Looking to add some big fun to your backyard bash? Look no further than these giant lawn games! These larger-than-life versions of classic games are perfect for all ages and add a playful twist to any outdoor gathering. Whether you’re looking for a game to keep the kids entertained or a way to liven up your next BBQ, jumbo yard games are the way to go. From giant Jenga to oversized bowling, there are so many options to choose from. But where do you start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
We’re sharing our top picks for giant lawn games that you can purchase right now. In fact, most of them are from Amazon, so you can get them almost right now. It’s never too early to start planning your spring and summer get-togethers, and these are also perfect for spring break. Plus, we made sure to consider kiddos of all ages so no one gets left out. Get ready to supersize your next backyard game night!
Oversized Yardzee
This oversized Yahtzee (Yardzee—get it?) game is so much fun for everyone! And this set isn't just limited to Yahtzee. Farkle, Bowling, Pig, and more (20+ games) are packed into this one, weather-resistant set.
This jumbo yard pong game is perfect for all ages. This set includes 12 oversized red cups, four balls, and a carrying case so you can take easily bring the fun with you to the beach or your next family gathering. Available in red, black, or teal/glow in the dark options!
Did someone say 'washable'? The board—a durable and reversible canvas—can be machine-washed, so grass stains and drink spills are no problem at all. This set comes with everything you need for Checkers and Tic Tac Toe.
This giant ring toss game is simply a backyard must-have. A tried-and-true favorite activity through the spring, summer, and fall, ring toss has a way of bringing people (of all ages) together. This particular set has almost 12K glowing Amazon reviews, too, so they're clearly doing something right.
Just as the name implies, this is indeed a mega game of chess. With a 25 in. tall king (should give you a good idea of the size we're talking about here), this is such a charming set for mega chess fans.
Who among us doesn't need a full (all 52 cards) deck of enormous playing cards?
Giant Playing Cards ($13.69)—Buy Here!
Kick Croquet Game Set
Franklin Sports
Kids will have a ball with this fun, outdoor, giant kick croquet game! Kick Croquet combines the fun of running and kicking a ball with the extra added attraction of guiding it through a course of wickets. You can make the course as hard or easy as you want. We're talking soccer vibes in a huge croquet set.
If this isn't the most fun game for families, we aren't sure what is. Set up this jumbo version of Connect Four in your backyard and the kids will be dueling it out all summer long (but, you know, like in a healthy, friendly competition way). Don't believe us? Read the reviews!
Don't you just love this extra-huge version of Jenga? The kids might need your help setting it up every time they knock it over, but other than that this is certainly one of the best jumbo lawn games you can bring home.
Sure, this huge inflatable game could go one of two ways depending on the kind of neighbors you have and the aim your family has, but it's still wildly fun.
This inflatable dice set comes with six dice so that you can teach the kids one of these fun games or even use them to make match concepts fun. We love that they are easy to transport so that you can bring them with you camping or on your next family vacation.
This is a super fun option for little ones since there's very little risk of them getting hurt. Have the kids kick the bowling ball or mix it up and have them kick it backward—there are tons of ways this can be a fun and active game.
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We know “Netflix and chill “doesn’t mean what it used to, thanks to life with littles, but when you’ve got the time to wind down after the kids are in bed, click off Disney+ and click on these adult shows on Netflix that are sure to keep you awake no matter how tired you are—at least through several episodes. From hilarious comedies to heart-pumping thrillers, here’s what we’re binge-watching on Netflix right now.
"The Brothers Sun"
It's late. You're in bed. And you want a little action. But not that kind of action. Try hitting up the new series starring recently crowned Best Actress Michelle Yeoh. She plays the strong-willed mother of a family of gang members whose enemies have come a-knocking. There's a lot of choreographed fighting, fun quipping, and every shade of Yeoh on the acting spectrum.
"Carol & the End of the World"
From one of the brilliant writers for the criminally underappreciated campus comedy Community comes this miniseries about a 42-year-old accounting assistant who has absolutely no idea why the impending doom destined for Eearth means her quiet little life has to change. Like Carol in the mass of hedonistic chaos around her, this animated adult dramedy is a diamond in Netflix's digital rough.
"Bridgerton"
Obsessed? Same. Now that you're done bingeing Queen Charlotte and eagerly anticipating the next installment of the period drama, why not work on a little refresh? While you wait for season 3 to hit the streamer (part 1: May 16; part 2: June 13), catch up on the first two seasons. Then get ready to learn more about Penelope Featherington and her longtime crush, world traveler Colin Bridgerton.
