College, COVID Suitcase and Call Me
or...
The Ultimate Packing List for the Overprotective Parent
A disclaimer before we begin: These are the products I use, they may not be suitable for all individuals. The plan of action I have provided for my children may not be appropriate for yours. Please use your best judgement. The flow chart is not to be used in place of any medical advice. Thank you.
How did we get to August already? We made it through a summer of masks, social distancing and a million changes about the return to college. Two things that haven't changed about sending your child to school are the emotional impact and the packing involved.
Boxes line the walkway between my living room and dining room. I am inundated with Amazon deliveries, checking products off the lists I made in June, edited in July and finalized last week. Each school has recommendations for what to bring. Masks, cleaning supplies, medicine and at one school - a COVID suitcase.
A COVID suitcase is a bag that would contain all necessary items for your child in the event he/she is diagnosed with the virus and is sent to a designated quarantine area. This bag should be ready for any individual to grab and go.
Since this is my second go around with sending someone to college, and because I love a good list, I have included the "essential" items packed for both boys.
ALL ITEMS IN RED ARE BOUGHT IN DUPLICATE / ONE FOR THE COVID SUITCASE
Bandaids
Neosporin
Breakable Ice packs
Heating Bucky - like a heating pad but can be put in the microwave to warm up. If you use a heating pad regularly, highly recommend giving this a try - great for shoulders and low back.
Advil (Ibuprofen)
Tylenol
Benadryl
Robitussin day / night
Tums
Chap stick
Vicks vapo rub
Vitamins
Airborne / Vitamin C
Sunscreen
*Earplugs - hotels/dorms can be super loud.
Lavender balm - I love a good woo-woo product that just makes me think it's working whether there is scientific proof or not.
Toothpaste / 2 toothbrushes
Face/body soap
Shampoo
Handsoap
Lotion
Hair / shaving kit
Bath mat
Towels / wash cloths
Shower curtain
Waste basket / garbage bags
Dish / bowl / silverware / reusable cups and water bottle
Dish soap and towels
Dish scrubber
Toilet paper
Toilet scrub / disposable wand
Paper towels
Lysol wipes
Spray disinfectant
Rags
Hand Sanitizer
Hand- wipes
Masks / cloth and disposable
Tissues
Lysol spray
Command hooks for wall
Umbrella
Desk light
Night light for bathroom
Three tiered rolling cart - just in case - for bathroom supplies
Power surge protector / multi outlet
Long cord for phone / computer
Zip up mattress protector
Mattress cover
Sheets x2 - note the size of bed to be used in quarantine area may be different than student's dorm room bed.
Comforter
Blanket
Pillows
Body pillow or chair pillow for bed
Air purifier
School supplies - notebooks / pens /calculator / post its
Absentee ballot request
Insurance card - Copy for home
Ss card - Copy given
HIPAA and proxy form - Pictures and Copies for home/student takes pic and original ** check online for POA forms for state. HIPAA form online is generic.
If you would like specific links to what I purchased, shoot me an email or comment here/Instagram/Facebook.
As soon as I put this photo up on Facebook, I received a call from a friend who works with Melaleuca and she stated that several of the products she recommends are proven (studies available) to kill the COVID 19 virus when used as directed. Without providing a toxic load to the user.
Yes, the cleaning products recommended by the CDC and the schools both my boys attend are Lysol/Clorox/bleach/alcohol based. Although these are proven to kill the COVID 19 virus when used according to the directions, they can be detrimental to the user's health according to the EWG. Check out a rating here.
Honestly, I do try to use clean products - cleaning, makeup, sunscreen... but I hadn't made the move to anything beyond what was clinically proven - until now. I am taking a step towards cleaner living by giving these products a try. I will let you know what I think.
Lastly
Because I am that overprotective, overthinking parent - I made a flow chart. No, I don't have that much extra time, but the ironing will be there tomorrow.
If you have a super independent kid who knows exactly what to do when he/she feels sick and doesn't need to call you for advice or recommendations - that is AWESOME!
If you are the type of parent that doesn't feel the need to tell your child everything - even though you trust their judgement, but you have to say it anyways... that is AWESOME!
YOU can skip this part.
Everyone else, my flow chart is available to view at this link.
DISCLAIMER: THIS CHART IS NOT TO BE TAKEN AS MEDICAL ADVICE. IN ALL CASES, CONTACT A PHYSICIAN.
https://app.lucidchart.com/invitations/accept/7d480be7-c449-49f9-85f2-b921199106bd
The blank box on the right is where you can write in your own recommendations of what you want your child to do/take. Cool washcloths, chicken soup, crackers with jelly, water with lemon - what are your home remedies?
As you can see - although the disclaimers are necessary - the key point of the flow chart -- is to call me. Call student health, be aware of the symptoms and most importantly, call me.
For all the parents sending students to school - good luck!
For all the parents not sending students to school - good luck!
I do believe we are in this together.
Love and Luck,
Kg