These gentle parenting books can help you foster trust, empathy, and respect with your kids
When it comes to parenting there’s no one right way to do it. But if raising kids with empathy, respect, and kindness is at the forefront of your parenting strategy, gentle parenting just might be your thing. It focuses on positive communication, and encourages parents to trade discipline and punishment for kindness and understanding to shape behavior and support kids through some of those tougher stages (we’re looking at you, terrible twos and threenage years). Trust, respect, and open communication are the pillars of this theory. The end goal is mutual respect and trust between kids and parents. Curious to learn how you can incorporate these strategies into your everyday? Break open one of these gentle parenting books and get reading.
1. The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
If you’re parenting a toddler we bet you’ve figured out that using logic to temper their tantrums is about as effective as renaming broccoli “magical trees” to get your kid to eat a vegetable. In The Whole-Brain Child, neuropsychiatrist, Daniel J. Siegel, and parenting expert, Tina Payne Bryson, team up to explain brain development in kids in an easily accessible way for parents. They also offer 12 key strategies to raising happier, calmer kids.
2. Parenting with Love and Logic by Charles Fay & Foster Cline
The Love and Logic approach to raising responsible kids isn’t a new one. In fact, it’s been around for 45 years. But even if you’ve read this one before, a refresher never hurts, especially since the Love and Logic principles can be applied from toddler through teen years. Focused on empowering children to make their own decisions without ceding parental authority, what you’ll find in these pages helps you pair natural consequences with empathetic listening.
If you’re looking for a different take on parenting, try The Conscious Parent. Dr. Shelfali Tsabary explains that although many parents believe it’s our responsibility to mold our kids through discipline and consequences, it’s actually quite the opposite. In this book she show that “our children are born to us to create deep internal transformation within us.” One read will help you embrace a more mindful, conscious approach to parenting.
4. Peaceful Parent,Happy Kids by Dr. Laura Markham
The subtitle of this book says it all—how to stop yelling and start connecting. In it, mom and clinical psycholgist, Dr. Laura Markham, uses brain science and experience to give parents practical tools that help them develop strong, loving connections with their kids. If you’re looking for that Aha! parenting moment, the strategies outlined in this book can lead the way.
5. No-Drama Discipline by Daniel J. Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
Written by the same team that brought you the first book on our list, No-Drama Discipline gives parents the tools they need to help their kids learn from their mistakes and develop self-control. It provides an “effective, compassionate road map for dealing with tantrums, tensions, and tears—without causing a scene.” Sounds too good to be true, right? Give it a read to find out.
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When it comes to the topic of “must-dos” while pregnant, there is no shortage of suggestions—from well-meaning friends, online articles, and even perfect strangers. Take your prenatals, get plenty of rest, see your doctor regularly…the list goes on. But what you may not hear as often are things you should avoid during pregnancy. We’ve rounded up a list of seven things to skip while expecting.
Certain Foods
Trying to navigate the world of pregnancy cravings while still managing to consume a healthy, well-balanced diet isn’t easy. But consuming only foods safe for your developing baby is one of the most important things you can do while pregnant. As a rule of thumb, it’s not the type of food as much as how it’s made that matters. For example, beef, poultry, and seafood all get the green light, unless undercooked or raw. (Deli meat is a no-go, too.) Other foods to pass on: soft cheese, such as brie and feta; raw eggs; and unpasteurized dairy products.
Certain Skincare Ingredients
It’s a no-brainer to do an immediate check on any supplements you take internally once those two little lines appear, but many women forget to also review the ingredients in the lotions and serums they apply topically. The FDA maintains an extensive list of ingredients to watch out for, which include retinoids (known to cause birth defects), benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, and sunscreens that contain oxybenzone or avobenzone (shown to impact a fetus’s developing nervous system). But your best bet is to talk to your healthcare provider. To be sure your products are in the clear, pop them into your purse before your next OB visit for review.
Kitty Litter
If a cat is part of your family, it’s likely that cleaning out the litter box ranks high on the worst chores list, alongside scrubbing toilets and washing dishes. The good news? You have doctor’s orders to avoid scooping the box for your full term. Kitty litter can expose you to toxoplasmosis, a rare parasitic disease, which has been shown to lead to miscarriage or fetus malformations. If you’re a solo feline owner and must take on the task, be sure to wear gloves and wash thoroughly after changing out the box. Also, keep in mind, litter isn’t the only source of toxoplasmosis—consuming insufficiently cooked meat or touching infected gardening soil can also transmit the disease.
Stress
While a certain amount of trepidation is to be expected while you’re expecting, especially if it’s your first pregnancy, limiting outside stressors is important. Chronic and serious stress during pregnancy has been linked to miscarriage, high blood pressure, premature delivery, and even effects on baby’s brain development. Make an effort to reduce stressful life situations and find healthy ways to cope with any stressful situations that inevitably arise.
Specific Beverages
Passing on alcohol during pregnancy is a no-brainer, but there are other sips to skip. Due to potential bacteria, avoid unpasteurized milk and juices (including those that are fresh-squeezed). Because caffeine (think: coffee, black and green tea, and soda) and artificial sweeteners can pass through the placenta to baby, it’s best to proceed with caution and enjoy these drinks sparingly, if at all. Yummy swaps: sparkling water with a splash of pasteurized fruit juice, herbal teas, and decaf coffee.
Saunas and Spas
Easing your achy pregnancy muscles in a spa or sauna might sound like just what the OB ordered, but it’s actually quite the opposite. Elevated body temperature (above 101 degrees) can lead to complications for mama, such as lowered blood pressure, dehydration, and dizziness, as well as increasing the risk of birth defects for baby. A warm bath or a heating pad focused on sore spots is a safer soothing alternative.
Wet Paint
While it can be tempting to roll up your sleeves and paint that baby nursery yourself, it’s best to leave the painting to the professionals or your nearest and dearest. While today’s paints do not contain lead, they can contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through your skin or inhaled. If recreational painting is a favorite hobby or profession, be sure to mask up, wear protective clothing, and ensure the space is well-ventilated before allowing your inner artist to emerge.
I have a confession to make: bedtime reading barely happens in my house. After working at a stressful job, juggling side hustles to pay down debt, commuting for hours to pick up kids at distant schools, cooking, checking homework, checking in on elderly relatives, and attempting coherent conversations with my family, I’m just—done. We don’t read a lot on weeknights. But we’re a family of readers.
I’m a school librarian, owner of thousands of books, and a graduate-level instructor of children’s literature. All of my experiences tell me that there are countless ways to raise readers and no one-size-fits-all approach. I’m not a huge fan of required summer reading lists either since each child has radically differing learning and literacy needs.
When I only had one daughter and one job, we read for almost an hour every night. But now, with two kids and two jobs, I read the shortest books possible in less than 10 minutes. Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown only contains 132 words—part of the reason it has consistently remained among the most popular children’s books for 75 years. When all of our family structures, economic circumstances, and schedules vary so widely, why do we feel pressed to read to our kids the same way? What if you work nights? Does that mean your kid doesn’t read with you? Nope! You read whenever and however you can.
