If you are feeling stressed, grab your family and hop in the car. There’s nothing that lifts your spirits like being out on the open road.
Outdoorsy released its Road to Wellness survey last summer and it found that 94% of North American families are happier and healthier after taking a road trip and spending time outdoors.
According to the survey, 71% of those who had to cancel their summer travel plans due to COVID-19 are now considering alternate vacation options such as a road trip. Of those who responded 70% would rather go on a road trip with family or a significant other rather than going alone.
Air travel is still a hassle. 65% of parents say that it is easier to drive with children than to fly with 75% of respondents noting their last road trip was a “much needed escape” and would plan to take one again soon.
Those working from home have caught the travel bug. Remote workers are 2.5 times more likely to say they would take more road trips if they had access to an RV, with 72% reporting they are planning to take more road trips as a result of the widespread work from home policies as a result of the pandemic.
Parents find that their kids are much more appreciative on road trips. Of those surveyed, 93% said they feel more bonded with their children when on a road trip with 75% adding that their kids say “thank you” more often when on vacation.
Millennials are 2.13 times more likely than any other generation to spend their COVID-related stimulus funds on a road trip this year and Boomers are 1.8 more likely to opt out of plane travel this year.
I’m covered in crumbs. Also, in milk, in about a tablespoon of applesauce and in sweat. That’s because I’ve been on an airplane wrangling my 17-month-old toddler and my four-year-old daughter for the last five hours. The four-year-old is doing just fine, actually. She’s getting a ton of screen time and I know I’ll pay the price later for the movie marathon we’ve allowed, but I’m okay with it given it’s a special circumstance.
The toddler on the other hand? Well, it’s just a tough age. Too old for cuddling and napping as we zoom through the sky, too young to hold her focus for any length of time. She’s in constant motion. If this plane does not speed up and get to our destination ahead of schedule, I may collapse in an exhausted heap.
Our trip—for which I am actually completely grateful because it’s a privilege to take my kids to a new place with new adventure—made me think about the first time I ever traveled with a child. It took me back to how I overpacked, how I overstressed and how I underappreciated how simple it could actually be.
There are tons of parents who ask me in my office if I have any advice for the plane or the airport with a baby. Turns out, you can optimize your travel experience by taking these easy steps:
Carry As Little As Possible, Check the Rest
Know how, when you go through the airport, your carry-on luggage and personal item seem to somehow get heavier and heavier the further you walk? Multiply that times ten with a baby because you now have an extra PERSON you are lugging. There are obviously some items you have to bring with you – a small stack of diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, bottles if formula-feeding. But, the less stuff you have to lug through security, through the terminal or into the overhead bins, the better. Better to check it and forget it, in my book.
Don’t Spend Extra Time In the Airport, Except When Boarding The Plane
A lot of new parents think they should get to the airport super early if they are traveling with a baby or child. Usually, though, that just means extra chances for meltdowns (for your baby, not you) and germs. Obviously, give yourself enough time to make your plane, but don’t plan to linger excessively. On the other hand, when it’s time to board the plane, consider your unique situation.
Airlines offer family boarding early on in the boarding process, which can be tempting. If you don’t have an assigned seat or you have carry-on luggage that demands overhead bin space, take full advantage of this perk. If you haven’t brought much with you, though, consider minimizing the amount of time you have to sit “trapped” in a small space with your infant.
Stay Away From Sick People
This is a hard one since, notoriously, airports and airplanes tend to be germ fests. The number one way to avoid a baby getting seriously ill from air travel? Don’t take them until after they are old enough to receive their first set of vaccines and are out of the highest infection risk zone.
In our practice, we don’t give the first set of vaccines until at least six weeks old and recommend waiting a few weeks after vaccination for the shots to take effect before flying. I waited until about three months until flying with my first baby. Once you’re on your way, it pays off to wash your hands well with soap and water often and to keep your baby away from direct contact with sick people.
Give Baby Something to Suck On
Once you depart on your flight, you’ll want to help minimize discomfort in your baby’s ears, which can build as the pressure changes with altitude shifts. Giving baby something to suck on (a pacifier, a bottle or a breast) can really help. On the way up, it’s obvious when you need to pay attention to helping your little one with this but, on the way down, it’s easy to get the timing wrong.
Instead of waiting for the flight staff to tell you you’ve started your descent, be observant. When you start to feel the plane descending, get your baby going on an ear pain prevention plan by initiating some type of sucking motion (note: if they are asleep, let them sleep).
Forget Over-Apologizing
So you have a baby on a plane? Oh, well. Tons of other passengers have been in your situation and we’re not irritated when we hear your baby cry. Those who are will have to just suffer through. If your baby wails the entire trip, it makes sense to at least acknowledge the patience and understanding of others around you.
But those little gifts some propose to assuage your neighbors preventatively? Unless you have tons of free hours you would not rather spend doing ANYTHING else, I say forget it. You paid to be on the plane just like everyone else and you’re doing way more hard to work to make the trip successful than any of your seatmates.
In the end, traveling with a baby can actually be significantly easier than you first imagined. Hey, at least it’s not traveling with a toddler. Pack light, get the timing right and feel confident–you’ll be there in no time.
I'm a pediatrician and a mama mindset expert. I host The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, and am a mom to two young girls in Portland, Oregon. I'm also author of The New Baby Blueprint and The Working Mom Blueprint from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
If you had a trip planned for spring break you may be getting a refund for your airline ticket. The U.S. Department of Transportation has mandated that airlines need to refund passengers in the event flights are cancelled, government restrictions prevent flying or if there are significant schedule changes that the passenger chooses not to accept.
The DOT has been receiving an increasing number of complaints and inquiries from ticketed passengers, including many with non-refundable tickets, who describe having been denied refunds for flights that were canceled or significantly delayed. The passengers have stated that they were offered vouchers or credits for future travel instead. Airline refund policies and practices will be monitored and action will be enforced as necessary.
“In recognition of the fact that the COVID-19 public health emergency has had major impacts on the airline industry, the Aviation Enforcement Office will exercise its prosecutorial discretion and provide carriers an opportunity to become compliant before taking further action,” the DOT added.
Think it’s too late to remake yourself? Think again. A recent study of 2.7 million startups found that the best time to start a business is when you’re in your 40s. In fact, it turns out, the average startup founder was 45 years old when starting some of the most successful tech companies. Inspired yet? Just ask these women entrepreneurs, all of whom started successful businesses after the big 4-0.
Vanessa Quigley - Getting Photos Off Your Phone and into Books
Who She Is: Co-Founder of Chatbooks
How anyone with seven kids has time to do anything beats us—but Vanessa Quigley managed to create a wildly successful business while also juggling the demands of motherhood (times seven!). Inspired by her desire to turn those endless phone photos of her kids into something real she could hold in her hands, she created Chatbooks, a website and app that turns social media feeds into printed photo books.
