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.
Should You Choose Cheap Or Used Car Seat For Your Child?
If your budget is tight, there are many baby essentials that you can buy for less. However, in terms of the safety of your baby, you should not be so quick to purchase a used car seat.
There are family budget savers available today that can provide you with a good deal, performance, and functionality, as long as you know how to find the right type of car safety seat.
Why Buying
A Brand New Car Seat Is The Safest Option
Car
seats have expiration dates, and that alone is a reason why you should get a
new one. Most have a lifespan of six years and after that, it is highly
recommended to stop using the seat for your child’s safety.
When
you buy a secondhand car seat, there’s a high chance that you’ll only be able
to use it for one to two years, and sometimes even less. So, you’re not
actually saving money since it’s more likely that you need to get another one
right before your baby is ready to use a booster seat.
If you’re eyeing a safety seat online or from someone you don’t really know personally, you truly cannot be certain of the condition and history of the baby car seat.
The NHTSA recommends replacing or never using all car seats that have been involved in moderate to a severe car crash, making it even more crucial to know the seat’s history. Also, you have to ensure that it’s not a part of the recall list and all manuals and parts you need to use and install the seat correctly is complete and working.
If you have no way of checking out the kinds of things the used seat has gone through, then it is best not to buy and use it.
Are Cheap
Car Seats Safe?
If
your budget is limited, you’ll probably consider a new car seat for your baby
with the lowest price tag. But are expensive models with premium add-on
features safer? Not really. A higher price tag does not always mean quality.
Furthermore,
all child car safety seats in the United States are required to pass crash and
safety tests and meet federal safety standards. This means that you can find a
safe child car seat within your budget.
However,
keep in mind that there are seats that may perform better in certain types of
crashes and situations. Also, it is not enough to buy The best-rated seat. You
also need to install it properly to ensure the best protection for your child
in case of an accident.
According to a study done by NHTSA in 2015, they found out that around 46% of infant car seats and toddler booster seats were not installed correctly. Proper car seat installation can make a massive difference in a car crash.
What If I
Only Have A Budget For A Used Car Seat?
If
your budget can only accommodate a secondhand car seat, then you should be very
selective when picking one out. Here are some tips to remember when shopping
around for a used seat:
Do not be tempted by a used car seat with a
cheap price that would normally be expensive when new. An affordable brand new
car seat is no doubt much better than a secondhand seat with a popular brand
name.
Make sure to get used from friends, relatives,
and people you know and trust that will provide you with the seat’s facts and
history.
Check the seat’s expiration date on the seat
itself. If it indicates the manufacturer’s date only, assume its standard
lifespan and then add six years to find out if it has already expired or when
it’ll expire.
If the seat is beyond its expiration date, you
can bring it to the Target car seat trade-in event in select Target stores for recycling and in return, they’ll give you a
20% discount coupon which you can use to purchase a new car seat, seat base,
stroller, or travel system.
Once you’ve purchased it, make sure to
register the seat with its manufacturer.
Double check all its manual and parts. Some
manufacturers make their manuals available for download on their website.
Carefully inspect the harness straps of the
seat. Also, look for cracks in its EPS foam and shell.
After installation, take your child car seat
and have it evaluated by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician.
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.
This week in the US, a Powerball lottery winner took home the grand prize!
That’s nice and all but it got me thinking for moms (and many dads) who do everything for everyone and rarely look out for ourselves, what would a lottery win look like.
In lieu of a lottery win of cash, this is what I think would be the equivalent to a jackpot to a typical mom.
Let’s call it the “Mom who Lunches” Jackpot and this is what I envision should be included.
We don’t require much but for our sanity, the mom Powerball should include
A year’s worth of laundry pickup, wash and fold service.
Weekly housekeeping and housecleaning services that include putting away the folded laundry, and deep cleaning the bathroom(s) and kitchen!
Monthly clutter removal service.
Bi weekly spa days including manicure, pedicure, facial and massage.
Bi weekly computer IT service to remove all the memory-clogging games, memes, photos and other garbage the kids burden and load up on the family computer.
Weekly 5-hour sitter service for Date Or girls night out (or fellas night out for dads)
Monthly momcaytion solo-cation weekend at a local hotel or resort.
Weekly Grocery delivery service.
Weeekly catered prepped dinner Blue Apron service for the family.
Daily Personal training services
In other words, the same things the wealthy moms have.
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.”