My current nighttime routine with my 3-year-old includes songs, cuddles, nonsensical chats (“Are you a bear or a bee?”), and the grand finale, “the airplane” where I swoop her through the air and dump her, giggling, into the bed. My 10-year-old would still like me to read to her at night—and not honoring this request hurts. But so does sleep deprivation. So my older one gets read-alouds in binge sessions, usually when the sun is high in the sky. We’ve been chipping away at Little Women, the original, 800-page version for two years.
So much of the conventional wisdom about parenting derives from dated, sexist thinking. When I perused academic articles about bedtime reading, I kept seeing the words “mother” and “maternal” everywhere—as if reading, like cooking and housework, were exclusively feminine activities. People of all genders can read aloud, and at all times of day.
When I’m mechanically reading the Frozen II Little Golden Book for the 300th time, I yearn to be anywhere else, even at the DMV. If parents read a truly great book to their kids, like The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats or Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson, and have a total blast doing it—even just once a week—I believe it’s more meaningful than vitamin-swallowing nightly reading. Regular reading is important, of course, but nighttime isn’t best for everyone.
Digging deeper into the most recent research, I read a summary of Larissa K. Ferretti and Kristen L. Bubs’ 2017 study on bedtime. Drawing from data from 3,250 families, they sought to understand what kids need for healthy brain development, social-emotional skills, and school readiness. Their findings in Early Education and Development suggested that dependable bedtime routines are what matter. Bonding, stimulating activities, and sufficient wind-down for sleep—that’s the ideal. Reading can be part of this but so can other activities. A scientist mom friend of mine says she does Bedtime Math with her kids. After all, why do we only equate nighttime with literacy?
Let me leave you with some advice. Forge your own path through bedtime with confidence and tweak it when needed. Read, but do it your way. Here are some that have worked for us.
Read books on public transportation, or listen to audiobooks or podcasts like Story Pirates while driving. Talking about what you read (or hear) is so important.
Pack books for long waits in the pediatrician’s office.
Go on reading outings to new libraries, bookstores, and even parks with Little Free Libraries.
Read for ten minutes every morning for a coffee and Sippy cup date while snuggling in bed.
Who knows, maybe breakfast book-time will become the next big thing?
Jess deCourcy Hinds (jessdecourcyhinds.com) is a writer, librarian, and graduate-level children’s literature instructor. Sign up for her free quarterly newsletter, I’m an Open Book: On Love, Libraries and Life-building.
With the new school year starting, your family’s schedule is likely to be in flux the next few weeks, which means getting ready for bed is an even bigger deal. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine will help your kiddos start their days (and nights) off in the right direction. While kids are never thrilled about going to sleep, we have a few ideas (from experts and parents like you!) to make bedtime a fun routine and not a nightly battle.
1. Start bedtime 20 minutes to one hour earlier.
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While there may be no standard bedtime for every kiddo, research suggests that going to bed early is the best strategy for all kids. One way to guarantee earlier bedtimes is allowing plenty of time for little ones to get ready for bed. For example, if you want your little angel to be asleep at 8 p.m., make sure she starts the bedtime routine 20 minutes to one hour before.
2. Power down and turn up.
Unplug all visual electronic devices at least one hour before bedtime (including parents’ devices). Not only is it distracting, but screen time before bed has been linked with less sleep and higher BMIs in kids. Make this special family time, and encourage kids to listen to music or play bedtime games. There's nothing like a dance party to get the last bit of wiggles out!
3. Read before bed.
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Reading and bedtime stories are a great way to transition from a busy day to sleepy time. Let your kiddo choose a few books they want to read and make story time part of the bedtime routine. Another reason why reading before bed is great is it actually helps kids learn. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents start reading to kids as early as birth to help them learn more words, which helps with brain development.
Did you know signing to your little ones can actually give them more educational and emotional success as they grow? Sally Goddard-Blythe, director of the UK’s Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology, recommends that parents start working on their singing abilities and belting out those bedtime songs to ensure healthier kids.
Just like adults, kids' brains can't go from being stimulated to suddenly sleeping. Jennifer Shu, MD, a pediatrician with Children's Medical Group in Atlanta, suggests you plan for some wind-down time before your little one hits the pillow. This is when kids can read a book or you can start dimming the lights in their bedroom. Keep things calm and on the low-key side (that means no tickle fights during the wind-down time).
6. Disarm fear of the dark
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According to Mary Dobbins, MD, a pediatrician and child psychologist, it's normal for kids to be afraid of the dark. If your little one is scared of the nighttime darkness and potential monsters under the bed, make a fun game of quietly checking the room with a flashlight for any "monsters" in the closet or under the bed.
7. Keep fear of FOMO at bay.
Shelley Massey
Is your little one avoiding bedtime because he has a fear of missing out (FOMO)? This fear may not be darkness-based, but it's just as common. A helpful tip is to explain that when you leave the room, you’re going to start your own wind-down process and get ready for bed soon. If that elicits an eye roll, remind them of something they're looking forward to tomorrow like a visiting relative, a trip to the playground or a special outing. This gentle reminder will enforce that the sooner they go to sleep, the sooner tomorrow will come!
Sometimes a small bite to eat before bedtime can actually help kids fall (and stay) asleep. In fact, when a little one (especially a toddler) has a full tummy, they are more likely to sleep through the night instead of waking up hungry. Alissa Palliano of Mommybites suggests simple snacks like yogurt and cheese (great for added calcium), whole grain, fruit or nut butter to keep tummies in line and kids ready for bed.
Many kids dislike bedtime because they feel they're not able to make decisions about going to bed. Instead of making bedtime an argument-filled zone, help kids maintain a sense of control by offering them different choices as part of their routine. Jennifer Waldburger, the co-founder of Sleepy Planet child sleep consultation firm, suggests the following: "Do you want to skip or walk to the bath?" Or "Do you want to wear green pajamas or blue ones?" Or ask them if they want two stories or three.
10. Maintain a relaxing ritual like a bath or massage.
Parents aren't the only ones who benefit from a relaxing massage. Studies show that kids also reap the rewards of this relaxing ritual. According to Maria Hernandez-Reif, a researcher at the Touch Research Institute, massage reduces stress hormone levels and blood glucose levels. These lower stress hormones help reduce anxiety and can give your kiddo a healthier immune system as she grows. A relaxing bath before bedtime is also a great way to transition to the relaxation of bedtime.
One of the reasons little ones don't like bedtime is because it's a big part of the day that they're alone. To help them feel more at ease, make sure your kiddo has a security object that she selects and brings to bed with her. This could be a blanket, stuffed animal or even a shirt that has mom or dad's scent. Those little objects can help bring some safety to the bedtime routine.
12. Don't forget a potty stop.
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Make sure your kiddo makes one last bathroom stop before bedtime. According to Vincent Iannelli, MD, this is especially important for kids who are prone to wetting the bed. Using the restroom before bed also helps kids avoid the tendency to get back out of bed to go to the bathroom once you've already said goodnight.
Most kids who ask for one more bite of food or sip of water aren’t famished or parched, they’re simply stalling. Set boundaries and be diligent about enforcing them. Whenever appropriate, leave a glass of water bedside to ward off thirst. Getting back into the swing of things is tough for kids, but if you remain patient and firm, a peaceful bedtime routine will come together in no time.
Above all else, be consistent! To ensure the routine is consistent, do it at the same time and in the same order every night. And choose a bedtime a bit earlier than you might think. Studies show that earlier bedtimespromote health, good sleep hygiene, and cognitive skills.
