ML Interest Tag: reproductive-health

9 Tips for Baby’s First Holiday Season, From a Mom of Six

by Suzanna Logan

A seasoned mom shares all the best ways to navigate the festive season with a wee one

They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year—and it is!—but even at the best of times the holidays can be a tad stressful, from travel logistics and finding the right gifts for everyone on your list to those less-than-subtle comments from relatives. Now throw a newborn into the mix and suddenly the season has an entirely new sense of magic, plus a fresh set of challenges as you navigate ever-changing sleep schedules, seasonal viruses, and an overwhelming number of commitments. As a mom of six, I’ve journeyed through my share of holidays with a new baby in tow (my third was born one week to the day before Christmas, and I really wish I’d had this list back then). Drawing from personal experience and expert advice, here are some tried-and-true tips for helping a new mom survive (or even thrive!) this holiday season.

1. In Good Health

No matter the season, keeping your babe healthy is always priority number one, but it’s especially important to be on guard with a newborn during the holidays. Baby’s immature immune system, large crowds gathering indoors, and the circulation of respiratory viruses make for the perfect storm. Dr. Priya Thomas, founder of Mindful Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine and mom of three, explains the risk. “An adult who just has a cold can pass along RSV, which can become severe in young babies.” Her advice is to steer clear of the crowds, practice proper hand-washing, and ask others to do the same before holding your infant. “Parents should feel empowered in this area, as it’s a matter of the health of the newborn,” says Thomas. But she is quick to remind us that that doesn’t mean new parents need to skip all the fun with friends and family. “This is the time to be creative. You don’t have to miss out on the holiday cheer, just avoid the large holiday parties and opt for a more intimate gathering in your home,” she suggests.

Related: 3 Ways to Protect Your Baby From Respiratory Viruses, According to a Nurse

2. Respond Right

As you spend more time with family and friends in the coming weeks, expect a flurry of questions and offers of unsolicited advice. (Take it from me, this time of year they’re as reliable as busy stores and even busier parking lots.) For example, if your little one’s sleep schedule coincides with a family event, you might hear remarks like, “We never cared about schedules in my day.” While these comments are often well-intended, they may not be helpful, especially when tender, postpartum emotions are swirling. To ease the pressure of responding in the moment, prepare a general response ahead of time, such as “We’re doing what we think is best for our baby.” Give your response with confidence and a smile, then gracefully transition the conversation to a more enjoyable topic. And, if tensions escalate still, take some advice from Theresa Gray, founder of Blooms of Grace Counseling. “If you’re noticing that you’re starting to feel anxious, angry or stressed, it’s okay to step away for a moment,” she shares. “Take deep breaths that fill your belly and relax your jaw and visualize a peaceful scene or memory.”

3. Baby Yourself

This time of year is all about giving, so go ahead and give yourself the gift of a break. “Self-care is often thought of as things like hot baths, mani-pedis, and shopping trips with friends, but those aren’t really the things that recharge us,” explains Gray. “Instead, self-care during this busy and highly sociable season might be to get up before the baby to prepare yourself and your heart for the day.” She continues: “It should include spending intentional time with your spouse or close friends and asking for help and communicating the needs and desires you have.”

a toddler sleeping on their tummy for a story about when babies can sleep on their stomach
iStock

4. Respect the Nap… Or Don’t

With all of the added festivities, the holidays are notorious for throwing off routines. As the parent, you get to decide whether to toss your schedule to the wind or politely decline any events that may mess it up. In my early years of motherhood, I took the respect-the-nap-at-all-costs approach. Although I missed out on certain events, I enjoyed the outings I did take because I had a happy, rested sidekick. Now, six kiddos in, we tend to let baby nap on the go, and she generally thrives in the spontaneity. In the end, how much to alter your baby’s schedule over the holidays is up to you and the kind of kid you have. “There is wisdom in keeping to a schedule, as there is a physiological need for that, but some flexibility is good, too,” says Thomas. “I am all about being mindful of what works for your family.”

5. Layer Up

The weather outside can be frightful this time of year, so it’s especially important to dress your little one so that they’re warm and comfortable. Because infants aren’t able to regulate their body temperature yet, they can lose heat four times faster than adults—though that’s not a reason to keep them indoors, no matter how many times your grandma warns about catching your death of cold. “Your baby is not going to get sick from exposure to the cold, but do be mindful of low temperatures and proper clothing,” advises Dr. Thomas. Layering is the key to ensuring your tot doesn’t get too cold or too hot. The rule of thumb: Dress them in the same amount of clothing you’d wear yourself, then add a layer. Also, be sure little’s outfit includes a hat, as the head and face are where babies lose heat the quickest.

6. Travel Smart

If you’re hitting the road this year, it can be helpful to plan your drive around baby’s nap time or bedtime to help you travel in peace. If they’ll be awake for the drive, schedule in lots of stops for feeding and cuddling. If your babe is prone to fussiness in the car, consider a genius travel companion like this: the Baby Shusher. It has consistently calmed our crankiest car-bound babies (and also soothed their hyperventilating parents) for years. Another option is the Hatch portable sound machine, or just turn up the tunes. “Santa Baby,” anyone?

