Even though your baby won’t remember their first birthday, it’s a major (and incredibly cute) milestone for parents—one that your kid will love to look back on when they’re older (be sure to save all the best pics in the Tinybeans app). You’ll probably choose the most adorable party outfit, soon to be covered in freshly baked (or bought!) smash cake. But with schedules to take into account and a lot of little personalities to cater to, how do you plan a party to remember that doesn’t end in disaster? Whether hosting a small gathering with family or a big blowout, these are the first birthday party ideas and tips that’ll ensure everyone has a great time—especially the birthday babe.
1. Respect the nap.
Happy, stress-free parties require a well-rested baby, so time the birthday bash around your baby’s naptime. While this may mean a different start time than Grandma expected, everybody (especially your child!) will have a better time if you work around the sleep schedule.
2. Create a quiet area.
Since parties with babies can mean tears and gleeful shrieks, setting up a secondary party area in another room or outside for guests to go to if they need a break from the festivities is a brilliant first birthday party idea. Set out non-electronic toys for babies who may feel overstimulated, and place chairs and snacks there for adults who want a spot for quiet conversation.
3. Designate photographers.
To ensure you capture the big moments and sweet snuggles with important folks, ask a few attendees to take charge of specific photo moments. That way you can focus on your child and guests—and end up in some of the photos, too! Take all the snapshots from the day and make them into a Tinybeans photo book to save your memories of the special day.
4. Choose a simple theme.
If planning a Pinterest-worthy party sounds too stressful, stick to a simple theme. Lifestyle guru and mother of two Camille Styles opted for a summer-themed party for her daughter’s first birthday and used hearts and the colors pink and orange to make the party look cohesive.
5. Or… skip the theme.
No, you don’t need a themed first birthday party. Promise. Instead, spend your money on fun first birthday activities your baby and guests will enjoy. Our favorite is the ball pit. Just buy an inexpensive kiddie pool and a lot of colorful plastic balls. Kids will love to play around in it, and you can set it up at home or in your backyard for your child to enjoy for years to come.
One of our favorite ideas when planning parties for one-year-olds olds is to snap pictures before baby gets sleepy or cake-covered and when you and your family are more relaxed and focused. To ensure you get great photos, make or order a small smash cake before the big day and do a low-key photo shoot without any guests around. Baby will be all smiles, and no one flipping through the scrapbook will ever know that the picture was taken on a different day.
7. Weather permitting, opt for an outdoor venue.
A park or playground can be the perfect party spot; all you bring is the cake, balloons, favors, snacks, and a table. The mess will be minimal in the great outdoors, and younger guests will have lots of space to run around.
First birthday party tip: Arrive early to stake out a spot in the shade, and tell guests what color balloons or decorations you have so they know where to find you. If the weather isn’t cooperating and you need to move the party to your home, make extra room indoors by moving furniture out of the party room so little legs can crawl or walk around.
8. Put older kids in charge of games.
Delegate, delegate, delegate. Older kids, like cousins or friends’ children, usually love to be given responsibility at parties, and they’re really good at getting the younger ones’ attention. Put them in charge of party games, music-making, singing songs, and more. Chat with the older kids (and their parents) in advance to ask what they’re comfortable doing and create a plan.
free stocks via Unsplash
9. Use a cupcake for smashing.
Smash cakes are all the rage with the one-year-old crowd and their photo-taking families, and while we say smash away, a tiny confection or cupcake works just as well with much less mess. You may even be able to salvage your child’s outfit for future events if you go for a less messy, smaller cake.
10. Personalize the party.
Highlight a few of your baby’s favorite things over the past year (first word! favorite food! favorite stuffed animal!) and make a poster you display at the party. This first birthday party idea from Kara’s Party Ideas lets guests learn about your baby and is worth snapping a photo of for your child to revisit in a few years. Better yet, make it a yearly tradition.
11. Create a time capsule.
Asking your guests to write the guest of honor a short letter to be read years from now tops our list of sweet first birthday party ideas. To ward off writer’s block, offer suggestions for what to write, such as helpful advice, a memory of the party or first year, or wishes for the future. Store the letters in a marked container that reads “Do not open until you turn 21” (or whatever age you like). For guests who can’t make it, ask them to email your submissions—print them out, and file them away for a future date.
12. Make your party treats self-serve.
Set up everything from drinks to dessert in advance so you can tell guests to help themselves, leaving you to focus on your child and having fun. For younger guests, prep cut-up fruit, applesauce pouches, and cups of Cheerios or snack crackers. For adults, a charcuterie board, crudites, and antipasto are always popular nibbles.
13. Keep it short and sweet.
Little people get overstimulated quickly and can’t handle too much of a good thing. Limit your party to two hours or less so everyone can leave on a positive note.
Capture all the cutest (and messiest) moments from baby’s big day—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.
Your baby’s first year will be a whirlwind of dirty diapers, meeting milestones, and flashing charming, toothless smiles that’ll melt your heart. Amid all that, it’s hard to know when they’re ready for new experiences, like swim classes or their first airplane trip. That’s where we come in. If you’re trying to figure out how to balance what baby can do with places to have fun (we know you’re ready to get out there), simply pull up this list. It matches fun baby activities with the right age to introduce each.
Places to Have Fun: 0-3 months
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Go on a Walk
Strolls around the block, through a nearby park, or in your favorite neighborhood are great at any age for you and your baby. It’s a chance to get out of the house, breathe some fresh air, and maybe even run into a friend or two. Speaking of, this is one of those baby activities that’s best with another parent. That way you can gab and share and get that support that all new parents need.
Take a Baby and Me Yoga Class
If your two-month-old naps easily in a car seat or stroller, you might be ready for a baby and me yoga class, where you can get some exercise and meet some other new parents, too. Some classes are also designed to include babies in the movements. Just make sure your little one is ready to participate before making the switch.
Meet Up with Family
Whether you head out to a coffee shop to meet up with grandparents, or you bring a picnic to a nearby park to meet up with baby’s uncle, those first few months are a great time for family (near and far) to meet your newest addition. The best part? These folks are going to want to hold your baby, and unlike most who ask, we’re pretty sure you’ll let them.
Join a Parent Workout Class
Finding the time to work out in those first few months can be challenging. But if you can bring baby along with you, you’ve at least got a fighting chance. National programs like FIT4MOM include babies in the workout, so you can get out, get exercise, and meet other new parents.
Good to Know: The American College of Obstetrics & Gynecologists (ACOG) gives the green light to working out a few days after giving birth if you had an easy vaginal delivery. But it’s best to consult with your OB-GYN before starting back into a workout routine.
