From setting clear goals to creating a positive study environment, there are simple strategies you can use to keep their interest in learning alive and thriving. Here are some tips to ensure their motivation remains strong long after the first day of school.

Communicate with your child’s teacher

If your school hosts an open house, movie night or other special event, make an effort to attend as a family. Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher and find out their communication preference, so you can stay in contact during the school year. Establishing a strong line of communication with the teacher is crucial for staying informed about your child’s progress. This can help you better support your child’s learning both at school and at home.

Don’t rush home after school

The more positive experiences your child has in and around school, the more they will view it as an enjoyable place. If your schedule allows, let your child linger outside at the end of the school day to use the playground, shoot hoops, ride scooters, or visit with friends.

Encourage Your Kids to Join a School Club

These days, intramural sports and chess club aren’t the only options — there are student groups focusing on everything from mindfulness to Dungeons and Dragons. Check the school’s website, newsletter or social media feed to find out what’s happening. Joining (or starting) a club will build anticipation and connect your child with like-minded peers.

Ask Open-ended Questions About School.

Inquire about your child’s school day with open-ended questions that can’t easily be answered with “yes” or “no”. Many teachers have websites, blogs or classroom-specific social media accounts that can provide conversation starters, such as the book they’re reading in class or this week’s Science topic.

Bump up Bedtime.

A cranky, under-motivated kid is likely a tired one. Be vigilant about their sleep routine and adopt the “it’s a school night” approach whenever possible. The extra shut-eye will help reduce morning wake-up battles and make the whole day go smoother.

Rediscover Reading.

Your child’s imagination may be sparked by a great author, a funny graphic novel or an entertaining book series. Take a welcoming approach to anything your child seems keen to read — including slightly goofy series like Captain Underpants, Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, and The Bad Guys. If you’re not sure where to start, ask the school’s librarian or visit your local public library for age-appropriate recommendations.

Book a Playdate with a School Friend.

The notion of seeing a favorite friend at school can provide a much-needed boost on a weekday morning. In the schoolyard, keep your eyes peeled for the parent of the student your child frequently mentions as a desk partner or recess pal. Introduce yourself and propose getting the kids together sometime.

Upgrade Their School Supplies.

Keep an eye out for school supplies that are now on clearance with marked-down prices. A fun notebook, a set of gel pens, or a cool lunch bag could be just the thing to lift your child’s spirits. If they’ve run out of labels for their belongings, maybe it’s time for a new set of Mabel’s Labels School Labels, personalized with the icon of their choice. 

Spice up Their Lunch.

Choose some different lunchbox snacks to add some zip to the usual rotation. Splurge on watermelon or berries to add a splash of nutritious color. Have your child do an online search for a new muffin or cookie recipe. Or, write them a classic smiley-face note, either on paper or using our Wash-Away Lunchbox Notes.

Seek Help if Needed.

Some minor moaning and groaning about school is one thing, but if you notice significant changes in your child’s behavior or willingness to attend school, set up a meeting with the teacher or school counsellor. They may have further insights and resources for additional support.

At times, the school year can feel like a grind for you and your child, so take things one day at a time. With a little creativity, you can keep the positive momentum going. For more tips and ideas, check out our post about winding down after school.

The post Keep Your Child Motivated for School All Year Long! appeared first on The Mabelhood.

However, if your child needs braces, you’ll be glad to hear that they’re extremely common now. So, if your kids are getting braces; here are some essential tips for parents to help you and your child navigate this new orthodontic experience.

Easing your child’s worries about getting braces

As with anything new, your child may feel stressed about getting braces. They may be concerned that they will look different and not fit in with their peers. The good news is: if you look around any middle school, junior high, or high school, you’ll see kids with braces everywhere. Your child is not alone – in fact, they’re joining a large group of classmates who already have braces.

Encourage your child to talk to siblings, peers or cousins who have braces (or who previously had them) to get their comments. When I asked my 17-year-old son what he remembered about his time with braces, he shrugged and said, “barely anything.” Clearly, he wasn’t scarred for life by the experience.

As you try to reassure your child, don’t expect to have much success with ‘big picture’ statements like “your teeth will look so nice when it’s over” or “it’s only two years.” Tweens and teens live in the moment and can’t necessarily grasp the long-term benefits. To them, two years may as well be 200 years. Instead, show empathy and try to help them through whatever stage of the process they’re in right now.

Tips for the early days of braces

Realistically, the initial orthodontist appointments — involving steps such as taking molds/impressions, installing brackets and attaching/tightening wires — won’t be super enjoyable for your child. One perk is that they may have the option to personalize their braces in a color of their choice.

