A bonus to these new movies coming in 2023? You can watch all of them from the comfort of your own home
Whether you want a coming-of-age, a rom-com, or a tear-jerker, 2023 is packed with some of the best new kids’ movies streaming right to your television. We are pleased to roll out a list of the best movies to stream in 2023 that includes something for everyone from parents of every generation and kids of all ages. Grab the remote, and hit play.
When teenage sailor Jessica set out to be the youngest person to sail around the world unaccompanied, many said she couldn't do it. With the support of her parents and sailing coach, she managed to cross the vast oceans in just 210 days. This adventurous true story is based on Jessica Waton's memoirs.
Directed by: Sarah Spillane Starring: Teagan Croft, Cliff Curtis, and Bridget Webb, with Josh Lawson and Anna Paquin Release date: February 3, 2023 Streaming platform: Netflix Rated: PG
First published as a short story on Vice.com, this family comedy focuses on a ghost named Ernest. Fans of the popular Netflix original Stranger Things will delight in seeing Police Chief Jim Hopper, played by David Harbour, in a starring role. Though originally set for release in 2022, the date was pushed back to 2023. Parents should know that We Have a Ghost may be best suited for teens due to violence and suggestive content.
Directed by: Christopher Landon
Starring: Jennifer Coolidge, David Harbour, Faith Ford, and Anthony Mackie
Based on Newberry Medal-winning author Kate DiCamillo's novel, when Peter crosses paths with a fortune teller, he only has one question to ask—is his sister Adele still alive? From there, he starts his journey to find a mysterious elephant and a magician, complete three seemingly impossible tasks, and have an adventure he'll never forget.
Directed by: Wendy Rogers
Starring: Pixie Davies, Noah Jupe, Mandy Patinkin, Benedict Wong
Release date: March 17, 2023
Streaming platform: Netflix
Rated: PG
Chupa
Netflix
While visiting family in Mexico, teenage Alex discovers the mythical Chupacabra hiding in his grandpa's garage. A misunderstood and featured creature, Alex must embark on an adventure to save his new friend.
Directed by: Jonás Cuarón
Starring: Demián Bichir, Evan Whitten, Christian Slater, Ashley Ciarra, Nickolas Verdugo, Adriana Paz, Gerardo Taracena, Julio Cesar Cedillo
Adapted from a graphic novel of the same name and set in a techno-medieval animated world, spunky shape-shifting teen Nimona comes to the aid of a fallen knight, Lord Ballister Blackheart, to help prove his innocence, shed light on the fact that people aren't always who they seem to be and that labels don't define who we are.
Directed by: Nick Bruno and Troy Quane Starring: Chloë Grace Moretz, Riz Ahmed, Eugene Lee Yang Release date: June 14th, 2023 Streaming platform: Netflix Rated: PG
Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir, The Movie
Netflix
If your kiddo loves this superhero duo, then they'll love the 'prequel' movie musical. They'll find out how an ordinary teen who moves to Paris acquires superhero powers, makes an unlikely friend, and defeats her first villain.
Directed by: Jeremy Zag
Starring: Cristina Valenzuela, Bryce Papenbrook, Keith Silverstein
Get ready for an action-packed adventure with Monkey and his magical fighting Stick! Executive-produced by iconic filmmaker and actor Stephen Chow, Monkey will fight demons, gods, wild creatures, and his own ego in this fun animated film based on the Chinese legend "Journey to the West."
Directed by: Anthony Stacchi
Starring: Jimmy O. Yang, Bowen Yang, Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Jo Koy, Ron Yuan, Hoon Lee, Stephanie Hsu
Release date: July 30, 2023
Streaming platform: Netflix
Rated: TV-Y7
Spy Kids: Armageddon
The Spy Kids franchise's latest installment is a reboot that'll be available in the fall. This new kids' movie in 2023 pits the children of the world's greatest spies against a programmer in possession of a computer virus that will allow them to control the world's technology. Robert Rodriguez, who created the popular family-friend franchise, will return to direct the film.
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez
Starring: Gina Rodriguez, Zachary Levi, Everly Carganilla, Billy Magnussen, and Connor Esterson
Adam Sandler stars as Leo, a 74-year-old lizard, and class pet, in this animated musical comedy about the last day of elementary school. When Leo discovers he only has one year to live, he sets out to escape and see the world. Instead, he gets caught up in the worries of his students (be on the lookout for a terrible substitute teacher), and his adventures turn out to be quite different than he originally envisioned.
Directed by: Robert Smigel, Robert Marianetti, David Wachtenheim
Starring: Adam Sandler, Bill Bur, Cecily Strong, Jason Alexander, Rob Schneider
The 2000 stop-motion animated film Chicken Run is finally getting that sequel. Parents and kids can catch up with the chickens after they've escaped from the farm. Rocky, Ginger, Fletcher, and Babs all return and are safe and sound on their island home. Things won't remain peaceful for long though...