Related: 11 Do’s and Don’ts of Your Baby’s First Holiday Season

7. Toy Time

Now that you’re a parent, it’s time we break it to you: for the next decade, the holidays will be virtually synonymous with toys. So many toys. If you have family eager to load baby up with gifts, my seasoned-mom advice is to skip anything with batteries (a.k.a. noisemakers) and keep it simple. For young babies, an activity mat is a great choice, suggests Thomas. “You can do tummy time on the mat with a newborn even just for a few minutes,” she says. “Look for one with a mirror and different contrasting colorings and textures, things they can touch and feel or make sound.” For older babies, my go-to’s are wooden blocks, hand puppets, and board books, each of which develops their motor skills or fosters imagination and emotional connection.

a mom cuddling a bundled up baby during baby's first Christmas
iStock

8. Slow Down

During the holidays, we often feel the pressure of doing more, but this is your permission to slow down. Replace the holiday “ho-ho-ho” with “no-no-no.” “Self-care sometimes means saying ‘no,’” Theresa explains. “You don’t have to do everything and be everywhere. Choose the things that prioritize the health of your family and the reason for the season.” (Read that again if people-pleasing is your kryptonite.) Letting the hustle and bustle of the holidays pass while you soak up the simple pleasures—quietly snuggling up on the couch with your favorite festive bevy and your tiny little elf—may be the best thing you add to your schedule this season.

9. Nobody’s Perfect

Sometimes, the most precious moments are the least perfect. It took me a long time to learn this. For years, I aspired to have the perfect Christmas tree (you know the one, straight from a Pottery Barn catalog), but with so many curious little hands moving things around, I’d have to rush to secretly redo the ornaments each night after bedtime. Now, looking back, I realize that I missed the magic in pursuit of perfection. Learn from my loss and let go of the idea that there is an “ideal” Christmas or Hannukah card, photo, or party. Instead, be present with your baby and enjoy the moment, no matter how imperfectly (or downright messily!) it unfolds.

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The Fastest Ways to Get a Squirmy Toddler Into a Car Seat

by Tinybeans Team

Screaming child? Check. Flailing arms and legs alternating with stiff-as-a-board posture? Check. Sweating, red-faced adult? Check. The only thing missing is a white van—which at the moment, I am grateful not to have—to make me look like a legit kidnapper. But I’m not a predator. I’m actually just a mom, trying to get my two-year-old into his car seat while passersby debate whether to call the cops.

Experience has taught me that the use of my upper torso and collarbone to smush him into his seat while I’m blindly trying to fasten his five-point restraint as he makes animal noises and screams might not be the solution. Obviously, I can’t leave him at the curb, but his uncanny ability to cage fight from the car seat has left me considering it. Instead, I do what all parents do to develop a trusted parenting strategy: I text my friends. I even reach out to an expert. And because we’re all in this together, I’m sharing my findings with you. Consider this the Holy Grail of Car Seat Drama Diffusion.

What Friends Have to Say

My friends’ responses affirmed that the struggle is real, and it’s neither because of bad parenting nor a personality disorder. For 6 months, my best friend had to ask friends, teachers, and once even a stranger (who looked nice) to put her daughter in her car because she was guaranteed a struggle if she tried.

She urged me to remember that this is just the same old nonsensical toddler tantrum but in a really inconvenient place. “Instead of freaking out more, try to block out the strangers staring at you, take a deep breath and a step back and just ride it out.” This is obviously harder than it seems when you’re sweating bullets and your grocery cart is rolling away. But she’s right. Sometimes, the best way to de-escalate the situation is simply not to engage.

Related: 8 Phrases to Bring a Toddler Back from the Brink

But what happens when you’re in a rush, or there’s a car waiting for your spot, or you’ve had all that you can take and you just. want. to. get. home. already? Try the Jedi Eye Trick. You really have to center yourself before doing this; otherwise, you’ll end up glaring at your child, which will make the matter worse. Instead of reasoning, bargaining, pleading, or despairing, take a deep breath, plaster a pleasant but bored expression on your face, and go for eye contact. It might take a minute, but when they see that you’re doing the opposite of what they expect, close the deal by making comforting physical contact. A leg rub or (if you can get it) a handhold means you’re money. Cue the relaxed posture as your child goes from viewing you as an antagonist to a tender-hearted nurturer.

Expert Advice and Top Tips

When I asked an expert how best to diffuse a car seat meltdown, she immediately suggested that parents recognize the problem for what it is: a power struggle. “Toddlers have very little say in what they do and when,” says Teresa Woodruff, a licenced professional counselor and art therapist who is the owner and clinical director of Art it Out Therapy Center in Atlanta. (She is also a mother of three.) “When we put them in the car, it is constraining. Also, it separates them from us, which often causes anxiety. Screaming is a way for them to communicate that they don’t want to be stuck.”

