other viewing media can provide a much needed distraction. Being able to focus on something other than their own thoughts, even if it’s a silly sitcom on TV, can provide a much needed break to their frantic thoughts and feelings of anxiety.

However, keep in mind the vast amounts of research that stress the importance of limiting screen time for teens. Too much screen time has, historically, contributed to obesity, attention problems, sleep disorders, and increased social angst. Furthermore, social media has proven to increase depression within the teen population – a scary thought anytime, but even more so now.

Considering these factors, it is important to find a balance between allowing access to friends and distractions, and ensuring adequate exercise, opportunities to help out around the house, and meaningful family interaction. And because right now, even adults are experiencing increased screen time and the consequent side effects, one of the easiest ways to address this is to set up some family schedules that everyone can adhere to, such as:

• As many of us are now working from home, establish set “work hours” when everyone stays busy with school work or professional jobs.
• Set aside time in the evenings for family time, whether it’s having a family dinner, taking a walk, or playing a game.
• Have chores that will provide a distraction, while ensuring that everyone is contributing to overall family life.
• Incorporate shared screen time like video chatting with extended family or watching TV together.
• Allow time in the afternoons or evenings that give kids a chance to catch up with friends – even if they exceed your “normal” screen time limits.

3. Be willing to compromise and be creative

It’s important to remember that teens don’t always respond well to authoritarian control. As much as we want to lay down the law, we’ve lost a lot of our bargaining chips as parents, because it’s difficult to ground a defiant teen or take away their car keys when they can’t go anywhere as it is. Compromise is important and can go a long way in restoring domestic harmony.

Here are a few ways you can offer your teens an inch towards their happiness, without sacrificing a mile of your family’s safety and health:

• Consider allowing them to see a friend in a safe, socially distanced way. You can set up a space in the backyard or on your porch, and as long as they stay six feet (or more) apart, they can catch up face-to-face.
• As mentioned above, be a bit more lenient with screen time so they can stay connected to their outside lives and identities.
• Don’t get angry if they need to isolate in their rooms (within reason) – this might just be what they need to recharge.
• Allow teens that can drive to do just that – take a drive. As long as you trust them not to make risky choices, sometimes just being out and about can go a long way.
• Most of all, just listen and be willing to find creative ways to tackle quarantine challenges together.

4. Continue to make big moments special.

Remember that teens are grieving the loss of many special moments – moments that would have become lifetime memories. Do your best to celebrate these moments as a means of reminding your teen how important they are – and in the process, you’ll give them a new set of lifetime memories that, while shaded by quarantine, will be special all the same. Here are few things you can do:

• Host an at-home or video conference prom. If they’ve already got a dress or suit, great. If not, improvise. Have them borrow one of dad’s suits. If you have an old prom dress in the attic or closet, let them go vintage. Either way, go all out with hair and makeup and make the most of it.
• Pick out and send graduation announcements together – even if there’s no promise of a ceremony.
• Encourage family to send video messages, cards, or drop off special packages and treats for birthdays.
• Host an end of the school year party via video conference. Since most kids already have Zoom contacts for teachers, you can even include special teachers in on the party and allow your kids to say “good-bye.”
• If you’ve already missed a family vacation or have had to cancel an upcoming trip, create adventure at home. Go camping in your backyard or set up a massive family blanket fort in the living room. Sure, your teens might roll their eyes – but they’ll remember it!

5. Help them find things they can control

One of the biggest challenges teens are facing is a complete and utter loss of control. They are trapped in a purgatory between youth and adulthood, they have no sense of what their future may hold, and they have just had the outside world shut off to them. In a recent article from the Washington Post, clinical psychologist Sherry Kelly, offers teens the following advice:

“You can’t control COVID, the weather, not being in school, what homework teachers are dumping on you right now, and if you spend a lot of energy thinking about these things, you’ll feel even more invalidated and disempowered…When you focus on what you can control — what you believe about yourself, the words you use, what you spend your time and energy on — you’ll feel more in control of your emotions and your life, which will ultimately make you feel more positive.”

As parents, we can help our kids regain a sense of control by helping them find and focus on the things that remain within their grasp. Whether it’s creating their own schedule that you help them enforce, allowing them to help with meal planning and prep, giving them areas of the house that are “theirs,” or simply writing down the things they are grateful for, we can help to empower them and give back a small semblance of control and normalcy.

6. Look for signs of depression – and ACT

There’s a fine line between anxiety and depression. Naturally, we’re all feeling increased anxiety, but depression can be a tougher nut to crack – often with longer lasting and more serious implications. The National Alliance on Mental Illness says 50% of mental illnesses develop by age 14, which means are teens are more vulnerable than ever right now.

Given that we are in unusual times and all of us are experiencing mental, emotional, and behavioral changes, keeping an open line of communication with your teen is one of the most important things you can do. Maintaining open and honest dialogue will help you know whether your teen is actually depressed or is appropriately responding to a difficult and undeniably traumatic time.

Be sure to click here for a complete list of signs and symptoms of depression in teens. If you have any fear for their immediate safety, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room. 

If your child is not an immediate danger to themselves or others, but you are afraid that depression may be setting in, there are resources. ChildSavers is an agency in the Richmond area that offers a 24/7 Immediate Response hotline available for mental health and trauma crises involving children. Anyone can call (804) 305-2420 to access the service for free.

