Latest Updates for Healthier Young Lives
Stay connected with stories that support your child’s well-being. Here you’ll find helpful tips, new resources, and updates from Healthy With Harvey—all created to make healthy habits easier for families and teachers. Each post offers simple guidance and real-life ideas you can use right away.
Healthy With Harvey July/August Newsletter
Simple Stories. Strong Science. Healthier Kids.
☀️ This Month's Feature
Making the Most of Summer...and Getting Ready for School!
Summer isn't over yet! There are still adventures to enjoy, books to read, friends to visit, and memories to make. But before we know it, backpacks will be packed and classrooms will be full again.
The weeks before school starts are a wonderful time to help children build confidence by practicing healthy routines, learning new responsibilities, and talking about any excitement—or worries—they may have about returning to school.
Every small healthy choice today helps children feel more prepared tomorrow.
🐾 Harvey's July/August Message
Hi Friends!
Can you believe summer is already flying by?
I've had so much fun swimming, taking road trips, playing outside, and spending time with my family. But sometimes...I've also been a little bored.
At first I thought being bored was a bad thing. Then Mom told me something surprising.
She said, "Harvey, boredom helps us become creative."
So I started thinking of new things to do instead of asking for a screen every time.
Sometimes I helped make lunch.
Sometimes I watered the flowers.
Sometimes I read one of my favorite books.
Sometimes I even made up games with my friends.
Guess what?
Being helpful actually made me feel proud.
Now I'm starting to think about going back to school. I wonder who my teacher will be. Will I make new friends? Will I remember everything I learned last year?
When I feel nervous, Mom reminds me that getting ready little by little makes big changes easier.
We're starting earlier bedtimes again.
I'm helping pack my backpack.
I'm practicing listening, asking questions, and making healthy choices every day.
I know school will be another adventure.
What are you looking forward to this school year?
Love,
Harvey 🐾
📖 Story Spotlight
Harvey keeps learning that growing up isn't just about getting bigger—it's about making thoughtful decisions every day.
- Harvey Learns When to Listen and When to Speak
- Harvey Learns the Difference Between Tattling and Helping
- Harvey’s Friend Moves Away
- Harvey Learns Gossip Can Hurt
- Harvey Learns About Bullies
👉 Visit HealthyWithHarvey.org often to explore our newest stories and activities.
⭐ Healthy Habit of the Month
Helping at Home Builds Confidence
One of the best ways children prepare for school is by becoming part of the team at home.
Helping with simple household chores teaches responsibility, independence, problem-solving, and confidence.
Instead of thinking of chores as work, think of them as ways children learn that every family member can contribute.
Harvey's Helping Hands Chart
Ages 3–4
- Put toys away
- Feed a pet with help
- Match socks
- Put dirty clothes in the hamper
- Help set napkins on the table
Ages 5–6
- Make the bed
- Water plants
- Help pack lunch
- Clear the table
- Fold towels
Ages 6–7
- Empty small trash cans
- Help load the dishwasher
- Organize school supplies
- Pack backpack
- Help prepare simple snacks
Talk About It
- Which chore makes you feel proud?
- How does helping your family show kindness?
- What new responsibility would you like to learn?
🌿 Parent & Grandparent Corner
Preparing for a Smooth Return to School
For many children, excitement about a new school year comes with uncertainty. A little preparation during the last few weeks of summer can make the transition much easier.
Try these simple ideas:
✓ Move bedtime 10–15 minutes earlier every few nights.
✓ Begin morning routines before school starts.
✓ Read together every day—even 15 minutes helps.
✓ Practice independence by letting children pack their own backpack with supervision.
✓ Talk positively about meeting teachers and making new friends.
✓ Review handwashing, cough etiquette, and healthy habits.
✓ Schedule annual wellness visits if needed.
✓ Make sure required vaccines are up to date before school begins.
Remember, children watch how adults respond to change. Calm conversations and consistent routines help children feel secure and confident.
— Susan K. Laird, DNP, MSN, RN, CPC, BCPA, GC-C
🌍 Village Builder Spotlight
This month we’re celebrating children who:
🐾 Help without being asked.
🐾 Welcome someone new.
🐾 Solve boredom with creativity.
🐾 Practice responsibility at home.
🐾 Keep trying even when something feels hard.
🐾 Show kindness to brothers, sisters, friends, grandparents, and neighbors.
Every helpful choice helps build a stronger family and community.
🏫 Program Update
Village Builders™ Is Growing!
This summer we've continued building the Healthy With Harvey Village Builders™ School Program, and we're getting closer to sharing it with schools and community organizations.
The program combines engaging stories, classroom activities, conversation guides, and hands-on learning to help children develop lifelong decision-making skills.
Designed for:
- Early childhood classrooms
- Elementary schools
- Libraries
- Summer camps
- Afterschool programs
- Community organizations
- College service-learning partnerships
Children learn how to build:
- Healthy habits
- Emotional resilience
- Safety awareness
- Inclusion and kindness
- Critical thinking
- Everyday decision-making skills
We can't wait to introduce Harvey to even more children this school year!
👉 Email to learn more at info@healthywithharvey.org.
🧠 Harvey's Family Challenge
Can your family complete all five this month?
☐ Read together for 15 minutes.
☐ Eat one meal together without screens.
☐ Help someone without being asked.
☐ Learn one new household chore.
☐ Tell someone why you're thankful for them.
Every family can become Village Builders one healthy choice at a time.
Community Events and Special Activities
Join us as we share fun contests, reading events, and community moments inspired by our mission. These activities help families learn together, build healthy routines, and stay engaged with our growing community. Check back often for new ways to get involved.