"Wednesday"
The Addams Family reruns you watched as a kid pale in comparison to this witty Tim Burton remake. The series stars Jenna Ortega as the brilliant and totally dark title character. Shipped off to Nevermore, a boarding school for outcasts, Wednesday finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Including nods to the original, with an updated ethos, this show is definitely worth a few hours of your time—okay, eight hours. Once you finish the first season, get ready for season 2 in April.
If you haven't caught on to this sci-fi/fantasy show that's absolutely bingeable, our only question is: Why not? Natasha Lyonne plays Nadia, doomed to repeat her 36th birthday over and over again until she gets it right, a la Groundhog Day, but with less humor and more mind-blowing plot twists. Sit down to two seasons; Netflix says a third is in the works now.
"Umbrella Academy"
Reuniting after their father's death, a group of estranged siblings sees their superpowers and a whole closet's worth of family secrets spill out. So far, the series has wrapped three seasons, with the upcoming fourth season said to be the final chapter. According to Ritu Arya, who plays Lila Pitts, season four will be the comic-book adaptation's best yet. So catch up now!
"Lupin"
Forget the Ocean's. This French series will leave you wanting more after the first heart-pounding scene at the Louvre. A true gentleman thief, Assane Diop (Omar Sy) sets out to avenge his father who was unjustly imprisoned when Assane was a child. Taking cues from his favorite fictional criminal hero, Arsène Lupin, he steals from the rich and exposes the truth. Part three is now streaming.
"Beef"
Steven Yeun and Ali Wong star in this wild road-rage comedy that has more twists and turns than Mulholland Drive. They play Danny Cho, a contractor, and Amy Lau, a business owner, and their "beef" begins when the two engage in a near fender bender. The experience ends up burrowing its way into their lives in ways you would never imagine. You will just eat this one up.
"Derry Girls"
Set in 1990s Northern Ireland—Londonderry, to be exact—this hidden gem is set against a backdrop of political upheaval that's nearing its end. School friends Erin, Michelle, Clare, Orla, and James navigate their teenage years with wit and, well, not really wisdom, but maybe the wisdom of youth that's as hilarious as it gets. Creator Lisa McGee has earned lots of praise for this one.
"Virgin River"
The perfect romantic-yet-not-too cheesy drama finished up its fifth season last year, with a sixth season on its way. While you wait, you can catch up on all the plaid-patterned action and learn about what Mel and Jack are up to in the small town of Virgin River. Should you need more rom-coms while you mom-mom, check out our list of shows like Virgin River.
"Kim’s Convenience"
If you haven't caught this CBC show on Netflix yet, sit down and stream it tonight. Set in Canada, it's the story of convenient-store-owning Korean immigrants and their first-generation adult kids living in Toronto. Based on a play by Ins Choi, its subtle humor balances out the show's more serious themes, meaning you'll laugh, cry, scream, and feel all the other feels.
"Glitch"
Guaranteed you have never heard of this chilling Aussie gem. About a group of dead people who claw their way back to life from six feet under, Glitch is a genre-blending series that will blow your mind. No, those who have risen are not zombies. And, no, they are not ghosts. But, yes, they are back for a reason. Their journeys to find out why will keep you hooked.
"The Diplomat"
Politics are a dirty game. But on The Diplomat, they're also completely absurd, ridiculous, and gloriously silly. Keri Russell stars as the titular ambassador and handles every bonkers plot twist, from international crises to marital exploits with skill and grace. Bless her. Catch up on season 1 now, because the next chapter is on the way, most likely hitting the platform this year.
"Insecure"
Don't have MAX? No biggie. Netflix now has every season of Insecure (and Girlfriends, for that matter) for your streaming pleasure. So when you're done watching Firefly Lane on repeat, treat your viewing queue to Issa Rae's hit comedy about a group of twenty-somethings navigating love, life, and friendship in Los Angeles.
Follow the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a riveting and well-built monster hunter for hire as he journeys toward his destiny in a fantasy-based world where people are often the scariest beasts of them all. And as if spending late nights with Henry Cavill weren't reason enough to hit play on the adventure series, knowing that eye candy Liam Hemsworth is joining the cast for season 4 certainly is.