Directed by: Sam Fell
Starring: Bella Ramsey, Zachary Levi, Thandiwe Newton, Jane Horrocks, and David Bradley
From the book The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six Moreby famed children's author Roald Dahl, the film focuses on several stories with the main one focusing on the titular Henry Sugar who has some amazing abilities. The film will be director Wes Anderson's sophomore effort at adapting a Dahl book for the screen. His first was the 2009 Oscar-nominated film, Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Directed by: Wes Anderson
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Ben Kingsley, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Rupert Friend
Release date: September 27, 2023
Streaming platform: Netflix
Rated: PG
The Mothership
After her husband disappears, a woman and her two kids find a strange object of extraterrestrial origin on their farm. They must work together to find their missing father and husband and figure out what's really happening. While there is no definitive release date, Netflix has confirmed that The Mothership will be released at some point in 2023.
Directed by: Matt Charman
Starring: Halle Berry, Molly Parker, Omari Hardwick, Jaiden J. Smith, and Quinn McPherson
In this family film, a teen makes a bet that he'll be able to dunk a basketball by Homecoming. The ambitious Chang will do whatever it takes to make the basket, impress the girl he likes, and prove to his peers that he is more than just a high school nobody. Parents should be aware that there may be some language and content that may be inappropriate for younger kids.
A teen who has a life-long dream of going to Harvard realizes some things in life may be more important, like falling in love. The film takes place during prom season, a time of sticky-sweet prom proposals. While kids will be pleased with the rom-com's cast featuring some of the most popular teen stars, parents will love the main character's strength and intelligence. They will also love her mother played by none other than Wendi McLendon-Covey from the long-running television series, The Goldbergs.
Directed by: Anya Adams
Starring: Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Milo Manheim, Margaret Cho, Wendi McLendon-Covey
A retelling of the timeless classic that was first brought to life by author J. M. Barrie. This version will follow Wendy and her siblings as they follow the eternal boy-child Peter Pan to Neverland, though this installment will be a bit more Wendy-centric. Peter Pan & Wendy has some big names attached including Jude Law, who plays Captain Hook, and comedian Jim Gaffigan, who plays his right-hand man, Smee. Parents should be aware that there is some violence and frightening situations.
Directed by: David Lowery Starring: Jude Law, Jim Gaffigan, Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Joshua Pickering, and Jacobi Jupe Release date: April 28 Streaming platform: Disney+ Rated: PG
This sci-fi flick is a coming-of-age story about a boy who goes on an adventure with four of his friends after his father dies. They go on a planetary excursion to see an epic crater.
Directed by: Kyle Patrick Alvarez Starring: Mckenna Grace, Billy Barratt, Isaiah Russell-Bailey Release date: May 12, 2023 Streaming platform: Disney+ Rated PG
Produced by the director of Hamilton comes an all-new hip-hop musical comedy co-written by Utkarsh Ambudkar (he also co-wrote the film's original songs). In World's Best, 12-year-old Prem Patel is a math genius who's also trying to navigate the trials and tribulations of being in middle school. When he discovers his father (who recently passed) was a famous rapper, he sets off to discover if musical talent runs in the family.
It started on Parents’ Night, those evenings in elementary school when my husband and I crammed ourselves into tiny chairs and feigned interest while each teacher made their way through a PowerPoint presentation about the topics they’d cover, the assignments they’d be giving, and—our favorite—the “rubric.” That was our code word for all the things we didn’t need to know about our kids’ education.
None of the other parents looked as dismayed—or as bored—as we did, and I briefly wondered what was wrong with us before deciding that, no, we were right: It was a pointless evening. “Next time, skip it and go out to dinner,” was my father’s advice. I wanted to, but just imagining the other parents glaring at our empty chairs guilted me into returning, year after year. But back at home, my husband and I broke from the pack in another way: We decided we simply wouldn’t be getting involved with our kids’ homework from that point on.
The chatter in my local Facebook groups tells me that all the other parents know a hell of a lot more about their kids’ assignments than I do—test dates, reading lists, project details. Why do you know all this? I’ve always wondered as I scrolled. Don’t you have enough to do just raising them and keeping everyone in the household relatively sane?
In our town of privilege, where parents get (overly) involved in every aspect of their kids’ day-to-day schoolwork, we are the outliers: We believe our kids have more to learn by managing it themselves than by being prodded, reminded, and cajoled into getting their work done and as close to perfect as possible before the teacher sees it.
For one, my kids, who are now teens, learned—really learned—about consequences. When they didn’t do their homework, their grades went down. If a teacher raised the red flag to us, we took that back to the kids and told them to step it up. We did not, however, change our tactics and become the homework police, and we didn’t punish them, because the bad grades are the punishment.
Plus, if kids get answers wrong, isn’t that useful information for the teacher? If all parents are making sure homework is perfect before it goes back to school, the teacher won’t know if there’s something happening in class that the students don’t understand.
Not to mention, do we really need to make everything in their lives even more stressful by becoming homework enforcers? Can’t we have a few peaceful minutes with our kids where we’re not telling them what to do? Please?
For the record, I’m not suggesting that you stay out of your kids’ homework; I’m not that invested in other people’s choices. And I readily admit that there are circumstances where more direction is needed—for instance, if a child has a learning disability or ADHD, or faces other, similar challenges.
