While FOMO may seem like it’s a thing of the past, FOAMO is definitely something you’ll want in your family’s future.
You don’t need to rent special equipment or pay a company to provide entertainment for a fun-filled day. Whether your kiddos need a break from cyber schooling, have a special birthday in the near-future, or just want to get outside and play, Little Tikes has a soapy solution. FOAMO may sound like the latest social media acronym, but it’s actually the name of Little Tikes’ new at-home foam machine.
All you need to do is add water and like magic—you’ll have mounds of cloud-like foam in your yard. When the foam party is done, just pack FOAMO up and store it for your next day of family fun.
Little Tikes FOAMO is made for children ages two and up (with plenty of adult supervision of course) and retails for $179.99. FOAMO comes with a foam machine, foam machine mount, storage container, and .75 gallons of concentrated FOAMO solution. After it’s mixed with water, the solution should last for a full hour to two-hour party. If you want to extend the foamy fun or throw another bubbly bash, you can pick up a refill.
Find Little Tikes FOAMO online and in stores at Amazon, Target and Walmart next week!
Like so many parents this year, to say our family is adjusting to a new way of life would be a massive understatement. Both my wife Jenny and I work full-time, and I’ve gotta admit, it can sometimes make being a full-time parent (our most important jobs) challenging. Meetings are now taken from the kitchen table, often interrupted by at least one photobomb from my youngest son. Time seems irrelevant. The Zoom fatigue is real, and I’ve traded adult conversations over beers, for Star Wars conversations over mac and cheese. Yet, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge how grateful I am to be in a position where everyone in my family is together, healthy, and safe. As some adjustments start to wear on me, I’m finding that others are giving me a new perspective. Life’s been put on hold for a while and I’m here for it.
Being outside in nature is something that I grew up loving, and today it’s still my favorite way to spend time with my family. As the son of a geologist, I developed an unwavering appreciation for nature and the outdoors at a young age. Some of my earliest memories are of my parents, my sister, and me piling into our baby blue station wagon and visiting the National Parks, spending as much time together on the trail as possible.
Yet somehow, somewhere, this simple, back-to-basics, and down to earth (literally), outdoor family time has been replaced with lavish birthday parties, overly competitive team sports, and excessive screen time. Then 2020 came along, and with it, a really big secret I’ve been keeping: many of the adjustments we’re making this year have been softened by the silent satisfaction I feel every time we’ve been forced to put plans on hold.
Another canceled birthday party? “Oh darn.” Rescheduled baseball practice? “Oh well.” Postponed recitals? “There’s always next year!” I find myself not only breathing a sigh of relief but delighted in my contentment of these canceled plans. My 10-going on 16-year-old daughter later explained to me that “…it’s called JOMO, Daaaaaaadddddd….” (aka, the joy of missing out).
For me, time spent outdoors with my family is and always has been quality time in its purest form. Even when I’m not working, as CEO of a leading health & wellness platform I often catch myself physically in the presence of my family but mentally focused on work. Now, as I find myself with more time to commit to my family, we’ve made a point to get outside together at least once a day. Sometimes it’s just a walk or quick bike ride around the neighborhood. Other times we have enough flexibility to hit the trail for a family hike. Slowly but surely, as we rack up the miles, it’s become apparent to me that time spent together on the trail is drastically different from time spent together indoors. I’m not a doctor, but something about getting your blood pumping outdoors with your tribe does incredible things for bonding, morale, and overall happiness. The sibling fights stop. The conversations start. Questions are asked. Curiosity is at an all-time high. We’re mentally and physically recharged. We’re connected. We’re a team.
Even when Jenny and I were stressed about homeschooling, I quickly realized that my kids were learning things they could have never learned from a book, absorbing life lessons that are molding them for the future, all while getting dirty on the trail. I personally do my best thinking while outdoors, but to watch lightbulb after lightbulb go off in each of my kiddo’s brains as they overturn rocks, race up hills, and play hot lava has been one of my most rewarding parenting moments to date. I’ve always wanted to make sure that the wild places that shaped me are still here to continue teaching and be appreciated by my children. Now, I’m watching this desire unfold as my kids step up, learn to appreciate our planet, experience her beauty, and develop a renewed sense of protecting our environment.