Places to Have Fun: 3-6 Months
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Visit Your Local Zoo or Aquarium
A trip to the zoo offers loads of new sights and sounds for a stroller-bound five- or six-month-old. A petting zoo can be a great sensory experience and a chance to practice farm animal sounds. If there’s not a zoo nearby, you can get some animal time by heading to a local dog park to watch the puppies play.
Most libraries and lots of independent bookstores across the country offer free storytime sessions for babies and toddlers. Many even have special times for the youngest babes. Starting around four months old, your child will love snuggling with you to enjoy rhymes, songs, and super-short stories.
Go for a Hike or a Run
Simple walks are good for those first few months. But when your wee one is a bit more stable around three to four months, you can head out for longer, bumpier treks into the great outdoors. At that age, babies can ride in a solid, structured back carrier, which makes your adorable load easier to carry on extended treks.
Places to Have Fun: 6-9 Months
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Explore the Beach
Around this time, babies are learning to crawl. If you’re lucky to time this developmental stage with summertime, we couldn’t think of a better place to explore than a nearby beach. Sand works surprisingly well as a surface to learn to crawl. And babies this age love the sensation of sand running through their fingers and squishing under their toes.
You’ve been waiting to take your baby to the playground forever, and now is the time. The baby swings at your local playground are perfect for little ones who can sit up on their own and control their head. Try out a swing at six months to see if your baby enjoys it, and expect them to love it by eight or nine months. To make the seat more comfortable for them, tuck a blanket in front of, or behind, your baby to fill out the bucket swing.
Sign Up for a Music Class
Although baby may be too little for an at-home dance party, that doesn’t mean you can’t make music a part of baby’s life. Around seven months, when kids can sit up and bang a rattle, parent and me music class starts to be extra fun for little ones and their grown-ups. Hint: they’re even more fun when you bring a friend.
Visit a Local Children’s Museum
Most children’s museums have set up awesome, interactive centers specifically for babies and toddlers under three. They’re equipped with soft pillows to scramble across and big blocks to stack. Try this when your crawler needs a safe, fun place to explore, starting right around eight months of age.
Places to Have Fun: 9-12 Months
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Try a Swim Class
The American Academy of Pediatrics says kids as young as age one may be ready to start swim lessons—and research suggests that swim lessons for kids under age four reduces the risk of drowning. If you have a water baby on your hands, your child might enjoy splashing around in a parent and me swim class starting around this age.
Take a Baby Gym Class
Active crawlers, usually between eight to ten months, will get a kick out of a gym class. They can scramble over pyramids of pillows and giggle underneath a parachute, all in a super-cushioned play area. All that activity tires kids out, which usually translates into good, long naps.
Get a New Set of Wheels
At age one, your not-so-tiny-anymore baby should be ready to try a ride-on toy. From trikes to toddler-sized fire trucks, anything with wheels and foot-to-floor action is a hit with toddlers. Hint: it makes a great first-birthday present.
Make sure to capture all of your first-year fun—and share it 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.
Family photo sessions have come a long way. If your parents were anything like mine, you probably remember being forced into scratchy clothes and dragged to the local portrait studio to pose with your sibling in identical outfits, back-to-back with your arms crossed. The epitome of awkward family photos. Luckily, those days are over, and less posed, more natural sessions are now in style—as are significantly less matchy-matchy ensembles. If you’re worried about committing a fashion faux pas during your next shoot and dragging your partner and kids down with you, we’ve got you. We spoke to lifestyle and documentary photographer Janis Lempera to get the lowdown on what looks best on camera in 2024 (so you’ll be proud to share your photos on Tinybeans!).
Location, location, location
Janis Lempera
When you think of a family photoshoot, plaid shirts, cable-knit sweaters, and ankle boots might come to mind. And if you’re planning a fall shoot at a pumpkin patch, that would be perfect. But if your backdrop is the beach or a lush garden, not so much. Janis encourages families to consider the setting. “Really look at the palette of your surroundings,” she explains, and try to choose colors that complement it.
Pastels and neutrals look great on a beach while richer, jewel-toned hues will pop in the woods. If you’re shooting in your home, choose shades that go with your interior. For example, you’ll want to avoid bold prints and colors if you’ve got a farmhouse-style vibe. You’ll also want to think about the temperature; you don’t want to be shivering in a t-shirt or sweating through a wool coat.
Keep it comfy
The last thing you want is to look at these pictures years down the road and think, What was I wearing?! So start with your own style and personality, Janis suggests. If you’re more of a dressed-down kind of family, embrace it. If you’re uncomfortable in what you wear it’ll show—you’ll likely be stiff and awkward and constantly wondering how you look instead of having fun with your favorite people.
Janis reminds parents that the same goes for kids, so find something that showcases their personality. If they’re not used to wearing bowties or suspenders, they’re more likely to be grumpy and uncooperative in them. And remember that you’re not a family of mannequins, so choose clothes that are easy to move around in so you can get down and play with the kids or twirl them around.
Knix the matchy-matchy look
Janis Lempera
Aim for outfits that are cohesive but don’t look like you just stepped out of a department store catalog. It’s easiest to start with one person’s ensemble. If mom has a floral dress that she absolutely loves, draw inspiration for your color palette from that, says Janis. You want to stick to just three or four hues max.
What are some of our faves? Blues and whites are totally classic, but try to avoid everyone wearing the same white on top and blue on the bottom (mix it up with dresses, hats, button-up shirts, and different textures, or have one person in a navy blouse and jeans while others are in white tops or dresses). The same goes for black and white. You’ll also get a timeless look when you pair muted blues, mossy greens, and yellows with neutrals like grey or beige—plus these colors typically complement everyone. Mustard or mauve with cream and olive also makes for a nice mix, especially in the spring (picture your little one in an olive overall paired with a cream tee while mom has on a cream dress with a delicate mauve floral). Pops of burgundy or peach work well with denim, charcoal, and navy for winter shoots, and if you find yourself in the desert we love pulling out earthy tones like cinnamon, rust, taupe, and green.
Experiment with textures
Janis Lempera
Different textures and layers help to add personality and depth to a photo, Janis says, and you don’t have to fear layering in warmer seasons. It doesn’t have to be heavy jackets or sweaters but think about lace, linen, cords, and lightweight knits. There are also so many adorable pointelle outfits for babe, and you can try playing with subtle patterns on one or two people. And don’t forget about footwear, which can also be a good place to share a fun family tradition, like having everyone wear their favorite Converse or Vans.
Incorporate accessories
While you may want to leave your smartwatch behind, Janis says there’s no need to leave out timeless pieces that you love. Jewelry is an obvious choice but you can also try out a bow or headband, neck scarf, or even colorful socks. Just don’t overdo it. Pick a couple of meaningful pieces that work alongside your chosen color palette. “And be mindful of what’s in your pockets,” says Janis. “A lot of people put their phones in the front pockets of their jeans and it leaves a big rectangle.”