"It was a particularly heart-wrenching moment of mom guilt that catalyzed starting my company," Quigley wrote in this Thrive Global article. "I realized I had never printed a single photo of my youngest … and he had just turned five years old. (Horrifying, I know.) Our app was created when I realized there must be an easier way for parents to get their photos off their phones."
With Chatbooks, users can personally choose the photos they want to include, or let the app do it for them, sending a new book every time the user posts 60 photos on Instagram. With the help of hilarious viral videos like this one—the company has grown exponentially, now employing more than 100 people and having sold more than 10 million books to date.
"I continue to champion ways to resolve mom guilt in every part of our company," she continued in the article, referencing Chatbooks' "Toddler Guarantee," which says, that if your child rips, draws on, or eats your photo book, you can get a free replacement. "It is easy to get overwhelmed with all the mini failures of being a parent . . . When you take a minute to look at family photos, you remember that you’re doing a good job and feel like a better parent. I have photos everywhere now to remind myself that I’ve got this!"
Kate Torgersen - Helping Breastfeeding Moms Keep Working
Who She Is: Founder and CEO of Milk Stork
Kate Torgersen was 41 when she decided something had to be done to help working breastfeeding moms get breast milk to their babies—even if it meant shipping it during solo business trips. She was exclusively breastfeeding her twins in 2014 when she was called on a four-day work trip she couldn't turn down. To make sure her babies were fed and her milk supply didn't waiver, she pumped and stashed milk ahead of time—and pumped and stashed even more while she was away. The whole thing was physically and emotionally exhausting, she said.
"I got home from the trip and was determined to find a simple solution to this incredibly annoying problem that so many working moms face," she said. "The day after I got home, I started working on Milk Stork, and it was launched a year later."
Milk Stork, which is currently the only company of its kind for working moms, ships breastmilk nationwide and internationally to 54 countries using overnight delivery. While shipping can be expensive (upwards of $139), the company has grown so big that it's even covered by 749 companies as an employee benefit.
"As working moms, we are faced with enough tradeoffs and compromises," Torgersen said on her website. "Providing our babies with breast milk shouldn’t have to be one of them."
Cristy Clavijo-Kish was 47 and a mother of tween twin girls when she started Los Tweens & Teens, a site which she calls the only bilingual (English/Spanish) digital platform offering advice to teens, tweens and their parents. In addition to curated content from parenting experts, teachers and counselors, the site covers youth-centric topics like college prep, bullying and teen driving. It’s a niche, Clavijo-Kish said, that was direly needed online.
“I couldn't find any online support for older kids from a culturally relevant perspective,” said Clavijo-Kish, who was born in New Jersey to Cuban immigrants. “Blogs and online sites were mostly focused on toddlers and potty training, but content dropped off after Kindergarten it seemed. So I created a space to help parents facing similar issues of anxiety, testing, bullying, travel, wellness, etc.”
The company also produces local events and experiences for families called "Teens & Me” in Clavijo-Kish’s current home town of Miami (this may soon expand, she said).
“I have more belief in my own strengths now than ever before,” Clavijo-Kish said of her mid-life career change. “Funny that during your youth supposedly is the time for more risk taking, but experience allows you to be more thoughtful within your risk if that makes sense.”
We grown-ups have all heard how important it is to wear the right bra—but do our daughters know this when they go out looking for their first one?
Wendy Herman didn’t think so. So she founded BRABAR, a brand aiming to help girls feel more comfortable and confident in their own skin—by helping them find the right bras. The brand’s “EZ-fit” method teaches young women to find the correct band measurement: essential to a proper fit.
“Finding and wearing a bra that is the perfect size is fundamental,” Herman said. “We service the Junior Intimate Apparel customers, who need smaller band sizes and a more inclusive fit.”
The 49-year-old came up with the idea not just after decades of working in the intimate apparel industry (including work for Yummy and Calvin Klein)—but after taking her daughter bra shopping for the first time. It was then that she realized there were limited product options for extended sizing to offer support, especially for teenage girls.
BRABAR recently opened its first flagship store at the Menlo Park Mall in Edison, New Jersey.
“Becoming an entrepreneur and launching BRABAR as a mother has been amazing,” Herman said. “Where I feel a huge sense of responsibility; it also afforded me the opportunity to be more flexible and available for my kids, and I hope that juggling work and life sets a positive example for them.”
Julie Melnick - Making Air Travel With Kids Easier
Who She Is: Founder of SkySquad
For any parent who's ever flown with a brood of antsy little travelers, Julie Melnick feels your pain. To help with the daunting task of traveling with babies or kids (or just traveling, period), the 42-year-old founded SkySquad—an airport assistance company for moms, dads and seniors.
"The stress that goes along with traveling with kids was pretty major," said Melnick, who was working in public relations before starting SkySquad. "I knew there had to be a better way to travel."
Here's how it works: SkySquad assistants meet families (or seniors) at their car upon arrival and help carry bags, car seats, strollers, etc., to the ticketing counter. From there, they get the gang through security and to the gate—assisting with anything a traveling family might need (i.e. going on snack runs, sitting with the luggage during restroom breaks or chasing a toddler as he makes a mad run for the X-ray machine). All assistants are background checked and TSA cleared to help through security all the way to the gate.
Sounds amazing, right? The bad news: For now, the service is available at Dulles and Reagan International airports. Melnick hopes (and we do, too!) that it will grow to become a nationwide program.
You could say it was a good thing Jackie Moss ended up in the hospital. After all, it was only after her sudden cardiac arrest and subsequent hospital stay that she was inspired to make Giftgowns, a company that has since earned her a spot on Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women and, maybe more importantly, given thousands of hospital patients inspiring inpatient garb.
"My life changed after my cardiac arrest," said Moss, a longtime business executive who was working as vice president at a Canadian bank when she landed in the hospital. "During my time in the hospital, I had plenty of time to think and I knew that, by the time I left, I wanted to start a business. I came up with the idea of Giftgowns while I was in the hospital, and once I was out and brainstorming different business ideas, this was the idea that I kept going back to the idea that resonated the most with me. I liked the thought of making people happier and more comfortable in the hospital."
Giftgowns aren't anything like the sterile blue gowns we all associate with hospitals. Rather, they look like big, comfy T-shirts—with fun phrases emblazoned on the front like: "My other gown is Chanel," "Keep Calm and Ow," and "I'd rather be golfing." The gowns have easy access snaps on the sleeves and in the back, as well as pockets for anything patients might want to carry on them during trips to the bathroom or up and down the halls.
Since the company's founding in 2016—when Moss had to deliver and pick up the fabric herself—Giftgowns has expanded to include kids, maternity gowns and custom gowns. In addition, her gowns are now sold at hospitals across North American (and online). "What's really interesting about being an entrepreneur now that my kids are all grown up is they're prouder of me in a different way than when I was an executive," she said. "They love that I have taken an idea borne out of an experience and turned it into something real."
Alison Cayne was a mother of five when she decided at age 38 to go back to school (!!) to get a master's degree in Food Studies from NYU. On a mission to change the way people feel about cooking (making people realize how easy and fun it can be), in 2012 she started Haven's Kitchen, a New York cooking school, cafe and event space in Manhattan.
