Author: Jennifer Massoni Pardini

5 Must-Dos Before Giving Your Kid a Tablet or Phone

By Jennifer Massoni Pardini
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We are constantly teaching our kids to make wise choices, from what to wear for the weather to how to play fairly with friends. In order to raise smart digital citizens, the very same motivation applies. If you’re wondering where to start, Google offers tools, resources, and tips to help parents teach kids about digital safety while giving them the autonomy to make smart online choices, too. Read on for five tips to live by before giving your child a phone or tablet.

Learn how Google’s Family Link app and Be Internet Awesome program can help your family make the most out of technology and build healthy digital habits!

 

1. Purchase a screen protector and a quality case beforehand.
Kids are rough on their toys, and the same will likely be true for the tablet or phone you are introducing to their free time. Find a durable case that can handle a few falls from the couch or the resilience required of traveling. Protective screens work in two ways as well, keeping the device intact while protecting your child’s eyes, skin and sleep rhythms from blue light.

2. Talk through rules, expectations and Internet safety.
We don’t give our kids a bike and simply say, Go for it! We provide gear to protect their bodies and the practice needed to ride all on their own. The same logic is true of a smart device. The Internet is full of useful information and knowledge as well as phishing, scams, cyberbullies, and more. As a family, learn about online safety in a fun and engaging way with Be Internet Awesome. The program will help your family learn how to communicate responsibly online, discern what’s real from what isn’t, safeguard personal information and when to turn to a trusted adult if something online doesn’t feel right or seem safe. Use the family guide and tips to help drive your conversations at home. With these digital fluency fundamentals, little techies can learn how to navigate the Internet in safe, smart and positive ways—a skill they will need throughout their schooling and development.

3. Point them to educational games and apps before giving them the device.
Kids won’t waste a minute exploring their tablet or the portals games and apps may open. Set them up for success by vetting several that you would be comfortable letting them play on their own. You can get started with Interland, Be Internet Awesome’s educational web game that makes learning about digital safety fun through play (teachers take note: additional free resources for educators are also available too!) In the game, fun characters lead you on adventures while imparting helpful knowledge about navigating the web. It’s a good one to play periodically as a family as well for a digital basics refresh. For additional guidance, we always love the ratings and age recommendation from our friends at Common Sense Media.

4. Get the Family Link app from Google to help your family learn responsible digital habits.
Let’s be clear: it’s almost impossible for you to control everything your kids do online (especially when they’re a certain age). Family Link provides tools for parents to kick start conversations about healthy digital habits. The parental controls app has a number of features to help families tailor the best online experience for their kids. What you can do: set daily screen limits or specific app limits, remotely approve or decline apps your kids want to download from the Google Play Store or approve in-app purchases, hide apps on your kid’s device, and block sites or only allow a curated set of sites to be visited. What you can’t do: read their text messages or see what they’re viewing.

5. Charge the device and set some limits before you give it to them.
Let the fun begin… and continue thanks to a fully charged device. Family Link’s functionality understands that limits are important, too. So it allows you to set bedtimes as well as a daily limit per day of the week. Once that set time expires, the device is locked (calling functionality will still work). And much like the parent’s handy sidekick, the timer, the pre-set limit—instead of mom or dad—ends the screen session and spares everyone a power struggle. Now that’s smart.

Have fun setting your child up for success online with a little help from Google!

— Jennifer Massoni Pardini

all photos courtesy of Google Kids & Families

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Tablet Games Just Got REAL Thanks to Osmo

By Jennifer Massoni Pardini
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As a parent, do you think about play time vs. screen time? Thanks to educational gaming tool Osmo, the time your kids log on the tablet can be all about hands-on play and creativity. Just pair Osmo with an iPad or Amazon Fire tablet, throw some cool components into the mix, and your kid can draw, spell, code and more. Read on for everything you need to know to bring games—and learning—to life.

Add Osmo to your cart on Amazon to snag the 30% deal good through 12/28/19.

Little Genius Starter Kit (Ages 3-5)
Preschoolers, especially, appreciate a tangible learning experience as they recognize letters, accumulate vocabulary, and work out their emotions with confidence. With its Little Genius Starter Kit, Osmo brings together its AI technology and knowledge of core developmental skills to deliver preschool basics to your 3-5 year old. One of four games will have your little genius moving and grooving right along with the characters they help create.

Find the Little Genius Starter Kit for your iPad or Fire Tablet.

