ML Interest Tag: face

DIY Beauty Hacks because You Need Self Care Right Now

by Kaitlyn Kirby

Let’s be honest, when it comes to the morning makeup routine, well, it’s probably fallen to the wayside. But did you know there are a ton of natural beauty tips that can get your day at home off on the right foot by helping you look great and feel confident (even if you’re still wearing yoga pants)? Keep reading to discover our list of tried-and-true beauty hacks for busy moms everywhere!

Castor Oil

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

Beauty Hack: Use for thicker brows. Why? Castor oil contains an Omega 9 Fatty Acid and boasts anti-inflammatory properties to help hair grow uninhibited

Sugar

Pixabay

Beauty Hack: Use for softer lips, feet, and hands. Mix a DIY sugar scrub with olive oil, lemon juice, and sugar to soften rough heels, hands, and lips. 

Honey

Free-Photos via Pixabay

Beauty Hack: Use for anti-aging. Apply a honey mask to clean skin for its anti-bacterial and healing properties (honey can heal acne scars!) as well as anti-aging effects.

Sweat Sesh

Inspired Horizons Digital Marketing via Unsplash

Beauty Hack: For detoxing skin. A good sweat session (be it at your fitness class, chasing your kids, a visit to the sauna) is good for your skin as it helps flush toxins from the body.

Baking Soda

evitaochel via Pixabay

Beauty Hack: Use for whiter teeth. Apply baking soda to your toothbrush once a week to whiten teeth.

Petroleum Jelly

Amazon

Beauty Hack: Use for a natural highlighter. Apply to the high points of the face and eyelids as an all-natural highlighter for a quick, subtle glow.

Steam

kboyd via Pixabay

Beauty Hack: For detoxing skin. Run a washcloth under warm water and apply it to your face before your masks for optimal results. This opens the pores and allows the product to really absorb into the skin. You can also boil water on the stove and hold a towel over your head to create a makeshift steam room.

Business Card

Bru-nO via Pixabay

Beauty Hack: Use for clean, precise mascara. Hold a business card behind your lashes as you apply mascara. This lets you get to the root of your lashes without leaving smudges on your skin.

Peppermint Oil

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

Beauty Hack: Use for plump lips. Peppermint oil offers lips a natural plump, so add a drop or two onto your lipstick next time you apply.

Glycerin Soap

Kristina Balic via Unsplash

Beauty Hack: Use to keep brows in place. Dip your spoolie in a little glycerin soap and brush your brows upward for a full look and to keep them in place.

Scotch Tape

Crissy Jarvis via Unsplash

Beauty Hack: Use for eyeliner application. Use scotch tape as a guide for the perfect cat eyeliner.

Contact Solution

Rawpixel

Beauty Hack: Use to prolong mascara. If your mascara has gone clumpy, mix in a little contact solution to make the tube last longer.

Propped Pillows

Holly Stratton via Unsplash

Beauty Hack: If you want to de-puff your face, sleep with two pillows propped up instead of one to help fluid drain from the face.

Lipstick

kaboompics via Pixabay

Beauty Hack: Use as a cheek stain. If you don’t have time (or the makeup stash in your bag!), use a little lipstick as a stain on your cheeks for a fresh, healthy flush.

Frozen Spoons

Pixabay

Beauty Hack: Keep two spoons in the freezer and place them under your eyes to de-puff any under-eye bags or dark circles when needed.

Face Mist

courtesy NSMBL

Beauty Hack: Spritz it on throughout the day for an instant skin (and spirit) pick-me-up. You can make your own face mist by steeping a couple of bags of white tea with the zest from one lemon in boiling hot water. Let it sit at room temperature before transferring it to a spray bottle and letting it chill in the fridge. Spray your face whenever you’re feeling the baby blues. Make a new batch after a week.

 

Baby Oil

Amazon

Score a quick fix for your manicure by applying baby oil to your nails and cuticles every night. Nails will stay shiny and hydrated 24-7.

—Kaitlyn Kirby with Ayren Jackson-Cannady

Feature photo: Kevin Laminto via Unsplash

 

RELATED STORIES:

Beauty Gear That’ll Make You Look Refreshed (Even When You’re Exhausted)

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We Asked an Expert Your Car Seat Questions—Here Are Their Responses

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

Between finding the right car seat, installing it correctly and making sure it fits, keeping your little one safe on the road is a big task. We teamed up with Nuna, the creators of parent-approved car seats like the Nuna PIPA lite rx, and car seat expert Bob Wall, a leader in the Child Passenger Safety field for over 30 years, to answer your questions.

