From simple, everyday interactions to more serious, big-picture issues, there are important life lessons we dads can—and should—share to help a young boy grow into a courageous, honorable, and kind adult. That said, we realize that not all families include fathers, so these words of wisdom for a father-son talk apply to any parent figure who wants to help their child stand a little taller and do good in the world.

I’ll always be here for you.
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. Reminding your son that you always are available to him and mindful of his needs will go a long way in establishing and building trust over time. Mindful parenting means being present in the moment and aware of what’s happening. Modeling positive, supportive behavior while your son is young will show him that good men are reliable and responsible.

Treat others with compassion and empathy.
The Golden Rule may be a simple principle to follow, but teaching empathy can provide a deeper framework for how people should behave regardless of circumstance. Fostering empathy can help young boys to find commonalities between themselves and others who are seemingly different—and encourages them to positively and proactively think about and care for others.

Related: Daughters (Who’ll Conquer the World) Need to Hear These 8 Things

father-son-talk-playing-basketball
iStock

Winning is great, but losing with grace and humility is just as important.
Good sportsmanship is a beneficial trait that goes well beyond what happens on the playing field. By teaching our sons how to win and lose with dignity, we’re giving them strong interpersonal relationship skills that will serve them well in many other aspects of their lives besides sports. Telling them that the main point of competition is to have fun will alleviate the feeling of needing to win at any cost, and allows them to enjoy themselves.

Surround yourself with people you admire.
Dads can’t always pick our son’s friends, but we can encourage them to choose their friendships wisely. Find out who your son admires and who his heroes are, and you’ll quickly discover the kinds of people he wants to emulate. Real friendships are fundamental in early childhood development, so teaching our sons how to find good friends and be good friends will help guide them in the right direction.

I can teach you how to throw a punch, but never start a fight… and always know when to walk away.
A parent should teach their son when to stand their ground and when to walk away. Establishing a baseline that it’s never appropriate to hurt others for no reason is a critical, essential first step.

Never make an important decision on an empty stomach.
Over the course of a young boy’s life, he’ll have to make many important decisions. These are just warm-ups to the big ones that he’ll have to make as an adult, and every dad knows that important decisions should never be made on an empty stomach. There’s a science to explain why people become grumpy or have poorer judgment when they are hungry. Remind your kid to have a full belly before making any major decisions.

It’s OK to play with dolls.
Or dress up as Beyoncé. Or sing like Beyoncé. Or dance like Beyoncé. By the time most boys are five years old, they’ve already learned lots of things that perpetuate toxic masculinity. Break the cycle by letting your son know that there are no such things as “girls-only toys” or “girls-only behaviors.” Instead, teach your son that there’s more than one way to be a man.

Honesty matters.
Whether it’s telling the truth about a broken window/bike/toy or speaking up against bullies, honestly is always the best policy.

What was the best part of your day?
At the end of a long day of work and school, many dads will simply ask their sons, “How was your day?” And the typical response is a bluntly delivered, “Fine.” Rather than try to start a conversation with a generic question, be specific. Avoid questions that can be answered with a single word. As our kids get older—particularly as they enter their tween and teen years—they may be less inclined to volunteer information about what’s happening in their lives. Asking pointed questions will help tease out what’s really going on and what’s really on their minds.

Let’s talk about sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
Because if you’re not the person who’s initiating conversations with your son about topics as important as these, then someone else inevitably will, and that someone else may not always have your kid’s best interests in mind. There are plenty of resources to help parents talk to their kids about sensitive and sometimes awkward topics. At the very least, make sure your son has a handle on the basics from the school of rock.

I’m so lucky that I get to be your dad.
And while you’re at it, tell your son that you love him every day, and give him lots of hugs and kisses, especially while he’s still young so that he gets used to receiving affection from (and giving it to) his old man.

Get ready to binge season 7

It seems like only yesterday we were flipping out over the new trailer for season six of Workin’ Moms on Netflix. The show officially wrapped in September, not only for season seven but for the series as well. CBC fans have already been able to see the season—it premiered on CBC in early January. Netflix fans will be thrilled to hear that the network just announced that the seventh and final season will drop on April 26.