Genius Starter Kit (Ages 5-10)
Now that it’s time to string those letters into words and solve math problems—while staying totally entertained along the way—the Genius Starter Kit is at the ready. Being physically engaged is key, so Osmo came up with tangible tools to arrange tangrams into creature and critters galore, sort number tiles, draw freehand, and even bring toys to life on screen—instantly—thanks to Osmo’s ability to react to your child’s movement in real time. Five smart games have been designed with visual thinking, creative problem solving, and self-expression in mind. You might say it’s “genius”!

Find the Genius Starter Kit for your iPad or Fire Tablet.

Creative Starter Kit (Ages 5-10)
Just when you thought things couldn’t get more creative, enter: Monster (Mo the Monster that is), Newton and Masterpiece, the names of three interactive games for your 5-10 year old. This next-level Creative Starter Kit immerses kids in STEAM learning as Monster brings adventures and stories to life, Newton introduces the basics of physics to help with problem solving, and Masterpiece sharpens fine motor and creative drawing skills. And kids can play together too, making group gatherings all the more creative with Osmo.

Find the Creative Starter Kit for your iPad or Fire Tablet.

Add Osmo to your cart on Amazon to snag the 30% deal good through 12/28/19.

— Jennifer Massoni Pardini

all photos courtesy of Osmo

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From Parties to Holiday Photos: Moomooz Has You Covered

By Jennifer Massoni Pardini
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Have a special occasion? Don’t have time to peruse a bunch of websites looking for the perfect celebratory ensemble that won’t break the bank? Enter Moomooz. Whether your little lass has a birthday party, holiday event or any happy moment you want to capture, this children’s clothing and accessories company has head-to-toe outfits at the ready for ages 2-7. Check out these five collections for an adorable, affordable wardrobe refresh for any occasion.

Now through Feb. 1, 2020, Moomooz is offering a 15% discount for Red Tricycle readers! Just use code REDTRI at checkout.

Theater Night

Whether you live in the city or the suburbs, regional theater is a wonderful way to share the magic of live performances with your little starlet. Be it The Nutcracker or a local school’s production of a storybook classic, the Theater Night collection makes it extra fun to dress the part, from stockings and pompom shoe straps to a dress to suit every fancy—and how about this cloak! 

Cross-over occasions: holiday parties and family-friendly weddings

Playground Playdate Look

At the playground, fun colors make playground playmates easy to spot, while that amazing natural light makes for awesome photo opps at every slide and swing. With these looks from the Playground Playdate Look, they will be camera and climbing ready, all in the comfort of skirted leggings, hooded dresses and bright boots.

Cross-over occasions: happy moments exploring and just about any school day

Brunch Weekend

Little goes with the weekend quite like brunch, and her wardrobe will have plenty to go with thanks to this Brunch Weekend collection. From ways to style her hair down to her feet, there are bows and stripes and bags galore so she can make a sweet scene in a cute, modern look.

Cross-over occasions: birthday parties and school picture days

Museum Weekend

If you’re heading into the city for an active day checking out some local museums, comfort will be key. But there’s no reason why the only artistic inspo should come from the exhibits. The Museum Weekend collection, including these shimmery boots, will take care of that! And you never know what the weather may have in store, so you’ll love all the ways to layer looks.

Cross-over occasions: family adventures and fall leaf stomps

Accessories

Each Moomooz collection includes plenty of accessories to complete any look: necklaces and socks, bows and barrettes, and hats, hats, hats! If you have a budget in mind, browsing Moomooz extensive Accessories collection is also an affordable way to freshen up any outfit for another special occasion (including braided hair headbands just in time for a big-screen viewing of Frozen II.)

Cross-over occasions: dress-up, dress-up, dress-up!

Now through February 1st, Moomooz is offering a 15% discount for Red Tricycle readers! Just use code REDTRI at checkout.

— Jennifer Massoni Pardini

all photos courtesy of Moomooz

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5 Reasons Relay Should Be the First Phone Your Kids Own

By Jennifer Massoni Pardini
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As our little ones grow and gain the freedom that comes with going off to school, pursuing activities, and playing with friends and without us, we still want to know where they are and that they’re safe. The Relay device is a screen-free option for when we want to communicate with our children, but we aren’t ready to hand them a smartphone. Part phone, part walkie-talkie, part GPS tracker, read on to learn more about the benefits of Relay (they’ll all add up to your peace-of-mind).

Special offer for Red Tricycle families: Save 15% on Relay now through November 23, 2019! Click here to learn more.

1. Screen-free functionality means screentime stays in check.
What age is best to give your kids a smartphone? While it’s up to every family to decide what and when to introduce when it comes to tech, this is one question you may be able to delay with Relay. Its push-to-talk button is easy for kids ages 6 and up to use (just like a walkie-talkie), while its simple, durable design minimizes added screentime.