Time may seem irrelevant right now, but ironically, it’s the gift of time that’s helped me stop and appreciate the little things – the truly important things. During such an unprecedented period, it’s necessary that we come together as a community, look outside of ourselves, and help impart change. Yet, amongst all the anxiety and angst, I’m thankful for even the chaotic moments that I share with my personal Schneidermann community of five. As we start to adjust to whatever our new normal will be, I’m taking a new and improved outlook on the mental and physical health of my family with me. I’m not sure what the rest of the year will hold; none of us are. But you better believe, I’ll be taking my time. Bring on the JOMO.
Ron Schneidermann is the CEO of AllTrails, a leading health and fitness app that helps people find and navigate trails for hiking and other outdoor activities. An avid mountain biker, Ron lives in Northern California with his family where he is living out his favorite role - dad.
When the parenting headlines match what’s happening in our own homes, we know something’s afoot. And from Tinkergarten team members’ stories to the New York Times, one theme emerged: regression.
Why are our kids regressing, how can we muster the patience to help them through, and, worse yet, will these setbacks persist on the other side of this? I’ve read a handful of articles aimed to support on this front, and they have helped. But, it wasn’t until the other night when I was talking to treasured colleagues on Zoom that something fundamental clicked for me: We are all on a roller coaster, and our kids are strapped in with us.
A metaphor goes a long way.
In teaching both kids and parents, a simple metaphor can help make tricky concepts click—and this idea of a roller coaster has done that for me. Some of us can’t stand roller coasters. I love them, but only the ones I choose to get on and the ones that, I can tell, come to a clear end. COVID-19 fits neither of those criteria, and it is quite an intense ride.
I have kept so busy trying to do all of the quarantine parent/worker/person things, that I had not really stopped to recognize the intense emotional side of COVID-19 life—to see plainly what me, my kids and those I love are experiencing.
If we are feeling it, they are really feeling it.
Hearing and really recognizing that we have every reason to feel like a wreck can go a long way. And if I am a mess with an adult brain that is capable of rationalizing and regulating my emotions, then how can I possibly expect more of my child, who is not yet able to do either of those things? When kids are overwhelmed emotionally, they show a range of responses—from clinging to us more to acting out, tantruming or struggling with siblings. Just knowing that all of those reactions are totally normal and to be expected during a time like this can help.
Kids regress, especially during times of stress.
If you are worried at all about setbacks in your child’s behavior, check out NYTimes Parenting’s recent “Why is My Big Kid Acting Like a Toddler.” It reminds us that regression, the return to earlier stages of development, is actually a mechanism that kids use to protect themselves from the impact of strong emotions. It might not make the fifth tantrum of the day delightful to endure or make it easy for you to find space from a clingy kiddo who used to leave you alone. But knowing that regression is not only natural but also emotionally beneficial for our kiddos lessens both the worry and our struggle to prevent it—and that struggle was making my “tired” even bigger and bolder at the end of the day.
There are a few ways to smooth out the ride.
How can we smooth things out so the highs and lows are not so extreme?
“Thoughts come and go. Feelings come and go. Find out what it is that remains.” —Ramana Marhashi
Breathe deeply. When you are in a rough moment, alone or with your kids, give it some time. Repeat a mantra like, “This too shall pass.” Then, remember to notice how it really does. Even if it takes until your kiddo is fast asleep, see that kids do become sweet again—these moments come, and they go.
Get outside and move! When tough moments hit, step outside or just open a window and take in some fresh air. Natural settings reduce stress, and the switch of scenery and sensory input can help kids and grown-ups to calm and regulate our emotions. At the very least, it can redirect their attention a bit to help the moment pass. We end every day with a walk outside—and there have been some days in which the kids and I, quite literally, are all crying by 5:30 p.m. By the end of our walk, we are back, tired and worn, but ready for dinner and some sweet cuddling.
Cuddle or soothe. Do this in a way that works for your child. Attention, reassurance, and reminders that we are right here for them is what kids need most right now. And, one of the silver linings in all of this is that, for most of us, we are right there—all the time. Experts know that physical touch can enhance brain development and help regulate kids’ nervous systems. In other words, it’s exactly what they might need to break free of a negative cycle. If your child seeks and readily receives physical affection, give loads of extra hugs, squeezes, and touches. If kids will accept a hug when they are off the rails, hold and squeeze them through it. Or, wait until later and cuddle again before the day is through. Even add in extra squeezes as you move through the day.
