Toddlers are so fun to shop for! I’m a big fan of exploratory toys that incorporate learning into play and for this reason, I scoped out some pretty fun, creative, inventive and innovative offerings for your little one in this guide!
To purchase any item on this list click the links (affiliate links included) or use it as inspiration as you’re putting together your list.
100 First Words for Little Geeks – Since they’re way beyond “milk” and “ball,” teach them words they really need to know: dragon, android, cyborg, wormhole, and other vocab you need to get them into sci-fi and fantasy. ($10)
Baby Alive speaks to her mini mommy or daddy in either Spanish or English. Baby Alive‘s realistic, adorable phrases include childhood classics like “Time to go potty!” and “Yay, I did it!” ($36)
Kinetic Sand Beach Sand Kingdom Playset -This feels like wet sand and won’t dry out, even if you leave it out on the table overnight. (But yes, you might have to vacuum it out of the carpet, so invoke your home’s Play-Doh protocol and only allow it on the table.) ($20)
The minute you deliver your baby, you’re going to have to create some plans for her or him if you unfortunately and unexpectedly meet an early demise.
It’s a hard topic but no one is promised tomorrow, as the cliched quote goes, and frankly, it is irresponsible of any parent to avoid setting up a will or some other directive for their children while on earth.
To see an example of the importance of jumping on this morning task early one only need to look at the highly publicized instances of family in fighting when a celebrity passes away without a will.
On my biz blog, Jenebaspeaks.com, I shared a blog post about a limited time free service and I’m sharing here for my parenting audience.
Generating a will is time-consuming and financially draining. The founder of Giving Docs,Brantley Boyett, knows this because he’s a lawyer. (And he approves this message.)
But with Giving Docs, you can create a will in just 10 minutes and avoid expensive lawyer fees!
How does Giving Docs help you create such an important document so quickly? With yes or no questions and short text entry.
There are five simple steps:
Add your loved ones and organizations important in your life
Define any specific gifts, such as cash amounts or possessions like family heirlooms
Assign your distributions to people and organizations (::cough:: educational organization ::cough::)
Choose your personal representative who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes for your estate
Print off your will, visit a notary, and sign your will with two witnesses present
When you’re done, your will will be Ed Hochuli official and legally-binding in all 50 states. (Giving Docs does recommend showing what you’ve created to your lawyer.)
International Sumo-ling hack: Use these documents as a template, bring them to an attorney, and save yourself a few billable hours!
Ok, but what if you want to make changes, like remove a school you just discovered serves pineapple pizza? Not a problem. You can alter your will at any time. Just remember to get it notarized again.
Listen, I know talking about death gives you the heebie-jeebies, but by being proactive, you can make sure the people and causes you care about are taken care of.
Usually, lifetime access to this estate planning tool is $295.
But, because Giving Docs practices what they preach about paying it forward, they are giving Sumo-lings lifetime access for free!
Look at that. You are saving hundreds of dollars that would normally be going to a lawyer.
So let’s start dividing up those assets and gifting your favorite educational institution today.
Emirates Airlines conducted a U.S. Travel Survey on Family Travel, identifying key struggles of traveling with kids and what parents say are the most effective ways to make the experience better for them and the kids.
In the survey of 4400 adults with a passport, planning to take an international trip in the coming year or have taken an international trip in the past few years, and who travel at least once every two to three years and are between the ages of 18 and 64.
It’s no secret kids can get antsy during flights.
Emirates found that while kids get better at flying as they get older, many kids across all ages are already antsy within the first two hours of a long-haul flight:
Under 2 Years Old: 70% of travelers say kids under 2 get antsy in the first two hours of the flight
3-5 Years Old: 57% of travelers say kids 3-5 years old get antsy in the first 2 hours of a flight
6-10 Years Old: 32% say of travelers say kids 6-10 years old get antsy in the first 2 hours of a flight, with another 50% saying this older group gets antsy between 2-4 hours into a flight
The survey found that parents serve a child’s favorite snacks as one of the top needed distraction.
Additionally, while kids across the U.S. reportedly get restless in the early parts of their flights, kids from Boston tend to be the antsiest flyers in the U.S., with 38% of respondents reporting kids under 2 and 24% of kids 6-10 years old are antsy as soon as the plane takes off.
Keeping kids busy on the ground can be tricky, let alone on a plane.
The number one way to keep kids occupied during a long flight? People say devices are the best at keeping kids occupied across all age groups.