Afterwards, to give your child a pick-me-up, be ready with a little non-food gift you know they’ll like, such as:

• A new case for their mobile device
• Hair products or accessories
• Lip balm
• A magazine, book or comic book
• A package of collectible cards
• A keychain or backpack charm
• Colorful pens, pencils or other art supplies
• A small gift card to a favorite store that relates to their interests (such as crafts, sports, music or gaming)

My 15-year-old niece got braces this year and described the initial feeling as “weird and a bit uncomfortable.” She said that the braces themselves weren’t painful, but the action of chewing was difficult for the first week. Your orthodontist may recommend an over-the-counter medication like Tylenol or Advil to ease any minor pain.

Foods your child should eat (and not eat) with braces

First and foremost, be sure to follow the instructions provided by your orthodontist’s office. They may give you written information or refer you to a website for further details.

In the early days of braces, your child will do best with liquids or soft foods that don’t require much chewing. Some typical go-to choices are milkshakes, smoothies, soup, yogurt, applesauce, ice cream, pudding, Jell-O, mashed potatoes and scrambled eggs. Adjust your menu based on your child’s tolerance.

To avoid damaging their braces, your child should consistently avoid foods that are hard, chewy or sticky, such as:

• Hard candies and lollipops
• Chewy candies like gummies, taffy and caramels
• Nuts and seeds
• Chips and pretzels
• Gum
• Popcorn

A quick side note about Halloween: you may notice that many of the items on the list above are candy-related. When October rolls around, you may need to get creative with different “treats” that are braces-friendly, such as specialty ice cream or home-baked desserts like cookies, cake or brownies.

For some foods, you’ll need to modify how they are prepared and served. For example, rather than your child biting into an apple with their front teeth, cut it up into bite-sized pieces to make it a finger food. Similarly, a hamburger patty can be cut into pieces to eat with a fork, with the toasted bun cut into bite-sized pieces on the side.

How to keep braces clean

Again, follow the care and maintenance instructions provided by your orthodontist. By far, my number one braces cleaning tip is to invest in a water flosser. This easy-to-use handheld device sprays a thin stream of water that is very effective to loosen food from braces before brushing with a regular toothbrush.

If the brackets or wires are causing the inside of your child’s mouth to become sore, look for orthodontic wax at your local pharmacy. Have your child squish the wax between their fingers and press it onto the wire ends or brackets that are bothersome.

Create a “braces care kit” for your kid

Consider creating a portable “braces care kit” for your child to take to school or sleepovers. Fill a zippered toiletry bag (or pencil case) with a toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, flosser picks, extra elastics, and lip balm.

If your child plays sports, you’ll want to protect your investment with a mouthguard designed specifically to fit over braces. Be sure to label the case to avoid mix-ups (Mabel’s Labels Small Rectangular Labels are perfectly sized for this purpose).

Getting braces may feel like a big deal at first, but there’s no need to “brace yourself” for the worst. Stay positive in the early going and be patient as your child adjusts to the tweaks in their eating and brushing routine. They will adapt – probably sooner than you expect. Good luck!

The post Kids Getting Braces: Essential Tips for Parents appeared first on The Mabelhood.

How to Wash Your Kids’ Football Helmet

For the helmet’s outer surface, avoid using abrasive cleaners or coarse pads that may scratch the finish. Use a soft cloth to wipe off dirt and debris.

For football helmets with removable inner pads, detach the padding and set aside. Use a soft cloth, warm water, and a mild detergent to clean the helmet shell and chin strap. To clean the pads, mix warm water with mild detergent and wipe the pads gently using a soft cloth. Let them dry and use a disinfectant spray to neutralize any remaining bacteria. Once all the parts are dry, reassemble the helmet ensuring that all buckles and straps are in proper working order.

If the helmet’s pads are not removable (i.e. glued in place), clean the inside by hand with a soft cloth, warm water and mild detergent. Work the cloth between the pads as much as possible. Spray with disinfectant and let it dry while sitting upright.

The Best Way to Wash Shoulder Pads

After each use, set the pads out out to air dry in an effort to reduce the smell and minimize the growth of mold and bacteria. You can use disinfecting spray or a dampened cloth with gentle dish soap to address any stained areas.

Jersey

Exercise great caution with the home and away jerseys, as they may have bright colors or elaborate team crests. Check the tag for specific washing instructions. Tackle tough stains (think mud, grass, Gatorade and blood) with your favorite stain remover product. Wash the jersey in cold water (to prevent the colors from bleeding) and hang to dry. Do not bleach.

