Even though coupon clipping may be a thing of the past, you’re still a savvy shopper looking for the best online deals. This week we’ve curated a handful of great sales and deals. From no-contact thermometers up to 50% to kids Nike gear at 30% off, here are 5 sales and deals you shouldn’t miss this week.

Young Asian woman using credit card and smart phone for online shopping, payment over orange background

1. Must-have for the pandemic and the upcoming flu season: a thermometer. Snag your no-contact thermometer at Zulily up to 50% off (ends 8/9). Buy it here.

2. Don’t worry about dinner and get ready-made meals delivered with Freshly. Save $25 off your first two orders. Get the deal here. 

3. From sippy cups to feeding utensils, there’s a reason Munchkin is mom-recommended (our Editorial Director loves this weighted cup for her toddler). Get free shipping on any orders over $40 and free returns. Start shopping here.

4. Avoid the pet store and get your pet’s food and treats automatically shipped to you (it’s one less thing to worry about). Check out Chewy and get 30% off your first autoship order. See the deal here. 

5. This week through 8/8, you can get up to 30% off Nike gear at JCPenney. Picks include crew neck short-sleeve tee, little girl running shoes, big boys hoodie, little kid sneakers and little girl hoodie.

Bonus: Need some new toys to keep your kids entertained? Check out Melissa & Doug. We especially love this deluxe road rug, this wooden play food set and this musical instrument set. 

 

 

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The great thing about babies is that they’re easily entertained, which is especially helpful when you’re trying to build a connection between your tot and their older sibling. Babes are obsessed with everything their siblings do, and bigs take great pleasure in making their babies laugh, or showing off their “reading” skills with their favorite nursery rhymes. So before your tot becomes a toddler and turns your big kid’s world upside down, your baby can start bonding with their older sibling by playing sweet and silly games together. These budding connections will only grow as your kiddos get bigger. From classics like peekaboo to anything-goes dance parties, here are our favorite sibling activities for big kids and babies.

1. Peekaboo

This old favorite is a classic for a reason! Peekaboo is an easy, surefire way for an older sibling to put a smile on baby’s face. To add an extra twist to the game, get out a lightweight blanket that your older kid can drape over their head, and then let your little one take off the blanket. Big kids can also play peekaboo with favorite stuffies, hiding them behind their backs before the big reveal. Ta-da!

2. Making the Band

Kids of all ages love to rock out. Gather up musical instrumentsxylophones, rattles, even ukuleles for the big kidsand encourage your kids to make beautiful music together. If you don’t have instruments, break out the pots and pans and wooden spoons. If your budding musicians want to make their own instruments, dig into the recycling bin: Make a drum out of an oatmeal canister or a shaker by putting beans in a toilet paper tube and taping over each end. You can find more baby Mozart-worthy DIY instrument ideas here.

3. To the Races

Encourage mobile kids to get out their wiggles and race each other across the living room. To even things out, big kids can do a crab walk or walk backwards while little ones crawl or scoot. Ready, set, go!

photo: Edward Cisneros via Unsplash

4. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Babies adore seeing facesespecially when they belong to beloved older siblings. Big kids can pretend to be mirrors and mimic their little siblings’ expressions, or make an exaggerated face and see if their baby sibling can do the same. The eye contact siblings make when they’re playing a mirror game helps to strengthen their bond as future besties.

5. Echo

The imitation game can also be played with sounds: Have the older sibling mimic the coos and noises their little sibling makes. For a twist, your big kid can even extend those oohs and aahs into words. This back-and-forth is how babies learn to talk and take turns in conversations, so by playing this game your older sibling is creating the building blocks for your baby’s future babbling!

6. Patty Cake

Rhymes, hand-clapping games, and finger-play classics are always a sibling playtime hit. Your older child can teach their little new tricks with patty cake, or throw other preschool favorites, like the Itsy Bitsy Spider or Five Little Monkeys, into the mix.

