Now you can watch your favorite animal collection on the big screen. Schleich is bringing its Bayala franchise to life in the US with an animated feature length movie,The Fairy Princess and the Unicorn: The Bayala Movie. Made possible through a partnership with Viva Kids, this latest release follows the European theatrical release during the Fall of 2019.
“We are thrilled to have the Bayala franchise come to life for our US fans and anyone who loves fantasy and magic,” said Annie Laurie Zomermaand, Chief Commercial Officer, Schleich USA. “To be able to bring richer and more immersive brand experiences like this is exciting and a sign of things to come from Schleich”
Available On Digital and On Demand Aug. 4, the film takes kids on an adventure in the world of Bayala, a magical country where fairies have been living in harmony with nature for centuries. The peaceful country is put at risk when the evil shadow fairy queen, Ophira, steals the precious dragon’s eggs, in which lie the kingdom’s magic. The fate of Bayala is in the hands of the brave Princess Surah and her companions as they go on an adventurous journey to bring the dragons back and save the kingdom.
The Bayala product line launched in 2012 and features an enchanting world of unicorns, fairies, mermaids and other wondrous creatures.
Starting today SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment is offering free admission for U.S. military veterans and their families to safely visit SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio and Busch Gardens Tampa parks. U.S. military veterans and retirees can redeem their complimentary single-day ticket(s), valid through November 11, for themselves and up to three friends or family members online at www.WavesofHonor.com. This offer will be valid at SeaWorld San Diego and Busch Gardens Williamsburg upon the parks’ reopening dates.
In order to ensure the safety of the parks’ guests and staff capacity at each park is carefully limited to create even more open space for guests to enjoy themselves while maintaining social distancing. Guests are encouraged to make their reservations early.
Since its launch in 2005, more than 10 million guests, active duty military members, veterans and their families have enjoyed the SeaWorld family of parks for free through the Waves of Honor program. This year, in addition to the free offer, veterans have the option to add up to four additional guest tickets for 50% off to SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio or Busch Gardens Tampa. Veterans who take advantage of the ticket offer can also receive 10 dollars off All-Day Dining and 50% off Quick Queue Unlimited, the company’s front-of-line access option, for attractions at SeaWorld Orlando and San Antonio Parks, and Busch Gardens Tampa.
“It is an honor and a privilege for our SeaWorld and Busch Gardens family to extend free park admission to our country’s veterans and their families, and provide them with memorable experiences that are not only fun, but more importantly safe,” said Marc Swanson, Interim Chief Executive Officer of SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment. “Our long-standing commitment to members of the US military through the Waves of Honor program is our way of saying thank you to all of the brave individuals who serve and sacrifice for this country.”
The Waves of Honor program already provides complimentary admission for U.S. active duty military personnel, activated or drilling reservists, and National Guardsmen and up to three dependents. Additional discounts and offers are available for active military and veterans through MWR and ITT offices on U.S. military bases and online at http://www.WavesofHonor.com. These offers are available year-round and may differ by park.
It’s coronation day! Princess Elena’s heroic journey to become queen culminates in an epic prime-time finale special of Disney’s Elena of Avalor on Aug. 23. New episodes leading up to the finale will debut on Disney Junior and DisneyNOW every Sunday beginning Jul. 26 at 5 p.m. ET/PT.
Inspired by Latin culture and folklore, Elena of Avalor premiered in 2016 and tells the story of Elena, a brave and adventurous teenager who has been learning what it takes to be a great leader by ruling her enchanted fairytale kingdom as crown princess until she is old enough to be queen. The series, which airs in over 150 countries around the world, has been lauded for its messages of leadership and inclusiveness.
In the prime-time special titled Elena of Avalor: Coronation Day, as plans for Elena’s coronation are underway, Esteban’s team of villains unleash legendary spirit misfits, the Four Shades of Awesome. In order to save her kingdom, her family and her friends, Elena must journey to the Spirit World and back, and face the ultimate test of her courage and character, before becoming queen. Jenny Slate, Mark Hamill, Fred Armisen and Andy Garcia guest star as the Four Shades of Awesome and Patrick Warburton voices Grand Macaw, ruler of the dark side of the Spirit World.
The finale also features returning guest voice cast members Constance Marie, Lou Diamond Phillips, Jaime Camil, Justina Machado, Gina Rodriguez, Mario Lopez, Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Shalhoub, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, John Leguizamo, Cheech Marin, Whoopi Goldberg, Cloris Leachman, Chrissie Fit, Tyler Posey, Melissa Fumero, Stephanie Beatriz, Kether Donohue, Nestor Carbonell, Andrea Navedo, Eden Espinosa, Ana Ortiz, Gina Torres and Gaby Moreno, who also sings the series’ theme song.