How to Clean Those Sweaty Protective Undergarments

Plenty of sweat gets absorbed by items worn underneath the equipment, such as a jock strap, compression shorts, girdle, hip pads, undershirt and socks. Remove any plastic protective inserts and wash in cold water. Since these pieces are often made from technical fabrics to wick away moisture, check the manufacturer’s tag for any special washing or care instructions. Hanging to dry is always your safest option to prevent shrinking.

For “integrated pants” with built-in padding, wash and dry according to the directions on the tag. Do not bleach, iron or dry clean.

Cleats

This task can get messy, so you may want to head outside. Clap the cleats together to remove loose dirt and grass. An old scrub brush can help loosen caked-on mud — or for the really stubborn stuff, try scraping it off with an old screwdriver. Wipe the shoes’ outer surface with a soft cloth. If shoes are wet from dew or rain, remove the insoles and set out all the pieces to dry in the sun. You can also stuff the toes of the shoes with crumpled-up newspaper to absorb some of the moisture.

Gloves

Players at certain football positions (i.e. wide receivers) may wear gloves with tacky palms. To clean these specialized gloves, start by wiping them down to remove any loose dirt. Add mild detergent to lukewarm water and mix thoroughly before soaking your gloves. You can also put the gloves on and clean them in the way that you would wash your hands. Rub carefully with a gentle cleaning product. Rinse well and squeeze them over the sink to draw out as much water as possible. Air dry on a rack, flat surface or clothesline.

If the gloves are machine-washable, turn them inside out to protect the grippy material on the outside. Place them in a mesh bag or pillowcase before adding them to the washing machine.

The Best Way to Wash & Sanitize a Mouth Guard

Do not use extremely hot water to clean a mouth guard, as the heat can alter its shape. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance. Use a toothbrush to scrub it gently with toothpaste or mouthwash, then rinse well and let it dry.

Don’t Forget to Wash the Equipment Bag

Sanitize the gear bag by wiping down the interior and exterior with an antibacterial wipe and dry thoroughly. On a sunny day, you can also give it a good all-over spray with the hose and set it out to dry.

To ensure that all your child’s gear makes it home to the laundry room, clearly label every piece of clothing and equipment. The Mabel’s Labels Kids’ Competitive Sports Label Pack can be customized with your child’s name, jersey number and team colors. Go team!

Looking for more tips to help wash your kids sports gear, we’ve tips on hockey gear too!

The post How to Wash Your Kids Football Gear appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Things to do before your child starts at a new school

As always, you know your child best and are the most qualified person to customize these ideas for them. Some kids will benefit from lots of advance information, while others are better off taking each moment as it comes. Here are some proactive steps you can take before your child sets foot in the new school:

• Talk it through. This may be especially important for older kids who are more attached to their existing school and need time to wrap their heads around the change. Adopt the role of sympathetic listener and let them express their emotions. Validate their feelings of frustration or nervousness. Later, when they’re in a less emotional headspace, explain why this school is a logical solution and highlight its appealing features.
• Read about it. Normalize the back-to-school experience by reading picture books like Mooncat and Me or The New Bear at School. Recommended picks for junior students are the middle-school classic Wonder and the award-winning graphic novel New Kid.
• Do your homework. Surf the school’s website and social media accounts for useful information such as the principal’s name, bell times, newsletters, and important dates.
• Reach out. Call the school so you can be directed to the appropriate contact person, whether it’s the principal, vice principal or guidance counselor. The school may already have an established orientation process for incoming students. Make a list of questions in advance (with input from your child, if appropriate) and take this opportunity to ask away.
• Get the first-day scoop. Find out the school’s first-day traditions and procedures. Inquire about your child’s class placement in advance, so they can arrive at school already knowing their teacher’s name and room number.
• Generate positive hype. Do you know anyone — such as a friend, relative, or neighbor — who attends or previously attended the school? Enlist them to chat briefly with your child and share their positive reviews.
• Play it up. If the schoolyard and playground equipment are open to the public, take your child there for some unstructured play time several days before school begins.
• Take a tour. Now that you’ve got all the background information, you’re ready to schedule a tour of the school itself. See as much of the building as you can and help your child locate common areas such as the library, gym and cafeteria. Walk around the outside to find your child’s line-up zone, entrance/exit door and bus pick-up area, if relevant.

Supporting your child on the first day at a new school

 There’s bound to be a lot of nervous energy on the first day, so here are a few factors to consider:

• Travel together. On day 1, you may want to keep things simple by driving your child or walking with them to school. You can work out the transportation details on day 2 and beyond.
• Gear up. You know best if your child will be excited to start fresh with a brand-new backpack, lunch box and water bottle — or will be comforted by having their well-loved, familiar ones. Either way, label all their belongings so nothing is lost or mixed up.
• Re-cap some friend-making tips. Give your child a few basic strategies and conversation starters for meeting new kids. Dress them in a shirt with a favorite character or sports team on it, as a head start to finding common ground with peers.
• Be upbeat yourself. Your child will take their cue from you, so put on a brave face. Be understanding about their jitters, yet firm and confident in their ability to handle this.