7. Story Time

Long before kids can read, they memorize their favorite picture books. Older siblings feel oh-so-grown-up when they “read” these books to baby siblings. Don’t worry if your child doesn’t know all the words yet; just reciting the beginning, middle, and end of the story will entertain their younger sibling. To make the story time a little extra special, add puppets, like these from the Etsy shop Frankly Fun Felt ($18).

8. Made You Laugh

Is there anything better than baby giggles? Challenge big brothers and sisters to make the baby laugh without touching them. They can try funny faces, silly dances, pretending to be an elephant, putting their shoes on their head…. Anything goes!

photo: Jens Johnsson via Unsplash

9. Keep It Rolling

Rolling a ball back and forth is an easy introduction to taking turns, and kids can play this game together almost as soon as little ones are sitting up on their own. Easy-to-grab balls like this one from Oball ($5) help baby play the game. Big and little siblings can also roll cars or trains back and forth. Pro tip: Rolling two similar toys back and forth at once makes taking turns a little easier because each kiddo will have a toy to hold onto at all times.

10. Dance Party

Put on your favorite tunes, pull out some gauzy scarves, and get a dance party started. To make it extra special, just add bubbles. Give your baby a rattle if they aren’t quite big enough for a full-body boogie. We guarantee it’ll give you a few minutes of peaceand you might be inspired to join in the fun.

Make sure to capture all those sweet bonding moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

While we are anxiously awaiting the premiere of Hamilton on Disney+ on Jul. 3, the cast teamed up with Jimmy Fallon and the Roots for a performance of “Helpless” during The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Friday. If you are not familiar with the show, “Helpless” tells the story of the meeting between Eliza Schuyler (Phillipa Soo) and Alexander Hamilton (Lin-Manuel Miranda) and their eventual engagement. This socially distant version was complete with instruments found at home. 

 Miranda and Soo were joined by many of the original cast members including Renée Elise Goldsberry (Angelica Schuyler), Jasmine Cephas Jones (Peggie Schuyler/Maria Reynolds), Leslie Odom Jr. (Aaron Burr), Daveed Diggs (Thomas Jefferson/Marquis de Lafayette) and Anthony Ramos (John Laurens/Philip Hamilton).

The most memorable part of the video, well, besides the phenomenal vocals, was Diggs using his drink as an instrument.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon via YouTube

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I have been a Mother for 2.5 years now. It really does require complete patience. Being a Mother is the most unselfish thing I have ever done in my life. I am constantly thinking of someone else. Not just someone else. Someone who kind of resembles me!

 Before Samantha was born, Peyton and I would take naps when we wanted, stayed out until we got tired, and didn’t have to feed anyone but ourselves. I had gotten pretty used to just taking care of only one person. I was great at it. I had ME down to a T!   After Peyton and I got married and after loads of discussion and prayer we decided we wanted to do something mind-blowing. We desired a baby. We felt good about our decision and went forward with design. The day I found out I was with a child was a day I will never forget. In two minutes time I was a transformed lady. Was I really ready to feed, bathe, and comfort a tiny human 24 hours a day? Good thing you have 9 months to organize yourself, Catherine. Get going.  

And I did. I read the books. I watched the birthing videos. I cried after watching the birthing videos. I found a doctor I liked and visited her routinely. I ate good foods. (And too much ice cream). I did prenatal yoga. I packed my hospital bag 2 months before I needed to. I typed up a birth plan. I downloaded an app that timed contractions. I worried. I cried. I was ecstatic and prepared. 

Or so I thought…labor was a mind trip. The thoughts running through my mind were comparable to that of a schizophrenic. “This is incredible.” “I am doing this.” “Why did I do this?” “I want to go back.” “That hurts.” “That feels good.” “I am a freaking rockstar right now.” “I want to die.” Why, oh why, don’t people tell you these things?    Labor is outrageous, stunning, ridiculous, delightful and downright natural.   I remember (vividly) Peyton running around calmly asking the Doctor questions only an engineer would think to ask. What are the advantages of breaking her water? How many heartbeats a minute are we at? At what level are the contractions? What are our alternatives at this moment? Is that instrument there for a precaution or application? I literally thought my Husband was going to excuse himself to the restroom and come back in full doctor uniform. He had done his coursework and he was set!   In all honesty, the birth was faster than we anticipated. I didn’t even have time to think about turning back before she was lying on my chest. I am pretty sure I wouldn’t have been able to turn back, anyways.    Fast-forward to the next few days, which are extremely tough to remember. What I DO recall was that there were many diapers, cries (not just Samantha’s) numerous smiles and nights where Peyton and I just stood looking at this petite screaming human thinking, what the heck do we do here?!  