Mindful “you time.” It is really, really hard to get time for ourselves in the middle of all of this, and you need moments of solo, meditative time to repair. So, even if it is just 10 daily minutes of meditation in bed before kids wake up, a 7-minute workout while they watch a show, or just taking a few moments in the bathroom for yourself, build it in and savor it.
This is a lot, it’s hard, and it’s extraordinary. I’ve realized that so much of the regression that kids and I are feeling is a reflection of this incredible situation. Humans are not meant to be or feel isolated. We contemplate the present and future and need to understand where we are going and have hope for better times. We are experiencing loss and anxiety. Our dreams are even impacted. This is real and big. But, this too shall pass. For now, we need to do whatever we and our kids need to get through until it’s finally time to get off this ride and stand on solid ground again.
After 18 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Today, Meghan serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, the national leader in outdoor play-based learning.
Every Tuesday and Thursday our youngest boy, Jackson, has soccer practice. It’s in a wonderful park by the river, and when the weather is nice it’s a great place to take a stroll on the miles of paths. Or, if you aren’t up for a walk, you can certainly set up a folding chair in the shade of some old Sycamore trees and watch your second graders play soccer.
However, another option seems to be the most poplular choice, which is to sit in your idling car with the air conditioning on while texting for the entirety of the 90-minute practice!
I’m not kidding, this is what the other moms do. Last night it was a beautiful evening, about 70 degrees and sunny with slight breeze and I was the only parent out in the fresh air. At times one of the moms would leave the sterile, air-conditioned nirvana of their idling SUV to walk over to another car to chat, but most stayed put for the entire duration of soccer practice.
So, a beautiful spring evening is not the only thing wasted in this scenario, as idling for long periods of time wastes gas and dumps carbon dioxide into the air. This practice is obviously not environmentally friendly—and here’s the math to prove it.
An idling SUV uses about 7/10 of a gallon of gas per hour and releases about 9 pounds of CO2 into the air.
These moms idle for 90 minutes each, which means that during every practice each of these cars waste over a gallon of gas and releases about 14 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere.
Last night,six of the 10 moms engaged in this wasteful practice, so for each practice that equals more than 6 gallons of gas plus 82 pounds of carbon dioxide released into the air during just one soccer practice.
(Sidenote: With that amount of gas, a Prius could drive from Philadelphia to Boston!)
Anyway, this peticular Spring soccer session has 10 weeks of practices, so you can imagine how this adds up.
I’m not trying to preach about the environment here, I’m just fascinated by this practice on several levels. Every week this armada of idling SUVs and minivans slowly forms like clockwork, and every week I’m the only person out in the fresh air.
Most nights I’ll take our dog for a walk on the scenic paths along the river, but for at least part of the practice I’ll just be just sitting there on my folding chair, listening to the din of idling cars. (I’ve been guilty of using a few minutes of the time to track my WW points, but I try to keep my phone holstered.) So, I need to know why they do it!
Here are a few possibilies:
These moms are afraid they might encouter a mosquito.
Kids’ peanut allergies get all of the attention while millions of parents (like these) silently suffer through severe grass allergies.
It’s not a random grouping at all. These moms are not texting, but coding! In fact, they may be our last line of defence against Russian hackers!
More than likely, they are just acting like pampered zombies.
They say that “grit” is the key ingredient to success, so what kind of example are these timorous parents setting for their kids? I want to yell at them, “Turn off the A/C, put down your phone and get outside!”
Anyway, I’m trying to figure out if this is just a local phenomenon or a common practice around the country. They say that about 3 million kids play soccer each year, so if this is happening everywhere, I may have discovered the hidden source of climate change!
I'm Missy, a mother of three and a middle school drama teacher at a private school. I'm obsessed with my Vizsla (dog), traveling, and the musical Hamilton. I also enjoy writing and sharing fun parenting stories, which is what brought me here.