But for us, putting the kids’ homework on our to-do lists never made sense. And because we didn’t get involved, our kids saw the direct connection between their choice to do their work and their grades, as well as the way the opportunities (special activities, cool programs) that came—or didn’t come—their way as a result. And let’s be honest, elementary school is the time to learn this since grades at that stage don’t matter very much. (There, I said it.)
Have we been through our ups and downs with all this? Absolutely! But we’ve also seen the lesson take hold with both our kids. We’d been hearing the same story from all of my daughter’s middle school teachers: She doesn’t do the homework, she has so much potential, she needs to apply herself more. We’d come home with the teachers’ reports, make suggestions for how best to manage the workload, and then leave it to her.
Suddenly, when high school started, she started to care. She took pride in doing assignments well and learned the joy of life without the constant dread of being caught with her academic pants down. She wanted to do well and felt proud of herself when she did so, eager to remedy things when she didn’t. Even more, she discovered she’d established a level of trust with her teachers, so when something fell through the cracks, they knew it was an aberration instead of a habit and gave her some leeway. When she acted more like a responsible person, she was treated like one. Huzzah!
It’s not that we don’t care; we care deeply. But seeing as we both graduated from school long ago, we didn’t feel the need to dive in and do it all over again. We’re here when our kids need us, but until then, we let them steer the ship on their own.
One blissful August day seven years ago, I drove my eldest son to his first day of school. He walked right in the door, excited. He didn’t even glance back in my direction, and honestly, I was grateful for that. I was just as enthusiastic as he was, and I felt proud to have a kid who had enough confidence and self-assurance not to need me to hold his hand through the whole process. At the time, it felt liberating and even boosted my mom-ego a bit. My kid is so chill he doesn’t even cry at drop-off! I told myself.
I was never the mom who cried at the thought of her baby being away for the day at preschool. I didn’t choke up on the first day of kindergarten because my baby was “growing up.” Instead, I was the mom who embraced the freedom and glorious change in our everyday schedules. I also welcomed their chance to be independent little beings who didn’t rely on me to make every decision, every meal, or deliver every snack. As years passed and my next two kids entered school, this remained true. Drop-off was breezy (for me). I rushed out the door gleefully, ready to attack all the things, now that I had one or two or three fewer little monkeys crawling up my leg, watching me pee, or making a huge mess just as I was about to tackle a task.
Looking back, I do still appreciate that I was the mom who never cried. I genuinely think it allowed my kids a sense of autonomy and confidence. Walking into a new place with so many kids and adults they had never met or even seen before can be scary! So never having to be the mom that stood outside the door listening to their child cry through the first week of school seemed a blessing.
I never thought the day would come when all of those seamless drop-offs where I joyously skipped to my car and ventured off into my day alone—and the tear-free preschool graduation ceremonies—would fill me with sadness and regret. I feel slighted. Now as my eldest is about to graduate elementary school, I feel like I missed out on having that connection or that “moment” when my kids needed and wanted me.
Fifth-grade graduation seemed so trivial to me as a kid. A non-important “milestone” that was more for my parents than for me. And honestly, I get it now. It is for the parents. Because as soon as our kids go off into middle school, everything about them will change. Their bodies, voices, attitudes… and a connection to us may or may not get lost in the mix. That uncertain, scary feeling our kids experienced going to school for the first time is the exact same fear we have as parents when our kids are inching closer and closer to actual independence.
So as much as I would like to say I have no regrets about being that mom who, at one time, never looked back, I’d be lying. I have a few. The main one is that I can’t get that time back no matter how I may try. That’s why this year, you won’t see the “cool” mom collected on the sidelines, watching all of the other moms cry and wondering why they are so upset—because it’s not just another day or another year of school.
It’s a moment that needs to be celebrated. That needs to be felt. Because these moments we get as parents are so rare, and before we know it, poof, they’re gone. No, this year I’ll be with the rest of the moms bawling their eyes out. Clapping and hollering and embarrassing the hell out of my kid so that he knows I am there—the whole time. That I am watching. And that he has made me so damn proud.
We’ve even got a few tips and tricks to help you make it work
Sibling room sharing can be great, and it can be… not so great. Putting two people in a room together is always a little complicated, even when, or maybe especially when, they’re related. Whether you’re thinking about having your kids share a room because you desperately need a dedicated home office with a door or you’re expecting a second child and staying put in your two-bedroom apartment, we’ve got wisdom to share. Here’s a list of the pros and cons of siblings sharing a bedroom, complete with advice from seasoned experts.
First, a few benefits of siblings sharing a room
You’ll save money.
When siblings share a room, you can squeeze your family into a smaller space. If you’re squirreling away dollars for a down payment on a house or your budget’s tight, two kids in one bedroom make sense. Many kids–as many as seventy percent in the US alone–share a room. Two of my kids shared for a decade out of necessity in a house with three bedrooms and five people, and we found benefits in addition to practical cost savings and making the most of a small space.
A dedicated space practically guarantees a good night’s sleep.
Some families decide to have their kids share a room so they can have one room set aside for sleep and another room used as a play space. That keeps distracting toys out of the sleep space, which can be especially helpful for younger children who find the siren song of their beloved wooden trains impossible to resist.
Sibling bonding gets a boost.