2. GPS tracking means you always know where they are.
While the Relay device isn’t a smartphone, it’s functionality works directly with your smartphone. With the Relay app, you can see your child’s location in real time, anytime. The device easily clips to kiddo’s backpacks, bikes and clothing, while you can also talk to a Relay from your smartphone, making it convenient for everyone.

3. Geofencing means you set the limits.
Relay gives you boundary control. You can set safe zones and receive notifications when your child enters or leaves a zone. With nationwide 4G LTE coverage and WiFi settings, you won’t have to worry about cellular dead zones either.

4. Alerts means your kids can always reach you.
We especially want to be able to reach our kids in case of an emergency—and we want them to have that ability, too. With their Relay, your child can send SOS alerts in an event of an emergency.

5. Extra features mean there’s still plenty of fun.
You can add extra channels, just like apps. With chat channels, kids with other Relays can communicate. With translation channels, they can learn words in another language or two (up to a dozen) while they’re on the go. There are also joke-of-the-day, voice-changing, daily weather and music upload features. Plus, the Relay comes in three fun colors. Roger that!

Special offer for Red Tricycle families: Save 15% on Relay now through November 23, 2019! Click here to learn more.

— Jennifer Massoni Pardini

all photos courtesy of Relay

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10 Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe Online

By Jennifer Massoni Pardini
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Just as we strive to keep our kids safe every time they cross the street or go to the playground, it’s up to us as parents to keep them safe online, too. From classic common sense to the era’s latest parental control apps like Qustodio, read on for 10 ways to manage healthy digital diets for the whole family.

photo: Hal Gatewood via Unsplash

1. Model a well-balanced tech lifestyle.
Like everything else we teach our kids, we start by showing them: how to walk, how to use a spoon, and—as we take photo number 5,428 in a constant chronicle of their young lives—how to use tech. If we never bring our phones to the dinner table, we may avoid future power struggles about screen-free spaces. If we step away from checking email when we know it’s time to power down for the day, they will see how much we value connecting “in real life” and will have loads of practice when it’s time for them to manage their own “online” and “IRL” lives.

2. Talk about why screen time needs to be monitored.
When we expect our kids to make their beds or clear the table, we are teaching the personal responsibility they will need to lead independent and organized lives. If they understand the dangers associated with tech use, they may be more motivated to maintain a safe online space as well—with privacy settings, thinking before they post, and doing their best not to let online activities hamper their physical activity or emotional health.

photo: Tim Gouw via Unsplash

3. Come to an agreement on the amount of screentime they’ll have.
After adding up watching shows, using the computer for homework, as well as any phone, app, or game use, decide together what a healthy amount of screentime might be. For guidance, turn to parental control app Qustodio, a true hub of data and info., via both an online dashboard and Parents’ App, that makes it easy to understand what kids are up to on various devices and help them make smart choices—a skill they always need IRL too. Rather than just preventing or logging screen time use, Qustodio puts you in the driving seat with various cross-platform functionalities while helping you advocate for an open and healthy digital lifestyle for the whole family.

Learn more about Qustodio and download the app for free here. 

4. Give your kids agency—and accountability.
Setting rules for and as a family also ensures your kids feel part of the process. Go a step further and outsource some of the rule making: download a digital contract that everyone in the family can sign with a sense of ownership and abide by if rules are broken.

photo: Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

5. Keep up your digital fluency.
Check in with the latest findings and age-appropriate recommendations from the World Health Organization about sedentary behaviors like screen time. Discover the content that can add value to our children’s lives when they are online with the help of trusted organizations like Common Sense Media. And just as you have an eye on the horizon for your child’s next developmental milestones, think about what your elementary school kid might be interested in as a tween (we suggest reading educator Ana Homayoun’s Social Media Wellness: Helping Teens and Tweens Thrive in an Unbalanced Digital World.)

6. Remind them of natural—and irreversible—consequences.
The internet doesn’t come with a giant “delete” option, and kids should know what might result from conducting online lives unchecked. Share the news when Harvard acceptances are revoked because of poor or offensive online choices. Talk about it. As your kids start using social media especially, see if they open up about their own online etiquette or gauge their thoughts about what their friends post.

photo: Patricia Prudente via Unsplash

7. Decide which apps you’re comfortable with them using.
Maybe you’re OK with YouTube, but not TikTok. Or vice versa. Either way, be explicit about which apps your kids may or may not be allowed to use. Qustodio also makes it easy to stay up to speed on what your kids are doing online (you can even see exactly what they are searching for and watching on YouTube, too).

