Simple Steps Can Help Toddlers Stay Safe at the Pool
May is National Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Awareness Month. In support of this issue, local children’s book company, Books with Purpose, and Aqua-Tots Swim School locations in Powell Westerville, and Cleveland have partnered to help educate parents on important actions they can take to increase their child’s safety in and around the water.
May is National Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Awareness Month. In support of this issue, local children’s book company, Books with Purpose, and Aqua-Tots Swim School locations in Powell Westerville, and Cleveland have partnered to help educate parents on important actions they can take to increase their child’s safety in and around the water.
I’ve invited guest blogger Lauren Kelley, co-founder of Books with Purpose, to tell us more:
Thank you, Eryn, for the opportunity to share information about water safety. Every parent wants to protect their children from potential dangers. And yet, we’ve learned that many parents are unaware of the alarming statistics surrounding drowning and water-related injuries in the United States - especially for toddlers. It’s difficult to think about, but important to know that:
Each year, about 4,000 people drown in the U.S. The highest drowning rates are seen in children ages 1 to 4. Drowning is responsible for more deaths among children 1 to 4 than anything else except birth defects. 1,2
In this age range, most drownings occur in home swimming pools.2
For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.1
A child who survives drowning may suffer brain damage or other lasting consequences.
National Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Awareness Month is an educational initiative that acknowledges that there is more that can be done in our country to keep kids safe around water, especially toddler-aged children.
As a former swimmer, lifeguard, and swim instructor (and mom of three kids under the age of six, including two toddlers), I’ve seen firsthand how quickly dangerous situations can arise around a swimming pool. To help early swimmers understand that water is something to enjoy, but also something to respect, Books with Purpose is releasing a new children’s book, Beckett Beaver Learns About Pool Safety. The book uses a simple “Do” and “Don’t” layout, teaching kids ground rules like not swimming alone, starting in the shallow end, and staying where the lifeguard/ your guardian can see you.
The new children’s book fills a void currently on the market for this high-risk age group and our hope is that it will be a useful tool for parents who are getting ready to go on vacation or are hoping to spend time with their little ones poolside this summer.
In addition our latest book, my partner and Books with Purpose co-founder, artist Emmy Mitchell (and mom of twin 5-year-old boys) and I reached out to Aqua-Tots Swim Schools, which is world’s largest swim school franchise with a trusted swim curriculum, to learn more about what all parents can do to support drowning prevention.
Mike Kallmeyer, owner of Aqua-Tots Swim Schools in central and northeast Ohio, explained to us that swim instruction with an emphasis on drowning prevention is vital for babies and toddlers because “accidents happen without life jackets.” If your child accidentally falls in the pool, you want him or her to be able to find the edge and climb out - or, if that’s not an option, to flip over and float, he said. Beyond swimming lessons, Kallmeyer encouraged parents to inform themselves about common pool dangers - including murky pool water, entrapment risks, and safety considerations specific to private pools to help avoid an emergency.
To that end, we hope that 614 Mom followers will take a moment to read and share these pool safety tips for parents of toddlers to help prepare for all the wonderful water activities your families may be enjoying this spring and summer:
Be A Prepared Parent. Being knowledgeable about common pool dangers can help avoid an emergency or prepare you for one if necessary.
Consider learning CPR and keeping your skills updated regularly. Understanding life-saving basics allows you to assist in a pool emergency if needed.
Don’t let your kids swim in murky water. Swimmers who have fallen beneath the surface cannot be seen in unclear water and drowning risk is increased. You should be able to see the bottom of the pool clearly at all times. If the water has become murky, report it to a lifeguard or pool owner immediately so the pool can be cleared.
Learn about entrapment. Faulty or broken drain covers can create powerful suction that can trap a child underwater. Teach children to stay away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings in pools and spas to avoid entrapment.
For private pools, ensure there is a four-foot or taller fence around the pool with self-closing and self-latching gates or a lockable safety cover on spas. Make sure older children understand they should never open the door for younger children, or prop open a gate which could leave toddlers at risk for entering the pool area unsupervised.
Keep Your Phone Poolside. Whether at a public or private pool, make sure there is a fully-charged phone nearby that you can use to call for help if needed. Never leave the pool area to answer a ringing phone when there are children in the water.
Start Swimming Lessons Early. When it comes to pool safety, learning to swim is a life-saving ability. Aqua-Tots Swim Schools offers year-round, indoor swim instruction for children as early as 4 months old. Lessons include drowning prevention skills like learning to find the edge of the pool, climbing out of the pool, and - if that’s not an option - how to flip on their backs to float, as well as proper breath control.
