There are times when parenthood can seem terribly isolating. Moments where you feel all alone, hoping for a sign or gesture from other parents that you are not by yourself in this, that someone else understands.
We have all been there. You are in public, your child is fine, the day so far has been uneventful when suddenly a tantrum unlike any other erupts. It could be anything, a sibling breathed on them wrong, you won’t buy them something totally impractical and ridiculously expensive, but now you’ve got to cope with the aftermath.
Not only do you have to calm down a child who is yelling, crying, and doing that thing with their bodies that only toddlers can do where their bodies manage to be both stiff as a piece of cardboard and as limp as an overcooked noodle but you have to somehow pull off this challenging feat in the presence of strangers.
Strangers that undoubtedly are judging your parenting skills and finding you lacking, otherwise why would your child be screaming like a banshee? Of course, we’ve been in the flip position too, watching a parent struggle with a child. We know how she feels, and you wish you could let her know she isn’t being judged. That we know she loves her child, even when they are behaving like a crazy beast. That we consider her a good parent having a rough time.
Maybe we should all come up with some sort of worldwide hand signal that we can flash to other parents to show support and solidarity. Or maybe just give a sympathetic smile and offer a hand. And know that we’ve been there and will most likely be there again.
Catherine lives with her husband, two daughters, and rescue dog. She can usually be found reading, compulsively volunteering at her daughters' schools, or glaring at an ever growing mountain of laundry.
Calling all parents of mini makers and crafters! LA’s best art and design studios for kids are offering online classes, take-home kits and private, at-home sessions for budding artists. Little ones can learn to build their own art robot, create their own cardboard sculpture, and transform everyday objects into works of art. Read on for all the details.
Purple Twig offers both online and small in-studio classes (schedule for in-studio classes are TBD). Zoom-based classes are for kids ages 6 and up, and include themes like Soft Sculpture and Cardboard Creations. In-studio classes are designed for younger kids, ages 3 to 6, and their caregiver. Purple Twig has two large tables to accommodate social distancing, and masks or shields must be worn at all times in the studio.
You can also sign up for private in-studio workshops for up to eight kids (all part of the same "quaranteam"). As with other in-studio classes, social distancing and masks are still a must.
Cost: Online classes, $250 for 8 sessions; private, in-person classes start at $150 per 1-hour session; small group classes start at $27 per class.
2038 Colorado Blvd. Eagle Rock 323-363-7924 Online: purpletwig.com
Meri Cherry Art Studio has something for everyone. To start, check out the Virtual Art Studio, with Zoom sessions for kids ages 3 to 5, along with ones for kids ages 6 and up. Once you enroll, you'll get a confirmation email with a link to your class page, which includes full material lists for each class project, a link to the studio's Amazon Storefront to purchase supplies, your weekly Zoom login and more.
In addition to live Zoom classes, Meri Cherry also offers downloadable classes that you and your little one can do at home. You'll get a list of supplies you will need for this project, including suggestions and options for customization, introduction to one of Meri Cherry Art Studio's teachers, and the exact language we use in class with our students, and a step-by-step teaching video.
Want to have a Meri Cherry Art Studio expert come to your home? You can get on the waitlist to host a session of small-group, private mobile classes in your own backyard. Mobile Teachers bring all the art materials, tools and expertise for an amazing at-home experience, for up to 6 kids.
But wait, there's more. Meri Cherry also offers Camp in a Box art boxes, complete with everything you need for hours of creative fun. Choose between the popular Dollhouse Camp in a Box and I AM AN ARTIST Camp in a Box. Get more info here.
Cost: Virtual Art Classes, $35 per class (typically 5 classes in total; students must enroll for all classes in session); downloadable classes, $18; private, mobile classes, from $40 per child per class.
Art and technology come together at this LA studio, which typically offers a wide range of workshops, camps, and birthday parties for kids. For now, in-person workshops and classes have moved online. Upcoming 90-minute workshops include "LED Embroidery" (where kids learn circuitry and embroidery!), and "Build an Artbot" (an actual drawing robot with a switch and motor). Check out Design Hive's full list of workshops.
Design Hive's latest online classes start up at the beginning of January, with iFashion + Design Camp and iToy Design Workshop, both for kids ages 7-15.
Design Hive also offers DIY Makers Kits, like the Smart House Kit, which allows kids to design, build and program their own mini light-up house; and Sensory Kits, including a dinosaur-themed one for prehistoric-obsesses kiddos.
