Some of us are still stuck at home, and getting sick of staring at our four walls. How about a DIY paint job?

We all know the drill — masks, social distancing, and lots of hand washing. But how do you get the little ones to keep the rules?

Consistency… consistency… consistency. Never let them do anything until they wash their hands when they come home; don’t let them leave until I make sure they’re wearing masks.

— Shaina, Cleveland

I don’t do anything. I think it’s the effect of peer pressure. They see everyone taking it seriously: people on the streets with masks, the long lines outside stores, the fact that schools were closed, the magazines they love to read discussed it, the pamphlets about hygiene that came in the mail box, and they just followed suit.

— Devorah, Yerushalayim

Make it easy for them. Keep a box of masks by the front door, and soap and a towel next to the bath so the little ones don’t have to use a stool or struggle to reach the sink. I also let them choose which scent of soap they want, and they’re excited that their hands smell nice.

— Sara, Ramat Beit Shemesh

Told them a mashal I read in a meme. The virus is like glitter. It’s stuck on the craft you made in school, and somehow little bits ended up everywhere — on your hands, in your hair; on the elevator buttons and door handles; on the floor where people get it on their shoes. If you put your craft down on the kitchen table, it will get covered in shiny dust. That was relatable and drove it home for them.

— Aviva, Melbourne

It’s a family affair. Everyone who comes home, kids and parents, goes straight to the bathroom to wash hands. Once they saw that happen a few times, it became part of their routine, like eating supper and having a bath.

— Tzippy, Ramat Beit Shemesh

Blue Is the New Greige

Some of us are still stuck at home, and getting sick of staring at our four walls. How about a DIY paint job?

This year, blue is back big-time, moving away from the grays, beige, and greige that have been all the rage for house colors for the last years. Think navy blue kitchen cabinets, bold blue doors, powder or pale blue for the walls.

It’s perfect for this period when we could all do with the calm-inducing effect of light blue and we’re craving blue skies.

Other popular colors are earthy orange or coral-toned shades, as well as striking greens like emerald and sage.