7 Signs Your Baby Is Overheated, Which Can Happen Any Time Of The Year

As a parent, one of the scariest thoughts you may have is if your baby is too warm or too cold, because it's not always obvious right away. You're not alone if you've been known to sneak into your baby's room at night, just to make sure their temperature was OK before drifting off to sleep on your own. Although checking the temperature of the room is a great place to start, there are other signs your baby is overheated or getting too hot that you should pay attention to as well.

No matter what the season of the year is, there's always the chance your baby will get a little too warm. It certainly happens more often in the summer, but overheating isn't off the table in fall or winter either. Things like dressing your baby in too many layers or turning up the heat too high in their room are common culprits of causing babies to overheat even when the weather is cold outside.

And when the weather is warm, even if you’re inside air conditioning, it’s important to keep an eye on your baby. From strollers with too many layers to wrapping them up because you worry the A/C is too high at night, there’s a lot to consider with your little one and overheating.

Remember, babies and children have less developed abilities to regulate their internal temperature, making them more susceptible to overheating than adults. To make sure your baby's body temperature is at the right level, be sure to dress your baby appropriately for the weather and keep the temperature indoors cool enough.

But even if you follow all the rules, there's still a chance your baby could overheat. Here are some signs your baby may be a little too warm and could use some help cooling down.

They Feel Warm To The Touch

The first sign your baby is getting too hot is that they'll feel warm to the touch. There’s a simple way to tell if your baby is too hot or overheating, says family physician Giuseppe Aragona, M.D. “You’ll need to touch their ears and neck. If they are red and hot, your baby is too warm,” he says. Dr. Aragona says babies’ temperatures vary during the day, so make sure they're at a comfortable temperature both when they're sleeping and throughout the day.

When your baby is sleeping, it's important to make sure they're not wearing too many clothes. Dress your newborn in thin layers — cotton breathes well — that can be removed as needed.

Their Skin Is Red

Some children naturally get more red than others when they're hot, but Dr. Aragona says it’s better safe than sorry when it comes to overheating. The danger lies in having beet-red skin combined with other symptoms, including rapid pulse and nausea, which can be signs of heatstroke. Try removing a layer or turning down the temperature if you notice your child's skin getting abnormally red.

They Have A Rapid Heartbeat

The reason why the human heart rate picks up when we are overheating is because the stress placed on the body causes it to work into overdrive to cool off. If your baby has a rapid heart beat or rapid breathing, try to cool them off as possible (undress them, take them to an air-conditioned room, etc) and keep them hydrated, per Baby Center.

They Have A Fever But Aren't Sweating

Normal temperature for a baby is about 97.5 degrees, explains Dr. Aragona. “Anything over and above 100.4 degrees is when your baby is overheating or has a fever,” he says. If your baby has a temperature of 103 degrees or higher but isn't sweating, they may be in heatstroke territory and you’ll want to call 911.

They're Lethargic Or Unresponsive

Another sign of overheating is lethargy, which can present in babies as crankiness, or unresponsiveness, according to pediatrician Dr. Daniel Ganjian, M.D. If your baby isn't responding to your touch or tickles or seems less animated than usual, be sure to check their temperature and cool them off immediately. “Give your child plenty of fluids, a lukewarm bath, and call your pediatrician,” Dr. Ganjian advises.

They Vomit

The American Academy of Pediatrics identifies nausea and vomiting as signs of heatstroke as well. Although it may be hard to tell if your baby is nauseous, if they're vomiting and aren't sick otherwise, overheating may be the source. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends seeking medical help right away for heat-related vomiting.

They Seem Dizzy Or Confused

Similar to lethargy, someone who is overheating will seem disoriented and likely faint. If outside, Dr. Ganjian recommends bringing baby into a shaded area or a cool room, removing layers, and giving them cool water (or breast milk if they are not taking water yet) to help them cool off quickly. Babies can’t exactly say it’s too hot outside for them, so Dr. Ganjian says, “The rule of thumb is if you are not comfortable outside, then neither is your child.”

Experts:

Giuseppe Aragona, M.D., family doctor at PrescriptionDoctor.com

Daniel Ganjian, M.D., pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California

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How To Watch Sensical, Common Sense Network's Streaming Service For Kids Age 2-10

Common Sense Networks, an affiliate of the family-focused education and advocacy organization known as Common Sense Media, has launched a free, ad-supported streaming service specifically designed for children between the ages of 2 and 10. On Sensical, kids and parents will find thousands of age-appropriate entertaining and educational videos as well as more than 50 topic-based channels. What sets the streaming service apart is the fact that every video has been fully vetted by trained child development experts, meaning parents can rest easy knowing anything their child chooses to watch on Sensical is 100% kid-appropriate.

“Sensical was founded on the belief that kids deserve better,” Common Sense Networks CEO Eric Berger said in a statement shared with Romper. “We built a service from the ground up, rooted in science, supported by experts in the field, and designed to reflect how kids stream today. Our lens is unique because, unlike many existing services, our offering is specifically for kids — mirroring our thesis that age-appropriateness matters and that kids learn best when they’re exploring their passions.”

What Kids Will Find On Sensical

Just as Berger has promised, Common Sense Networks’ new streaming service Sensical allows kids to explore videos categorized by different interests and passions. For example, kids will find channels centered around animals, airplanes, nature, science, history, music, sports, cooking, dance, robots, outer space, and more. There’s even a section dedicated to the popular kid’s game Minecraft. With more than 15,000 licensed videos spread across 10 different learning areas, even the pickiest child is sure to find something that will pique their interest.

Sensical includes well-known series such as Thomas & Friends Classic as well as shows your family may not yet have discovered like Milly-Molly, which follows the friendship and adventures of two girls who hail from different ethnic backgrounds.

How Sensical Puts Parents In Control

A “Parent Zone” allows parents to see and manage exactly what their child has been watching. Through the “Parent Zone,” caretakers can easily view their child’s calculated daily viewing times and set time limits. Adults can also access Sensical’s unique “Why It’s Sensical” feature, which lays out the educational or emotional benefits for each title.

For example, the “Why It’s Sensical” feature for Sagwa the Chinese Siamese Cat, lets parents know the series focuses on teaching moral lessons on things like honesty, compassion, and curiosity and includes themes of friendship, problem-solving, music, history, positive messages, and more.

Where To Find Sensical

For now, Sensical is available to stream via web and mobile on iOS and Android. Parents can also find Sensical on the Roku® platform, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.

The streaming service is expected to expand to all major distribution platforms, including VIZIO, by the end of this summer.

What About The Ads?

While Sensical is free, it does include ads. However, Common Sense Network has stressed the streaming service won’t include any ads that could be considered inappropriate for children. Just as experts have reviewed each and every video available to stream on Sensical, experts have also reviewed every ad. Common Sense Network also noted Sensical was COPPA-compliant, meaning the streaming service adhered to the Federal Trade Commission’s Children's Online Privacy Protection Rule (COPPA), and had been certified under the kidSAFE ® Seal Program.

“A key differentiator for Sensical is that no other platform or service is inspired by the work of Common Sense Media, an organization that’s been at the forefront of what’s best for families for nearly two decades,” Berger said. “Given how much digital content kids are now consuming, we need to be intentional about being champions for what’s possible in this ecosystem by creating safe and healthy media options for our children. Sensical is an important next step in that direction.”

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Breastfeeding Athletes Can Bring Babies To 2021 Olympics

The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee announced on Wednesday that breastfeeding athletes will be allowed to bring their babies to the Olympic Games this summer. Athletes were initially told that family members would not be allowed to join them as they compete in the 2020 Olympics, delayed a year due to COVID-19, but it seems an exception will be made for babies who are still breastfeeding.

After initially saying that no family members or friends would be able to join athletes in Tokyo for the Olympic Games this summer, the organizing committiee released an amended plan in a statement on Wednesday, per TODAY, "Given that the Tokyo 2020 Games will take place during a pandemic, overall we must unfortunately decline to permit athletes' family members or other companions to accompany them to the Games. However, after careful consideration of the unique situation facing athletes with nursing children, we are pleased to confirm that, when necessary, nursing children will be able to accompany athletes to Japan."