"Emily In Paris"
An ambitious 20-something lands her dream job as a marketing exec in Paris. And the City of Love does not disappoint with three seasons of romance and adventure finding Emily on every corner. Season 4 got a bit delayed due to the 2023 writers' strikes, but worry not, word is new episodes of Emily, her friends, her lovers, and her wildly inspirational fashion choices will be out this year.
"The Crown"
Can’t get enough of the royal family? This intriguing peek into the reign and romance of Queen Elizabeth II will more than satisfy. It certainly doesn't hurt that it stars the Oscar-winning Olivia Colman for part of the saga as Her Royal Highness, either. Creator Peter Morgan has finally finished his story, with all six seasons streaming on the platform now.
What happens when a picture-perfect, stay-at-home mom breaks bad? Good Girls. Part Weeds, part Breaking Bad, this series is a dark but fun fantasy escape that will draw you in from the first episode. In a stroke of horrible prime time decision making, the network canceled the series ahead of season five, but that doesn't mean you won't thoroughly enjoy all four seasons streaming now.
"Griselda"
Okay, yes, Ozark is a lot of fun. But odds are, you've seen Jason Bateman and Laura Linney boss up as money-laundering pros in the Ozark Mountains. So, queue up this thriller with links to the cartel instead. It stars Sofia Vergara playing against type in a queenpin role that will have you doing a double take. Drugs, money, motherhood, talk about binge-worthy. Look for it on January 25.
"Cobra Kai"
Thirty years after Karate Kid, the feud between Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) and Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) is still going strong. A surprise hit series, Cobra Kai checks in on the rivals, now all grown up, and finds Johnny and Daniel raising a new class of karate masters in their own dojos. Catch up now because season six is on the burner for 2024.
"Dead to Me"
This dark and twisty mystery about a grieving widow, played by the genius Christina Applegate, and her new best friend, the wonderful Linda Cardellini, will suck you in instantly and will not spit you out until the credits roll on the shocking end. Luckily (and, well, unfortunately), there are three complete seasons to keep you entertained.
"Escaping Twin Flames"
Ripping people off is as American as apple pie. LuLaRoe did it with patterned leggings, Bernie Madoff did it with a handshake, and cryptocurrency used Tom Brady. Twin Flames Universe, the online community at the focus of this 2023 Netflix docuseries, the lure is harmonious true love. And founders Jeff and Shaleia Divine swindled millions of their prey.
In search of a fresh start, single mom Georgia moves her kids, Ginny and Austin, up north. Unfortunately, secrets from Georgia’s past come back to haunt them and threaten to make their new lives anything but perfect. As addictive as it is shocking at times, Ginny & Georgia is the gift that keeps on giving: Netflix has guaranteed that seasons 3 and 4 are on the way.
"Workin’ Moms"
The last and final season of this hilariously relatable mom-com was released in early 2023. As for the binge, we hope you can make it through all seven seasons without peeing your pants, tagging along with the working moms as they balance the impossible chaos of motherhood and returning to the office. If you've already seen the entire series, check out our picks for shows like Workin' Moms.
"The Great British Baking Show"
Mouthwatering cake pops and canapes served up with some friendly competition make this series a must-watch for any home baker (or cookie-lover) looking for inspiration. If, however, you fear the yummy sponges on the screen may induce hunger pangs that send you straight to the kitchen for a snack, there's always the Emmy-nominated Selling Sunset to quell the late-night reality cravings.
Mealtime with toddlers can sometimes feel like a game of chess, especially when vegetables are on the table. At times you may find yourself dodging carrots catapulted by knights, while other times an all-out stalemate leaves both players exhausted and unsure of the next move. And while walking away from the game might seem like the easiest way out, we assure you there are plenty of creative ways to feed your toddler greens that don’t involve a complicated strategy.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, toddlers should be consuming 3-5 servings of vegetables per day (roughly ¼ cup portions). But since the growth-rate slows and a need for independence starts around age 1, the AAP suggests approaching mealtime with flexibility and variety to give your child choices while they learn about different foods and avoid putting pressure on your child that could result in a negative relationship with food.
While flexibility is key, there are a few basic rules that parents should aim to enforce and model.
Stay Seated During Meals
When it comes to young children, safety during mealtime is imperative to prevent choking hazards, so the staying seated during meals rule should be followed whenever possible. It’s also a great way to help children focus on their meal, learn table manners and participate in quality family time.