Pack backups
Be sure to bring a second (or third) outfit for little ones that goes with your look. Because… well, kids are kids. And you never know when you might come across the perfect puddle to jump in or the best hill to roll down. “I once had a little girl fall and then for the rest of the session we were kind of hiding her a little behind her mom because she was covered in mud,” laughs Janis.
Say cheese and have fun!
Janis Lempera
Once you’ve got all your outfits picked out, it’s not a bad idea to do a practice run. Have everyone try on their clothes and snap a couple of photos on your phone to see if you’ve achieved the look you’re going for. It’s also a good time to make sure everyone is comfortable and knows what to expect.
Speaking of expectations, parents, this one’s for you: Don’t forget to let loose. Run after the kiddos, let them scream in delight, catch those candid moments, and let them enjoy it. Does your toddler have a costume they insist on wearing every single day? Bring it along—it’s a nice bit of incentive for the end of the shoot that lets their personality shine. Trust us, the memories will be priceless.
Be sure to share all the best photos with family and friends near and far on the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Check out our ultimate guide to daily adventures and gallons of giggles
Summer is in full swing, and you’re going to need an arsenal of activities for kids to fill the long days or open afternoons after camp. This is why it’s the perfect time to make a family summer bucket list. To help you make that happen, we collected 73 ideas that fit the bill for summer 2024. From having a Yes Day to putting together a new LEGO set, here are all the best things to do in the summer with kids.
If you need other ideas, check out our favorite swimming pool games, the best games to play in the dark, sidewalk activities, and backyard science experiments.
There’s a reason posed newborn photography goes viral. Tiny babies dressed up as characters from Disney’s Toy Story are next-level adorable and also pretty hilarious—but it’s definitely not for everyone. If giving your new addition the Anne Geddes treatment by transforming them into your favorite flower, zoo animal, or item from the produce section feels like too much too soon, you’re probably planning more of a lifestyle shoot for your newborn photos (translation: more organic, less props). It’s a comforting way to ease you and your babe into life in front of the camera, because let’s be honest: the idea of doing any photoshoot probably feels super daunting right now.
To help make the process as natural as possible (because those photos will be worth it!), we spoke with baby and family photographer Kayla Robins of The Robins Nest. She shared her best tips for lifestyle and DIY shoots, whether you’re taking monthly milestone photos or just trying to get a snapshot of your newborn’s life at home to share with loved ones on the Tinybeans app. Here’s what she had to say.
Don’t feel like you have to rush into it
While most newborn photography is shot in the first few weeks after birth, don’t worry if you want to wait a bit. Aiming for when they’re about one month old gives your baby’s personality time to develop and you’ll be able to get a mix of portraits as they go from sleepy to alert.
Let your baby call the shots
It’s important to “follow the baby’s lead,” says Kayla. Don’t sweat the small stuff, as lifestyle photography’s aim is to capture the family as they are. It’s all about genuine interactions between you and your baby, so shake off any pressure to get the “perfect” shot. (Spoiler: There’s no such thing.)
Choose your call time strategically
Avoid any prolonged opportunity for fussiness by having your baby fed and dressed in their first outfit when you arrive at the shoot so you can jump right in. Scheduling a session in the morning works best as it allows for any and all breaks your baby needs to feed, change, cry, etc. without the risk of losing daylight.
You’re going to be doing a lot of online shopping in the coming year, but those intricate outfits perfectly suited to a special occasion? Now is not the time. A plain and simple onesie is the perfect place to start, and if you want to get fancy you can easily layer outfits on without disturbing the baby too much. Footed sleepers are a lifesaver at this age, but keep in mind that they’ll hide what is undeniably one of your baby’s most adorable, photo-worthy features—their toesies.
Aim for quiet on the set
Some babies might not be ready for their close-up, so making sure the shoot environment is calm and quiet will help them settle in. Kayla’s hot tip for capturing the perfect sleeping shot is to “rub in between their eyebrows to get them into a deeper sleep.” And the secret to more alert shots? Stripes. “I wear them so the baby can focus on the contrast.”
Know that little touches go a long way
Okay, so lifestyle newborn photography isn’t always propless. Kayla suggests including a few sentimental pieces in the shoot. Maybe a special blanket or toy, a gift from a loved one, or—even better—a beloved item from your own childhood that can weave even more love into this milestone moment.
Break out your own camera
If you’d rather embrace a DIY approach to newborn photography—or just don’t feel like leaving your house or having anyone come in—here are a few tips to help guide you behind the camera.
Light is key, so position your baby close to a window to maximize natural light.
With your baby lying on their back, shoot directly from above for a full-body view and then zoom in on their adorable little hands, toes, and face.
For a different perspective, get down low to their eye level.
Babies love to cuddle (and we love to cuddle them), which luckily makes for a beautiful shot. Prop their tiny body on a parent or loved one’s shoulder and have them turn their back to you so you can just see the baby’s head and face.
Whether you go pro or DIY, you won’t regret it
“This stage is so fleeting and the emotion and energy of a newborn session, especially with a first baby, really shines through the images,” says Kayla. “You can always take more photos as they grow, but you can never go back in time!”
Make sure to capture all those adorable newborn 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.
Have a water fight, take a road trip, or just talk. There are so many daughter & mother activities mothers that’ll strengthen the bond
Between school, work, and keeping the family afloat, sometimes it’s tough for mother-daughter activities to come front and center. To help you keep that bond strong, we found 33 of the very best ideas. Whether your daughter is 5 or 15, keep reading to discover mother-daughter activities you’ve got to try at least once.
1. Play a game of basketball. Even if you aren’t the next Steph Curry—you can still shoot hoops with your daughter. Plus, it’s a great workout!
2. Have a spa day. Every mom and daughter deserves the royal treatment at least once. A soothing mask, manicure, pedicure, and refreshing cucumber water will make for a memorable day.
3. Write in a journal together. Sometimes talking about our feelings is tough. But using a mother-daughter journal to share our dreams and disappointments can be a great bonding experience (and a wonderful keepsake for the future).
4.Have a movie marathon. Pick a series of movies (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Disney), pop popcorn, and make a day of movies in your family room.
5. Go on a road trip. Nothing says togetherness like riding in a car for a long time. Create a playlist of music you both want, pick a destination, and start driving.
6. Set up and finish a jigsaw puzzle. A puzzle guarantees hours of quality time with your daughter.
7.Run a race. Whether it’s a 5k or a 1-mile fun run, train with your daughter and show her that girls can do anything!
9. Have regular mommy-daughter dates. Whether it’s a lunch date, a walk to the park, or visiting a local museum, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to spend time with your daughter.
10. Pick a Pinterest project to tackle. You know all those crafts and projects you have pinned? Find a perfect one for a mother-daughter team and make an afternoon of it.