The series stars Aimee Carrero as the voice of Princess Elena; Jenna Ortega as Princess Isabel; Chris Parnell, Yvette Nicole Brown and Carlos Alazraqui as jaquins Migs, Luna and Skylar, respectively; Emiliano Díez as Francisco; Julia Vera as Luisa; Christian Lanz as Chancellor Esteban; Jillian Rose Reed as Naomi; Joseph Haro as Mateo; Jorge Diaz as Gabe; Keith Ferguson as Zuzo; and Joe Nunez as Armando.
Elena of Avalor will continue to air on Disney Junior and Disney Channel platforms around the world. The series’ first two seasons are also currently available on Disney+.
Knowing how to help a young child develop resilience is important to their emotional development, as every child will face some sort of challenge, adversity or change in their lives. We are all facing this currently as we continue to live through the adversity and challenges of COVID-19.
Resilience is one’s ability to adapt and overcome challenges and find strength through adversity. It is sometimes referred to as one’s ability to “bounce back” but I prefer to think of it more as our ability to survive, and even thrive, during a big change. All humans have this amazing capacity for survival through the most difficult and traumatic circumstances.
The following 5 tips can support and help your children build resilience and teach them new skills to get through challenging times:
1. Boundaries + Routines = Safety for young children
Children need routines and boundaries. It helps them feel stable, secure, and safe. As your schedule adapts and changes, make sure to leave plenty of time for free-play, but remember that creating a structure in their environment is something they still need you to do for them (this may be somewhat less-so with teenagers, but way more so with young children). You’ll notice how your children will relax into their days as things become more predictable for them. As children grow older they will learn to do this for themselves (create structure out of change and adapt to new routines). Right now, they need your help. Even little bedtime rituals become even more important during times like this.
2. All Feelings Welcome. Allow space for all the feelings you and your littles are experiencing
Resiliency does not mean “everything is great right now!” (cue fake smile). It means noticing the feelings bubbling up and being honest about it. Those feelings we push down and hide will come out in one way or another so we might as well face them head-on. Facing these feelings, labeling them, and allowing space for them to be expressed is a foundational skill of emotional regulation. Emotional regulation is always a core factor in resilience. If we can help manage our emotions through healthy expression, we can get through more difficult times. Teach this now to your kids, and they will thank you when they are older. This can be done through conversation, play, or stories. Seeing a real need for a tool that helps little ones identify, accept, and cope with their big emotions, we created The Feels for Slumberkins. The book, mini stuffies set, and curriculum provides educators, parents or caregivers easy ways to talk about big feelings. It’s a story about getting to know all your feelings, that allows children to think, explore, and play around with the concepts of feelings and be-friending them all.
3. Vulnerability Is the New Brave. Being vulnerable and acknowledging emotions, even the ‘bad’ ones, is true bravery.
Feeling scared, sad, angry, jealous, hurt, etc. is human. We are not bad for feeling these things, yet these feelings can be quite powerful and sometimes even painful. When we acknowledge these feelings, we show true bravery. Honesty and vulnerability are factors that not only help an individual, but they also strengthen our bonds in relationships. Relationships can grow stronger as we share our feelings with one another. Being vulnerable and brave can help us reach out when we need help (another core factor in resilience). Teach your children they can be honest about their feelings, and they are seen as strong and brave when they share their most difficult emotions.
4. Model What You Teach
It’s honestly the only way children learn. We have to focus on our own wellness, and emotional regulation and honestly with our emotions before we can help our children. Without trying to sound too creepy… they are watching us.
5. Practice Gratitude
Focusing on the good things can really fill our hearts. This is something we can always practice but often hold deeper and more profound meaning during times of stress. There is always something we can be grateful for—even if it’s something we used to take for granted. I think many of us are now finding gratitude for things we may not have in the past. I know, I am now so incredibly grateful for that smile from a kind neighbor on my daily walk, or for those 10 minutes of quiet when my child is playing with their toys. Just make sure you don’t skip over the acknowledgment of difficult emotions, too. Gratitude rings false if you aren’t also acknowledging the difficulty. We humans are complex, and we can tolerate things being terrible and wonderful at the same time. An experience many parents in our community are expressing during this time.
There are many ways to support resilience in children. When we allow a safe space for children to play and express themselves, they will always find ways to tap into their own resiliency and capacity for growth.
Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen are co-founders of Slumberkins, a children's brand supporting social-emotional learning for children. Kelly has a dual master's degree in family therapy and school counseling, and Callie has a master's degree in teaching. Both are passionate about teaching children social-emotional skills to thrive in our modern world.
