Are you looking to get your kids active while sparking their imagination? Two Madison-area parents recently joined forces to co-found Shenanigan Kids, a company that makes padded playsets for kids of all ages. The company’s first product, The Figgy ($299), began its kickstarter campaign on Nov. 19 and hit its goal of $40k in a record 8 minutes.
The idea for The Figgy came to Rachel Neill, a working mother of five and successful entrepreneur, during the pandemic when she couldn’t find quality products that would keep her kids’ attention or help them stay active while inside.
“As a busy, working mom, trying to manage small kids during a pandemic has been challenging,” said Neill. “I was in need of something that would entertain them, keep my house intact, and help them build necessary motor skills. I couldn’t find what I was looking for, so I decided to come up with something on my own,” she said..
Neill partnered with long-time friend, Chris Roepe, to help design and engineer The Figgy. Roepe’s experience in supply chain, engineering, retail, and tech at some of the top companies in the nation made him the perfect business partner to make Neill’s vision a reality that families across the U.S. could benefit from. Roepe is also the father to two children, making him even more intrigued in Neill’s vision.
“As a parent who spends time talking to a lot of other parents, I knew Rachel’s idea was a winner,” Roepe said. “The Figgy helps spark our kids’ imaginations, while also making life easier on us. It’s a great alternative to screen time, is very versatile, uses up a lot of kids’ energy, looks good in just about any room, and the list goes on. I am thrilled to be one step closer to getting The Figgy out to parents across Wisconsin and beyond,” he said.
The Figgy consists of four CertiPur foam pieces – two large, double-stacked squares and two rectangular bolsters. Kids can configure the Figgy pieces to become just about anything their imagination can dream of. They can build a pirate ship, a jungle fort or just a comfy spot to relax.
The Figgy’s Kickstarter campaign launched on Nov. 19, 2020. To stay up-to-date with updates, visit shenanigankids.com.
There’s nothing quite as universal as the bedtime story and its part of the wind-down routine for millions of children around the world. And one study shows that a surprising number of parents read to stories to their kids way past the preschool years. A recent study commission by Wonderbly revealed some interesting results.
Of 2000 parents surveyed, 1 out of every 10 said they have read to their children at bedtime until age 13 or even older. Only 11% said they stopped by age 4. And 15% of parents said they started reading to their babies in utero. 1/5 said they’d been reading to their littles since babyhood.
86% of parents said they love putting their kids to bed and reading or telling a story, with 36% saying it’s the most quality time they get with them all day. 8 out of 10 parents cited bedtime routines as the best part of being a parent.
And 3 in 4 parents said they wished they could NEVER stop telling their kiddos stories, with 23% actually planning to never stop.
3 in 10 parents cited loving storytime as a chance to be creative and use their imaginations.
Why read to your kids? While we know that modeling behavior like reading to, with and in front of kids fosters early literacy, there are other benefits, for parents and kids alike. Bedtime and the ritual story can be a time to connect, decompress from the day. And your kids are never too old for that.
“Storytime not only fosters a wonderful closeness but also encourages conversation and helps kids to relax,” said David Cadji-Newby, author and creative director at Wonderbly.
It also takes the top of the poll for kids as well (45%), ahead of picking out pajamas (18%) and watching TV (26%).
Mere days ago, celebrity couple, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen announced the miscarriage of their son, Jack. Their openness about their loss has invited others to begin a conversation about this all too common matter more publicly. One in five early pregnancies ends in miscarriage and approximately 15% of American women age 18-44 go through a period of infertility during which they may have one or more miscarriages. Additionally, October is national pregnancy and infant loss awareness month.
What to say (and do) to/for someone after experiencing a miscarriage:
• I am so sorry
• I love you (or I care for you)
• I am not sure what to say, but I am here for you
• I don’t know what it’s like for you, but I am here to listen
• I am praying for you (or what specifically can I pray for you?)
• I am sending you a huge hug
• Can I bring you dinner tonight?
• Send them flowers, mail them a card, or send them a “thinking of you today” text
• It is so good to see you. How are you?