13. Go to high tea. Find a fancy hat and get your pinkies up. High tea is a luxurious activity every mom and daughter should do at least once.
14. Volunteer or do a community service project. There are a lot of community activities for families. Pick an activity that will help mom and daughter give back to others while spending time together.
15. Schedule a professional photoshoot. Most moms have hundreds of photos of their daughters, and we all love a good selfie. But having a photographer other than yourself capture lasting memories is a gift you'll enjoy well into the future. We love Shoott, the company that connects local photographers with people who want their pictures taken.
16. Go to a fancy dinner. Make a reservation for a restaurant you've always wanted to try and have a date night with your daughter.
17. Have a water fight. Invest in some balloons and water guns and spend the day getting wet.
18. Learn to build something. Put your girl power into action, and perfect your building skills at a class through Home Depot or another hands-on workshop. There's no reason the hammer and drills should be left to fathers and sons.
20. Have a picnic.Pack a picnic lunch (or buy a delicious sandwich at a local shop) and find a pretty outdoor spot. Spend some time eating, chatting, reading, or playing together.
21. Bake a cake or cook a full dinner. You've probably enlisted your daughter's help baking cookies or peeling veggies. Take your culinary skills up a notch and attempt to create an entire cake or a four-course meal.
22. Travel to a new city. You can take a plane ride to another state or drive to the next town. Explore a new city with your daughter, and see what interests both of you.
33. Have a good cry together. Showing your daughter that it's okay to express her feelings is important. And, it's important to show her that you're human, too.
24. Take a hike.Find a trail to explore. Wander through your local park. Stroll the beach, head up a mountain, or discover the desert. Enjoying nature together may open your eyes to many new things along the path.
25. Go on a shopping spree. While it's probably worth saving up some money for this indulgence, an afternoon shopping spree is something every mother and daughter should do together.
26. See a play or musical. Dress up, have lunch, and experience a play or musical at a local theater.
27. Take a painting class together. Get artsy and do a painting or crafting class together. You'll love seeing your unique perspectives come to life on the canvas.
28. Go to an amusement park. Some moms like theme parks as much (or more than) as the kids. Spend a day at the Happiest Place on Earth, or explore the features at Universal Studios.
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29. Have a dance party. Blast your favorite playlist and dance, dance, dance.
30. Look through old photos and scrapbooks. Before the days of Facebook, we kept our memories printed in albums. Share your old photo albums and scrapbooks with your daughter, and tell her stories about those special times.
31. Go thrift shopping or antique hunting. It's fun to hunt through thrift shops and see what treasures you can find.
32. Go fishing. Who says fishing is just for the guys? Find a local fishing hole and spend an afternoon casting a line.
33. Play a board game. There are plenty of games that are perfect for a mother-daughter afternoon. You can even take the game to a local coffee shop or park to make the time more special.
With over 400 National Parks in the United States, whether you’re into exploring hiking trails, camping, going on scavenger hunts, or even soaking in hot springs, there’s an open space out there that you’ll love. If you have a 4th grader in your crew, be sure to snag the free national parks pass that’s good for their whole 4th-grade year. Another way to get in free is to visit during free national park days or choose a park that’s always free.
With a huge increase in visitors to national parks in recent years, some have instituted a reservation system during peak weekends and summer months. Be sure to check for this before you visit! Keep reading to see our favorite family-friendly parks, along with insider tips to help you make the most of your visit.
What to See & Do: Located around 4 hours from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, Sequoia National Park is home to the famous General Sherman Tree (the world's largest tree by volume). Also not to be missed is The Congress Trail—a 2.7-mile paved hike that loops through the forest where you'll get up close and personal with other famous sequoias like The President, The House, and the Senate—jaw-droppingly beautiful trees that have called this micro-climate home for the past 2,500 years or so.
Tips & When to Go: Open year-round, there's no bad time of year to see these gentle giants. In the winter, you can snowshoe among the trees (some roads may be closed due to conditions) while in the summer, you can spend more time and camp inside the national park if you desire. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends. To help plan your trip, read our insider's guide to visiting Visalia and Sequoia National Park.
From the river bed of the Rio Grande to the peaks of the Chisos mountain range, this remote park runs along the Texas/Mexico border.
What to See & Do: Designated as one of the darkest places in the country, it’s one of the best places to stargaze with your kids. It’s also filled with fossils—be sure to take your dino enthusiast to the Fossil Discovery Exhibit. There are also plenty of hiking opportunities for families: some of the best trails for kids include the Window View, the Basin Loop, the Rio Grande Village Nature Trail, and for older kids, the Lost Mine Trail is worth the trek. One of the most popular things to do in Big Bend, however, is to float the Rio Grande. There are several outfitters that offer easy, half-day floats, like this Madera to Grassy Banks option from Big Bend River Tours, which are perfect for families with young children.
Tips & When to Go: Cell service can be spotty, but free, public WiFi is available at the Panther Junction Visitor Center, the Chisos Mountains Lodge, and the Rio Grande Village Store. The best time to go is Sept.-May, as it gets very hot in the summer.
Famed for its granite domes and ancient sequoia trees, Yosemite is a gold mine for families.
Things to See & Do: Filled with hundreds of miles of hiking trails, two favorites include the Tuolomne Grove Nature Trail because you are rewarded with some massive Giant Sequoias, including the one you can walk through, and the Mist Trail as you have the opportunity to see two waterfalls. Make sure you set aside some time to spend exploring Yosemite Village. Grab some lunch and souvenirs at the gift shop (it is huge—perfect to stock up on everything from hot cocoa to wine to grilling supplies). Take a break to watch the Spirit of Yosemite film at the visitor center to give the kids all the background info on Yosemite and how it came to be a national park.
The Yosemite Museum has hands-on exhibits where kids can learn all about the cultural history of Yosemite’s native Miwok and Paiute people from 1850 to the present. If you are lucky, you may even be able to see traditional skills presented by historians. Outside you can walk through a replica Miwok village to see how they lived.
Tips & When to Go: The park is open year-round, with seasonal activities, but May and Sep. are less crowded.
Sandstone cliffs, slot canyons, and animal wildlife are all part of the wonder of Zion National Park in Utah. You’ll want to give yourselves plenty of time at this scenic destination to take it all in.
Things to See & Do: Try a kid-friendly hike, like The Grotto Trail, Weeping Rock Trail, or the Emerald Pool Trail. While at the Emerald Pool trail, be sure to check out the gorgeous waterfall views. For a fun way for families to learn more about Zion together, head over to the Nature Center. Daily from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, youth programs specifically for children and families are offered, and last 30-45 minutes, so they're just the right length for your mini explorers.
Tips & When to Go: Zion National Park is open year-round. Some services or facilities may have limited hours at various times of the year.
