Six Tips To Avoid Seasonal Allergies

Spring is full of sunshine, blooming flowers, and, unfortunately, pollen. Pollen is a very fine powdery substance that is carried from plant to plant by the wind, insects, and other pollinators. As trees, grasses, weeds, and flowers begin to grow in the spring, the amount of pollen in the air increases dramatically, triggering seasonal allergies in millions of people. If seasonal allergies have you sniffling, itching your eyes, and feeling rundown, take these steps to keep your symptoms at bay:

 

1. Take allergy medications before symptoms start. It takes a few weeks for antihistamines and corticosteroids to become fully effective. If you typically suffer from seasonal allergies, begin taking these medications regularly well before spring gets underway.

 

2. Avoid the allergen. When possible, stay inside on days that have a high pollen count and on dry, windy days when pollen will be swirling around. If you’re lucky, maybe you can convince someone to do your yardwork and mow your lawn for you!

 

3. Shower before bed. If you spend any amount of time outdoors, shower off before you go to sleep each night. This will remove pollen particles from your hair and body and will ensure you’re not bringing the pollen to your bedsheets where you could be breathing it in all night long.

 

4. Keep doors and windows closed. Since pollen particles are miniscule, they can easily make their way through a window screen into your home. Bedroom windows should remain closed as much as possible to prevent pollen from dusting your bed and clothing.

 

5. Use allergy filters in your HVAC unit. Choose high-quality air filters designed to trap allergens. Inspect the filter regularly and change it when it is visibly dirty, especially during the pollen-filled spring months.
6. Wear a mask. These days, wearing a mask doesn’t seem like a big deal anymore. If you do have to be outdoors on a high pollen count day, consider covering your nose and mouth with a mask so you don’t inhale pollen.

Celebrate Pi Day on March 14!

March 14 marks the annual celebration of Pi Day. Embraced by math lovers everywhere, this unique day recognizes the irrational number Pi (or ℼ). Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, which is always 3.14. Hence, we celebrate Pi Day on March 14. Around the world, people commemorate advances in math on Pi Day, and you can take part too with these fun activities.

 

Create a DIY pizza pie bar.

Set up a pizza making station at home to celebrate Pi Day. Give each person a pre-made crust and allow them to customize their pizza with toppings of their choice. Encourage pizza makers to incorporate the ℼ symbol or other mathematical designs (think fractions or addition problems) with their toppings.

 

Watch a math-themed movie.

Movies about math cover many topics, making it easy to find one to enjoy! For older viewers, watch Good Will Hunting, 21, Moneyball or A Brilliant Young Mind. Great family-friendly math-inspired films include Life of Pi, Hidden Figures, and Queen of Katwe.

 

Have a pie eating contest.

Gather your friends and family for an old-fashioned pie eating contest. Make mini pies of your choice or go all out with regular sized pies. While the first person to finish their pie is the ultimate winner, be sure to have an award on hand for the messiest eater as well!

 

Exer-pies.

You don’t have to eat or watch a movie to commemorate Pi Day. Find a 3.14-mile route in your neighborhood and go for a run, walk, or jog in honor of the world’s great mathematicians. If you prefer interval training, use 3.14 to guide your sets.

 

Play Pi games.

Pi-themed games can be played by people of all ages! Since Pi is related to circles, find as many perfectly round circles as possible throughout the day. If words are more your thing, have a contest to see who can come up with the most words that begin with “pi-” in a set amount of time.

Create Your Own Cozy Book Nook

What could be better than a dedicated space to dive into a book and escape from the world for a bit? Whether you have a corner, a closet or even just an empty wall space available, you can create a cozy area for snuggling up with a good book. With a few key elements, you can create a book nook you’ll never want to leave.

 

Ensure adequate lighting. Proper lighting is especially important when reading. If possible, set your reading area by a window to utilize natural light. Floor lamps or wall-mounted lights are great choices to provide task lighting for a book nook. Want a fun vibe for your space? Add white or colored string lights to draw you to the reading nook.

Set up a comfortable seating area. To encourage spending lots of time in your reading nook, a comfy place to curl up with a book is key. Consider an oversized chair, chaise lounge, bench seat, indoor swing chair or a bean bag chair. Place an end table near your seat to hold a drink, snack, or your phone. And don’t forget to add pillows and plush blankets to make your book nook extra cozy.

