One way for family members to connect is to write a blog together. Discussing and writing about important events and meaningful moments, in a blog, can help a family stay connected with each other, friends, and extended family members. Creating a blog with your child can also provide opportunities for your child to be creative in choosing topics and what information to include, and this activity can introduce young writers to a different form of writing as they develop their communication and literacy skills.

How Do You Start?

Choose a website to host your blog – Many online platforms can be used to blog. Most of these platforms are free for basic use and, if you purchase more complex versions, you can customize your blog by using additional or advanced features. Below are a few sites you may wish to explore as you start your blogging journey.

• WordPress
• Webador
• Wix

Pick a name – Customize the name of your blog. Make it a fun activity, and include the whole family as you choose a unique name! It could be a funny name, a name that has a specific meaning for your family, your family’s name, or a combination of all three!

Choose your audience – Whom are you writing this blog for? Although blogs are usually public, you can make your blog private and invite anyone you choose—family, friends, coworkers—to follow your posts. The information you include in your blog will likely depend on whether your blog is public or private. If you choose to make your blog post public, be sure not to add any personal information that could make you and your family unsafe.

If your blog is private, remember to send out an invitation for your audience to allow them to sign up for updates through email or Really Simple Syndication, commonly referred to as RSS. This notification allows your followers to receive notifications of new posts as soon as you publish your information, and you do not have to message everyone each time you make a post.

Writing the Posts

Now that you have decided where to post your blog, what the name of your blog will be, and who your audience will be, you are ready to start writing! Include the entire family as you choose your topics. Below is a list of ideas for topics and activities to get you started.

• Family vacations
• Start and/or end of a school year
• Special interests of your child that they want to research and write about
• Sports events and accomplishments
• Milestones your child is reaching
• Moves/updates your family is going through
• Holiday check-ins

Remember, writing a blog can be a journey that you can tailor depending on what information you and your family are comfortable sharing. Add pictures to your posts as you write about memories and include updates. Your blog can be a virtual memory book that you can turn to as the years go by, so you and your family can share and remember accomplishments and reminiscence about events, people, and fun times.

Additional Resources

How to Teach your Child about Online Safety

Adolescent Social Media Use

Digital Empowerment Resources

Internet Safety for Parents

References

Fireworks entertain millions of people and add sparkle to events throughout the year. They are often enjoyed at sporting events, weddings, and concerts. Yet, traditionally, fireworks are most often used in the United States to celebrate the Fourth of July. Large fireworks displays occur in communities across the country, and some families ignite fireworks in their yards. While lighting fireworks at (or close to) home may seem like a fun activity for the whole family, thousands of people experience serious injuries from fireworks-related incidents every year. Many times, the people who get hurt in these incidents are bystanders and not the person setting off the fireworks.

The information below includes safety recommendations to reduce fireworks-related injuries, details about known fireworks-related injuries, and tips on how to treat any injuries if they occur.

The Safest Ways to Enjoy Fireworks

Keep your distance. Fireworks can be loud enough to severely damage the hearing of adults and children. When attending a fireworks show, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends that attendees stay at least 500 feet away from the fireworks’ launch site (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021) to protect their hearing. Young children could wear earplugs, earmuffs, or headphones for an added layer of protection. In addition, unexploded fireworks, commonly referred to as duds, could land on the ground—at private or public fireworks activities— and they have the potential to go off. Avoid going near duds, and consider calling the fire department to help you dispose of them.

Pay attention to the weather. Weather conditions can impact the safety of hosting a public fireworks display and igniting fireworks at home. For example, if the area is experiencing dry conditions, releasing fireworks can lead to wildfires and poor air quality (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2021). In such situations, the local news media will typically encourage individuals to attend community firework alternatives and/or inform the community about safe outdoor activities. These activities and events may include laser shows or drone light shows.

