Blog: Category: Thrive

Parents, caregivers, and adults will shape the habits and values of the next generation. Recycling materials, reducing our reliance on certain materials, and modeling this behavior for youth can positively benefit our health, our children’s future, and our environment. Decreasing our dependence on single-use plastics can be one way to contribute to this effort. While finding areas to limit or eliminate plastic usage can seem daunting, we can use practical strategies and determination to support helpful changes. Here are some ideas for how to go plastic-free and insights into how this shift can positively impact our health and the environment.

Why Go Plastic-Free?

Plastic products, especially single-use plastics (such as straws, bags, and bottles), pose health and environmental risks due to harmful chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates (Govind et al., 2023). These chemicals can leach into food and drinks, especially when plastics are heated or washed often, and may contribute to health issues such as hormonal changes, diabetes, obesity, and certain cancers (Kumari et al., 2023). In addition, plastic degrades very slowly. Over time, plastic particles can build up in marine life and introduce toxins into the food chain (Prata et al., 2019). The slow breakdown of plastic can pollute soil and water and may cause irreversible damage to ecosystems and wildlife (Kumari et al., 2023).
Practical Strategies for Going Plastic-Free

1. Switch to Reusable Bags and Containers: One way to reduce plastic use is by switching to reusable shopping bags, produce bags, and containers. This change can significantly reduce plastic waste generated from grocery shopping (Kemper et al., 2024).
2. Opt for Plastic-Free Packaging: Choose products with minimal or no plastic packaging. Shop at bulk stores where you can bring your own containers and support brands that use sustainable packaging alternatives like glass or cardboard (Kemper et al., 2024).
3. Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Avoid single-use plastic items such as straws, cutlery, and water bottles. Instead, invest in durable, reusable alternatives. For instance, stainless steel or bamboo utensils and glass water bottles (Rabiu & Jaeger-Erben, 2024).
4. Educate and Involve Children: Teach children about reducing plastic waste. Involve them in activities like shopping for plastic-free products, recycling, and participating in clean-up drives. This can help foster a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship (Kemper et al., 2024).

Switching to a plastic-free lifestyle may seem challenging at first, but small, consistent changes can make a big difference. Adopting practical strategies and involving our children in these efforts helps protect our health and supports a sustainable future. For more tips and resources on going plastic-free, visit Plastic Free July.

One way for family members to connect is to write a blog together. Discussing and writing about important events and meaningful moments, in a blog, can help a family stay connected with each other, friends, and extended family members. Creating a blog with your child can also provide opportunities for your child to be creative in choosing topics and what information to include, and this activity can introduce young writers to a different form of writing as they develop their communication and literacy skills.

How Do You Start?

Choose a website to host your blog – Many online platforms can be used to blog. Most of these platforms are free for basic use and, if you purchase more complex versions, you can customize your blog by using additional or advanced features. Below are a few sites you may wish to explore as you start your blogging journey.

• WordPress
• Webador
• Wix

Pick a name – Customize the name of your blog. Make it a fun activity, and include the whole family as you choose a unique name! It could be a funny name, a name that has a specific meaning for your family, your family’s name, or a combination of all three!

Choose your audience – Whom are you writing this blog for? Although blogs are usually public, you can make your blog private and invite anyone you choose—family, friends, coworkers—to follow your posts. The information you include in your blog will likely depend on whether your blog is public or private. If you choose to make your blog post public, be sure not to add any personal information that could make you and your family unsafe.

If your blog is private, remember to send out an invitation for your audience to allow them to sign up for updates through email or Really Simple Syndication, commonly referred to as RSS. This notification allows your followers to receive notifications of new posts as soon as you publish your information, and you do not have to message everyone each time you make a post.

Writing the Posts

Now that you have decided where to post your blog, what the name of your blog will be, and who your audience will be, you are ready to start writing! Include the entire family as you choose your topics. Below is a list of ideas for topics and activities to get you started.

• Family vacations
• Start and/or end of a school year
• Special interests of your child that they want to research and write about
• Sports events and accomplishments
• Milestones your child is reaching
• Moves/updates your family is going through
• Holiday check-ins

Remember, writing a blog can be a journey that you can tailor depending on what information you and your family are comfortable sharing. Add pictures to your posts as you write about memories and include updates. Your blog can be a virtual memory book that you can turn to as the years go by, so you and your family can share and remember accomplishments and reminiscence about events, people, and fun times.