People who utilize the number can talk with a clinician for immediate over-the-phone support. The clinician can also refer the child to ongoing mental health services through ChildSavers or community partners, if needed. In addition, the agency provides telephone-based therapy and video conferencing via Zoom.

Please know that ChildSavers’ clinicians provide treatment for children and adolescents regardless of an ability to pay. For more information and to learn more about the organization’s mental health services, visit https://childsavers.org/ or call (804) 644-9590.

The simple fact is that we’re looking at a changed world – no matter how long quarantine continues.

We’re going to face untold challenges in the coming months. And for many of our teens (and us as parents), that’s a terrifying thought. However, we really are all in this together. Our teens, and younger children for that matter, will be the future leaders of the very world that is being shaped right now. They stand poised to do great things and bring about positive change for the future – but first, we have to get through this intact.

Yes, this has been traumatic for all of us, and yes, there will be a collective PTSD that will ripple through the coming years. But right now, in this moment, we have to remember that love is what matters.

No matter how tough it gets, how much push back you face, or how much rejection you feel, what your teens need more than anything right now is our unconditional love, acceptance, and support. For at the end of the day, that is what keeps us all going.

The post Quaran-teens: Helping Your Teens Through Social Isolation appeared first on Richmond Mom.

I’ve been a nurse for nearly 20 years. My specialty is pediatrics and I have worked in five different teaching hospitals in four different states. Most of my career was spent in the pediatric emergency department at a level one trauma center. I have seen H1N1 which affected children the hardest, have trained to receive patients with Ebola, have been through countless drills for mass casualties, and hold multiple certifications in emergency room nursing. Like most nurses working in large, urban hospitals; I am trained for any and every situation. But as many others will agree, this pandemic has been an unprecedented experience in my career.

Today, I am no longer at the bedside, I am now a pediatric nurse practitioner and work at a primary care pediatric clinic. I was asked by a longtime friend to comment on my perspective regarding the current COVID-19 pandemic. What are things you could perhaps learn and understand from me, a healthcare professional seeing patients and taking care of families during this pandemic.

First of all, I wanted to say that these are uncharted times. 

We haven’t encountered a pandemic for over a hundred years. It hasn’t been a thought in our daily lives and now it is all consuming. Schools are cancelled, we have been ordered to stay home in this state until at least June 10^th, and we are faced with many new and uncertain decisions daily. We are also seeing this in a time when information spreads quickly and we have more access to news and statistics than we ever had before.

These factors leave many of use with questions and we are left wondering why we need to take these seemingly draconian steps to thwart this virus.

In order to answer these questions, we first need to understand the virus. 

Coronavirus is a novel virus, meaning we have never seen it in humans before. For a virus to mutate and make a leap from animal to human is quite extraordinary. That is also why is difficult to know how it changes in its human host. What we do know about it, however, is that it is highly contagious.

We in healthcare are doing our level best to take care of you and your loved ones. What I am seeing and hearing as a provider is that a lot of you are scared. I am, too and I, like you, have children and a family whom I want to protect.

When I come home from work, I cannot kiss or hug my husband or children because I don’t know if I have come into contact with Coronavirus or not. I leave my shoes outside, and remind my little one not to run up and hug me – I have to shout at him, “Stay back! I had a patient with symptoms today; I have to take a shower!”

As I don’t have the ability to test all of the children I see, I am now scrutinizing every fever and every cough. But the worst part is wondering if I will be the one to bring it home to my family. And although, we are all young and healthy; I know that young and healthy people are also getting really sick. So just know that we in the healthcare community are just as concerned as you. And as healthcare providers, we are roughly 3-5x more likely to contract this disease because we are exposed more than the general public.

But, that does not mean we are powerless to fight it. There ARE things we can do slow down and even stop the spread of this deadly virus. 

We are all familiar with the basic precautions being advised during the Coronavirus pandemic:

• WASH YOUR HANDS! Washing your hands as often as possible is essential. Be sure to use an antibacterial soap if you can, use warm water, and wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to rub your hands vigorously and get the tops of your hands, as well as your palms. The friction created by “scrubbing” will actually help to remove the virus should you come into contact with it.
• If you do have to go out, wear a mask – even a cloth mask that covers your mouth and nose will help to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Disinfect surfaces as often as possible. Disinfecting wipes and/or a clean cloth with disinfecting spray or soap should be used on counters, door knobs, etc.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. Many of us are fighting allergies, so it’s important that we remember to keep our coughs and sneezes covered by using a tissue or sneezing/coughing into the crook of our arms – not our hands!

However, one of the best ways we have to fight this virus, is to stay apart.

A virus cannot live without a human host for long, if we physically distance ourselves from others, the virus dies off.  That is why physical distancing or social distancing is so important.

Which brings me to my next point, simply STAY HOME.

Hold your family near, call your parents and loved ones and check on them. FaceTime or video chat with them if you miss them, but don’t go to see them or if you do, keep a physical distance of at least six feet.

If you develop a cough, fever, sore throat or generally don’t feel well; stay home. If you are managing your fever and cough and not feeling short of breath; stay home. You can always call your doctor or other medical professional, but you don’t need to rush to my clinic to be tested as we simply don’t have enough tests. This means that we may never know the exact number of people who have contracted this disease, but remaining safe in self-quarantine is always better than risking the chance of infecting others. However…

Last but not least, if you need to go to your doctor or even the emergency room, call ahead so that the staff there can prepare.