The most helpful methods across age groups include:
Under 5 Years Old: 57% of respondents say devices to watch movies, TV shows or videos are by far the most helpful, followed by devices to play games (17%) and activity books and toys (16%)
6-10 Years Old: 96% of respondents say devices to watch movies, TV shows or videos and devices for games tie for being the most helpful in keeping kids content, but are followed closely by having snacks kids enjoy on hand (88%)
However, parental worry about keeping kids entertained through a flight isn’t created equal – Emirates survey found that flyers in Orlando, Houston, Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles are the most concerned about this issue when flying.
Is this Seat Available?
It’s no secret that many people try to avoid sitting near kids to ensure peace and quiet during their flight.
Emirates found that the average traveler’s willingness to sit next to kids depends on how long the trip is.
It turns out that 61% of fliers would say no to sitting next to kids on a flight over 10 hours, and of that, men are actually more likely to agree to it (57%) than women are (64%).
While the West Coast is known for friendliness and the South for hospitality, residents in San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale are actually the least willing to sit next to kids on long-haul flights.
Here are Emirates’ Cabin Crew’s top tips for traveling children this vacation season:
For parents flying with babies, try to choose a flight that is as close as possible to their bedtime. This can help them sleep for a large part of the flight. Also, make sure you have sweets or a bottle of milk for babies/toddlers to suck on during take-off or descent, as they may have difficulty equalizing their ear pressure and feel uncomfortable.For small children, keep one new toy aside to give them mid-flight to ensure they don’t grow bored of the ones they already have. This will provide a fun, distracting surprise, and will keep them occupied longer than one of their old toys.
For kids of all ages, find ways to break up activities during the flight. Don’t depend solely on games or videos – pack a small puzzle, colouring book or interactive toy in addition to devices or in-flight entertainment systems, and use time between shows or movies to try something different.
When kids are awake, take brief strolls when they are already in good moods. This will help them stretch and break up the time between activities in their seats, and help prevent a restless-child meltdown.
When going through an airport, bookend your kids with one parent upfront and one taking the rear (if possible) to ensure you don’t lose any little stragglers along the way, and keep them moving quickly through checkpoints.
There have been a few baby food recalls in recent weeks that have prompted some new moms to consider making their own baby food from scratch for their little ones.
The idea of blending, pureeing, storing, thawing and making batches of baby food or toddler pouches can seem daunting, and time-consuming, but fortunately, in recent years, technology in the form of baby food blenders and scores of new books have cropped up to demystify and simplify the process.
Blender
To start, you may want to go out and get a blender with a puree function on it. I like the Magic Bullet for making smoothies and milkshakes for my little ones because it is easiest to clean. The company that makes it also sells a special version just for baby food making called Magic Bullet Baby Bullet Baby Care System which retails for $59.99 on Amazon but is sold in retail stores like Target, Walmart and the like.
Storage
Next, you’ll have to invest in tiny containers to store the foods you make. The Baby Bullet comes with its own containers and lids but you can also order storage containers. Sage Spoonfuls Big Batch Storage Set includes twelve 4 Ounce containers for about $20, enough for vegetable, desserts and other purees. They are freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe and durable portable jars with leak proof and easy to use screw on lids.
Recipes
Then comes the hard part: whipping up yummy recipes. Here are some books with tips, recipes and other suggestions.
ONE
The Amazing Make-Ahead Baby Food Book: Make 3 Months of Homemade Purees in 3 Hours ($17.88) This popular hardback book will give you to tools and tips for making up to three months’ worth of healthy, homemade baby food in just three one-hour blocks of time. It has unique combos like Peachy Strawberry Salad, Coconutty Mango Lassi, Plum-Gingered Brocco-Quinoa, and Purple Papaya Flax Yogurt, blending in a rainbow of nutritious options while expanding your baby’s palate.
The toughest part really is making the time but this book helps new moms create a routine that is easy, fast and flexible. The author starts with the building blocks of solid foods, and shares how to recognize food allergies, and easy ways to cook in bulk. Recipes progress from single-ingredient purées to multi-flavor blends like Salmon, Kale, and Sweet Potato Smash; then move on to finger foods—Turkey Meatloaf Bites, Maple Graham Animals—and finally toddler meals and snacks. Most can be made ahead and frozen, many are easily adapted for grown-up tastes, and all include full nutritional information. Nice!
THREE
101 DIY Baby Food Pouches ($10.99) specializes in baby food pouches for older babies and toddlers. This book includes instructions for filling your own pouches for cheaper, healthier, and eco-friendly options for your little one.
This book targets the early stage new mom who “can’t keep up with the laundry” or “can’t fit into anything but yoga pants” and “can’t make your baby sleep through the night.” The book promised to help this mom “make the best food for your baby in 30 minutes or less.”
This book comes from a certified baby chef and blogger over at Baby FoodE, Michele Olivier. She offers over 100 food recipes, helpful FAQs and a comprehensive overview.
Baby food recipes include: Apple + Mint + Ricotta Purée / Fennel + Pea + Peach Purée / Pumpkin + Thyme Purée / Sesame Tofu Sticks + Peanut Sauce / Curried Egg Finger Sandwiches + Mango Chutney / Slow Cooker Chicken Tagine + Couscous / Sausage + Kale Over Creamy Polenta / DIY Toddler Sushi Bar, and more.
This book focuses on super simple recipes with just 5- ingredients each and includes over 150+ nutritious recipes that grow with your developing child. It has time saving sample menus for kids 4 to 18 months.
Packed with over 90 recipes and loads of nutritional information,The Baby & Toddler Cookbookmakes cooking healthy meals easy, even for busy parents. By setting aside only a few hours a week, you can make and store an array of nutritious foods to keep baby happy and fed. All along the way, this book will give you helpful hints, guidance, and plenty of recipes to ease your path to nutrition.
Like the other books, you’d learn to wean your baby who is transitioning to solid foods, discover food allergies and how to make 100 Baby Purees with information tricks on finding the hidden nutrition in everyday foods. Dr. Michel Cohen, New York pediatrician and author of The New Basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parentopens the book with a forward.
This book is organized by age and has smart tips on prep and storage with added suggestions on transitioning as baby grows. From celebrated children’s-food author Lisa Barnes, Cooking for Baby is a fully illustrated, gorgeous, four-color book that takes parents through the basics of preparing nutritious, delicious (and easy!) meals for your child, from six to eighteen months.
A team of doctors came up with this comprehensive manual for feeding your babies and toddlers during their first crucial yeas of life. With The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, you have the expertise of a team of pediatric medical and nutritional experts—who also happen to be parents—in a comprehensive manual that takes the guesswork out of feeding. This first-of-its-kind guide provides practical, easy-to-follow advice to help you navigate the nutrition issues, medical conditions, and parenting concerns that accompany feeding. With recipes, parenting stories, and recommendations based on the latest pediatric guidelines, this book will allow you to approach mealtime with confidence so you can spend more time enjoying your new family.
When you can have 100 recipes, why not 201?! This book has even more healthy recipes that are organic and blends classic combinations such as turkey, sweet potato, and corn; Superfoods like avocado, blueberries, and spinach; and Puree-based transition recipes including soups, biscuits, frozen desserts.
This book comes from the organic family-focused food company Happy Family Organics and Cricket Azima, founder and CEO of The Creative Kitchen. Inside, find more than 70 easy-to-prepare recipes made with all-natural ingredients. It includes recipes with ingredient vegetable and fruit purees, including Happy Family’s best-selling spinach, mango & pear recipe, to recipes with quinoa, chia, and kale —Shazi’s and Cricket’s superfood recipes will nourish and please every kind of baby. Recipes for toddlers (1–3 years) include avocado & chicken whole wheat pizza; 3 bean farro risotto; and baked salmon with peas & rice balls; toddlers will love tasty snacks like strawberry-beet pudding with coconut milk and chia; avocado, melon & mint smoothies; banana, chocolate chip & quinoa muffins; and grilled nut-butter sandwiches with smashed berries.
Like most celebrities who get paid to be fit and trim, many moms are eager to get back into pre-pregnant shape and down to their pre-pregnancy size sometime too soon. It is not advisable to start with aerobics or other heavy exercises immediately. You must wait at least six weeks before starting to exert after pregnancy by vaginal way and eight weeks after pregnancy by Cesarean.
Here are the four best ways to get back into your pre-preggers shape:
Walking: This is probably the easiest way to carry out your weight loss early pregnancy plan. It is safe and easy; grab your partner and go for a stroll in the neighborhood. A nice walk in the open will surely make you feel better and uplift your mood. Keep in mind not to overexert yourself.
Running: If you are an habitual runner then there’s nothing to worry. Getting pregnant doesn’t mean the you will have to stop running . Just keep in mind not to overdo it; never run to the point of exhaustion. Regular burns extra calories and can help you in your weight loss early pregnancy plan. (Pregnancy exercise ,Weight Loss Pregnancy)
Yoga: If you want to stay fit and lose weight during and after pregnancy then doing pre-natal yoga is the best thing for you. Yoga has many benefits, it is a great stress buster, helps in easing back and joint pains ( very common in pregnant women), and also helps in childbirth and post delivery stages. Overall regular Yoga can help you to go through your pregnancy with minimal worry. (Pregnancy exercise ,Weight Loss Pregnancy)
Swimming: Swimming is a very good way to exercise and can help in weight loss early pregnancy. It can significantly lower your weight as swimming exercises the whole body. Join any water aerobics class or pre-natal swimming to stay fit and healthy during your pregnancy.
Safety considerations for exercise during pregnancy To ensure that our exercise program provides us with all of the wonderful benefits outlined above, we also need to do whatever we can to ensure our safety and that of our baby, so below is a list of safety considerations to be aware of; and remember to always speak to your Doctor or Obstetrician if you are unsure. (Pregnancy exercise ,Weight Loss Pregnancy)
Avoid becoming overheated.
Avoid high intensity exercise.
Avoid frequent and prolonged exercise after week 28 of your pregnancy.
Limit the amount of exercise that you do lying on your back.
This is of particular concern from your second trimester on.
Avoid the use of hand weights over0.5kgin weight during aerobic classes.
Perform Pelvic Floor (Kegel) Exercises.
Wear a good supportive bra.
Avoid rapid changes in direction and be very cautious if you are doing Step exercise classes.
Stretch gently.
Have a light snack approximately 2 hours before exercise and carry a small carton of fruit juice to your workout.
If at any time during your exercise session you feel very hot, faint, dizzy, short of breath, experience vaginal bleeding, have palpitations, blurred vision, or severe or continuous headaches – STOP EXERCISING IMMEDIATELY.
It is also important to stop if you experience lower abdominal pain, tightness or cramping, back pain or pubic pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your obstetrician as soon as possible.
Prom season is right here and with that comes a lot of stress for your children. This dance is built up to be the perfect night and your children might become frustrated if everything does not go smoothly in the run-up. Here’s a quick guide on how to be a helpful parent in the run-up to prom.
Make
a Game Plan
When everyone begins to plan prom, sit down
with your children and find out what help they need with planning. Your
children are very nearly adults, they may be about to go away to college, and
they might not want Mommy holding their hand through this process. If that is
the case, step back and allow them to come to you when they have a problem.
Wading in, even with good intentions, can backfire and cause unnecessary
arguments.
Help
Source Outfits
If you have a daughter, trying to find prom
dresses she likes can often be compared to trying to find a wedding dress.
Looking online can be a great place to start. Check out Jovani
prom dresses for inspiration; your daughter might even find one she really
likes here. You should also head to your local dress shop. The advantage of
going here over ordering online is that these shops will keep a record of which
dresses have been sold. This means that your daughter will be able to guarantee
that no-one will turn up to prom in the same dress as her.
Keep
on Top of the Details
Your children might be more focused on the
dance itself, or their outfits, and they may forget some of the smaller
details. They will have a rental to get to the venue, but how are they
getting home? Dresses, hair, and makeup have been
arranged but what about shoes and purses? These are some of the things which
might be forgotten but they are a key part of the night. If you think your
children have forgotten, gently remind them that they need to think about these
too.
Why not get them a disposable camera to
take along? Many people love the retro aesthetic of disposable cameras. Your
child can take as many crisp and perfect selfies as they want with their
smartphones but you just can’t beat some candid, in the moment shots like a
disposable camera has.
Offer
to Host Beforehand
Quite often your children and their friends
will want to get together beforehand to take photos and get in the right mood
for the celebrations. Offer to host this little gathering at your house,
especially if you have a garden which would make a nice backdrop for photos.
Put together a snack table and some fun little non-alcoholic
mocktails for them to sip on before they go away. If they have a dinner as
part of the evening, it is likely to be quite a wait away and they will be
grateful for the snacks to keep them going. Organising a little get-together
like this allows them to relax and enjoy the final run-up with their friends.
Arrange
Destressing Activities
If your children have organised everything
themselves, why not arrange a few destressing activities to help them relax
before the big night? It could even tie into their prom preparations with a spa
day. They could have a massage to unwind, a facial to get their faces baby-soft
and ready for make-up application, and then finish up with a manicure and
pedicure. Alternatively, you can just take them out of the prom preparation
headspace entirely. Go to your favourite place together; whether that is a
restaurant, a beach, a museum, or the cinema. Do something together which is
completely unrelated to prom and it will hopefully help them to take their mind
off everything they still need to prepare.
Remind
Them It’s Supposed to Be Fun
Whether they are on the prom committee or
just attending as a guest, there is a very real possibility that they might become
too fixated on having the perfect prom. Take the opportunity to remind them
that it is supposed to be fun. This is one of the last chances they will get to
spend time with their high school friends before they all go their separate
ways into college and adult life. They need to relax and have fun at prom.
It doesn’t matter how you support your
child through prom season. No matter whether you end up making the calls to the
car rental and hiring the dress or whether you sit back and let them arrange everything,
there is plenty you can do to help them through the process. Find out what kind
of support your child needs now and help them have the prom of their dreams.
As the school year winds to a close, parents may be thinking of gifts to get for their child’s teachers.
Here are some ideas:
Fun conversational screen t with a funny or inspirational message like this “Beaching Not Teaching” tee shirt that you can get from Etsy for $16.90
Here are a few other ideas from the folks at Gifts.com:
It’s no secret that teachers aren’t always rewarded for their hard work. A handy desk organizer or new tote bag will go a long way to help teachers stay on top of their game and continue to put in the work!
Did you know that approximately 1 in 10 men experience paternal postpartum depression (PPD) after the birth of their children?
On average, new dads more or less expect a lot of sleepless
nights, diaper duty, and other typical joys of being a new parent. However,
paternal postpartum depression, is certainly something that new fathers don’t
expect or are prepared for the arrival of their newborn. The wave of paternal
postpartum depression can hit at any time, so it is essential for new dads to
keep a wary eye out for its common symptoms.
The Symptoms of Paternal Postpartum Depression
According to the National Institute of
Health (NIH), parental postpartum depression can affect anywhere from 4 to 25 percent
of new fathers. Unfortunately, PPD can go undetected and untreated, as most men
aren’t familiar with the signs and symptoms associated with this debilitating
form of depression.
Here are a few signs of PPD in men to look out for:
● Inability to sleep
● Sleeping too much
● Severe fluctuations in
weight
● Frequent episodes of
unexplained anger
● Feelings of hopelessness
● Inability to concentrate
● Fatigue
● Thoughts of death and suicide
During these bouts of depression, men are more likely to become
aggressive, irritable, and even hostile toward their family, and can even
display little desire to engage with their newborn child.
While first-time dads have the greatest risk for developing PPD,
they are even more susceptible if their partner is also experiencing postpartum
depression. In fact, another study published by the NIH shows that the likelihood of postpartum depression
in dads whose partner is also suffering from PPD increases by 2.5 times.
Causes of Paternal Postpartum Depression
While the research on postpartum depression in men is still
ongoing, doctors see a significant dip in male testosterone levels and an
increase in estrogen, prolactin and cortisol levels around the time of their
child’s birth. Furthermore, there’s typically a spike in PPD in men around the
3-6-month mark, as this is generally the time when working moms return to the
workforce. As dads become more involved with raising their children, the rise
in PPD becomes more pronounced.
Solutions
The best way to tackle postpartum depression in both men and women
is by seeking the help of a professional. Men are notorious for their
reluctance to acknowledge their mental pain, which can often lead to greater
negative consequences in the long run.
However, simple talk therapy can truly work wonders when utilized
with consistency. A licensed therapist can help new fathers work through their
negative thoughts and find productive ways to manage their anger. And if they
are not comfortable or don’t have the time to visit a therapist in person,
there are plenty of tele-therapy options available that can help fathers in
need to speak with a licensed therapist online and in the comfort of their
home.
One such option is LARKR, a company that I and my wife Christianne Kernes co-founded. LARKR is a convenient mobile platform that provides professional, affordable, and private talk therapy via video chat. With time, talk therapy can help new fathers and new mothers heal, so they can be the best possible parents to their newborn children.
About Shawn Kernes
Shawn Kernes is the Co-Founder and CEO ofLARKR On-Demand Behavioral Health, which aims to make
mental, emotional, and behavioral health care immediate, accessible and
affordable for all.
Summer is known as that lazy, relaxing time of year. While all kids deserve a break, they still need structure and stimulating activities that nurture their growth and development. What are some pro tips to keep in mind when it comes to your kids this summer?
