Heading to Target with a tot in tow can be a blast for them; especially if everyone makes a pit stop for a cake pop (and a latte) at Starbucks. But for one lucky three-year-old, these two iconic stores took on a bigger role in her life. Read on to see how this little girl from Milwaukee got a big playroom makeover.
Ariah, an adorable 3-year-old from Milwaukee, loves her trips to Target so much that her mom, Renèe Doby-Becht decided to create a shopper’s paradise in her playroom. Complete with a Target checkout station, stocked shelves, and even a pint-sized shopping cart, this retail wonderland even has its own Starbucks.
Doby-Becht did not expect the photos of Ariah’s playroom to go viral when she posted them on Facebook.
“Ariah’s favorite store is Target and of course Starbucks are in most Target stores. Although this gift was really late, I wanted to do something different for Christmas this year,” Doby-Becht wrote in the post.
Since Doby-Becht shared the photos a little over a week ago, the post on her personal Facebook page has gotten more than 5,000 comments and over 9,000 reactions and shares.
Using data on a selection of jobs that equate with all of the daily tasks that come with being a stay-at-home parent, Salary.com came up with a median annual income for 2021. And, drumroll please… stay-at-home parents should be making a whopping $184,820 a year. This amount was up over $6,000 from the pre-pandemic medium.
So what’s the job description of a stay-at-home parent? Salary.com pulled information on several different positions including accountant, CEO, coach, dietician, event planner, janitor, plumber, psychologist, teacher—and many more to come up with the salary fitting for the demanding role.
Of course, ask any stay-at-home parent and they’ll tell you that you can’t put a price on being able to stay home with the kids.
Always ask permission as a sign of respect and consideration for the child’s experience and perspective.
Approach with a gentle stride and a calm demeanor. Place your hand on their back and sweetly ask, “May I check your diaper? Then wait for 7-to-10 seconds, giving them time to respond.
When a child says “no” and it is necessary to change it, honor the “no” by responding, “I hear you, you aren’t ready, I can come back in a few minutes and ask again.” When you return, the intent and verbiage should be different. “I am back. It is time to change your diaper now. Are you ready?”
If a child says no again: “You still aren’t ready, I understand, hmmm, I am worried if the pee or poop sit in your diaper, it may give you a rash, and I want to keep your skin and body safe, it is time now.” Then acknowledge the disruption by explaining how you will support them. “I see you are busy playing, so I will do it quickly so you can come right back to play.” More respect and acknowledgment of them and their perspective. You are building partnership and modeling respectful behavior in relationships.
Stick with respect and offer choices, so they feel like they are in control. “Would you like to walk to the diaper table, or would you like me to carry you?” This is a crucial moment for the child, you, your relationship, and future diaper changes because you are honoring the child’s experience and this detail is not going to be lost on them. In fact, they are taking it all in, making notes on what respect feels like. You are planting some serious and powerful seeds in these moments.
If they resist moving and plant their feet or throw their body down, say (and this is a gem that you will use often) “Ah, I heard you say you wanted to walk, but now you are choosing to stay still, you are telling me you want me to carry you, I would be happy to help.” Then bend down, still with love and kindness, pick up their body and carry them to the changing table.
The key in these moments is to avoid engaging in this resistant behavior. Your only job is to steady the course, no matter what attempt at distraction your little throws your way. This is a stellar opportunity to practice acceptance of all choices. Whatever the child does, accept it, take it in, and adapt but steady the course. This diaper change Is happening, buddy.
Children want us to be leaders because it permits them to be leaders in their own lives. Even though they are making it hard for you, they are testing your relationship.
When you steady the course and don’t let them pull you into their distraction, they feel loved by you. When you let them distract you or wear you down and/or abandon your mission, they question your commitment to them, and you become untrustworthy.
Here is another opportunity to model respect and ask, “May I pick you up?”