Whispering and giggling after lights out, knowing your sibling is there in the big dark, shared bedtime stories–sharing a bedroom gives brothers and sisters lots of opportunities to bond. Kids create memories. As one of my sons, who shared a room with his brother for years, said, “We got to hang out all the time in our room, and we talked every night.”
In a shared bedroom, siblings have opportunities for pillow fights with their built-in buddy—if they’re both up for it. When they’re not, a shared room gives kids extra practice navigating disagreements and conflict. They learn what to do if one person wants a pillow fight and the other wants to play UNO. Learning to compromise, understanding someone else’s point of view, and taking turns–kids need these skills as they get older, and when kids share space with siblings, they get extra practice.
Here are the trickier parts of sibling room sharing
iStock
Kids don’t have their own space.
Finding alone time is tricky when kids share a bedroom. Many older kids and tweens want to put up posters, scribble in their diaries in private, and keep their best stuff off-limits. Some families with kids in a shared bedroom find that letting kids have a say in what their side of the room looks like helps—things like picking out their bedding, hanging favorite pictures, or using a loft bed to make more private space. It’s also a good idea to make sure each child has designated storage that’s just for them, whether it’s a dresser or a closet.
Sibling conflict can be rough.
Often, especially at first, and when kids are tweens or teens, room sharing leads to more fighting, whether over room décor or just plain getting annoyed with each other. The little sister messes with her older sister’s LEGO, or a big brother takes a beloved t-shirt without permission: countless battles start over stuff. To reduce fights, establish ground rules together, or set them yourself if kids are too little to participate. Dr. Taylor suggests parents model and remind their children of their family’s core values: “You might say, ‘We love each other, and we respect each other. Even if it’s challenging and we’re in close quarters, we have to work things out respectfully.’”
Dr. Taylor also notes there may be other considerations depending on individual children. “Most children regulate really well. A small minority have challenges with that and amp up at night, which makes it difficult for the other sibling who wants to wind down, chill out, and go to sleep.” If that’s the case in your house, consider how you can give each child what they need. If one child needs extra time to settle in the bedroom, the other might go on a walk with a parent, do homework at the kitchen table, or relax on the couch with a story. Get creative, and while sibling conflict in a shared bedroom probably won’t disappear, you may be able to keep it to a minimum.
Different gender siblings.
As kids of different genders get older, they may crave more privacy. This often happens in later elementary school, at about age 10. Of course, this can also happen with kids of the same gender. Puberty is always a roller coaster. If older brothers and sisters are sharing a bedroom and space is limited, brainstorm ways to add privacy within a shared bedroom. A privacy wall, like this one with built-in storage, or a room divider can help!
Sleep disruptions will drive everyone bananas.
If a baby isn’t yet sleeping through the night, sharing a bedroom with their sibling will only make things worse. The last thing parents need is less sleep. Cara Dumaplin, a nurse and sleep expert from Taking Cara Babies, offers lots of wisdom for promoting sleep in a shared bedroom. She says, “The biggest mistake I see parents make when setting up a shared sibling room is putting little ones in the same room before they’re sleeping well.”
Luckily, there are ways around room-sharing sleep trouble. If you’re planning to have a baby and an older child share a room, wait to move the baby into the shared bedroom until your child is at least six months old and sleeping through the night. Cara also suggests staggering bedtimes, with the younger child going to bed before the older child, to support good sleep habits. Then, carefully arrange the shared room.
“Once you have two great little sleepers, you’ll want to set the room up for success. Arrange the furniture so that the crib and bed are on opposite sides of the room. Add a sound machine, ideally between the two of them. This can keep the sounds of one child from waking the other,” Dumaplin explains.
If room sharing is right for your family, don’t give up. “Expect that you may see some sleep hiccups right when your little ones move into the same room, especially around stalling at bedtime and early morning wakings. Don’t let that scare you. Be consistent, and remember that it takes time to adjust to any change. However, if you prepare your little ones, yourself, and the room ahead of time, most siblings do really well after a short adjustment period,” says Dumaplin.
Video creator and father Tyler Calmus has dropped a hilarious video on the top five parents at school drop off. The owner of the YouTube Channel, Dude Dad has pretty much nailed each and every one of them, and confession: we now have to admit our “type.”
At the top, the “Always Late Parent.” We’ve been there, we see you, we are you. From wondering where their kids’ shoes are, to realizing they didn’t pack a lunch, to pleading with the kids to just freaking run before the second bell, the world wouldn’t be the same without a late parent.
Dude Dad
Then comes “the Clinger.” Ahh, if only they were relegated to first-time preschool parents and kindergarteners. But alas, Clingers are everywhere. From the non-stop hugs and pictures to the “I’m so proud of you’s,” you likely have a Clinger in your kiddos class that is bringing all the feel-good vibes.
Dude Dad
On to one of our faves, “The Cyclist.” While represented this particular way for Dude Dad’s video, these parents may also come in the form of a jogger, complete with an enormous BOB Stroller. We can’t help but love the obvious stretches, references to a generic job, and directions to not mingle a $1,700 Trek bike with the Huffy’s.