Fireworks entertain millions of people and add sparkle to events throughout the year. They are often enjoyed at sporting events, weddings, and concerts. Yet, traditionally, fireworks are most often used in the United States to celebrate the Fourth of July. Large fireworks displays occur in communities across the country, and some families ignite fireworks in their yards. While lighting fireworks at (or close to) home may seem like a fun activity for the whole family, thousands of people experience serious injuries from fireworks-related incidents every year. Many times, the people who get hurt in these incidents are bystanders and not the person setting off the fireworks.

The information below includes safety recommendations to reduce fireworks-related injuries, details about known fireworks-related injuries, and tips on how to treat any injuries if they occur.

The Safest Ways to Enjoy Fireworks

Keep your distance. Fireworks can be loud enough to severely damage the hearing of adults and children. When attending a fireworks show, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends that attendees stay at least 500 feet away from the fireworks’ launch site (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021) to protect their hearing. Young children could wear earplugs, earmuffs, or headphones for an added layer of protection. In addition, unexploded fireworks, commonly referred to as duds, could land on the ground—at private or public fireworks activities— and they have the potential to go off. Avoid going near duds, and consider calling the fire department to help you dispose of them.

Pay attention to the weather. Weather conditions can impact the safety of hosting a public fireworks display and igniting fireworks at home. For example, if the area is experiencing dry conditions, releasing fireworks can lead to wildfires and poor air quality (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021). In such situations, the local news media will typically encourage individuals to attend community firework alternatives and/or inform the community about safe outdoor activities. These activities and events may include laser shows or drone light shows.

Choose a safe alternative. Although sparklers may seem like a safe option for children, they could have similar dangerous effects as other types of fireworks. Sparklers burn at nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and, at this temperature, sparklers can burn through metal, ignite clothing, cause eye injuries, and/or result in third-degree skin burns (National Safety Council, n.d.). If children want to participate in festivities, safer alternatives include giving them flags, glow sticks, party poppers, bubbles, silly string, party snappers, and noise makers.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a fireworks display and leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Safety Tips for Deploying Fireworks at Home (If You Must…)

DOs

• Supervise older children while they are handling fireworks.
• Choose a spot away from people, houses, and flammable materials to ignite any fireworks.
• Use protective eyewear when handling fireworks.
• Read the device’s directions before use, and carefully follow the instructions when igniting the fireworks.
• Use a long-stemmed lighter to light fuses.
• Ignite only one device at a time.
• Keep your pet(s) indoors and distract them from any stress the fireworks and associated noise may cause (e.g., food, TV, radio, toys).
• Have equipment nearby to extinguish a fire or unexploded devices (e.g., bucket of water, working water hose).

DON’Ts

• Do NOT allow young children to handle fireworks, even sparklers.
• Do NOT permit anyone under the influence of drugs/alcohol to handle fireworks or supervise children who are handling fireworks.
• Do NOT use any illegal fireworks (e.g., fireworks purchased from an unlicensed store, stand, or tent). Licensed retailers will have a brightly colored retail label.
• Do NOT ignite fireworks in any indoor space.
• Do NOT light fireworks while holding them.
• Do NOT throw or point fireworks at another person.
• Do NOT cover the device with your hand or any other body part.
• Do NOT shoot any fireworks from a metal or glass container.

Cleaning up Used and Unexploded Fireworks

1. Follow the package instructions for proper disposal of all used fireworks.
2. Do not touch used fireworks (and duds) for at least 20 minutes.
3. Avoid picking up or relighting duds.
4. Soak duds and unused fireworks in water for at least 2 hours outside, if possible.
5. Drain the water from the container.
6. Transfer fireworks to a plastic bag.
7. Dispose of the fireworks outside in a closed trash bin.

Common Fireworks-Related Injuries

Types of Injuries

• Burns and blisters
• Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
• Fractures and sprains
• Corneal or retinal injuries
• Death

Injuries by Body Parts

• Hand and finger injuries
• Leg, arm, and trunk injuries
• Head and face injuries
• Eye injuries
• Hearing damage

Immediate Treatment for Fireworks-Related Injuries

• Soak the body part that has sustained the burn in cool water until the affected area no longer burns and the pain is relieved.
• Soak any smoldering clothes with water until cooled, and then remove the clothing. If the clothing sticks firmly to the skin, cut away as much clothing as possible without pulling the clothing from the skin.
• If the injured area is oozing, cover the area with a sterile gauze pad or a clean, dry cloth (e.g., sheet, towel).
• Call 911 or rush to the nearest emergency room to seek immediate medical attention for severe injuries.