How to set your child up for success at their new school

 After you survive the first day, here are some additional tips for the days and weeks that follow:

• Establish lines of communication. You’ll want to connect with your child’s teacher as soon as possible. They will play a pivotal role in making your child feel welcome, placing them with compatible peers, and keeping you in the loop if issues arise. Start by sending an e-mail and ask for an in-person meeting if possible.
• Send support. A mom friend shared her concern that lunch period would be the loneliest time for her son at his new school. So, she sent a little “love note” in his lunch every day, with an encouraging message. Mabel’s Labels Washaway Lunch Box Notes are great for this purpose!
• Get involved. Attend school events, such as the “Meet the Teacher” night or Parent Council/PTA meetings. Encourage your child to get involved in school activities such as intramurals, clubs, sports teams, and student leadership.
• Log in. To ensure your child isn’t left out of anything, make sure you are signed up in the school’s online system for e-mail updates, pizza orders, field trip forms, and fundraisers.
• Set a healthy routine. This transition will place extra demands on your child, so make sure they are eating balanced meals and getting plenty of sleep. Minimize before-school stress by establishing a solid morning routine that isn’t rushed. After school, do your best to balance out homework and free time.

While starting at a new school can be intimidating, you and your child will get through it, one day at a time. Before you know it, they’ll be settled into a groove, and what previously seemed like a “big deal” will now be their daily routine.

The post Tips for Kids Starting at a New School appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Social Skills Needed by 8th Grade

Young people with strong social skills are better prepared to build positive relationships, meet new friends, navigate unfamiliar situations and manage peer pressure. The social world of preteens and teens is a complex one, and you want your child to feel as confident and comfortable as possible.

Verbal communication. They should be able to choose suitable words and comments for the situation, while speaking a confident tone of voice.

Awareness of non-verbal communication. At this age, they likely understand that body language can also send powerful messages. They will sometimes employ the classic teenage eye-roll, but hopefully they choose the appropriate posture, facial expressions and gestures most of the time. They should also practice reading these cues in others.

Active listening. When someone else is talking, they maintain a respectful amount of eye contact, show engagement through non-verbal signals like nodding, and ask for clarification if needed.

Empathy. Tweens and teens are famously self-centered, so this one can be a big challenge. Ideally, your child can “put themself in the other person’s shoes” and imagine what someone else may be thinking or feeling. As a result, they will be more likely to notice if a family member or friend is struggling.

Self-advocacy. They should know how to speak up for themselves and seek assistance if necessary. They should be aware that help is always available — for example, from a school guidance counselor, a community support service, or a phone/text help line. If an issue arises for them — or for a friend — they should feel secure reaching out to a trusted adult rather than trying to solve it on their own.

Resolving minor conflicts. They should have some experience with patching things up after an argument, apologizing for a mistake, and brainstorming reasonable solutions.

Responsible technology use. It’s critical that this generations innately understands the importance of safe and respectful digital communication. A great mini checklist before posting, sharing, commenting, liking (and so on) is the THINK acronym — is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind?

How to develop your child’s social skills

Some kids are natural social butterflies, while others may need a little more training. Today’s teens have less experience interacting with others face to face, so look for opportunities for them to get some extra practice. Here are some ideas:

• Join clubs, teams or activities (either at school or in their free time) that match their interests, whether it’s sports, art, science, coding, animals or something else.
• Start a simple part-time job or volunteer opportunity, such as babysitting, umpiring, coaching, tutoring, cutting lawns or delivering newspapers.
• Participate in gatherings with family friends, extended family, cousins, and neighbours.
• Organize a social outing with a group of peers.
• Set aside (and mute) all electronic devices during family interactions such as dinner time. Make an effort to interact “the old-fashioned way.”
• Comment on the teenage behavior you see on TV or social media, making it clear when you don’t approve (and why).
• Talk openly about cyberbullying and using technology appropriately. Be aware of the apps your child uses and monitor them if necessary.
• If your child carries a phone, add emergency numbers to their contact list, such as the Crisis Text Line (USA), Kids Help Phone (Canada) and *988, a free suicide prevention and crisis helpline available across North America.

Educational Skills Needed by 8th Grade

Although a solid report card is always a welcome sight, this skill set isn’t necessarily about getting good grades. Rather, it’s about how your child learns and their ability to work through a task in any subject area.