First up, “How do I pick a car seat?” Here’s what Wall had to say:

The short answer to this question is, read the specifics of the seat you’re looking at and match it to your child’s weight and height and their developmental level. There is a car seat out there to fit all sizes of children, you just need to match the seat to your child.

This sounds easy, but there are several other considerations.

  • How easy is the car seat to use?
  • Does it fit in your vehicle?
  • Does it fit your personal lifestyle and family’s needs?
  • Does it accommodate your child’s needs?

 

Nuna PIPA lite rx has a no-rethread harness that adjusts seamlessly with the headrest so you don’t have to reinstall the harness when your child grows—a win for safety and for comfort. Learn more about PIPA lite rx.

"How Do I Know If My Car Seat Is the Right Size for My Child?"

The different types of car seats are designed to target specific weights, sizes, and ages of children. The primary categories are infant-only, convertible, harness to booster (combination) and booster. Some of these categories have child-size and direction overlaps, and choosing the correct seat could be confusing.

Infant-only seats start at 4 or 5 lbs and are rear-facing only. Convertible seats also start at approximately 4 or 5 lbs and can be forward-facing after the child uses it in the rear-facing mode until its maximum weight and height, and the child is at least two years of age. Harness to booster (combination) seats are forward-facing only seats that can be used right after the rear-facing seat has been maxed out by the child's height or weight. The child would use this seat forward-facing with the harness until the child outgrows the seat and can be placed in a booster. Booster seats vary in size but most start at 40 lbs and an age minimum—typically age four or five). The booster would be used with the vehicle’s seat belt to ensure the child fits the belt correctly.

"At What Age/Weight Should I Change My Child’s Car Seat from Rear-Facing to Front-Facing?"

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommend that infants rear face as long as possible until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat manufacturer. Most convertible car seats have limits that will permit children to ride rear-facing for two years or more. Having your child rear-face as long as possible is the safest way for them to ride. A rear-facing car seat will support the child’s extremely vulnerable head, neck, and spine. When children ride forward-facing, their heads—which are disproportionately larger and heavier for babies and toddlers—can jolt forward, possibly resulting in spine and head injuries.

Remember: When your child has outgrown their rear-facing seat, secure them in a forward-facing car seat with a harness for as long as possible, up to the highest weight or height limit allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

Nuna PIPA lite rx has both belt path and base installation options to make it easier to use on the go. Learn more about PIPA lite rx.

"If I Was in a Car Accident, How Do I Know If My Child’s Car Seat Is Still Okay to Use?"

If you have been involved in a minor crash then we recommend you follow the NHTSA guidelines: NHTSA recommends that car seats be replaced following a moderate or severe crash in order to ensure a continued high level of crash protection for child passengers.

Car seats do not automatically need to be replaced following a minor crash.

A minor crash is one in which ALL of the following apply:
• The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site.
• The vehicle door nearest the car seat was not damaged.
• None of the passengers in the vehicle sustained any injuries in the crash.
• If the vehicle has airbags, the airbags did not deploy during the crash; and
• There is no visible damage to the car seat.

NEVER use a car seat that has been involved in a moderate to severe crash. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

"What’s the Safest Place to Put the Car Seat? Behind Driver, Middle, behind Passenger?"

All seats in the rear are safe if the child seat is installed correctly and you can install it correctly on every trip. The discernment of “center is safest” originates from the center location being the farthest point from any intrusion into the passenger seating area during a crash. Generally, the safest location in the vehicle is the center rear of the vehicle. However, this is not always the case, the center seat may not be compatible with the seat you are using or there could be a practicality issue depending on your situation. An example would be: If you want the youngest in the center because it's “the safest”, but to get the baby in the center you have to lift the infant carrier over the other seat or child. Or it could be as simple as you are unable to install it as well in the center as you can on the sides. The center seating location is only the safest if you can use it correctly every time the child is in the vehicle. To say the center rear is the “safest” is not saying the other seating positions in the back are not safe—they are.

"What If My Child Is in the Height Range to Switch to a Booster Seat but Not Out of the Weight Range?"

Boosters main job is to ensure the child can sit securely using the lap and shoulder belts in the vehicle by lifting the child up so the belt fits correctly. These are called belt-positioning booster seats, and to ensure your child is meeting the criteria to move to a seat belt, you should follow the 5-Step Seat Belt Fit Test. 

1. Shoulder belt crosses between the neck and shoulder.

  • If the shoulder belt is too close to the neck, kids can be tempted to put it behind their back for comfort. A shoulder belt that sits off the shoulder can slip off during a crash, reducing its ability to protect.