We want to see you and treat you, but also want to be prepared so that we can protect you – and ourselves – from exposure.

Social distancing is hard on all of us, but it’s important to remember the good that comes from it – even in the midst of a pandemic.

Not only does social distancing help to slow the spread of the virus, but it teaches us to slow down. We have been forced to stay home and really take a look at our needs. Sure, it’s great to have a new outfit for spring or another new pair of shoes, but do we really need them? And more importantly, now that our decisions to go out could put others in jeopardy; should we give in to our wants over our needs? The answer is no. That is simple. Staying out of the public and away from others is the best way to slow the spike in new cases and keep the hospital admissions low, or at least manageable, for our healthcare teams who are on the front lines.

And to my wonderful patients, I miss you; I hope you are well and enjoying your time at home at this slower pace. We will see each other again. I will still be here to watch and help you grow and to support your families in any way I can. I love what I do, I chose to care for people – it is who I am and I will never stop.

Stay well and be safe, and thank you for supporting us. Thank you for your words of encouragement and mask donations. I am seeing so much good in our world during this difficult time. Let’s hope that we never forget what it means to be there for one another and to lend a helping hand. We are all in this together.

The post Why Staying Home Matters: Advice From a Richmond Area Nurse During the Coronovirus Pandemic appeared first on Richmond Mom.

The simple fact is that this is a stressful time for us as parents, because we worry about our children’s health, but also about their overall sense of safety and security. (Never mind the daunting prospect of having kids home in a quarantine scenario while many of us attempt to work remotely.) As we get ready to face an as yet unknown period of time at home with our kids, there are certain things we can do to help alleviate these stresses, both for our children and for ourselves.

First, it’s important that we talk with our kids about what’s happening – and why. Secondly, like most things in life, having a plan in place will help provide a sense of stability and security for our entire family in an otherwise uncertain time

Talking to Kids About COVID-19

Depending on your children’s ages and access to media, they may already be up-to-date on what’s happening around the world. However, don’t assume that knowledge equals understanding. There’s a lot of less-than-reliable information out there and between social media, sensational news stories, and school/friend “chatter,” the facts often get jumbled, resulting in a game of “telephone” in which the truth becomes a nonsensical string of words by the time it reaches your kids’ ears.

So here are a few ways that you can help your children understand what’s going on, and help them maintain their sense of safety:

Give them the facts in way they will understand

Regardless of your children’s ages, explain what’s going on. For younger children, it can be as simple as explaining that COVID-19 is like having the flu or a cold and that we are all working together to make sure no one else gets sick. Older children will be able to understand more, so use a trusted source (i.e., make sure you have YOUR facts straight) to help them understand in as much detail as they might want and answer any questions they might have. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers some great resources for educating yourself and learning best practices for managing COVID-19.

As for explaining why they may have an unexpected “vacation” from school, help them understand that we are all working together to stay healthy. As part of this, we are practicing “social distancing” – or doing our part to limit interaction with people who might be sick and to make sure we don’t spread any germs ourselves.

Make sure they feel safe 

There is no question that this is a scary time for all of us. However, experts have determined that children are at a lower risk of infection than adults. As long as your child does not have existing medical issues or an otherwise compromised immune system, they should be ok. Remind them that there are incredible medical and science professionals working on COVID-19 at this very moment, and already improvements are being made. Also, remind them that we are fortunate to have medicine and doctors to help us should we feel sick.

Remember your anxiety will affect their anxiety, as well

As much as you may want to go into full freak-out mode and put your whole family in a sterilized bubble, remember that kids are more in tune to your moods and anxiety levels than you realize. The more panicked and stressed out you are, they more they will operate on the same level. Be calm and rationale when talking to them and offer simple explanations of any preventative measures you take.

Likewise, keep in mind that kids hear everything. If you and another adult are going to be discussing COVID-19, make sure that you choose your words carefully if kids are present.

Use this as an opportunity to reinforce positive health habits

COVID-19 spreads much in the same way as the common cold or flu. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they release “respiratory droplets” that can then be contracted by someone in close proximity who may breathe in the infected droplets through their mouth or nose. It is also possible that COVID-19 can be spread by touching an infected surface then touching your own mouth, nose, or eyes. And while most of us having been teaching our kids to wash their hands and “catch” their coughs and sneezes (in a tissue or sleeve – NOT with their hands!) since they were small, now is the time to up the ante and reinforce those good habits more than ever.

Basically, the same things we do to prevent spreading colds and the flu are the same things we need to be doing now. Check out our guide for How to Prevent Your Child From Getting (or Spreading) Cold and Flu This Winter for some helpful tips.

School Closings and Quarantine

Now that we’ve covered the basics of talking to kids about COVID-19, it’s time to get to the really scary stuff – managing kids at home for an unknown period of time while possibly trying to work ourselves. As of right now, schools throughout Virginia have announced closings for the remainder of the year and we are under stay-at-home directives through June 10, 2020.

