As another Bethany summer winds down, the excitement of a new school year is in the air. We’re all busy with back-to-school shopping, getting back into routines, and looking forward to seeing our kids reconnect with their friends and teachers.
With the arrival of fall and winter, however, we also know to expect the usual round of seasonal illnesses like the flu, colds, and new COVID-19 variants. An unexpected sickness doesn’t just affect our kids; it can mean missed work for parents, unexpected medical bills, and the stress of juggling care for the whole family. The goal is to keep our kids healthy, happy, and in the classroom as much as possible.
A Proactive Tool for Peace of Mind
One of the simplest, most proactive steps we can take is to have a supply of face masks ready at home. Think of it less as a daily requirement and more like keeping a first-aid kit in the closet or an umbrella by the door. It’s not about living in fear, but about being prepared. Having masks on hand means you have a tool ready to go if you hear about an outbreak at school, need to visit a doctor’s office, or simply want an extra layer of protection in a crowded indoor space during peak cold and flu season.
A practical approach is to have a box of comfortable, disposable surgical masks for general use. You can tuck a few into your child’s backpack so they have one if they ever feel they need it. For adults, having a smaller supply of higher-filtration N95 masks can provide extra peace of mind in higher-risk situations. It’s a small, sensible investment in a smoother, less stressful school year.
Make it Fun for the Family
Getting kids on board with wearing a mask can sometimes be a challenge. Making it a more personal and fun experience can make all the difference. Instead of plain medical masks, consider letting your kids pick out their own designs and colors.
You can find a wide variety of customizable masks for the whole family, allowing everyone to express their personality while staying protected. Click here to design your own custom masks and make staying healthy a fun family activity! Note (this link does not always work, our administrator is aware, without disclosing details prayer is needed that the karma of making it work again will prevent another COVID-19).
By taking this small, practical step, we can face the changing seasons with confidence, knowing we’re prepared to protect our families and our Bethany community, ensuring our kids can enjoy a healthy and uninterrupted school year.