2. Lower back is against the vehicle seat.

  • If the child is sitting with their bottom forward to allow their legs to go over the edge of the seat to feel comfortable, a gap is created between their back and the seat. This will cause the seat belt to ride up out of position onto their belly. It can also introduce slack in the seat belt, allowing the child to move forward more during a crash. Both of these can cause increased injury in a crash.

3. Lap belt stays on the upper thighs across the hip bones.

  • If the lap portion of the belt is across the soft tissue of the abdomen (like will happen if their back isn’t against the vehicle seat), it can damage internal organs in a crash.

4. The knees bend at the end of the seat.

  • Kids will scoot their bottom forward to let their knees bend comfortably, increasing their risk of injury because the seat belt rides up off of their hips and onto the soft part of their belly. They need to be tall enough to have their knees comfortably bend at the edge of the seat.

5. The child can ride like this for the entire ride.

  • We don’t expect the child to be perfectly still while riding in the car. And their movement or readjustment to stay comfortable cannot lead to the seat belt getting out of position. When children get uncomfortable, they tend to slouch, lean to one side or put the shoulder belt behind them. When the seat belt is out of position, it cannot properly protect the child during a crash.

If you have additional questions about car seat safety or want to know if your car seat is installed properly, Nuna is hosting free Virtual Car Seat Checks. Learn more!

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Ride in Style: Top Convertible Car Seats & All-in-One Car Seats

by Eva Ingvarson Cerise

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

There are a lot of options available when choosing convertible car seats and all-in-ones. Certain brands top parents’ lists for safety and comfort, and there’s good reason that they lead the industry. In this guide to noteworthy new releases and the highest-rated brands in convertible car seats, you’ll find convertible car seats with load legs, the best car seats for hot weather, and more.

photo: Evenflo

Important Guidelines:

  • Purchase your convertible car seat no later than your child’s first birthday, according to Consumer Reports.
  • A convertible car seat can be installed forward-facing or rear-facing, but experts at the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend you keep it rear-facing for safety as long as possible. Some states require rear-facing until your child’s second birthday.
  • You can use a convertible car seat from birth, or you can start with an infant car seat and then switch to a convertible before your child’s first birthday. An infant car seat lets you remove the seat from the base and move between the car, stroller and other locations without waking a sleeping baby. But it is an additional expense.
  • Some convertible car seats are marketed as all-in-ones, 5-in-1s, 4-in-1s or 3-in-1s, meaning they convert from an infant seat into a convertible car seat and then a booster seat, extending the time you can use them.
best car seats diono radius

Diono Radian 3QXT+

$500 BUY NOW

The latest addition to Diono’s 3-across Radian family is the all-new Radian® 3QXT+. The all-new 2-in-1 anti-rebound panel is expertly engineered to support rear-facing for longer, and offers optimized comfort and support when forward-facing, complete with memory foam cushioned comfort liner. A favorite brand for many families, you can't go wrong with any Diono car seats, really.

best brands convertible carseats evenflo revolve360 car seat

Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Rotational All-In-One Car Seat

$380 BUY NOW

Our mom tester loved that this clever car seat rotates 360 degrees (with a simple lift tab mechanism) to make it easier to get your child in and out of the car. No more awkwardly reaching into the car to get your child buckled in, or bonking your baby's head trying to take them out! When it's time to go from rear-facing to forward-facing, just give it a spin; no need to reinstall. A helpful indicator lets you know when the seat is firmly locked into position. It then converts to a booster seat for up to 10 years of use (4-120 pounds). On-the-go recline and 14 headrest settings mean a more comfortable ride for your little one, and two cup holders give you lots of room for cups, snacks or toys. The cup holders are top-rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning.

Graco SlimFit3™ LX 3-in-1 Car Seat

$260 BUY NOW

Graco's slimmest car seat (16.7 inches wide) lets you fit three seats across the back seat without compromising on safety. This 3-in-1 converts from rear-facing to forward-facing and a high-back booster, accommodating kids 5-100 pounds. Adjust the height of the harness and headrest together in 10 positions for a customized fit; four recline options provide added comfort. The cover can be removed and machine-washed without uninstalling the car seat or removing the harness. The cup holders are also removable for cleaning.

best brands in convertible car seats Cybex Sirona S SensorSafe Convertible Car Seat

Cybex Sirona S SensorSafe Convertible Car Seat

$495 BUY NOW

The Sirona S car seat rotates around 360 degrees. Turn the seat sideways to get your child in and out of it more easily, a big plus for everybody, especially for adults with sore backs or kids with special needs. Kids can sit rear-facing up to age 4, but when it's time to switch from rear-facing to forward-facing, there's no need to reinstall the seat and risk installing it incorrectly. You just spin it around. This car seat comes complete with a load leg to stabilize the seat and reduce crash forces in the event of a collision. The SensorSafe technology in the harness's chest clip alerts you if your child becomes unbuckled while driving, the back seat's temperature gets too hot or other unsafe conditions occur. There's a 12-position headrest and a 12-position recline for maximum comfort.