As parents we often love data, and that is just what Qustodio delivers, from reports on internet activity to child location capability. Qustodio also gives added peace of mind with the ability to set limits on games and apps, monitor social media use, block inappropriate content in real-time, all while providing the talking points and questions to ask to maintain open communication about device use.

Learn more about Qustodio and download the app for free here. 

 

photo: Alexander Dummer via Unsplash

8. Continue to watch with them.
Just as our kids learn from watching us, we can learn a lot from watching them. Sit down together for their current favorite movie or check in on homework. See how they navigate online, what websites they visit, and what they want to watch. You may learn something new while continuing to encourage that spirit of openness.

9. Check in with other parents.
As kids conduct increasingly independent lives at school and with friends, you can expect them to be one step (or several) ahead of your own experiences—and device-use is a whole new frontier. Talking to parents, especially with older kids, about what they have dealt with in the digital landscape (i.e. “finsta” accounts) will help us meet our kids where they’ll need us.

 

photo: Bruno Nascimento via Unsplash

10. Don’t forget a digital detox!
Unplug! Go screen free! Get outside! Encourage it as a family and individually. Be it a certain hour of the day or day of the week, make it a habit to disconnect in order to reconnect.

Learn more about Qustodio and download the app for free here. 

— Jennifer Massoni Pardini

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5 Reasons to Pick an Immersion School

By Jennifer Massoni Pardini
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So much goes into selecting a school. As parents, we weigh class size, diversity, public vs. private—all aspects motivated by the same aim: to give our children the very best education we can. In our increasingly global world, immersion education, where content such as math, science and language arts are taught in two languages, is an important type of education to consider. Because it is a relatively new and growing trend popping up in public and independent education, it’s vital to know what to look for in a program.

Founded by a mom in 2005, HudsonWay Immersion School is the oldest and and most established immersion school in the Northeast, educating children from preschool to middle school in full-immersion Mandarin or Spanish environments on two campuses: in Stirling, NJ and the brand new expanded facility in Midtown West, New York, NY. Read on and learn about the proven benefits of mastering dual-fluency from a young age—when brains are most receptive to language learning.

1. Improved Cognitive Skills
The data is in! Nationwide, HudsonWay Immersion School (HWIS) students are outscoring monolinguals on related standardized tests, conducted in English. In tests of cognitive ability, a whopping 97% of students who experience full immersion for four years or more test as gifted or of above-average intelligence. HWIS students also surpass proficiency benchmarks set for immersion schools as a whole. While test performance certainly isn’t the only measure of note, the benefits expand to critical thinking as a whole: bilinguals in general have a proven edge with pattern recognition and problem solving.

2. Higher Second Language Proficiency
There’s immersion, and then there’s immersion. While more schools are offering 50:50 immersion, HWIS students learn with full-immersion, meaning 90-60% of core curriculum is conducted in either Mandarin or Spanish—beginning in preschool and on through elementary years (and HWIS now goes through eighth grade). This additional exposure results in a faster path to fluency, which correlates to strong reading, writing and math skills in the target language for HWIS students, the majority of whom don’t actually speak their target language at home. In standardized language assessments measuring listening, reading, writing and speaking, HWIS students surpass the national norms as compared to other immersion students.

3. Off-the-Charts Creativity
While it sounds simplified, you might say monolingual learning translates to one way of thinking. Bilinguals have been shown to excel at divergent thinking, the idea that various solutions might be explored…leading to creative thinking! With thought processes honed in both native and target languages, that divergent thinking is baked into each and every subject each and every school day.

4. Cultural Understanding and E.Q.
In 2019, cultural knowledge cannot be underestimated. At HWIS, students as young as five even have the opportunity to travel abroad (with their families!) to learn with local children. And in the classroom, benefits of a bilingual education reach well beyond academic performance. Immersion students can exhibit advanced emotional intelligence as well, including mature social skills and an increased awareness of and sensitivity to diverse cultures. After all, today’s classrooms are educating tomorrow’s workers, volunteers and parents, who will pursue careers and opportunities that are ever more global and connected. It’s critical that we expose children early and often to the beautiful gifts of diversity.

5. Plus, Everything Else You Expect from a Strong School
With 200 students and 40 faculty across its two campuses, HWIS benefits from small class sizes and a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio, meaning students have plenty of opportunities to participate in class, practice their target language and work together with their peers. After-school enrichment programs, summer camps and an active parent association are also all available for an integrated immersion experience all designed to help students thrive on a global stage.