Adhere to a Regular Meal and Snack Routine
Children thrive on routines that give them a sense of security while helping them learn what is expected from them each day. So just like a bedtime routine helps a child understand when it’s time to wind down for the day and prepare for a restful night’s sleep, meal and snack routines establish healthy eating habits that help children recognize hunger cues and the nutritional needs of their bodies.
photo: iStock
Eat from All Food Groups
Meals should be balanced and offer foods from all five food groups. And more importantly, toddlers should be encouraged to eat from all food groups at every meal. It might seem like you’re being flexible to let your child skip an entire food group at a meal, and sure, that may be okay here and there, but too often may risk your child not getting enough of an important set of nutrients.
Even equipped with these rules, it can be tough to put them into play when your child is refusing to eat their greens.
Having recently parented two toddlers, I know first-hand how confusing and frustrating the ups and downs of their dietary preferences can be. Some days toddlers may devour an entire head of broccoli, while on others, they look at it with total disgust. That leaves parents with two choices: Fight against it or join the game and get creative—and perhaps a little sneaky, too. I chose the latter and am sharing a few tried and tested recipes to help you incorporate greens into your toddler’s diet.
These Fruit and Veggie Bug Snacks may not be hiding the veggies from your toddler, but your toddler will have a hard time resisting veggies that look this cute, especially when they get to help prepare them.
When you’re in a rush, getting as many food groups as possible into one bite can be a lifesaver, so it doesn’t get much easier than these Mini Broccoli Cheddar Bites that your toddler will love.
Sorry, potatoes don’t count as a “green,” but cauliflower most definitely does, and switching out the spuds in these Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes with Bacon and Cheese will trick any toddler into eating cruciferous veggies.
We don’t know one toddler who would turn down a popsicle, so feel good about offering these bright Fruit and Veggie Popsicles to your little one this summer
Kids will love dipping these familiar-shaped Carrot and Zucchini Fries into a side of ranch or hummus.
Pasta is almost always a hit with toddlers, so the next time you’re serving up spaghetti and meatballs, top it with this delicious Hidden Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce (use this sauce for pizza, too!).
I hope that these tips and recipes will get you on your way to successful eating habits with your toddler!
Family game night is a great time to debut a new board game of the year might make their debut. But for those times when you’re looking for easy fun, keep a few tried-and-true games on hand. These classic board games have lasted for a reason: not only are they great for kids to play with other kids, but they are also well-suited to multi-generational play. The familiar rules make them quick to learn but tricky to win.
All the sweetness without the sugar crash! Go for the classic edition created to celebrate the game's 65th anniversary and experience sweet nostalgia when your primary-colored gingerbread man sets out on an adventure through the Gumdrop Mountains and Peppermint Stick Forest. It's a perfect first game, as it teaches little ones colors, counting and the fun of chasing ice cream floats. For ages 4 and up.
Some things are so simple! Break the rules and slide down the chute, do a good deed and climb up the ladder. This classic board game is full of ups and downs which keeps things exciting, and any game dishing out rewards to the littles for good behavior gets a giant thumbs up in our book. Best for ages 3 to 7.
Great for hand-eye coordination (and developing patience) break out this old-school game of block stacking and crashing. As the tower grows so does the focus and anticipation. May the sturdiest (little) hand win. For ages 6 years and up.
This family fave is essentially a color-coded version of Crazy 8s. It also may be one of the most popular games around. It's easy to learn and a blast to play. And whether your tiny tike playing for the first time, or a great-grandparent playing for the 100th time, the chance to scream UNO never gets old. For ages 5 and up.
One of the first words kids learn (we hope!) to say is "sorry", and they'll get to practice their skills in this easy-to-learn and quick-to-master game. The goal is to slide, jump and collide your way around the board from start to finish, but get caught by an opponent and you'll be sorry! For ages 6 and up.
No credit card machine, no "Stranger Things" edition, just the classic Monopoly you grew up with. The real question is, do you put money in the Free Parking spot?
Connect Four is one of those low-key games that you can play with the kids even when you're tired (or they are). It's essentially just tic tac toe with a twist, making it a great early game for kids. The manufacturer recommends ages 6 and up but we think younger kids (3 and up) can enjoy it.
Learn critical thinking, strategy, and spelling with this classic board game. Best for kids 8 and up, but if you play with younger kids you can simplify by setting them up for easy words and giving second chances when words are misspelled. Keep a dictionary nearby just in case.
