5 activities for children with autism who’ve been under stress, anxiety due to the pandemic
One way to cope with any extra stress or anxiety is to have the kids engage in play time to help develop motor skills, social skills and language development, according to Dr. Jen Harstein, a children’s developmental psychologist who works with autistic children daily.
Dr. Mia Taormina was part of team that diagnosed the first COVID case in DuPage County. Two years later, she shares where the pandemic stands.
Dr. Mia Taormina, an infectious disease expert, says of the pandemic two years later: "I actually think that we are in a very good place right now."
chicagotribune.comChasten Buttigieg speaks out against Florida’s ‘Don’t say gay bill,’ warning it could lead to more suicides
The husband of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is taking aim at state legislation that would prohibit school districts in Florida from encouraging classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels.
washingtonpost.comNew Illini booster group aims to give University of Illinois athletes’ name, image and likeness deals a do-gooder twist
As the now common practice of paying college athletes continues to spread, a group of University of Illinois boosters aims to give the money chase a do-gooder twist.
chicagotribune.comThemes of Mary and Joseph’s journey in Bethlehem still relevant as Chicago Archdiocese hosts 16th annual reenactment for immigration reform
The 16th annual Posada for Immigration Reform began outside the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office Friday with a man and woman portraying Mary and Joseph, acting out scenes that depicted themes in Mary and Joseph’s journey that translate to current issues with the U.S. immigration system.
chicagotribune.comWork Shift: Could bringing babies into the office help solve a COVID childcare crisis?
As many Americans get ready to head back to the office, some working parents are wondering who will watch their kids who have been with them while they worked from home during the pandemic. Adriana Diaz found one e-commerce company with a creative solution: make every day "take your child to work day."
news.yahoo.comSkittles, Rolos and mini marshmellows, you’ll love these Rainbow Snack Cups
You and your kids will be over the rainbow for these snack cups. To see a very similar Rainbow Snack Cups that Bridget and Lindsey made on the show today, check out our Pinterest page! Check out our other Pinspirations below! Groovey Disco Ball VaseHow to make your dog the next Paw-blo PicassoMatcha Ice Cubes
Girl Scouts makes democracy badge free for limited time
The Democracy Badge is one of Girl Scouts’ newer badges., having launched in 2020. “Right now for the 117th Congress, 122 women, representatives and delegates (in the House), will serve as a part of that congress and 55% of those are Girl Scouts. So it is an incredible time in women’s history and I believe we’re making history every day,” said Williams. Williams said Girl Scouts is all about helping girls become ambitious leaders in a variety of avenues including the U.S. government. There are different democracy badge booklets for each age group.
Roanoke City Public Libraries recommends kid’s books to ease tough conversations
Roanoke City Public Libraries believes the magic is helping kids get through tough times. From politics and racial injustice to this pandemic and how much life has changed, there’s a lot of things kids are exposed to. Here is Roanoke City Public Libraries’ recommendation for children’s books for addressing topics like personal obstacles, death, stress, anxiety, friendships and more. For parents looking for a little more support, here are parenting books to help children and teens through stress and anxiety. Roanoke City Public Libraries are not open but are offering curbside services.
Danville Science Center reopens with $9 million worth of renovations
DANVILLE, Va. – Danville Science Center is reopening Saturday, Nov. 14 after a multi-million dollar renovation. The science center has been around for 25 years, and Executive Director Adam Goebel said it was time for a change and a reimagination of the place. From design to installation it was a 15-month long process, and it’s only Phase Two to Danville Science Center’s reimagination plan. “Individuals can walk through a rain maze without getting wet, they can visualize water consumption on a 2,400 bottle water wall," said Goebel. Danville Science Center is operating at limited capacity and taking reservations to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Local showroom sees uptick in people returning to music due to more free time
ROANOKE, Va. – This pandemic has created loss and challenges but some people have been able to find positivity in music. Apex Piano Showroom in Roanoke has a lot to offer: pianos for purchase, rooms for private and group lessons and an event space for recitals. Since the pandemic, the showroom has had to adapt as business picked up; shifting to appointment only, becoming more online-based and offering remote lessons. Gross hopes whether it’s a traditional instrument or one with extra technology people recognize music’s true value. This summer, they were busier than in past years because kids who typically take a break from music or lessons for summer sports didn’t this year.