The days turned into weeks and little by little I was getting the hang of it. I was as surprised as anyone when I realized the difference between a hunger cry versus a tired cry. One day I put an extra pair of clothes in the diaper bag. That was also a day where she decided to have a major blowout. Coincidence? I think not. That’s noble training, right there.

The thing is, Samantha was teaching me things I had never learned in any of my college courses. I felt almost as if she were giving me the lengthiest, toughest final exam of my life. I don’t think I am going to get straight A’s. But, when I rock this pint-size sweetie to sleep and she smiles up at me with her pudgy cheeks, I realize I am completely passing this test. 

Hi, i'm Cat! We live in Orlando, Florida where my husband works for Mickey Mouse (no, really). We have two kids, Samantha (5) & Preston (2). I suffer from a chronic illness called Short Bowel Syndrome. My ramblings are dedicated to travel adventures, nap time confessions and my medical journey. Cheers!

Photo: MMM

As parents, we all want to raise their children with as many advantages as possible. In addition to a myriad of benefits, there have been countless studies that connect music with a child’s intellectual and social growth, which makes it a fun, joyous way to help our kids grow into healthy, happy grown-ups. So let’s commit to raising a musical child!

The Science & Why Music Is Important

Since the 1990s, a multitude of studies has connected music education with a child’s intellectual and social growth. Our top takeaways:

Ÿ  • Kids who study music have larger vocabularies and more advanced reading skills, as learning music develops the part of the brain that processes language. These kids also tend to score higher on reading and spelling tests.

Ÿ  • Music is closely aligned with math, so even a few years of music-making experience translates into higher math skills.

Ÿ  • Music builds self-esteem as a child sees improvement in their skills – some will enjoy showing off a bit for family and friends!

Ÿ  • Music performance teaches kids to conquer fear and take risks.

Ÿ  • Kids who suffer from anxiety or stress may find that a creative outlet like music is a relaxing, calming activity.

What You Can Do:

1. Create a Musical House. Do babies in the womb benefit from mom listening to music? For sure it helps mom relax! Once out, young minds are better off growing up in a home where music is all around. Young children are naturally drawn to music; this is why apps like Samsung Kids+ (a subscription service featuring safe, educational and entertainment content for kids) use music to teach preschoolers in learning videos, as music is the best way to engage young minds. And the more variety in the music your kids hear, the better.

2. Join Baby/Toddler Music Programs. Two well-known options are Kindermusik and Gymboree, who incorporate music and movement into play. Local city programs, daycare facilities, and learning centers will often have music-based programs.  There are also many apps available that expose preschoolers to music learning. 

3. Be a Role Model. If you ever played an instrument as a kid, share your experiences with your child, or get that old guitar out of its case! Singing and dancing at home are also musical expressions that will rub off on your kids in a great way. Show them how much fun you can have with music!

4. Explore Your Local Community. Seek out live music of all types. If you’re lucky enough to live in a city with a local symphony, see if they have programs for young children. Local theater groups will stage musicals for kids, or check out those free Sunday afternoon concerts with musicians playing in the park. Live music can be a big influence on how children learn to think about music.