“Alexa, how do I go to a friend house and not germs?” My heart sank. My incredibly resilient, almost-four-year-old had had enough of sheltering in place. I had seen earlier signs of fatigue and didn’t realize it. A couple of weeks ago he had started inviting the entire cast of Paw Patrol over to the house to stay for dinner. Yes, he regularly engages in pretend play, but this was different. He made a big deal over opening the door to the house each time they “came over” and welcoming them in.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on all of us, introverts and extroverts alike. As a people, we are accustomed to doing things when and how we want to do them. No more is this visible than at the preschool age where our children are developmentally just able enough to start grasping what’s going on, but not quite able to understand things on a meaningful level. For our particular preschooler, we broke things down into simple soundbites: there are bad germs in the air; we don’t want to get sick; everybody is staying home as much as they can, so we don’t mix with the bad germs. We can’t visit our friends and they can’t visit us. This worked for the first couple of weeks. The extroverted and socially dynamic child that he is, we found ourselves in a quandary. How do we keep him connected and safe at the same time? Through trial and error, we found some things that are working for us, as usual, your mileage may vary:
1. Arrange a Distance Picnic with Friends. Yes, you can picnic outside with your friends, it just takes a bit of creativity. Here’s where ingenuity is essential. Use your WI-FI connection to have virtual picnics across distances.
If you don’t have WI-FI, or if your friends are right next door another option is picnicking “across the fence.” Yet another is meeting at a place that’s big enough to allow all of you to be close, but separate. With restrictions easing up, this is now much more doable, and safer. Just please, use your common sense. You cannot take care of your child if you are sick.
2. Teleconferencing Is Not Just for Adults. We’ve had much success setting up one-on-one playdates between our child and his friends via videoconference. Essential for us has been limiting the number of children on the “call.” We’ve found that when there are two or three kids their participation is more natural and they each take turns. The higher the number of kids, the more chaos ensues.
3. Stay Connected in Different Ways. Have your child draw pictures for their friends and send them by mail. Do the same thing for family members that are not with them. Teach them about the value of sending notes, even if it’s a simple “Hi” that is crudely written, photographed, and texted across the ether. When reading a story with your child, ask them questions like: “Does this remind you of . . .?” “Wouldn’t your friend like this story too? Keep their friends present by referencing them in your daily interactions.
4. Get Outside and Distract—Take Long, Active Walks in Your Neighborhood. Going for a walk is a wonderful distraction that gets the blood pumping and provides healthy exercise for the whole family. However, I’m not advocating a simple, family walk. There are lots of different types of walks you can take to engage your child. Here are two examples:
A Sensory Hunt: Make a list of sensory activities that you can “discover” on your walk throughout the neighborhood. Is there a tree that can be climbed? Is there an airplane/helicopter that can be heard? Are there flowers that can be smelled? Are there rocks/grasses/bricks that can be touched? The possibilities for the list are endless. Have your child explain to you what sense is being used for each object. Not only does it get you outside of the house, but it also gets your mind, and the child’s mind engaged in critical thinking skills.
An Activity Scavenger Hunt: This activity is a hit with our energetic four-year-old and we owe it to his dedicated PE teacher! Make a list of objects to find on the scavenger hunt: a red car, a blue bicycle, etc…Then, make a list of activities you have to do for each object that is found: 5 jumping jacks, 4 knee bends, 3 squats, 4 tumbles, etc. When the object is found, you engage in the activity. You can also substitute Yoga poses for activities!
I have to be honest, after my son asked Alexa the question, I was hoping against hope that she would answer, taking us off the hook. Of course, she said, “I don’t know what you mean,” and we were left to our own devices. When his dark brown eyes looked towards me for a response, I said, “Honey, I want you to visit with your friends too. And, I promise that when we can do it and make sure everybody stays safe, we will.” Placated for the moment, he said “Okay,” and rushed to the door to announce that the Paw Patrol would be coming for dinner.
Father, children's book critic, writer, judge, director, actor and amature photographer—together with his husband of 25 years—raising an energetic four-year old! "Parent is not just a noun, it's a verb. If you're ever in doubt as to what to do, substitute the word caregiver. It will steer you in the right direction."
Being a parent is one of the most demanding jobs out there, but being a caregiver on top of it all can be completely overwhelming. You might feel like you’re drowning in responsibilities and have almost no time to meet your own needs.
The good news is, you’re not alone. Over 65 million people in America serve as caregivers in some way, shape or form. Whether you have a child with special needs, or are caring for an aging parent, there are resources available to help you. Let’s take a look at some of those resources, and some helpful tips for how to balance your time.