And while it’s one thing to have a school break that’s planned for – spring or winter break, for example – something that sneaks up on us like this can prove more than stressful. Assuming you are able to work from home or otherwise remain home during school closings, here are some ways you can plan ahead:

Keep your schedule as close to “normal” as possible

Kids thrive on routine. While a break from school may feel like a tempting opportunity to sleep late and stay in jammies, try to keep your schedule on track. Stick to wake up times, meal times, and bedtimes. Not only will this help give a sense of familiarity to an otherwise unfamiliar situation, but it will also help make sure everyone gets plenty of rest and feels grounded.

Depending on your kids’ ages and your school’s capabilities, there may be schoolwork to do remotely. Be sure to set aside time and space for schoolwork on a regular basis. For younger kids or those who don’t have schoolwork, set up an “at home” schedule that might reflect a day at school, including time for quiet time, play, reading, or chores. In fact, speaking of chores, if you don’t already have a chore chart in place, this is a great time to start!

Don’t be afraid to get outside

When looking for the positive in this situation, we can all be thankful that the COVID-19 crisis did not hit us at the height of winter. In fact, we’ve had some unseasonably warm weather lately – so make the most of it. Take a walk, do some yard work, or just let your kids play in the yard. Fortunately, “quarantine” does not mean sitting holed up in a windowless bunker, and honestly, the fresh air will do us all some good.

Don’t forget to have some fun

This might seem like a ridiculous thing to say to already stressed parents facing a forced “vacation” at home with kids who, at the very least, have spring fever. But every cloud has a silver lining. Yes, a schedule is a good thing, but there’s no need to run your house like a prison camp. Build in time for fun. Play games, watch movies, and make some memories along the way. Need some ideas? Check out our Cabin Fever Survival Guide for ideas by age and interest.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of medical professionals around the world, we can be hopeful that the COVID-19 crisis will soon be behind us. The last thing we want to do is look back and only remember misery. After all, things like this help us to to stop and appreciate the things that are truly important – namely, our loved ones. Make sure that when this is all over, you can look back and be grateful for the moments you had with your family.

Go easy on one another 

Keep in mind that this is not easy for anyone – and there will very likely be some long days ahead. Now, more than ever, is the time to show a little grace, to ourselves and our kids. If your kids are acting out, be patient and try to understand what’s going on underneath the external expressions. Maybe they’re scared. Perhaps they’re bored. Or maybe they just have some pent up energy. Do your best to address these concerns without losing your own cool.

Most importantly, find ways to let off steam, whether it’s taking a family walk, having a dance party with the music cranked up, or watching a favorite family movie. Just remind everyone in your house that this is a team effort and we’re all in it together!

Practice self-care…however it looks

It’s also important to maintain your own self-care during this time. If you’re trying to work from home, set aside time that your kids can have quiet time so that you can work. This might mean a little extra screen time for them. Or maybe you set up “work” hours so where they can do school work, read, or play quietly in their rooms. Take a bath. Add bubbles. Relax. Read a good book. Talk to friends on the phone. Whatever you need to do, just remember that the more you manage your own stress, the better you’ll be able to manage your family’s stress.

All in all, we’re in for some long days, weeks, or possibly even months. It’s going to take some work and a whole lot of perspective. But as long as we go about it carefully, we’ll come out fine on the other side. Just remember to be smart, keep communicating with your kids, and enjoy every special moment that comes along.

The post COVID-19 and Kids: Talking to Our Kids About COVID-19 and Quarantine appeared first on Richmond Mom.

In order to keep our kids healthy in mind and body, we have to teach them how to make healthy decisions throughout life. Simply put, we need to teach them lessons that will stick with them. They need to learn how to take care of their bodies inside and out. And as we all know, kids don’t always make the best decisions when it comes to taking care of themselves, but fortunately, there are hacks for your home that will help you make your kids’ lives healthier. So today, we’re going to look at different rooms of the house and offer some health hacks for each of them.

Simple Health Hacks for Every Room of the House

Bathroom: Proper Hygiene Health Hacks

Hygiene is an important aspect of an overall healthy body. Of particular importance is bath time, dental health, and hand washing.

Depending on your kid’s age, there are things you can do to make bath time more fun. Bath bombs, bathtime crayons, and traditional bath toys can make any child’s bath more fun while helping them learn the importance of proper, regular hygiene.

For the older kids, try some tech. Bluetooth and/or waterproof speakers can provide entertainment for those reluctant to spend more than five minutes in the bathroom.

For dental health, in addition to regular visits to the dentist, kids should be brushing at least twice a day – and may need your help until they are as old as seven or eight to make sure it’s done properly. Children should brush their teeth for two minutes, which may feel like a lifetime for some kids – and create some resistance. Here are some ways to get them excited:

• Let them choose their own toothbrush, perhaps in their favorite color or with a character.
• Let them help choose their toothpaste
• Use a timer to or play their favorite song to help them hit that two minute mark
• Use a reward system or chart with stickers (not sugary treats!)
• For older kids, consider getting them and electric toothbrush with their own toothbrush subscription to keep them engaged.

When it comes to washing hands, again their are rules. To effectively clean hands, warm water and soap should be used and hands should be washed for 20 seconds. For little ones, consider teaching them a song or other way to count out the time. You can also use fun, colorful soaps to get their attention and keep them interested.

Kitchen:  Healthy Eating Hacks 

It is important to instill positive dietary habits for kids. While getting kids to eat healthy is by no means the most difficult task parenting has to offer, it’s up there. And getting them to eat vegetables might be considered one of the top challenges. That’s when it’s time to pull out some health hacks for healthy eating. Call it underhanded, call it deceitful, but when it comes to getting your kids to eat healthy, you have to do what you have to do.

