The 2023 guide to buying a Christmas tree in Los Angeles whether it’s a pre-cut tree, one that you cut down yourself, potted, flocked, or fake—it’s all inside
The first step in jumpstarting the Christmas spirit? Getting your tree of course! Most Christmas tree lots and farms open the day after Thanksgiving although there are a few that open a little earlier if you can’t wait to inhale that fresh-fir scent. Whether you’re looking to cut a Christmas tree yourself, wondering where to buy a Christmas tree nearby, or want to experience a whole holiday Christmas tree-buying adventure, there are plenty of options when it comes to finding the perfect Christmas tree in and around Los Angeles. From genuine tree farms to pop-up tree lots filled with live Christmas trees, these are the best spots to buy Christmas trees in LA, including some Christmas tree lots with a little extra Christmas spirit on the side.
Where to Buy Your Christmas Tree in Los Angeles & the Westside
All of the Mr. Jingles lots are staffed with friendly tree-huggers and have plenty of fresh-cut, sustainable trees at these Christmas tree lots. Trees are sourced from both Oregon’s Cascade Mountains and North Carolina. And if you want a 2' or a 17' Christmas tree, it's all here.
Holiday Trimmings: Online orders and delivery are available now. They also offer installation as well as tree removal services. Don't forget to shop their garlands, wreaths, ornaments, lights, and decor available at this spot. PS: Every tree comes with a stand but if you have your own Christmas tree stand, bring it so they can attach your tree to it (and will make sure it's straight before sending you on your way).
Various Locations: Hollywood, West LA, Original Farmers Market, Woodland Hills and Torrance Online:mrjingleschristmastrees.com
Shawn's Christmas Trees
With over 40 years of selling trees on LA’s Westside, these guys know their stuff and you’re all but guaranteed to come home with the tree of your dreams. And with a bigger and better tree lot than years past, you'll find fan-favorites like Silvertip Christmas trees, Nordmann, Grand, Noble and Douglas (these originate from Oregon) as well as crowd-pleasing Frasers (brought in from North Carolina because of their quality to stay fresh and last longer).
Holidays Trimmings:They also offer fire retardant and tree flocking treatments. If your door needs some love, Shawn’s also features 6 different size wreaths for more Christmas decor. They also offer delivery on the westside and Christmas tree removal service.
Choose from their sustainable selections of Nobles, Silvertip trees, Douglas Fir, and Nordmann trees (handpicked from family farms in Washington and Oregon), and add merry home accents like mistletoe, boughs, fresh greenery, plus wreaths and ornaments galore.
Holiday Trimmings: Mr. Greentrees also provides online and phone purchases, delivery and installation services, as well as custom orders. Rumor has it that celebs like to frequent this spot, so keep your peepers peeled if star sightings float your boat.
Delancey Street is one of the country's leading residential self-help organizations. Every year, Delancey Street runs Christmas tree lots in various locations across the county (LA location is in Manhattan Beach) between Thanksgiving and Christmas and is used as an important training school in the basics of sales, particularly for new residents.
Holiday Trimmings: Delancey Street Trees also carry mistletoe, indoor tree lights, decorated wreaths, living potted pines, tree removal bags, and water bowls for trees. Flame retardant is also available. Additionally, they offer commercial decorating services in LA.
Christmas trees at this local lot are hand-picked from Washington state—arriving weekly in batches to ensure the freshest of the fresh. Bonus points? Some of the nicest, friendliest staff in the city who are eager to help you pick out your perfect evergreen.
Holiday Trimmings: You can have your tree trimmed on-site for free and you can purchase lush boughs and wreaths here too.
Tina’s welcomes families with a warm, friendly atmosphere, and you can choose your perfect fresh-cut tree from their assortment of Noble, Douglas, Grand Firs, Frasiers and Silvertips. Wondering which tree is best for you and your family? Don’t hesitate to ask for Tina’s help in finding the perfect tree–she's been running a successful Christmas tree business since 1977 and is truly the matchmaker of trees. Describe what you need (size, smell, how long you want it to last, etc.) and she’ll match you with the perfect variety for you.
Holiday Trimmings:If you’ve got tall ceilings or big rooms to fill, this is the place for you. Tina's stocks an impressive selection of massive 14’ to 15’ trees, and offers custom flocking and fire retardant. They also have an assortment of wreaths and garlands.
How lovely are their branches? Very. All of the trees at Santa and Sons come from a family-run Oregon farm, using sustainable farming methods that have been certified by the Coalition of Environmentally Conscious Growers. Their trees come with a big price tag, but you’re getting a super fresh fire that’s environmentally conscious and stunning to boot. You and your tiny tree people can choose from an array of Douglas Fir, Nordmann Fir, and Noble Fir Christmas trees, ranging anywhere from 3’ to 11’ tall.
Holiday Trimmings:Not only do they offer home delivery but they also offer online ordering and their signature "U-Pick Webcam" Service. Simply call the lot, tell them what kind of tree you're looking for, and they'll livestream your options!
For something in between the neighborhood tree lot and a cut-your-own farm, consider a trip to Underwood Family Farms—a favorite spot for kids' birthday parties in LA and for kids born in Dec. this place is a no-brainer). While the farm doesn't grow its own trees, this one-stop shop stocks plenty of fresh-cut options (Noble, Grand, Fraser, Nordmann, Douglas Fir, and Silvertip trees are from Big Wave Dave’s Christmas Trees from Ventura), as well as mistletoe, wreaths, garlands and stands.
Wondering where you can cut your own Christmas tree in Los Angeles? Make the trip to this festive Somis farm early in the season for the best selection of choose-and-cut Monterey Pines. They've also got a large supply of pre-cut Noble and Nordmann Firs if you don't want to get your hands dirty. For even more holiday fun, visit during special weekends when there'll be pony rides, a petting zoo, and pics with Santa!
Pining to recreate childhood memories of tromping through the forest to cut your own tree? Frosty's Forest is the place for you. Additionally, they offer candy canes and festive Christmas music. If you don’t feel like chopping, they’ve also got living trees in containers.
Located just over 60 miles from DTLA, this Riverside farm offers an authentic tree-picking experience with a huge selection of cut-your-own pines (plus potted options, just in case).
Holiday Trimmings: Tree flocking is available and the staff on the farm will help you shake your tree (to shed any loose needles), wrap it, and add a stand. While there, kids can sneak in a visit with Santa (bring your camera!) and take advantage of the free bounce house, candy canes, and popcorn while parents can enjoy the free coffee.
This family-owned operation now runs two farms, one in Simi Valley (since 1971) and the other in Thousand Oaks (since 1972). Both destinations offer a variety of cut-your-own options, including Noble, Pine, Grand, Fraser, and Nordmann plus fragrant Monterey Pines, hardy Aleppo Pines and Leyland Cypress. As with other u-chop spots, there are also pre-cut trees, along with wreaths and more festive evergreen decor.
Holiday Trimmings: Flocking, garland and wreaths are available for purchase and for those that can't make it here in-person, online ordering and delivery is available as well.
Aldik Home: For more than 60 years, Aldik Home has provided home decor enthusiasts with high-quality silk flowers, silk foliage, floral arrangements, custom artificial trees, home decor, artificial Christmas trees and Holiday decor. Get inspired by their amazing Christmas displays in their Van Nuys showroom where you'll encounter thousands of ornaments, luxurious ribbon, LED lights and, quite possibly, some of best artificial Christmas trees in the country.
7651 Sepulveda Blvd. Van Nuys Online: aldikhome.com
This list includes some of the best movies for kids of all time. How many have you seen with your family?
Looking for the best movies for kids? With the endless array of TV and movie options out there (including free full-length options on YouTube), it’s hard to pick a flick that the whole family will love. Well, bicker no more. From The Karate Kid to The Incredibles, we’ve made the decision easy with a definitive list of must-see childhood movies for children under 12. So grab some fun snacks and get that family movie night started!
1. It's a Wonderful Life (1946) There's a reason people still watch this holiday classic year after year: Parents to tweens will appreciate this timeless tale of a once-hopeless man realizing the value of his own life with the help of a guardian angel.
Not rated.
Recommended for ages 9 and up.
2. E.T. (1982) Still one of the best science fiction movies ever, E.T. is all about friendship and childhood. From Reese’s Pieces to the classic phrase “E.T. phone home,” every moment of this movie will live with your extraterrestrial forever.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
3. Spirited Away (2002) This animated film is a magical adventure and is considered to be one of Hayao Miyazaki's masterpieces. It stars a strong female protagonist but parents of younger kids beware: there are scary creatures, the parents turn into pigs, and in one scene a river dragon lingers on the verge of death.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
4. Coco (2017) Based on the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, Coco tells the tale of 12-year-old Miguel who finds himself in the Land of the Dead and with the help of his musician great-great-grandfather dives deep into his family history (and their generations-old ban on music!). There are strong family vibes in this blockbuster, and your kids will love the whimsically colorful, melodic story!