When it comes to feeding our families, parents know that despite our best intentions, sometimes all we can handle is what is quick and easy. But we also know that healthy food choices now set our kids up for better choices as they grow up. So what’s a busy parent to do? We asked some nutritional experts for advice on what to buy at the grocery store to set ourselves up for success, whether prepared foods, frozen veggies, or fresh. So even when you’ve got to bust out the mac and cheese once in a while, take their tips below, and you’ll be on the right track for a happy, healthy, well-fed family.
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
Whole Foods/Georg Beyer
Fresh Seafood
Registered dietician and Fresh Thyme Market's resident industry and retail expert Meghan Sedivy recommends parents make seafood a main source of protein twice a week if possible. “In addition to being a great meatless alternative, fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, trout or oysters are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain and heart health."
If you're not out there with a rod and a reel yourself, the frozen fish you find at the grocery store is usually flash-frozen for optimal taste and freshness, which makes it easy to have it on hand for a quick dinner. Sedivy reminds us that fatty fish is also, "a great source of vitamin D, the sunshine vitamin, which aids in calcium absorption, immune function, and protecting bone, muscle, and heart health.”
Whole Foods
Have you ever heard the term “shopping the edges?” It means focusing on the exterior aisles of the grocery store—where the whole foods reside (all the processed food is in the middle). Renowned chef Gerard Viverito, aka “The Sustainable Chef,” stresses the importance of eating whole foods because that’s where you’ll get a nutritional bang for your buck. He says, "emphasize food quality over quantity by focusing on whole, unprocessed foods that are nutrient-dense foods, high in fiber and low in net carbs-but are still packed with other nutrients.”
Also, according to Nicolette M. Pace, MS, RDN, CDE, CBC, CDN, CFCS, and FAND, you should be paying attention to the labels. “Don't be fooled by packaged items that are marketed as ‘made with fresh fruit’ or ‘contains a full serving of vegetables.’ Single-ingredient foods like an apple or broccoli do not need labels they are whole foods." Instead, Pace recommends that you cut your selections to those with five or fewer ingredients. "More than likely, a paragraph of ingredients will contain additives, preservatives or flavor enhancers which if routinely eaten can harm a child's health.”
Plant-Based Snacks
Often, the snack foods our kids want for lunch or after school are just empty calories. Consider swapping some of them out with plant-based snacks. Kids will still feel like they're eating snacks, but they'll fill up on fiber and protein. Jill Castle, MS, RDN, is a huge believer in plant-based proteins for kids. “For plant-based snack ideas, try edamame in the shell or black bean dip with whole-grain crackers,” she says. Or, if they’re dying to have a favorite like mac and cheese, a plant-based version, like Banza, a high-protein, chickpea-based pasta, is a good substitution. “Not only does it deliver a plant-based source of protein, but it’s also a significant source of calcium and iron,” says Castle.
When it comes to healthy food, fresh is best. The best way to eat fresh produce is to try to eat seasonally and locally. If you can’t swing that, stick with what’s available or frozen veggies. It’s also important to try to “eat the rainbow,” Pace says. “Start with a list of different fruits and vegetables that are five different colors in a rich rainbow of healthy nutrition for a child's mental and physical growth. A colorful plate of food is not only appealing to kids, but the plant pigments in red, orange/yellow, green, purple, and even white are plant chemicals, which are super-smart superfoods that help keep kids healthy and develop well.”
Sedivy agrees with this concept. “I always recommend picking up fresh, in-season produce when grocery shopping. Not only do fruits and vegetables add a pop of color to your plate, but they add flavor, and texture and increase your nutrient intake. Aim for at least three different colored fruit or veggie options like blueberries, tomatoes, green beans, or Brussels sprouts to ensure that you are consuming a variety of nutrients.”
Healthy Fats
Fat can be an excellent source of nutrition; it just depends on what type you're eating, and yes, there’s a difference. Fats from things like avocados, nuts, seeds, and fish are all filled with healthy-boosting qualities. Chef Viverito is a big fan. His list of healthy fat sources includes grass-fed butter, ghee, avocados, coconut oil, MCT oil, olive oil, sesame oil, walnut oil and Malaysian certified sustainable palm oil. He mentions palm oil in particular. “Malaysian palm oil has scientifically proven benefits for the heart, brain and liver. It is loaded with carotenoids, much more than carrots and tomatoes. It’s also much better for cooking and grilling, as it holds up to high heat and has a neutral flavor.”
Pantry Staples
It’s important to have a few basic ingredients on hand at all times, so you can make a homemade meal instead of deferring to pre-packaged meals, so be sure to always have a running list before you hit the grocery store. If you're wondering what you can make with these few ingredients, check out our roundup of pantry meals.
We’ve known about this one for a while, but sometimes it can be tempting to let the kids have that sugar-free energy drink or even the juice box. There’s not only a ton of added sugar in sodas, juices and other flavored drinks, but there are also a lot of artificial ingredients. According to The Sustainable Chef, it’s important to avoid heavily processed fruit juices and sodas. “Clean hydration is important because they help flush your system,” he says. “Water, sparkling water, green tea, black tea, coffee, protein shakes, milk alternatives, vegetable juice, kefir, and kombucha can all offer interesting alternatives to often chemical-laden and heavily processed fruit juices and sodas.”
Processed Foods
Processed foods are another one to avoid if you can. Processed foods are likely to have far more additives and fewer of the micronutrients your body needs. What’s more, they are associated with several negative health effects, including weight gain, diabetes, overall mortality and heart disease. By choosing processed foods over nutritious, whole foods, you may become deficient in micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, zinc, folic acid, and vitamins C, D, and K,” says Chef Vivierto.
Non-Grass Fed or Organic Meats
This can get pricey, but it’s worth it. According to the Cleveland Clinic, while grass-fed meats are the best, organic meat is still better than nothing at all. The benefits of choosing these pricer cuts of meats range from being better for the environment to having more nutritional benefits like extra omega-3 fatty acids, less cholesterol and more antioxidants.
Pre-Packaged Deli Meats
Turkey, ham and chicken cuts can be a good source of protein for kids, but the pre-packaged stuff has tons of saturated fat and sodium. The Cleveland Clinic recommends selecting fresh deli meats because they have fewer nitrates, look for the leanest cut of meat or a low-sodium option.
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Shopping for kids can be a struggle, especially when you’re trying to be creative and avoid the toy aisle for birthdays and other special occasions. But what if they could get something new and fun every month? That’s where a subscription box or service comes in. From celebrating women who’ve helped change our world to learning their way around the kitchen and exploring new worlds, scroll down to see our favorite subscription services for kids for any time of year.
Alltruists
Alltruists' subscription box isn't just an activity, it's a carefully curated program of at-home volunteer and giving projects. Using creativity and play, each eco-friendly box helps kids understand social and environmental topics and comes with conversation guides for parents, a donation experience, projects and empathy-building activities. Boxes include important topics like homelessness, clean water, bees and hunger.
We love this kit because it combines science with cooking! Each adventure kit is filled with a recipe, pre-measured dry ingredients and 2-3 STEAM-based projects that are all theme related. Uncover a new adventure and learning experience every time! In the Galaxy Donuts kit, you'll learn about the constellations and how to calculate the weight of planets.