Here are a few tips for easing the car seat struggle:

Distraction is key

They’re just way too young to understand our logic, says Woodruff, so your best bet is to dangly a shiny thing and distract, distract, distract. Some fun ways to keep them entertained:

  • hand them a favorite toy or book
  • sing a silly song
  • ask them to repeat animal noises or sounds
  • tell them a funny joke or two

Give them choices

As a toddler parent, you’re now well aware that giving your tot the illusion of control is your secret weapon and a lot of the time this translates to giving choices. You can start empowering your little leader when you’re leaving the house and go from there. Some examples:

  • Do you want to bring your green dinosaur or your blue dinosaur in the car?
  • Do you want to close the door or should I?
  • Do you want to be the line leader (a coveted position, always) or should I?
  • Do you want to climb into the car all by yourself or should mummy/daddy help you?
  • Do you want me to put on your favorite song before or after we buckle you up?

Make up a job

Let your creative juices flow and come up with some kind of seemingly very important job for your little to tackle while you calmly and swiftly insert them into their car seat. They could be on the lookout for any number of things (very cool birds, yellow cars, etc.) or the official car key holder while you do up their harness. They could also be in charge of buckling their straps, which gives them some skin in this car seat game.

Incentivise their ride

Find a book or toy that your toddler really loves and only give it to them in the car. They’ll have something to look forward to each ride (once they’ve allowed you to buckle them in, of course) and you’ll save yourself another trip to the chiropractor.

When all else fails… bubbles

“If you really want to go above and beyond, keep a small container of bubbles in your bag to blow anytime your child is struggling with the transition into a car seat,” Woodruff says. “This distraction can get them over the initial shock of being constrained.” Bubbles, as it turns out, really do make everything better.

My Kid’s Take

I also go straight to the source: my nearly 4-year-old. I tell her that I am trying to help other parents figure out what to do when their kids won’t get in their car seats. Wise beyond her years (and also a little frighteningly opportunistic), she puts down her muffin, looks me squarely in the eye, and says, “Tell him he can watch a show when he gets home. Or sing him a song.” Maybe it’s that simple. I’m not above trying it, that’s for sure.

At the end of the day, car seat meltdowns are stressful for everyone—your toddler included. Try to keep calm. Avoid raising your voice or trying to force your child into the car seat; it’s just going to fuel their fire, escalate their mood, and cement their determination. It’s a bumpy road, but you’ll get down it—and hopefully, these tips and tricks will help you avoid losing a tire along the way.

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How to Honor the Real Story of Thanksgiving with Kids

By Meghan Fitzgerald

In the midst of preparing for a family feast each year, we’ve also wrestled with how to talk to our kids about Thanksgiving. We want our children to learn from and do their part in changing the inequality in their world, and perpetuating the Thanksgiving story we were taught in elementary school runs squarely at odds with that mission.

Related: 10 Ways Parents Can Fight for Social Justice Every Day

But, it can be hard to know how and when to start having the true story of Thanksgiving conversation with kids. So first, remember that we don’t need to nail this by the time the turkey hits the table. This is ongoing and important work to do all year round. Following are a few ideas and resources that are helping our family to lay a foundation that, we hope, will help our kids respect and respond to real history in a way that supports a better future.

Build a Foundation for Knowing & Respecting Native Peoples 

Start by teaching children real stories and truths about Native and Indigenous peoples, both from the past and the present. The more our children can be curious and aware of people for their strengths and rich history, the more they will push back on stereotypes and absorb the real history in a way that makes them compelled to act.

Here are a few easy ways to do this, even with very young children:

  • Learn about the people who live or used to live on the land in your area. Use an app like native-land.ca to find out which people live/lived and which languages are/were spoken on the land on which you live. Search for “native people from {city, state or region}” or “indigenous people from {city, state or region}. Then, look for historically accurate accounts of how those people thrived, being aware of the limitations of the perspective of whoever has created them.
  • Read books that help children come to know about Native peoples and prepare them to push back against stereotypes. For starters, check out this list of 15 beautiful picture books by Native authors about Native protagonists assembled by veteran Tinkergarten Leaders Erika McLemore, who is Creek-Seminole, and Cholena Smith-Boyd of the Shinnecock Indian Nation. As you select more books on your own, consult a reputable resource like Dr. Debbie Reese, a researcher focused on the representation of Native Americans in children’s literature. Through her expert advice, my family has learned how to pick books that are about specific tribes or Native peoples, avoiding the kind of generalizations that lead to stereotypes.
  • Incorporate Native history into everyday outdoor play. As you are walking in a forest or along a river in your area, share something you’ve learned about the Native people who live/lived and what makes/made them special as a group or society.
  • Continue learning. Read more from Indigenous Vision about how to build inclusive communities and support Indigenous youth.