Learn more about immersion education and HudsonWay Immersion School by attending an upcoming information session or scheduling a private tour at HWIS.ORG.

— Jennifer Massoni Pardini 

all photos courtesy of HudsonWay Immersion School

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11 Genius Ways to Hack an Amazing Kid’s Room

By Jennifer Massoni Pardini
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Don’t have a big budget to design a chic and creative kids’ room? No problem. These cool products and clever design ideas will add both purposeful and Pinterest-worthy room décor to your kids’ abode. And you’ll feel like the design pro who didn’t break the bank! Scroll down to see them all.

photo: Rookie Humans

1. Make an Instant Oasis with Rookie Humans

This dynamic bedding company is best known for their incredibly precious crib sheets, but this fall they debuted toddler and big-kid bedding we pretty much want for our own beds. We love the Woodland Dreams set for instant fall-like whimsy in a restful design. Your kiddo won't be able to resist getting cozy (and you might find yourself wanting to snuggle in, too). 

Shop them all at rookiehumans.com 

photo: SNURK

2. Dress Up Your Duvet with SNURK

These whimsical duvet cover and sheet sets put from Dutch company SNURK makes bedtime extra fun. Awesome designs like mermaid, shark, T-rex, astronaut, unicorn or—our personal favorite—rocket, plus lots more, are all originally designed and silk screened onto 100% Percale 189 thread count cotton from Portugal. In other words, your kids bed is probably going to be nicer than yours. Sizes twin to full/queen, they range from $119-$149. Set includes duvet cover and coordinating pillow cover. 

Shop them at snurkliving.com,sizes twin to full/queen, range from $119-$149

photo: Olli Ella

3. Playpa It Up

Talk about versatile—an activity and wall art literally rolled into one! Thanks to the creative minds at Olli Ella, Playpa is now ready for coloring, stickering, playing, and decorating. With 26 themes to choose from, each roll inspires creativity and can be hung from its sustainably sourced oak hardwood Pollie Shelf for instant, creative, and affordable wall décor.

Available at: olliellausa.com, $17.95 (playpa), $4.50 (stickers), $39.00 (shelf).

photo: mimish

4. Sit Pretty (and Stored) with mimish

Leave it to two moms to come up with genius storage solutions! mimish has turned beanbags and bins, pillows and poufs into clutter-busting, gender-neutral space savers. Let your design shine by clearing away extra toys, clothing, shoes, and anything else prone to pile up. The top and bottom of the Storage Pouf, shown here, detach and can even be mixed and matched. Talk about ideal form and function for smaller rooms.

Available at: mimishdesigns.com, $69.

photo: Erik bij de Vaate

5. Hack Your Metallic

Metallics are still going strong for 2018. Elevate just about anything to next-level chic with nothing more than a can of spray paint. We’re talking toy animals, mason jars, photo frames, and don’t forget about wooden or plastic storage baskets. We loved this spray-on Dollar Store hack for vintage locker bins!

Read more: 11 Storage Hacks You Need To Try NOW

photo: Little Partners

6. Assign a Cubby

Kids and cleaning up provide endless teachable moments, don’t they? My First Cubby from Little Partners gives kids a space of their own to manage that is also designed specifically with their needs in mind. This wooden locker comes in four finishes to coordinate with your décor while providing a bench when shoes need to go on or off, coat hooks, and accessible storage for hats, shoes, gear, and toys. In addition to helping little ones stay organized, it adds valuable vertical height to smaller rooms as well.

Available at: Little Partners, $159.99.

photo: Mama Liberated

7. Build a Fort That They'll Love

Tents, teepees, and canopies are popular ways to provide tucked-away play areas and reading nooks that serve big design functions. They can also cost a pretty penny. Whether your style calls for an A-frame tent, a corner canopy, or the ultimate fort, we rounded up 20 indoor forts that are easy to build and will make your kids love their space even more. 

Read more: 20 Epic Indoor Forts You’ll Want to Live In

photo: Lorena Canals

8. Make the Rug Last

Area rugs are a quick and easy way to add color, comfort, and whimsy to just about any kid’s room. But kids, as we well know, aren’t clean machines. Lorena Canals to the rescue with adorable rugs that are machine-washable, people! By investing once, you won’t have to replace it down the road. Designs include imaginative geometric patterns, solar systems and ABCs, and sweet shapes. 

Available at: lorenacanals.us, $215 for Puffy Dream, shown here.

photo: Wallsauce.com

9. Hang Smart Wall Art from Wallsauce

Inspire a jungle story, go for a dive under the sea, map the world, or shoot for the stars with the array of made-to-measure wallpaper murals designed specifically for kids by Wallsauce.com. With over 300 colorful designs to choose from, the wall’s the limit! On their website, you can also play with mural dimensions, visualize scale, and confirm price points.