Be comfortable using a computer. They should be able to type proficiently as well as collaborate in online platforms such as Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Understand format and tone. For example, an e-mail to a business owner about a part-time job will be much more formal than a casual text to a friend.

Recognize a story’s structure. This means understanding the key parts of a narrative (i.e. how a story is built with a beginning, middle, and end) and being able to discuss the plot, setting, characters, and theme.

Prove a point. They should have experience with finding evidence in a text to support a statement or opinion. Of course, sources must always be cited to avoid plagiarism.

Follow the writing process. This includes planning, writing a first draft, seeking feedback, editing, and formatting the finished product.

Perform an oral presentation. Public speaking requires preparation — and a fair bit of courage. The sooner they practice speaking in front of a group, the better.

Think sequentially. This is especially valuable in math, where a problem is broken down into logical steps, with precise calculations along the way.

How to enhance your child’s educational skills

You know your child best, and that includes an awareness of their strengths and areas for improvement. Provide an extra boost to their learning skills with strategies like this:

• Read up on learning styles and identify which description best matches your child. Are they a visual learner who likes images and diagrams, an auditory learner who’s great at listening, a reading/writing type who absorbs written information, or a kinaesthetic learner who is active and hands-on? Use that information to help them construct better study notes or approach a project from a different angle.
• Ask them to summarize the plot line of their favourite TV show, movie, or video game. (If you’re baffled by the video game suggestion, consider that there can be a surprising amount of depth in some of these fictional gaming worlds, and your child may be eager to describe it all to you.)
• Hone their typing skills with free online keyboarding games. (My boys grumbled at first, but ended up liking this racecar themed one.)
• If their basic math facts need reviewing, grab some old-school flash cards or use a web-based program like Xtramath.
• For kids who get overwhelmed by large projects, LEGO building sets (and their step-by-step instruction booklets) are an amazing way to teach a patient, methodical approach.

Organizational Skills Needed by 8th Grade

These are the basic skills of getting through the day without being late, forgetting things, and losing stuff. They will be especially important as your young teen gets more independent and is balancing school with other demands and activities.

Punctuality. Being on time is a daily skill, so if your child is constantly oversleeping or missing the bus, maybe a more structured routine is in order.

Managing belongings. This is another daily chore — keeping track of their personal items, to avoid the high cost of replacing things that are left behind.

Time management. When approaching a project or assignment, can your child create a plan and stick to it? Ideally, they’ve developed good study habits and are proactive with schoolwork, rather than leaving things to the last minute.

Sending updates. Especially if your child owns a phone, it’s important that they understand the importance of communicating with family members and caregivers about their after-school plans and location.

Nutrition and hydration. This might be the right age for your child to start packing their own lunch, with some coaching about healthy and responsible food choices.

How to help your child be more organized

Being organized is all about having the right tools — and using them! Try adding these to your family’s current system:

• Personalized name labels for their school gear — let them choose a more sophisticated design from the Middle School Label Pack so they’ll be more motivated to use them.
• Daily alarms that are pre-set on your child’s electronic device for waking up, departing for school, etc.
• Other handy features on your child’s phone or tablet, such as the timer to count down their allotted recreational screen time, or the Notes app to create a to-do list.
• An old-fashioned paper calendar, posted on the fridge or in another prominent spot. Update it regularly with assignment due dates, appointments, field trips and other school events.
• A daily agenda/planner book that your child carries to school.
• A shared online calendar or linked app for up-to-the-minute schedule accuracy.
• A morning checklist that covers eating breakfast, getting dressed, making their lunch, filling their water bottle, and adding any other necessities (such as electronics or Phys. Ed. clothes) to their backpack.
  

Your child is only in 8th grade, and can’t manage all this on their own yet — but it’s the right time to start learning it gradually. Good luck and remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day!

Here is another great post about general life skills to teach your kids. 

The post The Social, Educational and Organizational Skills Your Child Needs by 8th Grade appeared first on The Mabelhood.

How to wash a baseball or soccer uniform

Your child’s team-issued uniform likely includes a jersey, hat, pants or shorts, and socks. There may be additional pieces such as a warm-up shirt or other spirit wear.

Without the official uniform, your young athlete can’t go on the field. As such, all pieces should be treated with extreme care during the washing process to avoid any damage, shrinking or discoloring.

Here’s a step-by-step game plan for uniform washing:

• Step 1: Label all uniform pieces with your child’s name and number, to prevent mix-ups with teammates. The Mabel’s Labels Kids’ Sports Label Pack is designed especially for this!
• Step 2: Check the tag for washing instructions. Many jerseys are made from high-tech moisture-wicking fabrics that may be designated as “cold water only” or “hang to dry.” Allow enough time in your laundry schedule for all pieces to air-dry before the next game or practice.
• Step 3: Aggressively pre-treat spots and stains, which could be anything from dirt, grass, sand, clay and turf to Gatorade or post-game ice cream. Generously apply your preferred stain remover product before laundering. You may find it helpful to pre-soak the uniform in the laundry tub, or scrub stain remover into the affected area with an old toothbrush.