Chicco Fit4 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

$360 BUY NOW

The Fit4 is an all-in-one car seat designed to suit infants up to big kids, from 4 pounds to 100 pounds. Babies sit in rear-facing comfort thanks to the ergonomic infant positioner, which you then swap out with a toddler-size cushion. Once kids move forward-facing, adjust the 10-position headrest as they grow. When kids are at the booster stage, switch from the harness to the seat belt and add the shoulder pad for extra comfort. And don't worry; the Chicco website has instructional videos and guidelines for when and how to move your car seat to the next stage.

Evenflo EveryFit 4-in-1 Car Convertible Seat

$200 BUY NOW

The Evenflo 4-in-1 car seat goes from a rear-facing infant car seat to a high-back booster seat to a no-back booster, keeping your child strapped in safely from 4 pounds to 120 pounds. For convenience and your child's comfort, there's a 12-position headrest, removable cushions with machine-washable fabrics, two integrated cup holders and a removable snack tray. Mesh fabrics keep your child cool on longer rides, and the recline positions (3 for rear-facing, 1 for forward-facing) are designed to minimize the head slump of a sleeping baby.

best brand carseats britax advocate clicktight

BRITAX Advocate ClickTight

$380 BUY NOW

Britax has several great options for convertible car seats. The Advocate ClickTight comes with an anti-rebound bar, a bar located near your child's feet that provides stability in the event of a collision. As your baby grows, this convertible car seat safely and easily switches from rear-facing to forward-facing.

Cybex Sirona M

$290 BUY NOW

Cybex is known for car seat innovations. The Sirona M with SensorSafe 2.0 features safety features you won’t find in many other car seats. It syncs with your cell phone to alert you if your child’s chest buckle opens while driving or if you leave the child in the car after you've removed the key. It will also alert you if the backseat gets too hot or cold. The car seat also features a 12-position height-adjustable headrest and adjustable side-impact protection for comfort and added safety.

Nuna RAVA

$500 BUY NOW

Highly ranked by Consumer Reports, the RAVA boasts extended rear-facing seating, up to 50 pounds. The car seat also provides up to two more inches of leg room rear-facing, with extra support while forward-riding. It’s known for being easy to install and for its push-button, 10-position recline, as well as its soft fabric.

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

featured image: Diono

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4 Easy Steps to Help Parents Make Difficult Decisions

By Rick Stephens

Parenting is hard. You’re responsible for a little (or not so little) person and making all the right decisions. But what happens when you don’t know what the right decision is?

Decision-making, especially in an emotionally charged situation, is exhausting. What if an easy way to make decisions existed? Having made thousands of extraordinarily difficult decisions in my senior leadership career and as a father of four, I’ve figured out a relatively simple method to make decisions I can live with and be proud of that many successful leaders use. It’s perfect for parents, too, because parents are the leaders of their family.

1. Write the Problem Down
Focus on the issue, not your emotions. The brain tends to mix up logic processes when dealing with complex or emotionally charged decisions. Writing the problem down forces us to turn an abstract thought into a concrete statement, idea or question. In that process, we can more precisely frame the problem and, ultimately, downsize it from a larger-than-life issue to one we can work through.

For example, if you’re a parent with school-aged kids battling what to do about your child’s education due to the risks and restrictions of COVID-19, these thoughts might be going through your head:

  • In-person/online/homeschool
  • Will kids/adults wear masks?
  • Fear of getting sick
  • Uncertainty of the future
  • Sadness over lack of control
  • Will kids fall behind academically?
  • Guilt we just want things to be normal
  • Frustration with lack of work time

All the competing emotions make the decision-making process difficult.

However, when you write the problem you’re facing in one or two sentences, it may actually look like this:

We want our kids to safely get the best education possible while allowing us to work. What can we reasonably do to make that happen?

Writing the true essence of your problem down helps you focus on the most important part.

Which of those two “problems” looks more approachable? You can spend your time dealing with emotions, fears and unknowns or you can focus on the positive and productive opportunities.

Now that we have a more approachable problem, how do we decide what to do about getting our kids the best education possible? Do we make a pro-and-con list? What if they come out even?

2. Discuss the Problem with Others You Trust
The more people there are to talk about a problem, the more potential solutions there will be. Teams almost always come up with better solutions than individuals. Even though we can be sidetracked, if we don’t share our problems, we often miss other perspectives, relevant data and variables we may not have considered that can help us find solutions or flaws in our assumptions and general approach.