But that's not all. In 2018, she branded her own line of refrigerated sauces—exotic blends with names like "Herby Chimichurri," "Nutty Lemongrass," "Zippy Chili Harissa"—which are sold online and at more than 300 locations across the country. In her own unique spin, she packages the sauces in squeeze pouches similar to your kids' favorite apple sauce container.
"I thought that maybe I could get people to want to cook by making it a more creative, fun experience," Cayne said in a 2019 Bon Appetit article. "I want people to tap into that freedom of kindergarten, of self-actualizing through cooking a meal."
She is also the host of Heritage Radio Network’s “In The Sauce” podcast, where she interviews entrepreneurs about building consumer brands. And (in case you didn't already realize her super-human powers of doing a zillion things while also parenting FIVE kids), she is also the author of The Haven's Kitchen Cookbook, an adjunct professor of Food Studies at NYU, and a guest lecturer at the Institute of Culinary Education.
"I feel like I did my life a little bit in reverse," she told Bon Appetit. "I got married and had kids at 25, and then started my career at 40. I was very fortunate that when I started all this my kids were a bit older and more self-sufficient."
Gretchen Witt's success is bittersweet. She founded her nonprofit company, Cookies for Kids' Cancer, after her own son Liam was diagnosed with stage IV neuroblastoma at the age of two.
At the time, Liam had just gone into remission, and she wanted to do something to help other families who, at the time, weren't so fortunate.
“I was so grateful for his good health, he was going to live, he was in the clear, but I knew there were other kids and families still struggling … I could see their faces … and I knew pediatric cancer was underfunded,” Witt, 52, told People magazine in 2018.
In that first year, she reportedly raised more than $400,000 selling cookies with the help of more than 200 volunteers. But not long after that, her family learned that Liam's cancer had returned. Tragically, the sweet-faced little boy, whom Witt described on her blog as her "guitar-playing, cake-baking, science-loving, scooter-riding boy," died when he was only six.
“My world came crashing down again,” Witt said in the article. “We needed Cookies for Kids' Cancer now more than ever.”
Since its inception, the organization has granted almost $15 million to some of the nation’s top pediatric cancer research hospitals. In addition, thousands of Cookies for Kids' Cancer bake sales have been held across the country (Here's how you can have one, too!).
“To know there is something my husband and I put together that’s lasted and helped us feel like it’s made a difference is just amazing,” she told People.
Growing up, Rena and her dad, Abe, loved to play games together—and it was this family tradition that led Rena, her children and her dad to come up with the idea for BANAGRAMS
"It was three generations over a summer at our beach house in Narragansett RI," said Rena, who was 43 when she started making games with her family. "We wanted a game we could all play together, at the same time … no turn taking, and where kids could win just as easily against adults."
BANANAGRAMS is a simple word game that comes in a banana-shaped pouch (perfect for travel!). Similar to Scrabble, the game asks players to build words off of existing words; unlike Scrabble, however, BANANAGRAMS doesn't go on so long that you have to preserve the board for days on end. With this game, the first one to get rid of their tiles wins and is crowned "Top Banana."
Looking back, Rena said that juggling entrepreneurship and single motherhood was a challenge—but that it was totally worth it. "My children were 10 and 7 when Bananagrams started," she said. "They were still needing school drop offs and pick ups, and all that goes with being a single parent. Bananagrams was a make or break, as I needed an income to support myself and the kids. Working from home made things more manageable, but it was a pretty busy and challenging time. I was doing all the packing, mailing, invoicing, advertising, marketing, etc., so there wasn’t much free time. I kind of made it up as I went along. But, I am proud to say that I didn’t miss many (if any!) school assemblies, plays or sports days! Even if that meant working into the night, which I did—and still do—it was worth it!
Since its founding, the company has released twelve games, including several variations of the award-winning BANANAGRAMS (a younger kids edition, a party edition, etc.) as well as a few stand-alone games.
Who She Is: CEO/Founder of Madison Reed Hair Color
You know when you want to get your hair done in a fancy salon ... but don't want to pay fancy salon prices? Amy Errett wants to solve that problem. A former venture capitalist, she founded the hair color company Madison Reed (named after her daughter, Madison Reed) in 2013 when she was in her early 50s. Her goal—besides cutting those exorbitant salon prices—was to create something a step above the boxed brands and somewhere below the pricey salons. Errett knew the business had a chance after learning that about 75% of women dye their hair, on average, every eight weeks (with 52% of those women doing it themselves at home). The hair dye industry was a 15 billion market, and Errett wanted a piece of it.
"Repetitive usage is why this business has a chance," Errett told Forbes in 2016.
It was a risk that paid off: The business now has more than 190 employees and pulls in more than $50 million in annual revenue, according to a 2019 Forbes article. In 2017, Madison Reed opened its first set of “Color Bar” salons, offering hair color services for lower prices.
As for the formulas, Errett wanted her products to be "clean," meaning nutrient-rich formulas without harsh ingredients like ammonia, parabens or phthalates.
What do you get the person who has everything? Certainly not a physical gift! At least, that's the idea behind inLieu, a company created by longtime entrepreneur Kathy Terry, that encourages people to give charitable gifts in lieu of actual physical items.
"The inspiration for inLieu came out of the frustration I felt when I had to purchase an obligatory gift for a friend or family member knowing that they really didn’t need or want anything," said Terry, a mother of two who was 46 when she started inLieu in 2017. "To top it off, all the things I was purchasing really didn’t represent the love, gratitude and appreciation I was trying to convey. You know the gifts I’m talking about: the hostess gifts, birthday gifts, thank you gifts, Mother Day gifts, Valentines, etc."
"I wanted a way to show my appreciation by donating to a cause that my friends and family were passionate about," she continued. "Hence, the idea of inLieu!"
Celebrities Sarah Paulson and Brooklyn Decker are fans of the app, which posts your donations on a social feed that can be shared with the gift recipients, making it a fun way to honor someone and promote a charity at the same time.
Terry, who with her husband also owns a chain of burger restaurants called P.Terry's in and around Austin, Tex., said that owning and operating a business is a learning experience for the whole family.
"I jokingly say we hold board meetings at our dinner table every night, but I wouldn’t change a thing," she said. "My girls have learned so much about our businesses, our employees, our customers, our values, our passions, our failures, our mistakes and our wins."
To anyone out there who may be thinking about starting a business, she says GO FOR IT! "The biggest regrets you’ll ever have are the risks you didn’t take," she said. "I know that if I fail, at least I tried and I learned so much along the way."
About two years ago, attorney and single mother-of-four Kate Westad realized she was missing something. It was the middle of the night, she was leaving for a trip for Paris in the morning, and her luggage was laid out across her bedroom floor. Her favorite beauty and toiletry items were lined up beside her suitcases, and she realized that the sum of them was just too big to take along.