Choose a safe alternative. Although sparklers may seem like a safe option for children, they could have similar dangerous effects as other types of fireworks. Sparklers burn at nearly 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and, at this temperature, sparklers can burn through metal, ignite clothing, cause eye injuries, and/or result in third-degree skin burns (National Safety Council, n.d.). If children want to participate in festivities, safer alternatives include giving them flags, glow sticks, party poppers, bubbles, silly string, party snappers, and noise makers.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a fireworks display and leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Safety Tips for Deploying Fireworks at Home (If You Must…)

DOs

• Supervise older children while they are handling fireworks.
• Choose a spot away from people, houses, and flammable materials to ignite any fireworks.
• Use protective eyewear when handling fireworks.
• Read the device’s directions before use, and carefully follow the instructions when igniting the fireworks.
• Use a long-stemmed lighter to light fuses.
• Ignite only one device at a time.
• Keep your pet(s) indoors and distract them from any stress the fireworks and associated noise may cause (e.g., food, TV, radio, toys).
• Have equipment nearby to extinguish a fire or unexploded devices (e.g., bucket of water, working water hose).

DON’Ts

• Do NOT allow young children to handle fireworks, even sparklers.
• Do NOT permit anyone under the influence of drugs/alcohol to handle fireworks or supervise children who are handling fireworks.
• Do NOT use any illegal fireworks (e.g., fireworks purchased from an unlicensed store, stand, or tent). Licensed retailers will have a brightly colored retail label.
• Do NOT ignite fireworks in any indoor space.
• Do NOT light fireworks while holding them.
• Do NOT throw or point fireworks at another person.
• Do NOT cover the device with your hand or any other body part.
• Do NOT shoot any fireworks from a metal or glass container.

Cleaning up Used and Unexploded Fireworks

1. Follow the package instructions for proper disposal of all used fireworks.
2. Do not touch used fireworks (and duds) for at least 20 minutes.
3. Avoid picking up or relighting duds.
4. Soak duds and unused fireworks in water for at least 2 hours outside, if possible.
5. Drain the water from the container.
6. Transfer fireworks to a plastic bag.
7. Dispose of the fireworks outside in a closed trash bin.

Common Fireworks-Related Injuries

Types of Injuries

• Burns and blisters
• Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
• Fractures and sprains
• Corneal or retinal injuries
• Death

Injuries by Body Parts

• Hand and finger injuries
• Leg, arm, and trunk injuries
• Head and face injuries
• Eye injuries
• Hearing damage

Immediate Treatment for Fireworks-Related Injuries

• Soak the body part that has sustained the burn in cool water until the affected area no longer burns and the pain is relieved.
• Soak any smoldering clothes with water until cooled, and then remove the clothing. If the clothing sticks firmly to the skin, cut away as much clothing as possible without pulling the clothing from the skin.
• If the injured area is oozing, cover the area with a sterile gauze pad or a clean, dry cloth (e.g., sheet, towel).
• Call 911 or rush to the nearest emergency room to seek immediate medical attention for severe injuries.

Signs of a severe injury:

• The injury is deeper than a superficial wound (e.g., clothing is stuck to the area)
• Redness and pain persist at the site of injury
• Bad odor or discharge is present
• The injury involves the face, hands, feet, genitals, or a moving joint
• The injury covers a large portion of a body part

Note: The following home remedies are not recommended because they can make the injury worse and/or delay the healing process:

• Do NOT put ice on the burn
• Do NOT rub the burn
• Do NOT put butter or grease on the burn
• Do NOT cover the burn with mustard
• Do NOT place powder on the burn

Additional Resources

The National Fire Protection Association offers free resources, facts, and infographics that promote fireworks safety.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a 2022 Annual Fireworks Report regarding fireworks injuries and activities during the year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics answers parents’ frequently asked questions in this First Aid for Burns resource.

The American Pyrotechnics Association provides resources to preserve and promote American traditions, including using fireworks to celebrate July Fourth at https://www.americanpyro.com/.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2021, June 29). American Academy of Pediatrics: Stay safe this 4^th of July. https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/health–safety-tips/american-academy-of-pediatrics-stay-safe-this-4th-of-july/

American Pyrotechnics Association. (n.d.). Tips to celebrate safely. https://www.americanpyro.com/tips-to-celebrate-safely

Healthychildren.org. (2023, June 28). 4^th of July fireworks safety: Tips for families. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/stay-safe-this-4th-of-july.aspx