1. Hold family meetings
One way to find a healthy balance as a parent/caregiver is to hold regular family meetings. Your family needs to know that they are just as important as the person you are taking care of. Meeting together gives everyone an opportunity to share how they’re feeling and provide input.
Try to create an open environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing. You can also use this time to provide updates on any changes to your family member’s medical care or daily routine. These meetings don’t have to be super formal, but choosing a set day of the week or month can be helpful in managing expectations.
2. Ask for help
If there’s one universal truth about being a caregiver, it’s that no one can do it alone. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to ask for help. Help can take many forms and will look different for everyone, depending on your circumstances.
You might have the funds to hire a nanny to watch your kids part-time or pay a professional to take care of your loved one while you run errands. If you’re on a tight budget, ask family members for help or try trading babysitting hours with a neighbor.
There are also a myriad of resources available to caregivers depending on the illness or disability of your loved one. For example, the Alzheimer’s Association operates a 24/7 help line, and the National Alliance for Caregiving offers free guidebooks. Even Facebook groups can provide some relief from like-minded people.
Be sure to take advantage of community programs for your children as well. Many after-school programs offer financial aid, and organizations like 4-H or the YMCA can be extremely helpful.
3. Keep track of finances
Chances are, the person you’re taking care of has funds available to help ease the financial burden of being a caregiver. However, your time and money will be stretched thin, especially as a parent. Create a budget and stick to it, and save as much as you can. You never know when a medical emergency will arise.
If your children are school-age, look into getting financial assistance from the school lunch program. Some Title 1 school districts even offer meals during the summer to help out low-income families.
There are also a few options you may be able to take advantage of such as long-term care insurance and community outreach programs dedicated to helping caregivers.
4. Update medical coverage
Enrolling in Medicare (for those over 65 or on disability) can be tricky, which is why you should review your loved one’s policies. Make sure to update their policy during the annual open enrollment period or when any changes arise, and avoid penalties for late enrollment.
Your loved one may also be eligible for Medicaid—government subsidized healthcare—so be sure to find out the specifics of your state’s coverage and apply.
5. Take care of your mental health
Depression is a common side-effect of becoming a caregiver, which is why you should make your mental health a priority. Here are just a few ways to combat feeling depressed and overwhelmed with your circumstances:
Find ways to stay active
Chasing after toddlers is a workout on its own, but doing some additional cardio throughout the week will give you endorphins and build your stamina. Go on walks with your loved one if they’re able to leave the house and get your children involved. Yoga is another great activity for caregivers because it increases flexibility and relieves stress.
Eat a balanced diet
As any parent knows, this can be extremely difficult when time is scarce. If you have room in your budget, try a food subscription service like Hello Fresh or Blue Apron to take the stress of meal planning off your shoulders. Otherwise, be sure to work fruits and vegetables into your family’s daily routine wherever you can.
Get outside
Vitamin D is one of the best ways to fight off depression so take advantage of any opportunity to get outside, like checking the mail or walking the kids to the bus stop—just be sure to wear sunblock. For cloudy climates and winter months look into buying a happy light to keep indoors.
Take time for yourself
This advice probably sounds the least achievable, but carving even a few minutes out of each day for yourself can work wonders for your mental health. Read a page from a fun book, write in your journal, meditate or take a hot bath after the kids have gone to bed. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s something you enjoy.
See a therapist
If you do start to feel depressed, see a therapist right away. Therapy often carries a negative stigma in our culture, but there’s no reason to feel embarrassed about seeking help from a professional. If you had a broken leg, you would see a doctor to get it fixed. Mental health is just as important.
If you’re still feeling overwhelmed after reading this, don’t worry. With time, you’ll fall into a rhythm that works for your family. Just remember to seek help from friends, family, professionals, and organizations specific to your situation. Finding balance as a parent and a caregiver can be difficult, but it is possible.
Kendra is a writer for Eligibility.com who loves healthy living, the outdoors, and obsessing over plants. When she isn’t writing, Kendra can be found exploring the mountains with her puppy or curled up at home with a good book.
I heard this phrase the other day, “Something of value to your heart” and I wondered how we can turn these circumstances into something of value to our hearts? A lot of us either have more time than we’ve had before or less time. Whichever category you fall into, how can you curate your days so that they bring value to your heart? One way to do this is to hold your own at-home retreat.
