This New App Is the Key to Getting Kids to Do Chores

by Shahrzad WarkentinMay 9, 2017

photo: Chore Check/ Facebook

Getting kids to complete chores can sometimes be more painful than simply doing the task yourself. However, with many benefits linked to kids helping out at home, it’s better to follow through. Luckily, there’s a new app that can help get the job done.

Chore Check makes it easy to not only dole out jobs, but also encourage kids to get them done by offering rewards when the to-do list is checked off. You can create your own list of chores and set the amount you want to pay per job. If you have more than one child you can also encourage getting things done through some friendly competition. Stealable chores can be available to all of your kids and the first one to complete it will be the one who earns the reward.

photo: Chore Check/ Facebook

For those activities that don’t warrant payment, you can still use the app to set reminders and check things off as they are completed, but the app itself is intended to not only teach responsibility, but also financial skills. “Some parent users include no-pay chores on Chore Check,” Ada Vaughan, founder of Chore Check tells Babble. “For example, my daughter has ‘load backpack with next day’s school stuff’ as a zero value chore. She doesn’t get paid anything, but just checks it off when she’s doing her other chores. It acts as a reminder. Since we are focused on teaching money management skills as one of our core values, having parents pay their kids is an important component.”

The app is easy to use and free to download, though if you want to be able to transfer actual money to a prepaid MasterCard (which can be useful for older kids) you will need to purchase the paid version for $9. Kids should be at least beginning to learn to read in order to be able to use it.

Would you use this app with your kids? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Under Cover: Inside Ideas To Check Out Now

by Mimi O'ConnorNovember 6, 2016

Sure, it felt like summer a week ago, but colder, wetter (perhaps even snowy?) weather is on its way. When seeking shelter from the storms, consider one of these spots for a kid-friendly diversion that doesn’t involve a screen (at least in the traditional sense).

photo: Canstruction/Brookfield Place

Canstruction 2016 at Brookfield Place
The amazing, unconventional canned-food-sculptural-competition-for-good that is Canstruction returns to Brookfield Place on November 3. Teams of architects, engineers, and contractors and the students they mentor spend weeks planning elaborate, large-scale structures made entirely out of unopened cans of food — and then have one night to build them.

The sculptures are on display for two weeks, and then all food is donated to City Harvest. (You can bring along some cans to donate, too; last year, the event yielded 80,000 pounds of food!) The Society for Design Administration competition is juried by a panel of professional designers, architects and culinary professionals, giving top honors in categories such as Most Cans, Best Structural Integrity and Best Use of Labels. (You can vote too, for Audience Favorite.)

Canstruction
Nov. 3-Nov. 16
10 a.m. – 8 p.m., daily
Tickets: Free
Brookfield Place, Street and Lobby Level
230 Vesey St.
Battery Park City
Online: artsbrookfield.com

photo: Jonathan Dorado

Philippe Parreno: My Room Is Another Fish Bowl at The Brooklyn Museum
French artist Philippe Parreno’s “My Room Is Another Fish Bowl” is described as “a delightful, participatory work of art that encourages audiences to contemplate the passage of time and shifting patterns of light and atmospheric conditions.” (It’s also really cool.)

Currently installed in the glass-fronted pavilion of the Brooklyn Museum, the work comprises approximately 150 colorful, fish-shaped Mylar balloons that float a various heights. The fish gently move through the enclosed space in response to both human interaction and climatic changes. Technically, you don’t even have to enter the museum to see the work, but for sporty types especially, we recommend heading inside to take in “Who Shot Sports: A Photographic History 1843 to the Present, which runs through Jan. 8 2017. Note: To keep the Parreno work safe during certain programs and events, this exhibition may not be on view at all times, so call ahead to be sure it’s up and floating!

Through Nov. 20
Tickets: $16/adults; free/ages 19 and under
Martha A. and Robert S. Rubin Pavilion, 1st Fl.
Brooklyn Museum
200 Eastern Pkwy.
Crown Heights
718-638-8500
Online: brooklynmuseum.org

photo: New Museum

Pipilotti Rist: Pixel Forest at The New Museum
The New Museum just opened the first New York survey of the work of Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist. A pioneer of video art and multimedia installations, Rist’s mesmerizing works envelop viewers in sensual, vibrantly-colored kaleidoscopic projections that mix nature and technology. The immersive exhibit occupies the three main floors of the museum, and invites visitors to sit (and lie) back and take in the truly stunning views.