Healthychildren.org. (2023, July 26). Burn treatment & prevention tips for families. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/injuries-emergencies/Pages/Treating-and-Preventing-Burns.aspx

KidsHealth Medical Experts. (n.d.). Fireworks safety. Nemours KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/fireworks.html

National Safety Council. (n.d.). Leave fireworks to the experts. https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/seasonal-safety/summer-safety/fireworks

Science and Technology Directorate Transportation Security Laboratory. (2022, June 30). 10 tips for firework safety. United States Department of Homeland Security. https://www.dhs.gov/science-and-technology/news/2022/06/30/10-tips-firework-safety

Smith, B., & Pledger, D. (2023, June). 2022 fireworks annual report: Fireworks-related deaths, emergency department-treated injuries, and enforcement activities during 2022. United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2022-Fireworks-Annual-Report.pdf

In today’s digital age, the question of whether children, adolescents, and young adults are becoming desensitized to violence, hatred, and intolerance may be rhetorical. Exposure to violent and negative content on various media platforms can have a profound impact on how people (especially, possibly, children) perceive and react to real-world violence. Let’s discuss desensitization, its origins, its impact on empathy, and some strategies parents can incorporate to mitigate its effects.

What is Desensitization?

Desensitization refers to the reduced emotional and physical response to a situation, circumstance, or even an event after being exposed to it repeatedly. For example, when children are exposed to frequent violent content, especially violence committed by people against other people, on media sites or platforms (e.g., TV, video games, YouTube), they may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. Research shows that this exposure can lead to lower emotional responses to real-life violence, less empathy, more aggression, and a greater acceptance of using violence to solve problems (Mrug et al., 2016).

Origins of Desensitization

Desensitization has its roots in psychology, particularly through the work of Albert Bandura. In the 1970s, Bandura’s social learning theory (SLT) demonstrated that children tend to imitate what they see, especially from influential sources like television (Su et al., 2010). Thus, according to Bandura’s SLT, repeated exposure to violent media can lead to desensitization. Many studies have since supported Bandura’s findings and support the theory that children who are regularly exposed to media violence tend to exhibit higher levels of aggression and are more likely to engage in criminal behavior as adults (Media violence, 2009).

Impact on Empathy

Desensitization to violence can significantly impact empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of others (Mrug et al., 2015). When children are repeatedly exposed to violent content, they may start to see violence as a normal part of life and become less responsive to the pain and suffering of others (Media violence, 2009). Studies have shown that regular exposure to violent media can lead to a decrease in empathetic responses (Su et al., 2010). This reduced sensitivity can impact social behavior and could increase the chances of aggressive and antisocial actions (Pittaro, 2019).

Strategies for Parents

Given the pervasive nature of violent media content, there are several positive steps parents can take to help protect their children from its potential effects. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Monitor Media Consumption: Keep track of children’s media content and set limits on screen time. This includes television, movies, video games, and social media. Explore the Thrive Professional Resource guide for more tips on managing screen time (page 17).
2. Promote Media Literacy: Educate children about the impact of media violence. Media-literacy programs can equip children with skills, so they can distinguish between reality and fiction and understand the consequences of violent actions and behaviors. Explore the National Association for Media Literacy Education’s Parent’s Guide to Media Literacy and other resources here.
3. Encourage Positive Media Choices: Encourage children to engage with non-violent media content. Provide access to educational programs, documentaries, and prosocial video games. Using these types of alternatives can help foster positive behavior and attitudes.
4. Model Appropriate Behavior: Children often imitate their parents’ behavior. Parents can positively influence their children’s behavior by modeling empathy, kindness, and non-violent conflict resolution.
5. Create Open Communication Channels: Establish an environment where children feel comfortable discussing what they see in the media. This enables parents to address any concerns and provide guidance on interpreting violent content.
6. Use Parental Controls: Utilize parental control features on devices and streaming services to help restrict access to inappropriate content.

Many consider desensitization to violence a growing concern for future generations. While we cannot control the world’s violence, we can take actionable steps to manage what is viewed in our homes. As we strive to be mindful of the media our children consume and foster open discussions, we can support our children’s healthy emotional and psychological development and help nurture a generation of people who value kindness and understanding.

