When it comes to where to buy a face mask or how to make a face mask, we’ve got the whole family covered—literally! Disney, Old Navy, and other retailers are making super-cute kids' face masks that are comfortable, affordable, and now essential for coronavirus protection. Or, with as little as a single sock and a pair of scissors, you can make a mask for kids yourself! The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that people ages two and older who don't have cognitive or respiratory impairments wear face coverings when in public, especially in situations where it's hard to stay 6 feet away from other people.

Remember: parents are the most influential people in kids' lives, so grab (or make) a family pack of these stylish face masks and practice wearing them together before you head out. These doctor's tips for social distancing with kids include more helpful ideas for keeping your family and community safe, as many parts of the country begin to reopen.

We all are following the “Stay Safe, Stay Home” guidelines, but why not have a little fun and spread the love that makes Connecticut the best place to call home? Our little corner of New England is bursting with local businesses that could use our support more than ever right now. Families can support Connecticut businesses by ordering meals (or meal kits) from local restaurants, buying gifts from independent toy stores and bookstores, investing in gifts or virtual classes from area museums and attractions, and more. (Remember, when you buy directly from one of these companies rather than a third-party service, you can ensure that more proceeds go directly to the small business itself.)

And while you're showing your support for the businesses you love, we hope you'll count Mommy Poppins and our small business partners among them. You can support Mommy Poppins by sharing articles you find useful with friends or on your social media channels, checking out our directory of virtual classes, camps and birthday parties and telling businesses you found them through Mommy Poppins.  Also, as part of our effort to keep our local parent writers and this website afloat and support some of our favorite family businesses, we've created Poppins@Home, a platform for small businesses to share free and low-cost online classes and birthday parties with kids all over the country. Please consider trying a few of these fun, affordable, and creative classes—and spreading the word among your friends—as yet another way to support, uplift, and get through these challenging times together!  

Mother’s Day festivities might be different this year, but being housebound doesn't mean moms need to deprive themselves of a special brunch or dinner. Connecticut restaurants and catering companies are giving mom a break from kitchen duty with takeout meals, from mimosa kits to DIY bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches, that can be delivered or picked curbside.

Along with a special brunch or dinner, these homemade Mother's Day cards are sure to complete mom's special day.