This statement was released two days after U.S. Olympic marathoner Aliphine Tuliamuk took to Instagram to voice her concerns about leaving her 5-month-old daughter Zoe, who is breastfed, behind.

Tuliamuk wrote on Instagram that she “cried a lot since” earning her place on the U.S. Olympic team, mainly because she thought she would have to leave her baby, “I know that I will be leaving her for only 10 days, and she will be just fine, and that so many other moms have done the same, but I can’t even imagine being away from her for half a day.”

Kimberly Gaucher, who will compete on the Canadian Olympic basketball team and mom to baby Sophie, said in a video on Instagram that she was “being forced to decide between being a breastfeeding mom or an Olympic athlete. I can’t have them both.”

Fortunately, she can have them both. While babies who are being breastfed will not be able to join their parents in the Olympic or Paralympic Village in Tokyo, they will be able to stay in a private accomodation that has been approved by the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee. Breasteeding athletes will also be allowed to stay outside of the Olympic Village in the same private accomodation and will be able to bring a support person to help with childcare.

The International Olympics Committee told Sports Illustrated it was “"very pleased to hear that the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee has found a special solution.” I’m certain the breastfeeding athletes are pleased to know they won’t have to be forced to choose between their babies and their Olympic careers as well.

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20 Beautiful & Patriotic 4th Of July Desserts

Heading into the 4th of July holiday, these red, white, and blue desserts provide patriotic inspiration to dazzle your family, friends, and neighbors.

View this story on Romper

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New Study Reveals Parents' Most Trusted Sources Of Information

While the coronavirus pandemic kept nearly everyone trapped indoors for most of 2020, political activism and social justice movements still managed to dominate both news headlines and our daily lives. Parents proved to be especially eager to soak up as much knowledge as they could about pressing issues. As for who they turned to, a new survey found that parents’ most trusted sources of information continued to be family rather than experts or activists.

To better understand caretakers’ attitudes toward social, civic, and political issues following the doozy of a year that was 2020, Berlin Cameron, in partnership with Romper, the Female Quotient, and Kantar, surveyed more than 1,000 male and female caregivers between the ages of 18 and 54. While 33% of respondents said they did not consider themselves to be activists, 51% said becoming a parent had caused them to care more about social, civic, and political issues. What’s more, 37% of parents said 2020 made them more politically active.

23% percent of caretakers said they didn’t trust any of the sources listed in the Caretaker Activism Research survey, which included the media, scientists, their kid’s pediatrician, government agencies, their local school board, social media, family, partners, friends, experts, church leaders, activists, influencers, and celebrities.

But parents aren’t likely to run for office, host fundraisers, or lobby elected officials. Raising children, after all, takes a lot of time and energy, meaning parents are you know, kinda busy. Instead, voting was the most common social, civic, or political action taken in the past year among caretakers surveyed. A whopping 64% of respondents reported to have cast a ballot within the last year. The second most common action parents took in 2020 was learning about a social or political topic. In fact, 43% of caretakers reported having taken efforts to educate themselves on an issue or cause close to their heart.

But what sources of information do parents trust? Interestingly, a lot of parents seemed skeptical of everything and everyone. Twenty-three percent of caretakers said they didn’t trust any of the sources listed in the Caretaker Activism Research survey, which included the media, scientists, their kid’s pediatrician, government agencies, their local school board, social media, family, partners, friends, experts, church leaders, activists, influencers, and celebrities.

Another 17% said they viewed their family, partner, or spouse as their most trusted source of information. That was followed by 14% who said they considered experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci to be their most trusted source of information and 8% who cited scientists and the media respectively as their most trusted sources.

Lowest on the list of parents’ trusted sources was government entities like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which only 5% of caretakers reported trusting, and activists, which also garnered trust from only 5% of respondents.

It’s not altogether surprising to learn that, after 2020, parents view family members and partners as more trustworthy sources of information than experts and activists. Earlier studies have shown that parents often trust the advice or information they receive from family over that of other sources.

In 2009, a CDC survey of moms with at least one child under the age of 18 found friends and family were moms’ second most trusted source of information, second only to pediatricians. According to the CDC, 55% of responding moms said they trusted family and friends over parenting books, websites, magazines, newspapers, broadcast news, and anything they might turn up in an internet search.

It seems that more than a decade after the CDC surveyed moms, most parents still view family as their most trusted source of information for everything from parenting advice to pressing political issues.

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Bleeding After Sex Postpartum? Why It Happens & When To Be Concerned

Your sex life post-baby can be a totally different experience from what you remember prior to pregnancy. Instead of worrying about the strap on your lacy bra getting tangled, suddenly you’re worried about things like bleeding after postpartum sex. Especially considering you just bled for weeks on end after giving birth, seeing more blood once you’re able to have sex again can definitely cause some concern.

Read on to understand why this happens, how much is normal, and when to call your healthcare provider.

When Is It Safe To Have Postpartum Sex?

“The first 6 weeks are commonly considered the postpartum period and bleeding, regardless of intercourse, is expected for at least 2 of those weeks but commonly lasts through 6 weeks after first births,” birthing expert and doula Sara Lyons tells Romper. “That said, it’s normal for some women to continue bleeding for months postpartum. In the U.S., women are coached to wait until 6 weeks to start having intercourse again; by then most women aren’t bleeding anymore or are at the end of bleeding.”

To be honest, physical intimacy may be the last thing on your mind even after your OB/GYN has cleared you for sex. As Lyons puts it, “Frankly, most women aren’t having sex at 6 weeks postpartum — the physical healing, hormone shifts and exhaustion rarely make for a sexy combo.”

But, if you do decide to go for it once cleared by your doctor, it’s possible to see some bleeding afterward.

Why Does Bleeding After Postpartum Sex Happen?

As you might have figured out in the nine or so months you carried your baby, a small amount of superficial bleeding during pregnancy sex is pretty common. The same thing is true of postpartum sex.

“There can be many reasons that you may experience bleeding after sex. 63% of women experience postcoital bleeding — or bleeding after sex,” Dr. Michael Geria and Dr. Neely Elisha, obstetricians at Inspira Health tell Romper in a joint interview. “When you have an orgasm, the uterus contracts and if it is not completely healed, you may experience bleeding. The tissues of the vagina and uterus may still be inflamed from the delivery.”

Poor lubrication or dryness — which can totally happen post-pregnancy — can also cause a bit of spotting after postpartum sex.

“Superficial skin at the entrance can catch with penetrative intercourse if not lubricated well and tiny tears can happen which would lead to some blood seen after,” pelvic physiotherapist Kate Roddy tells Romper. “It may be common to have a couple streaks of blood on toilet paper if lubrication was inadequate or the postpartum person was tolerating pain during intercourse such that tiny friction tears did occur.” Roddy explains how both of these situations can be avoided below.

How Much Blood Is OK After Sex?

While any amount of blood after postpartum sex can be alarming, obstetrician Dr. Kim Langdon tells Romper that what you see “should only be spotting, not like a period and no clots.”

More blood than just a streak or two can be cause for concern. “If you have wet underwear or feel the need to put a pad in after sex due to the volume of blood, you should consult a doctor right away, especially if the bleeding continues,” Lyons tells Romper.

Can You Do Anything To Help Bleed Less After Postpartum Sex?

Taking care of your body during the postpartum period may sound like a no-brainer, but with a newborn to care for, sometimes self-care goes by the wayside. Geria and Elisha tell Romper that there are a few ways new moms can care for the intimate areas of their bodies to help aid in your body’s recovery and potentially decrease the potential for bleeding after postpartum sex.

“For you to recover as quickly as possible, use the perineal bottle to rinse after you urinate rather than wiping with toilet paper,” they explain. “When wiping after a bowel movement be gentle and always wipe from front to back. If you have stitches from an episiotomy or a tear, prevent constipation by taking a stool softener and avoid foods that are binding. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to help your digestive system.”