A side note about laundry products: the best advice and recommendations come from other sports parents. Once at a tournament in Pittsburgh, I struck up a conversation with a random mom about the difficulties of washing white baseball pants. She happily shared all her trade secrets and laundry hacks — including one I still haven’t tried, which was to take an old-fashioned laundry soap bar, run it over a cheese grater, and add the grated-up flakes to the washload.

• Step 4: After proactively treating the stains, launder the uniform at the appropriate water temperature. Take advantage of any bonus features on your washing machine, such as “pre-soak,” “heavy soil” or “extra rinse”.

Try Laundry Stripping

If you’re finding that a regular laundry cycle isn’t enough to neutralize the sweaty smell, consider taking things to the next level with a strategy called “laundry stripping.” In this process, clean clothes are soaked in a tub with a mixture of water, Borax, washing soda and powdered laundry detergent. After four hours, the clothes should be gently wrung out and put through a final rinse cycle in the washing machine. If you’re seeking a deeper clean, check out this detailed breakdown and instructional video about laundry stripping.

Tips for washing baseball and soccer gear

Here are a few simple steps to keep your child’s important (and expensive!) sports gear in prime condition.

Washing footwear

Take cleats outside and remove all loose dirt and grass from the sole. Wipe dust and mud from the outer surface with a soft cloth. If shoes are wet from dew or rain, remove the insoles and set out to dry in the sun.

How to wash Soccer shin pads

On a busy tournament weekend, help keep bacteria away by spritzing shin pads with a disinfectant spray. A day off with sunny skies is a good choice for more elaborate cleaning. First, use a brush and soapy water to scrub the inner and outer surfaces. Then, soak the shin guards in a mixture of detergent and water for about 15 minutes. Rinse well and set outside in the sun to dry.

Most soccer shin guards can go in the washing machine — although it’s wise to check the tag or the manufacturer’s website to confirm. Place the shin pads in a tied pillowcase or delicates bag and use the gentle cycle. Air dry only — shin pads should never go in the dryer.

How to clean catcher’s gear for baseball or softball

A catcher’s leg guards and chest protector have multiple straps and buckles that aren’t well suited for the washing machine. It’s best to perform a full cleaning before or after the season, where each piece can be manually scrubbed with soapy water, rinsed well and hung outside to dry completely.

Washing baseball and softball helmets 

For a traditional two-piece catcher’s mask (similar to an umpire), clean the inner padding with a disposable disinfecting wipe.

Modern goalie-style catcher’s masks frequently have removable padded inserts that attach with Velcro. These pieces can be gently detached from the inside of the helmet and laundered separately in the washer, in a tied pillowcase or delicates bag. Dry outdoors or in the dryer on a low setting.

For batting helmets, the hard outer shell can be wiped easily, but the inner foam is typically glued in and is best left alone. On hot days, air out the helmet post-game so the inner padding is able to dry.

Tips for cleaning smelly baseball and softball gloves

Leather and water don’t mix, so avoid dunking a baseball glove in a washing tub or spraying it with a hose. Instead, manually clean it with a soft brush or towel, as suggested in these expert tips.

Similarly, batting gloves are made from specialized materials and require careful cleaning. Check the specific company’s website for care and maintenance instructions.

How to clean baseball caps

I don’t believe in those plastic cages that supposedly allow a baseball cap to be washed in the dishwasher or washing machine. In my experience, a soaking-wet hat is more likely to lose its shape, structure and proper fit. My best advice is to spot-clean the hat with a damp cloth and place it on a volleyball (or other appropriately sized ball) while drying.

With these simple tips, you’ll be sending your child out on the field looking clean, professional and ready to compete. After the game, remember to praise their dirty shirt or grass-stained pants, as it shows they’re trying their best!

Wondering how to wash hockey gear? Check out these tips!

The post Tips for Washing Baseball and Soccer Gear Like an All-Star appeared first on The Mabelhood.

Give an old backpack new life.

Empty out your child’s trusty school backpack or dig out an extra one from a previous year. Pre-treat any unsightly spots with stain remover and run it through a cold-water cycle in your washing machine. Hang it outdoors in the sun to dry. Spruce up the zipper pull with a keychain-style accessory or a personalized bag tag. The backpack’s makeover is complete and it’s ready for camp time! Choose eco-friendly lunch gear.