Signs of a severe injury:

• The injury is deeper than a superficial wound (e.g., clothing is stuck to the area)
• Redness and pain persist at the site of injury
• Bad odor or discharge is present
• The injury involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a moving joint
• The injury covers a large portion of a body part

Note: The following home remedies are not recommended because they can make the injury worse and/or delay the healing process:

• Do NOT put ice on the burn
• Do NOT rub the burn
• Do NOT put butter or grease on the burn
• Do NOT cover the burn with mustard
• Do NOT place powder on the burn

In today’s digital age, the question of whether children, adolescents, and young adults are becoming desensitized to violence, hatred, and intolerance may be rhetorical. Exposure to violent and negative content on various media platforms can have a profound impact on how people (especially, possibly, children) perceive and react to real-world violence. Let’s discuss desensitization, its origins, its impact on empathy, and some strategies parents can incorporate to mitigate its effects.

What is Desensitization?

Desensitization refers to the reduced emotional and physical response to a situation, circumstance, or even an event after being exposed to it repeatedly. For example, when children are exposed to frequent violent content, especially violence committed by people against other people, on media sites or platforms (e.g., TV, video games, YouTube), they may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. Research shows that this exposure can lead to lower emotional responses to real-life violence, less empathy, more aggression, and a greater acceptance of using violence to solve problems (Mrug et al., 2016).

Origins of Desensitization

Desensitization has its roots in psychology, particularly through the work of Albert Bandura. In the 1970s, Bandura’s social learning theory (SLT) demonstrated that children tend to imitate what they see, especially from influential sources like television (Su et al., 2010). Thus, according to Bandura’s SLT, repeated exposure to violent media can lead to desensitization. Many studies have since supported Bandura’s findings and support the theory that children who are regularly exposed to media violence tend to exhibit higher levels of aggression and are more likely to engage in criminal behavior as adults (Media violence, 2009).

Impact on Empathy

Desensitization to violence can significantly impact empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others (Mrug et al., 2015). When children are repeatedly exposed to violent content, they may start to see violence as a normal part of life and become less responsive to the pain and suffering of others (Media violence, 2009). Studies have shown that regular exposure to violent media can lead to a decrease in empathetic responses (Su et al., 2010). This reduced sensitivity can impact social behavior and could increase the chances of aggressive and antisocial actions (Pittaro, 2019).

Strategies for Parents

Given the pervasive nature of violent media content, there are several positive steps parents can take to help protect their children from its potential effects. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Monitor Media Consumption: Keep track of children’s media content and set limits on screen time. This includes television, movies, video games, and social media. Explore the Thrive Professional Resource guide for more tips on managing screen time (page 17).
2. Promote Media Literacy: Educate children about the impact of media violence. Media-literacy programs can equip children with skills, so they can distinguish between reality and fiction and understand the consequences of violent actions and behaviors. Explore the National Association for Media Literacy Education’s Parent’s Guide to Media Literacy and other resources here.
3. Encourage Positive Media Choices: Encourage children to engage with non-violent media content. Provide access to educational programs, documentaries, and prosocial video games. Using these types of alternatives can help foster positive behavior and attitudes.
4. Model Appropriate Behavior: Children often imitate their parents’ behavior. Parents can positively influence their children’s behavior by modeling empathy, kindness, and non-violent conflict resolution.
5. Create Open Communication Channels: Establish an environment where children feel comfortable discussing what they see in the media. This enables parents to address any concerns and provide guidance on interpreting violent content.
6. Use Parental Controls: Utilize parental control features on devices and streaming services to help restrict access to inappropriate content.

Many consider desensitization to violence a growing concern for future generations. While we cannot control the world’s violence, we can take actionable steps to manage what is viewed in our homes. As we strive to be mindful of the media our children consume and foster open discussions, we can support our children’s healthy emotional and psychological development and help nurture a generation of people who value kindness and understanding.

Engaging in sports and extracurricular activities offers opportunities for your child(ren) to have fun, learn healthy habits, build developmental skills, and develop social ties with adults and peers in your community. From an early age, you may want your child(ren) to participate in various leagues, teams, and/or clubs as you seek to determine their interests. However, when your child(ren) is(are) engaged in multiple sports and activities, you may have to get creative in determining your level of involvement with each activity. Consider how you will support your child(ren)’s interests while carving out time for other events and activities (e.g., your personal hobbies, family time, work commitments). Building structure into your routine can help you and your child(ren) thrive. The information below can help you explore ways your family can benefit from engaging in sports and activities. The information can also guide you as you develop and implement actionable steps to incorporate time-management strategies into your family’s busy schedule.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Is the activity developmentally appropriate for your child(ren)? Ensure your child(ren) has(have) developed the physical, mental, and social skills to participate in the activity. Your child(ren) may not be ready for organized sports and activities until they are about 6 years old (Healthychildren.org, 2019).