Lovevery’s new Toddler Play Kits are an expansion of its highly praised subscription box service. Previously available for infants ages 0-12 months, Toddler Play Kits are designed for a child's second year of life. Expertly designed to foster brain development and help advance cognitive development, each Toddler Play Kit includes science-backed, sustainably produced play products and activities toddlers want and require for brain development, at exactly the right time. For parents, the Play Kits include need-to-know guidance in the form of The Play Guides—mini books that walk parents through the "how tos” of making the most of play time with their children, backed by all the research parents often don’t have the time to read. Unlike Baby Play Kits, which are shipped every other month, Toddler Play Kits ship every three months with fuller boxes.
Deliver some holiday cheer with a gift box from YearCheer! This fun subscription box offers holiday decorations and more that come right to your door. Targeted for kids ages 4-10, YearCheer's Halloween box came packed with fun like a haunted village to build and set up on your table, spider garland, spooky sounds noisemaker and more. There was even a ghost-shaped cookie cutter and instructions on how to create a boo box for your friends. Tying it all together was a favorite Halloween book, Room on the Broom. Available in single-month and longer subscriptions as well as non-recurring giftable options.
If your tween is obsessed with everything Claire's, this is the gift for them. Choose a one-time or monthly subscription and they'll get surprise glam delivered right to their door.
We Craft Box is an award-winning monthly kids craft kit for kids ages 3-9. With a themed story, 4-5 coordinating crafts, easy-to-follow photo directions, and all materials sent right to your door, the box can be shared between two children. You'll especially love the themed holiday boxes!
Get your three favorite Dr. Seuss™ & His Friends books for just $3, delivered right to your door. From The Cat in the Hat to P.D. Eastman's classic Are You My Mother? Dr. Seuss™ & His Friends offers sturdy, hardcover books they'll read again and again. Start out by building your welcome package of the first three books. After that, you'll get three books shipped to your door, each month. You’re in control: you can pause, skip, change shipping frequency or cancel anytime. You can even preview your three books online and add or replace books before they ship!
We love this subscription box for kids ages 5-9 and know you will too! You'll get a new science kit every month to learn about scientific topics like pressure, immiscible liquids, strength and jet propulsion. Download the AR app to get even more in-depth info on your project. Cancel your subscription at any time.
Want your kiddos to experience the ultimate joy of reading? The Just Right Reader subscription box combines entertainment and education in the perfect way. Kids will receive books specifically selected for them alongside items like superhero outfits, funny glasses, necklaces, laser reading pointers, reading finger buddies, stamps, stickers and more to get them amped up to read.
Little fashionistas will love Rowan's earring subscription box. Every month, littles will get a pair of nickel-free, hypoallergenic earrings designed in Brooklyn, NY with your choice of Gold Vermeil or Sterling Silver. In addition, every month your box comes with a thought-provoking mindfulness card to inspire conversation and a surprise accessory. You can also choose to upgrade your first box and snag a signature Rowan accessories bundle which includes an acrylic earring stand, satin travel pouch, journal, pen and a surprise extra pair of earrings while supplies last.
The brainchild of Bay Area Children's Theater Company, Play On! is an audio musical adventure kit for kids. There are two different boxes: Discover (0-5) and Adventure (5-10), and the boxes make it easier for BACT to share their award-winning programming with kids all over the U.S. during COVID and beyond. Every month, kids get everything they need to bring the magic of theater to their own homes; the most unique aspect is the audio elements that can be unlocked once the box arrives. Kids can use the materials to perform again and again. Opt for a single kit or a monthly subscription.
Cost: $40 for a single box, $120 for a year's subscription.
For the kiddos who love to lounge in the tub, this monthly subscription is a great gift idea. Each box contains goodies like waterproof books, bath bombs, activities, bath crayons and more. It's basically a bath party in a box!
What started as a family book club focused on literature about or from African countries has grown into a monthly book box that focuses on globally diverse books and learning materials for kids. Founder Bunmi Emenanjo says "Studies have shown that kids who are exposed to diverse cultures cultivate a global awareness that makes them more empathetic and compassionate. I firmly believe that such exposure leads them to not just accept cultures different from their own, but to celebrate them!"
There are four levels for different readers ranging from picture books to young adult novels. In addition to the books, subscribers will also get fact cards, a postcard, a culturally relevant souvenir and more. You can even purchase some of the previous month's boxes if they are available.
After she saw how travel (especially international) helps parents to empower their kids with cultural awareness, founder Dr. Zabina Bhasin—child psychiatrist and mom of two—came up with the idea for InKidZ. Focused on countries like Turkey, Guatemala or Australia, each box has been carefully curated by Bhasin and a few parent ambassadors (thing puzzles, jewelry, activity sheets, stickers, crayons and more), and each one strives to educate kids about various global cultures in a thought-provoking way. The “In the Know” cards are especially fun. Similar to trivia cards, they’re great for the car or family dinners. Topics range from how to speak in Turkish to knowing milestones made by iconic Black Americans.
Cost:Choose between bi-monthly ($49 for one kid, $59 for siblings) or annual ($270 for one kid, $300 for siblings, six boxes a year).
Founded by a Black CEO and father of six who sought to create nonfiction books covering topics that his kids were ready to discuss, A Kids Book About Box includes best-selling and popular titles like A Kids Book About Gratitude, A Kids Book About Racism, A Kids Book About Empathy, and A Kids Book About Belonging. Other books touch on subjects like bullying, creativity, disabilities, voting and more. Even better, A Kids Book About celebrates diverse authors who write stories influenced by their own experiences, which gives readers access to all kinds of voices.
Cost: Starting at $20/book, and monthly subscriptions start at $17
Baketivity boxes are sure to put a smile on your little baker's face! Each themed box comes with pre-measured ingredients, kid-friendly instructions, colorful lessons and games to play while your treats bake and a shopping list if you need to add anything extra. All the included ingredients are vacuum-packed fresh, and when you sign up for a subscription, your kiddo will get a Baketivity hat and apron! The newest kit is the limited-edition Positivity Cookie Kit Project, which aims to encourage conversations about diversity and equality, and there are tons of other baking kits, like whoopie pies, pull-apart cupcakes, muffins, cinnamon buns, cookies, cake pops and bagels. You can buy a one-time kit or subscribe to receive one on a monthly basis.
From the creative genius of Sago Mini comes the new Sago Mini Box subscription, a kit that creates hands-on experiences for kids ages 3-5. Every month, subscribers will receive a new box that encourages open-ended play and make and play activities that are easy to assemble. In addition to the box and three themed activities, kids will receive a letter from a Sago Mini character! Sago keeps sustainability at the forefront, with all paper materials constructed from recycled content or sourced from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC Certified).
Cost: $19 per month, or $15 per month when you subscribe annually
GIRLS CAN! CRATE is a new subscription box that celebrates the lives of women who've changed our world. From Bessie Coleman and Dr. Irene Uchida to Frida Kahlo, Marie Curie, Madam CJ Walker and Dorothea Lange, GIRLS CAN! CRATE celebrates the lives and stories of diverse women across race, profession and the world so that every girl who picks up a crate will see something of herself reflected in her GIRLS CAN! experience. Choose between two monthly offerings: the original GIRLS CAN! CRATE which includes a 20-page activity book, two or three STEAM activities, a collectible button, tote bag and tips for grown-ups related to the month's featured lady's trait; or the mini-mailer which is a smaller version of the original GIRLS CAN! CRATE. All aspects of the GIRLS CAN! experience, from start to finish, are curated by its all-female owned and operated company.