That was her lightbulb moment. She came up with the idea for Palette: The Original High Fiver right then and there. Her brainchild: A connected strip of five small plastic wells that people can use to take small samples of their favorite beauty products on the go.
"This has been quite the adventure," Westad said. "For the last few years I really haven’t watched TV or spent much time on hobbies, I really spent all my free time working on this project. I’m having the time of my life. Every time I see someone using our product or they write to tell us how it has revolutionized how they pack their beauty, hair or skincare routine—it literally makes my day."
Made of a squishy, leak-proof material that lets you "push up" to get every last drop of product, the Paks hold liquids, creams and powders and are perfect for travel use (they're allowed through TSA) as well as a simple trip to the gym.
"I think from a functional sense it’s one of those crazy things where you have all your favorite full-size products right at your fingertips," she said. "It’s literally less guess, less mess, less stress. People are freaking out that we’ve created this all in one skin care kit. I love to call it your skincare BFF."
She also wanted to create something that would mean less waste for the planet, since Paks are meant to be washed and reused. "All those minis and travel size single-use plastics are likely not getting recycled," she said. "This is a really easy and great way to carve out an area of your personal care routine and say 'Hey I’m going to skip the tiny travel bottles."
Karri Bowen-Poole was a teacher for many years before coming up with the idea to design "smart playrooms." "I literally woke up in the middle of the night with an 'Aha!' moment," said the 54-year-old mother of three. "I had no idea if it was going to be a success. My motivation was always to shape and change the way kids learn and play."
With the help of interior designer Denise Davies, owner of D2 Interieurs, she started designing playrooms meant to entertain as well as educate. Their modern and sleek play havens are built based on "the belief that good design evokes creative and open-ended play," which means spacious, airy rooms with lots of room for creative and active play. By the looks of the SmartPlayrooms portfolio, these are the sorts of spaces that every kid (and parent) wishes she had—with whimsical but organized designs, built-in rock walls, from-the-ceiling monkey bars and customized reading nooks.
"Many of today’s playrooms are in out-of-the-way areas like the basement with floor-to-ceiling built-ins with way too many toys stored in huge bins. Both the children and the parents are overwhelmed," Bowen-Poole said in an article for Cottages & Gardens. "We work out designs for storage and division of the space that encourages hands-on manipulation, exploration and learning/
It was a labor of love for Bowen-Poole, who said starting a business while also raising three kids was, at times, a difficult task.
"The challenges to starting a business over 40 is that if you have a family and children, it can be a very hard balance, being a present mother and successful entrepreneur," Bowen-Poole told RT. "There were days when the balance was not always in check, but this made me prioritize my choices. I feel incredibly grateful that I have been able to be there for my children when they needed me (or when I wanted to be) and to be able to start my own company that I am passionate about. "
Shelley Goodstein - Giving Women The Hair of Their Dreams
Who She Is: Founder of Hidden Crown Extensions
Shelley Goodstein is no stranger to the spotlight. The longtime Ford model and Arizona morning show host was used to being a trendsetter—but she had never before started a business. That is, until she came up with the idea for Hidden Crown Extensions, a simple hair extension system that makes it easy for women to have the hair they've always wanted.
"On modeling jobs, they would often add clip in hair extensions and I loved the way it made my hair look fuller," said Goodstein, a mother of three who is also a blogger and author. "I had never dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur, but it just made sense. I was motivated because I had three teens to put through college in the next few years."
To develop her product, she came across an old extension method called flip in hair and improved it with a patent-pending design. Her extensions use one "invisible wire," require no clips to hide and can be put on in less than a minute.
"I knew I was not the only woman that would want these—talk about finding a product that meets a need," she said. "Everything I had done up to that point in my life put me in a perfect place to launch this product."
Goodstein started her business the year she turned 50, an accomplishment that she said should remind people that, "You're never too old, or too young to start something new."
Sherri Langurt had been working in the social media space for years when she realized she knew a better way to connect brands with social media influencers: She came up with the idea for BabbleBoxx, a company that sends perfectly-packaged sample boxes to influencers who will tweet, blog and post about the products on social media channels.
"I had been working in the influencer marketing space and saw the need to create a solution that would allow brands to partner with influencers more consistently and cost effectively," said the New Jersey resident. "We approached several partners with the idea of creating an influencer co-promotion, and all five of them signed on within minutes."
Langurt said being over 40 was an asset when it came to starting her business. "There is a certain element of “not caring about what other people think” that comes with age, especially once you have a child," she said. "It’s less about you and more about protecting that tiny being you brought into the world which creates a certain kind of fearlessness."
Ellie Kanner - Making Board Games That Teach Life Skills
Who She Is: Inventor of The Game Plan game for kids
Ellie Kanner wanted a game she could play with her two kids that was both fun and educational. She couldn’t find the exact game she wanted in stores … so she did what any good entrepreneurial mom would do and invented one herself. The Game Plan is a game for kids 4+ that helps reinforce important life skills like manners, hygiene and personal safety—while also incorporating fun elements like exercise and movement.
“I wanted [my kids] to work on their reading and writing skills, and my friend (co-founder Lisa Solomon) suggested I add safety skills,” said Kanner, a longtime talent agent, producer and director who has worked on shows including Friends and Sex And the City. “Together, we added cards addressing emotional skills, good manners, health and any other life skills we could think of.”
The game asks kids questions including: “If a stranger tried to grab or hit you, what could you do?” (In the Health and Safety category); “Name at least 2 things you always MUST do after you go to the bathroom?” (in the Health and Hygiene category); “Act out a sport you play or would like to play someday. Let other players guess what it is!” (in the Move and Groove category), and “Say or spell ANY day of the week?” (in the Say And Spell category).
If players answer correctly, they get a token and move the number of spaces indicated on the question card. To win the Game Plan Game, a player needs to have collected four tokens (one from each category) and crossed the finish line.
“We assumed there would be a game like this on the market,” Kanner said, “but there wasn’t and still isn’t with the exception of ours.”
Air travel with tiny humans can be exhausting—but being prepared when it comes to the kids’ carry-on luggage travel list can help lighten the load. What does that mean? Besides toting the necessary ID, cash and travel documents, your carry-on bag should be a veritable Mary Poppins case of goodies. Read on for the scoop on what to pack in a carry-on (and be sure to scroll down for the printable checklist).
Accidents happen—whether they be the stinky kind or the spilled juice variety. So prepare for wet wardrobe issues by bringing spare clothes in your carry-on. Also, don't think just because you're a grown-up that you don't need to bring extras, too. One stray swing of an arm and your cup of wine may quickly end up lap-side.
Hint: Put spare clothes into separate zip-locked bags so you can easily grab what you need—and put wet or dirty clothes away afterward.
If there's one thing kids never tire of, it's snack food. Pull out all the stops with a travel trove of their favorite eats. Stick to easy finger-food types of items that they won't get things too messy (Fruit snacks, yes! Chocolate, no!). Chewy snacks are especially good during takeoff and landing when the simple act of chewing can help relieve ear pain.