When it comes to our children, there’s nothing new. Someone out there has had a similar problem, so tap into the wisdom of extended family and friends.

Nearly every parent out there is processing what to do about school. Ask trusted friends what they’re thinking. Join a Facebook group, and search to see what other people are discussing. When evaluating education options and risks from COVID-19, share your concerns with your child’s teacher. See if their plans for the school year help guide your thought process.

3. Get Active to Reflect
It’s hard to focus and think about an issue logically when our conscious mind is easily overcome by emotions and daily distractions. When we do a physical task, our subconscious mind can work, which makes decision-making easier. Ask yourself a simple question about the problem when starting the activity.

In our example about school, the simple question is not, “How can I not worry about sending my kids to school?” or “How will I work if they’re home with me.” The right simple question is a positive one: “What can I do to make sure my kids get the best education right now?”

When you do this, physical movement is key. No scrolling social media! Relax by doing something that doesn’t require much thought but has you moving. Almost always, after the activity, your mind will deliver the right answer. Here are a few things you can do:

  • Shower
  • Walk or run
  • Long bicycle ride
  • Swim

Physical exercise helps quiet your brain. It allows you to focus on your movements, not your thoughts.

Another great approach to relaxing the conscious brain is sleeping. Just before putting your head on the pillow, ask yourself the simple positive question. In the morning, the solution is ready. I’ve found that having paper and pencil by the bed helps, particularly when you want to remember something as you wake up.

4. Take Action
Problems can appear larger than life, causing us to struggle with how to move forward. When you write it down, discuss it and reflect on it, solutions always become evident. They may not be what you expected, but solutions will appear. Then you can look at your options and see which one you are most comfortable with. Once your decision is made, the path forward will be clear, even if it’s not an easy one.

Solutions provide the path and the plan.

Though we may struggle with the murky future of public education, nothing is permanent. You can reassess in a few months and make a different decision if necessary. Do the best you can with the information you have. In this unprecedented set of circumstances, there is no one right answer.

Easy Decision-Making Strategy

  1. Write the problem down
  2. Discuss the problem with others
  3. Get active to reflect
  4. Take action

Every one of us has faced issues where it seemed impossible to make a decision. It’s absolutely exhausting to continually replay all the worries in your mind. But when you use these four steps, you’ll have the ability to make a decision even in the toughest of circumstances and enjoy the rewards or manage the fallout. That’s what made my career so successful and makes life as a father so rewarding. The state of being “undecided” is way worse than choosing to move forward one way or another.

—Rick Stephens

After a 33-year career, concluding as Boeing’s global leader of HR and Administration, Rick Stephens, father and grandfather, co-founded Raising Families with his wife. Together, they use their knowledge, insight and experience to support parents in becoming joyful, confident and intentional family leaders so they can raise engaging, successful children. 

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The Best Holiday Gifts for Little Artists

by Andie Huber

If you need are looking for a gift for your little Picasso or Frida then look no further than these clever art kits, inspiring creative packs and must-have art supplies that will have little fingers creating masterpieces left and right. Just be warned—you may run out of display space. Check out our favorite gifts for artistic kids below.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

The Best Gifts for Artistic Kids

Eco-Kids Finger Paint

$18.99 BUY NOW

If they won’t eat their veggies, at least your little ones will play with them thanks to these non-GMO finger paints that are made with organic fruits and veggie extracts. Ages 3 & up.

The Dollhouse Book

$19 BUY NOW

This blank canvas / dream house is a must-have for budding artists, interior designers and architects. 30 blank “room” pages are waiting for a creative vision whether it’s full room mock-ups or pattern play. Ages 3 & up.

Color-Changing Markers

$18 BUY NOW

These markers take coloring to the next level thanks to some magical technology that allows you to erase or add designs to the first color. Ages 5 & up.

Roll-Up Piano

$60 BUY NOW

Tickle the ivories in a new, colorful way with this flexible (i.e. easy to store) keyboard. Comes with a color-coded songbook so even beginners will be able to bang out a ballad. Ages 6 & up.

Best Gifts for Artistic Kids

Crochet Kits for Kids

$25 BUY NOW

Beginner amigurumi crochet kits, aka The Cutest Thing Ever are a great introduction to the world of slip and skip stitches—with easy-to-follow instructions, the hardest part is picking which kit to start with. Ages 9 & up.

Best Gifts for Artistic Kids

Solar System Sidewalk Chalk

$43 BUY NOW

Space and art take off with this set of nine plant-inspired chalk pieces (plus an extra one inspired by Pluto). Each ball is made up of various layers (just like the planets!) so as the chalk is used, new colors will be exposed. Ages 3 & up.