In June 2022, creator, executive producer and star Catherine Reitman announced the show was officially coming to an end.

In a press release, Reitman remarked: “To our incredible fans, making this show has been the ride of my life. Philip and I hit the ground, day one of season one, with a three-month-old and a two-year-old, watching as we pressed forward on one mission: to tell the stories of four flawed mothers, who dared to be something beyond their nurseries. Going to work every day, whether in the room with our brilliant writers, on set with our extraordinary cast or in post with the best producing team in the business, has cemented in me the importance of telling stories that have meaning, surrounded by artisans who get it.”

“But like any story, there must be an ending. And so, it is with love and gratitude that I’m announcing season seven as our final season. The biggest thank you to our partners, CBC and Netflix, for getting behind a show that points a flashlight into the darkest corners of motherhood. To those of you who’ve stopped me on the street, to share your love of the show—I see you. I hear you. And I thank you. Go get ’em mamas…”

Workin’ Moms Season 7 Plot

Per the release, season seven “will see the women confront demons from their past in order to move forward into their future… As we bid farewell to Kate, Anne, Sloane, Jenny, and Val, it’s up to each of them to decide the impact they’ll leave with their work, the traits they’ll pass on to their children, and ultimately, how much more sh*t they’re willing to take as workin’ moms.”

If you weren’t already familiar, the hit mom-com, which airs on Canadian network CBC before making its way to Netflix, follows Toronto moms as they navigate motherhood, maternity leave, relationships and being a professional. To get an idea of what you’re in for, you can check out the season six trailer below. (Full disclosure: It’s for mature audiences so make sure there are no little eyes and ears in the room when you click “play!”)

Developed by Black-ish star Reitman and based on her own experiences as a working mom, the show delves right into some of the more hilarious aspects of motherhood: baby yoga, those blasted baby strollers and dealing with the hilarious devastation of spilled breast milk. But that was just the beginning.

As the kids have grown over the last six seasons, so do the moms and their scenarios. For all its hilarity, the show still manages to touch on some serious and all-too-real topics, like postpartum depression, post-baby relationship struggles and the drive to be a successful career woman and a mom—all at the same time. It handles these topics with honesty and grace and makes it totally binge-worthy.

Workin’ Moms Season 7 Cast

Season seven sees the return of Dani Kind as Anne, Jessalyn Wanlim as Jenny, Philip Sternberg as Nathan, Ryan Belleville as Lionel, Sarah McVie as Val, Sadie Munroe as Alice, Peter Keleghan as Richard, Nikki Duval as Rosie and Enuka Okuma as Sloane Mitchell.

Workin’ Moms Season 7 Release Date

CBC’s Workin’ Moms is available in its entirety (seasons 1-6 at least) on Netflix. Season seven premiered on CBC and CBC Gem in January 2023, and its global premiere on Netflix is on April 26th, 2023.

You want to tell your daughter what she needs to hear. Here are our favorite inspiring words to use

When it comes to helping your daughter become a strong woman, it’s important to offer compliments and inspiring words in a way that boosts self-esteem and confidence. Words are powerful, and when they come from a grown-up they can make a huge difference. From appreciating her creative side to how far and fast her strong legs will carry her, here are 20 ways to praise your daughter today (and every day). And here are 10 times your daughter shouldn’t have to say “I’m sorry.

a picture of a girl who just heard inspiring words, like quotes for a daughter, from her parent
iStock

1. Thanks for giving me a hug, I needed that. As kids grow older, they're less likely to want to snuggle up with mom or dad. When they do show affection, let them know it's as important to you as it's always been. 

2. I trust you. It's important kids know you trust them—it's the foundation for good communication once they hit the tween years

3. You are a good friend. Teaching kids about the power of healthy relationships is the key to raising strong adults.  

4. I love how hard you worked on this project, and how you stuck with it even when you got frustrated. Focus on how they overcame the challenge and what they accomplished.