A note for parents—this movie deals with the concept of mortality and could be slightly upsetting for young kids.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
5. Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019) This Disney classic (and its sequel) is definitely one of the best movies for kids. The films about sisterhood, family, and love will surprisingly warm your hearts, fill your home with song, and should come with a disclaimer: For months afterward, your kids won’t sing anything but Let It Go, Into the Unknown, and Do You Want to Build a Snowman.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
6. Soul This family movie from Pixar and Disney follows jazz musician and teacher Joe as he travels from life to the Great Before (instead of the Great Beyond). He's not ready for his life to be over, so he's determined to make it home. The first-rate cast including Jaime Foxx and Tina Fey, the amazing animation, and the wonderful music are just a few of the reasons to love this movie for kids.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
7. Yes Day Inspired by the beloved children's book by the same name, Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a "Yes Day," where there's no saying no to anything the kids ask for or to do (within reason). Chaos ensues, and it becomes clear that all yes all the time isn't always the best idea.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
8. The Sword in the Stone (1963) From rags to riches, it’s the story of King Arthur in true to Disney style. Your lil’ knight will be giggling, dancing and bopping to the wizarding whimsy of this animated musical.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
9. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) A shrink ray accidentally goes off and sets a group of kids on a journey back home (even though they never leave their backyard) while their parents search high and low for them.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
10. Cool Runnings (1993) Everything seems stacked against these athletes who are completely unprepared for the cold, let alone bobsledding. Loosely based on a true story of the Jamaica national bobsled team, Cool Runnings is a real inspirational film for young dreamers.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
Walt Disney Studios
11. Star Wars Series (1977-) Now is as good a time as any to introduce this epic space opera. Your space lover will be on the edge of his or her seat during this story of lightsabers, telepathic powers, space-flight adventures, and the biggest plot twist in cinematic history. Our inner geek is giving this PSA: Please remember to start your Jedi with A New Hope and not The Phantom Menace.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
12. A League of Their Own (1992) If your kids ever ask you why girls don't play Major League Baseball, you can tell them, "They did"—and then show them this film, which tells the real-life story of the 1940s All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Tom Hanks shines as the grumpy coach.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & older
13. Willow (1988) For today's Harry Potter generation, a viewing of Willow will surely be of interest. The adventure is easy to follow and full of school-age humor, and two forest fairies provide comedy with their slapstick, strange voices, and snappy one-liners. Lucas' fantasy has interesting-looking characters and villages, gothic castles and, most of all, magic. Willow is an excellent choice to give young kids a taste of fantasy.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & older
14. Tangled (2010) Get lost in Disney’s retelling of Rapunzel, which is a lot more exciting than the original story. Hint: She gets to leave the tower and goes on a thrilling journey of magic, song, and self-discovery.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
15. Finding Nemo (2003) Laugh until your tummy hurts as this timid clownfish dad searches the great ocean for his son. Every underwater creature has a catchphrase that’ll become your guppy’s new mantra. Just keep swimming … just keep swimming!
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
16. Princess Bride (1987) Part comedy, part romance, part adventure, part fantasy and 100% perfect—Princess Bride is the ultimate family movie for storytime lovers, big, small, boy, or girl. And yes, there is some kissing.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
17. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) A perfect movie for the littlest film-goers, this endearing film follows A.A. Milne's classic bear as he bumbles about Hundred Acre Wood learning lessons on friendship. There's no offensive or scary content in the film, which makes it great for younger kids.
Rated G
Recommended for ages 3 & up.
18. Shrek (2001) One unforeseeable plot twist on the classic fairytale? Coming right up! An ogre sets out to rescue a princess with a talking donkey—plus all the characters from your cupcake’s bedtime stories.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
19. The Muppet Movie (1979) Way before Jason Segel starred in the 2011 Muppet movie, there was The Muppet Movie, which goes way, way back to before Kermit the Frog was in show business. Fans of those classic fuzzy puppets will love watching this origin story.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
20. The Lion King (1994) Grab a tissue for that one scene (you know which one we’re talking about), but after that, the rest of the movie is all song, dance, and excitement for your lil’ monkey.
21. The Sandlot (1993) Your short stuff will definitely relate to Scotty as he makes new friends on a ragtag baseball team and goes on grand adventures involving tree houses, rival groups, a legendary ball-eating dog, and all the things that childhood memories are made of.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
22. The Little Mermaid (1989) Ignore the original Hans Christian Andersen (that ending is unfortunately not very happily ever after), and opt for Disney’s The Little Mermaid for a family movie night with the kids. It’s got unforgettable songs, enchanting characters, and, best of all, a happy ending.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
23. Home Alone (1990) This perfect Christmas moviewill give your tots a movie dose of bravery, when it comes to being by themselves, as they watch a smart-aleck eight-year-old defend his home from a pair of bumbling burglars. Note: There is some sibling squabbling that isn't all that nice.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
24. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) No movie portrays the spirit of Christmas better than Miracle on 34th Street. Save this one for the holidays because it’ll definitely make your little helper feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
25. Spider-Man (2002) If you're looking for a good starter superhero movie, this 2002 origin story follows Peter Parker (Toby Maguire) as he gets bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes the witty hero we all know and love. Some explosions and tense Green Goblin moments may frighten sensitive viewers, but most tweens will love every bit of it.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 11 & up.
26. Toy Story 1, 2, 3, 4 (1995 - 2019) Every kid will love the iconic warm-hearted tale of the secret life of toys. From the very first film to the fourth, which hit theaters in 2019, follow the saga of Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and their fellow toys as they navigate the trials and tribulations of being Andy's toys. Each film is special in its own right.
27. Whale Rider (2003) Before Moana set out on the seas on a quest to save her village, a courageous girl named Pai did it first. The film is set in the Maori community of New Zealand, where modern culture threatens to quell ancient traditions. Twelve-year-old Pai sets out to prove that even though she is not the male heir her father wanted, she has the bravery, wisdom, and skill to lead. There are some adult themes (including a mother and child who die during childbirth, as well as some references to marijuana), but tweens and parents will appreciate the inspiring message.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 11 & up.
28. The Sound of Music (1965) How else is your musical tot going to learn the lyrics to Do-Re-Mi? The Sound of Music is completely captivating with equal parts song, romance, and family bonding.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
29. Wadjda (2013)
The first movie to be directed by a Saudi Arabian woman, this story is of a spunky, independent 11-year-old girl who wants to ride a bike, wears Converse sneakers, and loves to compete against her (male) best friend. Beautifully done, the film explores topics such as religious traditions and laws, but it's also an incredible study of female empowerment. Follow along, and cheer for Wadjda as she fiercely makes a place for herself in the world.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
30. Despicable Me, 2 & 3 (2010, 2013, 2017) Kids and adults alike will love this bad-guy-turns-good-guy fairy tale about a curmudgeonly villain who learns to love an orphaned trio of little girls. The sequels are just as much fun as the original.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
31. Free To Be You And Me (1974) In a compilation of shorts that were edgy at the time of this film's release, Free To Be You And Me explores things like gender roles, working mothers, and racial stereotyping with the help of celebrities including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Marlo Thomas, and a young Michael Jackson.
Not rated.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
32. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone (2001) Your magical creatures won’t be able to get enough of the Harry Potter adventures. Everything from the food to the spells is a unique discovery. Start off with The Sorcerer's Stone, which introduces the wizarding world. The film series is completed, but the rest of the films skew for an older audience.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
33. Bedknobs & Broomsticks (1971) Starring the legendary Angela Landsbury and Mary Poppins alum David Tomlinson, this classic Disney film focuses on three siblings who are evacuated from London during World War II and end up in the care of an apprentice witch. Chaos ensues, and there's a fun animated section where they all end up on the island of Naboombu. While the slow parts may bore young children, and the presence of Nazi invaders might bring up questions, all and all, this is a fun classic film for families.
Rated: G
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
34. Mary Poppins Returns (2018) Julie Andrews fans can rest assured that this remake by Rob Marshall is an ode to the near-perfect original. Emily Blunt charms, Lin-Manuel Mirada shines, and the sequel plot means that viewers will see how Jane and Michael are faring some 20 years after Mary Poppins first came into their lives. Be on the lookout for a very special cameo from the one and only Dick Van Dyke!
35. How to Train Your Dragon(2010) Follow the adventures of the reluctant dragon-slayer Hiccup, who, after capturing the rarest dragon of all—the Night Fury—befriends it instead of killing it. Raucous adventures follow as Hiccup shows his fellow Vikings that not all dragons are dangerous. Note: Sensitive kids may be troubled by the initial scenes of violent dragons attacking the village.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
36. The Karate Kid (2010) This remake of the 1984 classic is geared toward a slightly younger audience with the help of the talented Jaden Smith, who stars as the new kid on the block who struggles to learn karate to fend off bullies and win the girl.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
37. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Tim Burton’s delightful holiday fantasy film redefines Christmas for all our lil’ lovers of spook. Get carried away into a new world that celebrates two holidays in one—candy and presents? Every tot’s dream.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
38. Moana (2016) Girl power is at its best in this modern Disney classic that puts a strong-hearted young girl on a mission to return the "heart of the ocean" to its rightful owner. Besides the memorable songs and moving story, this film stands apart from most Disney flicks in that there are no princes (or romances of any kind) to be found during the whole 113 minutes.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
39. Beauty and the Beast (2017) The "tale as old as time" gets a modern retelling that stays true to its trademark Disney sweetness, with Emma Watson starring as a Belle every little girl will want to be. Note: Because it's live-action, some of the scenes (like the ones with the wolves chasing Belle) can be a little scary.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
40.Walking with Dinosaurs (1999) Excellent BBC six-part series that takes viewers on a journey from the beginning of dinosaurs to their demise. Educational but fun, this is perfect for older dino lovers.
Rated: NR
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
41. Bend it Like Beckham Featuring a diverse cast, this story of a British girl of Indian descent who hides her passion for the game of soccer from her parents is ultimately a wonderful show in strength and determination to go after your dreams.
42. An American Tail (1986) Long before Nemo and his dad were separated by oceans, a lanky immigrant mouse named Fievel journeyed to find his family "somewhere out there." One of the most classic family movies of the '80s, it's just as sweet today as you might remember.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
43. Spellbound (2003) Kids will be spelling out E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G after watching this fun documentary that follows a group of elementary school students across America as they prepare for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The uplifting film shows the value of hard work and studying (your kids' teachers will approve!).
Rated G
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
44. Freaky Friday (1976) Like mother, like daughter—the hilarity that ensues when this mom and daughter duo switch bodies also gets across the important lesson of family bonding.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
45. The Secret of Nimh (1982) This movie has some scary parts, but kids ages eight and up will love the tale of extraordinary courage. The story centers around a group of super-intelligent rats who escape an animal laboratory and a family of field mice who enlist their help.
Warning: Sensitive children may find some scenes disturbing (including a sword fight that ends in the death of one rat).
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
46. Space Jam (1996) Animation, live action, comedy, and sports—it’s time to introduce your sports fan to the legend that is Michael Jordan and his greatest achievement… Space Jam.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
47. Free Willy (1993) Animal lovers will enjoy seeing this feel-good film about a boy becoming best friends with an orca. Your swimmers will be so engaged, that they might even shed a tear or two for Willy.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
48. Fern Gully (1992) If you were a '90s kid, then you'll know (and probably love) this classic eco-toon. Featuring the voices of some of the most famous actors of the time (Samantha Mathis, Christian Slater, Robin Williams, Tim Curry), join fairy-queen-in-training Cyrsta as she resues surfer-dude Zak from falling trees, and himself. Featuring a strong environmental message, it's a wonderful way to help show kids the value of a strong ecosystem. And, the music rocks, too.
