Gotta eat them all! OREO has a new collab with Pokémon and it’s extra sweet for gaming fans. The limited edition cookies feature 16 unique Pokémon designs and the familiar classic taste of the chocolate and creme.
Perfect for parties or elevating an after school snack, each pack gives you a chance to find all 16, including a super rare Pokémon (like Mew). But just like in the game, some of the Pokémon are a lot harder to find than others. With a random assortment in each package, you might have to buy more than one to find your favorites!
You can pre-order to cookies now on Oreo’s official website, or look for them in nationwide retailers starting September 13, while supplies last. The real question: how will you document your catches before you consume them?
If you live in the LA area, you’ll definitely want to visit the Venice Beach Boardwalk in the next couple weeks. The brands have installed an art installation that features a Pikachu made of more than 8,000 3D replicas of the limited-edition cookies!
Trick or Treat! What do parents (ahem, we mean kids) really want in their plastic pumpkins this year? The National Confectioners Association took on this hard-hitting question and the results were a bit surprising!
In an online survey of 1,500 adults, the NCA found that chocolate was the favorite Halloween treat, followed closely by gummy candy. The twist might be the third place option, candy corn! Although the orange and white treat gets mixed reviews in public, Americans still want to see it in the mix.
You also might not have guessed that there are varied opinions on how to consume candy corn. While over half of respondents (52%) eat the whole piece at once, 31% start at the narrow white and and 17% start at the wider yellow end.
Last year’s Halloween was anything but traditional, but 93% of young parents said they’ll celebrate Halloween this year. An additional 80% said they’ll trick or treat, which (mostly) fell by the wayside in 2020. And if your kids do trick or treat, they’ll be in luck—79% of Americans said they’ll fill the candy bowl on October 31.
Kids might be small, but they’re definitely full of big questions! And sometimes those innocent queries leave us speechless. A recent survey from British company comparethemarket tried to make those moments slightly more predictable by determining the average age for kids when they started asking life’s tough questions.
Where do babies come from (and how long do you have before you have to answer that)? According to the survey responses, kids are about five and a half years old when they spring that question. Not surprisingly, parents varied on their answers. 40 percent answered it with the scientific facts, while 32% said it happens when two people love each other very much. A bit more humorously, 10% said that babies are purchased at stores.
Other big (and slightly less awkward) questions: what do you do for work and how much are things worth? The study found that kids are around seven when they start asking both of those. Almost 60% of parents said they answer honestly and 24% said they answer a bit more simplistically, so it’s easier to understand.
Finally, parents noted some individual tough questions they’ve heard from their kids, including “If everyone became vegan, where would we get cat food from” and “Did we come from the moon?” The survey included 1,000 UK adults in May and we’d be interested in comparing the results in the U.S.!
TikTok has announced new changes to its platform that will help keep teens safe while still being able to create fun and engaging content. The video app’s recent update is specifically geared towards 13-17 year olds and builds on existing protective features.
Over the next few months, the changes will begin rolling out and include changes to Direct Messaging privacy settings, viewing and downloading options and push notifications. Keep reading to see all the specifics.
When a 16 or 17-year-old joins TikTok, Direct Messaging defaults will be set so that ‘No One’ is automatic. Users will need to actively switch to a different sharing option in order to be able to use the feature. All existing teens in this age group will receive a prompt to review their settings.
When it comes to sharing videos, users under 16 making their first video will now see a pop-up which tells them to choose who can watch the video. On each subsquent video, they can continue to decide who is able to watch before posting.
TikTok is also adding options for who can download your teen’s videos via pop-up question. Sixteen to 17-year-olds will have the option to turn the feature on or off, while anyone under the age of 16 will continue to have downloads disabled.
Push notifications will be disabled for 13 to 15-year-olds starting at 9 p.m., and 16-17 will have push notifications starting at 10 p.m. These changes are in line with TikTok’s goal of fostering healthy digital habits from a young age. You can see even more about these new changes over on TikTok.