Create Safety-Smart Kids. Beyond swim lessons, parents can help increase safety in and around the water by teaching their kids pool safety basics at home. Books like Beckett Beaver Learns About Pool Safety teach toddlers important pool rules like entering feet first, staying in the shallow end, and never swimming alone.
Adult Supervision Always. Constant adult supervision is essential when kids are in or around water. One parent or caregiver, who is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, should stay close, be alert, and watch children at all times at private and public pools. Don’t rely solely on lifeguards to ensure your child’s safety; likewise, water wings, puddle jumpers or life vests should never be a replacement for adult supervision. If a child is missing, look for him or her in the pool or spa first.
Follow us on Instagram for upcoming family Water Safety Presentations in your area.
Our best,
Lauren Kelley and Emmy Mitchell, Books with Purpose
References
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) [online]. [cited 2012 May 3]. Available from: URL: http://www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars.
2. CDC. Wide-ranging online data for epidemiologic research (WONDER). Atlanta, GA: CDC, National Center for Health Statistics; 2016. Available at http://wonder.cdc.gov.
Additional Resources
American Red Cross
To find CPR classes in your area and other training services.
American Academy of Pediatrics
Helpful swim safety tips and other guidelines for parents.
Aqua-Tots Swim Schools
Nationwide leader in swimming instruction.
Backyard Lifeguards
A resource for private pool owners to find lifeguards to hire for private events and parties.
Books with Purpose
Children’s books with lessons of love, safety, and healthy habits. NEW children’s book, “Beckett Beaver Learns About Pool Safety,” teaches toddlers about staying safe at the pool.
National Drowning Prevention Alliance
Resources for parents on water safety steps, and how to add layers of protection around the water.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Pool Safely
A national public education campaign to reduce drownings due to entrapment
The Ultimate Summer Checklist for Columbus Families
Summer is almost here, maybe for you it's already here but either way I'm sure you're looking for some fun things to fill your summer with to keep your kids busy and entertained as well as creating memories as a family and having fun! With help from my 5 year old and my husband (I bet you could guess which ones are his) we've come with what we think is the ultimate summer checklist for families in Columbus.
Summer is almost here, maybe for you it's already here but either way I'm sure you're looking for some fun things to fill your summer with to keep your kids busy and entertained as well as creating memories as a family and having fun! With help from my 5 year old and my husband (I bet you could guess which ones are his) we've come with what we think is the ultimate summer checklist for families in Columbus. You will notice that not everything is based on Columbus, i.e., blowing bubbles, but we thought not everyday can you go somewhere and have a huge adventure. However we still want to make sure we blow bubbles and have a tickle fight - so they made the list. You can also download the list and use it as your guide this summer. I would love to see your summer adventures, please share on social media. #614mom #614momsummerbucketlist
What would you add to this list?
You can download the list here.