Roddy explains that you can also prepare your perineum to help prevent superficial tears. “Proper postpartum preparation for penetrative intercourse should be undertaken,” Roddy says. “In one study, they found 86% of women experienced painful postpartum sex on their first attempt.” Following her 5-step protocol on how to physically prepare your perineum for penetrative sex — including testing light touch before going for full-on penetration — may help.

Should You Call Your Doctor?

While noticing a bit of blood on toilet paper after sex or perhaps a streak on a bedsheet likely isn’t cause for concern, more blood may mean it’s time to check in with your doctor to see if there is a bigger problem to address. “Bleeding that saturates a pad in 2 hours or associated with clots the size of a quarter or larger are reasons to call your health care provider,” Geria and Elisha say.

Langdon tells Romper that if bleeding after sex “persists beyond 2 or 3 times or is heavy,” or if you experience pain, these would be reasons to contact a physician. Remember, your body is still healing after giving birth. Pay attention to your body, and reach out to your doctor if you’re concerned.

Experts:

Dr. Neely Elisha, D.O., and Dr. Michael Geria, D.O, board-certified obstetricians at Inspira Health

Kate Roddy, pelvic physiotherapist, founder of The Kegel Release Curve

Sara Lyon, birthing expert, doula, author of The Birth Deck and You’ve Got This: Your Guide to Getting Comfortable with Labor

Dr. Kim Langdon, OB-GYN with Medzino

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Safeway 4th Of July Hours 2021: Holiday Opening & Closing Times

As family and friends begin to finally gather in your backyard for your long overdue backyard cookout celebration, you gasp as you realize you forgot the hamburger buns. The horror of all horrors at a cookout, right? You yell across the backyard, over the sprinklers, to your Aunt Pammie, “What are Safeway’s hours on July 4?”

With a knowing nod and smile, as always, Aunt Pammie has got you covered. She assures you that Safeway is indeed open on the Fourth of July, with their regular hours no less. Safeway’s hours are 6 a.m. to 12 a.m., so if you run out of beer during your cookout at 10 p.m. but the party's still going, you can send a designated driver to Safeway to grab more for the masses.

You’ll probably want to get all the other July 4 necessities at Safeway before the big event as well, because they’re having some great deals on those must-have Fourth of July items — including those buns you forgot, which are $3 for an 8-pack of those delicious Ballpark burger buns. Ball Park Beef Hot Dogs are $4.50 each, and smoked Kielbasa is $3.50. And boneless beef tri tip roast is only $4.99 a pound if you’re into barbecuing your own meats on July 4.

Let’s talk about these BOGOs, y’all. Watermelon is buy one get one free, chips are buy 2 get 3 free, and all those cookout condiments you need are buy one get one free. Plus, did you know you can order ahead and have everything ready for you to pick up in store? That includes party trays, sandwich platters, cakes, meat and cheese platters, and more. You can even have items delivered right at your door, with $20 off and free delivery on your first order. Otherwise, it’s just $10 for the delivery fee unless you order more than $150 worth of items.

So thankfully, even if you make a major July 4 cookout faux pas, Safeway’s got your back with their regular hours of 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. on July 4.

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The 8 Gentlest Dog Breeds

If you're ready to add a chill, laid-back rescue pup to your family, then there are probably a million questions on your mind. For one, what are generally the gentlest breeds of rescue dogs? Pedigree is only one thing to consider when adopting your new canine buddy.

About Gentle Dog Breeds

“One thing to keep in mind is that there is no guarantee that a certain breed will be completely gentle,” Blake Pilgreen, Owner & Head Trainer at The Prodigal Pooch Dog Training, tells Romper. “With that being said, some breeds that tend to be more gentle are labrador retrievers, golden retrievers, poodles or poodle mixes. Pugs and French Bulldogs are also typically very sweet.” But even if you’re set on a certain breed of dog, remember that they’re all individuals. “Dog breeds have so many different variables. It can be tough trying to isolate one specific breed for temperament,”Thomas Davis, Founder of America’s Canine Academy, tells Romper. “Golden Retrievers can be awesome family dogs, but you can also get a not so gentle, pushy golden retriever.”

Learning More About Rescue Dogs

For the most part, it's wise to keep an open mind when considering rescue dogs. "While it’s possible to find purebred or 'designer breed' dogs at an animal shelter, it’s important to remember that even within a specific breed, all dogs are individuals with their own unique personalities and dispositions, regardless of their breed, and there is wide variation both between breeds and within a breed," Pamela Reid, Ph.D., vice president of the ASPCA Behavioral Sciences Team, tells Romper. The dog's apparent breed is only one part of the package. "All rescue dogs are individuals and their behavior or 'personality' will be a cumulative result of all their experiences including: socialization as a puppy, experiences with their previous family or families, behavioral response to re-homing, and underlying behavioral or medical issues they may be suffering from," Katie Kuehl, DVM, a clinical instructor in shelter medicine at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, tells Romper.

Mixed-Breed Dogs

“It’s really hard to identify a dog breed based on looks alone with shelter dogs, unless the dog is truly purebred,” as Kayla Fratt, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant at Journey Dog Training, tells Romper. Opening your search to mixed-breed dogs will certainly give you more options. If you're open to a dog from any sort of background, as long as they're gentle, then definitely rely on the shelter's staff for guidance. "Open your mind and your heart by giving the adoption counselors at your local shelter a chance to use their knowledge about their resident animals to set you up with a great match regardless of breed," says Reid. It's easy to be drawn in by the adorable puppies, but don't rule out the older pooches as well. In general, older or senior dogs will have more established personalities and energy levels when compared to puppies, as Reid explains. Lastly, size can be a big factor as well. "In terms of size, larger dogs tend to be calmer than smaller ones," says Reid. A mellow, gentle giant of a dog who's a few years old just might be the perfect fit for your family.

How To Choose A Rescue Dog For Your Family

What traits should you look for in individual rescue dogs? “I’d recommend looking at the dog’s specific history, the shelter staff’s assessment, and what you observe with the dog itself rather than pinning your hopes on guesses of a breed mix,” says Fratt. “Again, it’s just SO hard to determine breed by looks unless the dog is a purebred.”

In addition, remember that it can take a little time to get to know your new pooch's personality. "Spending time with an animal outside of a kennel environment is critical; having the chance to take them for a walk or play fetch in a yard will help you get to know them better," says Kuehl. Initially, a dog may seem high-strung just because they're excited to get out of the kennel for a minute. It can take a bit of time for their real personality to come through. Again, it's a great idea to rely on info from the shelter staff or the dog's foster family to get a better picture.

And with that mention, definitely consider dogs who live with a foster family while awaiting adoption, too. “Sometimes this helps the foster family learn more about the dog that can be shared with a prospective family. This may include interactions with children or different types of animals,” as Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Animal Health & Behavior Consultant at Camp Bow Wow, tells Romper.

With all of this in mind, it's totally cool if you're still enamored with a particular breed of dog known for being a sweetheart. "If you’ve got your heart set on a particular breed of dog and haven’t been able to find one for adoption at a local animal shelter or rescue group, contact a breed-specific rescue," says Reid. "By adopting, not only will you be saving a life, but you will ensure that your money supports those who put the health and welfare of dogs first, while also freeing up space for other animals in need." Here are some breeds that may be worth your consideration. By working with your shelter staff and keeping an open mind, you can find the cool, easy-going pooch who will fit right into your home.

Beagle

With their big, soulful eyes, these dogs are beyond adorable. Plus, beagles are "loving and lovable, happy, and companionable — all qualities that make them excellent family dogs," according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). These hounds would probably love to join your pack. Look for an organization near you like the SOS (Save Our Snoopies) Beagle Rescue to find your new buddy.