Cost: Crate subscriptions start at $35 per month. Mini-mailers start at $18.50 per month.
Little Global Citizens is a subscription box that looks to take children (ages 4-10) on a new adventure around the world every other month, focusing on the culture and the people of a new country. Each box brings to life a new country through carefully curated books, cultural activities in the form of games, puzzles and quizzes, interactive crafts, language and recipes for a themed dinner party night. The brand uses their Montessori Educator to curate each box. The founder of LGC, Akeelah Kuraishi, says that the ultimate mission of Little Global Citizen is to foster open-mindedness, compassion and global awareness.
Cost: $40 for a bi-monthly subscription; $50 if you want to add an additional set of craft and activity materials for a sibling.
Kids who love cooking and STEM learning will love this new subscription box from America’s Test Kitchen Kids. The Young Chefs’ Club box is jam-packed with kid-tested, kid-approved recipes, science experiments, creative items (think: DIY board games, tortilla warmers, special sprinkles) and more. Designed to inspire a new generation of empowered cooks, engaged eaters and curious experimenters, each box contains recipes that have been tested by over 5,000 kids in the US and received at least an 80% approval rating. Each month, kids will receive a box based on a theme, ranging from specific ingredients such as cheese or bread, to cooking techniques like cake decorating, to scientific subjects centered around texture or molecular gastronomy. The projects range from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the child's age and ability, and grocery lists are emailed before the boxes arrive. The Young Chefs Club is designed for kids ages 5 & up.
Good to know: Members get access to America’s Test Kitchen Kids' extensive digital library of recipes, experiments, videos, fun food trivia and more.
Cost: Starting at $20 per month for a 12-month subscription.
KiwiCo, a parent fave for STEM, STEAM, science and art subscription kits for kids, recently launched its Panda Crate line designed specifically for babies and toddlers. Made in partnership with researchers at Seattle Children’s Hospital, KiwiCo ensures that all the products and information delivered in its crates are perfectly suited for a child’s developing brain. Plus, a portion of every Panda Crate purchase is donated toward child development research. Designed to grow with baby's development, the Panda Line crates are broken up into five separate age bands–delivering an age and stage-appropriate crate every other month as baby grows over two years. Each crate in the subscription line is billed and delivered every three months, and you can easily adjust the timing or cancel anytime.
Cost: Starts at $15.50 per month for two year’s worth of Panda Crates (12 shipments).
Based on the world-renowned 0-3 Montessori curriculum, Monti Kids provides the only at-home Montessori toy program for babies and toddlers ranging in age from birth to 36 months. The subscription-based program was founded with the mission of helping parents support their babies during the most critical years of development. With a Monti Kids subscription, Montessori toy curriculum is delivered every three months with exactly the right learning materials needed at each developmental stage. Each Monti Kids box also includes guides for parents which consist of short videos and articles on how to introduce and use the materials with their baby–also great for caregivers and grandparents! Choose from eight different levels.
Good to know: Before your toys arrive, you’ll have access to the Monti Kids Learning Center, packed with instructional videos, research and tips.
You know and love Raddish because it takes the guesswork and stress out of teaching kids to cook. It also provides a bonding, interactive and tasty adventure for families to share. Each month features a new exciting theme, from "Edible Experiments" to "Ticket to Japan." Kits include a set of three laminated and illustrated recipe cards with easy-to-follow instructions and tips to develop safe and smart kitchen techniques. Kids also receive a kitchen tool, craft, experiment or foodie game, monthly collectibles in the form of Table Talk conversation starter cards and a colorful apron patch. And now, your preschooler can get in on the action, with the Cook + Play Kit. Kids can mix, mash and stir as they whip up 123 Blueberry Muffins, ABC Chips and Guac and Rainbow Pasta Salad while learning the alphabet, counting, colors, measuring and even setting the table.
Good to know: Raddish includes a digital and printed grocery checklist, but does not include the actual food. Raddish also has an expansive library of free content from bonus recipes to activities and playlists and offers dietary modifications for all recipes.
Izzy & Liv Brown Sugar Box for Little Girls & Tween Girls
Lifestyle brand Izzy & Liv recently launched a version of their Brown Sugar Box for kids and teens. Both the Kids Box (for ages 4-8) and Tweens Box (for ages 9-14) are similar to the adult boxes where even though the items will be a mystery until opened, everything included will equal a retail value of at least $100. The boxes are designed with African American girls in mind, with culturally inspired items featured in every box. You'll get at least one Izzy & Liv shirt and other sweet things made with the brown sugar girl in mind. Little girls might get school supplies, hair accessories and books, while tweens can expect to get beauty products, lunch totes and even pillow covers.
Cost: If you sign up now, you'll lock in a special $45 (plus shipping) quarterly rate. It'll go to $55 (plus shipping) soon.
Mail Order Mysteries are a tech-free creative experience that unfolds through a series of six weekly installments. The letters are personalized to kids from the characters in the stories. There are spies, pirates, knights, librarians, detectives, dragons and trolls, and when these characters ask for help with a top-secret mission, the kids become key characters themselves. One of their latest mysterious launches is the Case of the Missing Bigfoot, perfect for ages 9 & up, and is a classic whodunit set in an old mansion before a big dinner is about to begin. The lights go out, and when they come back on, the safe is open and empty. Uh oh. This box comes with everything to help solve the crime, including crime scene photos, suspect cards, notebooks, suspect board, interview transcripts and more.
Cost: $87 for a six-week subscription containing five letter mail envelopes and a final package.
Style knows no age, so why not encourage their love of fashion with Stitch Fix’s personal styling service for kids? Stitch Fix has recently been reinventing the shopping experience for adults as well as expanding. They now offer sizes 2T-14 for kids! Parents can easily manage their kids' profile, and they can work together to create a style profile and set up their delivery. Each Stitch Fix Kid box contains 8-12 pieces of clothing, shoes or accessories, which range in price from $10-$35. A stylist handpicks items based on the style profile. The best part? There’s no pressure to keep anything, and no subscription is required. Simply order Fixes when you like or schedule automatic deliveries. Easy-peasy!
Cost: $20 styling fee that is later applied toward anything purchased.
Kids have busy lives these days between school, sports, play dates and activities, but one important lesson they all need to learn is that kindness is key. KyndKits are a way to pair volunteering with the convenience of home delivery. KyndKits is a subscription box filled with new, customizable volunteer activities and acts of kindness delivered to your child’s door each month. These opportunities can range from making cards for Veterans to building care kits for the homeless. The projects support a variety of causes and include everything needed for a meaningful volunteer experience. KyndKit subscriptions are handled online, making sign up and subscription management easy. Packages range from single, one-person kits to large-group kits.
Cost: $19 for one project per month. Up to four KyndKits projects can be ordered per month.