Cost: 90-minute workshops, $50 (sibling discounts available); online classes, $175 for four 1-hour session; kit prices vary depending on materials included
5368 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles 323-379-3399 Online: designhivela.com
With Art Camp LA, you can choose to attend live classes via Zoom or watch at home whenever you want. Check out Art Camp online for classes on how to make a scrap art wall hanging, musical mixed media collage and more.
For something more robust, kids can also sign up for eight 1-hour classes, like Mini Makers. Art Camp sends the supplies and leads a class each week to help foster creative curiosity and experimentation.
Art Camp LA also offers Art Boxes 10 brand new boxed art experiences to explore, with themes including unicorns, fairies, dinosaur pop art and more. Each box is filled with fun and unexpected art materials that are sure to engage your mini makers. Boxes are created for two, so you and your kiddo can enjoy a crafternoon together!
Don't want to commit to an entire box? Art Camp's printable packs and templates, starting at $3.99, provide plenty of creative fun.
Costs: Single video classes, $20; virtual classes, $275 for 8 weeks; Art Camp Boxes, $50; contact for pricing on private pod classes
You know how it goes: Dinner was a fiasco, bathtime was a struggle, and the littles refused to put on PJs and brush their teeth. You finally got them ready, but now it’s past their bedtime, and it’s pretty much your bedtime, too.
As you’re tucking your child into bed, your eyes are drooping, your body is half-wilted. You are mentally snuggling into your own bed and letting the sweet, sweet wave of sleep wash over you.
And then comes the request: “Book! Read! Please!”
Now, I’m a full-time librarian and a mom, and storytime and reading before bed has pretty much always been my favorite time of day with my kid. Time stands still when I get to cozy up with my munchkin and talk about words, illustrations, and meanings. And I get to break out all of my character voices and listen to her try to repeat them.
But there have been several times in the past year where I have fallen asleep while reading in a (terrible) British accent, only to wake up to a small, worried voice saying, ‘Mom. Mom. Mom?’
Mummy is tired. Oh, so tired. So tired that she was reading with her eyes closed.
But, as they say in the children’s librarian business, the (storytime) show must go on. Especially since educators and scientists tell us how important it is to read to kids every day. It’s impossible not to feel guilty saying no to a read-aloud.
So how can you break through the guilt and exhaustion and go on with the storytime show? Keep reading for some tried-and-true shortcuts for bedtime read-alouds on the days when you can barely keep your eyes open.
1. Insist on choosing the book.
That’s right–the grownup gets to choose! Now, choose the shortest one you can find. Maybe you already do the choosing, but it’s a tip worth repeating: Kids will pretty much agree to anything in order to be read to and snuggled with.
2. Edit the story.
If your kiddo insists on choosing the book, you can save some energy by just reading the important stuff on the page. And sometimes it’s easier to ask your child a question about the illustration or photo. You can do this with just about any book—find a great photo or illustration and discuss, flip, repeat.
3. Ask them to read it.
Unfortunately, even the littlest kids will call you out if you try to ‘edit’ a favorite book that you’ve read a bazillion times. If they do, ask them to tell the story, or take turns telling the story and flipping the pages.
4. Choose readers or board books.
Instead of a long picturebook, try another format, like beginning readers or board books—you know, the books with great illustrations and (most importantly) one line of text per page? There are even abbreviated versions of longer picture books that are published as board books and readers. Even if your child isn’t quite at the learning-to-read stage, you can’t miss with these formats.
Go for some superhero beginning readers with really simple text, or try the quick and easy science and nonfiction readers. I had a really good run with an abbreviated board book (the books with cardboard pages) version of Go, Dog, Go!.
5. Giggle over a book with sensory elements.
They’ll become so engrossed with lifting flaps, poking at textures, pressing buttons, and turning chunky cardboard pages that you can save your energy for staying awake. Just the act of flipping pages in itself is an important part of early learning.
6. Skip the book and ‘talk’ or sing.
When my daughter was a toddler, she really loved to ‘chat’ right before falling asleep. The chatter would go on and on and on. I used to tell her to be quiet and go to sleep, but then I realized that she was putting herself to sleep by babbling. So I started babbling along with her.
Now that she’s older, she’s interested in a real conversation or a song. So, instead of reading, sometimes we sing Beatles songs, Hamilton songs or just talk about the day’s events.