Note: There are a few scary parts, in particular when Hexxus is released from the tree.
49. Spy Kids Adventure-loving kids will love this rollicking action movie about Carmen and Juni, the children of two infamous spies (who have gone undercover as boring parents). When their parents are kidnapped, the resourceful kids must summon their courage and jump into action.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
50. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) Golden ticket. Chocolate factory. Everything candy. Your sugarplum will remember the zany world of Willy Wonka for the rest of their life, though sensitive kids may be frightened by some scary moments.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
51. Charlotte’s Web (1973) This animated musical about Wilbur, the runt of the litter, and Charlotte, a friendly spider, is as touching as the novel by E.B. White. Prepare a package of tissues for the ending: It’s both sad and happy.
Note: We also love the 2006 remake, which features an adorable Dakota Fanning as Fern.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
52. Lassie (1994) Loyal, brave, and affectionate… your youngest will want a Collie after seeing all the extraordinary feats Lassie can do, from saving his owner from a mountain lion to snuggling with him all night.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
53. Babe (1995) Perseverance, friendship, and making your dreams come true—who knew a pig could teach us all that? Psst … at the start of the film, there is a bit of frightful honesty about animals being used for food, so keep an eye on your tiniest animal lovers.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
54. Enchanted (2007) Fairytale characters are thrown into the modern world in this live-action musical that shows what happens when a young maiden from the fictional "Andalasia" falls in love with a jaded New York City lawyer. Julie Andrews narrates this infectiously-sweet story. Note: There is a scary part at the end featuring a fire-breathing dragon that may rattle sensitive tots.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
55. The NeverEnding Story (1984) For enthusiastic readers with a wild imagination, The Neverending Story will take them for an exciting ride as a young boy tries to save the world of Fantasia.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
56. A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969) This was the first of the Peanuts movies, and it introduces Charlie Brown as the sweet and sensitive little boy who can't seem to get anything right. The film follows him as he works to compete in a national spelling bee with the help of his faithful buds, Linus and Snoopy.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 4 & up.
57. ELF Will Farrell is at his best in this classic holiday film about a boy raised as one of Santa's elves but sets out at age 30 to find his real father in New York City.
58. Up (2008) An upbeat boy and a grumpy old man make an unlikely team… inside a floating house. They go on a journey that has a little bit of danger, a lot of humor, and a grander story of love.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
59. Newsies (1992) This Disney musical inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 follows a group of street-savvy kids who form a union and go on strike against the money-hungry newspaper typhoons of their time. The movie features catchy music and energetic dance numbers—and inspired the 2012-2014 Tony Award-winning Broadway show.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
60. Hook (1991) For all the inspiration that Peter Pan gives a rambunctious child, Hook shows how grown-ups can still have fun. Your Lost Boy (or Girl) will be hugging you tight throughout this movie.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
61. BIG (1988) For every kid who talks about growing up all the time, have them watch BIG because jumping from 12 years old to 30 years old is only a good idea in theory… and on film.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
62. Labyrinth (1986) Set in a bizarre world that’ll delight the most imaginative kiddo, Labyrinth will captivate your imagination with Muppets, riddles, and a lighthearted sense of danger.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
63. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) This animated Spidey film follows a teen who becomes a new Spider-Man and meets a slew of other Spider-people from parallel universes. It's a little less intense than the live-action Spider-Man iterations, making it a better choice for younger viewers. Still, there is a lot of violence, including weapons and two major characters are killed—so be wary if you don't want your kids to be exposed.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
64. Trolls (2016) With an awesome pop-rock soundtrack that you'll want to download, like, asap, this light-hearted flick is about a duo of trolls (Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick) who partner up to rescue their friends from the troll-hungry bad guys.
65. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) Another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki, this family movie is appropriate for all ages. Two girl protagonists move to the countryside in 1950s Japan and are befriended by the magical creature, Totoro, who helps them when they have a problem related to their mother, who is dealing with a long-term illness.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 4 & up.
66. Alice in Wonderland (1951) Everyone loves this classic tale of a little girl who falls asleep and gets whisked into a nonsense world where "Everyone is mad." Alice grows bigger and smaller and encounters all sorts of wild characters—some of which are mildly inappropriate (like the hookah-smoking caterpillar and a head-chopping queen), but all in all this tale of silliness is fun and engaging.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 4 & up
67. LEGO Movie (2014) An ordinary LEGO minifig must save the universe from a tyrannical business lord. Forget Frozen, your LEGO maniac will be singing Everything is Awesome even before the movie ends.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
68. Mary Poppins (1964) A magical nanny uses her unique brand of lifestyle to bring a family back together. If your munchkins loved Sound of Music, this one is a must-add to their movie list.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
69. The Dark Crystal (1982) Fantasy lovers will jump right into the dark world of The Dark Crystal. Think of it as a more family-friendly version of Lord of the Rings—it’s a hero’s story about an elf-like creature on a quest to restore balance to his world.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
Disney Studios
70. The Princess and the Frog (2009) A twist on the classic tale: A beautiful girl kisses a frog (who is actually a prince) and instead of him getting turned back into a human, she gets turned into a frog! With a jazzy New Orleans vibe keeping things cool, this modern fairy tale is also the first Disney movie to feature an African-American heroine, Tiana. Also unlike Disney's long-ago damsels, Tiana is strong and hardworking and doesn't need a man to get by in the world (though she doesn't mind having one as a friend).
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
71. Ghostbusters (1984) So your tiny Ghostbusters may not be old enough to appreciate Bill Murray, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start now! It’ll be hard to find a “scary” movie that’ll have you crying from laughter like this one.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
72. The Parent Trap (1961/1998) A pair of twins set out to reunite their separated parents. Cue the chaos, humor, and aww moments! We’ll leave it up to you to decide to show the classic 1961 or 1998 one—both are that good.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
73. Aladdin (1992) Disney's retelling of the classic Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, is filled with memorable music and a wise-cracking genie voiced perfectly by the late, great Robin Williams, who will entertain the grown-up viewers almost more than the kiddos.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
74. Cinderella (1950) Bippity bobbity boo! A story of a love so simple that even the smallest slipper wearer can watch this Disney classic in one sitting.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
75. The Wizard of Oz (1939) Ruby red slippers, flying monkeys, catchy songs, and the breathtaking transition from a world of black-and-white to color, The Wizard of Oz is a timeless story that’ll inspire your kiddo for ages.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
76. Big Hero 6 (2014) Disney's adaptation of the Marvel comic about a boy named Hiro and his robot creation, a "personal health companion" named Baymax, will delight little robot fans. But be forewarned: Much of the film deals with the idea of grief since the boy's older brother dies at the beginning of the film. Despite the sad beginnings, this family movie has lots of heart and a sweet ending.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
77. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) In a realm known as Kumandra comes the Oscar-nominated mythical tale of when dragons and humans fought together to fight the Druun. Fast forward hundreds of years, and one girl is determined to find the last dragon to join the fight again. The imagery and strong female protagonists, not to mention a funny water dragon, make this a great movie for kids of all ages.
78. Akeela and the Bee (2006) A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburn stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
79. Matilda (1998) Tiny magic lovers will be entranced by this film, based on the classic Roald Dahl book about a brilliant little girl who uses her special powers to right the wrongs in her school and at home.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 9 and up.
80. Fly Away Home (1998) Anna Paquin stars in this inspiring story of a motherless little girl who learns to fly an ultralight aircraft so she can fly her adopted flock of geese south for the winter. Note: The death of the girl's mother at the beginning of the film may be upsetting for kids.
Rated PG.
Recommended for kids 6 & up.
81. Inside Out (2015) Kids may not understand the big concepts at the heart of the movie (that they're watching the personified emotions inside a little girl's brain), but they'll be entertained just the same. We think the real value is for Mom and Dad, who may actually learn a little something about what's going on in their kids' crazy little heads.
Rated PG.
Recommended for kids 7 & up.
82. Peter Pan (2003) This live-action remake has magic galore and will be a hit with big kids who have graduated from cartoons.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
83. Wall-E. (2008) While there is minimal dialogue throughout the whole movie (not a word is spoken in the first 22 minutes of the film), the lovable little robot who is stranded on a trash-filled future Earth will steal your family's heart and make you think twice about your recycling habits. Messages about environmentalism—as well as our reliance on technology—ring loud and clear, even without words.
84. The Incredibles (2004) Superhero family. Pixar. What more can we say? This spectacular animated film is simply made for a movie night with mom, dad, sis, brother, and babe.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
85. Ratatouille (2007) Kids will love this cute story about a French rat who wants to be a gourmet chef; grown-ups will appreciate the jokes intended only for them. Overall, this tale about a little rodent defying the odds is fun and inspiring. And, if you're lucky, it'll teach your tot a thing or two about food.
Rated G
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
86. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) Sing-a-long adventures in a flying car! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a comical adventure with a dash of danger. Fun fact: The script was co-written by Roald Dahl.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
87. Chronicles of Narnia (2005) If your reader is devouring the book series, the movies are pretty captivating too. Your Narnian won’t believe that Azlan is made up of special effects and not a real lion.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
88. Cinderella (2015) Disney's remake of its 1950 classic is just as magical with dazzling special effects and a live-action spin. Younger princesses may still prefer the original (this one has no songs), but parents longing to revisit the Cinderella story with their kids will find it to be a faithful and gorgeous retelling.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
89. Monsters Inc. (2001) Middle-of-the-night monsters won't be so scary anymore after kids watch this film and learn that they're the ones who have all the power.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
90. Vivo A fun romp with fantastic music from Lin-Manuel Mirada, this story is about a monkey who travels from Cuba to Miami in the name of love, and "one last song" will have everyone singing from the start.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 5 & up
91. Encanto Another hit collab from Disney and Lin-Manuel Mirada, this movie tells the tale of the magical Madrigal family and their village hidden in the mountains of Columbia. When the magic is in danger, the only member of the family to not receive a magical gift, Mirabel, might be their last hope.