An Empty Sippy Cup
courtesy OXO
You can bet that the little plastic cup your kid gets during in-flight beverage service will at some point hit the ground. Avoid spills by bringing a sippy cup (or water bottle, for older kids) that flight attendants can fill during the flight.
You've no doubt seen the news reports about the legions of germs lurking on airplane tray tables—and in-flight remote controls, touch screens and armrests. Protect your family from germs by applying hand sanitizer several times during the flight. Sanitizing wipes are great, too, since you can use them to sanitize all the surfaces around your seat as well as on the diaper-changing table in the bathrooms.
Chances are, the headsets the flight attendants distribute won't fit your child's ears—and in-ear buds aren't meant for kids. To make sure your kid can hear the movie (or whatever she's playing on her device), make sure to pack a pair of kid's headphones. We like these fleece-based CozyPhones, which wrap around your child's head like ear-warmers (which means your child can actually fall asleep with them on) and limit the volume to a safe level for children.
Diaper Changing Supplies
The Honest Company on Unsplash
Arguably the worst part about flying with a baby or toddler is having to change said baby's diaper in the tiny airplane lavatory. So be prepared: Store diapers and wipes in easy-to-reach zip-locked bags so you can grab and go when the time comes, and bring a portable changing pad so you can cover the changing table inside the restroom. Be sure to wash those little hands after every change, in case your tots have wandering fingers in the grimy airplane bathroom.
Hint: Bring more diapers than you think you'll use (for babies under 1, we recommend one diaper per two hours of flying time).
Your kiddo might be all smiles on the ground, but it's anyone's guess how she'll feel once airborne. Ear pain, motion sickness, or just the sudden beginnings of a viral illness might hit mid-flight—so it's best to have a flight plan. Here's what you should stick in your child's in-flight medicine kit (Note: You can pack a similar kit for yourself, but be sure to mark it so you don't mix up meds):
Antihistamines in case of allergic reactions (make sure you know the proper dosages beforehand)
Motion sickness tablets such as Dramamine, which are safe for kids ages two and up (just be sure to buy the children's strength tablets)
Any needed prescription medicines—Even if your child doesn't need them while you fly, you don't want to pack prescription medications in checked baggage, just in case your luggage gets lost or delayed
Anti-nausea medicine like Pepto or Nausene, in case your child has an upset stomach.
Gas relief drops
Something to Chew or Suck On
Silvia Trigo via Pexels.com
Ever wonder why people are told to chew gum on takeoff and landing? Chewing stimulates frequent swallowing, which helps keep the eustachian tubes open and equalizes air pressure as you ascend or descend. Sucking works, too, so don't be afraid to spoil your kids with some sweets during the flight. For babies, just make sure you give a pacifier or bottle (or nurse) during takeoff and landing.
Hint: Always carry lollipops. Besides helping with ear pain, they work wonders to tame tempers, and you can offer them to other moms whose children are fussing.
Electronic Devices
Keiko Zoll
You may or may not be a screen-time kind of Mom, but we (and, probably, your fellow passengers) say ANYTHING GOES when you're flying with a brood of wiggly, moody little travelers. If it makes you feel better, load up your iPad with "educational" apps, then let your kid have at it (Need a good list? Check out this post on the best learning apps for preschoolers).
Hint: Don't forget to also bring a charger and plug. Many airplanes (and airports) have power ports—so you can keep your kids' devices charged (hopefully) all flight long.
We're not saying you need to construct a whole airplane busy box, but having a few wrapped surprises to give your kids throughout the flight will help keep them busy and engaged. A quick trip to a local Dollar Store is all you need.
Some easy ideas (Note: All of these are available at Dollar Tree):
Long ago, we'd have told you to bring actual books on a plane to read to your child. Today—why waste the space? With a few clicks on your phone, you can download full-color picture books from your local library and read to your child. Just go to your local library's website to get the details or try Hoopla or Overdrive to see if your local library is represented.
Hint: Be sure to download books before you get on the plane since you probably won't be able to download titles while connected to an in-flight Wi-Fi signal.
Winter birthdays are (almost) always an indoor celebration— but even if you have the space to host, who wants to deal with the post-party clean up? Not us! Thankfully there are plenty of fun, action-packed places to throw a shindig in the DMV. Read on for the best places to throw a winter birthday party.
A Daredevil Afternoon
If you have an extreme sport enthusiast in the house, then plan a thrilling shindig with iFly in Loudoun county. Packages start with a thirty minute session which accommodates 12 guests. Included in the price is pre-flight training, flying gear (i.e. flight suits, helmets and goggles) and a video clip of each flight to share on social media. Party goers will each receive a flight certificate.
20315 Commonwealth Center Dr
Ashburn, VA
571-446-4359
Online: iflyworld.com
A Silver Screen Party Many of the region’s movie theaters offer enticing birthday packages that elevate movie viewing to an all afternoon event. But why not keep things simple? Stick to the movie (and popcorn) for a hassle-free (and budget-friendly) party. Head to Reston’s Bow Tie Cinema where tickets are $6 every Tuesday or check out the Two-Buck-Tuesday deal at University Mall Theatres in Fairfax, VA.
Mission Possible
Let your pint-sized spy celebrate their birthday with a an all-out sleuthing adventure. Kids 4 & up will explore the Laser Maze Obstacle Course before they set out on a code-cracking adventure through the museum. Kids under 4 will play a challenging game of I Spy. This party package includes a two-hour rental of a private room to enjoy food (pizza and beverages are included for children), cake and more. Also included is admission for 10 children and 10 adults. Birthday packages start at $400.
35 Market Pl.
Baltimore, MD
Phone: 410-727-8120
Online: portdiscovery.org
Arts on the Horizon
For children ages 1 to 6, trya theatrically themed party withArts on the Horizon in Alexandria, catering especially to this age group. Book a Birthday Workshop where you choose the subject matter and your child and their guests create the adventure. Parties are led by qualified teaching artists and can be arranged at a venue of your choice, with customizable options. Packages start at $200.
Everything (But the Kitchen Sink)
If you can’t decide on a party theme – climbing wall? laser tag? rope course? arcade? — choose “all of the above” at Adventure Park USA in Maryland. Geared more toward the younger crowd (think 10 and under), this amusement park boasts both indoor and outdoor activities. In the winter, the roller coasters and other outdoor attractions are not operating. But there is plenty to do inside the Wild West themed building; in addition to all of the “themes” mentioned above, you also find bumper cars! Birthday parties start at $159.62 for eight guests and includes the use of the party room for one hour, pizza for all guests and access to indoor games and the arcade. Lucky guests may also get to meet Dustin the Cowboy and Tumble the Prairie Dog, Adventure Park’s resident mascots.
Where the Wild Things Are
Petting Zoos used to be a party experience reserved for warmer weather. Until now! The Leesburg Animal Park recently added an indoor petting zoo to their grounds. Children can mix and mingle with exotic animals like camels and emus in the comfort (and warmth) of a fully heated indoor barn. Kids will also enjoy the indoor play space that includes seven distinct learning zones: a baby The Animal Park’s Safari package is available year-round and includes the use of a private party room for two hours, a pony ride for each child, a souvenir cup filled with animal feed and more. Party packages start at $359 for 10 kids (and 10 adults). For an additional $40, you can add a bounce house to your party room.
Monkey See, Monkey Do If you have a monkey for a munchkin, a jungle-themed party is in order. Tots who like to oo-oo-ee-ee their way around the great outdoors will enjoy an active, animal-filled birthday celebration at MagicGround. The DC-based indoor playground features a rock climbing wall, jumbo slides, a ball pit. a treehouse, a swinging bridge and more. The resident face painter can transform your party guests into jungle creatures like leopards, zebras and parrots. There is also a game room, a craft space and a toddler play area. Weekday packages start at $200 for 90 minutes of play for 10 guests.
3100 14th St. NW
Columbia Heights 202-370-6656 Online: magicground.com
Sound the Alarm! Warm up a cold winter weekend with a party at the Friendship Firehouse Museum.Little firefighters will be mesmerized by hoses, ladders and shiny trucks of yesteryear. Party packages, which cost $250, include 90 minutes of hands-on, guided activities including firehouse-themed games and crafts. Each guest also receives a firefighter hat. After exploring the antique firehouse apparatus, head over to one of the two neighboring firehouses that will give your guests a tour of a modern facility (advanced reservations required).
107 South Alfred St.
Alexandria, VA
703-746-3891
Online: alexandriava.gov
Ice, Ice Party If your little one wants the beauty of a snowscape without the actual chill, head to Falls Church-based BusyBees. This indoor playground would make a polar bear feel at home; sleek, Arctic-white vinyl with touches of icy blue, mint green (with pops of pink) make this indoor play place picture-perfect for a Polar Bear party. Your guests can slide down frozen-looking slides that light up (like Northern Lights!) or waddle like a penguin through ball pits. This polar-perfect party space also offers pre-planned party packages; prices start at $35 per child (there is a 12 kid minimum). BusyBees also has a location in Fairfax Corner.
6110 Arlington Blvd.
Falls Church, VA 703-584-5142 Online: busybeesplay.com
Let the Sun Shine Unicorns are mythological and, let’s face it, so are warm, sunny days in the (often) dismal months of January and February. But celebrating your pint-sized Sunshine requires something light and bright, like winged horses and colorful rainbows! If your little dreams of a party dipped in glitter and topped with sprinkles, check out Host and Toast a Reston-based party planning company that brings the level of detail and design usually reserved for weddings to children’s parties. If you want to tackle all things mythical and magical on your own, start with a bare-bones party room, like the one at Nook. These rooms are a monochromatic white, offering a blank canvas to create your fanciful vision.
5649 Lee Hwy.
Arlington, VA 703-270-6388 Online: playatnook.com
Up, Up and Away
Let your child’s party soar with a birthday celebration at Dulles International Airport. Geared for children age 5 and up, IAD offers packages that let kids explore the many aspects of air travel, from scanning luggage to meeting working K-9s. Party packages include party space, free parking and group activities (prices start at $300). You can customize your party with options like touring the airfield ($75) or doing a plane-related craft. Decoration options are limited inside the airport (you wont’ be able to float balloons), but all the activity you’ll see in the skies is sure to make up for it!
Birthday Crossing Whether your little one likes Thomas the Train or The Little Engine that Could, The Fairfax Station Railroad Museum is the ideal place to host a choo choo party. Little ones will enjoy exploring the railroad-themed rooms and the miniature train tables, and don’t forget the picture-perfect backdrop for your party pictures: the little red caboose! Audio visual equipment is available to screen your little one’s favorite steam engine. Party packages start at $200.
11200 Fairfax Station
Fairfax Station, VA
703-425-9225
Online: fairfax-station.org
Toddlin’ Off to Party
You’ll find Elemeno between the letters K and P (get it?!); it’s the perfect place for tots still learning their ABC’s. This DC-based play space and birthday venue caters to the under 6 set. Prices start for parties start at $476 (for members; non-members are an additional $119). Prices are steeper here than at other venues, but that fee reserves the entire space for your guests and family. The space can accommodate 60 people, so Elemeno suggests inviting 20 kids (since each comes with one to two adults). Parties are held early morning or late afternoon and last for an hour and a half.
709 8th St. SE
Capitol Hill
202-763-7629
Online: elemeno.com
‘Tis the season to be traveling! Nearly half of Americans plan to travel over the holiday months, many of them with children. Every parent understands the stress of long car rides and tedious air travel. Not to worry: As the host of Refinery29-featured travel blog Bubbly Moments, I have some of the solutions parents need when traveling—especially with a newborn.
1. Plan Ahead. Book a direct flight or at least one with a longer layover. Nothing is more hectic than racing to the gate after an emergency diaper change. Create a packing list and have a second person check it over to make sure nothing is missing (especially essentials like milk storage bags, formula, bottle warmer, baby carrier, and pacifiers).
2. Pack Light. You can purchase diapers, ointments, and other disposables just about anywhere. For things you can’t buy on the fly, explore compact or travel-friendly options—you won’t regret investing some extra money in order to save time and stress!
3. Call Ahead. Request a bassinet or Pack ‘N Play on long-distance flights and at your hotel or Airbnb. Unless you’re taking a road trip, you do not want to drag these things with you, particularly if TSA asks you to unfold it in the middle of a chaotic security line.
4. Press Play. A phone app like White Noise Ambience offers dozens of soothing sounds, from “Country Meadow” to “Bathtub Running.” Spotify Premium features baby-friendly music playlists you can listen to offline in Airplane Mode. Moshi Twilight Sleep Stories shares calming bedtime tales narrated by celebrities.
5. Bring Backup. A family trip requiring your constant supervision can leave you needing a vacation when you get home. If you have a nanny or regular babysitter, consider asking them to travel with you. Traveling with extended family can also be a cost-saving alternative.
You can embrace more peace and joy this holiday season—even in the midst of hectic family travel plans!
* This article was written by Emilia Taneva, host of top-ranked blog Bubbly Moments, where she shares time-tested tricks to ensure more peace, less chaos during holiday family travel.
Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.
Going back to work can be hard for any new mom, and being a breastfeeding mom who has decided to pump at work presents its own set of challenges. But have no fear! We’ve gathered what you need to know, what you need to have, and the easiest ways to get it done when pumping at work.
We hope you have a supportive work environment for pumping breast milk, but it’s always good to know your rights. Federal law in the U.S. requires employers to provide break time and a private space that is not a bathroom for breastfeeding mothers with a child under one year. There are exceptions noted in the law that you should be aware of, for example with companies that have fewer than 50 employees. Many states have their own laws that must be met, so check with your HR department to understand your rights.
What You’ll Need
The Right Pump. From medical-grade rentals to manual pumps, there are lots of pumps to choose from. Many are covered by insurance, so looking up what models are included in your plan is a great place to get started. Some things to consider as you’re choosing a pump: Efficiency is one of the most important features, like that provided by a double electric pump, meaning you can pump both breasts at the same time. If you’re going to be lugging the pump around all day, you’ll want a small, portable model. Depending on where you’ll be pumping, you may need a battery-operated pump versus a corded one. Some other factors to take into consideration are how loud the pump is and whether it has a hands-free option. Check out the Willow (pictured above), an innovative hands-free pump that fits inside your bra without any external tubes, cords, or bottles.
Pumping Accessories. Once you have the pump, you’ll need the right parts and accessories:
A bag for carrying everything to and from work is key. There are bags specifically for breast pumps, or you can use a fashionable bag that’s big enough to fit the pump plus all the extras, like your cords and battery packs. The Sarah Wells collection comes in a variety of stylish patterns, and the bags are super functional with thermal-lined pockets and space for a laptop.
Most pumps include standard-size breast flanges (the plastic piece that fits over your nipple to create a vacuum and extract your milk), but you may need to purchase a different size for your best, and most comfortable, results. Talk to a lactation consultant if you think your flanges are the wrong size.
Depending on your method of pumping, you’ll want to have plenty of leak-proof storage bags or pumping bottles on hand.
Plus, you’ll want room for all your personal and sanitizing products.
Other Essentials. Clothes can make the difference when pumping at work. Wear nursing tops or button-downs that give you easy access; a non-nursing dress you have to remove can leave you chilly or overexposed. Disposable or reusable nursing pads will keep your clothes dry and stain-free if you happen to leak, but it’s always good to have an extra shirt at work in case of leaks and spills. Hands-free bras, like the Larken X Nursing and Hands-Free Pumping Relaxed Bra (pictured above) have slits where you can insert the flanges for full use of your hands while pumping. Also, have your favorite nipple cream handy to prevent sore nipples. We like Earth Mama’s Organic Nipple Butter, which can be used directly on the breast or flanges and doesn’t need to be washed off before nursing.
Getting the Job Done
Starting Early. As for the actual deed of pumping, you’ll want to begin a few weeks before you go back to work. Start with replacing one nursing session a day with pumping and then feed baby with a bottle to get them used to the bottle. Try having another caregiver do the bottle feeding to mimic what it’ll be like when you’re at work. Aim for completely emptying both breasts every time you pump. Slowly replace more nursing sessions at home until you’re up to the number of feeding sessions you’ll be gone for each day. This will give you and baby time to adjust to the new routine and allow you to test out the best methods and equipment for successful pumping. You’ll also want to build up a stash for that first day and to have as a backup.
Working on a Schedule. Once at work, marking your pumping time on a calendar will help keep your milk production up by ensuring you don’t miss any sessions. If your calendar is public, you can use a generic title like “Meeting” followed by your baby’s initial. In the beginning, you’ll need about 3-4 pumping sessions for a typical work day. Designate enough time to fully empty your breasts and include time to clean your pump.
More Tips. The more relaxed you can be, the more likely you’ll pump well. Easier said than done when adjusting to life as a working mom. Be gentle with yourself as pumping can be fickle and you won’t always have your most productive session. Have a picture or recording of baby handy because it can actually stimulate milk letdown. Sometimes a distraction, like a book or video, will help get the milk flowing. Eventually, the act of pumping itself should become the stimulus and you won’t need those tricks. Lactating is dehydrating and hungry work, so make sure to have healthy snacks and plenty of water with you while you pump.
Storing Milk. It’s important for baby’s health and safety that breastmilk is stored in a safe manner while at work. The best place is in the refrigerator with each storage bag labeled with the date, amount of milk, and baby’s name if the bags will be used by a daycare or more than one mother is storing milk in that fridge. The Kiinde Twist Pouch (pictured above) allows you to pump, store, warm, and feed all with one pouch. The next best thing is storing milk an insulated cooler or compartment with ice packs until you can put it the refrigerator or freezer at home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), freshly expressed milk can be stored at room temperature for 4 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 days, and in a freezer for 6-12 months.
Cleaning Up. Equally as important as storing milk properly is sanitizing the parts and supplies. Always wash your hands before pumping and when handling pump parts. The CDC recommends a specific cleaning method that requires hot water, liquid soap, a scrub brush, and an area to air-dry your supplies after each pumping session. A dishwasher is a good option if you have access to one. If you can’t properly wash your supplies or don’t want to deal with cleaning everything several times a day, pack multiples of anything that comes in contact with your breast or breastmilk (such as the flanges and hoses). Then sanitize all the parts at home. Another option is the Medela Quick Clean Micro-Steam Bag, which disinfects pump parts in the microwave in just 3 minutes.
Travel Considerations
If you have to travel for work while pumping, plan ahead to figure out how you’ll be able to clean the parts and store your milk. A car charger and adapter that is compatible with your pump works well for road trips. A breast pump is considered a medical device for air travel, so it doesn’t count against your carry-on baggage. There is no specific limit on how many ounces of milk you can take on a plane, but you’ll need to store it properly. As with any liquid, you may have to take it out of your cooler during security screenings. Shipping breastmilk straight to your home is also possible with services like Milk Stork. You can supply your child with milk while you’re away, and you don’t have to carry multiple ounces back on the plane.
There’s a special place in our heart for moms that travel: whether it’s with baby (or tot, or tween) in tow on a long car ride or a solo flight for a work trip, moms are always on the lookout for low-fuss, practical items that simplify their lives (and packing time). As frequent travelers ourselves, our team of mom-editors put a few products to the test. Read on to get their recommendations.
Unbound Merino Women's Black V-Neck T
Unbound Merino
This shirt had a big promise: the only shirt you'll need. As parents we know that there's a ton of little things (peanut-butter finger smears, leaking milk, spit-up, strange shiny stains we can't account for) that can ruin a shirt quick, so the concept of one shirt travel seemed a little ambitious.
So, our Managing Editor put it to the test. Literally. The claim? This Unbound's Merino Black Mernio V-Neck t-shirt was wicking, odor resistant, light weight, fast drying and nice enough that it can go from pick-up to date night, with the right accessories.
"I was skeptical, I'm not going to lie. That's a lot to claim, but I love to travel as light as possible so I decided I'd give it a try. This shirt actually gets better with every wash, but I've only had to wash it twice in a month (and the second time was in a bathroom sink with...hand soap!) It dried in about two hours just hanging there, and was as fresh as ever. Also, it doesn't wrinkle. I don't really like t-shirts, but this one, I love and will willingly throw out all of my others."
The price tag may seem steep for a single shirt, but it's probably the closest thing you'll find to a miracle in clothing form. It actually does resist odors, and it's better after the 3rd day. If you pack a blouse or two, this really would be the only t-shirt you need. For all you moms out there, get yourself a two-pack and you'll be set for a week.
Compression socks are not what they used to be (prescription only, for example). Dr. Segals offer a lightweight compression sock that are designed to combat muscle and leg fatigue and discomfort brought on by long car rides, air travel or even everyday life (aka pregnancy and postpartum).