Located in Maine, Acadia National Park offers trails along the granite shoreline that seem to rise from the sea. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about lobsters or search for harbor seals, the cool freshwater lakes, and frothy saltwater tidal invite exploring, and there are plenty of yummy lobster dinners within reach.
What to See & Do: Acadia offers families dozens of activities beyond hiking (though the hiking is both excellent and most often very family-friendly), which everyone will love. Pack your bikes for rides along the network of Carriage Roads, and blow their minds at Thunder Hole, a partially submerged cave that booms about an hour before high tide.
Tips & When to Go: While there is plenty to do for visitors of all ages and abilities, much of Acadia’s landscape is very rugged. If you’ve got wee ones in tow, a child’s backpack carrier just might save the trip. Late summer and early fall offer warm days, fewer crowds, and typically chilly evenings, making it the perfect time for a visit.
From mountain waterfalls to ice-cold streams running through rhododendron-laced valleys, the Smokies are full of crystal-clear swimming holes, easy and moderate hikes for all legs, and scenic drives. In addition to being a great national park for kids, this park offers free admission year-round.
What to See & Do: Getting to the Smokies is relatively easy from any place in the southeast, and it’s easily accessible from both Tennessee and North Carolina. Pigeon Forge and Sevierville are both mountain towns just outside of the park and offer plenty of lodging and entertainment options for families looking to neon-light their vacation. A true naturalist would be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with the Smokies, and it’s equally suited for families who prefer to balance their bouts with nature with outlet shopping, live entertainment, and restaurants (all available just outside the park).
Tips & When to Go: It’s rare to have a true off-peak season in the Smokies, so if you’re looking for isolation this isn’t the park for you. However, solitude can be found inside the boundaries of the park, and we recommend going in the early spring to catch the incredible display of ephemeral wildflowers in bloom. Or, go in the fall around the second or third weekend of October to see the brilliant fall leaves.
Explore the coastline and see wild horses on this island sanctuary.
What to See & Do: Since the park is located on a 37-mile-long barrier island, this spot is ideal for beach-loving families. Look for shells, kayak, play in the ocean, or visit one of the centers for a nature program and to experience the marine life touch tanks. Camping is a popular lodging option here, there are several sites, and reservations are required during portions of the year.
Tips & When to Go: Be sure to keep a distance of 40 feet from the wild horses. The park is open year-round, and visitors peak in July, to watch the horses swim the channel, but insects like mosquitos and gnats thrive in the humid summer months. Spring and fall are lovely times to visit.
The third-largest national park in the lower 48 states spans 2,400 miles and offers a respite from cold winter temps elsewhere in the country.
What to See & Do: The dry winter season here means more animals to spot (hello, alligators and manatees!), more ranger programs to attend (think: hikes, bikes, and talks), and way fewer mosquitos than you and the kiddos would find any other time of year. Ride bikes, take a boat tour (most of the park is only accessible by boat), or set up camp before the wet season hits.
The dramatic landscape of Badlands has an otherworldly feel that has to be seen to be believed. With a combination of impressive rock formations and beautiful grasslands, this South Dakota spot is worth a visit as it’s one of our top national parks for kids.
What to See & Do: Drive Badlands Loop Road and stop at a few of the overlooks for jaw-dropping views. Popular with kids, the quarter-mile Fossil Exhibit Trail winds along a boardwalk and features fossil replicas. Along with the Junior Ranger program in the Ben Reifel Visitor Center, kids can also check out the interactive exhibits and visit the theater to watch the film Land of Stone and Light. In the summertime, families can get a close-up view of the night sky through telescopes on Friday through Monday nights at the evening ranger program.
Tips & When to Go: Badlands is open year-round, although the visitor center is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Summertime offers additional programs such as the Night Sky program, evening ranger programs, guided hikes, and talks.
Although not as well known as some other parks, Cuyahoga Valley is an ideal spot to watch changing foliage, colorful wildflowers and wildlife. Nestled between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio, this midwestern park may become a new favorite.
Things to See & Do: To see a magical view of Blue Hen Falls, the Blue Hen Falls Trail is an easy hike that the whole family can do together. At half a mile and just under thirty minutes, it’s a great intro trail and leads to the peaceful waterfall. You can also try birdwatching, canoeing and a whole schedule of summer events including train rides on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, ranger-led hikes and wildlife walks.
Tips & When to Go: The park is open every day, although some areas close at dusk for the night. Wildflowers are in bloom in mid to late summer.
If you’ve got a dino lover in your house, then Dinosaur National Monument is a definite stop for your list. Inside the Quarry Hall, the kids can check out over 1,500 real preserved dinosaur fossils that are sure to fascinate them. Next, move on to see some petroglyphs and pictographs as you drive the 10-mile Tour of Tilted Rocks. You’ll also find hiking, river rafting, and ranger-guided programs.
Tips & When to Go: Dinosaur National Monument is open every day all year, but during the winter, some roads and facilities are closed. The Quarry Visitor Center and Quarry Exhibit Hall are only open at certain times, so check the website before heading on your trip. In the summertime, temperatures can easily climb over 100 degrees, so take plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
Located only 75 miles outside of Washington, D.C., and with over 100 miles of scenic highway, this park is perfect for families who love a good road trip. Skyline Drive is the main (and only) drag through the park, and the 75 overlooks of the Shenandoah Valley are swoon-worthy.
What to See & Do: The Shenandoah National Park’s Scenic Drive ensures that you will see splendid views and have every opportunity to get out and explore the park since nearly all trailheads are located a short distance from the road. This is the perfect park for families with good car seat travelers!
Tips & When to Go: Because they leave the fields in the Shenandoah National Park unplowed to purposely propagate the wildflowers that bloom there, you are guaranteed to see an incredible show year-round.
Located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, the Hot Springs National Park is the only park that had a city grow up around it. Known for its bubbling mineral springs and their restorative and healing powers, you can still bathe in them today in one of the restored historic bathhouses.
What to See & Do: While the springs have been around for ages, the amenities have continued to improve. You can bathe in the mineral waters from the comfort of a modern-day spa after spending a morning hiking one of the park's 26 miles of trails. And did we mention that there’s a diamond mine only an hour away in Murfreesboro?
Tips & When to Go: We like the idea of a nice, hot mineral spring bath on a cool spring day, don’t you? The bathhouses are open year-round, but Arkansas heats up in the summer and we suggest going during one of the cooler months.
You can see beaches, rainforests, and mountains at this beautiful park in the Pacific Northwest. Olympic National Park holds a little something for everyone.
What to See & Do: On the coast, kids four and up can be “Ocean Stewards” and earn a badge for completing activities. You can also explore tide pools, try any number of family hiking trails or spend some time on Rialto Beach. For evening fun, join one of the Night Sky programs, such as stargazing or full moon hikes at Hurricane Ridge.