Typically, they will raise their little hands to say yes. Asking if you can pick allows them to prepare their body to be picked up. As soon as you ask the question, their brains communicate to their bodies to flex the necessary muscles to prepare to be picked up. This enables your child to feel strong and participate when you pick them up. Grabbing a child to pick them up without warning is shocking and scary. Asking and waiting until you have their attention and permission will support them physically, mentally, and will build more trust between you both.
Now that the child is in your arms, gently and lovingly lay them down, supporting their head and entire body until they are lying comfortably.
Once the child is lying comfortably, take a breath, lay your hand gently on their belly and look into their eyes. Smile sweetly and ask, “Are you ready?” Wait for them to respond and then begin the diaper change.
First: Ask them to help while you remove their bottoms. “Will you please lift your legs in the air so I can remove your bottoms?” then watch as they gleefully shoot their legs in the air.
Second: Tell them what you are doing next. “I am going to use this wipe to clean your body. It may be a little cold.” Then gently wipe them and, if necessary, hold their legs up with a gentle, respectful grip.
Third: Hold the new diaper and show it to them. “I am going to put this fresh diaper on you now. Will you please lift your legs again?” They are usually thrilled to assist you in this way, and their legs go flying in the air. “Thank you! That is so helpful.” Then slide the diaper under their bottom and ask them to please lower their legs back down.
This level of commitment to respectful interaction around diaper changes will create a beautiful relationship between you and the children you care for. They will rarely resist having a diaper change because the experience will be rich in connection, and connection leads to cooperation.
Avoid giving children electronics to distract them during a diaper change. You will be teaching them to check out when someone is touching them.
Avoid negative responses to how their poop smells or how much they pooped. It is embarrassing and disrespectful to make fun of how a child’s body creates smelly or gross things. They will interpret it to mean they are gross or smelly. Stay neutral, matter of fact, no big deal, all in a day’s work.
Stay present with your little one when changing a diaper. Stay off the phone and avoid interruption until the diaper change is complete. Make eye contact as much as possible and talk with them about the details. They love you. They trust you. This is a beautiful time to honor them, teach them, and model kindness.
Sarah is a child behavior & respectful child care expert. She has been coaching parents in effective respectful care strategy for over 10 years. She makes complex parenting issues simple to navigate and her methods are clear, effective and provide immediate relief for both parent and child.ehavior specialist and
Want to send a quick hello to the big man himself? Now you can send text messages to Santa and get an answer direct from the North Pole!
To start texting with Santa all you have to do is complete your contact information on the online form here, including the names of your kids. After you submit the form, you’ll receive an initial text confirming that you want to receive texts from Santa. Reply “yes” to the text and you’re ready to correspond with the jolly old elf.
You can then expect to receive your first text from Santa on Dec. 1, with texts arriving approximately every five days throughout the month of December. Santa will send a variety of messages like jokes, holiday recipes, facts and little reminders to keep the season merry. All of the messages are completely kid-appropriate, free and of course, direct from Santa himself.
“I wanted to take people inside my process this year, show them how I prepare for my biggest night and spread Christmas cheer,” Santa said in a statement. “Mrs. Claus and I have been getting better and better at texting. The elves have been teaching us. We can even send emojis and GIFs now!”
Mini golf is one of the best ways to enjoy outdoor time—and a little friendly competition—as a family. Luckily, there are plenty of mini golf destinations in and around L.A. everyone is sure to love, from putt-putt courses with old-school vibes like the nine-holes at Arroyo Seco Golf Club, to contemporary courses with a twist, like Camelot Golfland‘s oceanic and nautical-themed mini golf course.
In addition to mini golf, many of these destinations offer other family-friendly entertainment, too (think laser mazes, arcades, bumper boats, and go karts). Some places can also host groups, a great choice if you’re looking for a fun location for kids’ birthday parties. If you’re open to other family-friendly ideas around Los Angeles, be sure to check out our guides to L.A.’s best playgrounds, indoor play spaces, kid-friendly cooking classes, and themed restaurants.