92. The Black Stallion (1979) This Francis Ford Coppola-directed film about a boy stranded on a desert island with a wild stallion who saves his life is a must-see, whether or not you're into horses. The film morphs from a wilderness survival tale to a root-for-the-underdog horse race. Note: The beginning shipwreck scene may be disturbing, even for adults, so feel free to skip to the island and go from there.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
93. Happy Feet (2006) This inspiring story about a penguin who can't find his song—but sure can dance—has a killer soundtrack and an uplifting message. Basically, you be you, penguin. There are also some not-so-subtle messages about environmental stewardship, as the penguins find themselves in a perilous race against a dwindling food source.
Note: Some scenes with a particularly vicious sea lion might scare younger viewers.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
94. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) Three loyal pets escape and journey through the West Coast to find their beloved owners in San Francisco. Your sidekick is going to be asking for a furry family addition after this classic family movie.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
95. Cars (2006) Every kid who loves going "vroom vroom" with his toy cars will love this fast-paced film about a smooth-talking race car who learns the meaning of true friendship and the joy of the open road when he gets stuck in the small town of Radiator Springs.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
96. The Absent-Minded Professor (1961) A classic family-friendly film that features a befuddled professor who, at the expense of his own wedding, manages to create an amazing compound he calls flubber. You'll root for the Professor to outwit the greedy Alonzo Hawk, and the silly stunts (like basketball players that can jump to crazy heights) will make the whole family laugh.
97. The Mighty Ducks (1992) If your budding athlete loves the sports-movie formula of losers becoming winners, then she'll love this movie that follows a ragtag hockey team as they shape up and learn the value of teamwork and friendship.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
98. Zootopia (2016) After an otter goes missing, it's up to bunny cop Judy Hopps and her fox-with-a-criminal-record sidekick Nick Wilde to solve the crime. Along the way, the duo meets some of the unique citizens that make up Zootopia and learn to appreciate (love, actually) each other's differences.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
99.The Incredibles 2 (2018) The nearly 20-year-long wait for the sequel to one of Pixar's most popular movies was worth the wait. Watch Mrs. Incredible (aka Elastagirl) go back to work and leave Bob (Mr. Incredible) at home with a moody tween, homework, and a baby with multiple powers. Look for the return of fan-favorite Edna, and fellow superhero Fro-Zone. Some violence might be scary for younger kids, but the all-around message of teamwork is a home run for families.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
100. The Kid Who Would Be King(2019) This modern retelling of the legend of King Arthur has been described as a mixture of "Goonies" and "Lord of the Rings." The story follows a schoolboy who is chosen to save the world with the help of the mystical sword. There are some scary moments—including tense battle scenes and the destruction of a school—but older tweens will love it.
These toys and gift ideas for kids ages 6-9 include must-have items like the Bitzee Digital Pet and a Roblox gift card
It’s gift guide season, and today we’re tackling the elementary-age crowd (for younger kiddos, check out our preschoolers’ gift list and for the older crew our tween guide is a must-read). The 6-9 age group is so fun because they’re old enough to appreciate a thoughtful gift, yet still young enough to be wowed by the magic of it all. From the never-go-out-of-style gifts like LEGO sets to one of the hottest holiday toys of 2023, we’ve got a covetable selection of toys and gift ideas for kids ages 6-9 at a variety of budgets.
Air Hogs Zero Gravity Sprint
Zip, zoom, and drive this race car on any smooth surface, including the walls and ceiling.
The LeapFrog® Magic Adventures™ Telescope features up to 110x magnification and lets kids zoom in on the moon at night or nature during the day. Capture and save what you see, and explore out-of-this-world discoveries and more through 100+ NASA videos and images on the 2.4” screen.
If your grade school kiddo hasn’t been swept up in Minverse madness yet, here’s the perfect introduction. The kitchen comes with the UV-light oven needed to ‘make’ their treats, and two bonus recipes and oven mitts are also included.
The paper fortune cookie tellers of our youth are back and better than ever. This book is filled with tear-out pages to fill in and fold up (in gender-inclusive designs!).
Two toys for the price of one? We're there. This super durable set both light up and make sounds (but not overly annoying ones, we swear), plus they're collector's items. Hurry, though. They will sell out; they do every year.)
woom Bikes are designed specifically for kids and their needs. The woom OFF 4 Bike is a 20" bike that provides off-road capacity in a kid-friendly lightweight frame. Also available in black.
One of the coolest new toys we’ve seen in 2023, kids can pet, feed, and play with up to 15 3-D digital pets. The more they play, the faster they level up!
Create Like Frida Self-Portrait Mirror Painting Kit
Creative kids will be inspired by the world’s most famous self-portrait artist with their own art set that includes three pre-printed and one blank decal.
One of the hottest gift ideas for kids in 2023, little scientists can combine all the ingredients they need to create their very own beast. The sounds, lights, and mist actions give this kit an authentic lab vibe.
This brand-new game isn’t just fun for Barbie lovers! Design gurus will enjoy picking wallpaper and decor to create the ultimate home for the iconic doll and her friends.
Indiana Jones doesn’t have anything on your curious kid. There are six molds that look like iconic historical items like the pyramids, a Viking helmet, and the Great Wall of China. Using excavating tools, kids will dig for treasures in each one.
We love how Pair offers magnetic frames to customize your base frames, and we know kiddos will, too. Keep their sensitive eyes protected with a ton of color and lens options, so they can enjoy the sun in style.
Speedsters can create their own course with over nine feet of starter track, and you can incorporate materials you find around the house to create obstacles, tunnels, and more.
All of the fun of a pet without the cleanup! This interactive pup is ready for love and care and even comes with six games, like Fortune Teller and Ultimate Nose Boop.
Get your elementary school kids talking with three different sets of questions: Would You Rather? Family Edition, Would You Rather? Made You Think!, and Would You Rather? Christmas Edition.
In the latest installment of Dav Pilkey’s popular elementary school series, Piggy is back! Who will stop him from attempting to put his diabolical plan into action?
The ‘90s called, but we’re not giving these back! As fun as ever, kids can design their own line of clothing with this kit that now includes a set of cool stickers.
In the midst of preparing for a family feast each year, we’ve also wrestled with how to talk to our kids about Thanksgiving. We want our children to learn from and do their part in changing the inequality in their world, and perpetuating the Thanksgiving story we were taught in elementary school runs squarely at odds with that mission.
But, it can be hard to know how and when to start having the true story of Thanksgiving conversation with kids. So first, remember that we don’t need to nail this by the time the turkey hits the table. This is ongoing and important work to do all year round. Following are a few ideas and resources that are helping our family to lay a foundation that, we hope, will help our kids respect and respond to real history in a way that supports a better future.
Build a Foundation for Knowing & Respecting Native Peoples
Start by teaching children real stories and truths about Native and Indigenous peoples, both from the past and the present. The more our children can be curious and aware of people for their strengths and rich history, the more they will push back on stereotypes and absorb the real history in a way that makes them compelled to act.
Here are a few easy ways to do this, even with very young children:
Learn about the people who live or used to live on the land in your area. Use an app like native-land.ca to find out which people live/lived and which languages are/were spoken on the land on which you live. Search for “native people from {city, state or region}” or “indigenous people from {city, state or region}. Then, look for historically accurate accounts of how those people thrived, being aware of the limitations of the perspective of whoever has created them.
Read books that help children come to know about Native peoples and prepare them to push back against stereotypes. For starters, check out this list of 15 beautiful picture books by Native authors about Native protagonists assembled by veteran Tinkergarten Leaders Erika McLemore, who is Creek-Seminole, and Cholena Smith-Boyd of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. As you select more books on your own, consult a reputable resource like Dr. Debbie Reese, a researcher focused on the representation of Native Americans in children’s literature. Through her expert advice, my family has learned how to pick books that are about specific tribes or Native peoples, avoiding the kind of generalizations that lead to stereotypes.
Incorporate Native history into everyday outdoor play. As you are walking in a forest or along a river in your area, share something you’ve learned about the Native people who live/lived and what makes/made them special as a group or society.
When you feel your kids are ready, work with them to question and point out the mismatches between the accurate history and the often perpetuated Thanksgiving Story. To start:
Get to know the true story of Thanksgiving story yourself.PBS Kids offers wonderful resources for parents and educators on how to approach Thanksgiving with authenticity. These resources also help us parents better understand, for ourselves, the story of the people we call Pilgrims, their interaction with the Wampanoag people, and the full history of the holiday we’ve come to know as Thanksgiving.
Don’t be afraid to share with children that there is more to the story. It’s important to help them understand that the familiar story that has been shared for a long time is over-simplified and, as such, can even be hurtful to whole groups of people as well as the allies of those people. One way you can present the disparity to kids is, that although there was a feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, it happened during a time of terrible cruelty and unthinkable loss to the Wampanoag.
Seek out additional tools for learning. This New York Times article has helped us use both age-appropriate resources and inquiry to start engaging our kids in conversation about Thanksgiving. For example, it has encouraged us to help our kids ask “Who is telling the story, and what is their perspective? How is this story different from other accounts and facts that we now know?”
Focus on Gratitude
While it’s essential that we help our children become more attuned to inequality and injustice, telling the true story of Thanksgiving doesn’t have to undermine our practice of sharing gratitude. You can even kickstart an annual gratitude tradition that’s respectful of Native history. Once you learn about the original caretakers of the land you live on, it becomes easy to express thanks for all they’ve done to preserve its natural beauty as part of Thanksgiving.
Be sure to help kids reflect on what they’re grateful for in their day-to-day lives, too. For many years, our family has focused our Thanksgiving on expressing thanks for our family, our health, our earth, and whatever else feels authentic to our kids. We engage in rituals like building a tree of thanks to make this even more concrete for them, and fun for us. This has extended far beyond Thanksgiving for us as well, helping us use simple rituals to develop a gratitude practice as a family and improve our own mental well-being in the process.
However you choose to celebrate this holiday, remember that while we cannot change history, we canmake our children alert to who is telling and what needs to be told about the story. It’s the only way our kids will learn to do their part to make sure better stories are written in their time.