To get your kids to eat their veggies, don’t be afraid to disguise vegetables through creative blending. One way to disguise healthy food is by preparing vegetables with similar colored, more palatable food. For example, use macaroni and cheese to disguise corn. Granted, they will know once they bite into a kernel, but it is still getting the food into their mouths and tasting better than what they’re normally used to. Another way to disguise food is by blending. Stew and then blend carrots, for example, with apples, strawberries and other tasty fruit.

Another health hack in the kitchen is to make the foods they already love healthier. If they like pizza, there are various alternatives available. For example, instead of regular crust, use tortillas. You can still use tomato sauce, but try crumbled meatballs instead of sausage. This will give you the traditional pizza taste without all the grease. For potato chips, break up whole wheat pitas, lightly brush them with olive oil and toss them in the oven for five minutes to make pita chips. And the list goes on. Do some simple searches on the internet and find ways to turn their favorite foods into tasty alternatives and they’ll be eating healthier in no time.

As now, as many do after dinner, let’s move to the living room…

Living room: Health Hacks for Screen Time

It is well known that too much screen time (re: TV and game play) is not good for adults or children. It can be even more detrimental to kids because it encourages sedentary habits instead of physical activity. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no more than one to two hours of television a day for children over the age of two – and none for children under 18 months. For older kids, technology like phones and iPads may make it hard to limit how much time they spend in front of the screen. But there are some things you can do, such as:

• For younger kids, go for quality over quantity. Let them watch high-quality shows, then turn it in to a game over dinner or at bedtime where you discuss what they watched. This helps you get away with less screen time because they know they will get quality time with you after.
• Create “media free” zones in the house and keep containers nearby for EVERYONE to deposit handheld technology while in those spaces
• Keep board games or card games in the living room to encourage play rather than technology
• Let kids use age-appropriate apps that are educational and interactive as part of their screen time.

Granted, it is up to the parents, but overexposure to technology is proven to take its toll. In particular, be cautious of exposure to violence and sex on television and in games as too much exposure can desensitize children to what is harmful in real life. It can lead to such things as depression, nightmares, and anxiety as well. In other words, make sure you not only know how much they’re watching, but what they’re watching, as well.

Just remember, home is where the heart is – and that makes your home the ideal place to teach your children how to be healthy individuals throughout their lives.

Kids cannot always be trusted to make informed decisions when it comes to their own health. They need to know that health does not just include eating healthy, but also other things they “consume” as well. As a parent, keeping kids healthy and happy are your two biggest priorities. Being successful in this task will help make raising children one of life’s most rewarding endeavors. So get creative with these simple health hacks – and make health and hygiene something is not only easy to learn, but fun to teach, as well!

The post Simple Health Hacks To Teach Kids Healthy Habits for Life appeared first on Richmond Mom.

If you’ve tried letting your baby cry it out but they are still waking up at night, or you don’t want to try that route, there are a number of simple sleep training options that don’t involve crying – on your part of your baby’s! In reality, you should expect some fussing at the beginning, but fortunately, you don’t need to just let your child cry hysterically as you try to ignore it. Follow these suggestions below and get your baby on his or her way to good sleep.

Make Sleep a Priority

The human brain, no matter how old or young runs on sleep. If your baby is waking up
frequently at night, they may not be getting the rest they need, which can be linked to everything from the mother experiencing postpartum depression to them experiencing depression later in life. It’s been shown that children who don’t get enough REM cycles in their sleep may get shorter attention spans and have trouble learning. These babies will also experience more stress due to the release of the cortisol hormone. The first step to effective sleep training is to make it a priority, not just for your sake, but for your baby’s overall health.

Speak with Professionals

Don’t be afraid to reach out to the experts. Before taking on any sleep training regimen or plan, you need to make sure that all the right people have given it the all clear. “That includes your pediatrician who can let you know if there’s any medical condition causing the sleep troubles, like reflux, GERD, sleep apnea, or allergies. You should also speak with your partner so you’re both on board and know how to react to your baby waking up at certain times,” explains Hillary Thomson, a blogging mom at BoomEssays.

Figure Out How Much Sleep Is Needed

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants ages four to twelve months need to get anywhere from 12 to 16 hours of sleep for every 24-hour period, which includes naps. That allows them to get the most benefits from their sleep. Children who are between one and two years old will need 11 to 14 hours of sleep, and from three to five, they will need 10 to 13 hours each day.

Keep a Sleep Journal

“It can become tricky keeping track of how many times your baby woke up each night, how
often they were up for, and more. By keeping a log of their sleep, you can more easily notice patterns,” says Valery Sims, a health writer at Best Writing Services. Track your baby’s sleep over days and nights for a week, then figure out what bedtime is best for your baby and your family. Logs will also let you know how long your baby is fussing for each night, because as you know if you’ve ever stayed up for hours with a fussing baby, sometimes it can feel much longer than it really is.

Set a Routine

A regular schedule is very important to help your baby sleep tightly all night. From your baby’s earliest days, you can start a bedtime routine that will help your baby’s mind and body get ready for and used to sleep. All you need is fifteen minutes where you’re near their nursery or crib and repeat the same few activities that are quiet and calm, like reading or singing to your baby. Remove anything stimulating from the area and stay consistent in your routine.