Here are the six best places for you and the kids to get your miniature golf game on in L.A.
Arroyo Seco Golf Club offers miniature golf like you remember, with the requisite windmill, castle and tunnels making up its 9-hole course. While it's fairly no-frills, it's convenient, not too crowded and only a little challenging—making it ideal for the youngest of putt-putters. Post golf, head to the outdoor patio for a bite from the on-site cafe. Five-star dining this is not, but the menu has more options than your typical snack shack (plus grown-up drinks!), with great service to boot.
Good to Know: Mini golf fees run $9 per player, or $5 per person for replay.
For a more elaborate set-up, check out LA's only centrally located miniature golf course, Castle Park—yep, as in that castle you can sometimes spot at the 405/101 interchange. While not as up-to-date as some other venues, the city-owned spot boasts three 18-hole mini-golf courses, plus batting cages and an arcade featuring classics like Skee-Ball, air hockey and PacMan.
Good to Know: At $6.50 for adults and $5.50 for kids 5-12 (kids under 4 are free with paid adult), the price is less than what you'd pay at other comparable spots. Plus, if you arrive before 10:30 a.m. on weekends, all players pay $3 (and you beat the birthday-party crowds).
Mulligan Family Fun Center offers the classics (a windmill, castle and bridge), along with a waterfall, haunted house, mining cave and more. After you finish the two 18-hole set-ups, keep the fun going with paddle boats, a rock climbing wall, batting cages, bumper cars and go-karts. There's also an arcade and 2,200-square foot laser tag arena. After an action-packed afternoon here, be prepared for your tired tots to tee up an early bedtime (win/win)!
Good to Know: Miniature golf fees run $15 per adult, or $10 for kids under 12 years old. Other park attractions have their own admission prices, but you can buy "Fun Cards" and save up to $50. Check the website for more detail on the discounts.
Remember when Daniel and Ali had their first date in the original Karate Kid? Turns out that place actually exists and, more than 30 years later, Golf N' Stuff still going strong with four 18-hole golf courses to choose from, each with its own theme. Swing your way through a haunted mansion, a Moroccan castle, a candy house, and even Big Ben—and that’s just for starters. When you’ve exhausted the links, check out the Lit’l Indy Raceway, the Disk’O Thrill ride, bumper boats and then top it off with the kiddie train and a trip to the arcade.
Good to Know: Mini-golf admission is $13 per person (kids 3 and under are free with a paid round). Other attractions require separate admission, but for $36.50 (and sometimes as little as $25), you can purchase a wristband that gives you two hours fun.
If you don’t mind a drive to Orange County and you want to see what a giant course has to offer, head to Camelot Golfland in Anaheim, the largest mini-golf spot in the country (yep, biggest from sea to shining sea!) with four award-winning mini golf courses that feature castles of the world, water cannons, sea creatures and jungle golf. With all this magic, we can barely remember the name of that other castle in Anaheim.
Good to Know: Little pros under 12 can putt for $10.75. Adults are $12. Other attractions require additional admission costs.
If you don't mind a little road trip, put Pelly's on your to-putt list. Tucked away between the I-5 freeway and the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this spot has two different themed 18-hole mini golf courses. Kiddos will love maneuvering their ball around an octopus, through dolphins and under an ocean pier; you’ll love the crowd-free scene and proximity to the Pacific just a few miles away. Ready to retire the clubs for the day? Don’t jump back on the freeway just yet. You’re right around the corner from some of Southern California’s most beautiful parks and beaches, not to mention the renowned Del Mar Race Track.
Good to Know: You can golf among the sea creatures for $9.50 for adults and $7.50 for kids, and the second round is just $4.50 and $3.50, respectively.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has recalled certain Maxi-Cosi cat seats, in cooperation with Dorel Juvenile Group, Inc. The initial recall notice included the Maxi-Cosi Pria 85 and Pria 85 Max convertible seats, and now includes the Pria 70 as well.