––Karly Wood
Photos: Courtesy of TikTok/Feature photo: Franck via Unsplash
During lockdowns, because of COVID, both parents seem to be more accessible at home because a lot more people are working remotely. But what does this mean for the future of child custody battles? Turns out, according to Jacqueline Newman, author of The New Rules of Divorce, it could impact custody battles a lot more and here’s why:
“Truth be told,I think that there has been a shift, at least the beginning of one, already, before COVID struck. The every other weekend and Wednesday dinner custody schedules were already becoming a thing of the past. Many more non-primary custodial parents were asking for more and more time. Maybe it was not always 50-50 because of the work schedules, and because of the fact that they were not as involved in the day-to-day routines of their child, but it was pretty close.
But now, after COVID? I think the shift is going to be much more extreme. We are 100% at a point where the question is now asked, “Why isn’t it 50-50?” One of the big claims that the primary custodial parent would often make would be that the non-primary custodial parent did not know the day-to-day routines of the child. They did not know that Sally only drew with purple crayons, and Bobby would only eat sandwiches if they were cut in perfect circles. They did not know these little idiosyncrasies of their child because they just were not home all of the time to learn them.
However, now, for the last year and a half, many parents have both been home. Now we have many parents that might have previously traveled a lot or had to work late and attend work dinners that did not do that during COVID—everybody was home. So, now, both parents are so much more involved in the daily routines of their children. They both know that the math homework is due on Tuesdays, that Cindy does not like her social studies teacher, and that the Sami only likes her pasta without sauce—they know all the little ins and outs. People have been having family dinners together again. I will speak for myself—pre-COVID, my husband and I, would often not be be home for dinner with our children every night. We are both attorneys and often at least one of us would be working a late night. But now, for the last year and a half, we have basically eaten dinner together with our children every single night. And it is something that I did not give nearly enough credit to as being such valuable family time previously. However, I do now.
The fact is, now, when we are moving forward in custody battles, I think a lot of the historical arguments of, “He/She doesn’t know everything,” or “Hasn’t done it before” is just going be thrown out the window. Now you are going have parents that have both done everything. Everyone is changing diapers, everyone is doing sugar cube igloo projects and everyone is more attuned to the likes and dislikes of their children.
Now, I think when both parents want 50-50, I think that the question will be “Why not?” I also think it is going be a very hard pill to swallow for certain parents that may have sacrificed careers, and/or have dedicated their entire lives to their children as being the primary caretaker, to be told that the other parent is going have possible 50% of the parenting time is going be very upsetting. It is also important to note that in many states, the amount of days you have with a child can impact child support (not in New York). Therefore, the repercussions are not just the emotional but also have financial implications.
2022 is going to be a very interesting year when it comes to custody litigation and I expect there will a significant shift in terms 50/50 parenting time.”
Jacqueline Newman is a divorce lawyer and matrimonial law expert. As managing partner of a top-tier 5th Avenue Manhattan law firm focused exclusively on divorce, her practice runs the gamut from prenups for high net worth people contemplating marriage to high conflict matrimonial litigation in dissolutions.
It’s one of the great debates of our lifetime: Is a hot dog a sandwich? For National Hot Dog Day, the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council resolved to find out. Read on to find the answer to this burning question!
The survey says…no, a hot dog is not a sandwich. That’s according to 57% of respondents in a national poll. A little closer than we thought, frankly. Americans do have very strong opinions on how hot dogs should be consumed, though. 90 percent think hot dogs should be eaten by hand and 87% specifically said hot dogs should be eaten off paper plates.
Surprisingly, the survey didn’t mention a question on condiments. But 62% of respondents said that franks taste best at baseball games. And one third of Americans said that New York takes the title as hot dog capital of the U.S.
However you eat your hot dog, today’s the perfect day to polish one off (and we’re sure your kids would agree). If you decide to eat in today, how about choosing from 31 hot dog recipes?
Have you ever been eating a delicious bowl of Kraft Mac n Cheese and wondered how you could make it even better? Forget the hot sauce, bread crumbs or bacon. Say hello to Macaroni & Cheese ice cream!
That’s right, two of your childhood favorite foods have combined for a potentially delicious (or disastrous) treat. Thanks to Brooklyn-based Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, you can try the new flavor starting tomorrow in honor of National Macaroni & Cheese Day. You can order it at $12 a pint online or Instagram it in person at Van Leeuwen stores across the country, while supplies last, of course.
“As big fans of Van Leeuwen, we knew they’d be the perfect partner to create this ice cream with us. Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s also made with high-quality ingredients and contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or dyes just like our Kraft Macaroni & Cheese,” said Emily Violett, Sr. Associate Brand Manager for Kraft Macaroni & Cheese.