S.T.E.A.M. Sculptures

$25 BUY NOW

Who says art isn’t part science? This clever kit is all about building sculptures (hey there, future Michaelangelo!) but also adds the fun element of electricity to light up your masterpiece. Ages 4-7.

Best Gifts for Artistic Kids

DIY Artist Journal Set

$25 BUY NOW

This DIY art kit contains a spiral-bound journal, 10-page watercolor painting pad, 8 watercolor paint tubes, 4 metallic pens, 4 brush markers, stickers, a paintbrush, and even a palette—everything you’ll need to inspire your inner artist. Ages 6 & up.

Paint-by-Sticker Books

$9 BUY NOW

Little fingers will love the peel and stick as well as see their masterpiece come to life. What’s amazing about this sticker book is that it can be tackled in small doses, showing that not all masterpieces are completed in one day. Ages 5 & up.

Best gift for artistic kids

Jungle Bucket of Crafts

$10 BUY NOW

The better question, when it comes to a gift like this, is what can’t you do with a bucket full of craft possibilities? Inside you get wooden craft sticks, googly eyes, pom-poms, fuzzy sticks, felt shapes and more to keep those busy fingers creating all day long. Ages 6 & up.

best gift for artistic kids

Little Artist Board Books

$14.99 BUY NOW

Even babies can get inspired by the artists who changed the world—from Calder to Chaplin—with this colorful chunky board set that depicts painters, sculptures, musicians and performers. Ages 0-5.

best gifts for artistic kids

Leonardo Building Sticks

$65 BUY NOW

Physics but make it art. Thanks to these rainbow-colored popsicle sticks, little artists can explore the mathematical wonder that is Leonardo Da Vinci’s bridge. Of course, when not in use for building, they can be used for a million other creative pursuits. Ages 3 & up.

Make Your Own Comic Book Kit

$20 BUY NOW

Graphic novels have finally gotten their due so give your kid the creative space to create their own comic book with this kit that provides blank cells, rubber stamps, ink pads and a storage box so they can take their creative pursuits with them, no matter where they go. Ages 6 & up.

best gifts for artistic kids

Air Clay Pack

$11 BUY NOW

These little packets of colored air clay will keep everyone in the house busy crafting and creating—whether it’s ornaments for the tree or little accessories to add to their imaginative play set-ups. Air clay is a great, multi-dimensional toy. A must-have for every family. Agest 3 & up.

best gift for artistic kids

Fashion Plate Designer Kit

$24.93 BUY NOW

Get ready to rule the runways with one-of-a-kind designs that budding fashionistas can create to make their own haute couture. Included are 5 fashion plates, crayons, tablet and 8 colored pencils. Ages 6 & up.

—Andie Huber & Editorial Team

Editor’s Note: Prices and availability reflect the time of publication. Images courtesy of retailers.

If you purchase something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

 

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9 Books On Bullying (& Bullying Prevention) Every Family Should Own

by Amber Guetebier

It’s every family’s worst nightmare but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a solution. For kids who have been bullied—or kids who are the aggressor—reading books that address the topic can be an effective teaching tool for learning to stand up for what is right and fostering compassion. From picture books for your little guys to books just for us parents, read on for 9 books we think every parent should own.

Picture Books

My Friend Maggie

Best Books about Bullying
Penguin/Random House

Two friends—Paula and Maggie—have been besties forever, until one day the mean girl Veronica starts criticizing Maggie. That’s when Paula starts to notice that Maggie is big and clumsy. And instead of sticking up for Maggie, Paula starts to play with Veronica instead. Lucky for Paula, Maggie stays true when Veronica goes sour on Paula, too. This is a sweet and beautifully illustrated story by Hannah E. Harrison, about friendship and changes and growing up—just a little bit.

Ages: 4-8

Buy it now, $14

Leave Me Alone

Best Books about Bullying
Barron's

The subtitle tells it all: A Tale of What Happens When You Stand Up to a Bully. The little boy in this story is sad because every day he must face a bully. This little boy also has friends including a frog, a cat, a rabbit and even a cow, and they want to help. But every day the little boy tells them, “There’s nothing you can do for me.” It turns out he’s wrong because the next time the boy encounters the bully, all of his friends join in and shout, “Leave him alone!” Author Kes Cray uses rhyme to tell this important story in a relatable way. Lee Widlish’s illustrations will help your kiddos really understand the lesson of the story, how to face a bully and how to help friends who are bullied.