Personalize with accessories and décor. Decorate your book nook to match the mood you want. If the reading space is for kids, entice them with bright colors and bold patterns. Design your space to mimic the feel of your favorite books or go classic by hanging reading-themed pictures or famous book quotes on the wall. To separate your space from the rest of the room, hang a canopy to provide ambiance and privacy.

 

Add books! What’s a reading nook without books? While you don’t have to create a full library, plan for a traditional bookshelf, wall shelves, a rolling cart or even a small basket to house your books. If you prefer to read your books on an e-reader, keep your charging wire and a USB wall charger in your reading nook.

 

Meditations and Relaxations for the Whole Family

After the hustle and bustle of the holidays—parties, late nights, and road trips—adults and kids alike savor the opportunity to slow down. As normal activities resume, embrace the slower pace and spend time together as a family. Try these meditations and relaxations to create a calming atmosphere.

Intentional Breathing

The simple act of intentional breathing can go a long way in relaxing your body. Teach family members tricks for breathing. You can do five-finger breathing in which you trace the outline of your fingers with an in and out breathing pattern. Or try hot air balloon breathing where you breathe in through the nose and then exhale as much as possible as if you were filling up a hot air balloon.

 

Guided Meditations

Guided meditations are helpful to focus your thoughts. Some versions provide prompts to relax the body, while others offer positive affirmations that you can carry with you throughout the day. You can find guided meditations on YouTube or use a meditation app for your smartphone or tablet.

 

Classical Music

Listening to relaxing music has a calming effect on the body. Slower-paced music can relax your mind and body and cause you to feel less stressed. Classical, smooth jazz, or soft pop songs are effective, so turn on these tunes while cooking dinner or relaxing in the evening.

 

Yoga

The wonderful thing about yoga is that it can be done by just about anyone, whether you are a kid, adult, or senior. If you’re a beginner, start with easy poses that provide a great stretch and improve your balance and flexibility. Adjust the basic yoga moves to fit your range of motion.

 

Outdoor Time

Spending time in nature has a calming physical effect on the body. Outdoor activities can improve your mood and combat anxiety and depression. If you can’t find the time or it’s too cold to head outdoors, listen to nature sounds like a rainstorm or rolling ocean waves to reap similar benefits.

 

ATLC Holiday Closings

Dear Apple Tree Learning Center families,

Our centers will be closed on the following dates during the upcoming holidays:

• Friday, December 24
• Monday, December 27
• Friday, December 31

Family Gift Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank!

Gift-giving is a staple of the holiday season. It’s a way to show your gratitude and appreciation for your loved ones. However, buying gifts for an entire family can be costly. Simplify your gift-giving this year by choosing a budget-friendly gift that all members of the family can enjoy.

Specialty Food
A delicious treat is always a win. Up your game by gifting a food item with a unique twist, like gourmet popcorn seasoning, a sampling of real maple syrups or hot chocolate bombs. When in doubt, stop by your local bakery and gift your favorite cookies or cupcakes.

Games
Board games, yard games, card games, puzzles…the options are endless when it comes to choosing a fun activity-focused gift for the family. Group multiple games together to appeal to all members of the family or add special edible treats to kick family game night up a notch.

Matching Pajamas
Everyone in the family will be cozy this holiday with a new set of matching pajamas. Purchase PJs that reflect the family’s style: classic, fun, or over-the-top. You can even get a set of pajamas for the family dog!

Year-in-Review Video
While a year-in-review video may be time consuming to put together, it is an inexpensive way to give a gift. Compile photos and videos from throughout the year and set them to a fun soundtrack. Everyone will love looking back at the fun memories and appreciate the good times all over again.

Local Membership
Give the gift of year-long outings with a membership to a local attraction, like a museum, zoo, or waterpark. The recipients of your gift will have many fun-filled days throughout the year and will think of you each time they use their membership.

Cooking and Dining Items
Meals are a great way to bring the family together, so why not make it exciting? Gift your favorite family an ice cream maker, fun taco holders or a character-inspired waffle maker. The whole family will want to help in the kitchen!

Hello September! It’s Time To Start the New School Year

It’s back-to-school season! Getting back into the swing of things after a fun-filled summer can be hard, but an organized approach to heading back to school can make the transition easier for both parents and children. Follow these five tips to make heading back to the classroom a piece of cake.