Golden Retriever

If you've dreamed about owning a golden retriever ever since watching Homeward Bound or Air Bud as a kid, well, these dogs can make excellent companions. Make sure you're ready to take on the task of adding a large, strong dog to your family, though. "They need lots of exercise and socialization with other dogs and humans; however, most of all, they need a commitment of time to help them find a secure place in the family 'pack,'" according to the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue. If you have the time and space for one, golden retrievers are amazing additions to your family.

Poodle

Known as a whip-smart, athletic dog, poodles are great dogs that tend to respond well to training, as the AKC's breed standard explains. "Poodles are gregarious by nature and therefore able to bond with multiple people. Most rescued poodles adjust beautifully to new living arrangements," according to the Poodle Club of America Rescue Foundation, Inc. From the stately standard poodle to the tiny toy size, there's a poodle for just about every family.

Great Dane

Don't let their (extremely) large size intimidate you. "Great Danes can be remarkably gentle," according to the Rocky Mountain Great Dane Rescue. "Many Danes share their homes with small dogs and cats. Great Danes have a well-deserved reputation for being wonderful with children and sometimes work as therapy dogs." They tend to be sweet and even sensitive dogs.

Shih Tzu

If smaller dogs are more your speed, then consider the companionable Shih Tzu. A total lap dog, the "Shih Tzu is known to be especially affectionate with children," according to the AKC. As long as you're up for the grooming responsibilities of this long-haired dog, the Shih Tzu can make an amazing addition to your family.

Whether you're looking for a gentle giant, a tiny sidekick, or something in-between, there's a rescue breed that will fit in with your home environment. As long as you're careful to get to know the dog as an individual, too, then finding your ideal gentle rescue dog is totally doable.

Labrador Retriever

One of the most popular breeds of dogs in the United States, Labrador Retrievers can make excellent family dogs, but they tend to be rather active, according to Lab Rescue LRCP. If you’re seeking a high-energy dog, then consider looking for a lab rescue in your area.

Pug

Among the oldest breeds of dogs, pugs are known for being affectionate and generally good with children, according to the AKC. Their distinct flat-faced appearance means pugs may experience breathing problems, however, so be aware of this particular health concern.

French Bulldog

A small but sturdy dog, French bulldogs can be affectionate additions to your family, according to the AKC. (Just know that they aren’t great at swimming and should not be left unattended near water.) These playful dogs generally don’t bark that much, either.

Whether you're looking for a gentle giant, a tiny sidekick, or something in-between, there's a rescue breed that will fit in with your home environment. As long as you're careful to get to know the dog as an individual, too, then finding your ideal gentle rescue dog is totally doable.

Experts:

Katie Kuehl, DVM, Clinical Instructor in Shelter Medicine at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Pamela Reid, PhD, CAAB, Vice President of the ASPCA Behavioral Sciences Team

Kayla Fratt, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant at Journey Dog Training

Blake Pilgreen, Owner & Head Trainer, The Prodigal Pooch Dog Training

Thomas Davis, Founder of America’s Canine Academy

Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Animal Health & Behavior Consultant at Camp Bow Wow

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STUDY: Moms Took On More Childcare Duties Than Dads In 2020

If you are a mom with kids at home this might not come as much of a surprise, but a new study from the Center for Global Development found that women did 173 extra hours of childcare on average in 2020, while men did 59 extra hours. Nearly three times as many hours. Between remote learning and closure of daycares across the globe, women really took the brunt of all that extra childcare that was suddenly thrust upon them during the pandemic.

Researchers from the Center for Global Development compiled data taken from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Bank, and other international organizations to look at how the pandemic affected childcare. Women living in low and middle-income countries were responsible for three quarters of the extra childcare thrust upon families during the pandemic, clocking on average around 217 extra hours. Women in higher income countries did an average of 173 extra hours; all in all, those hours amounted to 615 billion hours of unpaid childcare. That’s working with the assumption that there is only one child in the household, by the way. For families with more than one child, the amount of work obviously goes up.

Is it any wonder that PEW Research reported in September that mothers were losing their jobs at three times the rate as fathers during the pandemic? Within six months, more than 865,000 women in the United States had left their jobs, an unprecedented number. A loss that is still felt today. Mothers were already having a tough time holding everything together before the pandemic and were suddenly asked to do the impossible. Billions of hours of extra childcare, work from home, remote learning. No more grandparents who might be able to help out during quarantine, no daycare center drop off. In the first few months, 5.1 million mothers found themselves without work, and The New York Times reports that 1.3 million continue to be without jobs. Jobs that pay, at least.

The women’s rights movement was thrust back into the dark ages in one year. Despite all of the work that had been done for equal rights over the past 60 years or so, mothers were doing three times the childcare of fathers and losing their jobs. This study is not surprising, but it is awfully upsetting.

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Heptathlete Lindsay Flach Competed At Olympic Trials While Pregnant

I could barely stay awake for more than three hours at a time when I was pregnant, but heptathlete Linday Flach competed at the Olympic trials while she was 18 weeks pregnant. So I guess if we are giving out medals, she should go ahead and get hers right now. Flach was in Eugene, Oregon on the weekend, competing in track and field events for the U.S. Olympic trials ahead of the rescheduled 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer. And while she finished in last place for all seven of her trials against 14 other women, her trials were something of a triumph. Because she did it all with a visible baby bump as a pregnant woman, expecting her first child later this year.

Flach had initially trained for the Olympics in 2020 after placing ninth in the 2016 Olympic trials, quitting her job at the beginning of the year and moving 250 miles south from Wisconsin to train at the University of Texas and hopefully land herself a spot on the U.S. Olympic team. COVID-19 changed all of that. Flach told Yahoo Sports that she decided to stop putting her life on hold, married her boyfriend and got pregnant. When the Olympic trials came around again, Flach decided to try out even though pregnancy was sapping her strength. “To be honest, I was going to the tryouts and I was trying to keep it on the down low,” Flach told TODAY Parents, “because I just wanted to finish my career on my terms.”

She certainly managed to do that, competing in seven incredibly difficult events like the 100-meter hurdles, high jump, shot put, 200-meter sprint, long jump, javelin throw, and 800-meter run, all during a heat wave. Social media users praised Flach when she shared a short video of herself preparing to race, writing messages like, “You absolute legend! Well done! thank you for showing the world that pregnant woman are strong and capable,” and “I love it! Showing the world how strong pregnant women are!”

Still, it was a difficult moment for the expectant mom. “It was bittersweet,” Flach told Yahoo Sports. “I was really excited because I’ve always wanted kids, but it was also a shock knowing that just like that, my track career was over.”

Her track career might be over, but boy did Lindsay Flach end on a high note.

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Gal Gadot's Husband & Kids Are Her Pride & Joy

Wonder Woman indeed. Gal Gadot announced that she had given birth to her third baby on Tuesday. The busy actress shared the news along with a photo of her family of five, and the entire crew looked content as could be.

Gadot first announced that she was expecting a third baby back in March with an Instagram post featuring her husband Jaron Varsano and their two daughters curled up in bed together. Varsano had his hand on her stomach as the entire family grinned from ear to ear. “Here we go again,” Gadot captioned the photo.

In a way, being pregnant and giving birth is almost like training for her iconic role as Wonder Woman for Gadot. “It's cheesy, but I feel like Wonder Woman when I give birth,” she said in 2017. “When you deliver, you feel like you're a god. Like ‘Oh my God, I made this.’”

Now she is a mother three times over, and by her own description, something of a goddess three times over. So let’s meet the little people who make Gal Gadot truly feel like Wonder Woman.

Yaron Varsano

Of course, it all starts with her husband. Gadot has been married to real estate developer Varsano, who she met at a party in their native Israel in 2006, since 2008. She told Glamour in 2016 that it took her some time to realize that Varsano was “The One,” but that was not the case for her future husband. “He's 10 years older than me. He told me on our second date he was serious and wasn't going to wait more than two years to ask me to marry him,” she told the magazine.

Varsano and Gadot have built a marriage on mutual respect for each other, career choices included. "I think that Jaron and I make a really good team,” she told TotallyJewish.com in 2011, “I understand his career and he understands mine. We help each other progress in all areas of life. We're both very career driven."