Start Sleep Training at the Right Time

For sleep training to be a success, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the time and space to make it work. And truth is, there’s no such thing as the “perfect time”, but you at least want to choose a time when you can have three uninterrupted weeks without time zone changes or crib or bedroom changes, especially for more sensitive and alert babies. A lot of parents start on Friday because the weekend gives them flexibility in the mornings. Don’t forget that good naps during the day will also help you be more successful.

Choose the Right Environment

The right environment is key for sleep training. That means the room should be at the right
temperature, cool and comfortable anywhere between 65 and 70 degrees. You can also
have room darkening shades if the baby’s room gets a lot of natural light. Or, if you feel the space is too dark, consider adding a soft night-light to keep the space cozy and relaxing.

Put Your Baby to Bed Awake

It may sound counter-intuitive, but when sleep training, you want to go through your nightly bedtime routine with the lights on and the baby awake. Then, you can put your baby in their crib drowsy but still awake, teaching them that they’re safe and secure in their sleeping environment, but fully capably of falling asleep on their own. If they’re used to falling asleep in your arms, they’re more likely to be disturbed – and tearful – when you finally put them down. Of course, it takes time to establish a routine, so in the beginning, you may want to spend a few nights nearby so you can gently reassure them if they do wake and begin to fuss.

The simple fact is, some babies will be good sleepers and others will struggle. But like any good habit, starting early, staying consistent, and putting in the work will lead to healthier, happier lives – for parents and babies alike!

The post A Simple Guide to Sleep Training appeared first on Richmond Mom.

Now, some of these might seem a little obvious. After all, as parents we always do our best to teach kids the importance of basics like washing their hands and not sneezing directly on to the person next to them, right?

But reinforcing some of these habits, especially during the vulnerable winter months, will help preserve our kids’ health – and let’s be honest, our own health, too, because we all know that a sick child often leads to a sick family!

It’s also important to note that these tips will keep you and your kids from being the ones who spread germs to others, as well. The key to any of these habits, however, is to be a role model. As adults, we’ve learned our way around germs, in public at least. But the more you model the following habits, the more likely your kids are to carry on with them, even when you’re not around.

1. Keep Your Hands Clean

We’ll go ahead and start with the most basic lesson first. Now, of course, we teach our kids to wash their hands – especially given the number of messes little ones (and even the bigger ones) get into. The catch here is that often, particularly with younger children, we do the hand washing for them. Even toddlers can be taught to wash their own hands, and not just when they’ve made a mess or after a meal. Teaching kids to wash their hands before eating, after eating, after playing (especially in a public space, including a school environment), and anytime they sneeze, cough, or touch their face is critical.

The important part is teaching them how to do it properly. To effectively clean hands, warm water and soap should be used and hands should be washed for 20 seconds. For little ones, consider teaching them a song or other way to count out the time. But don’t forget to reinforce these rules with the older kids, too. I’ve had more than one child in my house try to pass off hands that have quickly been run under water as “clean.”

For those times that warm water and soap aren’t available, be sure to keep antibacterial wipes or child-safe hand sanitizer close by. For older kids, these are items they can carry in their school bags or backpacks. These items can come in handy for cleaning surfaces that are impossible to avoid, as well, such as grocery cart handles and other public surfaces that carry untold hidden germs.

2. Cover Your Cough Or Sneeze – The RIGHT Way! 

Again, if you’ve ever had a toddler sneeze right in your face, and chances are you have, it’s guaranteed you’ve already started explaining to them why this is a no-no. But “covering” a cough or sneeze isn’t enough, because the natural instinct is to use our hands for the job. Those hands, now covered in “sneeze,” are going to go right back to playing and spreading germs on every surface they touch. Of course, a tissue is the ideal way to catch a sneeze or cough, but we don’t always have those handy. The commonly accepted way to limit the spread of germs through coughing and sneezing is to place your face in the crook of your elbow. This will “catch” a portion of the germs and prevent them from becoming airborne, as well as keep those hands germ-free. Again, the more you model this for your kids, the more likely they will be to follow your example.

3. Get Plenty Of Rest

Now this one can seem easier said that done. But kids need sleep – a lot of it. The American Academy of Pediatrics performed a 2016 study that found the following recommendations by age:

• Infants 4 months to 12 months should sleep 12 to 16 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
• Children 1 to 2 years of age should sleep 11 to 14 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
• Children 3 to 5 years of age should sleep 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
• Children 6 to 12 years of age should sleep 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
• Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

Getting proper sleep not only makes everyone happier, but it also leads to a stronger immune system. Or should germs have already taken hold, sleep can allow the body time to rest and heal.

4. Stay Home If You’re Sick – Or Cancel Playdates If A Friend’s Family Is Sick

No one wants to be that parent known as the germophobe – the one who cancels at the slightest hint of a cough in their house or yours. But even less desirable than a germophobe reputation is having a house full of sick kids – or being known as the parent who sends their kids out and about with the plague. So just be smart and know that your family’s health is more important than a missed day of school or a cancelled play date. Use your common sense and should you have another child (or adult, for that matter) over who seems in less than ideal health, don’t be afraid to ask them to take precautions. You can also sanitize surfaces in your own home by keeping a stock antibacterial wipes and cleaners on hand. Again, you don’t have to drive yourself crazy, just be practical.