'Out of this world’: Homestead launches kids program to send postcards to space
HOT SPRINGS, Va. – Kids love sending mail to the North Pole at Christmas, but now some children are putting their stamp on mail heading out of this world. It’s a place to step back in time, but one featured activity will be stepping into the future: postcards to space! I love space!’ I just love thinking about like what’s all up there,” said 7th grader, Brooke Hess. We carried 23 payloads today including thousands of postcards from kids all over the world for @ClubforFuture. The idea of postcards to space is certainly thinking outside the box.
Need to burn your kids’ energy? Try golf -- as in, real golf
But if you’re in need of more ideas, how about this one: Have you tried taking your kid golfing? Depending on which part of the country you golf, other wildlife such as deer and alligators can also easily be present on a golf course. On a side note, you don’t have to have your kid hit EVERY shot. Golf courses know the value of introducing the game to youngsters, and thus, will often offer heavy discounts for kids to play, if they even charge them at all for a round. Some golf courses also will offer discounts for families who want to play.
Two kids safe after hours-long search in Bedford County
BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. – Two teenagers are safe after an hours-long search in Bedford County, according to the Forest Fire Department. Investigators said the teens didn’t make it to a location at a certain time. Several boats, three Bedford County Special Operations swimmers and two support personnel members responded to the Big Otter River Sunday night. For about two hours rescue swimmers searched the river until Virginia State Police’s helicopter tracked found the pair on land, waiving to get the pilot’s attention. The teens were flown to a safe place and checked by medics.
How to watch the historic astronaut launch with your children: There’s an invaluable lesson here
If it goes off as planned, this will mark the first mission involving astronauts from U.S. soil since 2011. Still, NASA astronaut Bob Behnken has said he and Doug Hurley are “really comfortable” with the risks. So you’re making educated guesses, at best.”It seems there’s just more uncharted territory when it comes to space travel. “The first astronauts really started out as test pilots,” Garfinkle said. But assuming this launch goes well, “It would be great for kids to see a successful, triumphant moment of science,” Fink said.
All your favorite children’s books, reimagined for the age of COVID
A mother of two mindlessly picked up a paintbrush in late March, and started painting the cover of one of the books she had read to her children earlier in the day -- and said she incorporated some “cartoonified” coronavirus themes, to try to make the situation less scary.
10 fun, educational websites your kids will love to visit while stuck at home
Nat Geo for KidsSite address: www.kids.nationalgeographic.comWhat it does: Kids learn about geography and fascinating animals. Into the BookSite address: www.reading.ecb.orgWhat it does: Through playing games, kids can practice reading strategies. SuessvilleSite address: www.seussville.comWhat it does: Allows kids to hang out with Dr. Seuss and his friends, all while playing games and reading. PBS KidsSite address: www.pbs.orgWhat it does: Kids can learn while hanging out with their favorite PBS characters. Highlights KidsSite address: www.highlightskids.comWhat it does: Allows kids to read, play games, learn random facts and do activities such as crafts and recipes.
Day care worker charged with assault and battery of boy at HoneyTree Salem
SALEM, Va. – Police arrested a teacher from HoneyTree Early Learning Center in Salem after she allegedly hit a child under the age of six. Jay’Neva Franklin, 21, of Roanoke, has been charged with assault and battery. The child wasn’t hurt and didn’t need medical attention, according to Salem city officials. Salem police received a formal complaint on Tuesday that a child had been assaulted at the HoneyTree Early Learning Center located on Roanoke Boulevard. The child’s mother told police that an adult female teacher assaulted her son while he was under the instructor’s care at the center, according to police.
Would you be able to find your kid’s secret stash?
Before you answer with an assured “NO,” know that ‘secret stash’ containers are increasing in popularity, and getting easier to obtain. The containers have some things in common: They’re easy to purchase, they’re cheap -- usually around $10 -- and they look exactly like real household items. A new corner of the Internet is dedicated to selling secret stash items. Drug addiction experts say kids are buying them to store drugs, hiding them, and their habit, from their parents. The following are some otherwise innocent-looking household items that could be secret stash containers: