The holidays may still be several months away, but you can get a jump on it thanks to Amazon’s annual “Toys We Love” list. With picks ranging from baby to 12 and older, these best-selling and hot toys take the guesswork out of picking the perfect toys for kids. We’ve picked our top 10 faves, so keep scrolling!
Babies & Toddlers
Tegu Magnetic Wooden Block Set
For parents who love wooden toys, this new set of Tegu blocks is perfect. The 42-piece set comes with nine shapes (including magnetic wheels), and contains no small parts, lead, plastic and is made with non-toxic, water-based lacquer finish.
Little Tikes First Bathroom Sink with Real Working Faucet
Kiddos constantly under your feet while you're getting ready? Get them their own bathroom! This adorable new playset comes with an electric pump that runs actual water through the working stink. In addition, littles can style their own hair with the working hair dryer and play with other realistic bathroom accessories like a toothbrush, toothpaste, mirror, comb and more.
Do you have a budding veterinarian? They'll love this adorable 10-inch plush monkey that actually plays sounds! Coming with a stethoscope and syringe, kids can take care of their furry friend, in addition to scanning the QR code to gain access to exclusive NatGeo content.
Time to throw another shrimp on the barbie! This adorable bundle set comes with everything Bluey needs for time at home with the fam: a huge four-room house, removable furniture, Bluey, Bingo, Chilli (Mum), and Bandit (Dad).
Melissa & Doug Blue's Clues & You! Wooden Cooking Play Set
This set is 42 pieces of fun! So what comes inside? Twenty give double-sided cardstock food pieces, pot with lid, plate, utensils, spatula, serving spoon, paw print-shaped oven mitt, wooden Mr. Salt, Mrs. Pepper and Slippery Soap, cookbook activity card and reusable grocery list! The reversible top can transform into a grill or sink, and has click and turn knobs.
Easily throw pottery with National Geographic's new innovative pottery wheel. It comes with a tool to help easily create bowls and pots, plus there are no batteries required!
The gang's all here! This four pack of villains comes with Cruella De Vil, the Evil Queen, Maleficent, and Ursula, complete with accessories in bright colors.
Raya's Journey: an Enchanted Forest Board Game for Kids
Join Raya and her friends as they seek to save Kumandra. Players will use dice to navigate the board, look under decorative teak sculpts and try to be the first to the finish line.
The fresh, coastal air awaits when you book your next family vacation at one of these charming lighthouses. From a private island in Maine to some beauties along the Northern California coast, these lighthouse rentals offer the perfect escape from the daily grind that your family is craving. Dream about the days of yore and enjoy some family time at an Airbnb vacation rental you won’t soon forget!
East Coast
Stay in an Historic Lighthouse | Cape Cod, MA
Airbnb
For a true New England vacation with a killer view, you can have this entire historic lighthouse and its adjacent home all to yourself. Located at the tip of Wings Neck Point along the western coast of Cape Cod, the lighthouse was built in 1849 and completely renovated in 2003. Formerly a U.S. Coast Guard lighthouse, the light tower still stands next to the original three-bedroom keepers home. Kids will love climbing the whirling stairs and subsequent ladder to reach the glass top of the lighthouse, where they'll get a 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean and the adjacent rocky shores. And, when just looking at the water isn't enough, there is a private sandy beach nearby where kids can swim in the gentle waves of the bay.
This property was established in 1828, making it the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in Maryland and the fifth-oldest lighthouse on the Chesapeake Bay. This site has been lovingly restored so that it can be enjoyed by all. Proceeds from this beautiful rental site will support the CMM and a lighthouse endowment set up for its continued care.
You'll have 360 degrees of views to enjoy at this lovely lighthouse on the East Coast. Formerly a US Coast Guard Lighthouse, the light tower still stands attached by a breezeway to a fully functional three bedroom keepers home. Guests can climb the mahogany spiral staircase and view the Atlantic from the lantern room, read about the history of the lighthouse and explore the rocky slopes around the property.
Relax in this spacious rental that even has an elevator allowing easy access to all three floors. Three bedrooms allow you to spread out and the large kitchen is available for you to enjoy a meal. Walk to nearby restaurants or enjoy the marina life.
If you are looking for an off-the-grid adventure with your kid crew, head to Maine where you can stay at this gorgeous property that has four rooms and cottage for rent. This lighthouse station property is on the National Register of Historic Places and you'll find it peaceful and remote. Take the mail boat out of Stonington to Isle au Haut Town Landing where a van will pick you up and bring you to the property.
Your whole family will love staying in this carefully-restored 1850's lighthouse. Stunning interior opens onto an amazing four season sunroom and wraparound deck with panoramic views of Lake Superior. Soak up lake breezes, curl up on oversized sofas, or enjoy meals in the gourmet kitchen.
Built in 1838, the Selkirk Lighthouse still guards the Salmon River Harbor at its convergence with Lake Ontario, its beacon shining brightly today for fishing charters that call the marina home and for mariners and families enjoying a special stay in this historic structure. Stunning sunsets, a beautiful sandy beach directly across the river, and many area activities are available.
Head Keepers' House at Point Arena Lighthouse | Point Arena, CA
Kate Loweth
You'll love the serenity that comes with this rental on the Mendocino Coast. It has two bedrooms, a bathroom and a full kitchen with a living room to relax in, but the best is the property that surrounds it. You can walk up to the top of the lighthouse to see if you can spot any whales passing by or walk the coastal paths to take in the fresh air. Read all there is to do in Mendocino with kids here.
This gorgeous spot along the Mendocino Coastline is home to sunbathing seals, migrating whales and all the shorebirds you love. They recently renovated their assistant lighthouse keeper's house and two cottages that are available to rent. Sleeping up to six people, these residences provide easy access to the lighthouse and gorgeous coastline.
This hostel recently converted its rooms to private rentals and they are perfect for families. There are three units available and each sleeps up to 10 people. You'll have your own kitchen and an outdoor dining area with gorgeous views of the California coast. Walk just north of the lighthouse and there are some easily-accessible tide pools—perfect for exploring. Swing by downtown Pescadero or Pie Ranch for some tasty grub. Read this story for more Pescadero must-stop spots.
210 Pigeon Point Rd. Pescadero, CA Online: hiusa.org
The Light House Inn | Eureka, CA
Airbnb
This beautiful home has three bedrooms to rent, each with its own bathroom. The remainder of the property including the crow's nest, game room and jacuzzi are shared among the guests. Views of Humboldt Bay will be your favorite.
With two bedrooms, the lighthouse sleeps about 6. The main level has a full kitchen, living room, dining room, and full bathroom—and outside decks that wrap around the entire property. The master bedroom is on the second floor with a queen bed, and the third floor has the second bedroom, outfitted with four bunks, and a half bath. The lighthouse has an outdoor hot tub that everyone will love.
If you are tired of buying toxic chemicals to clean your home, you can easily DIY homemade cleaners using the recipes below.
Non-Toxic Cleaners for the Bathroom
1. DIY Hand Soap
With the current pandemic raising havoc worldwide, I always do everything humanly possible to keep my kids safe. This means preparing an effective and non-toxic hand soap for them to use every day when they come home from school or after using the toilet.
For non-toxic hand soap, you need to fill 25% of the soap dispenser with liquid or grated castile soap and then top it up with water. Mix it well and place it in the bathroom for everyone to use after visiting the toilet or getting home.
2. Disinfectant
Despite being where we clean our bodies, the bathroom floors are prone to bacteria infestations; therefore, Eco Peanut recommends that you disinfect them regularly. And being an environmentally conscious parent, you can prepare a simple yet effective disinfectant for your floor using simple ingredients like lime, lemon, lime peels and white vinegar. Mix 0.24 liters of white vinegar, lime peels, juice of one lime and juice of one lemon and 0.24 liters of water. Mix this well and spray it on the bathroom floor and then rinse it after a few minutes.
3. DIY Toilet Cleaner
For the toilet, I have two solutions (heavy-duty and mellow cleaners) that I prepare for specific types of cleaning. The mellow cleaner keeps the toilet clean daily, while the heavy-duty formula helps with stain removal.
4. Mellow Cleaner Recipe for Toilets
To prepare this mellow toilet cleaner, you need to mix 0.24 liters of white vinegar, half a cup of baking soda, and one and a half teaspoons of tea tree essential oil, lavender, grapefruit or orange essential oils. Mix it well before cleaning your toilet. This DIY toilet cleaner will leave your toilet clean and smelling nice.
5. Heavy-Duty Cleaner Recipe for Toilets
For a heavy-duty cleaner, you should mix 0.24 liters of white vinegar, ¾ cup of baking soda, five drops of lemon essential oils and 10 drops of lavender essential oils. Mix them well before scrubbing your toilet.
6. DIY Shower & Tub Cleaner
For the tub and shower, I also have two unique recipes that I use, one is for heavy-duty cleaning, and the other is for mellow cleaning.
Mellow Cleaning Recipe for Tubs & Showers: I always spray some white vinegar on the shower’s surfaces or the tub for mellow cleaning and let it sit for about half an hour before rinsing it.
Heavy-Duty Cleaning Recipe for Tubs & Showers: For deep cleaning, I mix half a cup of salt, washing soda, a cup of baking soda and five drops of lemon. Mix the mixture well and then sprinkle it on a damp floor and leave it for about 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing the floor.
Non-Toxic Cleaners for the Kitchen
7. DIY Clogged Sink Drain Cleaner
For clogged pipes, I have a simple yet effective formula that I learned from my grandmother. To unclog the sink drain, I always pour eight tablespoons of salt and eight tablespoons of baking soda down the drain. And then top it up with some water and let it sit for about three hours.
When dealing with a grim-clogging situation, I always leave the mixture in the drain overnight. And then repeat this process twice to clear the drain.
8. DIY Dishwasher Detergent
A huge percentage of dishwashing detergents have fragrances that trigger allergic reactions in allergy sufferers. So if any member of your family has allergies, you should try a DIY dishwasher detergent. Mix 0.24 liters of water with liquid castile soap and then add it to the first detergent compartment. Fill the other compartment with four teaspoons of lime or lemon juice and white vinegar.
9. DIY Countertop Cleaner
Instead of wasting a lot of cash on a branded cleaner with toxic chemicals, you can mix water and vinegar. If your countertops are not made from stone, granite or marble, then you can create a mixture containing one part water and one part vinegar and put it all in a spray bottle.
But for marble, granite and stone surface, you should mix 0.36 liters of water, 0.12 liters of rubbing alcohol, half a teaspoon of liquid castile soap and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Shake the mixture well and rub it gently on the surfaces using a cotton cloth.
Non-Toxic Cleaners for the Rest of the House
10. DIY Furniture Polish
For non-wood furniture, I mix 0.18 liters of olive oil with 0.6 liters of vinegar and apply the mixture to the furniture. This all-purpose cleaner works perfectly with a wide range of materials except for wooden surfaces.
For wooden surfaces, you need 0.96 liters of hot water, three teaspoons of white vinegar and six teaspoons of olive oil. Apply this mixture to wood surfaces and wipe gently using a cotton cloth.
11. DIY Floor Cleaner
For my floor, all I need is a mixture of warm water and three teaspoons of washing soda and I am good to go. After cleaning the floors, I always apply a mixture of white vinegar and olive oil in certain parts of the house and then rub it to create a shiny thin coat.
12. DIY Mirror & Window Cleaner
For my windows, I mix 5 parts water, 1 part white vinegar, squeeze some juice from half a lemon and some lemon peels in my spray bottle. Shake the mixture well before washing all the windows and mirrors in the house. You can spread the mixture all over the window using a cotton cloth or sponge.
About a year ago, I ventured onto a round trip flight across the US with my 6 month old daughter, Lily Love in tow. The first leg of the trip was a bit of a disaster. The 2nd leg- we were prepared. Below are our lessons learned:
-If possible, try and take a non-red eye. People seem more understanding when they aren’t trying to sleep.
-Get to the airport at least an hour and a half before. Rushing just adds to the stress level.
-You can check 2 pieces of luggage for babe-no charge.
-Recommend putting ID, boarding pass, $ etc. in an easy to access spot- I used the front zip pocket of my Ergo.
-Board when first class boards- babies get priority.
-Introduce yourself and your baby to the flight attendants- they are your new best friends.
-If possible, try to get on a flight at an unpopular time. We flew from JFK to LAX at 5:30pm on a Wed. We got a row with the middle seat open. That was a game changer because I could put toys on the middle chair; I laid her down, let her spread out etc. The chances of getting a middle seat increase the farther back in the plane you are. Also- an aisle seat is very helpful, as I was up walking most of the time.
-Be prepared for the worst. Sounds ominous but it helped because the second time around, I had my game face on. The first leg I thought I’d watch a movie, possibly nap. Didn’t happen. Be prepared to be super mom the whole flight if flying solo. I drank coffee prior because drinking during the flight can be tricky. I also packed myself a lot of easy to eat snacks to avoid becoming H-Angry
– Wearing my little one was super helpful. Hands free is the way to be, if you’re ok with not taking your car seat for added safety. Practice getting in and out of your baby carrier by yourself. I also had a dad gear backpack vs. a diaper bag because it’s got great, big compartments, fits under the seat and left my hands available.
-Have something for your little one to suck on ascending and descending so their ears don’t pop. Breastfeeding worked like a charm but pacifiers, bottle or fingers work too.
-If breastfeeding- bring a cover. This was also helpful for getting my little one to nap because our neighbor had her reading light on a lot during the flight.
-Routine goes out the door. Not a lot of parenting went on during our flights. My goals were just to keep her safe and happy. Whenever she cried, I offered her food. If that didn’t work, we walked.
– Bring lots of toys. I had a mini arsenal. I recommend bringing binky clips so they don’t fall on the floor.
-Bring a change of clothes for little one and you. Poop happens. Also, a warm wrap, scarf for both. American Airlines offered blankets, some do and some don’t. Also-plastic bags are helpful for dirty clothes.
-Walking around the plane is great- my little one loved the people and the lights.
-When in a pinch, go to the bathroom. Mid wail, I’d just go to the bathroom and whip out a boob. My little one also loved the bathroom mirror. I recommend buying a little Purell bottle in the airport to keep the germs at bay
-Don’t let people get to you. You’re doing your best and people should understand.
I’m a beauty hunter, a dreamer, a learner and a doer. I'm also a mama to 2 wild ones (Lily Love + Bear). As a self proclaimed forest fairy + forest school founder, I believe in nature and magic and know that growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.
How do you make an Airstream extra dreamy? Add a touch of Pottery Barn! The two popular brands have collaborated to release a new Pottery Barn Special Edition Travel Trailer—and it’s oh so splurge worthy!
The new Airstream trailer features the standard amenities, including a dedicated kitchen, bathroom, sleeping and relaxing areas. But it levels up with hardware, soft goods, fixtures and touches inspired by Pottery Barn. The includes a unique solid oak wood dinette table, matte black pull-down kitchen faucet, wall sconces and custom storage solutions in the bedroom, plus Pottery Barn’s Belgian Flax Linen Bedding.
Another unique touch? The outdoor hanging table that attaches to the trailer’s exterior, the perfect spot for a midday snack or evening drink. When you’re ready to pack up and move on, it stows in a rear storage compartment.
Of course, this high-end collaboration isn’t exactly cheap. But if you’re ready to travel in style (or work and learn on the road) it’s worth a look, especially since the Airstream sleeps up to five people. The MSRP is $145,500 and it’s available at dealers nationwide now.
Whether you are looking for a little staycation spot to bring the kids, or you are visiting from out of town, we’ve got the perfect family-friendly rentals for you. These family-friendly vacation rentals offer great locations, unique stays and even pools for those hot Texas nights, all at prices much lower than hotels. Please note, prices listed were valid at the time of publication but rates can fluctuate at different times of the year. Scroll on to see our top picks in the Dallas area.
Cross TImbers Lakefront Cabin | Grafod, TX
Airbnb
Enjoy a relaxing vacation at this waterfront home nestled into the Cross Timbers forest with beautiful panoramic lake views and a partially covered swim dock on deep water. Truly, this home boasts some of the best views on Possum Kingdom and has expansive, open water in front of it.
Soak up the serene beauty of Lake Bridgeport from this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Chico! Overlooking the peaceful waters of the lake, the vacation rental offers an abundance of amenities like a private dock, furnished patio, and an open interior with all the comforts of home. Kids will love hanging out with their friends and enjoying the outdoor adventure nearby.
This Cozy little cabin is just 15 miles west of Graham, TX. Watch the beautiful sunsets off the front porch while rocking in a rocking chair. They also have available a fire pit to sit by the fire under the stars.
Head south of the city to DeSoto, TX and you'll find this stunner that has something for everyone. The pool is perfect for the whole family and there's also a pool table and movie room for when it's just too hot to be outside. Just 20 minutes to Cowboy's Stadium, you're perfectly situated in this rental.
Right off I-35, this charming house is well decorated and ready to welcome your family. 20 minutes from the DFW airport and just five minutes to shops, you'll have everything you need nearby. Dogs are welcome with an additional $200 fee. The kids will especially love the pool on a hot day.
If you've been wanting to take a trip to check out Magnolia Market and perhaps catch a glimpse of your favorite Fixer Upper stars, Chip and Joanna Gaines, The Helm is the coziest spot around. This tiny house accommodates up to 4 guests and boasts lots of high-end amenities. And of course, shiplap.
Located near Waco, Texas and about 20 miles from the downtown area, this expansive farm stay includes an incredibly unique converted grain silo with all the amenities, including a sleeping loft, full bathroom, kitchen and a fishing pond on site. Visit with the sheep and llamas and relax in the peace and quiet.
The sweltering summer I was pregnant with twins, I ventured into the uncharted territory of playgrounds. I had heard about a moms’ group that gathered at the park near the hospital where I would give birth.
Even though my babies were still buns in the oven, I couldn’t wait to plug into a network of ladies who knew a thing or two about raising kids in NYC. Without family nearby, that group became my lifeline. In true, pregnant-and-ready-to-burst style, I asked a gazillion questions.
One mom still stands out in my memory nine years later. For one, she brought me the most delicious spaghetti and meatballs a week after my twins arrived.
More vividly, though, I recall one morning in Central Park. She stationed herself in a shady area near the center of the playground, from which she could spot her toddler no matter which direction he wandered. She pointed out her son navigating a ladder. Suddenly, we noticed a wet spot appear and spread down his shorts.
“We’re potty training,” she explained as she rushed over. I glanced around, mortified on her behalf, as she grabbed her stroller and offspring and fled the scene.
Fast forward three years, and I endured my own potty-training marathon. Each of my four children responded to different approaches and took their own time. I’m happy to report that diapers no longer have permanent residence on our shopping list.
Here are some tips that might click for your family—and save you some tears, diapers, and gray hairs along your journey.
Set Everyone Up for Success
1. Explore potty training books with your child. Never underestimate the motivational power of Elmo and Thomas the Train.
2. Check for signs of readiness, such as staying dry longer, an interest in using the toilet, and the ability to pull pants up and down.
3. Offer rewards (stickers, M&M’s, toys, videos, trips, phone calls to Grandma) for accomplishments (sitting on the potty, peeing, pooping, earning 10 stickers, staying dry all day, etc.)
4. Drink lots of fluids to encourage successful bathroom trips. My kids loved the new straw cups that arrived the day we started potty training. They drank so much water, they were constantly needing to pee.
5. Make no plans. Instead, celebrate a successful toilet trip with a diaper-free walk around the block. Then come home, drink up, and get ready for round two.
Get the Right Gear
6. Try various toilet options. With a small, stand-alone potty chair, you can model sitting on the regular toilet while your child sits on her potty. It’s not as intimidating as the big toilet. Store the seat in the tub or shower to save space and contain messes. Or, try a kids-sized seat to place on top of a regular toilet (great for saving space and traveling).
7. Invest in a step stool so little legs feel grounded while sitting on the toilet and kids can reach the sink to wash hands.
8. Teach kids to work their own sticky tabs on regular diapers to avoid Pull-Ups, which are expensive and hard to neatly roll up when soiled.
9. Let kids pick out their “big-kid underwear” as an incentive. Emphasize how cool and comfy they are. More absorbent styles work well for the initial accident stage. Once you leap to underwear, stick with it. Resist reverting to diapers.
There Will Be Accidents
10. Always keep the nearest bathroom on your radar. For kids who are reluctant to use public restrooms, stash a portable potty and plastic bag under your stroller. Or, bring a diaper they can quickly use and discard.
11. Don’t be afraid of accidents. Bring a gallon Ziploc bag filled with wipes and a complete change of clothes (socks too!) wherever you go. Use the bag to contain soiled clothes after an outfit change. No need to cut your outing short.
12. If your child poops in his underwear or diaper, let him watch as you dump the poop into the toilet. Say, “This is where poop goes.” It’s OK to throw away grossly soiled underwear. Otherwise, rinse dirty clothes in the bathtub before laundering.
It’s All about Timing
13. Train during warm weather so kids can roam the house naked without goosebumps. Dealing with accidents outside is also much easier without winter layers.
14. Avoid potty training your toddler while you have your hands full with a newborn. Either train a few months before the new baby arrives (and prepare for backsliding) or wait a couple of months after birth when you can refocus on your toddler.
15. Set your phone alarm to ring hourly so you don’t forget to take a family bathroom trip.
16. To give yourself and/or a reluctant toddler a deadline to work with, stop buying diapers. Show your child the dwindling diaper supply and hype it up. “How exciting! You have 12 more diapers in your drawer, and then it will be time to wear underwear all day!” Let your child pick how many diapers should go in the drawer and hide or give away the rest.
17. Until you’re ready to tackle nighttime and naptime potty training, say matter-of-factly, “We wear underwear during the day and diapers to sleep.”
Potty Training Is Not over Once They’re Big Kids
18. Understand that normal, healthy kids can wet the bed up to 8 years old.
19. Protect the mattress with a waterproof pad. Have extra sheets nearby for nighttime changes. Or, double up as you make the bed so you can peel off the wet sheets and mattress pad in the middle of the night and already have a dry set ready underneath.
20. If you’re fed up with both diapers and wet sheets, wake your child for a midnight bathroom trip.
Hang in there! What resonates with one child may not with the next, so keep calm, avoid power struggles, and get creative. Some kids need a weekend to run around in their birthday suit and see their pee on the floor. Others will learn from playgroup toileting routines. Some will have 100 accidents and others only one. A little patience and a lot of wipes will go a long way.
Kristin Van de Water is a former journalist and teacher who relies on humor, faith, and her mom crew to get her through the day. Raising four kids in a two-bedroom NYC apartment, Kristin is always on the lookout for life hacks to save time, space, money, and her sanity.
Whether you’re tired of the clutter or just getting the house in shape while you’re home so much, it doesn’t have to be an expensive task. From organizing kid toy chaos to purging your pantry, these dollar store organization hacks won’t break the bank and will give you all the Marie Kondo vibes. Keep scrolling to see some simple ways to stretch a dollar and clean the house at the same time.
Bathroom drawers driving you crazy? Pick up a few smaller bins and boxes to get everything in check. Most of the time, small organizers like these are two or three for one dollar, a major score! Use for hair ties, floss, and anything else that is rolling around in those drawers.
Lots of small bags and clutches lying around? Gran a $1 lid holder the next time you're in the kitchen aisle at the dollar store like The Organized Mama did, and you have instant organization! The simple and versatile holder will keep your purses neat and tidy.
Keep the kids (and yourself) organized when it comes to school lunches. The brilliant minds at Design Improvised created a lunch station that includes simple bins to keep lunchboxes, snacks and containers neat and tidy. We love this idea because it give kids the autonomy to get themselves ready for school.
Nail polish piling up in a box somewhere? Now you can put it on display easily with a dollar store spice rack. Liz Marie shares this simple idea which not only organizes your polish, but prevents you from buying the same shade of pink over and over.
Raise your hand if your bathroom or kitchen sink cabinets are a mess! By Lauren M shows how easy it can be with a few baskets to get all the cleaning supplies and necessities under control.
Pantry a disaster? Whip into shape with dollar store bins like The Social Home! With some careful planning and neutral products, you can store dry goods in both plastic and glass containers that will have your pantry looking like something out of a magazine shoot, no matter how big or small.
Are you scared to open the linen closet because of the overflow of sheets and towels? Kim at Today's Creative Life has put dollar store bins to good use and the result is an organized linen closet. Add in some labels and you'll never end up with a mouthful of falling towels again!
Simple Toy Bins
Easily corral toys with dollar store bins. Choose from a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and simply label to keep multi-part toys like LEGO bricks, marble runs, dolls clothes, cars and more.
Keep your mom mobile in ship shape by using simple plastic shower caddies! They are perfect for storing all your car essentials, like changes of clothes, snacks, wipes, diapers and pretty much anything a mama on the go needs. Castro Family Happynings came up with this idea and it has served her road-tripping fam perfectly!
Want a stylish yet functional way to keep your jewelry tangle free? Use a dollar store wire basket like this one from Smile & Wave DIY and you have instant organization.
Whether you're a creative crafter or your kids love to keep a huge art supply stash, getting organized with dollar store bins is a breeze. Clutter Bug uses inexpensive bins and DIY labels to get her must-have supplies in tip top shape.
Pay attention to your father. Yes of course I mean listen to what he says. But more importantly, carefully observe what he does. You’ll learn, probably at a very young age, that people don’t always do what they say. You’ll learn that talk can often be cheap if actions don’t back it up.
See how he clears the dinner plates and loads the dishwasher without being asked? Do you know why he does that? Because he lives here too. Because I made dinner, and he ate it. It’s not a favor to me or to you. It’s just what Dad does.
Hey, where did Dad go, you wonder, as we play with your blocks? Hear that sound coming from upstairs? He’s running your bath. He’s carefully making sure the temperature is warm enough for you, but not the scalding hot that I prefer when I occasionally get in the tub. He’s dumping your bath toys in the bubbles and picking out your pajamas. He’s filling the humidifier with water and testing out your ceiling light that will project stars and moons while you drift off to sleep. It’s pretty cool that he does that, right? He doesn’t get a badge for it though, nor has he ever sought one. It’s just what your Dad does.
Here comes the delivery man again! What’s in that box? It looks like the next shipment of the formula that Dad carefully researched when I couldn’t produce enough breastmilk in those first deliriously exhausting weeks of your life. I vaguely remember the spreadsheets and charts Dad made to compare and contrast formulas, both domestic and European. He took the lead and not only ordered the first shipment but tracks when we run low to place new orders. To be honest, I wouldn’t even know where to turn if he weren’t here and I needed to order more. Sure, I’d figure it out. But this is really Dad’s department because this is what he does.
Do you remember your first Navy football game? Of course not, because you were 10 weeks old and slept through the whole thing. Except of course when it was time to eat. There’s your Dad, sitting in the end zone, cheering for Navy’s touchdown while shaking up a bottle for you. He didn’t pass you to me, and he didn’t stop yelling. He cradled you and fed you when it was time. If he noticed the confused looks on peoples’ faces at what they were witnessing, he didn’t let on. It was time for you to eat, and he fed you. Because that is what Dad does.