A reusable Bento style lunch box (made of plastic or stainless steel) is a positive step toward a litterless lunch. Send a daily personal message for your day camper with washaway lunch box notes that dissolve in water. Reusable single-serve containers and silicone snack bags are also a great alternative to disposable ones.

Say goodbye to single-use water bottles.

“Water” we waiting for? For the sake of the earth, it’s time to reduce the demand for new plastic. Keep your child hydrated all day with a high-quality reusable water bottle. Prevent germy mix-ups by adding a textured wraparound water bottle label personalized with your child’s name. And, if you’re worried about bacteria, we’ve got tips for cleaning and disinfecting.

Rediscover old-fashioned entertainment.

Your young camper may appreciate having something to do on the drive, at lunch break, during quiet time, or while waiting for pick-up. With this in mind, scour your game cupboard, bookshelf and toy bin for “unplugged” options such as:

• Art supplies. Sort through your existing collection of pens, crayons, markers and coloring pencils (this is a great hands-on project for kids!). Discard the unusable or broken ones, and fill a pencil case with the rest. Grab a past school notebook and remove any used pages to get a fresh start. Slip these into your child’s bag for drawing, writing letters or playing or pen-and-paper games with fellow campers.
• Travel games, magnet sets, fidget toys or a deck of cards
• Activity books, word puzzles, comic books or Mad Libs
• A long-forgotten stuffed animal – refresh it with a wash and dry cycle (inside a tied pillowcase) and your child will have a familiar friend for the car ride.

Seek out gently used gear.

This is especially wise if your child is registered for a camp where they’ll be trying a new sport or activity. Look for gently used sports equipment and footwear in online classifieds, at thrift stores, or through the local sport association. Also consider borrowing camp essentials like a sleeping bag or rain gear from your personal network of cousins, friends and neighbors.

Reuse products that are still within their shelf life.

Check your cabinets and assess your existing stock of kid-friendly sunscreen, bug spray and after-bite lotion. If it’s still ahead of its expiry date, squeeze out every last ounce before purchasing a new one.

Avoid over-buying.

Check the camp website or ask in advance if there is a camp supply list, so you know exactly what your child will need. For sleep-away camp, you can also use our handy checklist as a starting point.

By adopting an eco-friendly approach to camp gear, you’ll be helping both the planet and your budget. Repurposing existing items reduces landfill waste and saves money (that you’ll likely need for camp fees). Also, labeling everything reduces the chances of lost items, which means you won’t have to purchase new ones to replace them. So, be creative and apply “the 3 R’s” wherever you can!

The post 7 Eco-Friendly Ways to Prepare for Summer Camp appeared first on The Mabelhood.

How to find day camp options in your area

Start with an online search where you type in “[your city] kids day camps.” Begin researching as early as possible, as popular camps may sell out quickly.

Instead of settling for the same old camp as last year, investigate camps that are hosted by:

• Your city or municipality
• A nearby university or college
• The local community center, public library, or YMCA
• Kids’ activity program providers such as dance, gymnastics, martial arts, theatre, art, or computer coding
• Birthday party businesses, such as indoor trampolining, pottery painting or LEGO building
• Common field trip destinations, such as children’s museums, zoos or nature centers
• Youth sports associations, including team sports, individual sports, and aquatics

You can also collect ideas and recommendations the old-fashioned way — by asking around to friends, relatives, neighbors, and fellow parents at your child’s school or activities.

If you have your eye on a specific camp but registration isn’t open yet, add the date to your calendar or follow their social media feed for updates.

Choosing the right day camp for your child

There are many factors to consider when selecting a camp, including:

• Set a target budget and stay within it as much as possible. If your child has their heart set on a particular camp one week, you may have to select a more reasonably priced option another week.
• What are the travel and logistics involved? Is it close to home, or on your way to work? Is it easy to get in and out, with free parking?
• Each camp will have different drop-off and pick-up times, so check carefully to see how these align with your schedule. If needed, inquire if there is additional supervision available at the start or end of the day.
• Who is leading the camp, and what are their credentials? Do the on-site staff have First Aid and CPR training? What is the ratio of leaders to participants?
• It’s a wonderful bonus if a camp’s theme connects to something your child already loves, such as science, nature, performing arts, or technology.
• Does the camp require any specific equipment, clothing, or footwear? For example, a baseball camp might expect the child to bring their own glove and bat.
• Skill level. Is any prior experience required? If the camp activity (for example, horseback riding) is something brand-new for your child, make sure it is truly a beginner program, so they won’t be the only rookie in the group.
• Age groupings. Especially in sport and activity camps, it’s preferable to have age-limited groups (ages 5-6, ages 7-8, etc.). An “all ages” camp could be tiresome for a 12-year-old who will be surrounded by little kids all day.
• Physical demands. If your child is enrolled in a competitive sports program and has games or practices in the evening, it may not be practical to put them in a highly active camp where they are running around outdoors all day and are exhausted by 3:00 PM. In this case, a more sedentary indoor camp might help conserve their energy.

