Trick or treat 🎃

Happy (almost) Halloween! This year, we’re dressing up as unstressed, organized moms who are very good at OOTD posts and have it all together. Because goodness knows that’s not our regular vibe—proof is right here. What’s your costume this year? Hit reply and tell us all about it.

Teens & Trick-or-Treating: In or Out?

What’s the age cut-off for trick-or-treating these days? As far as we’re concerned, there isn’t one. It’s silly that we tell kids they can’t participate in one of the most fun days of the year just because they’re getting their learner’s permit soon. Our take? Teens are kids, too. Let them hold onto that magic of childhood (and a harmless tradition) a little longer and hand over a Kit Kat.

Because truthfully, so much of being a grown-up involves reminiscing on the good old days of childhood. We’re in no rush to see our kids hit that phase of life.

Walking Pneumonia Cases Are on the Rise

It’s the most wonderful horrible time of the year: flu season. And this year, things are already off to a rough start.

• Bacterial pneumonia cases are on the rise for young kids. Per the CDC, cases have risen from about 1% to over 7% in 2- to 4-year-olds and from about 3% to over 7% in kids 5–17.

• And…? We’re only at the beginning of the flu season, so doctors aren’t sure what to expect just yet.

So here’s what parents can do →

1. Know the symptoms of pneumonia. They often resemble a chest cold: fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue.

2. Know when to call the doctor. If your child is feeling any symptoms, it’s important to get them to a doctor right away so they can assess them and possibly prescribe antibiotics if necessary.

3. Know how to prevent sickness. While there isn’t any foolproof method to keep our kids healthy, the CDC strongly recommends thoroughly washing your hands, covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze, and keeping a special eye on immunocompromised family members.

Stay healthy out there!

The Group Chat Dilemma

Don’t get us wrong, we love a good group chat. Especially when our joke really lands. Or when someone has some hot gossip. But even we’ve got to admit: Some of these group chat dynamics for our kids are bananas.

Some schools have entire class group chats, which can be helpful for school assignments and whatnot. But are middle schoolers meant to be firing off every thought that pops into their heads for a large group of people to see? Depending on their age, it can feel like too much too fast.

So? Some parents might have their kids opt out of the class group chat, some might let it go. Only you know what’s right for your kid. But either way, it doesn’t hurt to remind them that screenshots are forever. 🥴 

What’s scarier than Halloween? Being a parent during the week of Halloween. So today, the perfect recs to make sure this is a holiday the whole family can enjoy.

• How to ensure a safe Halloween for your teens

• This Reddit thread is full of advice from parents for when your teen or tween wants to wear an age inappropriate costume

• Why you should let your kids eat all the Halloween candy they want

• Some easy and fun last-minute Halloween costumes for moms