So many toys, so little time. Imagine being able to borrow and return new toys, just like books at the library. Well, that’s what mom Christie Jacobs thought when she’d had enough with her kids playing on the iPads too much. With limited space, she didn’t want to keep buying new toys. Instead, she created ToyLibrary, a service that provides unlimited access to over 500 educational toys. "ToyLibrary lets you borrow and play with the newest toys, curated and selected by child development experts so parents always get the best toy for their child,” Jacobs said. "Parents enjoy an uncluttered house, great value and the convenience of free shipping straight to their door." Kids can play with the toys for a month, three months or 12 months, and then just return them in the pre-paid mailer.
Cost: $30 a month for two toys; $20 a month for six toys for three months; $12.50 a month for 24 toys for 12 months.
Little Feminist book club, which aims to teach kids about gender equality diversity and empathy, now has three age ranges (0-3, 3-7 and 7-9) for their popular book subscription service. Every month, one or two books are carefully hand-selected by a team of educators, librarians and parents, who then create discussion questions and a DIY activity to accompany them.
It’s been pretty cool to see how many small businesses have popped up that focus on the physical fitness and mental health of our youngest Chicagoans. Many are owned by fellow Chicago parents or neighbors with a passion for instilling a lifelong commitment to staying active in kids. We did a deep dive to find places that fit every kind of kid, with a broad range of athletic abilities, interests and ages. From indoor rock climbing to swim lessons and acrobatics to soccer, dig through our suggestions to find an exercise facility that caters to kids near you. And, after they nail the workout, treat them to a refuel from one of our favorite juice or smoothie bars.
Redline Athletics Old Irving
Redline Athletics
Ed and Laura Hosty are fellow parents and lifelong athletes who saw a need for a youth training program in Chicago that focused on speed, agility and strength training with an emphasis on injury prevention. Their new 12,000-square-foot facility trains athletes to become more athletic, more comfortable moving their bodies and more resilient so they can achieve success on every field of play. Redline Athletics welcomes kids ages 8-18 across the spectrum of athleticism — all are welcome. They offer a free trial session to check out the space and determine if it's a fit.
Owner and Nike Master Trainer Emily Hutchins started the Youth Development Program at On Your Mark based on the principles of making young athletes better—not only their athletic performance but by teaching them to be well-rounded humans. In order to support sustainable long-term development, kids work on physical and mental strength, mobility, stability, agility and speed. The one-hour sessions, held on Fridays at 4:30 p.m., are taught by certified personal trainer and IL Physical Education Association Teacher of the Year Pat Floyd. Pat is a pro at keeping things energetic and the kids engaged.
Kids are natural-born climbers, unhindered by that little thing adults call "fear". First Ascent fosters curiosity with 8-week classes that build confidence and encourage peer connection in a positive environment. Sign your kids up for a one-hour block of Kids Rock Blocks on Saturdays and Sundays and let expert youth instructors guide them to new heights. You can hang around to cheer them on or take the opportunity to run errands. They also offer day-off and summer camps and host birthday parties.
3516 N. Spaulding, Avondale & 4718 N. Broadway, Uptown; Online: faclimbing.com
SK8 Chicago
Certified Personal Trainer and lifelong skateboarder Ben Karbin created SK8 Chicago to provide lessons to the next generation of boarders. Over the last 20 years mentoring young skaters, he's honed his ability to make aspiring skaters feel comfortable and confident to learn new tricks and techniques. SK8 offers skate lessons, clinics and camps for all levels and also builds custom ramps. They have equipment available to rent if you don't have your own and can offer advice if you'd like to make a purchase.
SK8 Chicago works with you to select a convenient location for lessons; Online: sk8chicago.com
Brooklyn Boulders
Brooklyn Boulders
This place will make your wall-climbing kids straight-up giddy. They offer several indoor rock climbing terrains to conquer and knowledgeable instructors are there every step of the way up, up, up. Two-hour Kids Academy (ages 5-12) and Teen Academy (ages 11 & up) programs are available after school and on weekends and full-day Adventure Days are a great way to spend school holidays and summer break. Climbers have a chance to sharpen their climbing skills, while also having a platform for peer socialization.
100 S. Morgan St., West Loop & 2121 N. Clybourn, Lincoln Park; Online: brooklynboulders.com
The Little Gym of Chicago
The Little Gym believes motor skill development that's made fun leads to a lifetime of success. They work with kids ages 4 mos.-12 yrs. to build self-esteem while helping them reach their highest level of mental, physical and emotional growth. Classes included Parent/Child, Pre-K Gymnastics, Grade School Gymnastics, drop-in play and special events. They also offer regular Parent Survival Nights where the kids play for 2 1/2 hours while adults enjoy much-needed me-time.
Inspired by the TV show American Ninja Warrior, Ultimate Ninjas allows kids to get their energy out on obstacle and agility courses. Built with all ages and skill levels in mind, you'll find swinging ropes, monkey bars, climbing walls and more. Kids can schedule 55-minute classes that have them working on strength, endurance and confidence or book an open play session. Ultimate Ninjas also hosts day-off and summer camps and they're a popular spot for birthday parties.
Note: Due to a fire in Feb. that destroyed two small businesses, the Albany Park location had to temporarily close. Please support their other locations while they rebuild.
Three locations in Naperville, Libertyville and Albany Park; Online: ultimateninjas.com
Brush Park Gymnasium
When owner Adrienne Farrel had her first baby in 2013, she felt there was a lack of workout facilities that effectively catered to families wanting to maintain a regular fitness routine. Having a Master's in Exercise Physiology in her pocket and a new goal to provide options for Chicago families, she created a space where every family member can have access to high-quality health and wellness. And, she did it beautifully. The stunning facility has all the equipment needed for an effective adult workout, a kid's playspace with a climbing wall, hanging pod chairs, and a magnetic wall and outdoor space for parents to sit, chat and enjoy coffee while the kids play.
The obstacles at Windy City Ninjas challenge wanna-be American Ninja Warriors looking to tap their fierce inner Ninja. They have a mission of helping kids set goals and overcome, persevere and achieve what they never thought possible. They have structured, progressive 45-minute classes where kids can build on their development each week or kids can sign-up for a 90-minute open play session. Windy City Ninjas also hosts day-off and summer camps, as well as birthday parties.
2550 W. Bradley Pl., North Center & 684 W. Lake St., Elmhurst; Online: windycityninjas.com
Fit City Kids
Fit City Kids combines family, fun and physical education by providing structured classes and an open area for drop-in play that's active and encourages good health and fitness habits. Class offerings include tumbling, fitness, basketball, sports sampler and soccer. They also offer personal training sessions and family boot camps.
After training with an instructor, your little birds will enter a vertical wind tunnel and experience the freedom of flight. This might not seem like exercise, but kids need to engage their core, glute and spinal muscles to make it all happen. There's also a decent amount of mind-body coordination that comes into play.
3 Chicago locations in Naperville, Rosemont and Lincoln Park; Online: iflyworld.com
TOCA Naperville
From a kid getting their first introduction to soccer to the high school athlete wanting to fine-tune their skillset, TOCA Football's technology-enabled training program develops well-rounded players through repetition and game-like simulations.
The offerings at TOCA Naperville don't stop at soccer. Playing sports helps kids develop gross and fine motor skills, teaches them to work collaboratively and follow directions and builds transferable socialization skills. When taught correctly, a child's overall development will be positively impacted. With those ideas in mind, Kids in Sports is a specialized program for ages 1-8 that instructs kids in baseball, basketball, flag football, floor hockey, lacrosse, soccer and volleyball.
