Back-to-School Advice for Families from Alliance for a Healthier Generation CEO, Kathy Higgins
Understanding that the back-to-school season can be a stressful time for families, Kohl’s recently spoke with Kathy Higgins, CEO of Alliance for a Healthier Generation, one of Kohl’s national nonprofit partners. Kathy gave some thoughtful advice about how families and caregivers can manage stress and prioritize mental health during the busy back-to-school season.
Q. Tell us a little about yourself and your role at Alliance for a Healthier Generation.
I have the pleasure of serving as the Chief Executive Officer at the Alliance for a Healthier Generation (Healthier Generation), a leading children's health organization that advances equitable whole child health. We are driven by our passion to ensure that every mind, every body, and every young person is healthy and ready to succeed. Healthier Generation’s work has reached over 30 million young people across the country, including families who trust our Kohl’s Healthy at Home resources for simple solutions and tips to make the healthy choice the easy choice. We’re especially proud and grateful for a special investment being made by Kohl’s in communities experiencing the deepest health inequities, so that those who need the most, get the most.
Q. With fluctuations between in-person and online schooling during the pandemic, the 2020 school year was undoubtedly stressful for families. As families prepare for the 2021 back-to-school season, what advice do you have?
I want to start by giving kudos to the parents, grandparents, or caregivers who are juggling multiple roles while prioritizing family health and safety, and supporting your child’s academic success. As a single mom of two myself, we are in this together! As you prepare for the back-to-school season, focus on building healthy routines that can fit into your family’s day. Our healthy day checklist keeps children, teens, and adults mindful of the simple ways we can take care of our health, which in turn reduces stress and improves our ability to manage our emotions. And don’t forget: your health matters, too! Prioritizing your own well-being can help you be a better caregiver. Remind yourself that everything you are doing to support loved ones is making a difference and it is OK to not "do it all."
Q. Kohl’s has a long history of supporting family health and wellness, and we understand that mental wellness plays a major role in overall well-being. What are some ways families can prioritize mental health together?
During times of stress, our brains naturally move into a place of self-protection. This is totally normal and expected, but when left unaddressed it can lead to disruptions in our mental health. One trick to managing our stress is to be aware of how it shows up. Once everyone understands their stress patterns, make a “Feel Good Plan” for each family member, personalized with healthy coping strategies. Working together towards the goal of being open about stress allows families to help each other prioritize mental health.
Q. How does Healthier Generation's partnership with Kohl's help families prioritize healthy living throughout the year?
Kohl’s and Healthier Generation put trust at the center of our relationships with families across the country, and our Kohl’s Healthy at Home partnership builds on that foundation. Parents and caregivers work hard to create caring, supportive environments for their children, while juggling so many other priorities. This is particularly true in under-resourced communities. Healthier Generation’s proven, bilingual resources provide simple tips and ideas that instill confidence in everyone’s ability to make healthier choices. From healthy eating and physical activity, to social-emotional health and community engagement, Kohl’s and Healthier Generation make it easier for families to thrive, year-round.
Q. What resources does Healthier Generation have available for families in need during back-to-school?
Every day of the year brings opportunities to make healthy choices, and our resources are designed to help families adapt as the seasons and circumstances around them change. This time of year, we want to help families soak up on the fun and relaxation of summer, while preparing for a successful school year ahead. We have family bonding ideas for any type of location or budget, a creative vision board activity to share inspiration, and tips to boost social-emotional health through conversations and storytelling. In today’s world, we know students and caregivers alike are still adjusting to big changes in our routines—at home, in the classroom, and at work. Our Back-to-School Toolkit provides a daily checklist of healthy choices to ease the transition and help everyone feel more calm, confident, and connected.
Q. Anything else you’d like to share?
Among the many things I’m proud of in our partnership with Kohl’s is the way we’ve shown up for families over the past two years when they needed us the most. Throughout the pandemic, we helped parents with credible, fun resources like nature-based bingo, our active at-home scavenger hunt, and quick, healthy lunch ideas. 97 percent of families surveyed reported Kohl’s Healthy at Home as “useful in supporting and promoting healthy habits at home” – a testament to the power of our partnership. We will build on this positive momentum moving forward in many exciting, new ways. Be sure to sign up for our emails or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to hear what’s coming next!
Since 2019, Kohl’s Healthy at Home has reached millions of families invested in prioritizing a healthy lifestyle in their home and wherever their children live, learn and play. To learn more about Kohl’s commitment to family health and wellness, Kohl’s national and local community partnerships or to access Kohl’s 2020 ESG Report, visit Corporate.Kohls.com.