Question History Together 

When you feel your kids are ready, work with them to question and point out the mismatches between the accurate history and the often perpetuated Thanksgiving Story. To start:

  • Get to know the true story of Thanksgiving story yourself. PBS Kids offers wonderful resources for parents and educators on how to approach Thanksgiving with authenticity. These resources also help us parents better understand, for ourselves, the story of the people we call Pilgrims, their interaction with the Wampanoag people, and the full history of the holiday we’ve come to know as Thanksgiving.
  • Don’t be afraid to share with children that there is more to the story. It’s important to help them understand that the familiar story that has been shared for a long time is over-simplified and, as such, can even be hurtful to whole groups of people as well as the allies of those people. One way you can present the disparity to kids is, that although there was a feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag, it happened during a time of terrible cruelty and unthinkable loss to the Wampanoag.
  • Seek out additional tools for learning. This New York Times article has helped us use both age-appropriate resources and inquiry to start engaging our kids in conversation about Thanksgiving. For example, it has encouraged us to help our kids ask “Who is telling the story, and what is their perspective? How is this story different from other accounts and facts that we now know?”

Focus on Gratitude 

While it’s essential that we help our children become more attuned to inequality and injustice, telling the true story of Thanksgiving doesn’t have to undermine our practice of sharing gratitude. You can even kickstart an annual gratitude tradition that’s respectful of Native history. Once you learn about the original caretakers of the land you live on, it becomes easy to express thanks for all they’ve done to preserve its natural beauty as part of Thanksgiving.

Be sure to help kids reflect on what they’re grateful for in their day-to-day lives, too. For many years, our family has focused our Thanksgiving on expressing thanks for our family, our health, our earth, and whatever else feels authentic to our kids. We engage in rituals like building a tree of thanks to make this even more concrete for them, and fun for us. This has extended far beyond Thanksgiving for us as well, helping us use simple rituals to develop a gratitude practice as a family and improve our own mental well-being in the process.

However you choose to celebrate this holiday, remember that while we cannot change history, we can make our children alert to who is telling and what needs to be told about the story. It’s the only way our kids will learn to do their part to make sure better stories are written in their time.

This post originally appeared on Tinkergarten.

After 18 years as an educator, curriculum developer and school leader, Meghan has her dream gig—an entrepreneur/educator/mom who helps families everywhere, including hers, learn outside. Today, Meghan serves as co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Tinkergarten, the national leader in outdoor play-based learning. 

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49 Science Experiments for Kids to Try at Home

by Christal Y.

Looking for science experiments for kids? Thanks to common household ingredients, some ingenuity, and our guide, these at-home science experiments for kids make any day exciting. To help you prepare, we’ve rated each experiment from one to five sponges so you know the messiness factor ahead of time. If you’re looking for seasonal projects, check out these water-themed science experiments. Or how about a few science projects for kids that are perfect for the backyard?

TIP: Did you know there are a ton of awesome science kits and subscription boxes that will further develop your child’s love of science? KiwiCrate is one of our favorite ed-tech companies, as they offer seriously fun & enriching science & art projects, for kids 0 months up to 13+.

Shop Science Kits Here

Classic Science Experiments for Kids

Potato Battery Science Experiment

a potato battery is a science experiment for kids
Wikimedia Commons

A lesson in: Chemical to electrical energy

When these nails and copper wires collide, heat is generated (psst ... heat is a result of expended energy, so you can explain to your little runner why he feels warmer after a race around the house). But with some potato magic, the properties of the nail and copper stay separated, allowing the heat to become the electric energy needed to power up your devices. Build your own potato battery with this tutorial from Wiki How .

Messiness factor: One sponge

Make a Baking Soda & Vinegar "Steam" Powered Boat

making a baking soda boat is a fun science experiment for kids
Melissa Heckscher

A lesson in: Chemical reactions

Sure, anyone can do the old baking soda and vinegar volcano, but what about creating a boat that is propelled by this classic chemical reaction? Keep your little Einsteins busy this afternoon with this cool science project for kids that doesn't require a lot of prep. 

Messiness factor: Three sponges

Make Water Float

making water float is a fun science experiment for kids
Mike Adamick

A lesson in: Air pressure

Can you make water float? We bet you can. No, you don’t need to be a wizard or a witch. You don’t need to cast a spell. There’s nothing magic about it at all, in fact. You can make water float using science. The “trick” to this experiment is air pressure. Get everything you need and the how-to, right here, thanks to Mike Adamick and his book, Dad's Book of Awesome Science Experiments.

Messiness factor: Two sponges

Photo by Mike Adamick. Copyright © 2014 F+W Media, Inc. Used by permission of the publisher. All rights reserved.

Germ Testing Science Project for Kids

A germ-testing science project for kids
Melissa Heckscher

A lesson in: Germs

This germ-growing science project for kids will help them understand how even the cleanest-looking surfaces (and hands) can be filled with germs, is one of the easiest science experiments for kids we've found. Get the fun and yucky instructions at Kids Activity Blog.

Messiness factor: One sponge

Make an Edible Water Bottle

A lesson in: Chemistry and specifically, spherification.