The Ultimate Summer Bucket List for Columbus Families
1. Go on one picnic each week
2. Visit the Bunny Splash Pad in Dublin
3. See Fireworks
4. Blow Bubbles
5. Swing really high
6. Go to the Wilds
7. Make a movie theater in our backyard
8. Grow a garden
9. Pick Strawberries
10. Have a PJ and movie day
11.Take a tour of the Fire Station
12. Go the the zoo....a lot!!!!
13. Go to Big Machines at COSI
14. Play baseball in the backyard
15. Have a lemonade stand
16. Take a last minute road trip
17. Visit Family
18. Learn to jump rope
19. Cedar Point for the roller coasters
20. Make mud pies
21. Run through the sprinklers
22. Eat our way through the Farmers Market
23. Attend Story time
24. See a Crew game
25. Complete a summer reading program
26. Make a fairy garden
27. Go hiking all over Columbus
28. Have a water balloon fight
29. Make a book
30. Camp in our backyard
31. Bowling
32. Go on a nature walk
33. Visit a farm
34. Have a cookout
35. Create an obstacle course in our backyard
36. Go to Zoombezi Bay
37. Visit a new playground
38. Have a backyard carnival
39. Take a day trip to Velvet Ice Cream
40. Make cookies for the police and firemen in our town
41. Go to a Clippers game
42. Visit the library
43. Have a spa day
44. Make a birdfeeder
45. Take a train ride
46. Feed the ducks at Creekside
47. Make S'mores
48. Catch lighting bugs
49. Visit the Powell Splash Pad
50. Take a family bike ride
51. Visit Ohio Village
52. Take a day trip to Dayton and visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force
53. Make homemade ice cream
54. Make homemade Popsicles
55. Take a class at Picasso's
56. Try Yoga for kids
57. Visit every single Metro Park in Columbus
58. Go to lunch at Milestone 229 and then hit the Scioto Mile Fountains.
59. Bake cookies at The Ronald McDonald House
60. Geocaching
61. Visit Lake Erie
62. Go to the bounce house
63. Eat a lot of ice cream!!!
64. Visit the Children's Museum in Indy
65. Eat donuts for breakfast...even better do the Butler County Donut Trail.
66. Go to the theater
67. Splash in the water at Easton and then have a snow cone from Kona Ice
68. Visit the Park of Roses in Clintonville
69. Track down the Shazzbots! and see them perform
70. Attend at least 5 festivals in Ohio
71. Brunch at Katalina’s
72. Play at Antrim Park
73. Go to Cookie Dough Creamery
74. Eat Breakfast at North Market - complete this scavenger hunt from Say N Play Columbus
75. Have a whole weekend of nothing but PJs, movies, cartoons, toys, and family
76. Visit Slate Run Metro Park
77. Visit the Scioto Mile
78. Take a trip to The Book Loft
79. Explore the Franklin Park Conservatory
80. Visit Topiary Park
81. Take a behind the scenes tour at The Columbus Zoo...we did the Giraffe Barn Tour a few years ago, it was so fun.
82. Take a tour of the American Whistle Corp.
83. Visit the Field of Corn, because...why not?
84. Take a day trip to Hocking Hills
85. Anthony Thomas Chocolate Tour
86. Make a pet rock
87. Make tie dye shirts
88. Ohio State Fair
89. Enjoy a Movie in the Park
90. Bird watching
91. Fly a kite
92. Go to Phat Fridays at Sports Ohio
93. Head to Scioto Mile and grab dinner at Milestone 229
94. Walk through the Moonlight Market as a family
95. Create a drawing journal and jot down words or drawings to capture your summer memories.
96. Visit the Columbus Arts Fest
97. Create a photo album our of all of your summer memories.
98. Try a new park.
99. Go to Yellow Springs and see the sunflowers
100. Try a new bakery
101. Order a Kona Ice house call
102. Send letters to family and friends through USPS
103. Go to the movies
104. PB & Jazz at Topiary Park
105. Have a croissant at La Chatelaine
106. Explore OSU
107. Visit the World's Largest Gavel
108. Visit Central Ohio Fire Museum
109. Play at the Columbus Commons
110. Visit the Watt Lao Buddhamamakrama
111. See the waterfall at Hayden Falls Park
112. See the waterfall at Indian Run Falls
113. Creekside Blues and Jazz Festival
114. Take a cooking class at Williams Sonoma (with kids or without)
115. Have a shopping spree at Rocket Fizz in the Short North
116. Go to the pool
117. Visit the splash pad at Hilliard Station Park
118. Go to Build A Bear
119. Go camping
120. Play with sparklers
Why We Chose Balanced Family Academy | 614 Mom |
Around this time last year I was in a total panic. I had been a stay at home mom since the birth of my son and his whole life was filled with snuggles, playdates, and fun at home with his sisters. I felt like I blinked and he was at an age where I had to seriously start thinking about school. Ugh. I wasn’t ready. I mean I seriously wasn’t ready to let my baby go. (the tears have finally started - I got through the first paragraph guys! That’s an accomplishment)
I can’t begin to tell you how many schools we toured, how many times I stayed awake at night wondering if we’d ever find a place that our family fit. Some tell me I have extremely high expectations (looking at you mom) but it’s just not something I’m willing to compromise on. These are my babies and they deserve the very best I can give them.
When I met the owners of BFA, Becca and Sarah, I could see in their eyes their passion and love for BFA. They spoke with so much passion for the community they were creating, the quality of teachers they were hiring, and love they had for each and every child in their care. After touring the school and meeting many of the teachers we decided that this was the school for us and we signed our son up for the Pre-K program.
The first day was filled with so much excitement. He had a new shark backpack that he carried with pride, I had a stomach full of butterflies, and my husband was just along for the ride. ;-) I’m happy to report that we got through the first day with just a few tears (all mine). The rest of the year flew by. Owen has enjoyed share days, jump bunch, yoga, trying new foods (except guacamole. Hard stop on that one), guest readers, and soon his very first field trip.
Over the last year at BFA my son has learned so much - personally and academically. He no longer tries to fight any chance he gets (anyone else have a wannabe superhero at home?), he gets excited to work on math problems and spends every second in the car asking his dad and I math problems only to tell us we’re always wrong. LOL!