After 18 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Today, Meghan serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, the national leader in outdoor play-based learning.
Go beyond the gourd with these Bay Area pumpkin patches that take shopping for a pumpkin to a new level
Pumpkin picking season has arrived, making it officially Fall. There are a ton of good places to find your perfect pumpkin all over the Bay Area, whether you are looking for that extra-large one to carve a masterpiece into or smaller pumpkins that your littles can paint and decorate. But the family fun doesn’t stop there: These patches come with a plethora of colorful autumn activities such as corn and hay mazes, hayrides, scarecrows, petting zoos and more, that will turn your pumpkin shopping trip into a whole day of entertainment.
Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch: Country vibes meet the city when Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch opens at their two locations. A community staple since 1979, you’ll find a variety of pumpkins from Cinderella to gourds. Families can enjoy the hay maze, hayrides, and photo ops with cool scarecrows and more.
Dates: Sept. 25-Oct. 31 depending on the location Online: clancystrees.com
The Guardsmen Pumpkin Patch: Snag your pumpkin from this volunteer-run patch and contribute to a worthy cause at the same time! The Guardsmen raise more than $1 million annually. Those funds allow the organization to send more than 1,750 kids to camp and outdoor education programs each year, and provide scholarships to more than 220 students at Bay Area private schools.
G&S Farms: Get lost this October at G&S Farms as you navigate their large corn maze and pick your perfect pumpkin from the vine. Kids will especially love their pumpkin cannons and movie nights.
Joan’s Farm: Fall family fun awaits at Joan’s Farm. You can explore a variety of pumpkins big and small, try your hand at pumpkin bowling, conquer a hay bale maze, ride the little blue train, meet a few friendly goats, and more. This is a cash-only pumpkin farm but there is an ATM onsite.
Alameda Point Pumpkin Patch: The Alameda Point Pumpkin Patch has everything you need for family fun. From local, valley-grown pumpkins to a petting zoo, bouncy houses and a four-story ship slide, this pumpkin patch is packed with activities for all ages.
Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch: Stroll through the Halloween store on Piedmont into a Pumpkin Wonderland. They carry more than 15 varieties of pumpkins, corn stalks, corn, gourds, straw, and straw bales. After you pick out a pumpkin, come into the store and purchase a carving kit and candles to make your Jack-o-Lantern unique. The pumpkin patch even has a Haunted House for those who dare to walk through it.
Westbrae Nursery: For a charming, cozy pumpkin-picking experience, head to the back of this nursery where the kids can pick out their favorite pumpkins. This community-minded nursery donates all proceeds to a local elementary school, which means you should definitely load up on as many pumpkins as your trunk can fit. Nearby Coffee Conscious is perfect for your hot cocoa and caffeine needs while Westbrae Biergarten is great for unwinding after.
Smith Family Farm’s Pumpkin Harvest: Smith Family Farm has tons of pumpkins to take home and decorate, and their stand is stocked with a wide selection of summer and fall produce. Be sure to check out their special weekend events featuring live music and food trucks, too. Admission gets you one pumpkin and covers all activities on site such as visiting farm animals, a recreation area, and more. This spot is also a tomato farm, and for the opening day of this year’s pumpkin patch (Sat., Sept. 23) it will offer free samples of fresh tomato-based dishes to visitors.
Three Nunns Farm: With more than 40 varieties of pumpkins at Three Nunns Farm, you’re sure to find the perfect orange table centerpiece or fall porch attraction. Stop by for u-pick pumpkins, tractor rides, and the huge corn maze designed and cut by the farmers themselves.
G&M Farms: G&M Farms offers a whole lot of autumn-time fun that goes beyond picking your perfect pumpkin from their field or festive farm stand. There’s also a 6-acre corn maze and, on weekends: pony rides, pedal carts, a cow train, jumping pillows, and a hayride.
Arata Pumpkin Farm: One of the oldest pumpkin farms in California, (their first pumpkin was sold in 1932), Arata’s perks include a 6-acre corn field, pumpkin river, hay rides, and the infamous 2-acre Minotaur’s Labyrinth hay maze. Younger children can enjoy a small playland while adults and older kids can explore the haunted barn. Attractions range in price and you can buy tickets online.
Lemos Farm: Right in the heart of Half Moon Bay, this just might be the grandest of all the area pumpkin patches. Why? Lemos Farm has a nice mix of fun for all ages in the form of a great selection of pumpkins, bounce houses, goat yoga, pony rides, and a haunted train ride. Costs vary by attraction but you also have the option of purchasing unlimited-access passes for $15 adults, $25-$30 kids.
Insider Tip: the haunted attractions have two scare zones: one for the younger ones and one for adults and older children.
Dates: Sept. 2 through Thanksgiving Online:lemosfarm.com
Webb Ranch Pumpkin Patch: A quick drive down I-280 brings you to the home of this family-owned and operated farm featuring a pumpkin patch with more than 20 varieties of organic pumpkins. You can still expect the on-site hayrides, ponies and reptile exhibit but they have added a farm-themed obstacle course and haunted house in their corn maze.
Good to Know: The corn maze is free; all other extras require tickets. Reservations are required for weekends.
Farmer John’s Pumpkin Patch: Enjoy rolling fields of more than 60 varieties of pumpkins and squash at Farmer John’s in Half Moon Bay. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, be sure to capture their specialty pumpkin, the Atlantic Giant, for the Gram. You will also find an astounding pumpkin display, an authentic Native American Teepee, and an animal exhibit.
Blue House Farm: This lovely u-pick farm can be found between Half Moon Bay and Pescadero and currently offers u-pick strawberries, as well as other produce for purchase from the farm stand.
Rodoni Farms: Come visit this third-generation family farm on 100 acres of fun. You’ll find fields of pumpkins located along the beautiful California Coast on Highway 1. They also have hay bales, scary cutouts and a 5-acre corn maze! Grab some fresh Brussels sprouts on the stalk, artichokes, corn stalks, and gourds.
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch: Bordered by bright yellow sunflowers, this farm is filled with an abundance of pumpkins and sunflower fields. Families can enjoy a ride on the Spina Pumpkin Express Train, the Barrel Train, and the new Cow Train, and take a hayride or get lost in the corn maze. And don’t worry—the pumpkin blasters are back this year.
Queens Pumpkin Patch: Get those arms ready for pumpkin picking and a few rounds on the giant pumpkin slingshots for added fun. This modest spot in Saratoga has much to offer families in the fun arena including a cow train, paddle boats, bumper boats, climbing wall and hayrides.
Nicasio Valley Farms: Located just 35 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge, Nicasio Valley Farms offers 12 acres to explore and find that perfect pumpkin. From face painting and hayrides to live music and BBQ, there is something for everyone.
Santa Rosa Patch: This award-winning pumpkin patch has 45 varieties of pumpkins available to go home with you along with a 5-acre corn maze, a hay pyramid, corn hole, John Deere pedal trike races and more. They even offer a petting zoo and giant inflatable pillow to tire the kids out before you head home.
The Petaluma Pumpkin Patch: The Petaluma Pumpkin Patch is all about fun on the farm. There are animals to pet, a corn kernel “sandbox” to explore, a 500-bale haystack pyramid to climb, and two corn mazes—one for little tykes and one for older kids. If you go for the big corn maze, make sure to take your toddlers to the potty beforehand, as most folks need around 45 minutes to find their way out!
Insider Tip: You can beat that 45-minute corn maze average by taking in the bird’s eye view from the second-story viewing platform and mapping your way out beforehand.
The Best Pumpkin Patches for Day Trips near San Francisco
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Swank Farms: The hunt for the perfect pumpkin is only half the fun at Swank Farms. The pumpkin patch features two giant jumping pillows (one just for little kids), a double slide, a cow train, pig races, a sunflower field, and a giant corn path. Admission to the pumpkin patch is free but you can purchase a pass for activities and also experience the Trail of Lights and Frights.
Dell’Osso Family Farm: There’s no shortage of Halloween spirit at this farm and we’re ready for it. Grab your general admission wristband to check out the massive corn maze, haunted castle, Dell’Osso Express Train, Hay Ride, Mystery Tour, Scarecrow Ride, Goat Walk, Duck Races, Tire Pyramid, and more. Add on adventures like pig races and pumpkin painting for the whole family.
Make sure to capture all the fall fun—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
It’s the middle of the night, and you wake to your toddler screaming in her room. You find her sitting upright in bed with her eyes wide open, but she hits and kicks when you try to comfort her. After a few minutes, she falls back to sleep, and in the morning, she doesn’t remember that any of this happened. Night terrors in toddlers can be upsetting for parents to witness, says Dr. Binal Kancherla, pediatric sleep specialist and medical director of the Children’s Sleep Center at Texas Children’s Hospital. “It can seem as if they’re possessed because they’re still sleeping.”
Some children can be very active during a night terror, also known as a sleep terror. Sometimes they’ll even run away from well-meaning parents—sleepwalking goes hand-in-hand with night terrors—but they actually have no control over their behavior. “The key feature of night terrors is that they are still asleep when any of these behaviors occur,” Kancherla says. Here’s everything you need to know about night terrors in toddlers.
What are night terrors?
Night terrors in children happen during the deepest and most restorative phase of sleep, which is called stage three or slow-wave sleep (SWS). Since children experience most SWS in the first half of the night, they are likelier to have night terrors within a few hours of bedtime. There isn’t a ton of research on the prevalence of sleep terrors, but estimates range from 1% to 6.5% of children—though one study found that 40% of kids under 5 had experienced one.
During night terrors, children may:
Scream or yell
Cry uncontrollably
Thrash around, kick, and hit
Sit upright in bed
Get out of bed and run from their parents
Stare into space
Sweat or breathe heavily
Look frightened
Be unresponsive or resistant to comfort
Sleep terrors generally last for anywhere from a minute to upwards of 45 minutes, though an episode this long is rare and they most commonly last around 10 minutes. During this time, you won’t be able to wake your kid even though you’ll desperately want to help or comfort them.
Night terrors vs. nightmares: What’s the difference?
