I got a new 3-week-old rescue kitten last Sunday, so I’ve been exhausted all week trying to adjust to waking up for middle of the night feedings. My insomnia makes it hard to go back to sleep once I wake up, so it totally throws off my sleep. Newborn kittens can be harder than newborn humans! We’re also getting ready for our extended 3-month visit to the US next month, and there are lots of logistics to arrange for the care of our menagerie of rescue dogs, cats, rabbits, ducks and chickens.

I’ve been following the news on the covid vaccine for kids 5-11 closely since we’ll most likely be in the US when it’s approved for use. Some sources say the vaccine may be approved by Halloween, while others say the end of the year. We plan on staying until the end of January, when Olive would hopefully be able to get both doses before we return to the Philippines. Olive is turning 10 and Charlie is turning 12 this year, so I’ve read up on the dosage differences in kids. The dosage for kids ages 5-11 is 1/3 the dosage for kids 12+, which is the same dosage as adults. At almost 12 Charlie weighs over 80 pounds — the same as many Asian grandmas — while Olive weighs 30 pounds less at almost 10. I know there has to be an age cut-off somewhere, and I’m comfortable with the science. I can’t wait for my kids to be vaccinated so we can breathe a little bit of a sigh of relief.

Here are some interesting parenting articles I found on the web this week:

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image via Rose Wong for New York Times

H E A L T H

Covid Vaccine Prompts Strong Immune Response in Younger Children, Pfizer Says via New York Times

They’re Not Anti-Vaccine, but These Parents Are Hesitant About the Covid Shot via New York Times

Why Covid Vaccines for Kids Are Taking So Long via New York Times

A New Covid Testing Model Aims to Spare Students From Quarantine via New York Times

The verdict is in: Pregnant women pass COVID-fighting antibodies to their unborn children via Business Insider

A Surprising Side Effect of Giving Birth via The Atlantic

How Much Exercise Do We Need to Live Longer? via New York Times

I Got A ‘Mild’ Breakthrough Case. Here’s What I Wish I’d Known via NPR

Why “TikTok Diagnoses” Are on the Rise via Psychology Today

E D U C A T I O N

We Know How to Teach Kids to Read via New York Times

How to Help Your Student Face Another Pandemic School Year via Greater Good Science Center

Critical Race Theory & How To Advocate For The Type Of Education Your Kids Need via Romper

P A R E N T I N G

Why Covid Has Broken Parents’ Sense of Risk via New York Times

What a Child Needs From a Parent via Psychology Today

44 Children’s Books About Mental Health via Child Mind Institute

13 Ways to Boost Your Daughter’s Self-Esteem via Child Mind Institute

How to Help Kids Who Are Too Hard on Themselves via Child Mind Institute

10 Ways to Teach Your Child the Skills to Prevent Sexual Abuse via Child Mind Institute

F A M I L Y

How the Pop It! Invaded Your Home via New York Times

Missing your September child tax credit payment? You’re not alone​ via Motherly

McDonald’s Is Phasing Out Plastic Toys From Happy Meals In A Push To Be More Green via NPR

I Had My First Child at 45. Here’s What I Learned. via New York Times

‘Can’t Compete’: Why Hiring for Child Care Is a Huge Struggle via New York Times