Before the quarantine, many of us may have taken a weekend or a week and go off somewhere to experience time with friends, sought out the quiet we crave to be able to think, make decisions, re-energize or relax—so why not do this now in the comfort of our own home as a way to create calm and community?
I’ve created two schedules for you to follow. One is for those who have more time and the second is for those who have less time. You can commit to doing this for an hour, a day, a few days, a week. You can sit in meditation for as little or as long as you want—it is completely up to you; however, the idea is that this is going to give you the practice to start moving you towards that thing that brings value to your heart. And while you’ll be in separate places, this is also something that you can do with friends at the same time. This at-home retreat will give you some quiet within the noise that surrounds you, bringing a sense of calm to the uncertainty.
For Those with More time:
Set Your Intention: What is bringing you to do this right now?
Mindful Movement: This is doing any movement that feels good to your body, and paying attention to the movement. You circle your hips and put your attention on the sensation of what it feels like. You dance in your kitchen and put your attention on the way your arms are moving.
Breakfast: Eat something fresh. Fruit is a great way to begin the day. Think of something light.
Meditation: Sit for 5 -30 minutes, whichever feels best for you. You can do guided meditations or on your own.
Walk: As spring is here, take this time to get outside and go for a walk.
Journal: You can do three pages of stream of consciousness writing, or write out what it is you’re grateful for. You can also use the following prompts: How can I take care of myself today? How do I want to feel today? What brings me joy?
Lunch: Eat something fresh. A nice salad with protein. Again, go for something light. Hydrate.
Meditation: Sit for 5 -30 minutes, whichever feels best for you. You can do guided meditations or on your own.
Walk: Take this time to explore your neighborhood or places you’ve wondered about but never felt like you had the time to visit.
Listen to an Educational Talk: Turn on a TEDx talk or do a search for something you’ve wanted to learn about.
Meditation: Sit for 5-30 minutes, whichever feels best for you. You can do guided meditations or on your own.
Dinner: Make yourself a warm, comforting meal
Talk with Friends: Plan the call ahead of time so you know what time you’ll be connecting. You can invite a group of your friends to join together. If you do this retreat with friends, this would be the time for all of you to connect and talk about your experiences. Or if you aren’t doing this with friends, use this time to connect with someone who you really enjoy talking with, and who you can have a conversation with that will leave you feeling fulfilled, inspired, and motivated.
Read: Pick up the book you’ve been trying to read for the last few months.
Stretch: Do some simple stretches to let your body know it’s time for rest.
Sleep: Do a Yoga Nidra meditation to prepare your body for sleep.
For Those with Less Time:
Set Your Intention: What is bringing you to do this right now?
Mindful Movement
Meditation: Sit for 5-10 minutes whichever feels best for you. You can do guided meditations or on your own.
Breakfast
Lunch: Stop what you’re doing and take lunch. Sit with your children or with your partner or roommates. Eat something fresh. A nice salad with protein. Again, go for something light. And hydrate.
Walking Meditation: After lunch get outside and go for a walk. Even if it’s only around the block. While you’re walking notice the trees, the sounds in the environment, welcome everything you hear with non-judgment and friendly attention. Notice how your arms move when you walk, the feeling of your feet in your shoes. If you notice you’re caught up in thought, say thanks for sharing, and then as yourself focus on what your feet are doing, what your are hands doing.
Cynthia Kane is a certified meditation and mindfulness instructor and the founder of the Kane Intentional Communication Institute. She is the author of How to Communicate Like a Buddhist, Talk to Yourself Like a Buddhist, and the upcoming book, How To Meditate Like A Buddhist.
With another weekend of social distancing upon us, you may be running low on ideas to keep the kids entertained. Luckily, we have a few suggestions. From crafts to virtual tours to local hikes and more, check out some of these options for weekend family fun!
Who says your kids have to miss out on school field trips since schools are closed? These virtual spots let you and the kids travel without having to leave the house!
Make Sweet DIY Music
Did you know you can make instruments with stuff sitting around your house? These DIY instruments will inspire you to start a family band.
NYC Faves Go Online
With museums and shows across the state temporarily closing, they’re moving their access online. From daily videos to 360-degree tours, these are great ways to pass the time indoors.
Get Outside
As long as the weather cooperates, and you keep your distance from others, getting out to local parks for a hike is a great way for kids to burn off energy after being inside for long periods of time. Check out some of these trails around NYC. Maybe you can throw in a nature scavenger hunt!