Tips & When to Go: June through September are the most popular times to visit. Although the park is most crowded during these times, the park also has the most facilities and programs available. The park is still a show-stopping sight in winter, but check the website for weather and road conditions first.
Lava Beds National Monument is a must-visit spot when you bring the family to Siskiyou County in Northern California. Here you can check out free flashlights from the visitor center and explore the many (VERY DARK) caves that were formed when lava flowed through the area thousands of years ago. For the youngest explorers, check out Mushpot Cave just a short walk from the visitor center. This is the only cave that has its own lighting in the tunnel.
What to See & Do: Skull Cave (pictured above) is a popular choice because of its massive size. A good lighting source will be needed if you want to venture all the way down to the cave's ice floor (the flashlights from the visitor center can be pretty dim so you might want to bring your own).
Tips & When to Go: Summer is a great time to visit Lava Beds. Remember that even though it might be in the 90s above ground that it will be very chilly when you head into the caves so long pants/long sleeves are recommended. There's no restaurant at the park so bring in lunch with you when you visit. Check out our guide to visiting Siskiyou County with kids for lots of other tips including where to visit the petroglyphs!
While not an official national park, Indiana Dunes still offers visitors over 15 miles of protected lakeshore and 48 miles of trails—some within sight of the Chicago skyline!
What to See & Do Lake Michigan’s sandy shoreline includes dunes that reach as high as 125 feet tall, and its National Lakeshore status has protected its natural beauty from development and commercialization. If you decide to explore the dunes, just be sure to stay on the marked trails to protect the natural habitat!
Tips & When to Go Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a perfect spot for a picnic, day hike or day at the beach from the moment the sun starts shining in the spring until the last leaves have fallen in autumn.
Located in central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest-known cave system. Experience the underground adventure with cave tours, trails, and more.
What to See & Do: You’ll find over 84 miles of hiking trails suitable for all different levels, so find the one that works best for your family and get ready to explore. A variety of cave tours are also available so you can see Mammoth Cave up close and personal. The Frozen Niagara is a popular cave tour for families with young kids. Lasting an hour and 15 minutes, the tour is ideal for small hikers at just about a quarter of a mile. Reservations are strongly recommended, but not required.
Tips & When to Go: The cave is open year-round, and the Visitor Center’s hours vary by season.Cave temperatures are between the 50s and 60s but can become much colder in the winter. When touring the caves, flash photography is not permitted. Strollers and child backpack carriers are also not permitted on cave tours, so make sure young ones are up for the walk.
Mountain scenery, glacier-chiseled lakes, and tons of activities greet you at this stunning park in Montana.
What to See & Do: Visit the Apgar Nature Center so kids can play and learn with various interactive activities, ranger talks, and children’s programs. Take in the scenery and look for wildlife as you drive the 50-mile Going to the Sun road. As an alternative, you can use the free shuttle along Going to the Sun Road between the nature center and the St. Mary Visitor Center. You’ll also want to make sure to make time to explore the park with a hike. Plenty of trails are popular with children, such as Trail of the Cedars, Hidden Lake Nature Trail or the Oxbow Trail. After you’ve worked up an appetite, don’t forget to make a stop for a scoop of huckleberry ice cream! A Glacier must.
Tips & When to Go: Glacier is open every day of the year, although hours at visitor stations vary by season. Summer is the most popular season to visit. Weather-related events may affect Going to the Sun Road plowing and opening, so follow the park’s current road status to get the latest information.
Little fossil fans will love imagining past prehistoric days and dinosaurs as they explore the Painted Desert landscape of Petrified Forest National Park.
What to See & Do: Be sure to make a stop at the Rainbow Forest Museum where your kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and skeleton displays. From the museum parking area, you can find the trailhead for the Agate House trail, a two-mile trek with a paved portion, leading to an old pueblo made of petrified wood. At the Painted Desert Visitor Center, you’ll find an orientation video, a restaurant, gift shop, and plenty of information about the park.
Tips & When to Go: Petrified Forest National Park is open year-round, with the exception of December 25th. However, visitor center hours and park road hours vary by season.
Visiting White Sands feels a little bit like running through a dream. Acres and acres of soft white gypsum sand dunes will have the kids running, rolling and sliding for hours.
What to See & Do: Hit the Visitor Center first to learn all about how White Sands formed, and then head out to experience it! The eight-mile ride down Dunes Drive will take you to the center of the dune field. Sleds can be purchased at the Visitor Center, and little ones (and adults!) will love the chance to take a slide down. Sledding is permitted in the loop area of Dunes Drive. The Visitor Center also has a Junior Rangers program, a gift shop and a native plant garden. Kids can also check out an Adventure Pack for the day, containing binoculars, field guides, a compass and other items to help them explore the dunes.
Tips & When to Go: White Sands is open daily all through the year, with the exception of December 25. The monument occasionally closes for inclement weather or unsafe road conditions. Hours vary depending on the season, so check the website for the latest times. Pack sunglasses and don’t forget the sunscreen, because the sun shining off of those white dunes is bright.
Be wowed by the active volcanoes of Kilauea and Mauna Loa on Hawaii’s Big Island!
Things to See & Do: Start at the Visitor Center and check out the video Born of Fire, Born of the Sea. You’ll want to cruise the main road of Crater Rim Drive, where you’ll find tons of scenic stops to admire, such as Kilauea Overlook for unbeatable views. Swing by the Jaggar Museum where you can learn all about lava, seismographs and everything volcano-related. Finally, take your flashlights and explore the magnitude of Nahuku, the Thurston Lava Tube.
Tips & When to Go: The park is open year-round, including all holidays. The park contains two active volcanoes, so safety is always a priority. Stay up to date on volcanic activity and air quality before visiting by checking the park’s website.
Joshua Tree’s beautiful desert landscapes, nature trails and Dr. Seuss-like trees make this park a consistent favorite for families. It’s definitely worth a stop on your next California journey.
What to See & Do: You’ll find plenty of short trails and nature walks that won’t be too strenuous for small hikers. The Bajada, Cap Rock, Hidden Valley, and Cholla Cactus Garden are loop trails that are all one mile long or shorter and take an hour or less to complete. Let the kids pose for a photo with the appropriately named Skull Rock, located along the main park road. If you’re there at night, don’t miss the chance to gaze up at some unbelievable stars.
Tips & When to Go: Joshua Tree can get extremely hot in the summer, so a spring visit might be more comfortable, weather-wise. You’re in the desert, so plenty of water is also a must!
Yellowstone is definitely one for your national parks list! With geysers, hiking trails, animals, and forests on display, this gorgeous park is a can’t-miss stop on your road trip.