Dude Dad
Don’t see yourself yet? Well, say hello to “The Impatient Parent.” We don’t have time for on-site ponytails, sporadic PTA meetings that block the carpool lanes, or missing shoes. We will grunt and moan and groan until you move.
Dude Dad
Oh hey! Last but certainly not least, “The PTA Mom.” She is on a mission and she will get you to help, even if she has to hunt you down and slap her clipboard to get you to do it! Even though they can come across as a little annoying, PTA Moms make the world go round!
Study finds helping kids with their homework has no impact on academic achievement
If you’re like most parents, the thought of helping your child with their homework elicits equal parts dread and anxiety. It’s not that our intentions aren’t well-meaning, it’s just… a lot. There’s the emotional toll of trying to make your kid sit while you quickly Google this newfangled way of doing math mixed with the desire to just do it yourself to get the entire experience over with faster. But our help in the homework department isn’t actually necessary or impactful, according to this study.
“There is no statistically significant association between parental help with homework in elementary school and children’s achievement, period,” says the study’s lead author and professor of education Katerina Bodovski.
When looking for bias, Penn State College of Education researchers found the results didn’t vary by parental level of education, socioeconomic status, or their child’s achievement level. They also discovered that any potential benefits of helping our kids is outweighed by three measures: cognitive loss, adverse effects on home emotional climate, and deferred responsibility.
“If the purpose of homework is for the child to practice some skills or knowledge they learned in school, that is lost if the parent is doing the work,” Bodovski said, implying more parents than not fall into to the “let’s get this over with” camp.
They also found that helping our kids “may contribute to a sense of deferred responsibility among children” because they aren’t learning themselves how to prepare, plan, or stay on task. “The kids don’t get to experience struggling,” Bodovski continued. “Elementary school is about the growth in the knowledge but even more so in child’s skills and habits.”
For parents feeling guilty about the dread they feel when it comes to homework help, it’s time to rejoice. There are very few things we can get away with not doing for our kids, and it turns out, helping them with homework may actually be hurting them in the long run. Sounds like a win-win to us.
When I was in middle school, the popularity board of directors chose me as their new target. They created an online poll and sent it around to everyone in our school. The poll was titled, “Who’s Uglier: Lilly Holland or Sarah Johnson’s Leg Hair?”
Poor Sarah Johnson, who was endlessly mocked because she wasn’t allowed to shave her legs. As I sobbed into my mom’s lap, she stroked my hair and assured me that the girls who created that poll were mean girls, and mean girls are not people you want to be friends with, now or ever. Of course, she ended up being right. One of the girls continued being malicious right through college. I’m sure to this day she’s still a mean girl.
Mean girls aren’t born; they’re created. They’re empowered by other kids and their parents, often inadvertently. As a teacher, I watched this happen in my classroom every year. There was always a mean girl. The girl who put others down to make herself feel better because she lacked confidence and control in her life. She had her band of loyal followers and would gain power every time she did something unkind. Every year there was a different version of the same girl. And every year, the old adage would ring true: the apple never falls far from the tree.
Nine times out of ten, the mean girl had a mean-girl mom. The mean-girl mom disguised it better than her second-grade daughter, but it was still obvious from her interactions with others. The power structure doesn’t really change from elementary school, it just becomes more complex.
Today at our library, I saw exactly how mean girls are made. My daughter, who is 18 months old, was enamored by the two five-year-olds that were playing with LEGO bricks. The two girls and their mothers were the only other people in the library. My daughter inched closer and closer until she was within reach of the girls. Not yet able to really communicate, she gave her own kind of greeting. Beaming, she reached out to give one of the girls a pat on the arm.
The girl pushed my daughter’s hand away, stomped over to her mom, and loudly complained right in front of me, “There’s a baby over there, and I do not like it!” If my child had said that, I would have been mortified. This mother rolled her eyes and suggested her daughter ignore “the baby.” My baby, whose mother was sitting ten feet away from this dynamic duo.
I gave the mom the benefit of the doubt. Maybe she was embarrassed and didn’t know how to handle it. Clearly, the girls were not going to give my daughter the time of day. Knowing how tough it can be for older kids to play with younger kids, I took Penny’s hand and led her to play in another area. The little girl came back, unprovoked, and said, “You can’t stand up like we can,” jabbing her finger in the air, “because you are a baby.”
The mother was nowhere to be found, so in my best teacher voice I said, “You know, kiddo, you were exactly the same age and size not too long ago.” She ran away.
We play a huge role in our children’s lives. The mother was probably tired of hearing her daughter’s complaints. Since she was enjoying having a conversation with her friend, she told her daughter to ignore the baby who was “bothering” her. What about explaining to her that little kids look up to big kids? Or asking her how the baby was “bothering” her and then trying to figure out a solution?
Every decision we make sends a message to our children. That little girl learned that it’s okay to act unkindly towards another child just because she’s younger. If Penny had come up to me and complained about a smaller child annoying her, I would have explained to her that in our family we are friendly to everyone and that she should be especially friendly to younger kids who admire her.