•When and if you are ready to talk, I would love to bring you coffee or a bottle of wine
• Send them a free, hand-knitted pocket prayer square/remembrance gift from Baby Blessings Ministry (complimentary; go to www.yourangelwings.net for more information)
What NOT to say:
• Everything happens for a reason
• At least you already have a child (Or be grateful for what you have)
• Just relax and quit worrying
• You can always try again
• You must be so upset
• It wasn’t meant to be (or it’s not the right time)
• At least you weren’t further along
• I don’t know how much more of this roller coaster I can take
• Have you been tested for…a, b, c?
• Maybe you should consider adoption
• God doesn’t give us more than we can handle
After a few months have passed, you could consider saying these things to your loved one or friend who experienced a miscarriage:
I am a sixth-generation southerner, wife, author, lead singer of a rock band, entrepreneur, and mother of three. After the birth of my first son, I struggled with secondary infertility over a six-year period. I then opted for surrogacy, leading to the birth of my miracle twins. My infertility journey inspired me to write my memoir, "Angel Wings."
A few weeks after I had my first child, my Mom passed away. This unfair twist of fate has been one of the greatest challenges of my life. So many times over the past twenty years, I have longed to talk with her, get her advice and wisdom, and hear what she thinks of the life I have created for myself. Thanks to a random sequence of events, I remembered I had long ago packed away a bag of letters, mostly written by my Mom and two Grandmothers.
These letters were sent to me when I first went to summer camp, at age nine, until I graduated from college. I had forgotten about them, even though I knew exactly where they were in my house. Sitting in the back of a drawer in my family room, in a worn Ziplock bag, these letters had been waiting for me to find the courage to open them.
Rereading these letters, after so many years, has been an unexpected blessing. As I sat on the couch that cold January evening, with the bag of letters on my lap, crying what Oprah calls the “ugly cry,” I felt like I was having a conversation with my Mom. I could hear her voice, feel her personality, and I got a much needed dose of the wise words of wisdom she and my Grandmothers often shared with me. I had no idea that rereading the letters would have such a positive impact on me. I was able to get a glimpse into who my Mom and Grandmothers were, from my adult perspective. I now had an opportunity to get to know the women who loved and raised me a little bit better. I was blown away by the wisdom contained in the letters, and the timeless advice that feels incredibly relevant now more than ever.
Here are my 5 favorite pieces of advice:
1. Throughout all of our joys and hard times I have found that the secret ingredient to life is a positive outlook. At times it has been difficult, but I have managed to hold my head up high because of that strong determination to go for it.
Life isn’t always going to be easy. We will all experience challenges, but having a positive outlook will be a determining factor in how we each overcome the challenges we face. I haven’t always been positive. For a long time, I felt angry and sad because my Mom passed away so early. I needed to hear these words, and be reminded that each day we get to decide how we’re going to approach the day, regardless of our circumstances. The older I get, the more I realize finding happiness isn’t about dodging challenges. It’s about having the courage to decide to maintain a positive attitude, even when things get hard.
2. There will be times when things are going astray. What will help you through? Talking to yourself and saying, “I can cope and make life work for me.” “Remember this, Dara,” my mother said, “It will assist you through some hell that life throws to you.”
What we think matters. A lot. Believing in yourself and practicing positive self talk is incredibly important. We can build ourselves up or tear ourselves down. It took me a long time to realize this, and I’m so glad I did. Telling myself my life sucked or my family was dealt an unfair hand, didn’t serve me well at all. It just made me feel worse. Instead, intentionally practicing positive self talk and using daily affirmations can help shift your mindset.
3. Stress can make anyone crazy. In today’s world we all strive to be accomplished and to do so many things with our lives. However, we must make time to relax and unwind. Make time for yourself. It’s very important because it helps you to regroup, to revive yourself and to relax, not to mention how healthy it is for your body.
It is important to give yourself permission to have a daily self care practice. There will always be things to feel stressed about, but staying grounded and having tools that really work will make all the difference. Daily meditation, yoga, and exercise are the biggest ways I help myself show up each day feeling my best. I find myself leaning on these practices now more than ever, and I’m so grateful to have them. Figure out what tools work for you, and make the commitment to practice them often.