Of course, the color of the ice cream is nearly identical to those familiar blue box cheese packets. The real question: does a sweet, cold version of your kid’s favorite pasta actually taste good? Or is it the stuff of gastrointestinal nightmares? The verdict is out…for now!
In a recent Instagram poll, I asked this question: “Are you feeling stressed and anxious—now, more than ever”? 97% of teen respondents said, “YES”!
Am I surprised? No way. Am I curious what a teen girl’s world is like now that everything has changed? You bet.
I decided to ask more specific questions. To start, I queried about their body signs of stress.
They told me they are experiencing more headaches, stomachaches, tears, insomnia, and lethargy. I then asked about how they are coping. Most told me they are turning to their screens and some said they were trying to get outside more and be more active. Finally, I asked about what was causing the most stress. Girls told me their top three stressors: friendships (as in, not getting enough time to hang out and have fun), school (as in, how difficult it is to teach herself and stay engaged on Zoom or teams calls), and the future (as in, when will life get “back to normal” and what is summer and life going to be like).
At Bold New Girls, I have noticed a radical shift this year in girls’ energy (they are constantly fatigued), their enthusiasm (they really isn’t any), their moods (they are often sensitive at best, cantankerous at worst), and their mindsets (they are unable to hold a positive attitude about what’s working for them or going well).
Teen girls get my utmost empathy and compassion. Life is just tough right now. And, so are they! Your daughter is similarly struggling like these pollsters and she can become resilient by going through the tough stuff. Here are four ways you can help her with her mental health right now:
1. Look at her context. See her story and what’s been happening for her—at school, with her friends, and online. You may want to try asking more creative questions like, “I’d love to hear about your day today or how you are connecting online and in-person.” This helps you understand the “whole girl.”
2. Let her talk. Give her your undivided attention (putting down your phone and to-do list), the safe emotional space (assuring her this is her time to share, not yours), and the time to tell you what’s really on her mind (where neither of you watches the clock). This helps her unburden her concerns.
3. Listen. Don’t interrupt, interject, add on, problem solve, or minimize anything she says. Your job is to really hear her—both her words and the feelings behind her words—and “get” her in perhaps a new way. This helps her feel accepted.
4. Start as many sentences as you can with “Let’s try…” Suggest what you can do together to cultivate her healthy and positive mindset. You could try a relaxing activity together such as stretching, yoga, or meditation. You could also plan a new activity or a little adventure that could offer you both a change of routine and scenery. This helps her feel she is not alone—you are right there with her—and you are on her side.
In the next Instagram poll, I am going to ask this question: “Are you getting the support you need and feeling more balanced!” I can’t wait to see improved results.
I am a girl advocate and girls champion; the founder of Bold New Girls and Brave New Boys teaching and coaching for girls, boys, and their parents. As well, I am the author Growing Strong Girls and Rooted, Resilient, and Ready (available on Amazon and Audible). I am an international speaker and an instructor with Udemy.
Parents wear many hats and it can be difficult to make sure we’re raising our kids with all the necessary life skills. A new survey from the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) is shedding light on a very specific life lesson that is key to raising independent adults: financial literacy.
Using over 1,000 respondents, the survey asked the question “Which parent taught you the most about money and personal finance?” The overwhelming answer? “Neither.”
While respondents did say that their mother was more likely to teach financial literacy than their father (23.7 percent over 22.6 percent), it’s clear that the majority has grown up with little to no instruction on finances.
The study grouped respondents into age groups that included 18-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, 55-64, and 65+ years old. Interestingly, the two youngest groups, 18-24 and 25-34, reported “Neither” more than all other age groups making this issue a relevant topic for today’s parents.
“It’s essential for parents to make a conscious and consistent effort to discuss finances, model good financial decision-making, and provide opportunities for kids to practice earning, budgeting, saving, and spending, especially while they still have the safety net of living at home and receiving family support,” says Vince Shorb, NFEC CEO.
So how can you make sure your kiddos are prepared financially as they become adults? One of the main goals of the NFEC is to encourage and provide tools for parents to teach financial literacy skills to their children from an early age. You can head to their website for tons of info.
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.