1. Fill out forms as soon as you get them. The paperwork or online forms that comes along with a new school year can often seem endless. Whether it’s a health form, t-shirt order, permission slip or other document, sign it immediately and return it to school. This will prevent an avalanche of forms from accumulating and you’ll feel accomplished with each signature!
2. Set ground rules. With the lazy days of summer over, it’s time for a rule re-boot in September. Consider how much screen time your children should have each day, homework expectations and an ideal bedtime. Include older children in the conversation to set the rules; they’ll be more likely to buy-in and follow them.
3. Make a meal plan. The rush of after-school programs, fall sports and homework can make mealtimes hard when kids first head back to school. Plan your meals and purchase ingredients in advance so there is no guesswork when it comes to cooking. And meal plans aren’t just for dinner—you can also plan breakfasts and lunches too.
4. Check in on your child’s mental health. After a carefree summer, children may struggle with their mental health when they go back to school. Communicate with them regularly and take note of signs that indicate they may be having a hard time, like acting out or not sleeping well. If problems persist, talk to your school’s counselor or pediatrician.
5. Know your school’s COVID protocols. COVID-19 is very much still with us and will likely impact the school year. Read through your school’s plan for dealing with COVID cases. Know what symptoms require a child to stay home and plan for childcare should your child need to quarantine.

Organize Your Home for Back To School

The new school year is just around the corner! In addition to purchasing school supplies and new clothes, parents can also get their homes ready for the change in season. With a little organization, you can make the back-to-school routine easier for both you and your kids.

Clothing

Sort through your child’s drawers and remove all clothes they’ve outgrown. This will make it easier for them to choose their own outfits. Lay out clothes for the next school day the night before or use a closet organizer to plan out clothes for the entire week. Store special clothing, like gym clothes or sports uniforms, in a designated area so your child will know where to find it each week. 

Lunches

If your children bring lunch to school, you know the tedium of packing lunch every day. Plan your meals in advance (for the week or month) to take the guesswork out of school lunches. Invest in lunch containers that will fit the food your child likes best—bento boxes for kids who like a little bit of everything or a thermos for those who prefer a hot lunch. Pre-pack fruits and vegetables for the week and store them in your fridge so you can grab and go when packing lunch. 

Backpacks

Define a space in your home where kids can hang their backpacks each day. Aim for an area that is out of the way and easily accessible, especially for young children. Label hooks as needed and personalize the space so your children will be more likely to stash their bag in the right place and not on the kitchen floor.

Homework Area

The best environment to do homework varies from child to child. Some work better in a quiet setting, like their bedroom, while others can work effectively in a noisy kitchen or living room. Regardless of the location, make sure your homework area is equipped with a desk or hard surface on which to write, pens or pencils, and other materials that your child might need.

Give Yourself Permission To Relax

Celebrate Summer!

Summer is here, and it’s time to take advantage of the warm weather and let the summer sun brighten your days.

Feast on a summer dish. Enjoy the fresh fruits and vegetables of the season, like juicy strawberries, sweet cherries and perfectly buttered corn on the cob. Make good use of your grill with classic barbeque foods and eat outside as much as possible. Don’t forget dessert—nothing says summer like a big ice cream cone.

Select the perfect summer tunes. Certain songs just take you back. Create a playlist of songs that remind you of summers past or select an already created playlist from a music service. Search for top “songs of the summer” or turn on some reggae to go straight to the islands!

Get wet. The hot summer days almost beg for the cool relief of water. You don’t have to go for a swim to get wet, though. Have a water balloon fight with your kids, wade through a creek or head out on your boat. Research shows being near water really does make you happy, so go out and find some this summer.

Soak up the sun. We all know the importance of protecting your skin from the sun’s UV rays, but spending time out in the sun can also be good for you. Your skin produces vitamin D, which keeps bones healthy, fights diseases and reduces depression, in response to sunlight. Get out for a walk, read a book outside or have a chat with your neighbors and you’ll reap the benefits of the sun.

Relive your childhood. In a time when your previously planned summer activities may not happen, take time to enjoy the summer as you did as a child. Catch fireflies, drink lemonade, play card games, run through the sprinkler and roast marshmallows. Be thankful for the little joys in life that continue throughout time.