This futuristic science experiment will leave your kids wanting to know more about chemistry. Quench her thirst for knowledge when you create an edible membrane around teaspoons of water to make these handy water “bottles.” The tutorial is in video form over at Inhabitat. Trust us, it’s as cool as it looks!

Messiness factor: One sponge.

Make Crystal Egg Geodes

A lesson in: Molecular bonding and chemistry.

This grow-your-own experiment lets you grow crystals inside an eggshell. Be sure to get alum powder that contains potassium, or else you won’t get any crystal growth. Adding drops of food dye to the growing solution yields some super cool crystals. A perfectly formed geode takes about 12-15 hours to grow, making this a great weekend project. Get the tutorial for this science experiment for kids at Art and Soul.

Messiness factor: Four sponges.

Check the Iron in Breakfast Cereal

A lesson in: Magnetism.

You’ve probably seen the label that says “fortified with iron” on your cereal box, but how much iron is actually in your cereal? Is there enough to cause a magnetic reaction? This super easy experiment doesn’t require too many fancy ingredients (cereal + magnet) which means you and the kiddos can try it right away. The results may surprise you! Get the how-to at Rookie Parenting and get started!

Messiness Factor: Two sponges.

Learn About Shooting Stars

stargazing is an easy science experiment you can do at home
Kate Loweth

A lesson in: Astronomy

With this fun video from They Might Be Giants, kids can learn that shooting stars are not stars, they're meteorites. Then, take it out back for a fun backyard stargazing session. We love this science experiment you can do at home! 

Messiness Factor: One sponge

Related: 14 Backyard Science Experiments for Kids

Marshmallow Tower

marshmallows are good supplies for science experiments for kids
Fly D Art Photographer via Unsplash

A lesson in: Engineering

Using only marshmallows and dry spaghetti noodles, kids can experiment with structure, stability, and weight distribution. Get the instructions from Kesler Science by clicking here. 

Messiness factor: 1 sponge

Paper Airplane Science

flying a paper airplane is a good science experiment for kids
Melissa Heckscher

A lesson in: Aerodynamics

By making various paper airplanes, your scientists can test the drag of each plane, which will have an effect on how far they fly. Get more info on this science project for kids here.

Messiness factor: 1 sponge

Walk on Eggs

walking on eggs is a fun science experiment for kids
Shelley Massey

A lesson in: Weight distribution

How can you walk on eggs without breaking them? Steve Spengler shows us how and teaches an awesome lesson on how an egg’s unique shape gives it tremendous strength, despite its seeming fragility. Check out this easy science experiment for kids to get started.

Messiness factor: 1-3 sponges, depending on the state of the eggs in the end!

Milk Magic

using milk to explain molecules in a science experiment for kids
Daniel Sinoca via Unsplash

A Lesson in: Molecules

Fill a shallow dish with milk, drop food coloring, and make sure the drops don't touch. Then, dip a cotton swab in dish soap and place it in the middle of the dish. The colors will begin to swirl and seem as though they are moving on their own! Explain to your kids that the soap reduces surface tension and makes the fat molecules in the milk move. Click here for more science experiments that use food coloring.

Messiness Factor: 2 sponges

Professor Egghead's Lesson about Light

Professor Egghead has great science experiments for kids

A Lesson in: Light

Learn all about the sun and what it gives humans (think energy and warmth!) You'll also do an experiment to learn about different kinds of light, even ultraviolet rays. Get the video from Professor Egghead here. 

Messiness factor: 1 sponge 

Cup Amplifier

Storey Publishing

A lesson in: Sound

Slide a mobile phone into this low-tech amplifier and the result will be music to your ears. The audio is deeper, richer, and louder, thanks to the science of sound waves and the natural amplification created by the cone-shaped cups. If the two cups look a bit like the attentive ears of a cat or fox, that’s no coincidence. Animal ears use the same science, but in reverse: they help creatures hear by gathering sound waves and directing them into the ear. For engineers, that’s a design worth copying.

Customize your amplifier to fit any size phone!

Tabs cut all around the hold make it easy to glue the cardboard tube in place.

Cut a slot with a flap to support your phone.

What’s Going On
The Cup Amplifier focuses and projects sound waves, in the same way that a cheerleader’s megaphone (or even just your cupped hands) amplifies your voice. Once sound waves are created, they want to spread out in all directions. The amplifier directs them from your phone’s speakers into the cardboard cups, where, instead of scattering, they are gathered and channeled in one direction—out the openings.

Messiness factor: One sponge

Excerpted from Cardboard Box Engineering © 2020 by Jonathan Adolph. Used with permission from Storey Publishing.

Skittles Science

using skittles in a science experiment for kids
iStock

A Lesson in: Stratification

A great way to get rid of extra candy, this easy science experiment for kids uses Skittles and whatever liquids you want to use. The idea is, the candy is made of ingredients that dissolve, so kids get a chance to guess which liquid will make the Skittles dissolve the fastest. Get more info over at Little Bins for Little Hands. 