Available at: wallsauce.com, prices start at $4.83/sq. ft.

photo: Susy Morris via Flickr

10. Put On a Display

Shop your own home for tons of ways to organize and display what your little housemate already has on hand. Think: cake stands for lotions, clear jars for hair ties or tiny toy collections, or stacking apple crates on their sides for instant shelving.

Read more: Where to Park It: 7 Toy Storage Hacks to Save Your Sanity

photo: KAZI

11. Meaningful Merchandise

How many times have we put all the toys away, again, and thought that maybe the kids have a bit too much? While it’s hard to encourage little ones to part with their toys (though we talked to pro organizing moms who can help with that), we can certainly incorporate global awareness into their room design. KAZI’s new line of floor baskets and hampers were woven by hand by artisans in Rwanda. Through play and pick-up, we can support weavers halfway around the world and show the kids how we are all connected.

Available at: kazigoods.com, $48 for a set of 3 Palm Nesting Floor Baskets.

What are your design secrets for a stylish kid’s room? Share in the comments.

RELATED STORIES:

7 Products That’ll Make You Look Like a Design Pro

8 Genius Ways to Organize Your Nursery on a Shoestring Budget

— Jennifer Massoni Pardini

 

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Our 4 Favorite Life Lessons from “DreamWorks Archibald’s Next Big Thing”

By Jennifer Massoni Pardini
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We generally want our kiddos to say “yes” to the wonders of life, from trying out experiences as a family, a range of foods at the dinner table and different ways of thinking in the classroom. They now have a new role model with an eager attitude in Archibald Strutter, the literary-protagonist-turned-animated-star of the new Netflix series, Dreamworks Archibald’s Next Big Thing. Hitting the small screen on September 6, families now have a new show to enjoy together.

Archibald, so you know, is one confident chicken, envisioned by Tony Hale, star in his own right of Veep and Arrested Development and co-author with Tony Biaggne and Victor Huckabee of the original children’s book. Now Hale, as the voice of Archibald, joins famous guest voices like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and RuPaul to bring Archibald’s world—which is all about celebrating the journey, not just the destination—to life. Read on for valuable lessons little viewers can take away from Archibald’s adventures.

 

1. Say, “Yes!”
Whether he’s buzzing about with trusty sidekick Bea in his hometown of Crackridge, or flapping around his egg-shaped home with siblings Sage, Finly and Loy, Archibald doesn’t let a comfort zone stop him. Instead, he’s game to say “yes” to whatever opportunity comes his way, be it having a go at breakdancing, exploring a mysterious cave, trying a funny-looking fruit or getting to know a giant whale. He’s never afraid to give it a try.

2. Be a Cheerleader
Archibald also encourages others to tag along. After all, you don’t have to be the best or the brightest at something in order to embrace the experience. Let’s be clear: this encouragement isn’t about peer pressure. Archibald respects others while seeing the benefits of celebrating life’s little joys and stretching one’s wings in the process.

3. Show Your True Self
Youngsters are bound to relate to one of the different characters on the show, be it outdoorsy Sage, musical Finly, scientist Loy or Archibald himself, who doesn’t let anyone or anything pigeon-hole him. He is a chicken, after all, and he’s living life to its fullest. Whenever we express our truest selves, it’s all the easier to do so.

4. Look for the Best
While making the most of the moment leads to exciting adventures, some sticky situations are bound to ensue—like, er, taking the door to a rocket ship rather than a restroom. The lesson here is that Archibald doesn’t let setbacks sour his attitude. He stays positive about the situation at hand as well as his cohorts. As Archibald would exclaim, “I’m going to go with adventure!”

Tune in to watch season 1 of DreamWorks Archibald’s Next Big Thing, exclusively available on Netflix on September 6.

— Jennifer Massoni Pardini

all photos courtesy of DreamWorks Animation

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Curtain Call: Your Child’s Theatre Journey Starts Here

By Jennifer Massoni Pardini
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Reading to our children is an early delight that lasts throughout childhood. Performing arts bring that delight to life. Oregon Children’s Theatre knows this well, reaching over 120,000 children and families every year through its dynamic line-up of theatre productions. Its 2019-2020 season is no different—delivering on the power of storytelling to transport us, teach us and alight our imagination, all while creating a fun family experience. Read on for what not to miss on S.T.A.G.E. as well as ways for little dramatists to participate.