They appear to be pretty family-driven, too.

Alma, 10

Gadot welcomed first daughter Alma in 2011, and right away she was thinking about the push-pull of her career and motherhood. “When Alma was around two, I was really anxious about how to travel with a child, moving her from one country to the other, all the different languages,” she told Glamour in 2016. “It was my husband who told me: ‘Gal, think about what kind of a role model you want to be. If you want to show Alma that she can follow her dreams, that's what you should do, and we will figure out the logistics.’”

Alma, like so many other kids in 2020, was dealing with remote learning last year. And her mother couldn’t help boasting a little about how her daughter was dealing with the challenge in an Instagram post from last August. “We’re in a different country than where school is, in a different time zone (Her school (zoom school) started at our evening) but you know what, she was so happy and excited to see her friends.. baby, I wish you and all the students out there a productive, interesting and successful school year.”

Maya, 4

The arrival of daughter Maya in 2017 changed the family dynamic, making Gadot a more relaxed mom. “With Maya, I'm able to enjoy it all much more,” she told Baby at the time. “I've also seen that having a second child changes the dynamics of your family, and I have to make sure that Alma still gets a lot of love and attention from me even though I'm spending so much time with Maya." One way she spends time with her daughters? On the set of Wonder Woman 1984, where they both had cameos.

Baby Daniella

On June 29, Gadot shared the news of the birth of her third daughter, Daniella, on Instagram. Alongside a photo of the whole family in bed together with the new baby, she wrote, “My sweet family. I couldn’t be more grateful and happy (and tired) we are all so excited to welcome Daniella into our family. I’m sending all of you love and health.”

Gal Gadot’s husband and kids are clearly her pride and joy. High praise indeed from Wonder Woman herself.

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TLC Cancels ‘Counting On’ Following Josh Duggar’s Arrest

After 11 seasons and nearly six years on air, TLC has canceled Counting On roughly two months after Josh Duggar was arrested. The oldest Duggar son taken into custody by Homeland Security in late April and indicted on two charges of receiving and possessing child pornography. He pled not guilty to both charges and is currently awaiting trial, which has been scheduled for Nov. 30.

“TLC will not be producing additional seasons of Counting On,” the network told People in a statement. “TLC feels it is important to give the Duggar family the opportunity to address their situation privately.”

Counting On, which first aired in 2015, focused on the lives of the oldest Duggar children as they got married and started families of their own. Jinger Duggar, 27, and her husband, Jeremy Vuolo released a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, voicing their support of TLC’s decision.

“We wholeheartedly agree with TLC’s decision not to renew Counting On and are excited for the next chapter in our lives,” the couple wrote. “We’d like to thank our fans, friends, and the amazing film crew who have shown us love and support.”

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar previously released a statement following Josh’s arrest. “It is our prayer that the truth, no matter what it is, will come to light, and that all of this will be resolved in a timely manner,” the statement read. “We love Josh and Anna and will continue to pray for their family.” Romper has reached out to the Duggar family for comment regarding the show’s cancelation.

TLC canceled the Duggar’s first reality show, 19 Kids & Counting in 2015, after allegations surfaced that Josh had “inappropriately touched several minor girls,” according to ABC News. At the time, the Duggar family wrote in a statement that they were appreciative of the opportunity to share their story with a larger audience. “Our desire in opening our home to the world is to share Bible principles that are the answers for our life’s problems,” they wrote. “With God’s grace and help [for] Josh, our daughters and family overcame a terrible situation, found healing, and a way forward.”

The Duggar siblings returned to TV a few months later with a new series, Jill & Jessa: Counting On, which was later renamed to just Counting On, focusing on the oldest Duggar children. Josh did not appear on the TV show, although his wife, Anna, and their six kids occasionally made an appearance in episodes over the course of the past 11 seasons.

Following this cancelation, Counting On fans can continue to follow along with the Duggar siblings on their various social media platforms. Jessa Duggar has a YouTube channel where she frequently posts videos about her three kids and their family adventures. Jessa’s younger sister, Joy Anna Duggar and her husband, Austin Forsyth, also vlog their family outings with their two adorable kids on YouTube. Additionally, old episodes of Counting On are available on Discovery+.

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Target 4th Of July Hours 2021: Holiday Opening & Closing Times

Paper plates: check. Barbecue sauce: check. Affordable, adorable centerpieces: oh, no. If your Fourth of July party starts in an hour and you forgot something important, or you need to swing by the store on your way to a friend’s get-together, Target’s hours on July 4 will be exactly the same as any regular day so you can snag whatever you need last minute.

If you’re wondering when your local Target is open for business on any day, including holidays, check their online store locator for more information. On the Fourth of July, most locations open at 8 a.m. and close at 10 p.m. like they normally would, and some stores open as early as 7 a.m. And just like any other day of the week, Target locations that offer drive-up and in-store pickup services and delivery will still have those options available on Independence Day. Their hours leading up to the national holiday will be the same as usual too, so there will be plenty of time to get everything on your shopping list if you’d rather avoid wandering the aisles on the Fourth.

If you’re prepping for your party now, Target has all of the cutest holiday decorations (I mean, don’t they always?) for your party in the U.S.A. These photo booth props will keep your guests entertained, and this giant garland would make the perfect backdrop. Also, it’s large enough that you basically wouldn’t even need any other decorations, though lining your front walkway or dotting your lawn with patriotic pinwheels would be a super cute touch. And don’t forget some glow necklaces for the kiddos!

You can also scoop up some fun outdoor games to add to the fun, themed clothing and hair accessories for all ages (like this precious plaid romper or popsicle tank), and tons of fun summer items, like inflatable pools and water toys. And hey, if you don’t have a Target nearby, be sure to check your nearest Walmart’s holiday hours for Sunday, July 4, to see if it will be open too. Between the two, you’ll be able to find any snacks or supplies you may need.

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Spanking Children Makes Bad Behavior Worse, Study Says

There was once a very popular saying among parents, “spare the rod, spoil the child,” implying that corporal punishment was a good way to guarantee good behavior in kids. In other words, spank them to get them to behave. Well... nope. Apparently not. A new study has found that spanking actually increased bad behavior in kids.

Researchers at University College London recently published a far-reaching study in The Lancet looking at the effect spanking has on children. They compiled 20 years of research from 69 studies to see exactly how corporal punishment, which includes hitting children or “spanking” them in an effort to curb poor behavior, actually worked.

Spanking or hitting a child has been banned in 62 countries, according to the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children, with 27 more countries committing to law reform regarding the use of corporal punishment on children. Not only is it banned in many countries, researchers concluded that it doesn’t actually work to end unwanted behavior in children. Essentially, it only works to create more bad behavior and can often lead to more frequent involvement from child protective services.

Dr Anja Heilmann, lead author of the study, told The Independent there is “a definitive link between physical punishment and behavioral problems such as aggression and antisocial behaviour.” The study found that physical punishment was not related to positive outcomes in children, also noting that behavior in children who were spanked worsened over time.

This comprehensive study is in line with other similar studies that have found spanking children does not have any real benefit. “You cannot punish out these behaviors that you do not want,” lan Kazdin, PhD, a Yale University psychology professor and former President of the American Pediatric Association, said in 2012. “There is no need for corporal punishment based on the research. We are not giving up an effective technique. We are saying this is a horrible thing that does not work.”

Additionally, an analysis of 160,000 children over the course of 50 years led by University of Texas at Austin professor Elizabeth Gershoff also found that spanking did more harm than good. “We found [spanking] linked to more aggression,” Gershoff told NPR in 2016, “more delinquent behavior, more mental health problems, worse relationships with parents, and putting the children at higher risk for physical abuse from their parents.”