5. When Should I Get Music Lessons? Of course, while listening to and enjoying music is a great start, actually learning to play an instrument is the goal for your child, which is how they can reap those benefits mentioned above. It’s most common to start kids at age five or six. For younger children, there are Suzuki method teachers who offer string lessons to kids as young as three. Some think that’s too young, but like many things, it depends on the child. Some instruments (like the violin or piano) are better suited for small hands than others but talk to a music teacher for their advice. Next, you might ask…

6. Where Do I Find a Music Teacher? Your local music store will have music teachers available for a variety of instruments, and most music stores rent instruments so you don’t have to go all-in to purchase one. You can also contact local chapters of organizations like the Music Teachers National Association or The Royal Conservatory of Music, both of which have online tools that let you search their database for a teacher near you. Or check with the music department at your local community college, the band director at your local high school, or even the music director at your church. You’ll find that musicians form a tight community and are eager advocates for music education.

7. Check Out School Music Programs. Typically these start in third or fourth grade and have the added benefit of letting your child play with a group from the start. School band programs enhance music learning by creating a community of kids who perform together, go on trips together, and form a unique bond through music. While playing an instrument is still a great experience alone, there’s nothing like making music with others.

8. What About Practicing? We all know the joke: How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice! Our advice is this: Music is a journey, not a destination. Successful children come from a home where you don’t quit in the middle of something, and music is no different. But you also need to weigh the costs with the benefits. If it’s a battle and you can only get a few minutes of practice a day, it’s the long haul that will pay off, and a few minutes is better than none at all. You’ve never heard anyone say they wish they had never taken a piano lesson, but many adults wish they had never quit.

This isn’t about making professional musicians. It’s about many things—opening a door to self-expression, bringing opportunities for joy, letting your child be part of a larger community, and allowing kids to get their brain working in a way that will give them an advantage in school. Bonus? You’ll be that proud parent during family gatherings when your child gets to show off their interruption of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”

Kevin Mitchell is a stay-at-home/freelance writer and author and dad in St. Louis.

Crack open a book filled with beautiful illustrations and captivating words, and you open a whole new world to your children. Your local library is the perfect destination to find that next great book, but rows of stacked shelves aren’t the only attraction. Libraries in the DMV amp up that library day experience in a big way. Check out these activities and level up your next library outing.

Makerspace at Gum Spring Library

Loudoun County Public Libraries

Put those cool coding and robotics books into action with the Makerspace tools. Your little inventors can design a playdough controller with Makey Makey, or try their hands at coding with Spheros. Kids of all ages will love watching the 3D printer in action. Littles 10 & under need adult supervision in these spaces.

24600 Millstream Dr.
Stone Ridge, VA 20105
571-258-3838
Online: library.loudoun.gov/LOCATIONS/Gum-Spring

Hours: Mon.-Thurs.,10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Storytime at Library of Congress

Ben S. via Yelp

There is something special about having storytime at the world's largest library.  Spanning three palatial buildings with a mammoth collection of 16 million books, The Library of Congress offers a surprisingly cozy nook for little readers in the Young Readers Center. Due to space limitations, free admission stickers are distributed to the first 50 participants, so arrive early. 

Young Readers Center
Thomas Jefferson Building
Room LJ G29 (ground floor)
10 First St. S.E.
Capitol Hill
202-707-5000
Online: loc.gov

Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Storyville in Baltimore, MD

Baltimore County Public Library

This fun play-and-learn center was designed to get little ones 5 & under excited about reading. Your tiny tot can build in the Construction Zone and sail the high seas of Toddler Bay. Storyville is a featured space in the Rosedale and Woodlawn branches of the Baltimore County public libraries. 

Rosedale Library
6105 Kenwood Ave.
Rosedale, MD 21237
410-887-0512

Woodlawn Library
1811 Woodlawn Drive
Woodlawn, Maryland 21207
410-887-1336
Online: bcpl.info/youth/storyville.html

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Music and Movement at Mt. Pleasant Library

Bilingual Birdies

No one will be shushing your little Mozart during this raucous musical playtime.  Your little one can grab an instrument and compose a tune with their library friends.  Singing is encouraged and dance parties are mandatory (OK, not really, but who doesn’t love that wiggle?).

Mt. Pleasant Library
3160 16th St. NW
Mt. Pleasant
202-671-3121
Online: dclibrary.org/mtpleasant

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Sensory Storytime at Kings Park Library

We Rock the Spectrum

This multi-sensory storytime is an interactive half-hour filled with songs and stories for kids with special needs. The activities invite social interactions and a fun time for all.

