It’s almost time for the Olympics! To celebrate, Hello Kitty just dropped a Team USA line featuring collectibles, apparel and accessories. Including the cutest kid’s hat we’ve seen in a minute!
You’ll find the girl’s collection ready to buy at Target: a Team USA windbreaker jacket, joggers, t-shirts and much more. We particularly love the Olympic Team x Hello Kitty visor with cat ears and the Team USA backpack clip! Best of all, prices are low, starting at $8.99.
The men in your life can check out Urban Outfitters for apparel, including a Hello Kitty spin on skateboarding, which will debut at the Olympic Games this year. And Sanrio.com and select Sanrio stores carry women’s apparel and fun collectible items, like pins and mini figures.
Parent company Sanrio Inc. is partnering with U.S. Olympic medalist Allyson Felix for the Team USA collaboration. Hello Kitty and Felix will serve as “Global Ambassadors for Inclusivity” to connect friends around the world during the Games in Tokyo. Get excited for the action with this cheerful new line!
My 6-year-old was excited to make a star out of sticks and string, but as the materials tangled, his frustration spiked. So we took a break and went on a walk together.
“Do you remember when you were learning how to ride a bike?” I said. “You fell down a lot at first, and you got really frustrated sometimes, but you didn’t give up. Now you ride around like a pro. Everything new takes practice, but you always figure it out.”
Childhood is all about growing, on the outside and inside. Tasks adults take for granted—like buttoning a jacket—require practice to master. Every time our kids work through these big and small challenges, they are building their skills for resilience and perseverance. These aren’t fixed traits that kids are born with. Rather, they develop slowly through life experience, practice, and with the support of caring adults.
“Donkey Hodie,” a new puppet series from PBS KIDS, draws its inspiration from Fred Rogers and his mission to help young viewers navigate the challenges of childhood. In each episode, characters set goals, encounter obstacles, explore and test solutions, experience failure, and persist toward their goal, asking for help as needed. While the show is set in the whimsical land of Someplace Else, it models a problem-solving process that kids and parents will readily recognize.
Here are 4 ways parents and caregivers can support this vital effort to help kids build perseverance and resilience.
1. Help Children Name Their Goals
Goals are powerful, even for kids. They want to learn how to tie their shoes, shoot a basket, buckle their seatbelt, write their name, cut with scissors, walk the dog, learn a new game, make a new friend, name all the dinosaurs, build a tower, and find ways to be helpful, and become contributing members of their families and classrooms.
When children can name a small goal they want to accomplish, it can help them focus their attention, explore strategies, and persist when things go wrong. And it helps us, as caregivers, celebrate their successes. “You did it! You learned how to zip up your coat all by yourself!”
2. Help Children Work through Tough Emotions
Sometimes, learning and growing can be really frustrating. A little empathy can go a long way in helping kids find the strength to try, try again. Try a simple phrase like this: “You spent a long time building that tower and then it fell. That’s super frustrating!”
Calming big emotions is a vital step that comes before problem-solving. In the story “Royal Sandcastle Builders,” Donkey, King Friday, and Purple Panda sing about the different ways they practiced calming down after getting frustrated at trying to build a sandcastle. And then they are able to try again! When kids are in the middle of an emotional storm, it’s unrealistic to expect them to brainstorm solutions! But when the storm passes, we can be there to help them think about what to do next.
3. Praise Children’s Efforts & Be Specific
Generic praise—such as “Wow!” or “Good work!” or “Nice!”—is warm and supportive. But descriptive praise is even more powerful because it’s specific and helps kids make the connection between what they are doing and what they are learning.
This language shift can be pretty simple. Just describe what you notice. “Good work” can become “Good work figuring out how to share with your sister.” “Nice!” can become “Nice! I like all the different colors you used in this picture.”
When we offer specific observations, we show our kids that we are paying attention to them. We see their effort. And when it comes to building perseverance and resilience, effort matters more than the outcome.
4. Use Stories to Teach Them about “Yet.”
There’s a big difference, emotionally, between the phrase, “I can’t do it!” and “I can’t do it, yet.” The word “yet” is a bridge between present frustration and future possibility. Stories are a great tool for inspiring kids to persevere, especially when they hear and watch stories about characters who work through challenges. We can also tell children stories about themselves! My kids love hearing stories about how they turned a struggle into an achievement. It helps them feel proud and reminds them that they can do hard things.
Growing up is hard, amazing work. Kids deserve supportive adults by their side, offering encouragement and celebrating all the ways they are growing.
—By Deborah Farmer Kris
Deborah Farmer Kris is a writer, teacher, parent educator, and school administrator. She works on parenting projects for PBS KIDS for Parents and writes about education for MindShift, an NPR learning blog. Deborah has two kids who love to test every theory she’s ever had about child development! Mostly, she loves finding and sharing nuggets of practical wisdom that can help kids and families thrive — including her own. You can follow her on Twitter @dfkris.