5. Don’t Share Utensils or Food

For all the times we work so hard to teach our kids to share, there are times when they simply shouldn’t! During the particularly germ-ridden months – or in always germ-ridden environments like school or daycare – sharing is not always caring. Encourage your kids to keep their food, drinks, and utensils to themselves. Labels can help your kids keep track of their things – and also prevent accidental use by another child. If you have a little one who may not be able to read, consider using a sticker or other easily identifiable label to help them know which items are theirs. For kids who take their lunch or snacks to school, it helps to have personal items like drink bottles, special utensils, and food containers that you use consistently and oversee sanitation of on a nightly basis.

If you’ve been a parent for more than a day or two, you already know that childhood ailments are inevitable. So while there’s no way to keep our kids completely insulated from exposure to germs, viruses, and other commonly contracted illnesses, there are things we can do to help them stay healthy, both when we’re with them and when they’re on their own. Again, modelling these behaviors yourself will go a long way in establishing good habits – for you and your kids!

Looking For More Cold And Flu Resources? 

If you’re interested in learning about homeopathic remedies for many common illnesses, including cold and flu, be sure to check out our Homeopathic Resource Guide to Common Childhood Ailments. Or whip up some of these tasty cold and flu-fighting soups that not only offer powerful germ-fighting and immunity-boosting power, but are delicious to boot!

The post How to Help Your Kids Avoid Getting (or Spreading!) Cold and Flu This Winter appeared first on Richmond Mom.

Most of us are familiar foods to avoid during pregnancy like caffeine, lots of sugar, bad fats, and unpasteurized cheeses and dairy products. But even less obvious staples and/or comfort foods like a good old fashioned hamburger may not be the best when it comes to providing your body with the nutrients it needs to help your child develop. It’s a lot to think about.

The fact is, pregnant women are much more susceptible to contracting foodborne illnesses and other infectious diseases.

This is due in part to the evidence that being pregnant causes your immune system to weaken because you’re providing life to another human being. After all, we are giving our bodies over to protect and develop our unborn children within our wombs. The lowering of your immune system provides additional protection for your child and helps keeps them safe.

This is why doctors stress knowing what foods to avoid, or at least limit, so as not to put  yourself or your child at risk. And unfortunately, even some of our most common foods run the risk of contamination due to lack of processing, or can be harmful because of over-processing and chemicals.

A healthy diet during pregnancy can be beneficial to mother and baby in many ways, as well.

Pregnancy is an energy-stealer, causing most mothers to feel extreme fatigue and tiredness as their pregnancy wears on. But by having a balanced diet you can get some of that lost energy back.

It will also help your child to grow and develop properly throughout all three trimesters. And being that the last trimester the baby is growing more rapidly than in the other two, it is especially important that you pay attention to what you consume in your last trimester.

A healthy diet will also set your child up to have promising eating habits later on in the future. This may be hard to believe, but trust us, the experts have done their research and know that successful eating habits start when the baby is still growing inside their mother’s womb.

If you’re confused about which foods to avoid or limit from your diet during pregnancy, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered!

Check out the simple infographic below for an easy-to-follow list of the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy eating. And remember, establishing healthy eating habits now will not only ensure your baby’s health and well-being, but will provide you with many benefits, as well!

About the contributor:

Content for this article was provided by Childmode, an online resource for all things baby-related. Find out about the latest gear and product reviews, learn more about healthy pregnancy and post-partum habits, and get the latest research all in one place.

The post Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy appeared first on Richmond Mom.

With this in mind, today we’re going to explore some of the best tips you need to know
when it comes to maintaining your mental health as a new mom and making the most of this beautiful experience.

Spend Intentional Time with Your Baby

The birth of a baby can be exhausting, and of course, as a new mom, there’s so much you’re going to be thinking about and so many thoughts racing through your head. Likewise, there are going to be times you feel like you do nothing but spend time with your baby. However, one of the best ways to ease your mind and relax into things is just to spend intentional time with your baby and bond with him/her. Take some time out of your day just to enjoy the company of your baby and form that connection. Hold, talk to, and feed your baby to nurture those feelings and to appreciate the wonderful time of this life you’re currently in.

Don’t Compare to Others

Whether you’re looking at the seemingly blissful lives of other mothers in your peer group or community or taking note of the advertisements on the television and social media, remember, the journey through motherhood is different for everyone, and your journey as a new mom is your own. While unique and special in their own way, no mother is flawless, and everyone gets stressed out, overwhelmed, and exhausted from time to time. It’s okay to feel this way, and it’s okay to open up about it to friends, your partner, or other mothers. You don’t need to force yourself to believe things should be a certain way. Just accept the present and move forward with it.

Look After Yourself

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of spending all your time looking after your baby and other family members that you forget to look after yourself properly. Always take time to yourself, whether you’re reading, watching TV, having a bath, or just going for a walk. Eat and drink properly to make sure your own health is well looked after.

“Being healthy is one of the most important things to remember when it comes to
happiness, and if you’re living as healthy as possible, this level of well-being is going to creep into your everyday life” states June Harper, a lifestyle blogger for Paper Fellows and State of Writing. “It’s important to take breaks and look after yourself, and while being a mother is a full time job, having time for yourself is one of the most important steps you can take.”