References

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2009). Media violence. Pediatrics, 124(5), 1495–1503. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2009-2146

Mrug, S., Madan, A., & Windle, M. (2016). Emotional desensitization to violence contributes to adolescents’ violent behavior. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 44(1), 75.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-015-9986-x

Mrug, S., Madan, A., & Wright, R. A. (2015). Emotional and physiological desensitization to real-life and movie violence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 44(5), 1092.  https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-014-0202-z

Pittaro, M. (2019, May). Exposure to media violence and emotional desensitization. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-crime-and-justice-doctor/201905/exposure-media-violence-and-emotional-desensitization

Su, W., Mrug, S., & Windle, M. (2010). Social cognitive and emotional mediators link violence exposure and parental nurturance to adolescent aggression. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 39(6). https://doi.org/10.1080/15374416.2010.517163

As children reach toddlerhood (i.e., age 1 to 3 years), they begin to increasingly show signs of independence. Their strong desire to complete tasks independently is often displayed in activities of daily living like getting dressed and brushing their teeth. Because young children do not always have the concentration or control to brush their teeth by themselves, parents need to find ways to encourage their child’s self-help skills while supervising their efforts. Consider the following tips to help teach your child about the toothbrushing process and to build their confidence as they learn to brush their teeth on their own.

Brushing Basics

Toothbrush

Ensure your child has a soft-bristled toothbrush with a thick handle and a small brushing head. Your child may be able to choose from a variety of kid-friendly toothbrushes that are available in vibrant colors and have fun characters on the handle.

Toothpaste

Select a toothpaste that contains fluoride and has a taste and texture that your child likes. If your child does not respond well to one toothpaste, try another with a different flavor.

Brushing Angle

For the outer surfaces and most inner surfaces of their teeth, teach your child to hold their toothbrush horizontally at a 45-degree angle. For the front, inner surfaces of their teeth, teach your child to hold their toothbrush vertically across their teeth. For the chewing surfaces, your child may lay the toothbrush flat across those teeth to brush.

Brushing Motion

Show your child how to brush along the line where their teeth and gums meet in short, circular strokes or long, up-and-down strokes. Both the circular and up-and-down techniques are acceptable, according to the American Dental Association (ADA).

Brushing Time

Watch the clock, set the timer, play a song, or use a mobile app to help keep your child engaged for at least 2 minutes while they brush their teeth.

Toothbrush Replacement

Replace your child’s toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or replace your child’s toothbrush sooner if the bristles appear to be visibly frayed.

Brushing Expectations by Age

From birth to first tooth (around 6 months old), use a clean, damp washcloth or gauze to wipe your child’s gums clean after each feeding.

Upon the arrival of your child’s first tooth (around 6 months) to 3 years old, apply a smear of toothpaste (approximately the size of a grain of rice) to your child’s toothbrush and begin to brush your child’s teeth twice a day—once in the morning and once at night. Begin to gently floss between your child’s teeth when they have two teeth that touch.

When your child is between the ages of 3 years to 6 years old, apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your child’s toothbrush, and brush 2 times a day for at least 2 minutes. Assist your child with their teeth brushing (and flossing) until they can rinse and spit out the toothpaste rather than swallowing it.

How to Teach Your Child to Brush Their Teeth

If your child has learned to rinse and spit out their toothpaste instead of swallowing the toothpaste (usually around 5 to 6 years old), it may be time for you to encourage them to brush their teeth on their own. Here are some techniques you can use to help your child learn to independently brush their teeth.

Break the process into small steps. Teach your child to brush their teeth in sections. Focus on the outer surface, the inner surface, and chewing surface of one quadrant (i.e., upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right) for 30 seconds before moving on to the next quadrant.

Show and tell. Prepare your toothbrush with toothpaste and stand or kneel next to your child. You can face your child or both of you can face the mirror. Direct your child to copy your movements and the sections you are focusing on as you both brush your teeth together. You may use analogies like the train wheels moving across the train tracks.

Hold their hand. Wrap your hand around your child’s hand to help guide the way your child holds their toothbrush and the way they move the toothbrush across their gums and teeth.