PBS KIDS believes the world is full of possibilities, and so is every child. As the number one educational media brand for kids, PBS KIDS helps children learn life lessons, explore their feelings and discover new adventures, while seeing themselves uniquely reflected and celebrated in lovable, diverse characters through television, digital media, and community-based programs.
They never want your help, unless it’s something they can for sure do by themselves. Like when they want that thing that’s right next to them. But for some reason they cannot actually get it themselves and you just sat down on the other side of the room. Yeah, they want your help then.
You cannot reason with them. You think they should wear a jacket because it’s cold outside? Nope. Never going to happen. You’re either going to go outside without it and they will want to come back by the time you’ve made it to the end of the driveway or you have to try the bring-it-for-them-in-case-they-need it technique.
They will try your patience. It doesn’t matter how patient you are. There are times when it will not be quite enough. This is a stall tactic that they particularly like to use at times when you have somewhere to be or are already low on patience, like bedtime. It’s not that they move at the pace of a sloth, it’s more that they will not focus on the thing you actually want them to be doing. You ask them to go to the bathroom before bed. They will take off all their clothes. Roll around on the floor. Pick up a toy. Go into a different room (that’s not the bathroom). A million other things besides go into the bathroom.
They think they’re in charge. They would like to tell you exactly how every single thing should get done. And exactly what you are and are not allowed to do or help with.
They think you can read their mind. They will yell at you for giving them the wrong color cup. Without ever telling you what color cup they wanted in the first place. They will yell at you for turning off the light, even when they normally expect you to do it.
They can’t make up their minds. When you ask them a question they will say no. Wait a second. Then they will decide yes. It may stop there or they may change their answer a few more times. (Yes, this also tries your patience, but is still a whole category of it’s own.)
They have double standards. They can decide who is allowed in the bathroom with them. But they will not let you decide who can be in the bathroom with you.
So yes, parenting a three-year-old is hard. Thankfully they also laugh, smile, tell you they love you and sometimes they’re just plain fun. And that’s what makes it all worth it.
National Geographic recently announced an Earth Day celebration you won’t want to miss. The virtual planet-friendly party will be hosted by travel expert Jessica Nabongo, feature ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall—and so much more.
The Earth Day bash kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Apr. 21 and will include an array of appearances from around the world. The line-up includes notable names, such as Angélique Kidjo, AURORA, José González, Maggie Rogers, Rostam, Valerie June, Willie Nelson, Yo-Yo Ma and Ziggy Marley.
Along with this lofty list of performers, My Morning Jacket will premiere their new music video during the virtual viewing party.
As if that’s not enough, Nat Geo’s Earth Day Eve remote party will also include a special preview of the new four-part Disney+ series Secrets of the Whales. National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry will introduce the series. Narrated by actress Sigourney Weaver, Secrets of the Whales is available to view on Disney+ at 12:00 p.m. PT on Apr. 22.
National Geographic Chairman Gary Knell, said of the virtual event, in a press release, “For over 133 years, National Geographic has strived to inspire people to care more deeply for the planet. This Earth Day, we hope to provide that inspiration with a one-of-a-kind celebration that invites audiences everywhere to unite around the power of music.”
Knell added, “Our Earth Day Eve event—virtual and accessible to everyone—will showcase environmentally passionate artists from around the world together with some of National Geographic’s most extraordinary Explorers. From AURORA’s forest performance in Bergen, Norway, to Jane Goodall’s greeting from her home in England, the celebration will give us even more of a reason to fall in love with the place we all call home—and empower us to act to protect it.”
If you’re into the after-party scene, Nat Geo will host a second virtual event on its new TikTok account at 10:00 p.m. ET on Apr. 21. To watch the Earth Day Eve event, tune in on the National Geographic YouTube channel or visit the Nat Geo website here.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: baseball season! As Spring Training heats up, it’s time to get your game face on and stock up on the gear you’ll need to get you through the 162-game season.
Not only can mom and dad sport the look, but the kiddos can too! We’ve done all the scout work for you and found some of the cutest tiny MLB gear for babies and kids. Play ball!
WubbaNub
It's a paci and lovey all in one and it's here for your #1 fan. Pick from 16 of the hottest team and get your cheer on!
Plushie and hoodie combine in this adorable new offering from Cubcoats! Take your fave pal to the game and when it gets chilly, transform into a team-winning jacket.
While there is hope that the pandemic will end with two newly approved vaccines, there is still a need for mask-wearing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. And, as recommended by the CDC, everyone over the age of two should be wearing masks. But getting a two-year-old to wear a mask can seem like an impossible feat when you consider how challenging it can be to get a two-year-old to do anything. But if you are considering putting your toddler in any sort of daycare setting you need to prioritize mask-wearing as many childcare providers are requiring them as well. We have a few strategies on how to get your toddler to wear a mask below.