The Story Pirates to the Rescue
Everyone’s favorite group of top comedians, musicians, best-selling authors, and teachers are rolling out the Story Pirates Creator Club especially for kids to work on while at home. Check it out!
Batteries Not Included
Worried the kids are spending too much time on a screen now that they’re inside most of the time? These activities are just the ticket for some fun without screen time or without battery operated toys.
Recent research from The Genius of Play shows that parents spend almost as much one-on-one time with their devices as they do with their kids, but staying inside when the cold weather hits should never be an excuse for more screen time and less activity.
Getting everyone off the couch and interacting isn’t just essential for kids’ physical well-being but for everyone’s sanity. So, put down your devices and get inspired by these cold-weather activities that families can do together any snowy season:
Use What You’ve Got. Those couch cushions are made for a lot more than just sitting. It doesn’t take much to inspire kids’ imaginations so grab some of the kid-safe items around your home—couch cushions, pillows, boxes, and more—and create your own indoor obstacle course or play classic pretend games like “the floor is lava” (jumping from cushion to cushion to avoid the lava) to use up some of your kids’ pent-up energy. You can also work together to make snowmen out of alternative materials or build the coziest blanket/pillow fort ever. All these activities allow kids to explore their creativity, whether it’s by customizing an ultimate oasis that fits their needs—from tea parties to reading nooks and beyond—or making a snowman out of cookies for an added tasty treat.
Host Your Own Winter Games. No, we don’t mean the Olympics—we mean the perfect winter board games. Chances are you already have a few fan-favorite options to choose from. Games are an activity the whole family can play together to beat winter boredom while aiding the development of critical cognitive, social, and motor skills in the process such as problem-solving. Classic games that offer easy, no-fuss play can range from skill-and-action games like Jenga to card games like Uno, which can help kids practice matching and identifying colors and numbers. At the same time, these types of activities help enhance the bonds within families and benefit adults as well, such as reducing the stress of being cooped up indoors for a few days.
Get Outside. Yes, it might be cold. Yes, it might be an event simply getting kids in all their winter gear. But getting outdoors in winter can present plenty of fun adventures for kids. Much of what kids learn about their world begins with play, and snow serves multiple play benefits. It encourages kids to explore their world through new snow-covered glasses and experience and master new activities such as skiing their first bunny slope, ice skating on the town pond, riding a sled, or building a snowman. Snow certainly offers a full-body workout for kids, but it can also be an equally great source for quiet sensory play.
It’s easy to feel a bit jaded about winter weather as an adult. It’s cold, it’s dark—we get it. But don’t forget, something as simple as a snowy walk with your child or making cups of marshmallow-filled hot cocoa together can offer moments of pure magic for everyone.
Anna Yudina is the Director of Marketing Initiatives for The Toy Association™, a not-for-profit trade association that represents toy companies. Currently, she’s spearheading The Genius of Play™, a parent-focused movement raising awareness of play as a crucial part of child development and encouraging families to make time for play daily.
Picture this: you’ve had a tough day with the kids, didn’t get enough sleep, are worrying about the future and still haven’t planned dinner. Sound familiar? The pressures of parenting catch up with all of us, but there’s a simple 20-minute hack to get rid of stress and The pressures of parenting catch up with all of us, but there’s a simple 20-minute hack to get rid of stress and you’ll want to try it, STAT.
A study by the University of Michigan recently published in Frontiers in Psychology has found that the key to reducing your stress hormone levels is taking a 20-minute walk in nature. Permission to get outside and enjoy nature has been granted!
The “nature pill” as the study coined it, lowers the stress hormone cortisol when you time to walk for at least 10 minutes, three times a week. Researchers found the hormone was lowered by at least ten percent and that’s all we need to hear!
When it comes to finding your piece of nature, it’s up to you. Anywhere you feel you’re coming into nature fits the bill––a city park, a forest or a lovely field. There are just a few catches to get the most out of your nature pill. First, you need to take your walks during the day. Second, no reading, texting, talking, social media or even exercising! Communing with nature may not take long to get the stress-relieving benefits, but it does need your full attention.
So the next time your partner comes home after a long day, be sure to tell them you’re just taking your nature pill before hitting the trail––alone.