Through Jan. 15, 2017
Tickets: $16/adults; free/ages 15-18, free with adult/ages 14 and under
235 Bowery
877-500-1932
Online: newmuseum.org

photo: The Jewish Museum/Will Ragozzino/SocialShutterbug.com

Take Me (I’m Yours) at The Jewish Museum
When visiting a museum with the kids, you may spend a fair amount of time saying, “Don’t touch!” “Take Me (I’m Yours)” at The Jewish Museum not only invites visitors to touch the art on display, it’s OK to take a bit of the show home.

Based on an exhibition mounted in London in 1995, this show features works by more than 40 artists from different generations and from all over the world, working in media ranging from clothes to metal to candy. (The red, white and blue “carpet” in that photo above? Individually-wrapped piece of candy, of which there is an “endless supply.”)

A meditation on art world convention, consumerism, the role of museums and act of sharing in Jewish life, Take Me I’m Yours includes work from Yoko Ono, Uri Aran, Christian Boltanski, Rachel Rose, Tino Sehgal and many more.

Take Me (I’m Yours)
Through Feb. 5, 2017
Tickets: $15/adults, free/visitors 18 and under
The Jewish Museum
Fifth Avenue at 92nd Street
Upper West Side
212-423-3337
Online: thejewishmuseum.org

What’s your next rainy day destination? Share it in the comments!

— Mimi O’Connor

Just Opened: Sweets By Chloe

by Lambeth HochwaldSeptember 28, 2016

If the idea of vegan desserts — sweets made with no animal or dairy products — makes you a bit suspicious (i.e., can they really be that tasty?), there’s a new vegan bakery that would love you to swing by. Sweets by Chloe, which debuted in the West Village last week, is serving up cakes, cookies and more that rival the non-vegan competition. (Plus: it’s all certified Kosher, too!) We stopped by to taste the goods!

photo: Mikey Pozarik

How Sweet It Is
A modern space with a touch of retro charm, this Greenwich Village shop is a brand expansion from Chloe Coscarelli, an award-winning vegan chef and bestselling cookbook author, who opened the first by Chloe vegan restaurant right next door. (She made her first big splash as the winner of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, and is the first vegan chef to win a culinary competition on national television.)

The vegan mini empire is dedicated to sharing “delicious, wholesome, plant-based food that fuels and energizes without compromising flavor, taste or satisfaction.” (Making efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and preserve the water supply are also key tenets of the business.)

photo: Mikey Pozarik

Inside Sweets By Chloe
Done up in pink-and-white-striped decor, the bright space exudes cheer with sparkly cases filled with tempting sweet treats, from the inimitable Matcha Chocolate Babka ($3.50/slice) to the signature Cinnamon Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookie, a massive crispy cookie that’s big enough to share ($2.50).

Your little one will go nuts over the super-moist frosted cupcakes (naturally) so why not pair them with a selection from the Almond Mylk Bar (the vanilla, chocolate and strawberry milks ($4.95/bottle) are made from scratch every morning). Voila: One of the yummiest snack duos in tow, whether you stop in before school or for an after school treat.

The bakery is also a one-stop birthday party stop. Three-layer birthday cakes are ready to go, and you can also visit the website to place an order. Additional celebratory supplies include mini-balloon packages ($12) , confetti bombs ($10), cards by Chloe ($4.95) and, right by the register, mini number sparklers ($4.95). New Yorkers: Let’s start eating some vegan, plant-based, Kosher cake!

Sweets by Chloe
185 Bleecker St.
Greenwich Village
http://www.bychefCHLOE.com

What’s your favorite new sweet shop in the city? Tell us in the comments below!

— Lambeth Hochwald

Stop What You’re Doing! Here’s 9 Dog & Baby Holiday Photos That Will Totally Make Your Day

by Red TricycleSeptember 15, 2016

Including your newborn in your 2016-17 holiday card is a MUST. Add your four-legged buddy into the mix and you’ll definitely win the cutest holiday card competition. Here are some adorable snapshots of babies with man’s BFF that’ll surely inspire your own creativity.