This basic guessing game lets each player become a commander of the high seas. The idea is to search for enemy ships and eliminate them one by one. Your kiddo will love the game's realistic naval crafts and action-packed gameplay. For ages 7 and up.
Up the coolness factor of this simple calculation bead game by telling your kiddo they're playing an ancient game that first popped up in Egypt and Africa. The object is basic—accumulate the most beads through a series of moves and captures—but winning is anything but. For ages 8 and up.
Before they start beating you at chess, give them a chance to take over with Checkers, one of the simplest and most enjoyable of the classic board games.
With 13 rounds per game and a whole lot of dice shaking, this game requires an investment in time beyond the 15 minutes games like Operation or Chutes and Ladders takes, but there's something deeply satisfying about shouting your victory. For ages 8 and up, this game is an excellent multi-generational game.
Get some at-home math fun with this fruit-pickin' classic board game. Spin the arrow, fill the "basket," and be the first one to clear the tree! For ages 4 and up.
"Operate" on Cavity Sam with the tweezers and carefully remove the little pieces without touching the sides. It's harder than it looks! The game with an electrical charge isn't just funny, it helps kids learn fine motor skills. Ages 6 and up.
There are several editions of Clue but if you want them to play the one you had when you were a kid, this is it. This classic game of "whodunit" allows kids to use the process of elimination to determine the weapon, location, and murderer. Ages 8 and up.
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Ah, summer break—a child’s favorite time of year. School is out, alarm clocks are turned off and playtime is the assignment all day, every day. For parents, on the other hand, this can be a stressful time. What am I going to do with them when I’m at work? What else can they do at home other than watch TV and play? Are they going to forget everything they learned during the school year?
Fortunately for local families, there are two destinations that check off all the boxes to keep kiddos entertained and engaged while also helping them grow and learn new skills. Say hello to Day Camp @ the JCC in Manhattan and Camp Settoga in Pomona, New York. Both camps, run by the team at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan, offer one-of-a-kind activities that’ll teach your youngsters lifelong lessons, introduce them to new friends and keep them on the go (and off their screens!). And we’re happy to report Camp Settoga’s got some exciting new features this year (see below).
In addition to being exposed to vibrant experiences, camps also have positive effects on children’s socio-emotional development. According to a poll conducted by the American Camp Association, 74% of campers said that going to camp helped them complete activities they were afraid to do at first. 70% of parents also reported their child gaining self-confidence after camp.
To help you decide which camp is best for your family, we laid out the ins and outs of Day Camp @ the JCC and Camp Settoga, so you can feel confident your kids are having the best experience possible.
Day Camp @ the JCC
For children ages three to six, Day Camp @ the JCC in Manhattan offers a city-based experience for little ones who enjoy hands-on activities. During the June through August camp sessions, children can feel like Picasso for the day through art projects that include clay making, painting, wire sculpting and more. If they want to give Gordon Ramsay a run for his money, youngsters can serve up some flavorful dishes during culinary lessons.
For more active tots, Day Camp @ the JCC, located at the JCC's state-of-the-art facility, is fully equipped with two indoor pools, a rooftop playground and a gymnasium to keep them busy. Older campers, from five to six years old, have the opportunity to choose activities that best suit their interests or they’ve been longing to try. Electives include chess, crazy constructions, dance, songwriting, sports and storytelling. Your kid will leave camp as a jack of all trades!
Nestled in the foothills of Harriman State Park, in Pomona, NY, Camp Settoga is the perfect destination for active adventurers and sports enthusiasts ages four to 12. With over 20 acres of lush greenery, your children can get back to nature and explore the outdoors throughout the entire summer.
Brand new for summer 2022, Camp Settoga features a mini-golf course (yes, you read that right!), tennis and basketball courts and an amphitheater. Plus: your explorers can take on the camp’s zip line and challenge course, swim laps in the Olympic-size pool or test out their green thumb in the garden.
Camp Settoga offers daily roundtrip transportation from the Upper West and East Sides, Midtown, Chelsea and Harlem in air-conditioned buses, with bus counselors overseeing every step of the journey.
When it comes to gifts, we’ve all heard the expression “it’s the thought that counts.” But sometimes the thought you want to send is ‘I love you so much I broke my wallet for you.’ The good news is that Amazon has you covered. Read on for a list of Amazon’s most ridiculously expensive luxury items.