4. It is good to aspire to win, but it is important to be satisfied with your best effort even if it is not good enough to win or to be the best. Honest and sincere effort is being a winner.
I’ve tried and failed at a lot of things in my life. Knowing you did your best, and trying to let go of holding onto a specific desired outcome, is important. Letting go of my ego and serving myself a big plate of grace has helped me a lot with this. Plus, things often turn out so much better than we could have ever imagined.
5. “Love life, enjoy life and make each day so special that you see the beauty.”
There’s a lot of beauty in the world. We just have to be wililng to open our eyes, pay attention, and notice everything around us. It’s easy to get distracted with all the external noise in the world, especially right now. But, we have to remind ourselves to stay present, release anything that isn’t serving us well, and remember every day is truly is a gift.
I’m incredibly grateful I found these letters, and received this relevant and timeless advice. There’s not a day that goes by when I don’t think about my Mom and Grandmothers, and I miss them a lot. Reading my Mom’s words, I got a much needed reminder to rise up and make the most of my life. This experience reminded me how important it is to tell the people you love and care about how you feel, not to hold back, and the power of the hand written word. For in the end, it’s the relationships we have with the people we love that truly matters.
Dara is a writer and speaker with the goal of using her life experiences to help people strengthen their relationships and create more happiness and joy in their everyday lives. Her latest book, I am My Mother's Daughter: Wisdom on Life, Loss, and Love, will be released in September.
People are beginning to plan trips for the fall. Airbnb is teaming up with MINI USA to offer guests the opportunity to book a turnkey road trip on Airbnb for $1 per night. Select stays at mini Airbnbs located outside of Los Angeles and New York will come complete with a MINI vehicle that guests can pick up in their respective city so they can get out and responsibly travel, inspiring exploration of the open roads close to home.
The rentals, which will be cleaned and prepared in accordance with CDC guidelines and consistent with the Airbnb enhanced cleaning protocol, will each open three select weekends for three-night stays that guests can request to book on Thurs., Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. PT/ 4 p.m. ET.
Enjoy all the local sights and fall foliage along the way to your mini Airbnb.
With a listing located in Marlboro, New York, the Orchard Views from a Light-Filled Tiny Home with a Fire Pit will provide New Yorkers with all the amenities they’ll need to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring the nearby State Parks in your MINI Cooper S 4-door2.
Host Raven is offering this three-night-stay special with check-ins available on Oct. 16, Nov. 6, and Nov. 20. While in Upstate New York, explore nearby forests and farmlands, and visit the Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River, one of the last free-flowing rivers left in the United States.
If going topless is more your style, host Hillary’s Off-Grid Stargazing Cabin in Twentynine Palms, California, comes complete with a MINI Cooper Convertible2.
Completely off the grid, this listing makes for the perfect little getaway from Los Angeles and will be available for three-night stays with check-ins on Nov. 6, Nov. 12, and Dec. 4. Check out nearby wonders along the way, like the Mojave National Preserve that boasts stunning canyons, mountains, and mesas.
Bookings open on Sept. 10 at 1 p.m. PT for selected guest stay dates until sold out.
If you’re not able to snag one of these bookings but in need for some mini getaway inspiration, check out this roundup of tiny homes on Airbnb. Learn about hosting on Airbnb if you have a tiny home and want to share it with others.
Happy Global Kinetic Sand Day! August 11 marks the first ever #KineticSandDay, declared by Spin Master to celebrate the squeezable sand that never dries out.
In collaboration with mom of four Hilaria Baldwin, Spin Master is encouraging families to embrace this special day by sharing how they play with Kinetic Sand on social media using #KineticSandDay. Baldwin will also be taking over the @KineticSand Instagram account to share her she and her four kiddos play with the fun product.
This fall, you’ll be able to shop two fun new sets that will take your Kinetic Sand game to the next level. The KineticSand Sandwhirlz Playset ($19.99) comes with a built in play area, over 10 tools and two pounds of KineticSand.
TheKinetic Kalm Zen Box ($29.99) is the first kit for adults! It comes with two pounds of sand, three tools and a modern table top tray. It’s the perfect way for parents to relax after a stressful day!