Hi-Five Sports is about so much more than winning or losing, it's about teamwork, playing hard and fair, making new friends and learning the power of camaraderie. The staff is filled with experienced professionals who are ready to guide kids through a positive, self-esteem-building experience. Hi-Five's Housecalls invites you to gather a group of 3-10 kids for personalized 1- to 2-hour programming at a location you select. You can schedule once a week, multiple times a week or a one-off playdate—like a birthday party. Best of all, they bring all the equipment needed for a full sports experience. They also host day-off and summer camps.
The Actor's Gymnasium is letting you in on a secret—the circus is more than elephants and clowns. It's physical and mental fitness and learning to trust yourself. Their classes focused on juggling, stilts and ariel arts help instill confidence and a sense of pride that comes along with skill mastery.
In a city where “cooler by the lake” is part of the daily forecast, getting the littlest citizens swimming is a must. Get your guppies going with classes catered to them—even babies barely sitting on their own can join in on the fun. These swim schools focus on everything from playful instruction to competitive training, all properly tailored to a child’s development.
POW! Gym
Sign kids up for boxing and fitness classes to increase strength, stamina and build leadership skills. They'll learn the fundamentals of a variety of martial arts, plus traditional boxing training. For kids ages 4-7, the Pee Wees program is focused on developing gross motor skills and teaching kids how to follow instructions with classes like Superhero Training, Ninja Warrior, Tumbling, Agility and more. POW! also hosts day-off and summer camps and birthday parties.
Bubbles Academy is a great way for ages 0-6 to get their bodies moving with classes that incorporate yoga, music and movement classes for infants, crawlers and walkers and entry-level ballet. The Lincoln Park location includes an outdoor nature playground using materials that inspire play and connection with the natural world.
From crawling to the first handstand, My Gym caters to kids ages 4 mos.-8 yrs. with classes like Waddlers, Gymnastics, Terrific Tots, Ninja Training and more. For more than 35 years, they've been creating supportive environments for kids to develop self-esteem and confidence.
6 locations in Lincoln, River Forest, Skokie, Wheaton, Buffalo Grove and Aurora; Online: mygym.com
Roller Skating
iStock
Chicago has a rich roller skating history rooted in the James Brown “JB” style, known for elaborate footwork. It’s also the birthplace of roller derby. While rinks are few and far between, you can still get your glide on at select retro-fun spots that have stood the test of time. Introduce your kids to this slick part of Chicago’s history and impress them with your 8-wheeled dance moves at these old-school-cool roller skating rinks.
Getting the news that you’re expecting is instant motivation to commit to a health and wellness routine. Those mama-bear instincts immediately kick in, and the desire to care for your growing baby is fierce and unwavering. While the intention for a healthy pregnancy is clear, discovering the best ways to stay on track isn’t always easy. We’ve rounded up 9 important tips for a healthy pregnancy.
photo: iStock
1. Get a dental cleaning. Your pearly whites might not be the first thing you think of when you’re creating a health plan for your pregnancy, but the increased hormones during pregnancy can affect your body’s response to plaque (the layer of bacteria on your teeth). Maintaining good dental hygiene at home and visiting your dentist while pregnant is extremely important.
Research has found a link between gum disease in pregnant women and premature birth with low birth weight. So make sure that both your teeth and your gums get extra care and attention while you’re expecting. Don’t forget to let your dentist or any other specialist you see while pregnant know you’re expecting.
2. Get proper nutrition. When you’re pregnant, you’re not just eating for two—you’re also consuming the vitamins and minerals for two! Focus on consuming nutrient-rich foods like fresh fruits and veggies, and consider supplementing your nutrition with a prenatal vitamin.
3. Avoid hyperpigmentation with broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen. The “mask of pregnancy,” clinically known as melasma, is a condition experienced by anywhere from 50% to 75% of women. It’s a specific form of hyperpigmentation that is most commonly associated with pregnancy. While you may have heard that it’s triggered by the increase in estrogen that happens when pregnant, you might not know that the condition is exasperated by sun exposure. That’s why it’s more important than ever to incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine while growing your bump.
Choosing the right sunscreen is also important. The FDA says that there’s enough current evidence to conclude that titanium dioxide and zinc oxide—ingredients that are used in mineral sunscreen products—don’t warrant the same health concerns as chemical sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone. So, to be safe, stick to mineral-based sun blockers while pregnant.
photo: iStock
4. Eat small meals throughout the day to avoid heartburn. Those pesky pregnancy hormones are disrupting things again by causing the lower esophageal sphincter (the muscular valve between the stomach and esophagus) to relax, allowing stomach acids to flow back up into the esophagus. This means that more than half of all pregnant women will experience heartburn.
Luckily, there are ways to combat heartburn before it hits. Doctors recommend eating several small meals each day (try one of these nourishing bowls) rather than large ones. Avoid fried, spicy or rich (fatty) foods, and try not to lie down directly after eating.
5. Stay hydrated with filtered water to reduce exposure to toxins. Don’t leave home without your water bottle! You’ll need more water than the average person, since water plays an important role in the healthy development of your baby. To play it extra safe, drink filtered water when possible to avoid lead, microorganisms, bacteria and other toxins. 6. Focus on pelvic mobility exercise to avoid diastasis recti. It’s tricky to say and even trickier to deal with: diastasis recti, a condition many women suffer from as a result of pregnancy in which the abdominal muscles separate. Before you hit the panic button, there are a few things you can do while pregnant, as well as moves you can do postpartum, to help avoid this from happening. Focus on pelvic mobility exercises, such as pelvic tilts, pelvic circles and bridges. When paired with correct breathing, these build a better relationship between your abdominals and your pelvic floor muscles. Check out exercises programs, like those at Every Mother, for a more complete guide on how to keep your core strong during and after pregnancy.
photo: iStock
7. Eat ginger on a regular basis. Ginger, considered to be a super food because of its numerous health benefits, is especially powerful for pregnant women. It helps boost blood circulation, relieves nausea from morning sickness and can help keep blood-glucose levels in check.
8. Start a journaling ritual. If you don’t already have a journaling routine, start one during your pregnancy. The nine-plus months leading up to the arrival of your baby can be overwhelming, and this ritual can help you acknowledge and process whatever you may be feeling. It’s also a great strategy for better understanding how your diet, daily activities and skin routine affect your health. By documenting your patterns, you can develop a system that works best for you and your body.
9. Maintain your healthy habits as much as possible. The easiest thing to do while pregnant is to maintain the healthy habits you already have. The old adage about eating for two may sound great, but your body does not need double the calories. Guidelines vary, so talk to your health care provider about what they recommend for you during each trimester. If you’re used to a workout schedule, try and keep it, even if you need to adjust the specific exercises. And most importantly, always listen to your body; it’s your most powerful guide!
In the U.S., flu season is typically October through May, with peak flu activity from December to March. This is a familiar cycle parents navigate with their kids annually. However, this season of sniffles might be a little different, with the possibility of what experts are calling a “twindemic,” the combination of a severe flu season alongside COVID-19.
While parents may understand how to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and the flu, it can be difficult to find the right words to explain such precautions to young kids. Thankfully, it is doable!