Messiness factor: Two sponges

Find Out How Many Water Drops Fit on a Coin

an easy science experiment to do at home is to see how much water can fit on a coin.
Sarbasri Bhaumik via Unsplash

A Lesson in: Chemistry

An easy science experiment to do at home is one that helps kids find out what affects the surface tension of water! You'll need basic materials like a penny and a water dropper, and be sure to make a hypothesis before you start. You might be surprised! Get the tutorial from Rookie Parenting. 

Messiness factor: One sponge

Pulley Experiment

a rope pulley is an easy science experiment
Little Bins for Little Hands

A Lesson in: Physics

This simple experiment requires a trip to the hardware store, but putting it all together is a cinch. Once you've completed the system, have your kids pick up different-sized rocks and make a note about how difficult it is. Then, try with the pulley. Is it easier or is it harder? To find out how to make your pulley, and for other questions to ask your kids, head over to Little Bins for Little Hands. 

Messiness Factor: One sponge

Make a Volcano Explode

two boys doing a volcano explosion, an easy science experiment for kids
iStock

A Lesson in: Chemical reactions

There's a reason why this science experiment is so popular. When the solid baking soda (sodium bicarbonate—a base) mixes with the liquid vinegar (acetic acid—a weak acid), it creates a gas—carbon dioxide! Besides the chemical reaction, kids enjoy making the actual volcano, whether it's out of clay, mud, or foam sheets. Get a great step-by-step tutorial from The Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments by clicking here. 

Messiness Factor: Four sponges

Bake Hygroscopic Cookies

Hygroscopic Cookies are an easy science experiments to do at home
Allison Sutcliffe

A Lesson in: Hygroscopy. 

This simple science experiment is best when you check in on it the next morning. Bake up a batch of cookies, then place them in an airtight container with a piece of fresh bread. Watch as the cookies stay straight-from-the-oven soft thanks to the moisture of the bread (The sugar in the cookies is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs water molecules out of the bread). The best part? Getting to eat the cookies!

Messiness Factor: Two sponges.

The Juice-Tasting Challenge

different juices
iStock

A lesson in: Taste buds and olfactory senses.

Tummy’s rumbling–it’s time to eat! Did you know that you “eat” with your nose and eyes as well as your mouth? It’s true. Put your family’s sense of smell and sight to the test with this juice-guessing game.

You’ll Need:
Masking tape
4 glasses
Pen and paper
4 flavors of juice
4 food colorings

How to:
1. Stack a piece of tape on the bottom of each glass and number them one to four, making sure your partner can’t see the numbers. Pour one type of juice into each glass.

2. Send your partner out of the room. Drip a different food coloring into each juice and stir so your partner can’t recognize the juice by its color alone. Record the number, juice type, and color in each glass on a piece of paper.

3. Call your partner back. Tell her to hold her nose, sip from each glass, and guess the juice If she’s like most people, she’ll be kind of confused–her eyes and tongue give her two conflicting flavor messages.

4. Ask her to unplug her nose, close her eyes, and sniff the juice before drinking it. Her guesses should be on target now. All hail the mighty schnoz!

Reprinted from Exploralab: 150+ Ways to Investigate the Amazing Science All Around You. 

Messiness factor: One sponge. 

Experiment with Tie Dye

usee a Tie dye kit to do a science project with kids
Amazon

A lesson in: Chemistry.

Dyes are fiber reactive, so there's a chemical reaction between the dye and the fabric. You can do this experiment with everything from paper to t-shirts. We've got a great list of tie-dye projects here. 

Messiness Factor: Five sponges.

Make a Sundial

A lesson in: Astronomy

Unravel the mysteries of time. Or at least figure out the basics by setting up a sundial outside. Take time each hour to check the sun’s positioning and make note of it so your sidekick can see the bigger picture.

Messiness Factor: One sponge

Dry Ice Bubbles

dry ice bubbles are an at-home science project for kids
Simply Modern Mom

A lesson in: Gas.

Dry ice is already cool enough on its own, but it takes science to turn them into bubbles. When you add water, it changes the temperature of the dry ice, causing the ice to go from solid to gas. That’s where the fog and bubbles come from! Head to Simply Modern Mom to get the full tutorial. But be careful: Dry ice can cause serious skin burns, so make sure your kids are well-supervised and know not to touch the ice.

Messiness factor: Three sponges.

Invisible Licorice

From Candy Experiments 2 by Loralee Leavitt/Andrews McMeel Publishing, LLC.

A lesson in: Light and perspective.

Did the candy melt or disappear? Your sweetums might think it’s magic, but it’s really all about how oil redirects light, causing half the candy to disappear! Click here for the instructions on how to recreate this mind-warping experiment.

Messiness factor: One sponge.

