It’s back-to-school time and if you are like millions of parents, you are nervous about the safety of your children and your household. If you are a parent to a college student who is away from home, you may feel a few extra anxieties. At this stage in the pandemic, we all have some level of PTSD from March 2020.
As our college students will be heading off to their “primary” residence during a pandemic, I am sure parents have been trying to refrain from being a pest about safety, but are still trying to keep teens aware that precautions still need to take place and its socially responsible to keep that in mind.
While planning for this time, I compiled a list of items that I felt are needed to add an extra layer of comfort and protection while the remnants of COVID -19 (Alpha, I guess) materialize into the Delta Plus variant.
Although this list is for kids headed to college, these items may also be beneficial for those who are headed into the workplace as well.
UV Sanitizing Station - Listen, you may be thinking this is “Team Too Much” but we have been learning that the Delta Variant is more transmissible, so let’s work as hard as possible to mitigate things. Here is the link to creating a quick station.
Air Purifier - Keeping air in the dorm room and lounge areas is important. Purchasing an air purifier is a great way to eliminate contaminants and allergens.
Oscillating Fan - We know the importance of ventilation during this time. An oscillating fan is a great way to promote efficiency in making sure the air in the room is circulating. Make sure you grab one that is quiet, we don’t want any distractions.
Disposable Masks - We know college students are on the move a lot. Sending your child with disposable masks to keep in their backpacks or purses is a great way to keep them protected in the event they forget the fashionable ones the school may provide.
Handheld UV Sanitizer - We know our students will be pretty mobile. A handheld UV sanitizer can be used anywhere and taken everywhere.
First Aid Kit - With so much going on. Having a nice stash of meds so your student won’t have to worry about trying to pick up OTC meds if symptoms of any sort begin to onset, is a proactive move. Include the medications that are non-Covid related and some that are said to be great for treatment. Pro Tip: You can head to the Dollar Store and snag some of the generic items and sometimes they have brand names as well. (https://www.sinkingheelsofmotherhood.com/post/firstthingsfirst)
Pain Reliever (No IBuprofen)
Cold & Flu Medicine
Allergy Medication
Anti-Itch Cream
Bandages
Ice Pack
Heat Packs
Sinus Medications
Digestive Medications
Vitamins (Vitamin C, Zinc Elderberry, etc.)
Bottle of Waters/Brita- Although our college student may head to the cafe for all meals, having water in the room is always a good idea.
BONUS: Copy of Vaccination Card - With the rules changing rapidly regarding vaccines, having a copy of your card is important to keep near.
If you are like me, you do feel some apprehension about your child heading off to college during the pandemic, but we must have faith right?! I hope you have found these ideas helpful for you as you prepare to send your child off.
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