Study referenced:

Heilmann, A. (2021) Physical punishment and child outcomes: a narrative review of prospective studies, The Lancet https://ift.tt/3w6Bmkm

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Cardi B Opens Up About Kulture Becoming A Big Sister

Cardi B’s daughter cannot wait to be a big sister! The rapper posted a touching picture of herself and her 2-year-old daughter on her Instagram on Monday, showing the toddler touching her mother’s belly while lovingly looking up at her, and shared how excited she is for her little girl to become a big sister.

“I just know these two will love each other soo much and argue soo much since they're 3 years apart...just like me and Henny,” the 28-year-old captioned the image, referring to her youngest sister, Hennessy Carolina. “But one thing for sure is they'll have each other’s back like no one else ever will.”

Reality star Mariah Lynn commented on Cardi’s relationship with her sister and said she believes Kulture and her sibling will have the same one. “Just like you and Henny always have each other’s back,” Lynn wrote under the photo. grown-ish’s Chloe Bailey also commented, “What a beautiful family.”

Cardi B, whose real name is Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, announced her pregnancy during Sunday night’s performance at the BET Awards. The “Drip” rapper made a cameo with her husband’s group, the hip hop trio Migos.

“We listened to each other, communicated, prayed, and then God blessed us and our family with another little blessing,” she captioned another image with her husband cradling her belly. “Our home feels so blissful and very busy but we are ready and so happy!! Thank you soo much everyone for the congrats and well wishes.”

In addition to Kulture, Offset has one son and two daughters children from previous relationships: 11-year-old Jordan, 6-year-old Kody, 6; and Kalea, 6. This past Father’s Day, Cardi gave her husband a sweet shout-out and treated him to a gourmet breakfast and spa day at their home. “You’re such an amazing father and you really bussing your a— for your kids now and future,” she wrote on Instagram.

With her parents as role models, there’s no doubt Kulture will be a great big sister!

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Surfisde Building Collapse Victims: Where To Donate To Help

In South Florida, an entire community is coming together to aid victims, survivors, and their families after a condominium collapsed in Miami last week. On June 24, the Champlain Towers South Condo in Surfside, Florida partially collapsed, resulting in about 55 condominiums falling to the ground. As of Tuesday, local authorities confirmed 11 people were killed in the tragic incident and over 150 residents of the complex remain missing.

Officials are still investigating the cause, but a 2018 report revealed structural issues with the building. Months before the disaster, NPR reported that residents were sent a letter notifying them that “concrete deterioration is accelerating.” Raysa Rodriguez, who lived in the building for 17 years and was rescued from her balcony, said the building “swayed like a sheet of paper” the night of the collapse, according to NBC News.

In the days since the collapse, local and national organizations have been coming together to aid victims of the beachside community. As rescuers continue to work on the ground and families grapple with the aftermath of this devastating incident, here are a few places to donate to right now.

Donate To Support Surfside

The Support Surfside hardship fund is a collaborative effort with The Coral Gables Community Foundation, The Key Biscayne Community Foundation, The Knight Foundation, The Miami Foundation, Miami HEAT, and Miami HEAT Charitable Fund. Donations will go directly to the families of those impacted to help with basic needs and mental health services. Support Surfside is only asking for financial needs to aid in this crisis. Recently, Support Surfside donated $155,000 in initial grants to eight nonprofit organizations, which are also assisting in relief efforts.

Click here to donate to the Support Surfside Hardship fund here.

Donate To American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is currently providing hotel lodging, mental and spiritual counseling for residents that have been displaced by the tragedy. At the moment, the Red Cross is asking people not to send items such as “stuffed animals, blankets, clothing, and household goods” because it will take “time and money to store, sort, clean, and distribute these items.” The Red Cross plans to coordinate with local officials on how to best support the families.

Click here to stay up to date on how you can help the American Red Cross in its efforts.

Support The Miami Diaper Bank

Diapers are needed for families with young children. The Miami Diaper bank is currently asking for pull-ups, large sizes of diapers (specifically 4 to 6), and baby wipes.

Click here to access the Amazon link to donate these items.

Donate Everyday Items To ATJC Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center

The ATJC Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center in Aventura is asking for donations of sheets, medicine, pillows, phone chargers, and snack food. Care cards, which are financial donations that will allow the organization to provide gift cards to families, are also welcomed.

Click here to donate to ATJC.

Donate To Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is helping individuals who need to make funeral arrangements for their loved ones.

Click here to aid the Salvation Army with their efforts.

Donate To The Chesed Fund

Created by the corporate events company, The EZS Events and Jewish religious organization, The Shul of Bal Harbour, their Surfside Tragedy Central Emergency Fund, also known as The Chesed Fund is aimed to directly help victims and families who have been impacting. “Our heartfelt condolences are with all those who lost a loved one, and our prayers and hearts are heavenward in hopes of finding survivors,” the group posted a statement on their site. “These funds are to be distributed to members of all communities affected by this unspeakable horror.” As of Tuesday, over 10,000 people have donated, totaling over $1.2 million. The goal is $5 million.

Click here to donate to The Chesed Fund.

Donate To Greater Miami Jewish Federation

The Greater Miami Jewish Federation has created an emergency assistance fund. Checks may also be sent as well.

Click here to donate to the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s assistance fund.

Donate To Operation Helping Hands

Local nonprofit United Way of Miami-Dade established Operation Helping Hands to financially help families with short and long-term needs.

Click here to donate to Operation Helping Hands.

Volunteer With United Way

If you don’t have extra money to spare and you are located in Miami, you can also sign up to be an emergency relief volunteer through United Way. Virtual and remote volunteer opportunities are also available. Those who choose to do in-person volunteering will be required to practice social distancing and wear face coverings. Currently, there are over 100 openings available for emergency relief.

Click here to sign up for the United Way emergency relief volunteer opportunity.

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Prince George Had A Day Out With His Parents At A Soccer Match

One of the great joys of childhood when you have siblings is getting one-on-one time with your parents. Whether you are a regular kid or a future king, it doesn’t matter. A little time without your siblings, where you get to be on your own with your parents, feels like a real treat. Certainly Prince George looked proud during his day out with his parents, Prince William and Kate Middleton, on Tuesday. Perhaps especially because he was also at a soccer match, one of his favorite pastimes.

The 7-year-old heir to the throne got all dressed up in a suit and tie to match his dad for an outing to watch England play soccer against Germany in the Euro 2020 Championships at Wembley stadium. It was a high stakes game, as the team that won will now head on to the quarterfinals. Which could be the reason Prince George looked so serious in photos, standing and singing the national anthem, “God Save The Queen,” alongside the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. That must feel weird, since Prince George and his siblings, 6-year-old Princess Charlotte and 3-year-old Prince Louis, actually just calls the Queen “Gan-Gan” on account of her being his great-grandmother. But you can’t really sing “God Save Gan-Gan,” I guess.

Prince George really perked up by the end of the game along with his parents when England won against Germany 2-0. He is, after all, a pretty serious soccer or “football” fan. He and his dad both support Aston Villa, and last year Prince William bragged a little about his son’s own skills on the soccer pitch during a visit to The Peter Crouch Podcast, "I reckon he could be their all-time leading scorer,” he said when asked if Prince George could one day play for the team, “I can see no reason why not. It would be brilliant."

The entire outing looked like a fun event for the whole family. Although one can’t help but picture little Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis fuming at home, plotting their revenge because their brother got such a special treat. Such is the way of siblings.

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25 Jurassic Park Toys: Games, Action Figures, & Building Sets

I will never forget how incredibly mind-blowing and awe-inspiring it was to see the original Jurassic Park in theaters. I was terrified, to say the least — I think that bathroom scene may have scarred me for life — but that didn’t stop me from getting all the Jurassic Park toys I could get my hands on. I loved it all — the action figures, the games, the legos, the iconic Jeep.

Since the ‘90s, the Jurassic Park franchise has gotten bigger and better, with five more movies being released and another one, Jurassic World 3: Dominion, on the way in June 2022. Now we’re still invested in the franchise following Chris Pratt as Owen Grady (swoon) — though nobody could ever replace my man Jeff Goldblum — along with so many other incredible actors almost 30 years later. And the movies and storylines just keep getting better and better.