5. You make the world a better place just by being in it. And if anyone thinks otherwise, it's their loss!

a happy girl who heard inspiring words
iStock

6. Don't let mean kids tell you what to think of yourself. Your self-esteem belongs to only you.

7. I'm so happy you're in my life. After all, wouldn't you want to hear that from someone you love?

8. Isn't it great that your strong legs can help you run super fast? Praising the things a little girl can do with her body instead of noticing how it looks will help her appreciate, and strive for, a healthy lifestyle.

9. I love the color combo you've got going on today, it's very creative! Nice things to say to your daughter don't have to focus on just looks. Compliment your daughter on her outfit when you focus on her creativity, rather than how pretty she looks.

10. You are a kind person. Compliments for girls that focus on kindness, courage, and honesty will go far in building self-esteem.

Related: 5 Things Never Ever to Say to Your Daughter

Photo by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash
Eye for Ebony via Unsplash

11. I am proud of you. Because kids need to hear this from their parents. Every. Day.

12. I’m impressed with how you solved/built/created that. Can you show me a thing or two?! Praise your daughter for her critical thinking and problem-solving prowess.

13. I think you are a great leader. One of the best things you can do for your daughter is to show her that being a leader isn’t just “being bossy.”

14. Just be yourself. It’s enough. Girls are constantly being told they aren’t enough, and it's time to break the cycle and instill confidence.

15. Your ideas are important, and I want to hear them. Kids in general, but especially girls, need to know their ideas are awesome and worth sharing.

Brittney Fort

16. Your inner beauty and kindness shine through your personality. Outer beauty is a bonus.

17. Your bright smile shows me how happy you are. Your daughter is smiling for a reason, and when you notice, it'll make her even happier. 

18. You're strong, you're smart, and you can change the world. Because she can!

19. I'm here for you. She needs to know that she can come to you for anything and that you'll be ready to listen.  

20. I'm sorry. No one is perfect, and sometimes we lose our cool. An apology shows that we can admit when we're wrong, which is an important life skill. 

Related: Daughters (Who’ll Conquer the World) Need to Hear These 8 Things

 

 

 

It’s a tale as old as time: parents swiping kids’ hard-earned Halloween candy. Let’s be honest, it’s just too easy to do. Now Klondike and Breyers have a new program that incentivizes honesty around holiday theft with a tasty BOGO offer.

This month, when you’re feeling tempted by that pile of treats, text “Confess” to 64827. You’ll receive a buy-one-get-one free offer good for Klondike REESE’S bars and Breyers REESE’S frozen treats. How sweet is that?

The offer is good for a 6-pack of Klondike bars or a 48 ounce tub of Breyers REESE’S Chocolate or REESE’S & REESE’S Pieces 2-in-1 ice cream. Save those peanut butter cups for trick or treaters and cash in on one of these cold treats!

You have until Halloween to take advantage of this offer and the official rules say you can redeem it up to five times per household. More candy for the kids and more ice cream for you: it’s a win-win!

––Sarah Shebek

Feature photo courtesy of Unilever

 

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This Family-Focused Read Is Perfect for Kids Starting Chapter Books

If you’re looking for a thoughtful story about the power of love and what it means to be a family—snag a copy of A Secret Shared, by Newberry Medal-winning author Patricia MacLachlan. Perfect for readers ages 8-12 (or those transitioning to chapter books), this middle-grade book centers around the theme of adoption, specifically how a family navigates living with a secret and bringing the truth to light.

The story centers around twins Nora and Ben, and their little sister Birdy. When their mother takes A DNA test for her work as a newspaper columnist, they learn a shocking secret—Birdy doesn’t share the same ancestry as their parents. The twins begin to wonder what their parents are hiding… and how they’ve gone about their lives never knowing.

This beautifully written book delves into why people keep secrets, who to go to for help and how to move forward with openness and honesty. The parents’ love for each other, as well as their children, paints a heartwarming picture of what makes a family, no matter the circumstances that brought you together.

A Secret Shared is on sale now!