Egg in a Bottle

egg in a bottle is a fun science experiment you can do at home
Mockup Grahics via Unsplash

A lesson in: Air pressure

Your whistler has the basics of air pressure down just by using their mouth to blow. And now you can amaze them with this science experiment for kids. There is a little fire play involved (dropping a lit paper into the bottle), but that’s what causes the unbalanced air pressure, which pushes the egg into the bottle. Want to test it out? Head over to Steve Spangler Science for the tutorial.

Messiness factor: One sponge

Invisible Ink

invisible ink using lemon is a fun science experiment for kids
Moritz Nie via Unsplash

A lesson in: Oxidation.

If your snacker has noticed how their apples have turned brown after being left out for too long, then they’ve seen oxidization in action (loss of electrons and nutrients when in contact with oxygen). Fortunately, lemon juice only oxidizes when in contact with heat. This method works with baking soda and milk too. Click here to find out how to write secret messages with your little spy.

Messiness factor: One sponge.

Kid-Safe Lava Lamps

iStock

A lesson in: Density and intermolecular polarity.

These sound like big words for our little ones, but there’s an easier way to break it down. Water and oil won’t mix because they’re not the same “weight” or substance (just like clay and LEGOs won’t become one). Now add a drop of food coloring (which is heavier than oil) and a fizzy tablet and watch the air bubbles take coloring with them to the top. Head on over to S. L. Smith’s blog to see how it’s done.

Messiness factor: Two sponges.

Rock Candy

Wikimedia Images via Pixabay

A Lesson in: Crystallization.

Be careful: The water only has the power to make the sugar crystals “invisible” when it’s piping hot. After the water cools down and evaporates, the sugar turns back into a solid. And with a little help of your sugar-soaked string, the crystals will find a home to grow upon and become rock candy. Learn how to make your smart sweets with these instructions from the Exploratorium. 

Messiness factor: Two sponges.

S'more Solar Oven

Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash

A lesson in: Solar power.

Harness the power of the sun to make your favorite campfire treat! With just a few common household items you can create an eco-friendly oven just for melting marshmallows and chocolate, plus you can teach kids about the power of the sun. Click here to learn how.

Messiness Factor: Two sponges.

Homemade Slime

girls making slime, which is a fun science experiment for kids
Melissa Heckscher

A lesson in: Polymers.

Is it a liquid or solid? The answer is both! This DIY slime—made from glue, borax, and water—is also known as a polymer (molecules that can stick close together to be a solid or spread apart and take liquid form). And it’s all thanks to borax, which acts as a binder to prevent the glue from going completely liquid. Check out Explorable’s recipe for mixing the ingredients. Prolong the life of your goo by keeping it in an airtight container in the fridge. And, if you need help with cleanup, check out our guide for how to get slime out of clothes, couches, and hair. 

Messiness factor: Three sponges.

Make Fizzy Lemonade

Learn with Play at Home

A lesson in: Chemistry.

Plain old fresh-squeezed lemonade is so last year. Boost the fun quotient and learn a simple science concept simultaneously when you recreate this edible Fizzy Lemonade drink from Learn With Play at Home. It’s super easy to mix and little sippers report it’s pretty tickly too. A great alternative to the baking soda-vinegar volcano, it shows kids what happens when an acid and base are mixed together. 

Messiness factor: One sponge. 

Whirlpool in a Bottle

iStock

A lesson in: physics, weather science. 

This easy little experiment doesn't take much: just two empty and clear 2-liter bottles, a metal washer, water and duct tape. Food coloring is optional. Fill one bottle with about two-thirds water. Place the washer on the bottle and line up the empty bottle on top of the water-filled one. Wrap the duct tape around the middle securing the two bottles together. Then, turn the bottles upside down. Does the water go straight down or do you see a mini whirlpool (Swirl the top or bottom a bit for a better effect.)? The spinning water is called a vortex, and all tornadoes, hurricanes and typhoons are examples of air vortexes. Since you’re using water, this is an example of a whirlpool. As the water spins faster, it pushes to the outside of the bottle creating a hole in the middle. The air from the bottom of the bottle comes up the middle and the water from the top flows back down through the hole.

Messiness factor: Two sponges.

Salt Crystal Feathers

Schooling a Monkey

A lesson in: Evaporation

You’ve probably tried a salt crystal growing kit at some point in your life (5th grade Science Fair perhaps?) but Schooling a Monkey takes the idea to a new level with these Salt Crystal Feathers. This awe-inspiring project is deceptively simple and inexpensive to achieve, and requires just a wee bit of patience to see the results—kids will love checking in on the progress. 

Messiness factor: One sponge

 

Soda Blasting Experiment

soda bottles used in science experiments
Amanda Shepard via Unsplash

A lesson in: Chemistry, pressure, and release of pressure

This experiment is one you'll definitely want to do outside. Step it up with this Mentos + soda experiment: head to Steve Spangler for all the need-to-know details on this engaging experiment. 

Messiness factor: Three (very epic) sponges

Melting Rates

outdoor science projects for kids
Shelly Massey

A lesson in: Solar science and absorption

Different colors have different heat-absorbing capacities. Black has the greatest heat-absorbing capacity, which results in ice melting quicker than white, which reflects the most light. Learn how to observe and report on which colors affect ice’s melting rates here on Curiodyssey. Get more sidewalk science ideas here.