We took you to see your Grandpa when you turned five months old. It was your first plane trip. Just two hours to Tampa, but my anxiety was at peak performance and I could barely handle the anticipation of a plane ride with an infant. No sooner did the plane take off, you did what babies do at inconvenient times: you pooped yourself. Once we hit a cruising altitude, daddy unbuckled his seatbelt and stood up. Then he took you out of my arms, grabbed the diaper bag and headed off to the bathroom. I couldn’t believe my eyes, and those around us were equally dumbfounded when they realized what was going on. I’m certain that most thought it was odd for the Dad to change a baby in the plane bathroom. It shouldn’t be odd though. It should be completely normal, just like there should be changing tables in men’s restrooms. I was just curious how he did it at all because Dad’s not a small man. But he did it, and he brought me back a clean baby who slept the rest of the way to see Grandpa. Because that’s the kind of thing your Dad does.
I was all thumbs when you were born. Not only did I have several complications from birth that I was trying to heal from, but I had no idea what to simultaneously do with a baby. Your instruction book was lost somewhere between where you came from and where you landed. I had this notion before you were born that my role was to take care of you and Daddy’s role was to take care of me. As it turned out, Daddy took care of us both, and he hasn’t stopped. He forces me straight to bed when I’ve had a rough day at work; he insists on take-out when he knows I don’t feel much like cooking; he dances with you in your room until you squeal; he’s been spotted on the monitor app singing Bob Marley songs to you while you two flip through books; he goes to every single one of your doctor’s appointments with his list of questions; dances in the circle with all of the moms at your My Gym classes, and whips you up Belgian waffles on the weekends. That Dad of yours; it’s just what he does.
I never heard him say he was “afraid he’d break you” as a reason for not holding you when you were tiny. He never said he couldn’t change your diaper because it made him gag, (which it probably did). He never babysits you, because there’s no such thing as babysitting your own child; Never feigns “cluelessness” because he knows just as much as I do that it’s nothing more than a cop-out and deliberate attempt to shirk parenting duties. And he’s never expected me to do the lion’s share of the work because I’m the woman. We both work full time. We both parent you. We are both exhausted. We do it together. We are a team.
One day you may decide you want a meaningful relationship or to be married. Until that day comes, keep an eye on your Dad and make notes of how he treats me, you, your doggies and all else with respect. It’s how we hope you’ll choose to be too.
Political affairs pro, freelance writer, Philly native, dog and human mom, Key West obsessed, former Capitol Hill staffer, one-time stand-up comic, fledgling novelist, side hustler, beauty products junkie. Lives in MD with her husband Josh, son Huckleberry and two giant retriever lap dogs named Frank and Stein. Connect with me here: https://aimeelubin.com/
They never want your help, unless it’s something they can for sure do by themselves. Like when they want that thing that’s right next to them. But for some reason they cannot actually get it themselves and you just sat down on the other side of the room. Yeah, they want your help then.
You cannot reason with them. You think they should wear a jacket because it’s cold outside? Nope. Never going to happen. You’re either going to go outside without it and they will want to come back by the time you’ve made it to the end of the driveway or you have to try the bring-it-for-them-in-case-they-need it technique.
They will try your patience. It doesn’t matter how patient you are. There are times when it will not be quite enough. This is a stall tactic that they particularly like to use at times when you have somewhere to be or are already low on patience, like bedtime. It’s not that they move at the pace of a sloth, it’s more that they will not focus on the thing you actually want them to be doing. You ask them to go to the bathroom before bed. They will take off all their clothes. Roll around on the floor. Pick up a toy. Go into a different room (that’s not the bathroom). A million other things besides go into the bathroom.
They think they’re in charge. They would like to tell you exactly how every single thing should get done. And exactly what you are and are not allowed to do or help with.
They think you can read their mind. They will yell at you for giving them the wrong color cup. Without ever telling you what color cup they wanted in the first place. They will yell at you for turning off the light, even when they normally expect you to do it.
They can’t make up their minds. When you ask them a question they will say no. Wait a second. Then they will decide yes. It may stop there or they may change their answer a few more times. (Yes, this also tries your patience, but is still a whole category of it’s own.)
They have double standards. They can decide who is allowed in the bathroom with them. But they will not let you decide who can be in the bathroom with you.
So yes, parenting a three-year-old is hard. Thankfully they also laugh, smile, tell you they love you and sometimes they’re just plain fun. And that’s what makes it all worth it.