Sometimes, all you need in this world are good friends and a good bottle of wine. With National Best Friends Day coming up, Zulily just released a three-bottle set perfect for celebrating what you love most about your BFFs: humor, honesty and trust. But you’ll only be able to buy it through June 15!

Vintage Wine Estates created this limited-edition set, featuring a 2019 Rose, a 2020 Sauvignon Blanc and a 2018 Cabernet. It’s $49 for the set of three and ships to most states in the U.S. Buy it for yourself for your next wine night or book club with friends, or buy it for your bestie and surprise them.

As in-person reunions ramp up this year, a new survey from Zulily and Pollfish found that almost half (49%) of moms said they’d only seen their friends two times or less in the past year. And more than half of moms (51%) said they proactively look for other mom friends for support once they’ve had a child of their own. Even if getting together is impossible, 30% of moms said they speak to their friends twice or more a day.

The survey featured 1,000 U.S. based moms, ages 18+. What will IRL meetups look like? 40% said they’d do a girls night out and 25% said they’d host a happy hour at home. Whatever you’re planning for that long-awaited get together, this wine set will definitely hit the spot!

––Sarah Shebek

Image courtesy of Zulily

 

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Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor will soon be a big brother to Baby Girl Sussex. And you can bet this is an exciting time for Prince Harry and Dutchess Meghan as well as the new big brother. But the journey to bringing home a new baby can also be a time of anxious change as families introduce the first child to their new family member. Kelly Oriard, licensed family therapist and co-founder of Slumberkins, shares her advice for Harry and Meghan and all families navigating this big change.

1. Do the Prep Work
Well before the baby is born, begin talking about when the baby is coming, what it will be like, and what the big sibling’s role will be once the baby arrives.

2. Be Honest
Don’t just say, “It will be awesome having a sibling!” While at times it will be awesome, it can also be super hard for older siblings. Remember even toddlers without many words need to hear, “The baby may cry—and that may be hard to hear” or “Sometimes Daddy and Mommy will need to help the baby and you may have to practice waiting.” Honesty will help set realistic expectations.

3. Celebrate the Big Sibling Role
Make sure to celebrate that they get to be the big sibling now. Hooray! But don’t forget to remind them that they can still be your little baby too. Growing up doesn’t mean fewer snuggles, love or attention. Just some cool perks too.

4. Don’t Blame the Baby
Kelly shares, “The very best advice I have is don’t blame the baby for things once the baby comes.” Don’t say, “We have to leave the park for the baby’s nap time.” Kelly points out that this sets up an easy target for frustration. Instead say, “It’s time for our family to leave the park now.”

5. Teach Safety
Remember that your toddler is still learning impulse control and doesn’t yet understand how to be gentle with a baby. Try not to yell or get frustrated if your toddler shows typical toddler behaviors (hitting or aggression). Instead, remember that a caregiver’s role can be to teach and help practice.

6. Welcome All Feelings
This is an important tip as acting out when a new sibling arrives is normal. Make space for all emotions while stopping unsafe behaviors.

7. Make One-on-One Time for You & Your Older Child
They will need this. Period.

8. Support Bonding Between the Siblings
Making reflections like, “Wow, look at how the baby is looking at you, I can tell they really like the way you are holding them” or “That was so kind the way you noticed the baby was cold, thanks for bringing a blanket.” Narrating the connection that you notice between your children and stating it can help them really feel love and connection to and from their new sibling.

Following these tips and tricks can help to ease the growing pains families feel when introducing new siblings. Remember that even good change can come with some anxiety and stress. Doing some prep work to prepare your little one can help your family have a smoother transition. Slumberkins also has many great resources to help siblings of all ages develop positive ways to cope with their big emotions. It’s a great time to practice emotion identification or introduce your little one to Alpaca who models stress-relief or Fox who provides comfort during times of change.

Related Stories:

8 Books to Help Your Kid Prepare for New Sibling

Kelly Oriard & Callie Christensen
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen are co-founders of Slumberkins, a children's brand supporting social-emotional learning for children. Kelly has a dual master's degree in family therapy and school counseling, and Callie has a master's degree in teaching. Both are passionate about teaching children social-emotional skills to thrive in our modern world. 