The recalled seats are for children nine to 70 pounds and have found to not adequately protect from head injury if involved in a crash, when installed in the forward-facing position and secured using the lap belt without also using the top tether. Keep reading to see more details of the recall.
When used in both the rear and forward-facing modes with children up to 65 pounds according to proper installation methods, all models can continued to be used. As of now, there have been no issues of injuries reported.
Currently, the NHTSA has not released a course of action if you have the affected seats. However, if you have questions, you can contact a Maxi-Cosi customer service representative by calling 877-657-9546, emailing Pria85recall@djgusa.com or visiting consumercare.maxicosi.com/s/contactsupport.
If you tuned into the skateboarding competitions during the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer, you might have recognized some local skaters who are now Olympic medalists. San Diego’s skateboarding culture was on full display throughout the games–leaving the entire community proud and little groms super excited. If you have one of those lil’ shredders at home and want to know where they can safely practice their craft, we rounded up the best skate parks to master that ollie, kick-flip and grind.
Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA Skate Park (Encinitas) Great for beginners—the world-famous Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA Skate Park is one of the biggest and most diverse in San Diego County. Shaun White once told ESPN magazine that he'd been coming to this park every day since he was six. It's where he learned all his tricks, and it's still his inspiration. So if Shaun White approves, your little one should also be impressed. It includes a mixture of transitions and plaza elements. Beginners and anyone looking to increase their ability and learn new tricks should check out mini-land. Helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads are required for all participants 18 years and under. This park also offers private and group skate lessons.
200 Saxony Road Encinitas, CA 92024 Online: www.ymcasd.org
YMCA Krause Family Skate & Bike Park (Mission Valley) Krause Family Skate and Bike Park is home to the first permanent track in the world and several professional athletes. The skatepark is a 60,000 sq. ft. facility that has a variety of ramps for all skill levels. The good news for pint-sized thrashers, they have a beginner course. They also have a brand new remodeled street course, BMX course, 4 ft. mini-ramp with a spine, Dew-Tour vert ramp, concrete pool, and Skatercross Skateboard Racing Track. This park is open and available for people of all ages and skills to enjoy. So pad up and get on over to the park!
3401 Clairemont Drive San Diego, CA 92117 Online: www.ymcasd.org
CA Training Facility in Vista
CA Training Facility (CA|TF)
Skateboarding is woven into the culture of San Diego, with so many pros coming from North County, so it only makes sense that the first and only high-performance center developed explicitly for skateboarding opened in Vista. The 28,000 square foot private facility, which includes full-size competition street and park courses, served as a training ground for US Olympic skateboard team members in preparation for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. In addition, they offer a variety of programs for young skaters. From private coaching to open skate, there's something for everyone. So if you have someone interested in skating, you need to check out (CA|TF).
1410 Vantage Court,| Vista California 92081 Online: www.ca-tf.com/
Linda Vista Skate Park
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With the help of skaters, skateboard professionals and the community, The Linda Vista Skateboard Park opened in 2018. It is part of the Linda Vista Community Park and is currently the largest skate park in San Diego. The rad development boasts all the must-have elements, from rails, stairs, ramps, banks, ledges, jumps, and bench-like features to satisfy all skill levels. Besides the elements, there are several bowls, a full pipe, a street course, lights, and a bridge. The bridge is not only a focal point of the park. It also serves as a viewpoint to watch the skaters (a must for parents!). Other non-skating but family-friendly features include shade structures and sitting/observation areas. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Sunday. Online: sandiego.gov/
Memorial Skate Park
Memorial Skate Park in San Diego features approximately 7,000 square feet with above-ground ramps and rails. Bleachers for parents to sit and watch their children skate and a small area for a post-skate-sesh picnic.