Take turns. Encourage your child to brush their teeth first while you supervise them. Use your words to help guide them on where to brush. Let them know that you plan to “check their work” when they finish. Use the “checking” stage to brush the areas they may have missed.

Sing a song. Sing a song or create your own song to a familiar melody (e.g., Row, Row, Row Your Boat) to help explain to your child the steps for brushing their teeth.

Consider your child’s temperament and learning style when determining which teaching technique to use. Feel free to try different techniques or combine techniques until you find the model that works for you and your child. With your continued guidance, your child will establish a consistent oral health routine, maintain good toothbrushing practices, and prepare to brush their teeth by themself. When you teach your child how to properly care for their primary teeth, it can set the stage for the health of their adult teeth and their oral hygiene practices for years to come.

Additional Resources

The Give a Kids A Smile® Program in association with the ADA (American Dental Association, 2020) provides resource sheets for parents and caregivers. Here are additional healthy habits that they offer parents and caregivers to consider as they help their child maintain a healthy smile and oral health.

• Begin taking your child to dental visits when their first tooth appears or by the time they turn 1 year old, whichever comes first.
• Encourage your child to eat healthy foods (e.g., fruits, vegetables, lean meats) to protect their teeth’s health. Limit cavity-causing treats like candy, sugary beverages, sodas, snacks, and sticky sweets.
• Encourage your child, who is at least 1 year old, to drink water between meals. The ADA suggests that water with the fluoride is the best drink for your child’s teeth.

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Division of Oral Health offers activities and resources for infants and children who are up to 4 years old. Find the resource here: https://scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/Library/ML-025192.pdf

The ADA provides several resources to help you take care of your child’s teeth through their Mouth Healthy™ campaign. A few of these resources can be found at the following:

• Mouth Healthy. (n.d.). Baby teeth. American Dental Association. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/baby-teeth
• Mouth Healthy. (n.d.). Dental health for babies and children. American Dental Association. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/life-stages/babies-and-kids
• American Dental Association (2019, February). Your child’s teeth. https://jada.ada.org/action/showPdf?pii=S0002-8177%2818%2930788-8

References

American Dental Association. (2020). Tiny smiles. https://www.ada.org/-/media/project/ada-organization/ada/ada-org/files/resources/public-programs/give-kids-a-smile/ada-gkasts-eng_dental_professionals.pdf

American Dental Association. (2022, October 7). Toothbrushes.https://www.ada.org/en/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/toothbrushes

Early Childhood Learning and Knowledge Center. (2023, April 26). Brushing your child’s teeth. https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/brushing-your-childs-teeth

Harrisburg Smiles. (2020, October 22). How to teach your child to brush their teeth—Your guide to the process.https://harrisburgsmilesdental.com/how-to-teach-your-child-to-brush-their-teeth-your-guide-to-the-process/

Jana, L. A., & Shu, J. (2021, May 25). Let the brushing games begin. Healthychildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Let-the-Brushing-Games-Begin.aspx

Oraljel Kids. (n.d.). Six creative ways to get your kids to brush their teeth. https://www.orajelkids.com/en/resources/six-creative-ways-to-get-your-kids-to-brush-their-teeth

Shahangian, J. (2017, January 13). How do I get my preschooler to let me brush her teeth? Healthychildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/How-do-I-get-my-preschooler-to-let-me-brush-her-teeth.aspx

From the moment your baby is born, they are present and ready to communicate with you! Babies use the reflexes and cues they are born with to let you know what they need. This may look like turning their face towards a bottle when they are hungry or sound like crying when they are tired or overstimulated by loud surroundings. Taking the time to learn how your baby communicates can help you support them as they learn about and adjust to their new world!

To learn more, watch the Listening to Your Baby mini-booster module video, below, that was developed by Thrive!

The universal Thrive parent-education programs (i.e., Take Root, Sprout, Grow, and Branch Out), supplemental modules, and mini-booster modules are available for all parents for free at https://thrive.psu.edu.