S is for Story
Whenever the lights dim, the crowd hums to a collective silence and the costumed actors take their places, we embark on a journey, be it to a fantasy world, another time or the recognizable magic of our own backyards. That’s the power of story. And Oregon Children’s Theatre (OCT) knows that good ones come in all shapes and sizes—this season promises diverse voices and ideas, emotional journeys and literary favorites, all capped off with a feel-good musical and lasting memories.

T is for Teaching Tool
Presenting the lives of others invites audiences of all ages to journey through someone else’s experience—a lesson especially vital for children as they learn empathy and understanding. Along with family entertainment, performances can serve as important conversation starters too. Take The Journal of Ben Uchida: Citizen 13559 and what life is like for a 12-year-old boy in a U.S. internment camp during WWII. By transporting us, the theater teaches us all.

A is for Acting Academy
In addition to performances, OCT’s Acting Academy has taught year-round educational programs about the craft of theater since 1988. Young drama students (starting at age 3!) can develop life skills like confidence, collaboration and compassion while experiencing the rewards of practice and preparation. The academy offers inspiring classes, workshops as well as residencies in schools and the community. (And FYI: OCT subscribers receive 20% off classes.)

G is for a Goodall, Jane Goodall—and Much More
OCT’s 2019-2020 season offers five family-friendly performances, swinging into action with Me… Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of Young Jane Goodall, starring a 10-year-old Jane and recommended for the 5-and-up camp. Others appeal to all ages, like Eric Carle classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, brought to life (along with other Carle titles) by a cast of puppets, and popular book Dragons Love Tacos. Kennedy Center commission The Journal of Ben Uchida: Citizen 13559 is recommended for an older crowd of 10 and up. The season culminates with Last Stop on Market Street, a musical that blends hip-hop, Motown, gospel and rap for 5-and-up theatergoers.

E is for Empowering Entertainment
We all need a little escape, one that can have us dancing in our seat or going on an emotional journey with a character. Whether honing communication skills in acting class or watching a show, theatre can also empower us, with access to a new part of ourselves or the start of a life-long appreciation for an art form. Best of all, the experience is meant to be shared, with weekday performances for school groups and weekend performances for families. Whenever you buy a ticket to a show, you can also add on a donation to help OCT ensure every child experiences the gifts of live theatre.

…And Encore
This season, young audiences can also check out OCT’s Young Professionals Company’s improv group, Impulse. Your little one will be sure to laugh along with the audience, and may be inspired to participate in the teen mentoring program when they’re a little older.

Learn more about Oregon Children’s Theatre at octc.org.

— Jennifer Massoni Pardini

all photos courtesy of photo: Owen Carey Photography via Oregon Children’s Theatre

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17 Ways to Save on Your Next Trip to Disney

By Jennifer Massoni Pardini
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Walt Disney World and Disneyland bring to mind ever-thrilling rides, Hidden Mickeys, lots of memories, and, these days—apps galore. And while “Disney” doesn’t exactly rhyme with “thrifty,” you can still save a bundle—we promise. Read on for 17 ways to make the most of all that magic.

photo: Christian Thompson via Disneyland Resort

Before You Go

1. Spend time online. Go ahead and fall down the rabbit hole with Alice because Disney research will pay off. If your mission is to save, Disney Parks offer Special Offers for Walt Disney World and Disneyland. Also be sure to check out mousesavers.com, which gathers tons of info about discounts and deals at every Disney destination. Don’t miss their extensive page of Freebies!

2. Stay offsite. Accommodation is easily the most expensive part of the trip, but there's hope! For the remainder of 2019, Hilton guests can book through Travel.Hilton.com/Disneyland for a minimum 2-night stay at participating Hilton hotels in Southern California. When they do, they will have the opportunity to purchase admission tickets to Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park at a 5% discount off the non-discounted price of the same ticket at the Disneyland® Resort Main Entrance ticket booth! Family savings can equal up to $30 for one-day Park Hopper passes and $80 for multi-day passes! Hilton has several hotels within a mile of Disneyland, plus dozens of Orange County and LA County Hilton hotels, like the DoubleTree Irvine-Spectrum, that have access to the coveted savings. L.A. is a great base for guests who want to see the sights across the city along with a day at Disneyland.