7. Snuggle on the couch.
If you’re like me, then you’re prone to falling asleep in your kiddo’s bed while reading and then stumbling back to your own bed at 2 am. Try a storytime on the couch or in a comfy chair instead of in the bed. If you aren’t in bed, it’s possible your body won’t think it’s time to go to sleep.
Take it from a librarian: It’s okay to break the storytime rules. Even if you’re wiped out, there are so many different ways to enjoy words and pictures with your little one. If you’re feeling guilty about not reading every day for an hour, just remember that any amount of time you spend talking, singing, playing or reading together will have a positive effect on your child.
Erica J. Thatcher, MLIS, is a library professional and a mom. She also runs a side hustle from her website, writing and editing content for print and for the Web. When she’s not wearing those hats, she’s a watercolor enthusiast, guitar player, gardener, reader, foodie and sewer.
We’re all ready to bid 2020 adieu and Pinterest is here to help everyone get up to speed on all the good that’s coming in 2021. The company just released its trends report for parenting, and there’s a lot to look forward to.
From a new take on homeschooling to slimy pets, here are the hottest trend for 2021.
Heart Schooling is the New Homeschooling
If there's one thing 2020 taught us, it's that we're all teachers––and darn good ones! The new year will continue our new professions, but with a focus on moral lessons, mindfulness and real world lessons. Parents in the U.S. searched a ton this past year for topics that include moral and government lessons and mindfulness activities.
Pinning parents are continuing teaching their kiddos about the planet in unique ways for 2021. Education will focus on projects and art that use products they already have. In 2020, huge increases could be seen in topics that include cardboard toys, banana peel fertilizer, pencil shaving art for kids, outdoor education and art education projects.
High maintenance pets are a thing of the past for 2021. Next year families are growing by adding non-hairy pets that include lizards, snails and frogs, as evidenced by the growth in searches for things like pet frog, tortoise food, pet snails and pet lizards.
Sometimes it’s hard to be sandwiched in between two siblings who both require a significant amount of time and attention in completely different ways.
The oldest, needing to be out the door at the crack of dawn in order to get to school on time. Then after school, it’s spelling words, reading intervention, and dance. Her sweet and sassy self is always keeping us on our toes. While the baby requires so much of me, from pumping around the clock, scrubbing bottles, physical therapy appointments, and endless laundry. He is happiest when being held and generally hates to be put down even if just for a few short minutes.
But you, my sweet middle child, enjoy the simple things in life and require so little to be truly happy.
Thank you for running into my room with a big smile, hands full of dinosaurs, asking me to play with you, because the chores can wait.
Thank you for eating anything and everything I put on your plate even if it’s green and looks like a tree.
Thank you for loving our outings to the grocery store just as much as our outings to the toy store.
Thank you for picking me beautiful flowers and weeds on every walk we take.
Thank you for telling me I’m “the best cooker ever” when I make you boxed mac n cheese.
Thank you for never throwing a tantrum when your sister gets to go somewhere and you have to stay home with me.
Thank you for accompanying me to every doctor’s appointment for your siblings and never complaining about all the waiting.
Thank you for drawing me unique works of art and presenting them to me with such pride, even if you do call them “scribble scrabble.”
Thank you for entertaining yourself with toy cars and action figures while I pump and feed your brother.
Thank you for loving me as you do, even on the hard days, and telling me I’m beautiful, even if I haven’t showered in a few days.
Thank you for giving the best hugs at the perfect time, and for making me feel whole again.
One day, in the not so distant future, you will be in school all day and the house will be eerily quiet. No loud games of Ninja Turtles where we run around the house together with cardboard swords pretending to fight off “bad guys.”
No more afternoons playing in the dirt in the backyard and looking for bugs that you will convince me to let you bring inside. No more lazy days snuggled on the couch watching your favorite cartoons and eating way too many cookies. No more late afternoons reading truck books followed by long naps. You will have an exciting life outside the house and won’t need me as much. So for now I will soak up every minute, every day with you, my loving and perfect middle child. You, my son, are something special and our family is better off because of you!
Caitlyn is a military spouse and mom to three children and one fur baby. She was an elementary school counselor before becoming a stay at home who enjoys coffee, hiking, and playing in the dirt with her kids.
Get your little turkey ready for Thanksgiving. Hello Bello just launched their newest, festive monthly Diaper Bundle Box for November. The limited-edition November box can be easily transformed into a cardboard Turkey right before your eyes.