Kings Park Community Library
9000 Burke Lake Rd.
Burke, VA 22015
703-978-5600
Online: fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/kings-park

Hours: Mon.-Tues., 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Wed., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Thurs., 1 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Creative Play at Aspen Hill

Jelleke Vanooteghem via Unsplash

Two hours of STEM creativity sounds like a great morning for your little designer.  Blocks of all shapes and sizes spread out for little hands to stack and knock over, over and over again.  You might even get a few minutes to yourself while they get those creative juices flowing.

Aspen Hill Library
4407 Aspen Hill Rd.
Rockville, MD 20853
240-773-9410
Online: montgomerycountymd.gov/library/branches/aspenhill.html

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m – 8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Game Day at Capitol View Library

Michal Parzuchow

Try your hand at old and new board games.  Bring the whole family and challenge them to a mean game of Monopoly.  Don’t forget about Connect Four, fun and educational.

Capitol View Neighborhood Library
5000 Central Ave. S.E.
Capitol View
202-645-0755
Online: dclibrary.org/capitolview

Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

—Angelica Kajiwara

 

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Since your little she-warrior’s birthday is coming up, it’s time to start planning her party. It will certainly be super epic, but it won’t be as nearly as interesting without an awesome present. But what do you get your daughter when she has almost everything that she needs? Here are some ideas for girls of all ages from ages 5-to-15.

5th Birthday: Finger paint. This is a gift perfect for kids of all ages (adults can join too) and can be used to create a number of colorful and creative art. However, since these paints are made with natural ingredients, they can be smeared all over the body and give you peace of mind that your little one is playing safely while exploring her talents.

6th Birthday: Karaoke machine. This is the time when kids start to really develop a passion for music so if you know your girl loves to jam to her fave tunes, make sure to provide her with a good karaoke machine. Every machine comes with a microphone and a bunch of new songs. And it’s such a perfect birthday gift because she can try it out with her friends right there at the party.

7th Birthday: Some sparkly jewelry. Now that you know your daughter isn’t putting everything shiny in her mouth anymore, you can start thinking about jewelry. This is also a time when little girls start getting into beauty and fashion, so why not give her a nice little piece of sparkle? If you’re not a jewelry expert, check out websites like Jewelry Jealousy where you can find all sorts of buying guides and ideas that will be super useful. This website is great for everyone, but especially dads who have no idea where to start with buying jewelry for their little girls! 

8th Birthday: A garden kit. A garden kit will give your daughter a green thumb for sure. She can grow and nurture her own plants and learn all about botany and nature. Soon, she’ll have her own kingdom to play with!

9th Birthday: Room décor. Most girls want their personal space to be perfect. So, if your kid loves to decorate her space with personal things, help her out by grabbing some modern, artistic and empowering décor. A framed quote is a super popular décor piece and can really inspire her every day.

10th Birthday: Legos. Legos are internationally loved by both girls and boys, so getting your daughter a set is a great idea. While there are classic sets that can provide hours of creative play, there are also specialized sets like Wonder Woman, Women of NASA and Mindstorms Robot kits that can inspire your little girl to do amazing things!

11th Birthday: A safe diary. Do you want to provide your little girl with a safe space to express her feelings? Get her a diary with a lock! This will keep all her secrets safe even from her prying siblings and its beautiful cover will encourage her to take her diary with her everywhere she goes!

12th Birthday: Books. Is your daughter growing up to be a little book worm? Excellent—enrich her library with a new set of books! Make sure to send the right message though, and buy something that will inspire and empower your child. Luckily, that kind of literature is getting more and more present, so today you can find all sorts of amazing books for girls that will instill ideas about healthy friendships, relationships, and lifestyles. There’s so much a girl can learn from the right book!

13th Birthday: A musical instrument. It’s very healthy for kids to play an instrument—it’s good for the soul and for the brain. So, if you want to start with something small, opt for a colorful little ukulele that she can experiment with.