You can distinguish a night terror from a nightmare based on a few factors: whether they happen earlier or later in the night, their severity, and how frequently they occur. Nightmares take place during REM sleep, the fourth stage of the sleep cycle and the one that we reach in the second half of the night. Once a toddler wakes from a nightmare, they’ll likely call for their parents and seek comfort. Sometimes it takes them a little while to fall back asleep because they remember specific parts of their bad dreams. The next day, your child is also more likely to remember that they woke in the night.
Night terrors happen earlier in the night, just a few hours after bedtime, and a toddler having a sleep terror will be inconsolable and unresponsive to any attempts to help or comfort them. They appear awake but are totally unaware of what’s happening, and fall back asleep more suddenly once the episode ends. Kids who have had a night terror won’t remember any of it.
At what age do sleep terrors typically start and when do they go away?
If you’re experiencing night terrors with your toddler, you’re probably eager to know how long this frightening new phase will last. Night terrors can start as young as one year old and persist as late as 13 years of age, but most kids outgrow them by elementary school. A JAMA Pediatrics study found that the most common age for sleep terrors is 1.5 years old.
What causes night terrors in toddlers?
Night terrors are a normal part of child development, but there are a number of triggers that can make them more prevalent in some kids:
Is there any way to prevent night terrors in kids?
The best thing parents can do is to ensure that their toddler is getting enough sleep. Children between one and 5 years of age need 12-15 hours of sleep on average (while school-aged kids need about 12 hours). “The best way to treat night terrors is to extend sleep,” Kancherla says.
How to help a toddler having a sleep terror
Unfortunately, parents can’t stop night terrors, and trying to wake them can be distressing and may even increase the chances of another sleep terror. The best thing you can do is check on your child to make sure they’re safe, and if they’re particularly active, you can gently hold them to prevent them from injuring themselves (it’s probably a good idea to have a baby gate at the top of your stairs, too). Beyond that, you simply have to let the episode pass. Luckily, most stop within 10 minutes. If your toddler is shaken after, you can cuddle and reassure them until they fall back asleep.
Are night terrors bad for kids? When to see a doctor
Night terrors are not harmful to children of any age. However, parents should talk to their pediatrician or family physician if their child doesn’t outgrow them by age 9 or 10, if the night terrors occur several times a night, or if the frequency is increasing. In rare cases, night terrors can be a sign of a medical problem like nocturnal seizures, which mimic night terrors.
These are meant to be friendly conversations that help parents get a window into their child’s school day
You know the drill: You drop your child off at school in the morning and wave goodbye as they walk through that doorway. Then, you wait all day for the elusive “How was your day?” interrogation to unfold all of the day’s mysteries (Good luck with that, BTW). What the heck is your kid doing all day—and are they doing OK at it?
Guess what? Your child’s teacher knows! And the parent-teacher conference is your chance to get the inside scoop on how your child is doing in the classroom and how they compare to their peers when it comes to behavior, social-emotional skills, and schoolwork.
According to Michael Warner, a Los Angeles-based elementary school teacher who’s been in the classroom for more than 20 years, “The purpose of a parent-teacher conference is to convey information that we see at school to the parents. It’s a chance to let you know about things that we might see at school that you don’t see at home.”
But getting all that uber-important information in a teensy little time slot can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just starting on your child’s school journey or you’re an old pro with a fair share of P/T conferences under your belt, here’s what you can expect from—and how to prepare for—this crucial rite of passage.
What Happens at a Parent-Teacher Conference and Why
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So, you’ve got your 20-minute time slot, the clock has started, and your kid’s teacher looms in front of you like a talk therapist waiting for you to unravel. Now what? Should you pour your heart out and unload your fears, excitement, and expectations about your child’s school experience? Or should you let your teacher do all the talking and heed any advice they may offer?
The answer? Maybe a little bit of both. Simply: The parent-teacher conference is a way for both parents and teachers to learn how to best help your child succeed. You’re on the same team.
“If it’s for a student who is doing well academically and who behaves in class, then the parent-teacher conference is more for the parents to hear how great their child is doing. If it’s for a kid who is struggling academically and/or exhibiting challenging behaviors, then I’d say it’s equally important for both the parent and the teacher,” said South Park, CO, second-grade teacher Kristen Kraus.
These 15 to 20-minute meetings are generally held once (sometimes twice) a year—usually a third to halfway through the school year so teachers have enough time to collect information on how your child handles the academic and social demands of whatever grade they’re in.
There’s no universal script for the parent-teacher conference. Teachers will often use the time to show you samples of your child’s classwork and how their handwriting, work habits, and understanding have changed throughout the year. This means you may be met with piles of papers and drawings—little windows into your child’s day!—that your teacher will use as benchmarks of your child’s progress.
You may also learn whether your child is meeting the grade level standards, which vary by state, and lay out what public school students are expected to learn in each grade regarding reading, math, and other subjects. If your child is meeting these standards, breathe a sigh of relief and know you’re on the right track. If not, your teacher will usually outline what you can do at home to help supplement the school day or suggest reasons why your child might be struggling.
“If we’re telling you that your kid is struggling, we don’t love giving you that information, but we’ll give it to you because whether it’s a behavioral or an academic issue, we want them to succeed. We’re just trying to give you insight into things you may not see at home,” said Warner.
Just like any important meeting, it’s best to come prepared. Have a list of topics or questions you’d like to ask—and be specific! If you notice your child throws a fit while doing math homework, ask what your teacher sees in the classroom. The more information you give the teacher, the more you can work to help your child.
Here are some questions to consider:
Can we set aside time at the end to talk about my concerns? Some teachers have a very set agenda for the P/T conference, so if you have a specific issue to discuss, tell your teacher right at the beginning.
How is my child doing socially? School isn’t just about academics. Forging social relationships and learning how to work as a group are arguably some of the most important things your child will learn during their early school years. Ask your teacher how your child is getting along with their peers and what struggles they might have on a social-emotional level.
Does my child have trouble paying attention? Have you suspected your child might have attention issues? Trouble socializing? Writing problems? According to Warner, while your teacher can’t diagnose ADHD, autism, or dyslexia, they can tell you about particular quirks your child may be showing in the classroom, including trouble sitting still, frustration over simple tasks, and trouble staying focused. Letting your teacher know your concerns also helps your teacher keep an eye out for markers as the year progresses.
Can I tell you about my child’s [insert condition here]?” For instance, if your child has a vision or hearing problem, make sure your teacher knows about it. Similarly, if something is going on at home that may affect how the child behaves in the classroom (the death of a family member, a looming divorce, illness in the family, etc.), let your teacher know.
What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses? You might know a lot of things about your child, but the exact way they behave in the classroom probably isn’t one of them. So ask your teacher where your kiddo shines… and where they may be falling short.
Can you give me suggestions for how I can help my child? Even if your teacher has nothing but rave reviews about your little scholar, there are likely still things you can do at home to keep up the good work. Ask your teacher what you can do outside of school to help your child, and you’ll likely get a customized recommendation that will play to your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
What’s the best way to get in touch if I have more questions? The P/T conferences aren’t the end-all, be-all of your relationship with your child’s teachers. Parents should remember that most teachers have an open-door policy when it comes to helping kids who are struggling. E-mail is usually the best way to get in touch, though some teachers prefer messaging apps like Class Dojo or WhatsApp, so ask what method works best.
Parent-teacher conferences are meant to be friendly conversations that help parents get a window into their child’s school day. That said, there are some things that teachers want parents to know when it comes to what they shouldn’t do at this important meeting:
DON’T be late. “Not even a little bit. Our conferences are scheduled back to back to back with no wiggle room, and it’s already difficult to fit everything we want to share into a 20-minute appointment. Try to be early because if we have a no-show or a quick conference before yours is scheduled, we might have a few extra minutes to talk about your child,” said Kraus.
Let the teacher talk. We get it: You want to gush about your kid. Even more, you want to hear your teacher gush about your kid. But your teachers probably have a plan about how the meeting will go and what topics they’d like to address, so it’s best to let them take the lead—at least at first. If there’s one particular issue you’d like to discuss, let the teacher know at the start of the meeting. This way, the teacher can decide when to leave a few extra minutes.
Don’t hold back. “Be completely honest about how the school year is going for your child. We can’t improve on anything if we aren’t aware of what isn’t going well,” said Kraus.
Don’t ask for two conferences to accommodate divorced parents. Most teachers won’t accommodate two separate conferences for the same child, so don’t even ask. This is one of those times when parents need to “learn to work together in their child’s best interest,” Warner said.
Don’t forget to talk to your child beforehand. Depending on your child’s age, there’s a chance they have an opinion about how school is going! “Ask him or her what they think is most important to talk about,” Kraus said. You might be surprised by what they say.
Don’t take things personally. Be open-minded, even if you don’t like what you hear. If your teacher is telling you that your child is struggling, for instance, they are not trying to insult your child; they just want to help.
Don’t forget: Your teacher may be nervous, too. You’re not the only one who’s stressed. Warner says, “Your teacher is nervous, too. They just want to make sure they convey all the information to help your child.”
Here’s the truth about your big concerns from the early years all the way through high school
From the first goodbye in kindergarten to the last day of twelfth grade, sending our kids to school means letting go a little bit every day. And for many parents, that nudge out of the nest brings up ALL the parental concerns. Questions run the gamut, from “Will my kindergartener get lost on her way to the bathroom? ” to “What if my college-bound kid doesn’t get good grades?” But teachers say to take a deep breath!
“What does worry actually contribute? A lot of times parents feel that it’s their responsibility and role to worry, but we’re having an epidemic of anxiety among young people right now. A lot of people point to technology, but I would also point to this culture of worry that parents have picked up,” said former Los Angeles school principal Bruce Harlan, who currently teaches middle school science.
Worried now? Don’t be. Whether you’ve got a kid just starting their school journey or a teen almost at the end, we talked to teachers about common parental concerns—and why you can rest easy knowing that your kids will be fine.
Preschool/Kindergarten/First Grade
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The Worry: Your child will get lost on the way to or from the bathroom (or the cafeteria or any other place inside the school).
The Truth: They might. But someone will help them find their way. “This happens all the time. It’s always within the first week. It’s all hands on deck that first week. Parents need to remember that school is a very safe place. There are teachers and support staff everywhere, and everybody knows that in the first few weeks of school, you’re going to find a random kindergartener wandering the halls,” said Los Angeles elementary school teacher Anne Vanderpool.