You are spending so much time at home with your baby due to the pandemic. Without mommy and me music classes, story time and infant swim lessons parents are looking for new ways to engage their little ones. Based on the latest infant cognitive development research, infantio, an iOS app & online streaming service designed to stimulate infants’ minds from the get-go, releases today in the App Store and at infant.io.
Designed to stimulate infants’ minds from the get-go, this series of high-contrast animations capitalizes on the fact that babies are born with an innate expectation of how the physical world behaves, as well as the capacity to keep track of quantities and perform basic arithmetic. Simple puzzles, patterns, counting exercises, and mechanics demonstrations are designed to captivate the tiniest thinkers without overstimulating them.
The infantio app offers two modes, stimulate and soothe, and an included session timer to help parents track and manage screen time. infantio’s animations include age-appropriate patterns and puzzles as well as physics and math demonstrations. An included session timer helps parents track and manage screen time, while a soothe mode pairs the animations with calming, classical music to help babies and their parents unwind and relax.
infantio is compatible with iPhones and iPads and is available now for free download in the App Store. The animations are also streaming on infantio.io.
Every family has its traditions, whether that means barbecues with the neighbors, trips to visit the grandparents, or day trips to the pool and the beach. This summer, of course, is going to look different—a lot different—even if your family spends a lot of time outdoors.
The good news is that even though the virus is spiking, you don’t have to say goodbye to summer fun altogether. You might need to change your plans a bit, but you can still have lots of fun together and enjoy the warm weather. You might even make some great new traditions!
Here are some tips for activities you can safely add to your plans for this abnormal summer vacation. I have tried all of these and personally loved them all!
1. Establish a Family Hobby: One great way to have fun together as a family this summer is to pick up a new hobby you can all practice together. Regardless of your budget and space constraints, there’s something you can all learn together. You could learn to draw, play instruments, do yoga, bake, or anything else you can think of!
Make a list together and figure out what the common interests are. Then, get some basic supplies, some how-to books or YouTube videos, and give it a go! Remember, it’s all about fun and spending time together, not about the results!
2. Take a Family Trip to a National Park: Road trips are the way to go this summer, especially if you can camp and minimize your contact with other people. Consider packing everyone in the car and heading to a national park for jaw-dropping scenery and wholesome family fun. You can hike, picnic, and maybe even spot some wildlife.
Before you hit the road, though, be sure to do your homework. Some parks are still closed, and others may not be offering certain facilities during the pandemic. Beyond COVID-19, though, you need to be aware of national park safety guidelines and pack carefully for your trip. Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes and take lots of pictures!
3. Family Meditation Sessions Can Be a Great Way to Relax: With all the stress of the pandemic, it’s easy to feel tense and anxious. If you’re feeling that way, then the rest of your family probably is too! Consider a new meditation practice for the family and help everyone to relax this summer.
Meditation has a wide range of benefits for people of all ages. Why not start a tradition of meditating together every day? You can start small, with just a few minutes, and slowly build up the duration. It will allow the whole family to unwind and to feel more centered throughout the turmoil of COVID-19.
4. Eat Your Way Around the Globe: If you can’t safely get away for a vacation, why not turn your kitchen and dining room into an adventure? Cook together as a family and try different dishes from around the world. You can even put up decorations and make menus to help create a special meal.
Explore and learn about different cultures as you help your kids understand new perspectives and practical cooking skills. It’s a great way to celebrate the diversity in our world, plus it’s delicious!
5. Get Creative: There are so many options for fun and safe summer activities you can enjoy with the family. You just have to get creative! Remember, there will be other summers for exploring the world, visiting museums, and going to camp. This summer, enjoy being together and savor the simple pleasures.
Take the Time to Understand the Impact of COVID on Kids
Just about everyone is struggling right now. We’ve been restricted to our homes for many months, haven’t been able to see friends, and have been dealing with the stress and mental toll of a global pandemic. Kids might not express their distress in the same way, but parents need to understand that their children are struggling too.
In addition to stressors like the changes in their routines, new restrictions, and changes in how they learn, kids are paying attention to what their parents are going through. If COVID has caused a loss of income in your family and increased your responsibilities, then you might be unintentionally passing on your stress to your kids. You don’t have to pretend to be relentlessly cheerful, but it’s important to understand how all of these factors affect your family.