If your kiddo has enjoyed writer Mo Willems’ Lunch Doodles over the past year, get ready for an extra-special experience! In celebration of the one year anniversary of the 15-episode series, Willems and the Kennedy Center are releasing Episode 00 on Monday, Mar. 15 at 1 p.m. ET.

Last March as everything shut down, Willems opened up his studio—for a virtual look into his artistry. The series gave Willems the chance to share his artwork and help fans young and old to create their own doodles.

photo courtesy of The Kennedy Center/Mo Willems

Willems said in a press release, “I was compelled to mark the anniversary of LUNCH DOODLES as a reaction to COVID-19. While a year is a long time for, say, a 53-year old cartoonist like me, a year is 25 percent of a four-year old’s life.” Willems continued, “My hope is to mark the solemn milestone with honesty, creativity, and art-making that might offer both fun and solace.”

Visit the Kennedy Center’s website here to view the original 15 episodes of Lunch Doodles and download fun-filled creative activities for your kiddos. Check back on Mar. 15 for Willems’ Episode 00!

—Erica Loop

 

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Photo: Samira Soto

To the mom going through a diagnosis during a global pandemic, I know right now your world feels like you’re walking a new planet. It feels scary, isolating, and so lonely. 

It feels like you’re drowning in the depths of the biggest oceans, gasping for air each time you come up to the surface, only to be pulled right back down by its powerful current. Screaming for help each time you reach to the surface, only to see there is no life raft in sight. There is no help coming, there is no one to rescue you. The extensive waitlists, the endless amount of phone calls with no responses for weeks on end, and don’t get me started with the amount of hours on Zoom.  

I promise you are not alone. You see, my son Kanen is almost 3 years old. He has the biggest brown eyes that light up like the Aurora Borealis anytime a truck, plane, or bus passes by. He has a smile that shines as bright as a full moon on a dark and cold winter night. He also was diagnosed with severe, non-verbal autism in September of 2020. Going through the diagnosis process at any point in life is not for the weak hearted, but especially not during a global pandemic. While others are fighting for toilet paper off the shelves, and others are angry that their travel plans have come to halt, our worries become much bigger, and yet feel so little to the rest of the world. One day, we went from mom’s chasing our children on the playground, to the next day becoming camerawoman for what feels like a reality TV show. But instead shooting MTV’s next biggest show of rowdy 20 year olds living in one house, we’re chasing children around our homes using our computers and phones, praying that the person on the other side can get an appropriate evaluation. Hoping that they’ll catch a glimpse of all the hard we witness everyday. The hard that lead us to this point in our life, seeking a diagnosis.  

One might assume after a diagnosis that your days of being camerawomen would be over, but in all honesty they might have just began. Thearpy that was once in person is now all via Zoom. For most of us, we don’t have the option of in person or Telehealth. We are given what we are given, and are expected to not throw a fit.  At first you are going to ask yourself more than you want to admit if you’re capable of this. If you are capable of not only being your child’s mother, but their teacher, their therapist, their advocate, and most importantly their camerawoman.

I want to let you know you are capable, you are the only one who is. You will learn through this journey that you are your child’s person, you are their safe space. When their world feels too overwhelming and chaotic, only you mama will know how to center them. And you might learn along the way they are all that for you to, and even more. You will become a jack of all trades, master of none, but better than one.

I never imagined a time in my life where I would be seeking a diagnosis for my only son during a pandemic, but I’m thankful I did. I’m thankful I didn’t give up when I felt like the rest of the world was. When the rest of the world was giving up on the services he most needed, I didn’t. I’m not saying it’s going to be easy, but now a year into this, I promise it does get better because you mama will become stronger through the process. You will find a strength in you no others before or after us will ever experience, because we have faced a global pandemic while fighting for a diagnosis for our child and all the services they need after. Wear that badge of honor with pride! I want to remind you that you are never alone I see you, I hear you, and I’ll always be here to throw a life raft whenever you need it.  