Here are three tips from The Goddard School’s team of early childhood health and education experts to help keep these discussions cheerful, along with six indoor activities to make quarantine time fun, engaging and educational:
1. Make Healthy Habits Fun
Remind your child that handwashing is a great way to stay healthy, clean and safe. Have them scrub their hands to the tune of “Happy Birthday” to ensure proper timing. Washing hands as a group makes for additional fun.
Teach kids about keeping themselves and each other safe. Share guidelines about wearing masks and social distancing. This may mean that the “big kids” (older than 2-years-old) should wear masks if they are able. Coach them on how close or far apart to sit when indoors or outdoors. Make it a game by having kids help set up chairs in the appropriate arrangement. For some added imagination, throw a few blankets over the chairs to create a fun and socially distanced fort!
2. Talk about Quarantine
Quarantine can be a tough concept for young children to grasp. Remind them that sometimes teachers and friends might need to stay home to get better. And if someone in your family gets sick, explain to your child why that person is staying home. While it may be a given for you, help tie the two things together for them.
Ensure the conversations are easy for young children to understand. Simply explain that staying home gives them a chance to rest and get well enough to be reunited with their friends.
Above all, keep conversations with kids about illness, COVID-19, quarantine and the like upbeat and foster a feeling of safety and protection.
3. Teach Your Child to Be Honest about How They’re Feeling
Kids may want to stay silent if they don’t feel well to avoid getting sent home and be away from their friends. Who can blame them? It’s helpful to point out that going home sooner may help them feel better faster while lessening the chance of their friends getting sick.
It’s important to teach kids there’s no shame in feeling sick and help them feel comfortable telling teachers or other grown-ups. Be sure to keep the mood supportive and nurturing. This will help them open up, and in the long run, help everyone have less of a chance of getting sick.
4. Keep Young Minds Engaged with Indoor Activities
Whether homebound due to quarantine or just stuck inside on a cold afternoon, here are six indoor activities to keep your little one entertained while supporting their learning:
Puzzles: Puzzles are a great way to learn how to solve a problem. As your child works on puzzles, they develop self-regulation and concentration. Kids can also make their own by gluing pictures on paper and then cutting the paper into 6-12 pieces.
Cooking: Follow a recipe or create your own! Have your child engage in planning, collecting the ingredients and tools, measuring and mixing. All these activities support math, science and execution function skills such as planning and organizing. Most of all, it’s a fun way to connect with your child and enjoy what you made.
Fun Science: Simple science experiments can be a fun way to your child. For example, try the classic volcano. It’s messy but a lot of fun! To start, cover a soda can or bottle with paper and clay, leaving a hole at the top. Let the clay dry. Add about one cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of dish soap into the can. Wrap a tablespoon of baking soda in a bit of paper towel and push it into the can. When the paper breaks down, the volcano will erupt!
Child Games: Learning to take turns, counting and vocabulary development are just some of the skills kids build when playing simple board games. Get out the classics such as Candy Land, UNO for Juniors and Chutes and Ladders, and prepare for lots of giggles. You can also play games such as Under the Cups or Simon Says. Under the Cups is simple—as your child watches, place one bean under one of three cups. Move the cups around. Can your child guess where the bean is?
Creative Fun: Get out the art supplies and let your child create. You can add to the fun with special projects such as building a tower challenge (who can go the highest without it falling) or sending secret messages on paper. Your child can write a message in white crayon on paper. Then use watercolor paint and brush on the paper. Surprise, the message is revealed!
Reading: Reading together is very powerful. The experience strengthens the bond with your kids, builds their vocabulary and language skills, supports brain development, teaches life lessons through conversations about the characters in the stories and so much more. It is magical what a few moments spent with a book can do at each stage of life.
Here are a few book suggestions from Goddard’s Life Lesson Library that are designed to support emotional development and inspire on indoor days:
Infants—Toddlers:
I Like Myself! By Karen Beaumont, illustrated by David Catrow
Corduroy by Don Freeman
We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury
The Goddard School’s mission is to make the world a better place through early childhood education. As the nation’s leading premium early childcare provider, Goddard is trusted by parents and families, reaching more than 70,000 students from six weeks to six years old in more than 560 Schools across 38 states.
Good nutrition is essential for brain development during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life. However, some parents may not be aware that poor nutrition during this crucial time can have lasting effects on cognitive and social development from early childhood through adulthood.
As a pediatrician and a busy mom of two, I know firsthand that the struggle is real when it comes to making sure our kids are eating healthy and nutritious foods. When my kids were babies and toddlers, it was especially difficult to make sure they got the necessary vitamins and nutrients into their tummies, mostly because they were picky, inconsistent eaters. Of course, I am not alone in this problem.
A recent study, which examined nutrient intake and adequacy in diets of children ages one through six, found that although most had adequate intakes of essential vitamins and nutrients, there were several areas where there were significant nutritional inadequacies, specifically calcium, vitamin D, DHA and iron. In fact, it revealed that Black children are the most deficient in iron (11.7%). The study also found that most children do not consume enough potassium, fiber, or choline. This is cause for concern in babies, toddlers, and young children.
So, what can we, as parents, do to make sure our own children are getting the proper nutrients they need for brain development during the first few years of their lives?
First, instead of agonizing over the fact that your children absolutely must eat healthy foods every day, take baby steps. Focus on making sure they’re ingesting those vital nutrients every week. Make sure that when prepping meals for the week ahead, you’re being mindful of nutrients like iron, calcium, vitamin D, and DHA. It’s also important to note that a lot of these micronutrients overlap. For example, if your child is getting enough calcium and iron, it’s likely he or she is also getting a ton of other nutrients too, since most nutrient-dense foods contain more than one.
Unfortunately, not all kids will eat certain nutrient-rich foods like fatty fish or leafy greens. In this case, I say if at first you don’t succeed, try again. Just because they won’t eat it the first time you make it doesn’t mean you should stop trying. Involve your kids in the grocery shopping and let them help you pick out healthy foods. Visit the seafood section more often. Buy some frozen shrimp and fatty fish so you expose them to these different types of food. Then, let them help you prepare family meals. Kids tend to be more likely to eat foods they’ve helped prepare.
In the case of iron and calcium-packed leafy greens, you can certainly blend them into a smoothie, muffins, or sauce from time to time, but I would also recommend that parents let their children see the whole food in its natural state (in a salad for example) as well so they can taste and touch it. Even if they do not like it at first, they will eventually become more open to trying it again and maybe even accepting it since their palates evolve over time.
Other great nutrient packed foods include eggs (in all forms) and oranges, which are high in calcium and serve as a great substitute for kids who do not or cannot eat dairy. There are even some cereals that are fortified with iron.
For those families who cannot have specific foods in the house because a family member is allergic, talk to your pediatrician about what foods would be good, nutrient-rich substitutes.
The key takeaway here is patience and persistence. Exposing our children to a wide variety of colorful foods with different textures and nutrients, early and often, can work wonders for their development in the long run. And lastly, don’t be too hard on yourself, you’re doing just fine.
Dr. Natasha Burgert is a board-certified pediatrician in Overland Park, Kansas. A national spokesperson for American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Dr. Burgert is a regular contributor to Forbes Health, US News & World Report and more. She has been featured The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Parents magazine, and more. kckidsdoc.com.