Try to focus on activities that bring the family closer together, activities that will help your children feel secure and loved. Vacations are great, but they’re not going to make or break your kids’ well-being.
Sarah Daren has been a consultant for startups in industries including health and wellness, wearable technology, and education. She implements her health knowledge into every aspect of her life, including her position as a yoga instructor and raising her children. Sarah enjoys watching baseball and reading on the beach.
Now that flying isn’t the means of travel many parents are willing to take and we are spending more time outside, camping is the perfect solution to getting away without the stress of flying or staying at someone’s home or at a hotel.
For parents that are considering camping with their baby or young child for the first time, there are probably lots of questions. We are here to tell you that these questions are completely normal, and that you are not the first person to be asking. What do I need to do to keep my baby safe while camping? Where is my baby going to sleep? What do I need to pack? These are just a few questions parents are thinking about. We asked some moms and dads who have young kids and a passion for camping, plus a few gear experts to share their thoughts and advice. They had a lot to tell! Here are some of our favorites in terms of the basics, activities, and gear.
Where Should My Baby Sleep?
One of the hardest parts about being a parent is making sure that everyone gets a quality night’s sleep. Being outside and having few lights can add to the difficulty. Everyone that we asked agreed that it is essential to make a solid plan in advance. Even if your baby sleeps in a crib at home, we have found that several companies make lightweight and portable travel beds. Keep in mind that you want your baby to have their own space that can be portable for afternoon naps and easy to move into the tent for nighttime sleeping. During the day, the baby can nap next to you while you relax or read a book. In the evening, you can easily bring the travel bed inside your tent for a secure space for the baby to sleep. We also recommend having a night-light or flashlight handy just in case you need something during the night when it can be quite dark.
Where Can My Baby Relax during the Day?
It’s a beautiful day and all you want to do is sit by the fire or fish by the lake. Here’s where you run into a couple of problems: your baby doesn’t want to sit on your lap or in your arms, and you don’t want to put them on the ground because of the dirt and bugs. We know it’s camping, but first-timers usually have a different set of expectations in terms of keeping their baby clean. If you find yourself in this situation, we recommend having something like KidCo’s GoPod Travel Activity Seat. It allows your baby to sit comfortably and stay entertained. The activity seat offers the perfect eye level for your baby to see what’s around them, and they won’t miss out on any of the fun! While you get to enjoy your surroundings, your baby will have a good time too. We love that it folds up to a small size and is lightweight. Seeing many families post their camping fun with this item made us want to see what this product was all about.
How Do I Keep My Baby Entertained?
While camping it is important to enjoy the simple pleasures of nature. With that in mind, there is no need for any distractions from screens or any other devices. Gazing up at the sky and just taking in the beautiful view is a great way to feel the joy that nature brings.
How Can You Maximize the Gear You Bring?
It is inevitable to feel like you need to bring your entire house when you go camping—especially with a baby. While camping, it is extremely important to only take what’s actually necessary for the entire family. Try and double up the use of items. For example, your baby can use the travel seat as a high chair to eat and as a rest stop by the lake. Lots of parents love babywearing and have told us that sometimes they will leave a heavy stroller at home and opt for a sling or baby carrier. There are many different brands and the best advice we received was to ask around, do your research, and make a selection based on your personal preferences and habits.
How Can Your Baby Stay Protected from the Sun?
The sweltering summer sun can be a lot for every family member. We think it is especially important to keep your baby’s skin in mind. It is essential that your baby has a protective hat and a physical sunscreen applied if they are over six-months-old. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that all kids should be wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. This is so important that we’re taking a direct quote from the experts: “The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. Regardless of the SPF, though, it’s important to apply one ounce (two tablespoons) 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.”
Also, don’t forget that cute hat can protect baby from the sun’s harmful rays, especially if your baby is under six-months-old. Parents and gear experts told us that they like playards that double as a safe spot for kids to play and offer some protection from the sun.
Camping as a family has so much to offer. It’s a chance to be amazed by Mother Nature, see things through the eyes of your child, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Oh, and don’t forget the bug repellent!