There are so many wonderful reasons that BFA stands above the rest. From the delicious food, the fitness opportunities, to the L O V E every single child feels when they walk in the door. It’s a one of a kind space that I am proud to say is our school of choice.
As we approach Pre-K graduation I can’t help but reflect on where we were a year ago and where we are now. I’m so thankful for the love of the BFA teachers and staff and the opportunity to have been part of the BFA family. If you see me crying at graduation this weekend - please ignore me, it’s just who I am. :-)
The Ultimate Columbus Spring Staycation For Families
It’s March which means Spring Break is near (or currently happening depending on which school district you’re in). It’s the perfect time to try new things, experience things that are new, or just visit some tried and true favorites. I’ve put together my list of must do activities this spring with a little info on each item so that you can decide what’s best for your family.
It’s March which means Spring Break is near (or currently happening depending on which school district you’re in). It’s the perfect time to try new things or visit some tried and true favorites. I’ve put together my list of must do activities this spring with a little info on each item so that you can decide what’s best for your family.
Legoland Discovery Center Columbus
Ever since Legoland opened we have been regular visitors. My kids love every single thing about it and I really like that it’s something my 8,5, and 2 year old ALL love. It’s definitely a plus that they serve Starbucks and have really cool kids meals and as an annual passholder I get a discount on those purchases. That really is truly priceless. Right now we are loving the 4D Cinema that’s actually playing The Lego Movie- A New Adventure.
COSI
COSI is also one of those places we can go that is a hit with all three of our kids and right now they are excited to go visit all the new fun things. If you’d rather not pay that fee there are plenty of other fun things to do at COSI including Kidspace, Dinosaur Alley, and Crocs. You can’t really go wrong with COSI.
The Columbus Zoo
It’s Ohio which means we could have a really nice spring break or a really cold spring break. If it’s nice I really recommend the zoo as a great place to spend a few hours, run off that energy that’s been inside all winter, and enjoy the amazing animals. Triple check the hours before you go because the hours during this time of year is slightly different than summer hours.
Franklin Park Conservatory
Blooms and Butterflies kicked off March 9th and will be there until September 15th so you have some time if you can’t fit it in this week but if you can, do it. It’s so much fun and the my kids always love watching those beauties fly.
Ohio History Museum - Ohio–Champion of Sports
This exhibit features more than 70 stories and 56 first-person interviews covering more than 26 sports ranging from baseball, football and basketball to roller derby, skateboarding and e-gaming. The exhibit showcases the Ohio athletes, coaches, owners and fans at the center of the action.
This is more than just a stroll around a museum---there are several interactive components that kids (young and old) will love: Wall of Hoops, “victory dance” video station to share with family and friends (complete with props and “boomerang-esque” effects”), obstacle course, opportunity to contribute personal sports photos to add to the museum experience, etc.
Cotton Candy Burrito from Simply Rolled
What kid wouldn’t LOVE a cotton candy burrito? Simply Rolled has come up with the best treat that my kids loved. Cotton candy ice-cream with sprinkles, marshmallow sauce, fruity pebbles, & more marshmallows, all rolled into a burrito made of cotton candy!
Creative Art Bar
We love Creative Art Bar. They offer really fun activities perfect for every age and budget.
Paint Your Own Pottery
Paint Your Own Pottery is a really fun way to try something new and have a fun piece of art for your house. We really like Color Me Mine in Dublin and Clay Cafe in Grandview. If you have another great one - leave it in the comments please.
The Kitchen
The Kitchen is hosting some really fun spring break camps this year. The themes are Harry Potter and Star Wars where kids 8-12 can play with food, learn about cooking, and have fun staying on theme with some of their favorite characters. Dates vary but time is 8:30am-12:30pm and it’s $40 a session.
Catco is Kids
Going to the theater is always a fun way to spend the day.
Glow Putt
Miniature golf is popular with many age groups which makes it a go to for so many families. But what do you do when your family wants to go golfing but it’s still freezing (or too late)? Glow Putt, located in Gahanna, is an indoor, glow in the dark, miniature golf course. As always triple check the hours before driving over there.
Blue Jackets Game
Luckily spring break happens to also be in season for our favorite hometown hockey team. I recently did a full write up with tips for taking your kids to a Blue Jackets game complete with how to save $$ on tickets.
North Market
There is so much to do in the Short North for families and I think it’s often overlooked. We love walking around the North Market and grabbing some food and then going to Goodale Park and Rocket Fizz for some fun unique candy.