How well does(do) your child(ren) manage their regular responsibilities? Consider the impact of sports and extracurricular activities on your child(ren)’s homework time, household responsibilities, and other commitments.

How involved does(do) your child(ren) want to be in the sport or activity? Learn your child(ren)’s interests by communicating openly with them and observing their behaviors. This will help you understand their motivation to participate in each sport or activity.

How much time are you willing to invest? Ask the organizer(s) and other parents about expectations for the sport or activity. For example, many youth sports and activities require parents to serve as coaches or provide snacks. You may also be required to attend all practices, games, and performances.

How flexible is your personal schedule? Consider your day-to-day life, and determine how your work responsibilities, errands, and/or household tasks could impact your ability to support your child(ren)’s sports and activities.

Who will transport your child(ren) to and from practices, games, and performances? Devise a plan with your coparent, if applicable, or with the other members of your support network. Perhaps the parents of your child’s teammates would be willing to share transportation responsibilities with you, especially if you experience a scheduling conflict.

Have you explored the activity’s associated costs? Review your budget to determine if you can afford the associated and necessary fees and equipment.

How will your child(ren)’s free time or rest/leisure time with friends and family be impacted? Know your limits and your child(ren)’s limits, and prioritize your family. For example, you may decide that it is necessary to allow your child(ren) to miss practice sometimes. Be sure to observe your child(ren)’s behavior(s) for signs of burnout such as decreased interest or enthusiasm. If your child(ren) exhibit(s) imminent or present burnout, it may be time to reevaluate their participation (Brenner & Watson, 2024).

What will the effect be on your family’s plans for vacations and other family endeavors? Having quality time as a family is important to strengthen relationships between family members. Schedule time, at home and away from home, to connect with your family. Do your best to honor the time dedicated to being together. Discuss, as a family, if an important event or activity interferes with your planned family time, and decide on a solution.

Tips for Being a Supportive and Involved Parent

• Diversify your child(ren)’s options for sports and activities when/if possible.
• Communicate openly with and actively listen to your child(ren).
• Allow your children to gravitate to the sports and/or activities of their choice, and follow their lead when they show preference(s).
• Lead by example, and show respect to your child(ren)’s coaches and instructors. In doing so, your child(ren) will learn how to appropriately engage in their chosen sport and/or activity.
• Avoid criticism or blame with regard to your child(ren)’s abilities and/or performance, and help your child(ren) learn from mistakes or losses.
• Help your child(ren) build skills, and do not focus on wins and losses.
• Refrain from pushing your child(ren) beyond their capabilities and expecting perfection.
• Resist the urge to relive your “glory days” or your aspirations through your child(ren).

Tips for Managing Your Family’s Time and Schedules

• Develop ground rules and expectations as a family (e.g., seasonal activities, transportation, practices).
• Outline estimated times for each family member’s activities (e.g., homework, practice, chores).
• Create a shared family calendar or master schedule.
• Determine which games or performances are important to your child(ren), and ensure those instances are prioritized.
• Decide, as a family, which family and/or community activities are important to you (e.g., family vacations, worship services, charitable events), and prioritize them.
• Develop “rules” for adding new activities to the schedule, and commit to them.
• Be intentional about scheduling rest and downtime for you and your child(ren).
• Pay attention to your child(ren)’s behavior(s), and set limits as needed.
• Share the load with other parents (e.g., snacks, carpool), and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• “Tag-team” and split responsibilities with your coparenting partner if applicable.
• Store equipment in a consistent location (e.g., tote, shelf) to minimize or avoid the stress associated with attempting to find equipment at the last minute.
• Develop a plan for meals and snacks that your child(ren) may require between practices and performances.

In today’s techy world, one can easily become absorbed with using screens. While technology offers numerous benefits to users, like readily available educational resources, communication tools, and entertainment options, it also has shortcomings, such as disrupting sleep behaviors for children and adults. Using screens constantly, especially before bedtime, can impact children’s and adults’ sleep patterns and quality, and some families may find it challenging to get the rest they need. Let’s discuss how screen time can impact our sleep patterns and discover alternative strategies that promote relaxation and prepare our bodies for rest.