If your child is worried about getting lost, you can help ease the jitters by practicing. Stick around after school and walk around the school with your child (especially the way to and from the bathroom and classroom). By the first week or two of the school year, even the youngest of students will find their way.
The Worry: Your child will have a potty accident.
The Truth: Many do.
It is common for preschoolers, kindergarteners—and even older kids— to have an occasional accident said Amanda Yuill, a longtime teacher and educational spokesperson, on her website. “For this reason, it is a good idea to ask parents to send a labeled bag with extra clothes you can keep in the classroom if you are teaching kindergarten.” “If there is a child in an older class who still has trouble with this, you can do the same thing with just that child and not the whole class.”
Experts say some kids are just too shy to use the bathroom—whether it’s because they are too embarrassed to raise their hand to ask or they’re worried another schoolmate might hear them going (this is mortifying for some kids!). To help ease these worries (and yours), have a conversation with your child about their concerns—and how the alternative (wetting their pants) may actually be more problematic than not going in the first place. If they keep holding it in, talk to the teacher about letting your child use a single-stall bathroom (for instance, in the nurse’s office), which may alleviate their shyness.
The Worry: You’re wondering if you should hold your child back from kindergarten.
The Truth: More time is usually a good thing
According to Vanderpool, one of the most common questions she gets from parents is whether they should hold their younger children (those with late summer birthdays) back for kindergarten. She said she almost always thinks it’s a good idea to do so. “It varies by child, but always my reaction was to ask them a question back. I’d ask them, ‘Tell me when you had too much time to do something, and tell me when that was a problem for you.”’
Holding kids back—mainly when they are on the younger side for kinder—usually helps them by giving them the time they need to mature into ready-to-learn students. When it comes to kids in the middle of the age net, Vanderpool says the answer isn’t always as clear. “It might be OK. But then I ask the question, ‘How do you want your senior year to go? They’re going to be 18 before they start their senior year. Do you want them to be closer to 20 in their freshman year of college?'”
The Worry: Your kindergartener/first grader isn’t reading as well as some of her peers.
The Truth: Some kids take longer than others—and that’s OK.
AnnMarie Sossong, a reading specialist in Florida, told US News and World Report,“Some children are ready to learn to read at age 3, and some take much longer. I have seen both, and by age 12 or 13, they are reading at the same level, which seems counter-intuitive, but it is not. When they are ready, they are ready, and everything clicks.” And while there seems to be a national push for kids to read earlier and earlier, literacy expert Timothy Shanahan said children only really need to master around 20 sight words by the end of kindergarten and 100 by the end of first grade.
The Worry: Your child has separation anxiety when you drop him off.
The truth: Your kids are (almost always) fine once you leave.
The trick to easing the separation and making your child realize that school is non-negotiable is to be confident at dropoff. “It’s a transition issue. Most of the time, the parent has the hardest time with this—the kids are completely fine. Your child is probably four or five, and you’ve fixed everything up to this point. This is the first time they’re going to do it themselves. The worst thing you can do is tell them they can’t do it. Just swallow the tears for a minute, give them your brave face, and say, ‘I’m so proud of you. You’re going to be great. I’ll see you in a few hours,’” says Vanderpool.
The Worry: Your kid isn’t learning how to spell correctly.
The Truth: Spelling doesn’t matter until later on (and some teachers say it is a nonissue even then).
There’s no denying that kiddified spelling is adorable, but at what point should you correct those cute little misspells and teach your kid the proper way to spell those tricky words?
Not in kindergarten or first grade, say teachers. “There’s a heavier focus on fluency and building confidence [in kinder and first grade], and then you circle back to the nitty gritty later in second and third grade,” said Vanderpool. Even later on, when they’re in upper grades, spelling isn’t the obstacle it used to be, with some teachers admitting that in the age of spell-check and voice type, spelling isn’t as important as it used to be. Dierdre Amey, a third and fourth-grade teacher in Philadelphia, PA, says, “Don’t sweat it if your students are not the best spellers in the upper grades. There are so many strategies and accommodations available for their children via computer.”
Elementary Years
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The Worry: Your child doesn’t seem to like school.
The Truth: How worried you should be depends on the reason.
This is a tricky one, teachers say, since some kids may legitimately be struggling while others don’t like school simply because they’d rather be elsewhere. “Ask your child, ‘Why?’ He might say, ‘Oh, it’s boring.’ Or, ‘I don’t have any friends.’ Or, ‘It’s too hard.’ All of these are great responses that should be explored. Sometimes it’s just a preference; there’s no real good reason; it’s just that your child would rather be home playing video games,” said Vanderpool.
For better or worse, not liking school is a common predicament—especially as kids get older. A 2020 survey of more than 21,000 American high schoolers showed that the top two feelings students said they experienced at school were “stressed” (79.8 percent) and “bored” (69.5 percent), with nearly 75 percent of their self-reported feelings about school being negative.
Friendships play a big part. According to a University of Illinois study, kids with “reciprocal friendships” were more likely to like school and be more academically successful. Similarly, a Gallup poll found that friendships were the biggest predictor of student engagement in both fifth grade and 11th. Talk to your child about whether they have friends at school; if not, try to set up some time with their peers to forge better relationships.
“If we are to help kids gain happiness from their education in the short and long term, we need to bring to bear more resources to facilitate friendship, which tends to solve both the loneliness and boredom problems.” Arthur C Brooks writes in The Atlantic.
The Worry: Your kids’ teachers don’t give enough homework—or your kid doesn’t want to do it.
The Truth: Homework isn’t how young kids learn best anyway.
Dierde Amey, who has been teaching elementary school for 19 years, says “It is the least effective method for learning at a young age.” In fact, a study from the University of Missouri found no academic advantage to doling out homework in elementary school. For middle schoolers, however, homework does help—but only if the work lasts between one to two hours per night (after that, achievement levels don’t change, experts say).
If your school does a “Student of the Month” certificate (or anything like that), it may be disappointing when you don’t see your little scholar standing in the spotlight. Try not to worry.
“Short of a Nobel or Pulitzer, most awards don’t really have a long-term effect on anyone’s life. How many adults can truly point to a childhood award making a deep impact on their future?” teacher Braden Bell told the Washington Post. Parents can use these moments to build empathy, as he did himself when his son didn’t get an award in kindergarten—but a good friend did. “I explained that feelings are like living things, whichever one he fed would get bigger. He realized that he had a choice: He could focus on his own unhappiness or be happy for his friend.”
The Worry: Your child didn’t get into the Gifted and Talented program.
The Truth: It doesn’t mean your child isn’t smart.
Parents often misunderstand the Gifted and Talented (GATE) program as a Smart Kids Club. But teachers say that’s not really the case. “The Gifted and Talented program is not for good students. It’s for kids who learn differently, who can excel in a program that offers a different style of learning,” said Vanderpool. Of course, this reality doesn’t stop parents from wondering how they can “get their child into” the program.
“Holy moly, I had so many parents want to have a personal conference with me about how they’re going to GATE test and their expectation for this child to pass. My greatest recommendation is for parents to be a little more informed and realize it might not be a good fit for your child,” she says.
If your child does get into the program, take that as a cue that maybe your child needs alternative types of teaching, and discuss how you can accommodate these needs at home and as your child grows.
The Worry: Your kid lost (or keeps losing) a game.
The Truth: Consider it a win.
You’re holding your breath as your child steps up to the plate. They swing… miss… and strike out. What do you do now? Cheer, of course! “They don’t have to win. All you really need to say to your kid after a game—win or lose—is ‘I love watching you play,'” said Bruce Harlan, who also worked as a swim coach before his experience teaching middle school.
Here’s the real win: Losing has been shown to help kids. A 2019 Brigham Young University study found that high school students who had participated in youth sports showed higher levels of resilience—as well as self-regulation and empathy—than students who didn’t participate.
“Learning to cope with loss is important because they’re not always going to win later in life. It’s an important skill to develop, to lose with grace, not to blame other people, and to take responsibility for the loss,” psychologist Dr. Kate Lund said in this article.
Parental Concerns About Middle & High School
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The Worry: Your child is dealing with social drama.
The Truth: Don’t get involved (unless you have to).
Harlan, who has been working with kids for 33 years, says “Adolescents ride an emotional roller coaster. The role of the parent is to be steady and calm and not ride that roller coaster with them. This is normal socialization. Kids are going to get feedback from their peers—and often not in a gentle way—about how to be. That is how they learn, and sometimes it is painful.”
That means if your daughter comes home complaining that a friend was mean to her in school, resist the urge to call that friend’s mom. “It sends a bad message to the kids that, ‘Wow, this thing that I brought home must be really important because now all the adults are getting involved,'” says Harlan.
The other unintended consequence is that kids might stop sharing their troubles with parents to avoid them stepping in (which can be embarrassing for most kids). “You want open communication, but sometimes kids will stop telling their parents because they don’t want their parents to overreact,” Harlan said.
The Worry: You’re putting too much pressure on grades.
The Truth: The grades aren’t what matters most.
Sure, you want your kids to do well in school—but how much pressure is too much? “Don’t care more than your kid cares. The teacher will reach out if concerned. And stay off the grading websites,” said Kate England, a 10th-grade civics teacher in Abington, PA.
Instead, focus on effort… and kindness. It sounds hokey, but experts say that if parents worry less about grades and more about teaching decency, good grades will follow naturally. A study done by Arizona State University found that teaching children kindness and compassion—instead of focusing solely on academic achievement and extracurricular activities—helped kids do better in school. Researchers looked at the school performance of 506 sixth-grade students, then asked what their parents valued the most about them. The kids that performed the best in school were the ones whose parents seemed to value kindness more than grades.
In this article, Suniya Luthar, a professor of psychology at ASU said, “When parents emphasize children’s achievement much more than their compassion and decency during the formative years, they are sowing the seeds of stress and poorer well-being. In order to foster well-being and academic success during the critical years surrounding early adolescence. . . parents should accentuate kindness and respect for others at least as much as (or more than) stellar academic performance and extracurricular accolades.”