There's so much to love about this gem of a park in North County and the state-of-the-art skate park is at the top of the list. Kiddos will be stoked to work on their kickflips and catch some air on the half pipes. The park offers something for beginners to advanced boarders and if you're looking for an evening outing, it's one of the few skate parks in San Diego county that has lights. Roll don't walk, the whole family will love this place!
This kid-friendly skate park allows boards, blades, scooters, skates and bikes. So, if it has wheels — you can ride it here in Poway! It's designed for beginner-level to advanced boarders. Just note that it's on the smaller side, so it can get crowded at peak times. Helmets, knee pads and elbow pads are required and an adult must accompany kids under 12.
The Carmel Valley Skate Park opened in 2008 with the design help of pro skater Chris Miller. The main feature of the park is a challenge course in a concrete bowl. This park also offers restrooms, a shade structure and seating and observation areas so parents can watch their daredevil land his next trick. Full safety equipment is required at all times.
After a full renovation in 2014, this skate park is now brimming with all the bells and whistles or should we say, grind boxes, bank ramps and multi-height quarter pipes? Whatever trick your pint-sized skater is hoping to perfect he can work on it at this 22,000-square-foot concrete skateboarding facility in Rancho Penasquitos.
It may have been 36 years (yeah, you’re old) since Mikey, Chunk, Mouth, Data, and their friends teamed up to take on the Fratelli’s, but the Goonies are back in a new way.
Now the gang is featured in a brand new illustrated storybook! The Goonies: The Illustrated Storybook ($16) comes with tons of memorable moments that will both inspire new fans and bring about major nostalgia for parents.
Adapted by Brooke Vitale and illustrated by Teo Skaffa, this is the first storybook on the Goonies in over 30 years. It’s packed with booby traps, walking the plank and of course, saving the Goon Docks.
The vibrantly illustrated tale is equally fun for parents to read over and over, as it is for your kids to demand it. You can pre-order the book on Amazon, which releases on Sept. 27.
It may only be mid August, but that doesn’t mean you can’t snag your kiddos Halloween costumes at Costco! Our editors spied the warehouse stocking festive costumes this weekend, and they’re as creative and affordably priced as ever.
Currently, the Costco website only has 5 costumes all priced at $33. That’s why we recommend heading to your local store where you can not only save almost $10 per costume, but have plenty more to choose from, too.
At first glance, we’ve already spotted Carter’s infant costumes, Disney princess dresses, Pikachu and Marvel-inspired options.
While we can’t help but love the amazing costumes Costco has to offer, where our happiness truly lies is the one-stop shopping we can now accomplish for Halloween. A quick glance shows the warehouse offers faux pumpkins and tabletop decor, with more options to come as the holiday gets closer. Oh, and of course, don’t forgot all that bulk candy!
Soar through the trees and climb in the clouds! If you’re kiddo is game, try one of these Seattle adventure parks that feature ropes courses and ziplines. Sure it takes a bit of mental toughness, a little physical agility and a huge appetite for fun and adventure…your little adrenaline junkie can handle it, right?
Climb to new heights at High Trek Adventures in Everett. With three levels of fun featuring 63 aerial challenges, there is something for every level of thrill seeker. Kids ages 4-7 can conquer the Cadet’s Course, just 15 feet above the ground with 10 challenge elements and a lower safety line that is easier to reach. Tickets for the Cadet’s Course allow three zips on the junior zip lines so smaller adventurers won’t miss out on the fun. Open to daredevils ages 7 and up, the Captain’s Course features all elements of the course. In order to navigate the course unattended, children must be able to easily reach the upper cable. Before you begin, all participants will complete “Ground School” with High Trek Adventures’ trained staff. This aerial orientation will fit you for a harness and helmet, teach you how to safely traverse the ropes course and zip line and answer any other questions before you start climbing.
Good to know: High Trek also has an 18-hole mini golf course, laser tag and other experiences. Purchase combo tickets to make it a full day of adventuring!
Ages: 4 & up Cost: $35-$80/hr.