Ages: 4-7

Buy it now, $9

 

Batty Betty

Best Books about Bullying
Amazon

Feeling “different” can be scary but what if we could teach kids that differences are their strengths and not weaknesses? Batty Betty author Kathryn Hast aims to do just that. When Abel, the tuba, discovers that Eve, the sad banana,  and Betty, a giant, are being bullied by Beavers, he sets out to defeat them. But it turns out, it’s not about winning, but about being okay with who you are. Illustrated by L.M. Phang.

Ages: 0-12

Buy it now, $18

Stop Picking On Me

Best Books about Bullying
Barron's

Written by Pat Thomas, an experienced psychotherapist and counselor, this is a straightforward book aimed at helping addressing bullying and feelings because “bullies only pick on people they know they can hurt.” This book includes a list of parental tips to help kids talk about their feelings and how to address the fears and concerns bullying can bring up, as well as ways to resolve it. Illustrated by Lesley Harker (This book is part of a series of books aimed at addressing common childhood fears and concerns. 

Ages: 5-6

Buy it now, $8 

 

The Infamous Ratsos

Best Books about Bullying
Amazon

A 2017 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book, author Kara LaReau introduced readers last year to the Ratsos. Louie and Ralphie’s dad, Big Lou, teaches them there are two types of people: tough or soft. And his boys are tough, of course. But the Ratso brothers, even when they try to be tough, end up doing good deeds and kind acts instead. Find out how their dad deals with it. Illustrated by Matt Myer.

Ages: 5-8

Buy it now, $15 

Felix Stands Tall

best books about bullying
Candlewick Press

This story, part of Rosemary Well’s vast collection of children’s books, features Felix, a sweet-natured guinea pig who is best friends with Fiona, an extroverted gal who convinces Felix to sing and dance with their in the Guinea Pig Jubilee talent show. When someone starts to taunt Felix for dancing, he wants to curl up in a ball. But, with help from his friend Fiona, he finds the secret to standing up for himself.

Ages: 5-8

Buy it now, $6 

For Middle Grade

Ugly

best books about bullying
Penguin/Random House

This middle-grade memoir about overcoming bullying and thriving with disabilities shows us all that “ugly” is not always a bad thing. No one knows better than the book’s author, Robert Hoge, who was born with a tumor the size of a tennis ball in the middle of his face and short, twisted legs. Surgeons removed his tumor and made him a nose from one of his toes. He was called all kinds of names and dealt with bullying most of his life. Read his remarkable story together with your kids: it will change you life, too!

Ages: 8-12

Buy it now, $8

For Parents

Bullying No More: Understanding and Preventing Bullying

best books about bullying
Barron's

Dr. Kimberly L. Mason offers parents a whole arsenal of tips for how to handle this huge issue, including how to recognize signs of bullying, the different types of bullying, the three main roles kids play in bullying (the bully, the bullied, the bystander), myths and facts about bullying, and intervention and prevention strategies. She also will help you figure out your own parenting style and kid’s response style, to help find the most effective solution for you.

Buy it now, $8 

 

Bullying Solutions: Learn to Overcome from Real Case Studies

best books about bullying
Barron's

Co-authored by Dr. Michael Carpenter and Robin D'Antona, Ed. D., this book compiles 40 real-life examples of various types of bullying and how each one was confronted. It’s real life, so that means not all the outcomes were great, but it helps us as parents understand how our actions and those of other parents, school administrators, children and others involved, can affect change. You’ll get an overview of bullying, including definitions, aggressors and targets, a “toolbox” of facts and myths, and effective tips for intervention.

Buy it now, $6 

—Amber Guetebier

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Disney World’s Star Wars Hotel Is Finally Accepting Reservations This Month

by Shahrzad Warkentin

It’s been several years since Disney World announced plans for Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser. After several special sneak peaks like photos and a trailer, the time has nearly come to book that outer space adventure.

That’s right, starting Thur. Oct. 28, you can book that epic vacation of your dreams! To get all the deets on this immersive experience, keep reading.

If you’re not familiar with the concept of Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, guests will arrive and board at an appointed date and time. Then they’ll proceed to spend the next two days in a fully-immersive Star Wars universe experience where they can take on character roles in their own story.

Guests will enter a Launch Pod with windows where they’ll watch space zoom past them as they make the jump to hyperspace and arrive at the Halcyon. Once they board the starcruiser every window they encounter, including the ones in cabins, will display a view of deep space outside, with changing spacescapes as the Halcyon moves through the galaxy.