Why you'll love it: Hilton hotels feature more than just ticket perks. We scoped out the Irvine Spectrum DoubleTree and found comfy beds in upgraded rooms, on-site dining options, a swimming pool, a free shuttle to the John Wayne Airport and of course, those delicious chocolate chip cookies! A short 20-minute drive from the Disneyland Resort, the DoubleTree is close to both the freeway and local toll roads. Grab the free shuttle and head to the Irvine Spectrum Center to catch a movie at the Regal Theaters, enjoy dinner and do some shopping. You'll save big when you stay at a Hilton!

photo: Patrícia Ferreira via Unsplash

3. Remember memberships. Whether it’s a resort offering discounted tickets to military families or organizations like AAA (or Grandma’s AARP) doing so, you may find more ways to save before you’re even out the door.

4. Pre-party. Most likely, you're trip planning months in advance, so remember Disney Gift Cards when family or friends ask what your little Mickey or Minnie want for that next birthday or holiday. They're also a good way to teach tiny travelers how to budget, contribute, and spend on what they really want. You can use your Target REDCard to purchase a Disney Gift Card and save 5%!

photo: Tyler Nix via Unsplash

5. Check the calendar. If you can be flexible, travel when crowds are less intense, like after Thanksgiving but before Christmas, or before Spring Break. Especially if you prefer the milder Florida and SoCal weather during those times of the year.

6. Buy tickets ahead of time. In 2018, Walt Disney World launched a new ticket pricing system based on tiers, which makes certain days and times of year more expensive. By checking out peak calendar times, you can snag tickets at the lowest possible prices in lieu of buying the day you arrive. You can also save money by popping into Sam's Club and grabbing both single and multi-day park entry to both California and Florida parks, in addition to Magic Morning and Fast Passes.

photo: Andie Huber

When You're at the Park

7. Time is money. Use apps like My Disney Experience or the Disneyland App to score tickets, make dinner reservations, find characters, and scope out wait times on your favorite rides and attractions. Less waiting means more playing. If you’re at Walt Disney World, you can do all this and more with your MagicBand.

8. Forgo PhotoPass. As cool as that Magic Shot of an animated teacup in the palm of your hand is, feasts for the eyes and the lens abound. Every snap is bound to capture a little magic and also be a little tough on the wallet. Whip out your phone and don't be shy to ask a cast member to snap your family pics throughout the day.

photo: Skylar Sahakian via Unsplash

9. Use FastPass+/MaxPass like a Disney boss. Once you book your theme park ticket, you can start securing available rides through the Disney FastPass+ service at Walt Disney World or MaxPass at Disneyland, which now enables mobile booking through the Disneyland App as well as unlimited PhotoPass downloading. If you book ASAP, maximize your passes, and do and see all you want to, you can stay fewer days overall. For example, don’t waste passes on Splash Mountain (which you can save for closing time when it’s only a five-minute line). Do use them for Space Mountain.

10. Or, go all in. If you are a Disney enthusiast, Annual Passes (Walt Disney World) or Annual Passports (Disneyland) will give you perks like free parking, access to all theme parks on the same day, as well as discounts on merchandise, dining, photos, and tours. They come in three tiers with Disneyland’s options, for instance, paying for themselves in 5-8 day visits (so consider the length of your stay too when weighing which way to go).

photo: Joshua Sudock for Disney Parks

Dining

11. Skip the Disney Dining Plan. While the ease of pre-paid meals may be worth it, the food itself may not live up to the price tag. Or, if you go with the plan, pick the lowest tier, as snacks can definitely be a meal.

12. Put a cap on character dining. You’re paying for the experience rather than the food, and you can see the majority of the characters elsewhere. 

13. Or, go all-in again. Tables in Wonderland will earn you 20 percent off at Walt Disney World and its more than 100 participating restaurants (You just have to be a Disney Vacation Club member, Passholder, or Florida resident.).

photo: Joshua Sudock for Disney Parks

Merchandise

14. Don’t pay full price. There are various ways to save on merch. With the Shop Disney Parks app, expect to save 10 percent. Higher tier Pass and Passport holders can save 20 percent.

15. Turn it into an adventure. Have the kids make a list of the toys they see and would like to have. At the end of the trip, they can decide which one thing they want the most. And you’ll have less to lug around!

 

photo: Brian McGowen via Unsplash

16. Bring your own. Whether it’s an Elsa dress, a homemade autograph book, or a favorite stuffed Dory, no need to buy what you surely already have on hand. Extra points for whoever can take the most pics of their beloved toy on its own Disney adventure!

17. Order online. You’ll likely pay the most onsite, so consider ordering whatever Moana and Maui can’t live without. Finding a package at the door will ease that end-of-vacation sting, too.

—Jennifer Massoni Pardini & Karly Wood

 

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Disney Just Dropped a New Christmas Ornament Collection & We’re Ready to Deck the Halls

 

 

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