Photo: Erica Ritchie Photography

Photo: Photography by Asiya

Photo: Grace Chon

Photo: YvetteMarieDesigns

Photo: Photography by Asiya

Photo: Jolie Moore Photography

Photo: KT Rae Photography

Photo: Shutterstock

Ready, Set, Go! Plan a Tricycle Race

by Allison SutcliffeJune 6, 2016

Danica Patrick. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Racing lightweights compared to your little tyke when he puts his pedal to the tricycle metal. Feed his need for speed with totally tricked out trike-able courses that challenge him to take the pole position. From wild obstacle course ideas to a full on neighborhood drag race, scroll down for five tricycle track set-ups that let your Little burn rubber.

photo: Donnie Ray Jones via Flickr

1. Set up a killer obstacle course with all kinds of silly fixings. Sports cones and sidewalk chalk are the basics you need to plot a zany obstacle course for your little clown. Think turn-arounds and crazy eight loops when you set out the cones to make the course. Then draw chalk arrows (and other helpful suggestions) to keep tiny tricyclists on track. Once you’ve mapped out the basics, it’s time to get creative. Use what you’ve got to put in a few tame ramps, a cardboard box tunnel or two, and maybe a even a sprinkler to ride under so mini racers can cool off as they approach the finish line. Have your wee one navigate this one solo, or invite her besties for the ride of their lives!

photo: mazaletel via Flickr

2. Take on the neighbors in drag racing heats. Got road? Will travel. Set your sidekick’s trike for maximum speed on a straightaway that runs till the sidewalk ends. Line up mini competitors at a starting line, then let the flag drop as they make a beeline for the finish. Keep time on a stopwatch and run through a few heats where kids race against others who are just as fast as they are, before declaring the winners. No pink slips needed to race here!

3. NASCAR doesn’t have anything on your tricycle derby. This one’s all about the laps. And it works best if you’ve got a pond with a paved path or a public track, that the kiddos can ride around, nearby. Set a lap limit and then let ‘em race! Keep your little athletes hydrated with a water station (one for snacks too!) at the starting line, and keep them up to date on their track speed every time they fly past. The best part? Parents can cheer on their champions and get some grown-up convos in too while the minis lap it up.

photo: Roy Luck via Flickr

4.Race to the finish with your tricycle relay teammates. Riding this relay is just the first half of this fast-paced event. Settling on a team name and sporting colorful team uniforms is the other. Once your tiny avengers have assembled, it’s time to host a head-to-head competition pitting Team Tot Lot against the Half Pint Heroes in an all out down-and-back relay-style race. No baton passing here, just hop off the trike to pass the torch to the next tiny rider. On your mark!

5. Strike sweet poses during a stunt competition. Think old school skateboarding and roller skating when you stage this event, complete with glitzy costumes and decorated trikes. Map out 3-5 simple tricks that any tot cyclist can master, like riding one-handed or leg lifts off the back step (using the handle bars for balance of course!). Then have each competitor strut her stuff on her glammed-out tricycle before doling out scores. Hand out some shiny medals for all the hard work the kiddos put into preparing their best tricks ever, and you’ve got an event to remember

photo: Jonathan Silverberg via Flickr

What tricycle race looks like it’s right up your alley? Share your race experiences in a comment.

—Allison Sutcliffe

Today Is National Coast Guard Day

by Tinybeans TeamJune 4, 2016

Daily

Today Is National Coast Guard Day

Everybody wave!

Rescue your next meal from the doldrums with a life preserver-inspired dish or two.

Learn to speak like a sailor without swearing.

Host a friendly little competition with paper boat races.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Two Ships Passing in the Night }

Uncle tries to beat Parents in Getting Triplets and Toddler Ready For Bed

by Red TricycleJanuary 29, 2016

Mom versus Dad versus Uncle versus the triplets and toddler. Oh my! If you spend time browsing the Internet (more time than you’d like to admit), then you’ve probably seen the mom who was able to put her triplets and toddler in their pajamas in 2 minutes and 13 seconds.

She was able to do it all with a smile on her face. What’s even more impressive was how fast dad was able to get the four children ready for bed.