I hope these tips are helpful. Is there something you’d add to the list? Let me know by leaving it in the comments. I love hearing from you!
My Newest Obsession with Balanced Family Academy
It is important to me that I give my kids the opportunity to try new foods even if I’m not great at cooking them. Which is why I’m so thankful that at my son’s school they offer made from scratch meals throughout the day and even allow us the opportunity to order a meal for our home every Wednesday evening.
I love to cook - trying new recipes, baking with my kids, you name it and I love it. But that doesn’t mean I’m always great at it. :-) Ask my kids about the day I tried to make lasagna with broccoli and they will tell you how delicious the pizza was that we ordered shortly after they all refused to eat a second bite.
It is important to me that I give my kids the opportunity to try new foods even if I’m not great at cooking them. Which is why I’m so thankful that at my son’s school they offer made from scratch meals throughout the day and even allow us the opportunity to order a meal for our home every Wednesday evening.
Wednesdays are actually the busiest days of the week for us so it works out so perfectly. Every Sunday I get an email with that week’s menu with a link to order, I easily submit how many servings I need for that week and submit my payment info. It takes one meal off of my rotation each week and I know that the food is not only delicious but it’s good for us. Much better than that midweek drive thru as we rush to get everything done.
Balanced Family Academy has been such a blessing for our family since the end of last year and we can’t thank them enough for the hard work they pour into every single thing they do to promote community within the school including the amazing Whisk Prep Kitchen.
Whisk Prep Kitchen.
Their menu focus on seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers as often as possible and they source organically-grown produce. The milk that is produced without the use of rBST or rBGH, and meats are hormone and antibiotic free. Those are just a few key pieces to what sets Whisk Prep Kitchen and Balanced Family Academy apart.
Some of the things my son loves most on the menu for lunch -
Chicken apple chili, scrambled eggs, Hawaiian meatballs, teriyaki tofu (something he never would have tried if I made it at home) and basically any cracker or muffin. He is my kid after all :-)
One of the meals we recently ordered was the spaghetti and meatballs, with fresh garden salad, and baguette. It happened to be my daughter’s birthday and between work and the crazy weather (SO many snow days this year) I was just behind in so many things so when I picked up my son from BFA I checked the refrigerator and luckily they had a few extra meals so I grabbed them for my family and we were able to enjoy the baby’s birthday dinner without stress. It was such a lifesaver.
If you’re looking for a childcare facility for your children I can’t recommend BFA enough. I’m actually really picky with care for my kids and it takes me forever before I can trust someone else to care for them but with BFA it just felt right. I’m sure as a parent you know important that feeling is. If you ever have any questions about BFA I’m more than happy to answer - shoot me an email or comment below.
8 Tips For Taking Your Kids To Their First Blue Jackets Game
If you follow 614 Mom on Instagram you know that I recently took my family to their first hockey game! I’ve always been a huge fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets (I used to have season tickets and never missed a game) so I was very excited to take them to their first game! I came prepared to do all the things - get the cotton candy, buy the souvenirs that they would inevitably want, and simply enjoy a fun night of hockey with my family.
If you follow 614 Mom on Instagram you know that I recently took my family to their first hockey game! I’ve always been a huge fan of the Columbus Blue Jackets (I used to have season tickets and never missed a game) so I was very excited to take them to their first game! I came prepared to do all the things - get the cotton candy, buy the souvenirs that they would inevitably want, and simply enjoy a fun night of hockey with my family.
My son had actually just signed up for the Blue Jackets Learn to Play program that same day, during his weekly skating lesson, so he was really excited to see a real life hockey game. If your child would be interested in learning to play - I highly recommend checking it out. It’s a great learning opportunity for them and is easy on the budget. Anyways - back to their first Blue Jackets game.
My husband and I decided to keep it a complete secret - they knew we were going somewhere but they had no idea where. After we parked at the Nationwide Arena Parking Garage we headed towards dinner. On our walk we shared with them our plans and they literally jumped up and down with excitement. It was seriously the cutest thing.
We grabbed dinner at Buca di Beppo which is right next door to the arena which made it easy and convenient. Buca is home to one of my favorite salads in town - the Apple Gorgonzola Salad. Buca was, as always, a great place to kick off the night. We were able to fill the little tummies and not feel rushed as we walked over to the game.
During our experience I came up with a list of tips so that when you take your kids to their first (or 100th) Blue Jackets Game you can go prepared and make the whole experience something for everyone to remember for a lifetime.