When I walked into the play area initially, I sat by the two moms because they were the only other adults in the library. I thought it was odd that neither acknowledged me. Of course, I didn’t expect to be brought into a private conversation, but a simple hello would have been nice. It was inconvenient for those moms to say hi to another mom, just like it was inconvenient for one of their daughters to be kind to another child. It was inconvenient for the mom to take advantage of a simple teachable moment.
I’d like to think this was an isolated incident. I know through many interactions with children that this is not the norm. Most kids see babies toddling around the library, remark how cute they are, and bring them into their game—at least temporarily. Obviously, we can’t—and shouldn’t— monitor everything our children say and do. However, it seemed this child has already learned, whether through inconvenience or blissful ignorance, that it’s okay to be unkind to someone else.
I wish I had had the courage to speak with the mother myself and try to figure out why she responded this way. Instead, I’m writing about it now. Hopefully, someone can learn from it, no matter which mother you are in this story.
I'm a former New Yorker turned suburbanite. I'm incredibly lucky to be a professional writer and stay-at-home mom to Penny: my sassy, mischievous toddler. When I'm not pulling play-doh out of Penny's mouth, I write about parenting and my former career as a teacher in an elite NYC private school.
Mark the new year with these adorable first day of school signs
While we didn’t have first day of school signs back in our day, we’re surprised it took us so long to figure out how great they are. Not only do they add a really cute element to your back-to-school photo ops, but they also help us keep our pictures straight (if you’ve gotten your pictures mixed up, you’re not the only one). Plus, who doesn’t love a good Instagram and Tinybeans moment? Additionally, with the popularity of these boards, you can easily snag one without having to rely too heavily on your DIY skills.
We definitely want to make sure that our kiddos’ privacy is protected, though. As this viral TikTok video points out, there’s a lot of information first day of school signs include. Of course, we all want to share our darling littles on their big day. But we’re making sure we keep the info on our signs limited. We also suggest double-checking your social media privacy settings. Or, keep using your Tinybeans app to safely and privately share your first day of school memories. These signs are perfect for them.
Wooden Chalkboard Sign
ZICOTO
This sign is reusable and made for chalk markers, so you can actually use it for more than just school—camp, activities, daycare, and more. Wooden Chalkboard Sign ($7.99)—Buy Here!
With space for your kiddo's name at the top (share it only where you feel safe doing so!) and fun graphics, this is a super cute option for elementary school kids. Framed Chalkboard Sign ($15.99)—Buy Here!
The ultimate in customization, plus year-round decor (if you're into that sort of thing), letter boards are a great way to go. Classic Letter Board ($19.95)—Buy Here!
If you prefer a more rustic look, this sweet sign delivers. Pick the font you'd like to have engraved and then get your dry-erase markers ready. Laser Engraved Wooden Sign ($45.00)—Buy Here!
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Say these things on the walk to the bus or during snack time. In fact, any time is a good time!
Whether they are in preschool, elementary school, or heading into middle school, offering encouraging words for students can make all the difference between a just-okay day and an amazing day. Whatever time of day, there’s always a moment to remind your kids how much you believe in them and how you can’t wait to hear all about it! We’ve found 22 simple phrases and prompts that can add a dose of positivity to your kids’ day; be sure to keep them in your back pocket—you’ll never know when they’ll come in handy.
1. I can’t wait to see what your day brings. Put a positive spin on their daily morning routine when they fly out the door to catch the bus.
2. Do your best! Send them off with good vibes and encouraging words so they’ll be primed to achieve whatever they put their minds to.
3. Can I get a hug? Shh … this one’s really more about you than them, but they don’t need to know that. Hugs at the beginning of the day send a clear message of love to your little one.
4. I’ll think about you today! Just this one simple phrase lets your child know that he’ll be on your mind throughout the day, and sometimes that’s enough of a boost.
5. Do you have everything you need? It’s an easy question, but just asking it can assure both you and your child that she is prepared for her day. Lunch (or lunch money), homework, books, a special toy … whatever it is, taking a moment to ask and make sure she has what she needs to have a happy and successful day lets her know that you care.
6. You look great! Although this one can bring a smile to the young ones as well, these encouraging words are great to throw to the older kids as they trudge out the door into a social-media-driven world that can have seriously adverse effects on self-esteem.
7. You’ve got this! School is tough, much tougher than when we were kids, and the everyday pressures of homework, tests, quizzes, projects and more… well, it’s enough to make even the most self-assured kid second guess his or her abilities. Just giving your child one final boost of positivity with these words of encouragement as he scrambles out the door can be enough to boost that self-confidence for the rest of the day.
8. I’ll be right here when you get back. There are hours that are going to pass between taking your child to school and picking him up, and in that time, a lot can happen. Let him know that you’re going to be right there when he’s finished with his day, whether good or bad. This tiny little assurance can help slightly younger nervous kids take often difficult steps towards school.
9. I can’t wait to hear about your day! Encourage your children to look for the positive in the day by letting them know you’ll be ready to hear all about it when you see each other again.
10. You roll with the punches like a champ. Busy families have ever-changing schedules where flexibility is key. Letting your little ones know that you recognize their ability to also be flexible is important.
11.Thanks for sharing your day with me. Nothing says, “I’m listening” after the day’s download quite like this one. Frasier Crane would be proud.