We do see that he was using zipper PJs compared to mom’s button-up, but two minutes, WOW! Well, the superparents weren’t done in the competition. In one of their most recent videos posted to YouTube, Uncle wants to give it a go. Without spoiling his time in the competition, we will say, his was definitely more awkward. Take a look!

All videos courtesy of Dan Gibson via YouTube

Do you and your spouse compete? Tell us in the comments below!

What Life Would Be Like If Men Breastfed

by Red TricycleJanuary 9, 2016

Featured photo and video courtesy of BuzzfeedYellow via YouTube

Imagine a world where men could breastfeed. Well, imagine no more! This hilarious Buzzfeed video shows what it would be like if men breastfed (and were allowed to do it in public). Would the world be improved with things like milk pumping competitions and lactation ribs? See for yourself!

Would you want to participate in a milk pumping competition? Tell us in the comments below!

— Noelle Buckband

How to Have a Record-Breaking Day

by Amber GuetebierAugust 12, 2015

It doesn’t have to make the Guinness Book of World Records to become a household milestone. By creating a little (very friendly) competition you’ll get laughs and family time all at once. Read on for ideas to get you inspired to make your own family almanac of accomplishments.

photo: Louis Chan via flickr

Longest

Who can do the following for the longest period of time?

Stand on one leg.

Hop up and down (on one foot or two).

Make one, continuous humming sound.

Staring contest.

Go without laughing (this one is harder than you think).

Fastest

Who can beat the household record for speedy tasks like:

Front yard dash.

Hallway skip.

Bed making.

Saying these tongue twisters.

Tallest

Who’s got the most sway when it comes to these?

Tallest in height.

Building the tallest block tower.

Making the most epic pillow stack.

Mostest

Who can heap more on the pile when it comes to:

Reading books.

Getting ready for bed without a fuss.

Wining Crazy 8s or another favorite game.

Most outrageous LEGO creation.

Doing somersaults.

Even More

Who is the silliest person in your house?

Who is the youngest?

Who is the oldest?

Who makes the best pancakes?

Does the best cat impression? Dog?

What silly, funny or fast records did you try to break in your household? Let us know in the comments!

—Amber Guetebier

Mind the Gap: Photos the Tooth Fairy Would Be Proud Of

by Erin LemMay 19, 2015

Childhood is full of milestones–first solid food, first steps, first day of school and first lost tooth. In honor of the first time the Tooth Fairy paid a visit, we asked our staff and our readers to show off a photo of their kid’s first lost tooth. Want to share your own? Send your photo to our editor (editor AT tinybeans.go-vip.net) or tag #redtricycle on social media and we’ll add yours to the gap-toothed bunch.

Jacqui, CEO & Founder of Red Tricycle, showed us this photo of her son proudly displaying his lost teeth.

San Diego Editor, Leah Singer sent us a photo of her daughter smiling for the camera after she lost her first tooth!

Atlanta Editor, Shelley Massey’s son lost nine teeth in 12 months! This is a photo of his first lost tooth, which happened to take place when Shelley was in the hospital having her youngest!

Red Tricycle Seattle Editor, Kristina sent us this photo of her son wiggling his first tooth free.

Gabby, who heads up Red Tricycle’s National edition, showed off this photo of her daughter with her recent lost tooth (thanks to Brittany Fort for the great shot!).

Anna, who contributes to Red Tricycle Portland, sent in this photo of her daughter that captured the moment right after she lost her first tooth on their family camping trip.

Reader Heather writes to us, “My boys, Esten and Clayton are 18 months apart, but there was a time where they each lost the same exact tooth within a week of each other. This went on for at least a year. This is my favorite “toothless” photo during that time. They’re 9 and 10 now and STILL are in competition for The Tooth Fairy cash!”

Red Tricycle reader, Linda writes, “After walking around with finger in her mouth for a week wiggling tooth, at bedtime my 6 year old Josie quietly walks out of her bedroom with her hand in air displaying baby tooth, ‘it happened! I can’t wait to see what tooth fairy brings!'”

Send your photo to our editor (editor AT tinybeans.go-vip.net) or tag #redtricycle on social media and we’ll add yours to the gap-toothed bunch.

If your kid has lost his or her first tooth tell us about it in the Comments below!

ML Interest Tag: competition

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