14th Birthday: A Polaroid camera. Taking photos on an iPhone is fun, but there’s something super special about Polaroids. Give your daughter that snap-and-shake experience by grabbing a camera she can use not only to document her birthday but the rest of her life!

15th Birthday: Organic makeup. As your little girl gets older, there’s a possibility she will get into makeup and beauty and that’s completely normal at that age. Luckily, you can provide her with a safe experience by picking organic makeup sets that are perfect for gentle skin and contain all sorts of non-toxic colors and glittery things many girls love!

Even if you don’t find your perfect gift on this list, you’ll certainly find some inspiration for your little girl’s birthday and get her something she’ll truly enjoy! 

Morgan Rose Elliott is an aromatherapist, yoga instructor, animal lover, a happily married mother of two. She enjoys reading biographies and writing poems, sunny days on the beach and any shape of vanilla. Crazy about the '80s, her favourite band is Duran Duran and she is obsessed with Stranger things.

There are many different class types and activities available for you child, and you may wonder about the benefits of each type. Being a parent, after all, means looking out for our kids’ best interests! The good news is that each type of class benefits your child, so no matter what activity you sign them up for you’ll be helping them grow and develop. And the best way to choose a class is to follow your child’s interests, because the more engaged they are in a class the more they will get out of it. With that said, it’s always good to have more information so that you can make a more informed decision.

Music classes are very popular, especially for young children and babies. This is for good reason!  Music classes are great for young children’s fine motor and cognitive skills.  Even the most simple instruments, such as shakers and maracas, require fine motor skills such as reaching and grasping.  Many instruments require bilateral coordination or using two hands together, such as cymbals or a triangle. And lots of instruments require the use of a tool, such as a mallet or a drumstick, which is also great practice for early fine motor skills development. 

Cognitively, your child will be learning a lot of language skills as they learn the words to songs.  They will also be learning about patterns as they listen to the rhythm of the music and hand motions that go along with songs.  Research has shown that early exposure to music is good for helping to develop early math skills.  The best part about a music class is that your young child won’t even feel like they are working because they will be having so much fun!

Once your child is school-aged music classes tend to advance to lessons for one particular instrument. This is both age and developmentally appropriate as your child’s fine motor and cognitive skills become quite advanced. Learning an instrument will help both of these skill sets grow. All instruments require finger movement, and as the playing gets more advanced, so does the fine motor skill level required to play. Not only must your child be able to move their fingers without looking, they will also have to do so quickly, move different fingers in different directions at the same time, and follow a rhythm while doing so. On top of that, most instruments require the use of both hands, which means your child must coordinate their two hands together to get the sound right. These are really advanced skills that take a lot of practice, which is why playing an instrument takes so long to master! As far as cognitive skills, playing an instrument requires learning what is virtually a new language—musical notes. Additionally, learning to follow a rhythm takes a lot of attention and inhibition, which are executive functioning skills essential for higher level cognitive functioning.

Whether your child is still a baby or old enough to start to learn an instrument, you can’t go wrong signing them up for a music class though Go Bambino!

This post originally appeared on Bambinoculars.
GoBambino Kids Activities
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

GoBambino helps parents discover and book kids' activities, lessons, classes, camps and workshops. Stress-free and commitment-free. We built GoBambino to simplify (ever-so-slightly) the chaotic lives of today’s moms and dads.  

Do you own a Ford F-150? If so, you need to know about a major Ford vehicle recall of 6-speed automatic transmission vehicles for an unintended downshift safety risk. This recall affects 1.48 million vehicles in North America. This includes 1.26 million in the United States and an additional 221,000 in Canada. Representatives from Ford Motor Company did not immediately respond to Red Tricycle’s request for comment.

Along with this recall, Ford Motor Company also announced two other recalls: one for select 2017 to 2019 Lincoln Continentals for door latches that may fail to engage and select 2019 Ford Mustang, Lincoln Nautilus and Lincoln Navigator vehicles for blank instrument panel cluster assemblies.

photo: Courtesy of Ford Motor Company

Recall Description: Ford F-150 Trucks

The current Ford F-150 recall includes 2011 to 2013 models built at the Dearborn Assembly Plant between Apr. 28, 2010 and Oct. 28, 2013 as well as vehicles built at the Kansas Assembly Plant between May 18, 2010 and Nov. 18, 2013. All recalled vehicles have 6-speed automatic transmissions.