Be Open with Your Feelings

As we spoke about above, it’s okay to feel negative emotions after giving birth, and while
it’s important to accept them, it can be incredibly helpful to talk about your experiences as a new mom with someone else. It doesn’t matter who this is, as long as you trust them and there’s a chance they’ll understand you. If you feel alone, seek out parenting groups and do your best to meet like-minded mothers who are at the same stage as you. After all many of us are going through the same things. “Baby Blues,” for example, is something that can commonly occur for a new mom around ten days after childbirth and includes symptoms like feeling depressed and anxious, suffering from mood swings, or crying for what feels like no reason. This is all normal and is just your body trying to balance with your hormones. Give it time, and things will return to normal quickly. However, talking with others is one of the best ways to keep things in perspective and remember that what you’re feeling is not uncommon.

Sleep, Sleep, Sleep

Sleep is, hand’s down, one of the most important considerations you’ll need to be thinking about when it comes to preserving your postpartum mental health. Sleep is the be-all and end-all when it comes to good mental health even when you’re not a new mom, so you need to make sure you’re getting enough of it, especially now. This may seem an impossible task in the early days, but it is critical so don’t be afraid to ask your partner or another friend or family member for help when you feel exhaustion setting in.

“Of course, the baby doesn’t yet know the difference between day and night, but setting up
routines and making sure you get a good solid number of hours will make a world of
difference,” explains Betty Arnold, a health writer for Academized and Australian Help.

The Bottom Line

Having a baby is a life-changing event, and there’s so much beauty to be found at this
moment. While amazing, remember have feeling bad or having negative feelings/emotions
is completely natural. As long as you’re proactive in being yourself, these are feelings that
can pass in time. If you feel abnormal for a prolonged amount of time, you can always seek the advice of a medical professional who can help you on an individual and personal basis.

The post Maintaining Your Mental Health as a New Mom appeared first on Richmond Mom.

Playing outdoors helps to keep kids happy and healthy – and it can actually help to reduce anxiety and stress and keep creativity flowing. Fortunately, there are countless ways to make sure your kids stay connected with nature through outdoor play throughout the year. Here are six tips for keeping your kids connected with nature this fall.

1. Gardening

Ask for help on a gardening project and if you have younger kids, get them some child-sized garden tools of their very own. Let your child pick out their favorite type of flower or vegetable to grow in the garden. Point out the benefits of planting flowers and plants native to Richmond. Watch the joy in their eyes when they see a butterfly land on a butterfly weed. Have them keep an eye on the plant’s progress and water it when needed. If you choose to plant vegetables, you’ll also have a chance to talk about where our food comes from. A bonus? You may even get them to eat their vegetables! Not only gardening help kids to connect with nature, but it will give them a sense of responsibility and accomplishment.

2. Outdoor Painting or Decorating

Thinking of repainting that fence out back or making something crafty to display outside? Let the kids help you with an outdoor painting or decorating project. Kids love to help paint and build things and they can — within limits — make a mess outside. Completing an outdoor project with your children will make them proud and help them enjoy the outdoors. Feeling extra adventurous? Choose an outdoor project that incorporates a bold, sophisticated color palette and have your kids help choose the colors and material for a true sense of ownership.

3. Outdoor Adventures

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to spend time outdoors with your children, especially here in Richmond. For example, what child doesn’t like the zoo? Try a trip to  Richmond Metro Zoo or local farm. Stop and tell them an interesting fact about each animal. Connect the animals to their favorite stories such as The Lion King or games like Hungry Hippo. Take them on an adventure to the Meadow Farm Museum to learn in a living history presentation what life was like in rural Virginia in the 1860s. Pack a lunch and enjoy the picnic areas. Continue the history lesson with a visit to the Canal Walk. They’ll have so much fun, they won’t even realize they’re getting some healthy exercise along the way!

4. Hiking and Camping

Living in the Richmond area offers perks many other cities don’t have. There are numerous parks and trails to explore. Take them on a daytime hike, and go hunting for fossils. Start with Pocahontas State Park just south of Richmond. After a hike, take them canoeing. They’ll enjoy it so much, they may even want to return to camp for a weekend. This is a great opportunity to teach them about animals in the wild, as well as plants and flowers they shouldn’t disturb.

5. Rainy Day and Snow Fun

Instead of searching for indoor rainy day activities, or snow day activities when the time comes, encourage your children to get outside and play in the rain and snow. After all, connecting with nature isn’t just for sunny days. Kids need a chance to splash in puddles and play in the mud (at least every once in a while). Let your kids have a snowball fight or build a snowman on a cold, snowy, winter day. While this kind of weather may not be the number one choice of adults, kids will love it.

6. Backyard Games

Think outside the Xbox! Make your backyard inviting. Set up a volleyball or badminton net and encourage them to invite friends over to play. Set up a picnic table with lemonade and your home will be the one the neighborhood kids flock to. Go a step further, and set up a video projector outdoors for night movies. Have children bring their sleeping bags with them for an outdoor gathering they’ll remember. And, of course, remind them that nature isn’t always friendly – keep plenty of bug spray on hand!

There’s an adventure waiting for every child outside. By sowing the seeds and creating a nature bug now, you’ll keep them from being couch potatoes later in life.

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