With Father’s Day just around the corner and the days getting longer, reading to our children at bedtime is one of the best ways to wind down after a busy summer day. The time a parent spends reading with his child is one of the most consistent links to that child achieving positive literacy scores throughout his or her schooling. It’s a period that not only helps children academically but strengthens the bond you have with them and creates memories to last a lifetime. Children will always remember bedtime stories and the lessons that these stories bring.
These books are perfect to foster the bond between dads and children on Father’s Day.
Preschool and Kindergarten
My Cat Looks Like My Dad Written and Illustrated by Thao Lam: Bright paper-collage illustrations create comparisons in which the narrator talks about their family—especially the striking similarities between Dad and the cat. Both have orange hair, love milk, start their days with stretches, appreciate a good nap, and are brave (some of the time). A surprising twist at the end reveals the narrator’s unexpected identity, also hinted at with clues in the art throughout the book. Warmth and whimsy in the illustrations add a playful balance to the story’s deeper message about the love that makes a family a unit, no matter how unusual it may look from the outside.
Hike by Pete Oswald: This beautifully illustrated picture book highlights the joy that can be found in spending time with family and nature. A father wakes his son one morning and they pack up and head out of the city for the day. As they make their way up the trail, they stop to enjoy the beauty around them including the wildlife and the snow. The father helps his son cross a log bridge and admire a waterfall. Ultimately, at the end of the trail, they plant a tree seedling before making their way back down. Words aren’t needed in this homage to the power of taking time to enjoy the natural world. On top of that is the importance of the father/son bond exhibited as the father and son spend the day together, helping each other as needed.
You and Me, Me and You by Miguel Tanco: A father and son walk together, discuss life among a busy city, play, and spend time with each other in this book that honors the special bond between a father and his son. The story illustrates how dads can be present and are always there for their sons. It not only makes a great Father’s Day present, but it can be read over and over again.
First and Second Grade
Dad and the Dinosaurby Gennifer Choldenko, Illustrated by Dan Santat: A boy keeps a toy dinosaur in his pocket to help him be brave like his dad, but when the dinosaur goes missing, dad knows just what to do. This story warms hearts and teaches kids how to be brave and face their fears. Choldenko reminds us all of the awesomeness of dads to come through, and Santat brings both the fear and bravery that this book underlines to life.
Hair Loveby Matthew A. Cherry, Illustrated by Vashti Harrison: A little girl has her daddy help her find the perfect hairstyle that will show off her beautiful, natural self. It’s a special occasion, so she wants to look her best. Tender and empowering, this book is an ode to loving your natural hair—and a celebration of daddies and daughters everywhere.
Third and Fourth Grade
Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary, Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers: Romona’s father has just lost his job and things are tense in the Quimby house. Romona decides to help as much as she can, even by reducing her Christmas wish list. But the bills are piling up, and Romona wonders if life will ever go back to normal. An excellent choice to share during homeschooling.
Dog Diaries Book: A Middle School Storyby James Patterson, Illustrated by Richard Watson: A story told from the perspective of Junior the dog, this book tells the story of how Junior was adopted from the pound and came to meet his new pet human, Rafe. Rafe and Junior are immediately best friends, and the two of them find themselves in a big predicament after a little, teensy mishap at the dog park. It is up to the two of them to prove they aren’t the mess everyone thinks they are by winning the local dog show. The only problem is…they have both miserably failed their obedience school class. A fun read for both dads and kids, this book is full of humor and illustrations.
Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California.
The essential workers putting their lives on their line to keep us safe are true heroes. Random House Books for Young Readers, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books, will publish a picture book honoring essential workers entitled THANK YOU, HELPERS: Doctors, Teachers, Grocery Workers, and More Who Care for Us. The ebook will go on sale Jun. 9, 2020, followed by the print paperback edition on Jun. 30, and will be accompanied by a donation to Americares, a global health-focused relief and development organization that is providing critically needed protective supplies, training and emotional support for health workers in the United States and around the world.
A celebration of all essential workers, THANK YOU, HELPERS features upbeat, rhyming text from Patricia Hegarty and illustrations by Michael Emmerson. From health care workers to delivery people, grocery workers, teachers, and more, this joyful read-aloud honors those who help us every day and provides caregivers an opportunity to practice gratitude with the young children in their lives.
Barbara Marcus, President & Publisher, Random House Children’s Books said, “This book celebrates the heroic efforts of essential workers everywhere who keep us safe and healthy all the time, and especially now during the crisis we are facing. Thank You, Helpers provides an important opportunity for families to talk about the role of, and express their appreciation for, the many helpers in their communities. Our donation to Americares will support the transformative work done by the health care workers in America and across the world.”