I'm a mom of two children, wife, and love my fur baby, traveling and playing UNO. My passion is discovering services and products by entrepreneurs, especially those that can cut down on some screen time and help our family create lasting memories together.
Oh, how quickly our daily lives have adopted a new normal! If all this at-home time has morphed into more screen time for your kids, finding online platforms suitable for our little ones is probably on your list. Enter local artist, Catherine Mayer, who just released a free version of her art-based mindfulness app, The L.A.U.G.H® App. It’s built to reduce anxiety and stress, provide an outlet for creativity and increase learning, belonging and confidence in our tiny students. Read on for the 411 on this new drawing app!
UnwrAPPing the Details
The L.A.U.G.H® App, which encourages users to ‘Let Art Unleash Great Happiness’, is a novel way to deliver mental and emotional relief to our kids. After years of doing her research, and working in conjunction with sociologists, psychologists, behavioral specialists and physicians, Catherine Mayer has gifted us with this drawing tool that is designed to engage several senses simultaneously, such as vision, tactile, listening and focused breathing. Our kid testers dove into The L.A.U.G.H® App’s features to find out what it’s all about, what features they liked best and what parents will be excited to hear about!
The Initial APProach
Michael Graubard, WHY FOR GOOD
When you first open the app, your kiddos will be able to choose the emoji that corresponds with how they are currently coping emotionally (which also gives parents that sneak peek into our kids’ mental well-being). Then, it's on to an uber-encouraging tutorial where kids are introduced to an initial breathing exercise to relax and prepare their minds for the upcoming activities. Ahhhh! After finding their zen, kids are ushered to the art exercise, where they're taught to draw pictures by focusing on each individual shape, contour, shadow and texture. After a few follow-alongs, it's on to selecting a photo from the gallery (about 30 options in all) to complete your own drawing/tracing exercises, while listening to relaxing music that you can change to fit your mood. There are three cool options!
The app's toolkit, with various digital pens, paintbrushes, erasers, chalk and more, ensures each picture can be completely customized. The app also inspires its users to work at their own pace, relax and recognize that there is never a wrong way to draw or trace a picture. Parents will love how it encourages personal expression! After your kiddos create their masterpieces, they can then save their artwork in their own gallery or they can produce a slideshow to show off their work to you. Very user-friendly!
Michael Graubard, WHY FOR GOOD
For some kids the hardest part of the exercise may be going slow. But The L.A.U.G.H® App reminds kids to relax, breath and allow themselves the time to be completely absorbed in a creative and calming activity. It's easy to see how this app provides an outlet for creativity and can also help reduce anxieties and stressors our kids face everyday!
If You APPreciate Proof
Michael Graubard, WHY FOR GOOD
While there's no doubt our family testers enjoyed the app and what it offers, it’s important to point out that The L.A.U.G.H® App has gone through its own testing and trials (including research with University of Washington and Seattle Children’s Research Institute) to make it just right. In school trials, researchers found that the app had significant influence on students’ moods over time. In fact, after around seven sessions of L.A.U.G.H® Time, students showed a 4.7% improvement in their moods, and measurable increases in the kiddos’ joy of learning and school connectedness. As they studied this phenomenon, they found that the joy of learning score was 18.7% higher, and school connectedness was 19.2% higher at the end of L.A.U.G.H® Time. That means that belonging directly affects joy of learning and together they have a positive influence on a student’s mood. Hence the importance of launching this app at a time like this.
How They APProach the Future
SchoolPRPro via Pixabay
So what will The L.A.U.G.H.® App look like in the future? “We know there is a considerable appetite in our world for calm, less anxiety and a creative outlet for kids, families – and really everyone,” said Mayer. “In future versions of the app we will be adding features appropriate for the classroom–including the ability to share to multiple screens (Ambient Art®), as well as new adventures focused on music, movement, breathing and other elements that reinforce mindfulness, focus and social emotional learning and behavior.”
If we’ve whet your APPetite, you can download The L.A.U.G.H. ® App for free in the Apple App Store for iPad only and in the Google Play Store for tablet or phone.