Use a Special Character
For many children seeing a favorite character doing something is the best form of encouragement and can work wonders in getting your toddler to wear a mask. Sit down with your toddler and read a story like Heroes Wear Masks: Elmo’s Super Adventure to introduce masks in a non-threatening way. It can also provide an easier way to explain where and when we wear masks. Another option is to show a video of a character wearing a mask. Sesame Street has a short video with Oscar the Grouch and so does Arthur. Your toddler will get more comfortable with the idea of wearing a mask as they see it more and more in their books and shows. You can even get a matching mask for a favorite doll or stuffed animal so your toddler can practice putting a mask on for someone else before they have to wear their own.
Give Kids a Choice
Toddlers are all about showing their independence and often want to be the ones to make the final decision on everything. Have a few mask options ready and give them the choice of which one to try first. Getting a mask in their favorite color or character is helpful but remember to also focus on the fit and comfort of the mask. Try buying a mask with adjustable straps so it can properly fit your toddler’s face. You may be able to get your toddler to wear a mask with an exciting print but if it’s not comfortable it’s not going to stay on.
Practice Wearing Masks at Home
Don’t wait to go outside to wear a mask for the first time. Practice wearing a mask at home for short periods of time. You can make a game out of it by having a dance party and wearing the mask for the length of a song or a favorite show. Find other opportunities to practice like taking a walk around the block with masks. Practice, practice, practice! Make it part of the routine of leaving the house (shoes, jacket, mask) so it becomes part of your toddler’s routine.
Show-off for Friends
Get your toddler excited about showing their mask to special friends or family members. Try having your toddler show their mask to grandparents or friends over Zoom or Facetime. Sometimes seeing another adult that is not the parent doing something makes a toddler want to do it more. Try showing your toddler how others are wearing masks. And when you are able to get your toddler to wear a mask shower them with lots of praise.
Provide a Reward for Wearing a Mask
Sometimes the easiest way to get your toddler to wear a mask is to provide a reward. A favorite treat or extra screentime can be just the enticement that can get your toddler to wear a mask without pushback. With older toddlers, a sticker chart can also be a good motivation tool. If you do have a situation where your toddler has to wear a mask bringing along candy or a special snack can be the quickest way to get your toddler to do so.
Wearing a mask can be hard for adults so keep that in mind when you are trying to teach your toddler. Don’t force it too much and try not to make it a stressful situation. Just focus on exposing your toddler to masks frequently. With time they will learn and you will feel more comfortable trusting that they will wear a mask when it’s necessary.
Shefali Shah is the Co-Founder of Upfront, the company that makes prices public and searchable in the daycare industry. She was formerly at Google and loves exploring new cities, making elaborate recipes, and finding reasons to celebrate with family and friends. Shefali resides in Baltimore, MD with her husband and two small children.
Forget about crossing off your older kiddo’s name with a Sharpie just to kinda sorta scratch your younger one’s name inside a hand-me-down shirt, jacket or pair of pants—because L.L. Bean’s Hand-Me-Down Trail tag is the solution you need right now.
Whether you’re handing clothes down from one sib to the next, giving them to your BFF for their younger child or donating them in any other way, the all-important name tag can get in the way.
Now with L.L. Bean’s genius idea, you can map out at least three different owners of the item. The Hand-Me-Down Trail tag looks like a pint-sized nature map and includes space for up to three different children’s names along a tiny dashed path.
The Hand-Me-Down Trail tag is available in select L.L. Bean kids’ items, including everything from rain jackets and cozy fleece vests to the brand’s insulated playground pants!
It’s a New Year and we’re betting your closet needs a refresh. Maybe you’re working from home more and don’t use all those power suits, or maybe you just want to do some closet organization. No matter your reason, the solution is easy: create a capsule wardrobe of clothing that you can mix and match, wear any day, dress up or dress down and then ditch the rest! Here are the essentials any busy mom needs to start her own capsule wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is the idea that one should be able to pair her closet down to a few select, high-quality items that go with everything and never go out of style. It follows along with the minimalist trend we've been seeing everywhere, from Marie Kondo's de-cluttering mantra to the concept of Swedish death cleaning. For anyone who has a ton of cheap/trendy impulse buys hanging around (all of us), pairing a wardrobe down to just a few things can be daunting.
What Items Should You Buy?
A (Really) Good Pair of Shoes
Rothy's
Whether you work in an office or at home, there’s nothing like a good pair of shoes to make you feel like you can conquer the world. For busy moms, Rothy’s is the perfect fit. Designed by women, for women, the unbelievable comfort and fit of each shoe is the driving force behind their cult-favorite status. Available in three styles with dozens of colors and prints, choose a pair that best suits your lifestyle and career, whether you’re an FTWM, SAHM, WFHM or PTWM.