Gold-Infused Toothpaste
Amazon.com
Up first is an expensive item for people who want to give a ridiculous gift on a budget. This luxury toothpaste will set you back $70 because it has actual gold flecks in the paste. If you don’t feel right sending gold down the drain, you can always put the tube in a frame and call it art.
Swarovski Crystal Ducks
Amazon.com
Give your loved one a set of crystal ducks to convince them that like birds of a feather, you should flock together. These waterfowl can be yours for $1,498. But these ducks won’t fly to you for free: you still need to pay $14.99 for shipping.
This 1924 Mark Saint Gaudens Twenty Dollar is a rare find. Designed by President Theodore Roosevelt, the Double Eagle is one of two designs he was able to complete before his death and is considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever minted by the U.S. Mint. Get your own for only $2,799.
Luxury Gold Toilet
Amazon.com
They say a man’s house is his castle, and what better gift to give the king in your life than a gold (colored) porcelain throne? Though, at $5,088, this neoclassical toilet better clean itself.
Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Amazon.com
Sometimes you want to buy that special someone an incredible piece of jewelry, but you can’t face another trip to the mall. Not to worry, Amazon is there to help you out. This whopping 7-carat bracelet can be yours and delivered right to your door for only $10,999.
Amazon.com
This one-of-a-kind signed letter from Voltaire and was written just weeks before his death in 1778 from Paris. The letter is written in beautiful script and in French and would make a thoughtful gift! Who doesn't need a famous signed letter hanging in their home?
Achieve epistolary excellence for the sale price of $20,000.
Sure you can buy cheap posters anywhere, but when you could bring home a mint condition 1966 Grateful Dead concert poster, why would you get anything else? This poster holds great significance, being the first time the Grateful Dead are associated with a skull symbol and is one of the hardest to find for Dead Head collectors.
It comes at a groovy price of $27,500— plus $4.50 for shipping if you can swing it.
Franck Muller Men’s Watch
Amazon.com
True collectors know a watch is more than just about telling time—it's about making a statement! If you're looking to spoil a certain someone this year, then look no further than this gorgeous Frank Muller Vanguard Seven Days Skeleton Color Dream watch. The automatic self-wind mechanism and water-resistant features make this a timeless—yup, we went there—accessory.
Everyone knows that love is priceless, but sometimes you want to stun your fiance-to-be. With a diamond weighing in at over five carats, you better propose on a cloudy day or this eye candy may blind your future spouse.
You can’t buy love, but if you have $65,900, you can buy this diamond ring.
Mordecai Brown Signed Baseball
Amazon.com
Own a piece of baseball’s “dead-ball era,” signed by Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown.
Run, don't walk—because this Mickey Mantle autographed baseball card is only $363,640. This set is 100% certified-authentic and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication so you won't strike out.
How is it August already? With school starting and schedules getting fuller, we thought you could use a playbook for your final days of warm weather. Keep reading for our favorite ways to squeeze the last bit of fun out of summer before it’s sweater weather.
Take your little monkeys to one of these outdoor movies.
There’s plenty do at Truist Park in The Battery besides watching the Braves, but of course we all want to cheer on our hometown heroes.
Got a crew of street art aficionados? Plan a visit to these spots to see the best street art in Atlanta.
iStock
The whole family will love exploring the World of Coca-Cola, where a vault holds the secret formula to the famous drink, and taste more than 100 Coke beverages from around the world.
Discover a new way to play in the great outdoors with oversized games and fun skill challenges. Try your hand at checkers—or try your feet at hopscotch. Challenge your friends to tic-tac-toe, chess and more. This special exhibit encourages active and imaginative play and is located in WildWoods.
Anyone else feel a mild sense of panic at the word “resilience”?
You worry you aren’t doing enough to build your kid’s resilience. You worry you aren’t doing it right. You worry because the stakes are so high. You worry because you don’t even know the difference between “resilience” and “resiliency.” (Is there a difference?) And your kid quit T-ball after just one practice. And your kid cried after losing Parcheesi. And your kid just seems, well, flimsy.
[Cue timid hand raise.]
Fear not.
Whether you mean to be or not, you are building your child’s resilience all the time.
That’s right. ALL THE TIME.