The two-day stay aboard the ship will involve a multi-day role playing story in which guests will be able to engage in experiences like wielding a lightsaber while facing off against a training remote, operating the ships defense systems on the bridge and exploring the hidden spaces deep in the mechanics of the ship. Guests will also make a planet-side excursion to the Black Spire Outpost on Batuu during a visit to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

Disney has announced that departures to the starcruiser will launch in the Spring of 2022, but you’re probably here for the real deets: the price. First, it’s important to note that Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser is not just a hotel, it’s a fully immersive experience with tons of perks.

Prices include lodging in a cabin or suite, all food and most non-alcoholic beverages, valet parking, entry into Disney’s Hollywood Studios plus one quick-service meal within the park. That being said, prices will start at $4,809 for two guests per cabin, $5,299 for two adults and one child and $5,999 for three adults and one child.

Who’s ready to head to a galaxy far, far away? Head to the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser’s website starting Oct. 28 to book your stay.

—Shahrzad Warkentin & Karly Wood

All photos: Disney /Lucasfilm

 

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Recall Alert: All Boppy Loungers Are Under Recall due to Suffocation Risk

by Sarah Shebek

Boppy products are super popular with new parents, but the company is facing a massive recall due to reports of eight infant deaths since 2015. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has announced the recall of the Boppy Original Newborn Lounger, Boppy Preferred Newborn Lounger and Pottery Barn Kids Boppy Newborn Loungers.

In total 3.3 million loungers are under recall, which have been sold since 2004 for between $30 and $44. This recall involves all loungers produced, no matter the style or color option. Eight infants reportedly suffocated after being found on their side or on their stomach in the loungers.

“These types of incidents are heartbreaking,” said Acting Chairman Robert S. Adler. “Loungers and pillow-like products are not safe for infant sleep, due to the risk of suffocation. Since we know that infants sleep so much of the time – even in products not intended for sleep – and since suffocation can happen so quickly, these Boppy lounger products are simply too risky to remain on the market.”

Boppy noted that the lounger was not marketed as an infant sleep product and the CSPC continues to emphasize that the best place for an infant to sleep is on a firm, flat surface. If you have one of these loungers or know someone who does, immediately stop using it and contact The Boppy Company for a refund.

––Sarah Shebek

Image courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission 

 

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When You’re at Your Lowest & Nobody Knows

By Laura Costas

Today’s theme is: a time you were at your lowest and nobody knew.

This was Alex’s grade seven graduation day. We were beyond ecstatic. Alex did not enjoy elementary school for the most part. Grade seven was the exception. It was a perfect mix of a fantastic teacher, wonderful aide and a group of lovely kids who all made him feel comfortable and accepted.

The majority of the rest of his time there was hard on all of us. There were so many times when he resisted going. To the point of us having to pry his fingers off the doorframe to not be late.

We got a lot of calls, emails and daily reports about how he wasn’t able to do this or that. He wasn’t even able to just ‘be’ at school. It was disheartening and often traumatic, to say the least. This was a period of years when he had a lot of meltdowns. We were almost always on eggshells waiting for the next one to happen.

This graduation day started off great. We were so happy to be moving on while simultaneously anxious about what high school would bring. I pressed his clothes and helped him dress. I took a moment to admire my handsome boy in his new shirt and blazer that I had bought special for the occasion. He fidgeted a little but managed.

I proceeded to get myself ready and it all started to hit me. The auditorium would soon be filled with all the school staff, students and lots and lots of families. What if it’s all too much for him? What if he has an epic meltdown and we need to physically escort him out of there screaming and crying with all those eyes on us? My face got hot at the thought. All the memories from the past eight years came back. The thought of what if high school is no better?

My mind went down the rabbit hole, and before I knew it, I was breathing really shallow. I felt like I was suffocating. I started to sweat and tremble. I raced to the window and threw it open and stuck my head out for some fresh air, but it was already warm out so that didn’t help. I was having a full on panic attack. I realized it too which made me panic even more. Thankfully, I turned the cold water on and splashed my face and neck and it kind of snapped me out.

I then proceeded to bawl my eyes out and silently ask why everything has to be so hard and why can’t we just enjoy this day like everyone else? I took a few minutes to collect myself and reapply my now smeared makeup.

I didn’t tell anyone. We went to the graduation ceremony and ended up having one of the best days ever with Alex. He was happy and smiling and we got some amazing pictures. No meltdowns. Probably helped that we kept reminding him after that day that he would never have to go back and then we were getting a treat after, lol.

I remember sitting in that school auditorium, looking around at all the parents and thinking, “If you only knew what it took to get us here.”

This post originally appeared on The Autism Ride on Facebook.

Hi! My name is Laura and I'm a mom of two beautiful kids in Vancouver, Canada. I write a blog on Facebook called The Autism Ride, all about the ups and downs in life with our teenaged son on the spectrum.

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