8 Tips For Taking Your Kids To Their First Blue Jackets Game
Grab dinner beforehand. This helps limit the amount of lines you’re in and allows you more time in your seats to enjoy the game. I recommend Buca di Beppo or Boston’s. If you don’t have time to get food before, there are plenty of options inside the arena for yummy food.
Pregame Warmups: 6:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. or half hour before puck drop. Arrive early enough to watch from ice level where you can hold your homemade signs and maybe even catch a puck that a player may flip over the glass.
Order team apparel ahead of time by visiting the Blue Line online store.
If it’s your child’s first game you can visit the desk next to the Blue Line store for a commemorative hockey puck with their name written on it. This was really special for my three. I highly recommend making time for this.
Let the kids play - The IGS Energy Zone (located on main concourse near sections 108-109) features family-friendly activities such as a floor hockey rink where kids can play, interactive games for fans of all ages and a photo station where fans can take home a keepsake from the game.
Be ready to answer a lot of questions. Read up on your hockey knowledge before you go :)
The Cannon: Nationwide Arena, the centerpiece of Columbus’ Arena District, is home for the Jackets where its fan experience consistently ranks among the best in the NHL and a cannon is a featured attraction. The Jackets’ game presentation includes a replica 1857 Napoleon field cannon that fires each time the home team scores a goal and takes the ice to start the game. The cannon is beloved by locals and despised by visitors (players, media, fans) who hate it for surprising them and the fact that it triggers a CBJ goal celebration. Fans line up before the game and during intermissions to get their photos taken at the cannon or with members of its Cannon Crew.
Don’t leave early. I know with little kids and traffic sometimes it makes sense to leave just a few minutes early but let me tell you watching the Blue Jackets win is powerful and the room is filled with so much energy. You don’t want to miss that. Traffic is handled really well in my experience.
Thrifting Tips with Volunteers of America and 614 Mom
I get it - our house is full of clothing my kids have outgrown, household items we no longer need, and toys that my kids were given as presents that they never played with. I’m always trying to find the best organization to donate our gently used items (and sometimes new items) but to be honest it’s been hard to figure out exactly which option is the best.
Every time I hop on social media there is someone talking about how they are cleaning our their closets or doing a deep clean of their house to try and minimalize. I get it - our house is full of clothing my kids have outgrown, household items we no longer need, and toys that my kids were given as presents that they never played with. I’m always trying to find the best organization to donate our gently used items (and sometimes new items) but to be honest it’s been hard to figure out exactly which option is the best.
After a lot of research I’ve found that Volunteers of America is the best place for us to donate our items. Volunteers of America (VOA) is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people in need rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Established in 1896 they have helped support different community groups including veterans, homeless individual and families, low income seniors, men and women coming home from incarceration and those recovering from addiction.
In Central Ohio they focus on veterans, housing, and community enrichment. There are many ways you can help support Volunteers of America in Central Ohio and one of those ways is through their thrift stores.
By donating and shopping you are helping them raise money to serve people and communities in need. In Columbus there are four different stores to shop from with unique finds in every shop.
I know thrifting can be overwhelming sometimes - what should I look for, where is the best store, what days are the best day for me to go, etc. I’ve done a lot of research and talked to an expert in the field to share those tips with you. Do you have a thrifting tip? Drop them in the comments below so I can add them to the list! :)
Thrifting Tips
· On the last Tuesday of the month, everything in the store is 50% off.
· Every Monday, veterans and Golden Buckeye card holders get 10% off.
· Every day there are three sale tag colors and items with those sale tags are wither 25%, 50% or 75% off.
· They add over 40,000 fresh items onto the sales floor each week
· Approximately 80% of the sales floor is $1.99 and under.
· Clothing is sorted by color because of sizing differences among clothing brands.
· They have fitting rooms at all of the thrift stores
· Bring a paper outline of your kid’s shoe size to pull out when you find a pair of shoes your kids might like.
· Remove your hangers while waiting in line to speed up check out
· Bring your own reusable bag or rolling cart, especially on sale day when it can get crowded
· Shop with a buddy. They can help you find things you might’ve missed
· They are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization where every dollar you spend goes to help serve people and communities in need.
· When you get home, you can remove the price markings from items by using nail polish remover, Goo Gone, rubbing alcohol or WD-40.
Schedule a free home pickup of stuff you no longer want by calling Volunteers of America at 1-800-873-4505 emailing askthrift@voago.org or going online. You can also drop off donations at any of their thrift stores or in a donation drop box in your area. Your donations are tax-deductible and they are happy to give you a tax receipt.
DHL Supply Chain - Change The Way You Work
Are you or someone you know looking for a new employment opportunity that gives you flexibility in your schedule? Keep reading because I’ve got the best job for you.