“Now more than ever, health workers need our support,” said Christine Squires, Americares President and CEO. “Random House Children’s Books’ generous donation will allow us to provide more protective gear and training to keep these brave men and women safe and supported during this difficult time.”
As a child who grew up in a home with physical, verbal and emotional abuse. I can tell you that any amount of time, whether it be months or years that a child is subjected to abuse, will leave a mark. There will be damage, hurt and trust issues.
As children grow and mature, an older child or even an adult child may question why their non-abusive parent stayed and to be brutally honest, no reason the other party gives will feel good enough. It doesn’t feel okay, because having to be abused as a minor and not having the ability to make the choice yourself to leave, it ISN’T okay. You lose all your power, before you’ve ever had the chance to find it.
I cannot sugarcoat the truth. I can’t pretend it doesn’t sting. I won’t lie and say that I can understand the fear of leaving outweighs the primal instinct to protect your child. I won’t pretend I have any perspective on this, other than my own experience.
However, there is something I feel the need to convey to the ones who left: To the brave Mama’s (and Dad’s in some cases) that scooped up their children, without a dime in their pocket or any idea how they were going to make it and chose to save themselves and their family from any more pain at the hands of their abuser—I think you’re brave.
I think you’re brave because you got out alive and you recognized that you and your kids deserve better. The moment you walked out that door, you made a better life possible.
I think you’re brave because even though you didn’t know how you were going to provide for your kids-you found a way to do it, all while keeping them safe and they will thank you for that one day.
I think you’re brave because you broke the chains of control and manipulation your abuser had on you and the moment you did that, you won.
I think you’re brave because you told the truth. You didn’t cover up the bruises or hide the tears. You didn’t let the lies that no one would believe you sink in anymore.
I think you’re brave because you got help. You reached out of the shadows you were kept in and you refused to be silenced anymore.
I think you’re brave because you knew it was your spouse or your kids and you chose right. You put their happiness, well-being and their safety above any conflicted feelings you had for your partner.
I think you’re brave because you gave your children a chance at a childhood where they don’t have to cower in fear, where they don’t have to walk on eggshells, where they don’t have to be the bigger person to a person much bigger than them.
I think you’re brave because you stood up to a giant and watched him fall. You faced the fear, the threats, the lies, the shouts, the names, the hits, the falls and you got back up and chose to never put yourself in the position to let it happen again.
You took back the power and I think you’re brave and so will your kids. Keep going and don’t ever look back, because that’s not where you’re going anymore. Every day that you’re not being hurt is a day you get to heal.
Domestic abuse can take many forms. Learn to spot the signs, discover your rights and options, and find out more about what support is available for you and your children.If you are someone you love is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. For anonymous, confidential help, 24/7, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).
The Redeemed Mama is a writer who had had articles published by The Today Show, Love What Matters, The Mighty, Faithit, For Every Mom, The Creative Child Magazine and more. She has 3 beautiful kids and resides in Southern Arizona and loves writing about parenting, life and growth!
Today, girls feel the pressures to be pretty, popular, and talented. They are striving to fit in, keep up, and be all things to all people. Yet, girls are more stressed and anxious than ever before and consistently report feeling “not good enough.”
As girls grow up, they change from strong, secure, and gutsy little girls to uncertain, afraid, and worried teen girls who hold back their voice, their opinion, and their adventurous spirits. They lose their true self and begin curating the “ideal” self—one who is helpful, amenable, and accomplished. Her “perfect” self, whether on her social media feeds or in real-time, strives for perfection at all costs. Essentially, girls become “super girls”.
Yet, as much as they are accomplishing, they may also be struggling with “Super Girl Syndrome” —stressed out, exhausted, and empty. You may be noticing the signs: girls who are taking on more roles and responsibilities, putting in extra time on assignments for the perfect grades, staying up late, and saying, “Yes” to every opportunity and every invitation that comes her way.
Girls have endless possibilities and infinite choices. The world tells her: “Be anything” she hears: “Be everything.” Girls know the “girl power” movement is on the rise and they have some pretty big shoes to fill (think Ariana Grande, Malala Yousafsai, Emma Watson, and Greta Thunberg). They may not know that the push for more is taking its toll on their mental health. As her “to-do list” grows longer, you may wonder how to help support your daughter.