Why the F-150s Trucks Were Recalled

According to a press statement from Ford, the vehicles may “experience an intermittent loss of the transmission output speed sensor signal to the powertrain control module, potentially resulting in a temporary, unintended downshift into first gear.” This can result in loss of vehicle control.

As of now, there are five reports of accidents resulting from this problem. Out of the five accidents, there is one potentially related case of whiplash.

How to Tell if Your Ford Was Recalled

Again, this recall only includes 2011, 2012 and 2013 Ford F-150 trucks manufactured at the Dearborn Assembly Plant and Kansas City Assembly Plant between the specified dates.

If you’re not sure whether your F-150 is included in the recall, contact your Ford dealer immediately.

What Ford Owners Can Do

Contact your Ford dealer for an update to the powertrain control module software immediately. Failure to do so may result in a serious crash safety risk.

—Erica Loop

 

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The love for music can be developed. As human beings, we have an innate longing to hear or to feel something that can bring pleasure to our soul. This is one thing that music can bring. If you are a music enthusiast and you want to pass this to your children, you can consider different ways on how the love of music can be developed naturally.

Music is everywhere—and this is why it’s easy for children to listen to music and memorize song lyrics. If you are planning to enroll your kids in a music school, you should start by introducing the importance of music to their everyday life. This way, it would be easier for them to learn music lessons. To give you a great start, here are some simple ways on how you can encourage your kids to love music.

Listen to music with your kids.

While you are eating, playing or just doing nothing at home with your kids, you can play music. This way, they will get used to the background music while they are busy doing something. You can also take this time to introduce the singer, the instruments used by the band playing or just talk about the song. Listening to music is the first step and it is something that the kids will surely enjoy.

Sing with your kids.

If you have little kids, you can start by teaching them simple songs that are easy to memorize. Take time to teach them and make sure to sing with them. This is a great way to bond with your kids and they will surely feel happy about it. If you can play an instrument, it would be better. Children are interested in things that adults do. If you can show that you enjoy music, it would be easier for them to love it.

Let your children learn to play a musical instrument.

The first thing that you need to do is to observe your children. You can also ask them if they are interested in singing or playing a musical instrument. If they are, then you can teach them if you can. If you are not familiar with the way the instrument is played, you can always consider getting a teacher who will teach your kids. The main point of letting the children play a musical instrument is to let them get that wonderful feeling that music can bring when you are the one making the music.

Do music-related crafts and activities.

There are different games that involve music. You can dance or watch a video of a musician’s performance. There are also a lot of games where music is vital. Even doing arts or crafts is something that can be perfected if there is music in the background. You can also go to museums and check the evolution of musical instruments.

Even the simple act of watching television can be educational for your kids because they can learn more about music. The secret? Figuring out how you can creatively integrate music into their normal activities.

Take music class or lessons.

Music lessons are fun and it can be very helpful to your kids. In music classes, their brains are enhanced and the way they coordinate and cooperate is also being improved. Start by knowing what the kid wants to learn and adjusting the schedules in a way that will not stress him or her out. Make it fun by allowing the child to explore the world of music as he or she learns. Music teachers have their own ways on how to make things work while the kids are learning. It will surely be a great experience for your children.

Attend live performances.

There is nothing more educational and enjoyable like attending live performances. Look for the schedules of tours and live performances of the artists or bands that you love. Get some tickets for the whole family and let the children experience this incredible moment. This way, the will be able to appreciate music, even at their early age.

Life is more beautiful because of music. Let your children understand this and it will be easier for you to make them embrace this beautiful sentiment.

Curtis Dean writes on behalf of Sage Music School, where they base lessons on the science and research of the psychology of learning. Their effective teaching methods create confident and capable students who enjoy the happiness of making music.