12. You are a good person. People of all ages need words of encouragement like this to let them know that their presence, personality, and decisions are noticed and appreciated.
13. Thanks for helping out! when they go above and beyond to keep your family’s groove grooving, let them know how proud you are!
14. Your thoughtfulness shines through. Save this one for the simple gestures they make throughout the day, like helping out a friend or sharing with a sibling.
15. I like how you handled that. Using encouraging words for students like this lets them know you approve of how they managed tough situations can put smiles back on their faces and give them the confidence to tackle future challenges.
16. I’m so happy you’re home. I missed you. Because even though parents joke about alone time, we’re happiest when our kids are by our sides.
17. I was thinking about you today when … sharing your day with them lets kids know they’re loved, even when you’re not around to show it.
18. Your joy puts a smile on my face too. This one makes an impact when they come off the bus or through the door with big smiles.
19. I’ll bet your friends/teacher appreciated your ___________ today. Insert your favorite adjective here; no matter which one you choose, letting your kids know others see this same quality in them is super empowering.
20. It sounds like you worked hard today. Whether they took a tough test, ran a mile in P.E., or just tried their best, praise that perseverance. Go grit!
21. What do you want to do now? Set aside some time for when kids first come home from school to let them relax and unwind in their own way, whether that be stopping by the library or ice cream shop or just having free time to run around the yard. Their day has been stressful too, and letting them choose how to spend the first bit after school can be a powerful tone-setter for the rest of the evening.
22. You should be so proud of yourself. A phrase that’s important for kids (and adults!) of all ages—use it often, but especially at the end of a hard day at school.
Guess what? They can tell when your kid has had too much screen time
From excitement to anxiety to sighs of relief, going back to school this year looks a little different for everyone. But, according to a survey by Learning Resources, more than ever, one of the most important things is active parent involvement. In order to get an idea of what that really means, we talked to school teachers across the country (many of whom are parents themselves) and gathered up their best back-to-school tips for parents to succeed throughout the school year.
Back-to-School Tips for Parents About Attitude
Almost every teacher we talked to said something along these lines:
“Your children take on your attitudes, BE POSITIVE!” —Michele Jenkins, Fernley Elementary School 1st-grade teacher, Nevada
“School is fun! Remind your kids to be creative and take risks.”—Anonymous
“It’s okay to cry on that first day, it can be emotional for parents, but try and wait until your kiddo gets to the classroom before you burst into tears.”—Anonymous
“Dress them for the weather because we're going OUTSIDE!”—Teacher Tom
“Be aware, those cute shoes they get WILL get dirty while doing PE. Don’t tell them they can’t run in shoes you buy them for school use. They will run at school. Don’t punish them for dirty shoes; shoes get dirty when worn properly. Also, close-toed, non-dress shoes (athletic shoes) have the best support, so please make sure they wear a pair any time they have a day that includes recess or PE.” —Anonymous PE teacher
“If they come in tie shoes, they should know how to tie them themselves, or else come in velcro.”—Erin S.
“If you live in a climate with cold winters, get your kids used to taking on and off snow clothes, boots, etc., so they have a routine for doing so before winter and the end of the day. Practice on the weekend as cooler weather arrives and make a game of it by timing each child to see who can get cold-proofed fastest.”—Anonymous
Tips for the Early Morning Routine
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Not surprisingly, a lot of teachers spoke about the importance of eating a healthy breakfast, being on time for school, and getting a decent night’s sleep. Here are a few other helpful tips:
“Don’t delay drop off for little ones. Give a big hug and kiss and get out the door. Lingering only leads to upset kids.”—Early elementary teacher
“For an easier beginning to the year, start routines like going to bed and waking up on time before school starts again, not the day of.”—Jared H.
And Brad B agrees: “Get their bedtime routine back in order before school starts. Lack of sleep affects so many things beyond drowsiness or lack of attention. I personally think it undermines our confidence."
“Go to the bathroom at home before school!”—Anonymous
“Routine in the morning is important to start the day positively. Pick out clothes the night before (or even the whole week before and put in boxes for each day if you have a diva girl like mine!).”—Anonymous
Teacher Tips for School Supplies
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School supplies don’t just mean what you need for your own child. Consider what a classroom needs and grab an extra item or two when you can afford it. Don’t forget tissue during the winter cold and flu season!
“Small tokens of appreciation throughout the year are a real pick-me-up! A pad of post-it notes, sharpies….teachers are easy to please, and it’s nice to let them know you notice their hard work. Also, read the weekly newsletter...please!” —Early elementary teacher, TX
“If there are specific things on the supply list (like particular brands), I promise the teacher isn’t trying to be difficult. They’ve probably learned from experience that that particular type works the best or lasts the longest.” —Nicole D., middle school math
“As teachers, we spend a great deal of our own money on supplies to make our classrooms a more creative learning environment for your child. So please, believe me when I say that every little bit helps our classroom; an extra ream of paper, a container of disinfecting wipes, paper towels, etc. It means so much, and I promise they will be put to good use.”—Holly R., autism teacher
“Make it a habit of asking a teacher if they need anything for the classroom or upcoming projects or holidays. Most teachers will be happy to give you a few inexpensive items they need that you could pick up at the grocery store.”—Anonymous
When it comes to communicating with your teacher, whether it’s messaging during the day or at parent-teacher conferences, or even a requested meeting, consider these factors from a teacher’s point of view. One overarching theme? Teachers know and love your children, too!