Day Camp registration tips

Here are a few extra suggestions as you navigate the registration process:

• Sign up with a friend. Reach out to the parents of your child’s closest pal and see if they want to register for the same camp. Benefit #1: added excitement for your child to be heading to camp with a buddy. Benefit #2: you and the other parent may be able to share the driving duties.
• Do your homework. Take the time to carefully read all the information on the camp website, including cancellation policies. If you have further questions or want to discuss special considerations for your child, contact the camp director by phone or e-mail. They want your business and will be happy to provide answers.
• Trust your instincts. It is fine to ask for your child’s input about the camps they’d like to attend, but you need to make the final decisions based on the many factors above. Your child could beg for a certain camp now, but have moved on to a different hobby or interest by the summer.
• Label everything.Part of camp preparation is making sure you have enough name labels on hand, so your child’s belongings aren’t mixed up or left behind. The Mabel’s Labels Day Camp Label Pack has two bag tags and 39 personalized labels in assorted sizes, to keep everything organized.
  

The advance work you do now on camp registration will help ensure that your child has a summer filled with learning opportunities, new friends, and fun experiences. Good luck and have a great camp season!

The post Day Camp Registration Tips appeared first on The Mabelhood.

You may have experienced a similar push-and-pull dilemma on a hectic morning. It’s tempting to simply push the boots onto your child’s feet and pull them out the door with you. On the other hand, we know that as parents, we’re supposed to be empowering them to be self-sufficient.

So, how do you promote independence but still get out the door on time? Here are some kid-tested tactics to add to your daily routine.

How to organize kids’ winter gear

Organization is key to manage kids’ winter apparel and accessories. Think like a kindergarten teacher and apply these strategies:

• Put it in its place. Whether you use hooks, cubbies, drawers or baskets, have a system to keep each kid’s outerwear in a specific, easy-to-reach spot.
• Make siblings distinctive. Where possible, choose a different color scheme for each of your kids. It’s inconvenient and time-consuming to be matching up multiple pairs of identical-looking mittens.
• Label, label, label. Anyone with a preschool-age child knows the mystifying phenomenon where they don’t know what their own boots look like. Apply Mabel’s Tag Mates to every item so there’s no confusion at home or at school. Personalized Household Labels are also handy to label bins and containers.

How to get kids ready quickly

Time is of the essence, especially in the mornings. See if you can introduce any of these time-saving techniques:

• Pile it on. It’s important to be “hands-off” and let the kids put everything on themselves, but you can facilitate the process by placing the various pieces on the floor in front of them.
• Beat the time. For kids who love numbers, time them with your phone’s stopwatch and create a daily tracking chart. Imagine their glee (and yours) when they set a new personal best time!
• Build zipper skills. Mabel’s mini tags are a brilliant “life hack” for zipper beginners. They provide a larger zipper pull that is easier to grab and help prevent coat mix-ups.
• Cut the chatter. Somehow, the request “please get ready to go” triggers my kids to begin a steady stream of silly jokes and random My new approach is to politely but firmly say: “I will answer all your questions once you are fully dressed.”

How to motivate your kids to move faster

If your kids (like mine) move at a snail’s pace (and sometimes slower), try inspiring them in these clever ways:

• Turn up the heat. I love this one: pre-warm their winter outerwear in the dryer. Throw everything in on a low setting for a couple of minutes, then present it with comments like “Ooo, this feels so cozy!” and “See if you can put it on while it’s still warm!”
• Buy cool gear. The added expense of a winter hat emblazoned with a favorite character or sports team logo is worth every penny if the kid eagerly puts it on.
• Recruit a role model. One day, we were babysitting my niece, who is a few years older than my son. When it was time to go outside to play in the snow, his jaw dropped as he witnessed how swiftly she got dressed. It was like it hadn’t ever occurred to him that this task could be completed more quickly than his usual turtle-like pace.

Interestingly, the all-time best tactic with my kids was a local radio station’s “bag of cash” contest where callers could win money from a robotic-sounding bank machine. Luckily, this entertaining feature happened every day at the exact time we needed to be getting into the car. My kids leapt into their jackets and flew out the door so they wouldn’t miss it. It was reassuring proof that my little tortoises can be hares, when they want to be.

The post How to get kids dressed for winter and not lose your mind appeared first on The Mabelhood.