Are you or someone you know looking for a new employment opportunity that gives you flexibility in your schedule? Keep reading because I’ve got the best job for you.
I get asked all the time if I know of any jobs for stay at home parents or parents in Columbus who need a flexible job due to schedules with their kids. I’m now happy to report that I have found THE PERFECT opportunity.
DHL Supply Chain is hiring for multiple shifts for a variety of job roles including packer, order filler, material handler. Your shifts could be as little as 3 hours per day or as much as 8 hours and is great for stay at home parents that need a flexible schedule. You choose your hours!! What could be better than that?
Click the button below to learn more and apply for the job of your choice.
Wear Red For Congenital Heart Defect Awareness | 614 Mom
When a doctor came in following the ultrasound and paired the words “heart” and “defect” my body went limp. Honestly, I don’t remember much more from that appointment as I wept in my husband’s arms. Most of what he said felt like a foreign language to me, but after picking myself back up a few weeks later, I set out to educate myself and others.
Thank you Chelsea from Strive Less Live More for sharing her story with all 614 Moms. See her story below and make sure to check out her blog and Instagram channels. She’s the biggest advocate for postpartum care and is truly a rockstar. I love her and I know you will too.
Today you’re likely to see a lot of red. Not only is it the start of February, the month we attribute to love, heart decor, and Valentines Day, but today is National Wear Red Day. National Wear Red Day exists to spread awareness about heart disease. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 deaths are linked to heart disease and heart disease is the leading cause of death in women. These statistics are alarming. As a society, we are educated often about the things we can do to reduce our risk of heart disease: avoid tobacco, exercise regularly, make nutritional food choices and try to keep cholesterol and blood pressure low. What we don’t hear as much about, though, are the lives that are affected by heart disease from the very start.
Congenital Heart Defects (CHDs) happen in 1 out of 100 children, making CHDs the most common birth defect (Pediatric Congenital Heart Association). There are 2-3 million adults living with CHDs and 40,000 babies born in the US each year with CHDs. According to Heart Heroes, there are over 40 identified types of CHDs and these types vary greatly in severity. All Congenital Heart Defects require monitoring for a lifetime. For 25% of babies born with CHDs, surgery is required. For some children, the complications of a CHD cannot be repaired, making it also the leading cause of death in infants related to a birth defect. (PCHA)
It’s hard to think about something like this, but it is also important. As mentioned, CHDs are prevalent, and yet, there is a lack of awareness surrounding them. My daughter is 1 in 100. When my husband, 2-year-old son, and I went to our 20-week anatomy scan, we had one thing on our mind- find out the gender of our baby and plan a fun reveal party. After what felt like an abnormally long ultrasound, what was revealed to us was more than we anticipated. Prior to this, my knowledge of Congenital Heart Defects was very limited. I knew that a family friend had surgery as a young child and had a scar on his chest, but that was the extent of my understanding. When a doctor came in following the ultrasound and paired the words “heart” and “defect” my body went limp. Honestly, I don’t remember much more from that appointment as I wept in my husband’s arms. Most of what he said felt like a foreign language to me, but after picking myself back up a few weeks later, I set out to educate myself and others.
As a mother, the two things I immediately wondered is if I did something to cause this struggle for my little girl and how would it affect her life? The causes of CHDs are largely unknown. However, there are some factors such as genetics and environmental factors that can play a part (American Academy of Pediatrics). For our family, we have yet to discover any substantial links after evaluating the environmental factors and completing extensive genetic testing both prenatally and after birth.
As for the long term effects, children with CHDs may have other physical and developmental disorders and are often linked with other congenital defects. Today we are seeing more infants grow into adolescence and adulthood due to continual research and treatment progress. Prenatal diagnosis can help a family like ours prepare for this life change, and yet currently only a fraction of CHDs are spotted before the baby is born (and still yet some are not detected until the baby is older and displays complications or a doctor detects a murmur.)
Here in Central Ohio, we are fortunate to have a highly recognized cardiology team at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. NCH performs hundreds of heart surgeries each year on patients from hours old into their adult lives. NCH is highly rated as an innovative hospital with consistent growth and outcomes.
For our family, this diagnosis rocked our world and yet it also sparked a new appreciation in us. As I mentioned before, we received this diagnosis prenatally. It was at this appointment that we heard the name “Tetralogy of Fallot” for the first time. While most people go to a 20-week ultrasound calling it the “gender” ultrasound, this is truly called an “anatomy scan.” I encourage all mothers to be aware of what can be discovered at these scans aside from gender- whether it is a CHD or other birth defect, early detection can have a huge impact on the planning and treatment possibilities. Don’t be afraid to prepare questions to ask throughout your scan and ensure that your team is looking carefully at each part of your baby in utero. I am forever grateful for our ultrasound tech who spent extra time exploring our baby’s heart because she saw something that looked abnormal.