– Create A Summer Schedule: You don’t have to schedule something for every second of the day. The idea is to develop apredictable but flexible daily schedule that can help children thrive. Remember, sometimes boredom can bea trigger for bad behavior. The idea is to still have a routine and agenda, but know that it’s okay to be a little laid back when it comes to sticking to it.
– Create A Calendar: Make it visible to your entire family. Write down daily activities and include a chore/activity chart. This helps children understand what’s expected of them. It also helps enrich their sense of responsibility and integrity all while building their confidence.
– Don’t Skip Reading: Reading should be part of their everyday routine this summer. Whether in the morning or before bed (or both), make it a priority to read with your kids. Of course, the goal of reading is to make it enjoyed. Get your child involved by going to a local library and scouting out the latest book by their favorite author.
– Sleep Is Still Essential: Sleep, especially at a young age, is essential for healthy growth and brain development. We all benefit from a good night’s rest! Even if you extend bedtime during the summer, make sure your child is getting the recommended amount of sleep each night. Try not to get too far off of their school routine because it will be back in session before you know it!
– Cut Back On Screen Time: Sometimes it’s too easy just to turn on the TV. When they’re not swimming or riding bikes, find something productive for them to do. Stock up on fun and educational activities that will help your kids continue to grow and learn over the summer break. Coloring books, crosswords, puzzles and board games are all great ideas.
– Some Downtime Is Good: Remember that long days at the pool/beach can cause exhaustion which leads to frustration and overwhelm. Figure out what the right amount of activity is to stimulate your child and incorporate enjoyable activities into their summer routine.
– Keep them social. Summer camps, group play and trips to the local playground are all ways to entertain children without screen time. Social settings often encourage imaginary play and creativity all while developing social skills that are essential for a child’s development.
– Incorporate nature. Let nature be your inspiration this summer! Get your children outdoors for some fresh air. Plan a game of hide-and-seek or set up a nature scavenger hunt that will keep them entertained in a healthy way.
– Make time for family: Our kids grow up so quickly, so make time to enjoy the summer as a family no matter how old your kids are. Whether planning a vacation out of state or simply a day trip to the beach, the best activities are enjoyed together.
Small children usually don’t care what anyone thinks about them. If they want to sing at the top of their lungs, they sing at the top of their lungs.
If they want to wear a silly hat, mix-matched socks or gloves on a hot day, they do it – with no regard for how others might judge their eccentricities.
Somewhere along the line, though, most children long to fit in and begin to worry that their differences make them stand out – and not in a good way. So, they try to conform to what they perceive their peers or society expect from them.
“Unfortunately, in the process they begin to hide what makes them unique instead of embracing it,” says Jennifer Lynch, an educator, child advocate and author of the children’s book Livi and Grace.” “They become embarrassed or sad about their differences, maybe feel that people think they are strange, and that other kids won’t like them or won’t play with them,” adding, “and in truth, other children sometimes will bully a child who is seen as different.”
Lynch has served as an advocate for children in the court system, foster care and treatment facilities. In working with those children, many of whom are abused or neglected, she says, you often have to help them overcome their insecurities about their differences.
“It’s important for them and all children to believe in themselves,” she says. “They need to understand that different is okay. It’s our differences that make us special.”
This message is so universally important, Lynch says, that it became the theme of her children’s book, which is based on her daughters and their distinct personalities. “My two girls are so unlike one another that it’s almost shocking,” she says. “It made me think back to the children I encounter in the court system who say they dislike or even hate themselves because they feel different from their peers or their siblings.”
Lynch says some of the ways parents or other adults can help children include:
1. Remind them that differences make people special. While it’s natural for children to long to fit in with their peers, Lynch says, it’s also important for them to understand that their individuality is what makes them unique. “Differences are interesting and life enriching,” she says. “Part of the message is that you should appreciate the diverse traits in everyone you know, and also appreciate what makes you special.”
2. Talk to them about the ways in which they shine. “Kids like talking about themselves,” Lynch says. “So get them involved in a conversation about what they are good at. Maybe that is sports. Maybe it is writing. Maybe they make good grades or they are a good big brother or friend. Whatever their special talent is, explore it with them so they know that there is something they do well.”
3. Encourage them to help other kids feel good about themselves. Young people can feel empowered not only by embracing their differences, but also by providing support and being a friend to others who are different.“When you help a child pick out positive things about themselves,” Lynch says, “they begin to focus on that, not the hurtful things that weigh so heavy on their hearts and minds.”