The Worry: Your child wants to be/can’t get into AP classes?
The Truth: AP Classes aren’t always a good thing.
AP classes sound good. After all, they give your kid a chance to earn college credit while still in high school (Woohoo! No math class freshman year at university!). But many teachers advise against them—and some, like these eight private schools in Washington DC—are doing away with them altogether.
“The truth is that college courses, which demand critical thinking and rigorous analysis, look nothing like AP courses, which stress breadth over depth. Moving away from AP courses will allow us to offer courses that are foundational, allow for authentic engagement with the world and demonstrate respect for students’ intellectual curiosity and interests,” the schools said in a joint statement published by The Washington Post.
Instead of worrying about AP courses, let your kids enroll in interesting electives. “Let them take cooking, sewing, and art even though those classes don’t boost GPAs. They make for a well-rounded student who isn’t stressed beyond belief,” advises England, a teacher of 17 years.
Harlan echoed her thoughts. “There’s no joy in AP classes. It’s a drill-and-kill type of instructional style that is so old-fashioned and goes against everything we know. . . Even the colleges don’t like them because once you’ve gotten credit, you cant retake it in college… but you don’t get the same level of instruction you do in college.”
The Worry: Your child’s SAT scores aren’t great.
The Truth: SATs aren’t always required.
While SATs used to be the gold standard by which every student measured their college-bound worth, that has changed. Today more than 80 percent of US colleges have “test-optional” applications, meaning SAT scores are not required for admission. The California State University system went a step further when it announced in 2022 that it won’t accept SATs or ACTs in the application process for any of its 23 schools—so kids don’t have to worry about whether or not they should “option-in” their scores when applying.
“The era of standardized testing is starting to slide away,” Harlan said, adding that the same is true for tests kids take in elementary and middle school. “Most of the high schools in our area aren’t even accepting them anymore.”
The Worry: Your kid isn’t who you thought they’d be.
The truth: Love the kid you’ve got.
Parents often despair when their kids grow up to be a different person they’d imagined they would be—whether that means that you expected your kid to love sports and they only love computers; or whether you hoped for a cheerleader and got a bookworm. All this worry goes nowhere, experts say.
“Parents start to graph out the life of their kids, and they extrapolate all the way to graduate school. That is not fair to the kids. It’s their life, their ups, and downs,” Harlan said. Instead, he emphasized loving the kid you have. “You don’t order a fully-baked human being when you have a kid. Stop worrying about how you thought things would go for your kid.”
And don’t feel guilty about your feelings. Doctors say it’s normal to feel some loss when our children don’t grow up to be what we thought they’d be. But don’t let those expectations dictate how you treat your child. “When our fantasies about our children do not coincide with their interests, talents, and tendencies, our expectations can strike a debilitating blow to our children’s development. Accepting these losses and mourning them opens our eyes to what we can celebrate about our children.” psychotherapist David Braucher said in Psychology Today.
Screen time is inevitable, but these apps help make it a learning experience
All parents need a break sometimes, and there’s no shame in throwing a screen at the problem (aka a toddler who’s bouncing off the walls). But no one said it has to be mindless. With the right apps, your toddler’s screen time can be an excellent tool for learning everything from letters and numbers to social-emotional skills. Keep reading to discover the best toddler apps and how they can help grow young minds.
PBS Kids Games by PBS Kids
PBS KIDS Games
With over 250 games featuring your kiddo’s favorite PBS characters, this is one of the best toddler apps with so much to do and learn. Play educational games with the Wild Kratts, Daniel Tiger, Elmo, and more, all ad-free and offline.
Another classic educational app that grows along with kids. The games cover everything from math and reading to science, music, and art. With over 10,000 activities to complete, your kids will be learning new things well into elementary school.
You can’t go wrong with the myriad of unique educational games Toca Boca offers. The colorful characters and settings are designed to make pretend play even more creative and fun. Some of the best apps for toddlers include Toca Doctor, which helps prepare kids for a check-up, and Toca Life: Town, which invites players to explore daily life activities like grocery shopping, cooking, visiting the park, and more.
Follow along with Kodi Bear and her pals on an adventure through learning. Easily one of the best toddler apps you can get for free, it encompasses everything from academic basics to social-emotional learning through games and activities. It even teaches kids the importance and fun of exercise with dance breaks and yoga videos.
This excellent staple has been around for a long time and remains a staple as one of the best toddler apps. Through colorful graphics and games, young tots can begin learning and recognizing letters and their sounds. This awesome educational app grows with your kids, expanding letters into words and sentences as their reading skills progress.
There’s nothing more fun than learning through play. Toddlers can pick up social skills like empathy and sharing through engaging games and activities, like playing dress-up or having a snack. This is also one of the best apps to play together with your little ones. If your little can’t get enough of these adorable characters, Sago offers a whole suite of interactive games perfect for toddlers.
There’s a good reason this is the number-one preschool app in the Apple App Store—this monkey’s lunchbox is full of fun and kids get to pick a new “sticker” every time they complete a few activities. Its colorful design and playful sounds engage kids as they learn about shapes, colors, counting, and comparison through various games and challenges.
Pretend play is a fantastic way to help kids learn to engage with the world around them. This app offers six different settings to explore, including going to the doctor, getting ready for bed, and using the potty. One of the best parts is the Feel the Music game, which teaches kids how to express their emotions with music.
Toddlers and emotions go together like PB & J, and discovering their emotions is a big part of your kiddo’s daily life. This Sesame Street-themed app is the perfect tool to help tots learn more about their feelings and how to react and self-regulate in different situations. Kids learn calming techniques and ways to express their emotions in a healthy way. Even parents can get a good lesson out of this app.
This interactive e-book invites toddlers to get involved in this Sandra Boyton classic. The board book comes to life with sounds and music. Curious readers can tap on the colorful animals to hear the various sounds they make as the story unfolds. Kids can also tap on individual words to hear them sounded out.
Hungry Caterpillar Play School by StoryToys Entertainment Limited
Hungry Caterpillar Play School
Help your toddler prepare for preschool with Eric Carle’s timeless character, the Hungry Caterpillar. Kids can explore and develop math and reading skills, as well as learn about science and nature, all through Carle’s colorful artwork and designs.
Young kids can discover the fundamentals of music through a variety of games and activities. After a while, your toddler will be able to read and recognize rhythm, music notes, different musical instruments, and more. The music includes popular nursery rhymes and songs, like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
The answer to whether you have access to free preschool really depends on where you live and whether you qualify
When your kid approaches age 3 or 4, you may consider sending them to preschool. It probably seems like the natural way to have them enter the education system and transition to kindergarten, but it’s not that simple—and one looming question on parents’ minds is this: “Is preschool free?”
Short answer: No, preschool isn’t free.
Long answer: Preschool can be free, but not everywhere in the United States.
“The cost of preschool varies dramatically across the country, but the average tuition costs approximately $10,000 per academic year,” says Amanda Vierheller, co-founder and COO of Playgarden. “Cost is one of the most prohibitive factors in families committing to preschool.”
Although costly, parents might view this as an investment in their child’s future as research shows that preschool benefits kids socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. However, since not every family has the means to send their kid to preschool, it’s become a hot-button topic in many states.
With that said, we understand that navigating the world of preschool for your child can be difficult and we’re here to help. To make the process easier, we spoke with education experts and families about their experiences with preschool and whether free preschool might be a possibility now or in the future.
When do kids start preschool?
Preschoolers are between the ages of 3 and 5, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but children typically start preschool between 3 and 4. By chatting with local preschools, parents can determine what each school’s expectations are for readiness (e.g., potty training) and evaluate whether their kid fits the bill.
What are the benefits of preschool?
One of the reasons many parents consider sending their children to preschool is because of the advantages they’ll receive ahead of kindergarten.
“Preschool introduces children to routine, rules, independence, socialization, early learning, and foundational skills that they use both in school and at home,” says Vierheller. “Students who attend preschool have opportunities to promote social and emotional development with peers and teachers.”
Aside from gaining independence and developing their social skills, preschool also helps to prepare kids for kindergarten. “Not only do kids learn the foundational skills needed to master elementary school topics, but they also learn how to be in school,” says Cara Delzer, head of community at Outschool. “They get to practice self-control, asking for help, and learn how to navigate a structured setting.”
Most importantly, children develop essential skills like language and communication by playing, learning, and interacting with others. “Students also build fine motor and gross motor skills with the daily practice that comes with school activities,” Vierheller adds.
How much does preschool cost in the US?
As mentioned above, Delzer says a traditional preschool usually starts around $1200 a month or $10,000 per year, but this may vary depending on the location, number of children attending, and the type of preschool chosen.
Jaime Maser Berman, a publicist and mother of four, has three of her children currently enrolled in preschool in Westfield, NJ. For the 2022-2023 school year, her kids’ tuition cost the family roughly $6,000 per month.
“Preschool is definitely not free; in fact, we joke we’re constantly hemorrhaging money. Such is life as a parent,” says Maser Berman.
A program to help cover the cost of preschool
While tuition concerns are a real problem for many families, Delzer says there is a government program that’s in place to help.
Head Start
The most well-known free preschool option is Head Start, which is available in some form in every state for children aged 3 to 5. (Sister program Early Head Start is an option for families with kids under 3.)
“Every state has requirements to qualify for Head Start, such as income limits,” says Delzer. “Many school districts provide free preschool with some restrictions, such as limiting it to certain age groups, only being available for part of the day, or only being available 3 days a week.”
Does your state have free preschool?
Nearly all states have free preschool available through Head Start, as long as families meet the eligibility requirements.
Some states offer free pre-K for students who are 4 years old. “Florida, Georgia, Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Vermont, and Washington D.C currently offer universal pre-K programs for all children, although some are based on lottery acceptance as spaces are limited,” says Vierheller.
She adds that other states have universal pre-K policies in place for at-risk children, and some are working towards the benchmark of offering state-wide pre-K in the future. For example, California is on track to have free high-quality pre-K for all 4-year-olds by 2025.
If you’re looking for local preschool options, the Child Care Aware hotline (1-800-424-2246) is an available resource. They provide contact information for local childcare resources and referral agencies, which can provide a list of licensed preschools in your area.