Each time you sign your child up for soccer or baton twirling or chess club, you are teaching the value of cultivating passions. Each time you ask your child to do a chore, you’re imparting self-efficacy. Each time you insist your child floss, you are instructing them on self-care. Each time you remind your child not to interrupt when you’re on the phone, you are teaching empathy and effective communication. Each time you say “After you,” and hold the door open for a stranger walking into a store at the same moment as you, you are modeling generosity and connection for your child.
So is this enough? Probably. But there’s an easy way to make all that you do and all that you say more than enough.
Simply help your child realize how they feel after they do something good.
That means not just teaching your child self-efficacy by assigning chores. It’s taking it one small step further by asking how your child feels about helping the family in this way. It means not just creating a self-care routine in flossing, but taking a quick moment to ask your child how it feels to be doing something for their physical well-being. Obviously, your child knows that he likes chess. But does your child know what it is about chess that he likes? The strategizing? The black and white pattern of the board and the miniature pieces? The feeling of winning?
And instead of just opening that door for the stranger at the store, it means saying afterward to your child, “Wow, that made me feel really good to do something for someone else.” Not only will you be modeling this type of thinking for your child. You’ll actually be triggering your child to think about how they feel. Hearing YOU talk about your emotions will cause your child to think about THEIRS. That’s because it’s just about impossible to hear someone talk about a sensation, without reflecting on your own experience. If someone says, “I feel cold,” our natural inclination is to check in with ourselves to see if we’re cold too. That’s built into our biology.
One of the most important protective factors we can possess on the journey towards resilience is self-awareness. And conversation is our gateway to awakening.
When kids know themselves—their needs, their strengths and weaknesses, when they know what drives them, what gets their blood flowing, as well as what gets their blood boiling—when kids understand who they really are, they’re able to set realistic goals for themselves, they are able to tend to their own needs, recognize their own limitations, and make responsible choices.
According to Thrive Global, Arianna Huffington’s company that aims to improve the well-being of people and communities, self-awareness is all about asking yourself the right questions.
When it comes to sparking self-awareness in our children, it’s all about asking them the right questions. Our job as parents is to help our kids learn toreflect on their experiences, not just have an experience.
Plus, growing our children’s self-awareness will not just help them understand themselves better. It will help you understand your child better, and along with that, it will help you connect to them better.
And perhaps you’ll never wonder if it’s “resilience” or “resiliency” again.
After losing a brother to suicide, Devin Tomiak was driven to understand youth resiliency. Her personal mission to strengthen her relationship with her children, develop their emotional intelligence, and improve the communication skills of her whole family led her to create The Biggies Conversation Cards for elementary-aged kids.
Looking for some indoor activities for when the weather is too hot? LEGO to the rescue!
The brick maker has dropped a slew of new sets for all ages and stages. From darling DUPLO sets to a whole new range of Harry Potter scenes, there are tons of ways to get creative this summer. Keep scrolling to see some of our favorites.
The Wizarding World is expanding—and your child can build it all! LEGO and Warner Bros. Consumer Products recently announced the launch of brand-new Harry Potter sets.
Your kiddo has spent years building with Potter-themed plastic bricks. Now they can add to their collection with sets themed after Harry Potter’s second year at Hogwarts. As if the sets aren’t enough on their own, several of the new options come with an exclusive 20th Anniversary golden minifigure.
That’s right—20 years have passed since the Wizarding World was first introduced in LEGO form. Along with the magical bricks your child has built over the years, the newest additions keep the Hogwarts theme going with scenes your young Potter fan knows and loves.
The new line includes the LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts: Polyjuice Potion Mistake, LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts: Fluffy Encounter, LEGO Harry Potter Hogsmeade Collage Visits, LEGO Harry Potter Chamber of Secrets, LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Wizard’s Chess, LEGO Harry Potter and Hermione Granger, LEGO Harry Potter Fawkes, Dumbledore’s Phoenix, and LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts: First Flying Lesson sets.
Marcos Bessa, LEGO Harry Potter Design Lead, said in a press release, “Two decades ago, we launched the first LEGO Harry Potter set—which I played with as a 12-year-old—and fans have remained just as enchanted by the magical adventures that they can relive and replay with the LEGO sets today as they were in 2001.”
Bessa added, “These new products are packed full of captivating features and exciting design twists that we hope will excite and enthrall builders of all ages as they explore some of their favourite moments from the films.”
Nab one of these sets in LEGO Stores, select retailers, or online at LEGO.com starting Aug. 1. Check out LEGO.com for pre-order options right now.