Family road trips can be a happy and memorable experience for children. They offer opportunities for families to spend quality time together, make memories, take in new and different sights, and have fun with each other. In addition, road trips may be preferred over traveling on planes, buses, and trains for a young child as using the family car reduces exposure to individuals outside of the family unit and their germs. Traveling, however, with children, via any means, may also present challenges. Although there may be crumbs, spills, cries, and complaints, your family can, with the use of some of the ideas below, reach your destination safely and with little stress.

Rules of the Road

Establish rules for your child when traveling, and teach your child to adhere to the Rules of the Road in every car; for every trip, no matter how short the drive; and no matter who is driving.

• Secure your child in a car seat, booster, or approved restraint that meets guidelines for the child’s age/weight.
• Never leave your child alone in the car.
• Ensure your child—and any child 13 and younger—rides in the back seat.
• Do not allow multiple children to share a seatbelt.
• Teach your child appropriate car behavior, such as using an inside voice, being gentle with toys (e.g., no throwing toys), and being kind to other riders (e.g., no arguing, no hitting).
• Remind your child that the car is not a play zone, and they must follow the rules to help ensure everyone’s safety.

Road-trip travel considerations

Take breaks.

Plan to stop driving about every 2 to 3 hours for day trips and every 4 to 6 hours for night trips. Regular breaks give you and your child opportunities to refresh. The stops allow you to attend to your child’s diapering, toileting, and feeding needs and can give you and your child a chance to engage in some physical activity. (Note: never attempt to breastfeed a child while the car is in motion).

Safety Alert: If you and your child get out of the car during breaks, ensure your child does not wander far from your line of sight or reach. Do not let your child play in your car or near moving cars.

Travel according to child’s schedule.

Consider taking your trip during times when your child may be sleeping for longer stretches. This could mean getting on the road early in the morning when your child is still sleeping, traveling during your child’s scheduled nap times, or driving at night when your child will be asleep for the night.

Sit in the backseat with your child.

Have an adult or an older child sit in the backseat with a younger child so they can recognize cues for feeding, diapering, or car sickness. When you sit in the backseat, you remind your child that you (or a familiar person) are close by. Sitting in the back seat can also allow you to play with your child, read to them, sing to them, and soothe them.

Research your route.

Identify gas stations, charging stations, and rest stops for breaks. In the event that you need to stop at a hotel along the route, you may want to locate potential hotels that offer sleeping and feeding accommodations and welcoming staff for you and your child before you leave home.

Stay flexible.

Events do not always go according to plan when traveling with children. Try not to let the bumps and wobbles cause you stress, and, if you can, put a positive spin on any situations that may arise. Remember that driving allows your family to develop your own schedule and make as many stops as needed.

Essentials to pack for long road trips with your child

• Healthy snacks
• Milk, formula, water (Reminder: Keep breastmilk and prepared formula on ice)
• Hand sanitizing gel, spray, or wipes
• Baby-safe wipes (e.g., to clean surfaces, to clean the child)
• Medication
• First Aid Kit
• Thermometer
• Extra change of clothes
• Diapering and toileting needs (e.g., diapers, underwear, diaper cream, travel potty, changing pad, disposable bags for soiled diapers)
• Sunscreen (for children 6 months and older)
• Petroleum jelly (i.e., Vaseline, Aquaphor)
• Pacifier, lovey, soothing toy, transitional item
• Portable play yard
• A box of fun, interactive toys (e.g., stickers, pipe cleaners, counting objects, coloring books, crayons, dough)

Fun ideas for the road

Your child will probably experience occasional bouts of boredom and silence, particularly during road trips, and this is fine. However, when you are ready to interrupt the dullness of the drive, here are some screen-free ideas that you can use to spark your child’s imagination and to help them explore, wonder, and have fun while on the road.