Because of an injury, our editor suffers from frequent leg cramps while traveling, so she was eager to try these out. "They felt great, not too tight, and I did feel less strain on my feet, especially. But the real test was to whether or not I'd get leg cramps on a flight. I am happy to say that on a recent two-and-a-half hour flight I did not get a foot or leg cramp, which is unusual for me."
These socks are not overly-constricting so while they are not medical grade, they would definitely work for pregnant women as well. The best part? They are adorable! They come in a variety of styles from stripes, to patterns to solids, so they don't have that orthopedic look.
These compression leggings aren't like the rest; yes they hold it all in, including your tummy, thanks to the fabric and the high stretchy waist. But unlike other compression fabrics, Belly Bandit's are remarkably comfortable. You could easily wear these all day! (buh-bye, zippers!)
Our editor said, "Even though I'm vertically challenged—aka short—the high waist still worked fine for me and they weren't super long. I felt sucked in but not too sucked in, so felt good wearing these on a flight. The added 'moto' element made them look a little fancier than your average legging. Also, they dry fast if you need to spot clean."
The come in steel, black and army. Get yours at bellybandit.com for $89.95
Lissom Flyte Shoes in Python
Lissom
Whether you're heading from pilates to playground or having lunch with clients, the Lissom Flyte shoes are so lightweight it's almost like going barefoot (but with all the support you need). They mold right to your foot, too, so you can't beat the comfort and they come in a ton of colors, though our fave this year is the Python. They're like a ballet flat meets a running shoe.
Our Managing Editor put them to the runway test—as in running to catch a flight. "I thought they wouldn't have enough support to run in, and I wouldn't do a workout in these, but if you need to dash after a toddler or grab your flight, treat yourself to these. They also weigh next to nothing and are pretty flat so they work great as a second shoe in your carry-on."
Travelambo Front Pocket Minimalist Leather Slim Wallet RFID Blocking Medium Size
Amazon
With over 1500 5-star reviews on Amazon, this slim little wallet is as popular as it is sleek. Not only is it small enough to slide into the pocket of your skinny jeans, it's RFID blocking and comes in 42 different colors. And did we mention the price tag? From as little as $6.79.
Our editor says, "My college-aged niece wanted a wallet that she could 'put in her pocket' but it was hard to find something that was both attractive and fit the bill. Since most of the colors of this wallet were under $8 we took a chance. She loved it so much we got one for her mom and one for me, too!"
A headband from SugarSky is the perfect addition to a busy mom’s arsenal. With over 37 different prints (see the latest collection here), each one can be worn four different ways! The bands are also handsewn in the U.S. and are made from 79% recycled water bottles. Now, that’s a fashion-forward idea we can get behind.
Our Sr. Editor swears by these for good hair days, bad hair days and all the in-between days. She never travels without them.
This grown-up bag for moms has a high-end look with a moderate price tag. It's roomy enough to hold your laptop, a change of clothes, plenty of snacks, a book, charging cords and more, all without looking overstuffed. It zips on the top, so you don't have to worry about stuff spilling out. It comes with a removable small clutch with a cute chain strap, which fits perfectly right in the outside pocket, so you have something evening-ready without having to pack two purses.
"My favorite feature of this bag," says our Managing Editor, "is the pockets. There's an inner zip pocket, and the outside one that fits the clutch, but there's also two very deep hidden pockets that held my giant iPhone, a notebook, and the headphones with room to spare. I even had room for a water bottle in the other one. The whole bag doesn't feel overly heavy either, even when you load up all your mom stuff."
Your little sugarplums may be squarely on Santa’s “nice” list—but all bets are off when they’re hungry and tired and waiting in a 45-minute line to see the Big Guy himself. Of course, teaching your child coping skills takes time, so we talked to an expert who gave us a moment-by-moment cheat sheet for handling those big emotions during the holidays. Keep reading for tips on how to keep your holiday helpers happy.
The Trigger: Crowds, temptation (TOYS!), overstimulation
“The holidays are kind of like going to war when you have kids,” said Kathina Firme, a California school psychologist who specializes in treating preschoolers. “Toddlers can get really overstimulated. It’s the people, the noise, the traffic. They just aren’t able to regulate themselves. You have to plan for that.”
The Solution: Get to the stores earlier in the day to avoid crowds. Before you go in, lay out the ground rules: (i.e. if you want to allow “just one small treat," explain that they have to stay close, etc.). “You can prevent a lot of tantrums by looking at the triggers," said Firme, who worked as a consultant on a genius go-to kit called Tantrum Fix, which comes with an assortment of items to help little ones calm down, mid-meltdown (and the proper language to use before they start simmering). “Most of those things, it’s like, ‘OK you’re hungry. You’re tired. You’re uncomfortable. It’s the same as adults but it’s more exaggerated because they can’t express that.”
Another tip: “You can prevent a lot of tantrums by meeting their basic needs,” Firme said. Be sure to bring snacks, and don’t be afraid to rely on electronics. If the grocery cart is the only place you let your little one loose with an iPad, lose the guilt. If it keeps everyone happy (and it’s limited), it’s all good, Firme said.
If you've got older kids, let them help find things at the store! Give them a scavenger hunt-style list of items to find and let them cruise the aisles. (Psst—we've got some great ones!)
The Trigger: Boredom. Attention is on the sibling. Hunger if the show is during dinnertime hours or tiredness if the show is at night.
The Solution: Distraction—and backup. Bring something for the child to do during the show or snack on in case he gets bored (lollipops work well because they're quiet, kids love them and they last longer than, say, fruit snacks). Sit near an aisle so you or your partner can make an easy exit if your little one just can’t sit still.
The Trigger: Overstimulation. Too many faces/people. Staying up past bedtime.
The Solution: If you know the party is going to go late, try to get your child to take a nap earlier in the day. Then, once you're at the party, try to steer end-of-the-night activities toward something more mellow (like a movie or coloring). When it's time to go, don't do long goodbyes, just get out while your kiddo is still in a good mood.
For older kids, try one of our awesome holiday scavenger hunts to keep them busy so you can mingle with the fam.
When You're Grocery Shopping/Waiting in a Checkout Line
The Solution: Keep children busy while you're waiting (see above link for line games). "I Spy" is an easy go-to game for little ones—as are these free printable scavenger hunts. Let kids help do the shopping by giving them things to put in the cart, or having them load the conveyer belt when it's time to pay. Praise them for being "helpers."
The Trigger: Anticipation of later events, parties, gifts, etc. Lack of sleep.
The Solution: Pack special "surprises" in your child's lunchbox, so she has something to look forward to during the school day. These can be special holiday snacks, a special note or a small toy (if that's OK with your child's teacher).
When You're on the Long Drive (or Flight) to Grandma's House
The Solution: Plan for the trip by making a special bag of treats/activities for the drive. These can be anything from a special holiday movie to a box of tiny wrapped toys (Dollar Store toys are totally fine!). If you need more ideas, see our list of simple air travel hacks for kids.