“Parents, teacher, and students are all on the same team–parents need to be open to communication and should be open with teachers about student needs.”—Tori R., teacher
“Remember that teachers see your children in a totally different environment with a totally different set of kids at a totally different time than you do on a normal basis. It should be expected that we see behaviors, attitudes, and reactions that are different than what we have come to know. Be open to learning about your child in a unique setting to understand them better.”—Anonymous
“Please be on time for meetings. Our time is very limited.” —Janel M., middle school teacher
“Please don’t expect an email response within the hour. We are teaching 90 percent of the day and often have meetings to attend during our conference period and/or after school.” —Kristi W., elementary teacher
“If there is a conflict at school, notify the teacher. Listen to what your child has to say and encourage him/her to tell an adult at school. Do not bash the other student in front of your child. So many times, this is just a misunderstanding that has been blown out of proportion. Little ones learn how to problem solve with their peers and hearing their parents becoming angry and calling names shows them that that is the right way, which we know it is not. Listen to the details and then call the teacher!” —Anonymous
“Meet the Teacher night (before school starts) is NOT the appropriate time to verbally tell the teacher your child’s specific needs. ... put it in writing (an email is great). So much is going on that the teacher may not remember what you told her or even who your child is yet. You might introduce yourself and let them know to look for an email from you.” —Kristi W., elementary teacher
“Teachers spend a LOT of time on communication mediums and may only have 30 minutes of prep time during the day…so read/reread ALL the emails, updates and directions before you email/call the teacher (resourcefulness and responsibility — this is what we’re trying to teach your kids, too.).” —Katie, teacher and mom
“We are here to help your child. We want the best for them just as you do. Please give us the benefit of the doubt and the respect we deserve. We are not out to get your child. We aren’t telling you things because we are mean. We are telling you the truth about your child in the classroom. And no, they may not act like that at home, but they may act differently in a classroom setting. Believe us. Help us.” —Anonymous PreK teacher
“Be sure to check in on your child’s well-being socially, emotionally, and academically and ask for help if needed!” —Tiffiny Peterson, American Heritage Charter School 2nd-grade teacher, Idaho
Every parent wants their kids to do well in school, and pretty much every child will groan about homework at some point. Here are some ideas for helping kids stay on track and keep up the good work.
“Set aside time daily during the first month of school to help your child unpack/pack their backpack, go over assignments, organize supplies and binders, and chat about school. This helps you both ease in and allows your student to share concerns with you organically and as they arise.” —Anonymous 7th & 8th-grade teacher
“Sleep. They are better students with a solid night of sleep as opposed to those who stayed up all night studying.” —Kathleen, teacher
“The grade is never as important as the effort behind it.”—Katy D., teacher, and mom
“Teach your students to advocate for themselves... to ask for help and to pursue it until they receive it and understand the concept with which they are struggling. A helicopter parent can never be as effective as a student who is determined to learn and knows how to make it happen, regardless of their level of intelligence.” —Jeremy H., veteran elementary and middle school teacher
“Read, read, read to your child! Be sure to talk about the book. Ask questions about the characters and the problems they face, your child’s favorite part, etc. If your child is bilingual or learning English, reading to your child in your native language will not interfere with learning English in school, but will actually help develop their background knowledge and vocabulary acquisition in both languages!” —Anonymous
“Please limit screen time and take your kids either outside to play or engage with them in a board game, puzzle, helping with homework, having them help with dinner/dishes/ANYTHING! So many young kids I teach are turning into little zombies because they come home from school and just sit in front of video games. And remember, your child is NEVER too old to be read aloud to.” —Anonymous
“Even if you don’t agree with the common core or the amount of homework, you want your child to respect his/her teachers and the expectations.” —Anonymous
Advice About Volunteering
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You might not be able to make every function or volunteer a ton of classroom hours, but just being there for your kids makes a big difference.
“For many working parents, daytime events at the school or volunteering isn’t always an option, we get that, but even just one event per school year makes a lasting memory and positive reinforcement for your child. We provide a calendar at the beginning of each school year so parents can plan ahead.” —Anonymous
“Read and play games with your kiddos! There is nothing a teacher can do that takes the place of family time!” —Tess Brist, Marion School 3rd-grade teacher, Montana
"You don’t have to be perfect. Just show up."—Anonymous
Gentle Reminders: Teachers Are Humans, Too
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Don’t forget that teachers, while they are modern-day superheroes in many ways, are also human with families of their own!
“I spend seven hours teaching 125 students each day for 9 months, each year. Please don’t judge me if we meet at the grocery store and I totally space on your and your child’s names.”—Betty R., 7th-grade science teacher
“Remember that the teacher can have 30 other children—be patient and start a positive relationship from the start.”—Tori R.
“Many teachers are parents as well. Please don’t think I am ignoring your 6 p.m. email because I don’t respond within an hour. I am spending time with my own child.” —Anonymous