Our little girl, Sage, will have a reparative open heart surgery this spring. She will be a mere 5 months old when she undergoes surgery. There is no cure for CHDs, but 25% of children receive reparative surgeries. Some children undergo surgery within days or weeks of birth, many have surgery within their first year, and some are able to wait longer. Many will also have subsequent surgeries. We expect our daughter to have a subsequent surgery in her teen years to continue to repair her faulty valve. From the outside, you would never know that one of her vital organs is failing her body. She cries when she’s hungry, she loves her milk, she laughs at her big brother and fits right into our family. Some days I completely forget about her heart defect, and some days it fills my mind at all hours (you can read more about the mental journey on my personal blog).
Congenital Heart Defects are prevalent, but our awareness of them is not. More than likely, you know someone who has a CHD but you may never know from the outside. We do not have a cure for CHDs, but we have the ability to educate ourselves and others and support those who are facing this complication. Today as you see red, take a moment to talk about what you may have learned about heart disease and congenital heart defects. Share something with a co-worker, a family member, or a friend you see this weekend. Take a moment to read more about how Nationwide Children's Hospital serves the heart community every day and celebrate these hearts by loving on your family a little extra as we enjoy all that February brings.
Health and Fitness at Balanced Family Academy
One of my favorite things about BFA is how they care about the whole family and the whole body. As many of you know fitness is a huge part of my life and I’m passionate about creating a love of being active in my kids. BFA gives me so many convenient opportunities to make that happen by providing so many organized activities for every member of our family.
We recently became a BFA family and if you’re not sure what that means let me share a little about Balanced Family Academy (BFA) with you. Balanced Family Academy is a childcare and preschool for kids ages six weeks - kindergarten. With a balance of teacher-led and child-initiated play, positive reinforcement, and open communication it is truly the best fit for our family.
Over the next few months I’m going to be sharing more about our experience at Balanced Family Academy and of course, if you ever have any questions email me eryn@614mom.com I’m always happy to answer whatever I know and if I don’t know, I’ll ask for you. :)
One of my favorite things about BFA is how they care about the whole family and the whole body. As many of you know fitness is a huge part of my life and I’m passionate about creating a love of being active in my kids. BFA gives me so many convenient opportunities to make that happen by providing so many organized activities for every member of our family.
For The Kids
The following programs are provided during the school day as part of the curriculum.
Yoga
Yoga has so many benefits for kids that will help them in school, at home, and on the playground. Through yoga practice kids learn to be aware of their body, build concentration, increase confidence, and manage stress through breathing and meditation. You can learn more about the benefits of yoga here.
JumpBunch
Kids need a lot of activity and BFA has partnered with JumpBunch to provide a fun and structured exercise once a week. The class starts with a warmup, sports activity of the week, stretching and a cool down. I love getting photos of my son during JumpBunch. I can see the joy on his face. He’s learned a lot and gets to burn some energy.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics helps kids with coordination, sportsmanship, discipline, and goal setting. BFA provides the students with gymnastics 1x per week along with the other two activities listed above.
I love that each activity that BFA offers provides different benefits to the students. I know that my kids are learning so many different skills through yoga, JumpBunch, and gymnastics while having a lot of fun in the process.
For The Parents
BFA knows that being a parent is busy and they are here to make life easier for the BFA families. They offer classes right around pickup time while the center is still open to allow you time to get your workout in before picking up your kiddos.
Cardio & Strength
Mondays from 5pm-5:45. A quick workout with maximum impact. I haven't had the chance to take this class yet but it’s on my list. I’ve heard it’s really great. I’ll report back when I experience it firsthand.
Barre
Tuesday 5pm-5:45. Get your zen on before picking up your kiddo(s). I just wrapped up the barre class this evening and it was both challenging and fun. The perfect combo.
**If you join BFA, I’d love to have you join me in a class. Just let me know and we will schedule it.
For The Whole Family
Family Yoga
Family Yoga is offered once a month on the last Saturday of the month. Remember all of those benefits that kids gain from yoga? Imagine how impactful it would be for your kid to be gaining confidence and learning to manage stress right next to the most important people in their lives. My kids always love a good excuse to share their school with the rest of our family so you can count on seeing our family every single month at family yoga.