What to See & Do: No trip to Yellowstone is complete without a visit to Old Faithful, the world’s most famous geyser. Take a stroll on the boardwalks around the geyser, and then stop by the Visitor Center to find out when the next eruption is scheduled to take place! You can get a great look and a photo op from the viewing area nearby. While you’re in the Visitor Center, kids can sign up for the Yellowstone Junior Ranger program, where they can earn a badge after completing a series of activities around the park.
Grand Prismatic is another stunning feature on your Yellowstone trip. The park’s largest hot spring boasts bright colors that almost seem unreal. The boardwalk surrounding Grand Prismatic does get crowded, so hold tight to little hands as you check out this amazing thermal feature.
Driving into Yellowstone, you’ll catch some great wildlife sightings, and maybe even a bison crossing, which is always a thrill for little ones.
Tips & When to Go: Summer offers a ton of available activities but is by far Yellowstone’s busiest season, so expect crowds and a slow drive into the park. Spring, summer and winter offer fewer crowds, but some roads and activities are not available depending on weather, so keep up to date on Yellowstone’s website and plan your trip well in advance. We also love visiting in the winter via snowcoach!
With over 2,000 natural stone arches, beautiful red rock formations, and hikes for all ages, Arches National Park is a treat for the whole family.
What to See & Do: Drive through the park to catch a glimpse of some of the famous arches, and stop for strolls and photos. Kids will love Balanced Rock, a gravity-defying structure with a short loop trail that is perfect for small hikers. Another great spot for your little road trippers is Sand Dune Arch. With a 0.3-mile hike and tons of soft sand to play in, kids will have a blast making a detour here.
Tips & When to Go: March through October is the park’s busiest season, so expect crowds and longer lines to drive into the park. Rangers programs are offered in spring, summer, and fall, and the Visitor Center is open daily, except for December 25.
Kids love volcanos, and they’ll love that this lake formed from a volcano is also the deepest one in America. But there’s more to Crater Lake National Park than just the lake, and you’ll want to hit the trails (and fishing holes, and swimming holes) before you wrap up your visit.
What to See & Do: Trying to spot the Phantom Ship (a rock formation along the rim) is worth the trip all by itself, and Crater Lake National Park also offers boat trips to Wizard Island. With its volcanic past, this park is perfect for littles with big imaginations.
Tips & When to Go: Accessible almost all year, Crater Lake is rarely overwhelmed by visitors, even in the summer. Go between July and September for the best weather (and best chance to get out and explore).
Located just off the coast of Ventura, California, Channel Islands National Park is the perfect family day trip. Accessible only by boat or plane, the Park includes five islands.
What to See & Do: Not only are the islands great to explore by foot or kayak, but the necessary boat ride to get there adds to the trip’s element of adventure. Since these islands are truly remote, don’t take anyone whose needs might exceed what you can carry in a backpack. Tiny tots and need-to-nappers might be better off going when they get a tad older.
Tips & When to Go: While the islands are open to visitors year-round, fall, with warmer water and animal migrations, is a sure bet for the WOW factor. Keep your eyes peeled for blue and humpback whales off the coast, and you’re sure to see dolphins as you make your way to the islands by boat.
Additional reporting by Anna Doogan & Shelley Massey
Make sure to capture all your best travel 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.
When you’re a sleep-deprived new parent, how are you supposed to remember when you last fed your baby, how long they slept, or even when they were immunized and for what? Especially during those first few months when leaving the house freshly showered and in spit up-free clothing is considered a near miracle. Here’s the good news. You don’t have to. Some of the best baby tracking apps out there help exhausted parents stay on top of every milestone, feeding, diaper change, nap, and so much more.
With Baby+ parents can track their child's height, weight, and head circumference through interactive graphs, and log information on feedings, diaper changes, sleep, and new teeth to get a better understanding of baby's routine. You can also keep track of baby's milestones and upload photos, as well as help baby relax at night or during feeding time with lullabies and white noise.
Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.
2. Sprout Baby
You can use the Sprout Baby app to record your child's health history (illnesses, symptoms, temperature, medications), as well as to keep track of feedings, bottles, pumping sessions, and diapers. The app features a handy printable report with your child's health data that you can bring to doctor's visits. There's also a memories section for recording milestones and other special moments, which you can then export to an eBook.
Available for iOS devices.
3. Talli
Talli
This baby tracking app is a little bit different. It pairs with a stylish device that comes ready to track baby's sleep, bottle feedings, diapers, pumping, and more right out of the box. And it's customizable too, so you can determine which of baby's many activities you track. The companion app is fully integrated to let parents track all sorts of data, see trends, invite family members and caregivers to contribute, and view past events. It's also Alexa enabled, for those moments when you don't have your hands free.
Available for iOS and on Google Play.
4. Tinybeans
Yup, we've got an app! If you're looking for a secure place to store your baby photos, look no further than Tinybeans. You can edit pics before posting and share them with a select group of family and friends, who can comment on and join in the excitement of all your adorable new memories. The app will prompt you to post (to keep eager relatives appeased) and also track baby's developmental milestones.
Available for iOS and on Google Play.
5. BabySparks
This development tracker informs you when children typically learn specific skills, compiled from sources including the American Academy of Pediatrics and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. BabySparks also provides activities you can do with your child to support this development. The activities are organized by the area of development: gross motor, fine motor, cognitive, speech, sensory, self-care, and social-emotional, so you can focus on a specific area if you prefer. The app also offers a paid subscription option so parents can access parenting classes.
Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.
6. BabyTime
BabyTime
All caregivers can track and record baby's activities in the BabyTime app. And since it's designed for one-handed operation, you can save all that valuable information while holding baby—a big plus. Track breastfeeding, bottles, sleep, and diapers, and use the slick charts to oversee baby's day or identify trends. There's also a night mode with a low-contrast background that's easier on your eyes.
Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.
7. Baby Connect
Baby Connect
Baby Connect records diaper changes, naps, moods, feedings, medicines, photos, and activities, and displays it in graphs and charts to help you identify trends. Multiple users can access your kid's info so your babysitter, Grandma, and other caregivers can see what baby has been up to and keep you updated, too. And the voice integrations mean you can record important information, even when your hands are full.
Available for iOS devices and Android.
8. Baby Tracker
Baby Tracker
Love knowing when every little thing happened and when it might happen again? Baby Tracker keeps track of every element of your baby's day, including sleep, feedings, and diaper changes. You may even discover your newborn's natural daily routines and nap schedule by comparing a week's or a month's worth of days. You can also track and record memories, growth, medical history, milestones, and more.
Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.
9. Baby Feed Timer
Baby Feed Timer
Nursing moms love the Baby Feed Timer app because you can record which side you fed your infant with last. Bottle-feeding parents love that you can keep track of just how much formula baby took each time. This baby tracking app will also tell you when it's time for the next feeding. Plus, it tracks diapers, pumping, medication administration, sleep, and solid feedings, making it useful past the first year.