With love,  

A fellow Mom

Samira is a 25 year old single mom to a 2 year old son Kanen Arley. Her son Kanen was diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism in September of 2020, which inspired her to start sharing their journey through My Charming Arley on Facebook and Samirasstella on Instagram.

In the depths of postpartum depression, in the throes of a vicious cycle of panic attacks and addiction, I started writing. This wasn’t my first time writing to heal and understand my pain, and I didn’t hold back. By letting myself write the hard truth, I found resolution. It helped me move through the most complex emotions I had ever felt into the light of empowerment, healing, and sobriety.

One year later, I had a finished book and I published it. It was raw, real, painfully honest, imperfect but complete. I hired a cover designer, formatted it myself, and submitted it to Amazon. I didn’t have many expectations for my book. I just knew I had to put it out there. At times I worried that it was too truthful, too vulnerable, too revealing. But, as the feedback and reviews started rolling in, I understood the deeper reason behind my urge to publish it.

In telling my true story about the hardships and growth of my first year of motherhood, I made myself available for judgments, scrutiny, embarrassment, sure. Some of the things I thought and went through are not normally talked about in our society. But the transformation I experienced—from utter despair and suicidality, to hopeful empowerment—really inspired others. It normalized the more challenging aspects of early motherhood. It showed a way through the hardship. Publishing my book was the most worthwhile thing I have done so far because it really helped other women.

As I started putting my book out there, I got emails every week from women thanking me for my blunt honesty. They too had very similar experiences and feelings, challenges and pains, but didn’t realize that other mothers went through the same things. They found solace in my story, healing for their own journeys, and hope on their paths. Publishing my book literally changed people’s lives. It made them feel not alone. It helped them learn how to love themselves in their own flaws and shortcomings, to accept their own inner turmoils and dark thoughts.

Looking back, I now see that publishing my true story in the form of a book also changed the world in its own small way. It shifted the lens of what motherhood can be like. It changed the narrative of what a good woman is. It shed light on the struggles that modern moms go through. It healed the silence of our ancestors and the oppression of our grandmothers. It changed the fabric of reality.

Telling your true story of motherhood, both the challenges and the triumphs, is one of the most generous and generative things you can do. So many women harbor shame and feel isolated in their less-than-glowing moments as a mother. In a world inundated with picture-perfect posts, matching outfits, and gushing gratitude…those women who experience life and motherhood differently can feel like something is wrong with them. They can feel really alone in their struggles, perspectives, and darker thoughts.

It is so important to tell the truth about your real experiences of motherhood. Those little revealings of honesty can change another woman’s life, or even save it. Just look at the tidal wave that has come from Meghan Markle speaking up about her postpartum experiences. It is shifting things in the maternal mental health world and beyond. It is making it more ok for women to speak their own truths, accept their experiences and get the help they need. It’s changing society in a big way. Of course, not all of us have as powerful of a platform as royalty like Meghan Markle. But even those of us with a small reach do make a difference when we speak up about the truth instead of continuing to stay silent.

Whether you share your truth through conversations with other women, through social media, on podcasts, through writing articles or actually writing a book, you are helping other women and our society. In my experience though, writing your story into a book is the most powerful form. Publishing your true motherhood story gets it out into the culture in a way that other forms do not. When others read and hear about your book, it has an impact that a social post does not. Publishing a book gives a deeper level of credibility to your work and adds a solidness and permanence to your message. 

Standing in your truth and sharing your real motherhood story makes the world a safer place for women and empowers everyone who reads it with more authenticity and understanding. If you are feeling the call to write a book about your motherhood experience, the lessons you’ve learned, the hardships you’ve endured, the raw and real behind-the-scenes truths, I deeply encourage you to do it. Your story really matters. It’s medicine—a powerful healing balm for other women and this world.

Flow is an Author and Memoir Writing Coach for Womxn. Feeling the call to write your true life story into a book that inspires? Sign up to join a Free Memoir Writing Breakthrough Workshop through her website, and get the clarity and momentum you need to make it happen.