11928 Beverly Park Road, Bldg. C Everett, WA 98204 425-382-2966 Online: hightrekeverett.com
Avoid the unpredictable weather and head indoors to Sky Trail, an new-ish aerial attraction at Arena Sports Mill Creek. This fun and innovative course includes challenge elements like suspended bridges, cargo nets, rope ladders, a zipline and more! There isn’t an age minimum for the course, but kids must safely fit the harness to participate. And, anyone under 48 inches tall must be guided by an adult chaperone or parent. At Sky Trail, you are suspended with a full-body harness and slingline from an overhead track, keeping you safely connected at all times.
Bonus: Visit the arcade, bowling alley, bouncy houses and more during your visit. Dine at Moe’s Kitchen, the on-site restaurant, and get a piping-hot pizza or delicious appetizers after your adventure.
Age: no minimum age Cost: $16/person, ropes course; $11/person, climbing wall; $21/person, combo
Bobcats, bears and zip lines, oh my! On your next “trek” to the region’s favorite wildlife park, consider adding a zip line tour to your day. Northwest Trek’s Zip Wild Deep Forest Challenge features three action-packed zip line courses running through the beautiful tree canopy. Zoom on the zip line and then complete the challenge obstacles in between. The Sensation Course is for adults over age 18, but the other courses are perfect for kids. The Adventure Course is suitable for kids age 10 and older (minimum height 4’ 7”) and the Aerial Runway is perfect for younger adventures age 8 and older (minimum height 4’). The only question is, are you ready to zip wild?
Good to know: Remember to pack your own gloves for this adventure (gardening gloves work fine). Additionally, parents can supervise no more than two children on the course, and there's a maximum weight of 275 pounds on each course.
Age: 8 & up Cost: $30/person, Aerial Runway; $65/person, Adventure Course; $90/person, Sensation Course; discounts for NW Trek members; includes admission to Northwest Trek
Nestled in a Maple and Douglas fir forest just outside of downtown Bellevue, the Bellevue Zip Tour is a high-flyin’, family-friendly adventure. Take in beautiful views of downtown Bellevue, Mt. Baker and Glacier Peak from soaring heights! The seven-line tour takes you up to 80 feet in the air and on lines nearly 500-feet-long. Children must be at least 8 years old and weigh at least 60 pounds to participate. Riders under 13 must be accompanied on the tour by an adult chaperone. To zip through the trees, riders will be required to climb two extension ladders and walk on fairly steep and uneven terrain.
Good to know: All riders must be between 60-250 pounds. Adults can chaperone up to three kids on the tour, and teens under 18 must have an adult onsite during the duration of the tour.
Age: 8 & up Cost: $85/adult; $70/kid, age 8-17
14509 S.E. Newport Way Bellevue, WA 98006 206-295-5494 Online: bellevueziptour.com
If you’re looking for elevated drama, head north to Camano Island. Canopy Tours Northwest features six zip lines (the longest one is 660 feet), a log bridge, two brief forest walks within the tree canopy and a breathtaking 47-foot final descent. The course is located on 231-acre Kristoferson Farm, featuring the zipline course nestled in a beautiful PNW forest, hillside barn and small lake. Riders must weigh at least 65 pounds (300 pound max) and kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Bonus! Ride to the course in a historic Unimog forest vehicle.
Age: no minimum age Cost: $135/adult; $65/kids, 12 & under
332 N.E. Camano Dr. Camano Island, WA 98282 360-387-5807 Online: canopytoursnw.com
Tips to Zip and Climb:
1. Be prepared to sign a waiver. All riders and climbers must complete a safety waiver before the adventure begins.
2. Dress for active, adventurous fun. Wear closed-toed shoes, comfy athletic wear and layers if you are outside.
3. Leave the extras behind. You’ll most likely be asked to leave behind phones, jewelry, backpacks and any extras.
4. Be prepared to step on a scale to confirm weight (solely for safety purposes!). Riders outside of the weight range will not be allowed to participate for safety reasons.