These turkey boxes will be arriving on the doorsteps of bundlers all month long for gobbles of fun at home. The box even comes with an activity for extra fun. Use the tail-feathers to write down what your whole family is thankful for this year.
As part of the brands quest to become more eco conscious, these November boxes are now made of 100% recycled materials which in turn the company estimates will save on thousands of mature trees, kilowatts of energy and gallons of water.
Hello Bello diaper bundles start at just $65 for 7 packs of diapers. With several new diaper prints and patterns bundling is the perfect way to save while the adorable boxes provide a fun activity that the entire family can enjoy.
It’s an election year and that means a lot of political signs, commercials and visible campaigning—which can lead to questions about how we elect officials (like the president!) to office. Stage some in-house (and at the polls) activities to give little ones an idea of the process. Scroll down for four simple ideas you can implement on Election Day.
There are plenty of everyday decisions that are worthy of a vote. What should you have for dinner? Who will read bedtime stories? Make a list of the top few household "ballot measures" and let the kiddos cast their vote. You can just draw up a few pieces of paper with the initiatives and boxes for checkmarks.
You can also have everyone vote on one thing and "cast" their vote into a little box. Take an empty tissue box and let the kiddos decorate it, or convert a shoebox into the ballot box. The ballot box helps emphasize the anonymity of the voting process. Mom or Dad can read the votes out loud while one of the kiddos keeps a simple count.
Just in time for the 2020 election, the creators of the New York Times bestselling book Last Week Tonight with John Oliver Presents: A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo have a new children's book that's all about speaking up and using your voice. Everyone Gets a Sayis a picture book about furry friends who can't seem to agree on anything, and decide they need a leader. But, how do they pick who's in charge? This fun book is perfect for teaching younger kids about democracy and voting with characters and concepts they'll understand!
Make a polling place at home! For a simple one, just pick a corner and string up a wire, hand a curtain over. If you happen to have a big ol’ cardboard box around, you can convert that into a little booth. A three-fold cardboard or box on its side will do, too. Kiddos can decorate the inside with markers. Let them take turns stepping inside the booth to vote.
Yes, you can take your children to vote with you! Check your state laws for how many can come in with you at once (some only allow two or fewer) but all polling places will allow children 17 and under to come into the booth with Mom or Dad. It goes without saying that your kids need to be on good behavior and may be asked to leave if they're disrupting the voting process for others, but guess what else? You can actually let your kids vote for you. While we don’t advise letting them make all the marks, you can have them fill in that line for you. Just remember to keep voices library-level low while doing it. With any luck, you'll both get "I voted!" stickers. Snap a photo of your proud little voter-in-tow to mark their first election but remember photos are not allowed inside polling places, so be sure to do it outside on the streets or at home.
All aboard! The elves are starting to get ready to make a trip to your home for the holiday season. Straight from the North Pole, The Lumistella Company (best known for The Elf on the Shelf Christmas tradition and Elf Pets), is gearing up for the Christmas Countdown with the new North Pole Advent Train.
The North Pole Advent Train offers 24 days of playable, collectible holiday fun. Your Elf can ride along on the train as you count down the days to Christmas. Each train car stores a miniature toy surprise including mini figures and themed accessories.
Each set includes: Cardboard train engine sized for a Scout Elf , 24 North Pole surprises in 4 themed train cars (Sweet Shop, Puppy Love, Snow Much Fun, ‘Tis the Season) ,4 Scout Elf or Elf Pets® mini figures, Mini cookies, baking sheet, mini hat, cookie booth, and sign Stickers, pop-outs, sled, and scarf, MIni Elf Pets blanket, bone, food, water bowl, and mini cabin, Mini tree, stocking, Santa sign, gift, and train toy.
For more fun activities, families can log on to santasnorthpole.com. Kids can explore a fully realized 3D world and play more than 30 interactive games and activities.
Up your game for your next family movie night and make it a drive-in theater. Your littles will love the view from the seat of their own tiny car (or tricycle or scooter) in your living room or back yard parking lot. Ready to ride? Scroll down to get everything you need to throw your own Drive-In Movie Night.
Don't let your kids sneak into the theater without a ticket, so make one up or use this easy printable. To make things even more authentic, be sure to punch their tickets with a hole-puncher before starting the movie.