• Read a book
• Listen to an audiobook
• Sing together
• Listen to music
• Follow or draw on an old-fashioned paper map
• Play “I spy”
• Play an alphabet game
• Play with puppets
• Count vehicles, signs, and/or animals
• See how many states you can spot on other cars’ license plates
• Allow your child to draw something with crayons on blank paper
• Have a spelling bee
• Play “20 Questions”
• Look for images in the clouds
• Teach your child their letters
• Review one-letter and two-letter sounds
• Sketch letters and/or shapes
• Play “Would You Rather”
• Create a poem together
• Make up a story together
• Draw a picture or color together
• Count or organize toys or objects
• Play a family trivia game
• Play a game of favorites (e.g., songs, books, ice cream, athletes)
• Recite tongue twisters
• Play connect the dots
• Play tic-tac-toe
• Play with play dough, clay, or putty
• Play the quiet game
• Take a snooze

Additional Resources

Nemours KidsHealth Medical Experts suggests a few Road Trip Boredom Busters

Books and Book Collections:

NPR Road Trips Collections by National Public Radio, Inc. (audiobook)

Barnes and Nobles offers a list of the best audiobooks to download for family road trips that kids and adults of all ages can enjoy

Where to Next? Road Trip with Marley by Kelly Nance

National Geographic Kids Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas, 2nd Edition by Crispin Boyer

Brightly presents 9 Books to Keep Kids Entertained During Summer Road Trips

PBS Kids shares 8 Children’s Books that Inspire a Love of Travel

References

Anzilotti, A. W. (2023, July). Road rules for kids. Nemours KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/passenger-safety.html

DiMaggio, D. (2023, November 22). Is it safe for my baby to travel in a car seat for hours at a time? Healthychildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/tips-tools/ask-the-pediatrician/Pages/Is-it-safe-for-my-baby-to-travel-in-a-car-seat-a-few-hours-at-a-time.aspx

Gans, A. S., Kardos, J., Lai, N., Lockwood, K. K., & McFadden-Parsi, L. (2023, June 21). A pediatrician’s family vacation packing checklist: What you need when traveling with kids. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. https://www.chop.edu/news/health-tip/pediatrician-s-family-vacation-packing-checklist-what-you-need-when-traveling-kids

Healthychildren.org. (2022, December 16). Road trip play ideas for backseat fun. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/power-of-play/Pages/road-trip-play-ideas-for-backseat-fun.aspx

Healthychildren.org. (2023, November 20). Tips for safe and stress-free family travel. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/on-the-go/Pages/Travel-Safety-Tips.aspx

KidsHealth Medical Experts. (n.d.). Road trip fun. Nemours KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/road-trip.html

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens in the United States (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). Teen drivers speed, make mistakes, and can be easily distracted, especially if they have friends in the car. Parents can play an important role in helping their teens develop into safe and responsible drivers. In addition to providing supervised driving practice, parents and their teen drivers should have conversations about driving safety.

So, what safety issues should parents talk about with their teens? In honor of National Teen Driver Safety Week, this blog contains some important conversation topics and provides suggestions for how parents can encourage safe-driving practices.

Teen Driver Crash Statistics (CDC, 2022)

• Crash risk is highest in the first year a teen has their license.
• Fatal crashes are more likely to occur at night.
• In 2021, 51% of the teen passenger vehicle drivers who died in crashes were not wearing their seatbelts.
• The likelihood of teen drivers engaging in risky behavior triples when they travel with multiple passengers.
• In 2021, almost one-third (32%) of all teen drivers of passenger vehicles involved in fatal crashes were speeding at the time of the crash.
• In 2021, 19% of teen passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes had alcohol in their system.

Talk about Safe Driving with Your Teen

Talking to your teens about safe driving early and often, even before they reach driving age, can help to prevent their chances of being in an accident and could potentially save their lives. You may choose to start the conversation during National Teen Driver Safety Week, but you should consider continuing the conversation regularly (e.g., weekly) throughout the year. Your teen is listening, and your constant reminders about driving risks—and your clear expectations—will get through and make a difference.

Seat belts

Wearing a seat belt in a vehicle is one of the simplest ways for everyone to remain safe. Buckling up is the law, and fastening a seat belt is also one of the easiest and most effective actions an individual can take to reduce their chances of injury or death if they are involved in a car accident. Help your teen understand why seat belts are important and that they must be worn by everyone in the vehicle and on every trip. Make them aware of the consequences of not buckling up, such as getting tickets, losing driving privileges, or sustaining injury, or even death, in the event of a crash. It only takes a few seconds to buckle up, but this small action could save a life.