A Really Good Pair of Jeans
Measure & Made
Make it an investment to purchase one pair of really good, quality jeans. You’ll be wearing them almost every day so the price tag will be worth it. For a purchase that is sure to fit every time, we love Measure & Made. They're a size-inclusive brand that uses FITLOGIC to ensure you get the best fit and style for your body. Take a quick (less than a minute) quiz that takes your body size and shape into account, and then helps guide you to the right size for your body. There are several styles, but we especially love the skinny ankle jean.
There’s no better addition to your closet than a classic t-shirt. Whether you like crewneck, scoop or v-neck, a basic t-shirt, especially in white, will go with EVERYTHING you own. We especially love the options from American Giant, because not only each item is made in the USA, but everything fits really well. Is white not your jam (because, well, kids)? Just opt for a simple black t-shirt and consider it neutral.
A Striped T-Shirt
Everlane
Nautical stripes are a classic item everyone should have in their wardrobe. While any shirt style will work, the boatneck is flattering on almost everyone and pairs with almost every style of bottom. We love this one from Everlane. It comes in grey and white or blue and red.
A Denim Jacket
Levi's
If you don’t already have this staple in your closet, it’s a must. It works with everything from other denim to black, skirts, pants and dresses. And as far as classic goes, there’s nothing better than Levi’s Original Trucker Jacket. Avoid trending pieces that have fringe or specific colors to keep your style timeless.
If you don’t already own a LBD, may we suggest going to grab one now? There’s something available for every shape and size, and you can wear it just about anywhere. Wondering where to look? Nordstrom Rack has a wide selection and array of styles that'll fit just about anyone and we love this simple, swing sleeveless style from Evereve (it has pockets!).
A Black Blazer
Macy's
Boring, you say? We say timeless. You can dress this down for coffee with your pals, sport it for almost any day at work, or even wear it for a date night with your partner. This INC version is a great price and is a classic fit.
Kamala Harris helped revive this trend, but it's a closet staple because it can be dressed down with jeans and flats or fancied up with a pencil skirt. Also known as the tie-neck or the pussy bow, we love the silky version from UK retailer Hawes & Curtis.
Jordyn Volk is a seasoned newborn photographer so when her friend Tiffany Langer booked her maternity session so early, she was pretty curious. Langer joked about how she was going to show up in costume and knowing her friend, Volk wouldn’t have been surprised.
Langer is known for flair and Volk shares that she once ran for city council dressed up in a dinosaur costume with a jean jacket over it and waved to people at stop lights. Still, the photographer was in for one fun shoot when her pregnant mama friend showed up as Dr. Suess’ most popular character––the Grinch!
Langer definitely had help bringing the Grinch to life. Audra Arampatzis from Audra Day Spa & Salon helped with the life-like makeup and Megan Olson sewed the creative costume for the mama-to-be.
The result? A Grinch ready for Whoville!
Langer tells Red Tricycle, “After losing my son, Kellan, in 2019 at 36 weeks pregnant, this pregnancy has been difficult and scary to navigate. I have been trying to challenge myself to embrace it, so I decided it would be fun to do a creative and unique maternity shoot. One of my best friends, Audra, is a makeup artist, and another great friend, Megan, can sew anything—so I asked for their help. After creating the perfect costume, I showed up and surprised my photographer, Jordyn, dressed as The Grinch!
I knew she would absolutely love it and embrace it with me—and I was right. She created the most magical pictures! I’ve spent the last year trying my best to spread love and kindness in Kellan’s name and the Kellan Kares Foundation. This was the perfect way for me to end the year, and truly make those around me smile. After the shoot, I dressed up again and spent and entire day dressed as The Grinch, running around town making people laugh.”
While the maternity session was definitely one for the books, Volk says that they will be doing an “official” session for Langer in the future.
You can follow Jordyn Photography on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about Kellan Kares, an organization that “strives to spread education, awareness, and support about infant & pregnancy loss,” visit their Facebook page.
Gender-neutral fashion line nununu just partnered with Lucasfilm on a new collab and you’re going to want a little of everything. The limited edition Star Wars x nununu collection is available now––for both kids and adults!
The 40-piece collection showcases designs inspired by characters that include Darth Vader, Chewbacca, R2D2 and more. The line embraces nununu’s signature neutral style with lots of black, grey and white tones. We’re sharing some of our favorite styles below.
To capture the essence of the collab, nununu photographed the line at the Dead Sea, which also pays homage to the Tel Aviv-based fashion brand and the overall feel of the Star Wars galaxy.
The limited edition Star Wars x nununu collection is available worldwide at nununu.com and starts at $25.
––Karly Wood