My work with girls has taught me, they want and they need our help. Here are 4 superpower options for you to teach her:
Superpower 1: Help her to be self-compassionate. Since supergirls push themselves beyond their own boundaries, they are going to need to learn how to be kind, with their words and their actions. This could mean, using gentle self-talk such as, “I am so proud of myself today” or “I need a moment to consider how I feel I did” or showing herself some latitude when things don’t go her way. At the same time, girls need to practice self-care and give themselves permission to relax. This could mean time to journal, a bubble bath, a funny sitcom or Netflix, or preparing her favorite meal. Being hard on themselves and harsh with their words and actions doesn’t help them to achieve any more and leaves them feeling bad. Kindness and self-compassion, meeting themselves in a moment, is the anecdote for any possibility of self-punishment.
Superpower 2: Suggest she chooses progress over perfection. Girls aim for “perfect” —a non-existent entity they have come to equate with happiness. They strive for an impossibly high standard and when they don’t meet these unrealistic demands, they can feel deflated, and promise themselves one thing: to try harder and to push for more. When I work with perfectionists, I always affirm their hustle. Simultaneously, I deconstruct perfectionism, explaining there is no such thing and they will never get there. Then, I shift their focus to progress, asking her to take a moment to look back at how far she’s come, how she got here (discipline, hard work, commitment, and time), and ask her not to compare her journey with anyone else’s. When she can see her progress, I ask her what is required for her to keep going (more time, support, motivation, and learning). Letting go of perfection can mean, she can enjoy the ride of progress, as well as making mistakes, or being mediocre or average, albeit temporarily. She can be her worth, not try to prove her worth.
Superpower 3: Encourage her to practice bravery. Many girls play it safe and girls are afraid to be brave. They don’t want to risk a reputation or any expectations. They don’t want to step out of a comfort zone and be uncomfortable or uncertain. Often girls feel they are not ready and as though they aren’t enough. Yet, taking risks and showing bravery is the very skill girls need to practice to grow. When girls are brave—either they take a chance, make a new choice, decide to change, or challenge themselves, being uncomfortable is inevitable. On the other side of discomfort is courage. The more brave girls can be—raising their hands in the classroom, setting a boundary, making new friends, or trying out new activities, the more likely they are to learn that they can do it, even if they are afraid. And, it feels pretty good.
Superpower 4: Remind her to play and have fun. Supergirls are focused and don’t have a lot of free time. This may sound counterintuitive but this is exactly why they need to play. They are so busy and often so stressed, suggesting having fun to them is laughable. All the while, downtime is necessary as is getting her to take a phone break. It is through play, being messy, and feeling wild and carefree, they can unburden and de-stress themselves. Moreover, play is an opportunity to take on some necessary “r’s”, namely: rest, release, restoration, and rejuvenation. Supergirls have the energy and drive to keep going. They will argue they don’t need breaks. Yet, they do. Try to convince her that it is through creative play, they may have new ideas, fresh perspectives, and renewed energy to keep going. Even supergirls need to recharge.
Supergirls are productive and work hard. They are driven, ambitious, responsible and respectable thought leaders. They are our future. As they push to achieve and accomplish, to reach their goals and to make their mark, they are going to need our help to explore the superpower alternatives so they can find a better balance and most importantly, their true identity.
For more resources to support your supergirl, check out: Growing Strong Girls: Practical Tools to Cultivate Connection in the Preteen Years andRooted, Resilient, and Ready now available on Amazon and Audible. She is also the founder and CEO of Bold New Girls, a website dedicated to “Empowering girls to feel happy, healthy, confident, & inspired through the integration of learning & social/emotional development.”
I am a girl advocate and girls champion; the founder of Bold New Girls, teaching and coaching for girls and their parents. As well, I am the author Growing Strong Girls and Rooted, Resilient, and Ready (available on Amazon and Audible). I am an international speaker and an instructor with Udemy.
We’re all doing our part by staying home as much as we can, but what about when a little one gets sick?
Brave Care Everywhere has the answer. The modern, kid-friendly clinic is now offering virtual care visits for families across Oregon. Appointments are available from 10 a.m.–10 p.m., 365 days a year. Brave Care is known for providing excellent pediatric urgent care and wellness visits. With the new distance care, it is easier than ever to get your Little healthy again.
Your kids will be begging to go outside again before you know it.
“She was born at 4:08pm (ET) coming in at 8.2 lbs & 20 inches long,” the caption reads. “Go Go and mom are doing great.”
In the photo, Carson ans Siri are wearing face masks while cradling their new daughter.
The post continues with a special thank you to the hospital staff. “The Daly family wants to send a special shout out to the incredibly brave & selfless medical staff at our hospital in New York and also the many courageous people on the front lines of this dreadful virus.”
Goldie joins proud siblings Jackson James (11), Etta Jones (7) and London Rose (5).