Available for iOS devices and on Google Play.
10. Glow Baby
Glow Baby
This baby tracking app for the first year tracks developmental milestones, feedings, diapers, sleep, baby's ailments, medications, and more. Use Glow Baby's timers to manage feeding and sleep schedules, and then head to the in-app community to chat with other parents and share strategies and successes.
Whether you’re gathering the kids for the annual family holiday card photo or you want to snap a casual group pic while on vacation, taking a decent photo of Gen Z teens can definitely be a challenge. Growing up with their faces on social media from before birth has a lot of them saying, “Enough is enough.” This is evident in the latest social media trend, deemed the “nose cover.”
The phenomenon recently went viral when Paris Fury, wife of boxer Tyson Fury, shared a family photo on Instagram in which her 13-year-old daughter Venezuela was covering her face with the front of her hand. Other parents were quick to recognize the gesture from their own camera rolls. There are several variations, like a peace sign or the back of the hand in front of the mouth, but the result is the same—the photo that’s taken doesn’t show the teen’s face.
Parents and experts seem to think that the reason is that Gen Z teens don’t want the backlash of outright refusing to be in the photo, and this is their way of controlling whether their image is shared by their parents. And to be honest, we’re not surprised.
“After several attempts to snatch the perfect Christmas family photo, I turned to my teen and finally asked him, ‘Why?’” mom of a 13-year-old boy, Michelle Harris toldThe Sun. “’Is everything OK, why won’t you show up in family photos for the handsome boy that you are anymore?’ And then the big whopper: ‘Are you being bullied?’” Thankfully, the reason he gave was far less troubling. “To my surprise, he turned to me and laughed saying: ‘No, but I will be if you post pictures of me online without my consent!'”
The trend toward privacy and away from “sharenting” has been on an uptick with more parents choosing to keep their kids’ images private, including celebrities like Kristin Bell and Dax Shepard. We even saw France introduce a bill last year to stop parents from oversharing photos of their kids online. The bottom line is that we should all be more vigilant when it comes to when, where, and how our images are appearing on public platforms. The kids get it—and we should follow suit.
For those simply wanting to share moments with friends and family without making it a public display, there are safer options like the Tinybeans app (you can learn more and download it here!), which puts parents in total control of who can see and interact with photos and videos.
Being a working mom doesn’t come with a guidebook, and if there were a secret formula for perfecting the parenting trifecta of home life, career, and kids, we’d be all over it. The good news is that there are millions of other working moms out there—you are so not alone. In honor of multi-tasking women everywhere, we’ve rounded up 13 things that each and every one of them should be reminded of on a regular basis.
1. Quantity isn’t always quality.
Even when you don’t log hours with your kids every day, the tiny moments are what really matter. Talking with them on the way to school, setting up a nightly routine that includes a twice-weekly family dinner with no exceptions, reading aloud before bed, setting aside time on the weekend just for the family—that’s when those real memories get made.
2. Pinterest is for looks.
Guess what? That class full of kids is going to love those store-bought cookies just as much as they would a from-scratch version. (They’re cookies—what’s not to love?) While you may feel like the other moms are more crafty, more creative, and more put-together, just remember what you had to do this morning to get everyone where they needed to be on time.
3. You’ll never get it all done (and that’s okay).
That pile of clean laundry sitting on the couch? Kids can just as easily find what they need by digging through it as they can if it’s folded and put away. Better yet, show your kids how to fold those clothes themselves. And speaking of chores, here’s a definitive list of which ones kids can do independently, broken down by age. You’d be amazed at what they’re capable of handling.
4. It takes a village.
There’s a reason people can’t get enough of this proverb. If you have family nearby that’s willing to help out, consider yourself lucky. If you don’t, don’t be afraid to lean on friends for help. A ride to after-school activities, a last-minute playdate, a pick-up in the morning, all of these things make a difference. Just be sure to return the favor (when you’re able) to help another parent in your circle.
5. It’s okay to delegate.
Did you know that being a mom is the equivalent of working 2.5 full-time jobs? Somehow we are not surprised. Ask your partner to do an equal share of the drop-off/pick-up/social calendar organizing/lunch-making madness that is raising kids. And, if you can afford it, opt to outsource menial tasks (e.g., grocery delivery) that can take a backseat to more pressing to-dos.
6. Your kids will be fine at daycare.
Daycare is a tough one, but we promise that moments after you leave, your kid will be bonding with their teacher over Play-Doh and Disney. Think of the positives: They’re learning, getting a ton of social interaction, and will be absolutely thrilled to see you at the end of every single day. Check out our list of other tips for making the daycare transition as easy as possible for everyone.
7. You’re setting a great example.
From your awesome work achievements to the way you collaborate on projects to how you value other people’s time and opinions, you’re modeling the behavior you want to see in your kids (in their case, on the playground, in the classroom, and at home). Make sure you share what makes you proud, and tell your kids why you need to meet deadlines or be on time for meetings. It helps them value your time more, too.
8. You’re going to miss moments, and that’s okay. There will be more.
This one can be heartbreaking. Luckily, these days, there are plenty of ways to stay updated on your kids’ lives, whether it’s through a private photo-sharing app like Tinybeans, through a school program like Class Dojo, or by having a nanny or daycare staff send you visual updates. Be sure to bring up anything you saw during those precious minutes after work!
9. You are a good mom.
Say it with us: “I am a good mom.” You are working hard and providing for your family. Your family is better because of you. In fact, a Harvard study found that kids of working moms grow up to be just as happy as kids with stay-at-home moms and that girls, in particular, benefit from having a mom who works.
10. It’s not easy, but it does get easier.
When they’re babies, it seems like they’ll never make it out of [insert stage that is taking forever]. But they do—we swear. And that first week of daycare that feels like agony? It will pass. It may not happen all at once: There will be days when you just won’t want to be apart from your kid, but as your children grow and become accustomed to a routine, it will get easier.
11. Don’t forget to fill the well.
Okay, not those words exactly. But you know what we mean. Your mornings might feel like a mad dash and your evenings a flurry, but you can’t keep giving from that seemingly bottomless well of mom without refilling once in a while. It could be as simple as taking 15 at work to run out and grab your favorite latte and taking 60 seconds to destress before you walk back in the door.
12. You look incredible today!
Maybe you envy the mom who gets to wear sweatpants all day. You know what? It’s a good bet she digs the grown-up clothes you get to wear that she never has reason to. No matter which fit you’re sporting, you have moments where you look damn good—and we’re not just saying that.
13. You don’t love your kids any less than a mom who stays at home.
And don’t listen to anyone who tries to tell you otherwise.