The Impact of Screens on Sleep

Children

Blue light from smartphones, tablets, and computers can disrupt the body’s sleep-wake cycle by reducing melatonin production, which is a hormone that is vital for regulating sleep (AlShareef, 2022). Children’s brains are still developing, so they are particularly sensitive to environmental stimuli and the blue light emanating from screens. Furthermore, content on digital devices is intentionally designed to keep individuals engaged, and this may keep children alert for longer periods of time and make it difficult for them to relax and drift off to sleep. Research indicates that screens in the bedroom, whether actively used or not, are linked to insufficient sleep, poor sleep quality, and daytime sleepiness (Carter et al., 2016).

Teens and Adults

In addition to disrupting circadian rhythms, using electronic devices before bedtime may cause increased tiredness, stress, and symptoms of depression in adults (Lastella et al., 2020). Adults and teens may feel compelled to stay connected and responsive late into the night for various reasons including work or school responsibilities and other societal pressures. In fact, this situation could blur personal boundaries and heighten fears of social exclusion (Saling et al., 2016). Viewing mentally stimulating or emotionally taxing activities before sleep, such as scrolling through social media, responding to emails, or binge-watching shows, can further hinder relaxation, especially if the content is negative or distressing.

Tips for Families

To help counteract the negative effects of screen time on sleep patterns, consider implementing the following strategies:

• Set electronic curfews: Pick specific times when screens must be turned off.
• Create screen-free zones: Designate bedrooms as no-screen zones so, when individuals are in them, they are free from digital distractions.
• Explore the Thrive Professional Resource guide for more tips on managing screen time and sleep guidelines.
  • Sleep guidelines – page 9
  • Family Media Action Plan – page 17

Transitioning away from screens might be initially challenging for members of your family, but doing this can help promote better sleep and strengthen your family connections (Mindell et al., 2018). Here are some soothing alternatives for your family’s nighttime routine:

• Read Together: Pick out some favorite books. and take turns reading aloud. This activity can be a peaceful way to end the day and bond as a family.
  https://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/reading-resources/9-tips-to-inspire-family-reading.html
• Do Yoga or Stretches: Try some simple yoga poses or gentle stretches to release tension from the body and get ready for sleep. https://flowandgrowkidsyoga.com/pages/kids-yoga-poses
• Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Help your child relax with mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or guided imagery. These activities can create calm at the end of the day. https://www.calm.com/app/kids
• Tell Stories: Create your own bedtime stories or share family anecdotes to help spark imagination and foster connection. https://www.storytyke.com/post/4-bedtime-story-starter-ideas
• Make Art or Design Crafts: Get creative with quiet art projects like coloring or crafting. It can be fun for children to express themselves as they transition to rest. https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/make-a-bedtime-routine-book
• Play Soft Music or Lullabies: Play gentle music or sing lullabies to help create a calming atmosphere in the bedroom. These activities can be a soothing signal to the brain that it’s time to relax. https://www.calm.com/app/music/kids
• Take a Warm Bath or Shower: A warm bath or shower can relax tired muscles and help everyone feel clean and cozy before bed. https://www.happiestbaby.com/blogs/toddler/bathtime-activities
• Look at the Stars or Take Nighttime Walks: If the weather is nice, spend some time outside stargazing or take a leisurely walk. Fresh air and gentle movement can help prepare the body and mind for sleep. https://www.happiestbaby.com/blogs/toddler/bathtime-activities
• Take Time to Cuddle: Take a few moments to cuddle with your child and offer hugs, kisses, and words of affirmation. Physical touch can promote security and relaxation for children and parents. https://bunniesbythebay.com/blogs/how-to-delight/4-ways-hugging-child-benefits-development

Remember, finding a balance between using screens and relaxing can help your family be happy, healthy, and rested! So, consider prioritizing activities that help you and your family unwind as bedtime approaches and connect offline!

Engaging in positive parenting can help you form strong bonds with your child. By creating a secure and loving connection with your child, you show them that they can also form safe and caring attachments. When parents incorporate positive-parenting strategies throughout their child’s development, children learn that meaningful relationships are built on mutual trust and understanding.

To learn more, watch the Positive Parenting in Everyday Moments mini-booster video, below, that was developed by Thrive!

 

The universal Thrive parent-education programs (i.e., Take Root, Sprout, Grow, and Branch Out), supplemental modules, and mini-booster modules are available for all parents for free at https://thrive.psu.edu.