Passengers

Your teen’s risk of having a fatal car crash increases with each number of passengers in the vehicle. Passengers can distract an inexperienced teen driver who should be focused on the road and the cars and pedestrians around them. Many states have laws that restrict the number of passengers who can ride in a car that is driven by a teen. Even if the state you live in does not have passenger restrictions, establish rules with your teen about who can ride with them and how many people they can have in their car at one time.

Distractions

Distracted driving can be deadly. Remind your teen about the dangers of texting, dialing, or using mobile apps while driving. Require your teen to put their phone away and to turn on the “Do Not Disturb” or similar phone features when they are driving. Distracted driving isn’t limited to phone use—other passengers; vehicle, audio, and climate controls; eating; and drinking while driving are all sources of potential dangerous distractions.

Speeding

Speeding is a safety issue for all drivers, and it can be especially dangerous for a teenage driver who lacks the experience to react to hazards or changing circumstances around their vehicle. Teens who are monitored closely tend to speed less. Set the expectation that your teen will obey the speed limit. They should be particularly aware of their speed during inclement weather (e.g., rain, snow, leaves falling). During these situations, they may need to reduce their speed in order to handle traffic stops or winding roads. Remind your teen to maintain enough space behind the vehicle in front of them to avoid a crash in case of a sudden stop.

Driving While Under the Influence

Consuming alcohol before the age of 21 is illegal, and alcohol and/or marijuana or other substance use and driving never mix—no matter your age. In fact, driving under the influence of any impairing substance, including illicit, prescription, or over-the-counter drugs, could be fatal. It is critical that teen drivers understand that driving impaired can also have legal consequences. They could face strict penalties, fines, or jail time, and they could lose their license if they are caught driving while impaired. Further, remind them that they will face additional consequences at home for breaking the rules they agreed to follow when they started driving.

Set Safe Driving Ground Rules

When your teen begins driving, establish expectations or rules that address common safety risks. Rules for your teen driver may include the following details:

• Do not drive impaired.
• Always wear a seat belt, and make sure your passengers do too.
• Keep your eyes on the road, both hands on the steering wheel, and your mind on the task of driving.
• Follow the posted speed limit.
• Limit the number of passengers in your car.

You may want to make your rules more specific by stating what your teen will not do while driving (e.g., consume alcohol, text, dial or scroll on their phone, eat, drive at night) and you should outline the consequences for breaking the rules, such as a loss of driving privileges. You may also choose to create a parent-teen contract for safe driving and display your contract by the family car keys or near the front door.

Model Safe Driving

Model safe-driving behavior for your children by following good habits, such as using the turn signals or looking left-right-left before pulling out at an intersection, any time you drive them anywhere, even before they begin to drive. Make sure you refrain from grabbing for your cell phone, and buckle your seat belt before starting your car. Obey the speed limit, and keep your eyes on the road. Be consistent with the messages you tell your teen and your own driving behaviors.

Driving is a privilege. If your teen has difficulty following the rules, you may need to suspend their driving privileges and discuss your safety concerns. Safe teen drivers can mean the difference between life and death—for themselves, their passengers, and others on the road.

Resources

Parent-Teen Driving Agreement: https://www.cdc.gov/parentsarethekey/agreement/index.html

Safe Driving Pledge: https://thrive.psu.edu/universal-parenting-programs/branch-out/

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 22). Eight danger zones. https://www.cdc.gov/parentsarethekey/danger/index.html

Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State. (n.d.). Branch out. Thrive modules [Computer-based module]. https://thrive.psu.edu/universal-parenting-programs/branch-out/

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (n.d.). Teen driving. https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/teen-driving

Children learn how to incorporate healthy behaviors and habits by watching their parents and caregivers. Watch the video below to see how you could model behaviors that are healthy. These behaviors can include reducing screen time, establishing a sleep routine, choosing nutritious foods for your family, and being physically active. All of these behaviors, and many more, play an important role in the overall health and well-being for everyone!

To learn more, view the Promoting Healthy Behaviors in Families mini-booster module by Thrive below!

The universal Thrive parent-education programs (i.e., Take Root, Sprout, Grow, and Branch Out), supplemental modules, and mini-booster modules are available for all parents, at no cost, at thrive.psu.edu.