So while we’re waiting on the seventh movie to be released on June 10, 2022, at least our entire family has some toys to tide us over until then. Check out this collection of 25 different dinosaur toys ranging from LEGOs, vehicles, action figures, electronics, and even board and video games. There’s surely something for every type of Jurassic Park fan, no matter which era is your favorite.

We only include products that have been independently selected by Romper's editorial team. However, we may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.

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Jamie Lynn Spears Supports Sister Britney’s Plea To End Conservatorship

Days after Britney Spears gave an emotional plea to end the conservatorship that has controlled her for 13 years, her sister Jamie Lynn Spears offered her support. In a series of Instagram Stories where she clearly struggled to keep her own emotions in check, the mom of two said. “I support my sister, I love her. I always have, I always will.”

Jamie Lynn spoke out on Monday, telling her 2.2 million Instagram followers that she had waited to say anything in an effort to allow her older sister to use her own voice first. “Now that she's very clearly spoken and said what she needed to say, I feel like I can follow her lead and say what I feeI I need to say," she explained. “I think it’s extremely clear since the day I was born I have only loved, adored, and supported my sister.”

The Zoey 101 actress went on to say that she supports her sister no matter what. “I don’t care if she wants to run away to the rainforest and have a zillion babies in the middle of nowhere, or if she wants to come back and dominate the world like she has so many times before.”

This was especially poignant, considering Britney herself said in her plea to Judge Brenda Penny last week that her conservators would not allow her to remove her IUD as they “don’t want me to have any more children.”

While some of Britney Spears’ relatives, particularly her father Jamie Spears, have come under fire for potentially taking advantage of the singer, Jamie Lynn noted, “I have made a very conscious choice in my life to only participate in her life as her sister, and as an aunt to those boys.” She also pointed out that she might not use hashtags to support her sister like the viral #FreeBritney, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t there for her on a personal level.

“I'm so proud of her for using her voice," she explained in her post. "I'm so proud of her for requesting new counsel, like I told her many years ago. Oh, not in a public platform but just in a personal conversation between two sisters ... If ending the conservatorship and flying to Mars or whatever the hell else she wants to do to be happy, I support that 100% because I support my sister, I love my sister. Always have, always will.”

The love is certainly mutual, with Britney Spears writing that she was “basically your momma” in a birthday tribute post to her little sister in April. The two talented Spears’ sisters have clearly gone through a lot. As women living in the public eye, but also as young performers. As Britney Spears continues to fight to end her conservatorship, it is hopefully a comfort to her to know Jamie Lynn has her back.

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'Sesame Street' Releases New Song To Combat Anti-Asian Bullying

Sesame Street is tackling anti-Asian bullying with a new song encouraging Asian children to be proud of the features others may tease them for. In a recently-released segment, Alan, a long-time Japanese American resident of Sesame Street, comforts a young girl who has been teased because of the shape of her eyes by singing her a song that notes her eyes help to tell the story of her family and where she comes from.

The Sesame Street segment opens with Alan and Wes, a recently-introduced Black muppet, sorting through photos of Alan’s family while preparing to make a scrapbook. When Analyn, a young girl of Filipino descent, arrives to help it’s clear she’s upset about something.

“I was at the park today and a boy told me I was ugly,” Analyn reveals when Alan and Wes ask what’s wrong. “He made fun of my eyes. He said they looked slanty.”

“That child was wrong to say those things to you,” Alan tells Analyn. “Your eyes are the perfect eyes for you... I understand how you’re feeling because the same thing happened to me and it’s very hurtful.”

When Analyn says she’s still feeling sad about what happened, Alan offers to sing her a song to cheer her up. Through the song, Alan and Wes reassure Analyn that her eyes are not only a beautiful part of who she is but also a window into her family’s history. "Your eyes tell the story of your family,” Alan sings early in the song. “They show where you come from and how you came to be. The color, the shape, and the size should always make you proud of your eyes."

When the song ends, Analyn remembers that her eyes look just like her Filipino grandmother’s, a woman she finds to be beautiful. Alan shares that his eyes look the same as his dad’s. “I’m really proud that I look like him because both our eyes make us special and unique,” he says.

Sesame Street’s "Proud of Your Eyes" segment comes as Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind the popular children’s television show, commits to addressing racial justice issues. In recent months, the organization has launched a number of different resources to help families talk about race and identity.

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Will Kids Wear Masks In School Next Year? A State By State Guide

Between distance learning, hybrid schedules, and a return to in-person classes, if there’s one thing kids have become accustomed to in the past year, it’s being flexible — and wearing masks. But with eased mask-wearing guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states and school districts across the country have been reassessing their mask policies for next year.

The Pro Mask Argument

“We know masks work,” says Dr. Elizabeth Mack, division director of pediatric critical care and professor of pediatrics at the Medical University of South Carolina. Throughout this past year, Dr. Mack has seen how well masks have mitigated the spread of coronavirus in children when applied in conjunction with good hygiene and social distancing. So her argument is, why stop masking now?

“There's no scientific evidence to suggest that the masking is damaging kids in any way,” she says. “There's actually a bunch of exercise tolerant studies that have examined whether it’s unhealthy to exercise in a mask. Certainly subjectively, it's harder to climb the stairs. It's harder to walk on a treadmill, that kind of thing. But it's not damaging.”

And, Dr. Mack also likes to point out the fact that children suffering from pediatric cancer have been masked for their whole course of therapy. “We like to forget that. We’ve been seeing masked kids for a long time and they do just fine with it. Masking kids is not new to child healthcare.”

The CDC backs her up. In the fall of 2020 in the midst of high community transmission of coronavirus, a study of 11 school districts in North Carolina found that minimal school-related transmission took place thanks to strictly adhered prevention strategies, including universal mask use and physical distancing and that the few outbreaks could be attributed to breaches in mask use.

The Argument For Dropping Masks

For anti-mask proponents the argument is less about science and more about parents knowing what’s best. Such is the case in Iowa where the Gov. Kim Reynolds said on Twitter that her state was "putting parents back in control of their child's education and protecting the rights of all Iowans to make their own health care decisions."

In North Carolina five days after the Biden administration told fully vaccinated Americans that they could shed their masks, parents staged a protest outside of Gov. Roy Cooper’s headquarters in May chanting “let them breathe,” The News & Observer reports.

In June, a similar outcry took place in Washington state. In the town of Enumclaw, on June 19, a group of parents protested the Washington State Department of Health’s student mask requirement, according to Komo News. “Schools must use this guidance regardless of the county or phase they are in of Governor Inslee’s Healthy Washington – Roadmap to Recovery plan,” the state’s Department of Health guidance states.

States that will not require masks in schools in fall 2021

Some state governors have been firm in their opposition to continuing masks in schools next year. Here are the states that have enacted legislation regarding mask mandates.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, NPR reports that a law will make it illegal by the end of the summer for schools or any government entity to require masks.

Arizona

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey announced in April that masks were no longer mandatory for students and staff at Arizona public schools, AZFamily.com reports. However, schools may choose to continue their own mask policies.

Florida

On April 15, Florida Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran announced that schools cannot have mandatory mask rules next year, according to the Herald-Tribune.

Iowa

On May 19, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law a rule that makes it illegal to require masks in schools, according to Iowa Public Radio.

Georgia

In March Gov. Brian Kemp issued an executive order proclaiming schools no longer have the authority “to rely on the Public Health State of Emergency as a basis for requiring students or workers to wear a face covering.”

Massachusetts

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education announced that for the 2021-22 school year, high school students and middle school students will not need to wear masks when inside school buildings per WCVB reporting. Rules for elementary students will be forthcoming this summer.

Missouri

There is no mask requirement in Missouri, for schools or otherwise.

Mississippi

“I do not anticipate there being any mask mandates in K-12 settings to begin next fall,” Gov. Tate Reeves announced in May, the Sun Herald says.

Texas

No masks will be required in Texas schools per Gov. Greg Abbott’s June 5 announcement, according to the Texas Tribune.

