Hi <<First Name>>,
Since our last email, school has officially been "canceled" for the remainder of this school year and we will continue with distance learning through May. While I was expecting this to happen, I will admit that I kind of panicked when I counted the weeks between the last day of school on March 13 and when public schools start back on August 10 {I'll save you the trouble... it is approximately 21 weeks...😳}.
That feels like a really long time, but we can do this because we are moms and dads and caregivers and we can do hard things. We've got a list of 100+ Things to Do at Home that I hope makes things easier on the days you feel like trying something new, or the days you can't think straight and just need ideas to keep kids busy.
Like you, I am anxiously waiting to see what summer might look like. Normally at this point I would be updating our free summer movie articles, adding summer library programs to the calendar, promoting summer camps, and more. Instead we are all in a holding pattern... waiting.... and waiting.....
Our #1 priority at Lakeland Mom is to be sure our community is safe and healthy, and all of the information we publish will be in accordance with government guidelines. SO... stay tuned and we'll continue to bring you relevant information based on our current circumstances. If you have an idea for a helpful topic we can cover, hit reply and let us know. We will get through this together! 💕
New this week - I did a live Facebook chat with Lori Shea, Associate Vice President of Women’s and Children’s Services at Lakeland Regional Health, about what to expect at LRH if you are expecting right now. Links to the video and article are below.
In case you missed these recent articles:Lakeland Mom will continue to provide information we think is useful in the weeks ahead. Keep in touch with us via this newsletter, our website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Stay home & stay healthy,
April Mucci
Owner & Publisher
PS - If you're curious about the 2020-21 school calendar we've got it on our website. |
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Pregnancy, labor and delivery can be an anxious time for moms during normal circumstances, and the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has added to that concern. Lakeland Mom is here to provide some reassurance to all of our pregnant moms about what to expect at Lakeland Regional Health if you are expecting right now.
Check out our video or our recent article based on our Q&A session. |
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Mobile Food Pantries in Polk County
The United Way of Central Florida’s George W. Jenkins End Hunger Initiative and Feeding Tampa Bay have weekly Mobile Food Pantry stops across Polk County including Lakeland, Winter Haven, Mulberry, Auburndale, Bartow, Polk City, Lake Wales, Haines City, and more. If you are in need of food, visit a food pantry location on the set day and time to pick up a pre-packaged box of groceries, free of charge.
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Where to Get Cloth Face Masks in Lakeland
Wondering where you can buy face masks in the Lakeland area? We've got a list for you. While there is no mandate on wearing face masks in public from the State of Florida, Polk County, City of Lakeland, or any other local government (at time of publishing), the CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings.
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U-Pick Blueberry Farms in Lakeland and Polk County
Some U-Pick Blueberry farms are open now, and others are offering pre-picked blueberries for curbside pick up. We have a list of local U-Pick farms, please keep in mind things may change on a daily basis.
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Free Online Exercise Videos for Kids and Families
Looking for ideas to keep your kids active while we are staying home? We put together a list of free workout videos for kids as well as some fun brain breaks and dance along videos to get kids up and moving around.
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Harry Potter Online Games, Activities, Trivia, and an Escape Room for Kids & Adults
If you have a Harry Potter fan at home, or maybe you dream of being a wizard yourself, we're here to help you add a touch of Harry Potter magic to your days. These Harry Potter online activities – websites, apps, printables, and even a Harry Potter escape room – will provide your kids (or you) with hours of magical Hogwarts themed fun.
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10+ Ideas to Celebrate a Birthday at Home during Social Distancing
For kids with birthdays during social distancing, it can be especially disappointing to have to skip a birthday party with friends or miss the opportunity to go somewhere special. With a little creativity, you can still make it a birthday to remember!
{Note - these ideas work for adult birthdays as well, AND can also be used any day at home for a little extra fun}
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April Mucci here, owner of Lakeland Mom. I feel like my brain has been on overload the past few weeks with the firehose of information that has been coming at me on Facebook. I'm sure many of you feel the same.
❤️ My #1 goal with LakelandMom.com is to meet the needs of our readers. I love this community that you’ve helped me build and want to serve you well. I don’t have any extra toilet paper to share, but hopefully I can help in other ways. ❤️
I welcome your feedback as I am also trying to navigate this uncertain time.
—Is there anything you need or are looking for that you haven’t already seen online? Hit reply and let me know.
—Is there something we can do that would be helpful to you or other families? Hit reply and let me know.
❤️ We’ll do our best to meet your needs as we all get through this together. ❤️
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Are you interested in being part of a group of Lakeland Moms where you can ask for recommendations and share local info?
Click here to join the Lakeland Moms Group on Facebook! Be sure to read the pinned post so you know what the group is about and what kinds of posts are allowed. No selling or advertising, just local moms chatting and supporting fellow local moms. Invite your friends to join us too.
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