A Set of Wheels
photo: Holly Hopson
You can't have a drive-in movie without something to drive. So let your little cruisers bring their wheels inside. That's right: Line up the big wheels, the trikes, and the push-cars in front of your movie screen and let your kids watch the movie while they scoot back and forth in their "seats." (This idea is especially amazing for kids who aren't normally allowed to bring their wheels indoors).
Want something even cooler (and more Pinterest-worthy)? Gather up cardboard boxes and make mini cars for your guests. Let your kids paint and decorate their cars themselves, and you've got a full day's worth of activities! Get the instructions from Kara at Simplistically Sassy.
A Projector (DIY Your Own if You Don't Have One)
iStock
Sure, you could just pull up a movie on your flat-screen TV and call it a day. But if you want to really wow your kids, give them an even bigger screen by projecting the movie on your wall (or on a sheet tied up on the wall). Don't have a projector on hand? Try this awesome way to turn your smartphone into a projector for under $1!. It's true, you won't get as good of a picture as you do on your plasma, but who cares? Your kids will be sufficiently amazed at your homemade movie magic.
Essential Snacks
iStock
Movies are nothing without popcorn and other goodies, so don't forget to stock the concession stand with all their favorite eats and treats. Make this custom cardboard snack tray for your kids to hold their items (or just use plastic shower caddies from the Dollar Store!). To make sure they don't go totally overboard and grab four pounds of peanut M&Ms, give them tickets or coins so they can only "buy" a certain number of items. Also, try a unique popcorn recipe instead of the microwave version.
Every day I sit across from my son’s face, and watch him do zoom calls with his class. This time, this weird strange time has brought about so many different emotions and feelings inside of all of us. Some have found that they can handle it. They can get through, and some have found that it’s just too much.
Mostly I’ve seen bread. So much baking. The virus has changed our world in so many ways, for the better and for the worse. We have found love in many different places that we didn’t think we could find it—in our neighbors, in stores, in delivery people, and mail carriers. Everyone has had to step up their kindness game. There are acts of love every day I see on my walk. Chalk on the ground telling you to keep going, that there is a universal love, that we’re all in this together. Neighbors checking in on the elderly, asking if they can do grocery shopping, their cars washed, if they need anything. Delivery people with masks and gloves, risking their lives to keep going for you!
I have figured out the things that work and don’t work for us, and I guarantee it’s not the same for everyone, but it helps to hear stories. It helps to find the goodness or the good moments in the day or week. Homeschooling is hard for me—mainly because I am not a teacher and I have a precious son who wants me to be a part of every single assignment—but also because I have a 5th grader who’s common core math is way above my head.
The other hardest thing for me has been navigating grocery shopping and cooking (and baking) for my son with celiac. I used to have a grocery routine. I would go to three different stores to find the right gluten-free food product. Now, I mostly count on grocery delivery and some of them don’t get it right. Although this is a minor problem in the overall world right now, it’s been a bit of a challenge. And, baking gluten-free (which I want to do as stress relief) isn’t going too well.
I am lucky. I know that every day. But navigating the world now and the whole way of finding the stuff that is needed to sustain a gluten-free diet is just different and hard. I have had many missteps, and my poor family has eaten it with smiles. “Oh Mom this is good!” But it was not good—I tried it myself, but I think they know that everything is hard now and want me to feel okay too. I did make one amazing gluten-free deep dish pizza though!
We have tried to keep busy with crafts, online museums, shows of love and gratitude online, and connecting with friends and loved ones through Zoom and Facetime. Drive-by birthdays and zooms have become the norm, and do bring love and happiness to my kid’s faces. We made armor out of the cardboard boxes that we got (after leaving them to quarantine outside for three days.) We have put up messages with Magna-Tiles on the garage door about the virus (they stick because they are magnetic.) We’ve caught lizards in the backyard, and made cards and love notes to send to many of our friends and family so they know we’re there for them.
Try, try try, I implore you to find a moment in a week for yourself, to have a self-love moment. We all need it. We all need the seconds in the day where we can say, I’m doing my very best, I’m working as hard as I can at keeping a normal house, a normal-ish life. Even if it’s a bathroom break that’s a bit longer than usual. Take that time for yourself. You’re doing great!
I am a stay at home mom with two kids who are 9 and 11. My family is one of the most adventurous that I know. We believe in learning through experiences! I started a website about interesting places we have found in Los Angeles to do with kids.