Utah

Gov. Spencer Cox as promised constituents that face coverings will not be required in schools next year, the Salt Lake Times Tribune reports.

States that will require masks to be worn at school in fall 2021

Only a few states have announced official rules for mask requirements. Here’s what states are included in that group.

Delaware

According to Gov. John Carney’s May 21 State of Emergency Declaration, “All individuals aged Kindergarten and up must wear a face covering, except where doing so would inhibit that individual’s health, while in schools.” The 29th modification to his initial declaration, this guidance is likely subject to change for the next school year.

Hawaii

Hawaii has a statewide mask mandate. The state Education Department released new guidelines for reopening schools this fall which includes a call for mask wearing, according to Hawaii Now.

Kentucky

Gov. Andy Beshar’s most recent executive order declared that any person in a k-12 school should wear a mask. Whether the governor will update that guidance before the next school year remains to be seen.

Maine

“As of May 24, 2021, Maine requires masks to be worn in schools and child care settings, where people ages 5 and older must wear one while indoors. Masks are not required outdoors at these settings,” Maine.gov states. No announcements about 2021-22 school year have been made.

Minnesota

Education Commissioner Heather Mueller has kept the school-wide mask policy in place as of May 14, District Admin reports.

New Jersey

Gov. Phil Murphy said on May 27 that he expects New Jersey students and staff will likely still be wearing masks when the 2021-22 school year begins, according to NJ.com.

New Mexico

Masks requirements remain unchanged in New Mexico schools. As of May 14, schools continue to require staff, teachers and students to wear masks at all times except when eating or drinking, per the Public Education Department guidance, US News reports.

Vermont

As of now, Vermont students will still be required to wear masks in schools regardless of vaccination status, according to the Burlington Free Press.

Washington

Washington state’s Department of Health has been very clear in its rules for next year: “Universal and correct use of cloth face coverings or masks helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 and is required for all school personnel, students, and visitors.”

States where schools have local authority on mask rules

Other states are moving more cautiously or handing over the power to determine face covering protocols to school districts. Here’s what’s going on in states that have yet to announce next year’s mask policies or have put it into the hands of individual school districts.

Alabama

Alabama lifted its statewide mask mandate in April, making each individual Local Education Agency responsible for mask rules moving forward, WSFA reports.

Alaska

Alaska has no state-wide school mask mandate. Mask rules are at the discretion of individual school districts.

California

California’s current Department of Public Health rules on its website read: “Students in all grade levels K-12 are required to wear face coverings at all times, while at school, unless exempted.” However, that guidance is subject to change before the return to school in the fall.

Colorado

In Colorado students who have received a vaccine do not have to wear masks. The current Department of Health and the Environment regulations for the state say: “The order requires people in Colorado who are 11 years and older to wear a mask over their noses and mouths ... Preschool through grade 12 schools (including extracurricular activities) and child care centers and services; however, fully vaccinated individuals, including vaccinated children ages 16-18, in a classroom, cohort, or other group of children may remove masks where the teacher(s), caregiver(s), or other staff whose primary responsibility is education or childcare have provided proof of fully completed vaccination to their employer.”

Connecticut

While a judge in May reaffirmed a ruling that all students in public schools in Connecticut must wear masks, according to NBC Connecticut, there has yet to be any announcements made regarding the 2021-22 school year.

Idaho

On May 21, Gov. Brad Little issued an executive order saying he opposed mandates but that the state should not usurp the authority of local school boards to require masks.

Illinois

The state has not yet said if masks will be required in schools in fall. But the Illinois Board of Education is expected to make an announcement soon, according to Chalkbeat.

Indiana

Indiana school and education officials have not announced the 2021-22 mask policy yet, Chalkbeat Indiana reports.

Kansas

In Kansas, mask policies are at the discretion of individual districts, Fox4KC reports.

Louisiana

Louisiana ended its state mask mandate for schools on May 25, says The Advocate. However, schools are still allowed to make their own mask rules moving forward.

Maryland

While the state of Maryland ended its mask mandate on May 15, face coverings are still required in schools, reports Maryland.gov. That rule is subject to change for next year.

Michigan

As of July 1, Michigan will no longer have a statewide indoor mask mandate, however, school districts can still make their mask rules.

Montana

The Montana Office of Public Instruction superintendent has strongly recommended lifting the mask mandate for schools next year, reports NBC Montana. However, her recommendation has not been made official yet.

Nebraska

Gov. Pete Ricketts has predicted a no-mask policy for schools next year, according to US News. Official guidance, however, has not been released.

Nevada

Nevada dropped its mask mandate for fully vaccinated individuals following federal guidance in May, according to the Review Journal. Individual school districts will make their own face covering policies for the 2021-22 year..

New Hampshire

There is no longer a state mask mandate in New Hampshire. Mask regulations are subject to school district rules.

New York

As of June 4, New York State health officials declared masks in schools optional. However, New York City plans to keep its universal mask policy in place, according to US News. That’s subject to change with the 2021-22 school year.

North Carolina

Mandatory indoor mask requirements remain in effect in schools in North Carolina although Governor Roy Cooper has lifted the mandate for masks indoors and outdoors for most other spaces, Journal Now reports. The school mask mandate, however, could change in the fall.

North Dakota

The Governor’s mask mandate was allowed to expire, reports KFYR TV, making individual school districts responsible for mask rules moving forward.

Ohio

Gov. Mike DeWine announced in May that schools can make their own mask policies starting June 2, according to the Akron Beacon Journal.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s new law makes masking optional and states: “A board of education of a public school district or a technology center school district may only implement a mandate to wear a mask or any other medical device after consultation with the local county health department or city-county health department within the jurisdiction of where the board is located and when the jurisdiction of where the board is located is under a current state of emergency declared by the Governor,” KOCO News5 reports.

Oregon

As of May 18, masks are still mandated in all Oregon schools according to The Register-Guard. This rule is subject to change per the governor.

Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, “People who are fully vaccinated may choose not to wear a mask, unless a business or organization, such as a school, requires masks, the Pennsylvania Department of Health has announced, according to Pittsburgh Action News.

Rhode Island

“The CDC’s guidance is that schools continue to use the current COVID-19 prevention strategies for the 2020-2021 school year. That means that students, teachers and staff continue to wear masks, whether they have been fully vaccinated or not, ” the state’s Department of Health director stated in May to the Providence Journal. That’s subject to change pending new health information for 2021-22.

South Carolina

South Carolina has no statewide mask mandate. However, state school superintendent Molly Spearman has asked schools to follow DHEC's public health guidance and continue to require masks though its at each school district’s discretion, Fox Carolina reports.

South Dakota

The state of South Dakota has no statewide mask mandate. Continuing mask requirements will be up to individual school districts, KELO News reports.

Tennessee

Tennessee has no statewide mask mandate. Some schools, including Montgomery County, have already rescinded mask requirements for summer school, reports Clarksville Now, but mask rules remain on a case by case mandate per individual districts.

Virginia

On May 14, Gov. Ralph Northam lifted Virginia's universal indoor mask mandate. However, jurisdiction on mask rules in schools continues to be enforced on a county by county basis.

West Virginia

West Virginia lifted its mask mandate on May 14. However, Gov. Jim Justice reminded state residents that “any private business and school can require you to wear a mask regardless of this executive order,” according to WVNS TV.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin’s Department of Health and Services has recommended the continued use of masks in schools. However, the decision is up to individual school districts as the state does not have a mask mandate.

Wyoming

Gov. Mark Gordon lifted Wyoming’s statewide mask requirement on March 16. By April 9, 10 of Wyoming’s 48 school districts had lifted mask requirements, the Star Tribune reported. Districts will determine face covering requirements for 2021-22.

There is no one answer to the question “will kids wear masks next year?” The best way to find out and ensure your child is in compliance is to reach out to your local school district or school to get the latest information regarding face covering requirements for 2021-22.

This post will be updated as new information becomes available.

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