Messiness factor: One sponge

Make Elephant Toothpaste

Fun at Home With Kids

A lesson in: Chemistry and the exothermic process <<<impress your kids! 

If you’ve ever wondered how elephants keep their tusks clean, we’ve got the answer. They use elephant toothpaste! Find out how to mix your own and figure out the science behind this dynamic exothermic (heat-releasing) reaction from Fun at Home With Kids. Our favorite part? That you get to throw in some sensory playtime after the action’s over.

Messiness factor: Three sponges. Maybe four. 

Bending Water with a Comb

static electricity experiments for kids
Amber Guetebier

A lesson in: Electrical currents and static electricity

This static electricity science experiment couldn't be any easier. In fact, other than a balloon or going down the slide, it might be the easiest way to teach kids about electrical currents. And, you can impress them with your wizarding skills once before you reveal the science behind it. Click here to get the step-by-step. 

Messiness factor: One sponge

Regrow Leftovers

Marcus Spiske via Unsplash

A lesson in: Photosynthesis and plant science.

Insert a little plant science into the mix by re-growing food from scraps. Think onions, potatoes, and lettuce for this one (psst… green onions are a super easy, fast option). Get the low down on all that recycled goodness at Mrs. Happy Homemaker. Since plants need water and sunlight to grow, exposing scrap roots to that winning combo helps them recharge.

Messiness factor: Two sponges.

Turning Pennies Green

Buggy and Buddy

A lesson in: Chemical reactions.

It happens to the Statue of Liberty and it happens to the change in your pocket! Create your own home lab with just a few household ingredients (this experiment will literally cost you just pennies). It’s also a chemical reaction with very non-toxic ingredients, so it’s safe and fascinating even for young kids. Click over to Buggy and Buddy to get the simple how-to.

Messiness factor: One sponge.

Film Canister Rocket

The Science Kiddo

A lesson in: Rocket science.

Like the popular baking soda and vinegar experiments, this film canister rocket literally takes it to the next level by using that creation of gas and energy to jet off into the sky. If your explorer has seen videos of mountain tops getting blown off during a volcanic eruption, this science project is pretty much any space lover’s version. Get the building instructions over at The Science Kiddo.

Messiness factor: Three sponges.

Disappearing Egg Shell

Go Science Kids

A lesson in: Chemistry.

Can you and the kiddos solve the mysterious case of the disappearing eggshell? Following the simple how-to at Go Science Kids, you’ll learn the step-by-step and talking points about the process along the way. Warning! Although it’s totally non-toxic, toddler-aged kids will be tempted to squeeze the egg at the end so make sure it’s a supervised experiment. Visit Go Science Kids to get cracking!

Messiness factor: One sponge.

Fishing for Ice

ice salt is a fun science experiment for kids
The Science Kiddo

A lesson in: Freezing/temperature.

Children living in snow-covered cities might witness their neighbors salting the driveway. Well, while that is definitely not for fun, this experiment is. Salt lowers the freezing point of ice so it melts, but it won’t be able to freeze unless it’s cold enough. See how The Science Kiddo made a clever game with this knowledge.

Messiness factor: Two sponges.

Cloud Jars

Learn With Play at Home

A lesson in: How clouds hold water.

Let your imagineers pretend shaving cream is a cloud that holds colorful raindrops. As they squeeze more and more food coloring, their “cloud” will soon release the excess below—just like how real clouds get too heavy and let the rain loose on a gloomy day. Learn how to re-create this weather experiment here.

Messiness factor: One sponge.

Dyed Plants

Mike Adamick for Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments

A lesson in: Capillary action.

Find out how plants “drink” water with some food coloring. Use carnations, roses, or stalks of celery submerged in the colored water and watch the liquid slowly seep through the plant’s “veins” and towards the leaves. Keep an eye out -- you could have a very colorful bouquet just after the first day. Get the rundown by Dad’s Book of Awesome Science Experiments over here.

Messiness factor: One sponge.

Dancing Oobleck

iStock

A lesson in: Sound waves.

The word “oobleck” comes from a Dr. Seuss story where a young boy must rescue his kingdom from a sticky substance. But the neat part of this experiment is how oobleck reacts to vibrations. Put the oobleck over a subwoofer (on top of a cookie sheet!) and watch it dance to different frequencies. Your dancer will see how sound isn’t just about volume! Check out more of this awesome experiment from Tammy of Housing a Forest.

Messiness factor: Five sponges.

Homemade Lightning

Unsplash

A lesson in: Static electricity. (Or weather science.)

Lightning is essentially electrons moving uber fast between the sky and the earth—and with a few simple materials, you can use homemade static electricity (the reason behind your hair sticking up when you rub a balloon or go through a tunnel slide super fast) for DIY lightning. Figure out how to recreate a family-friendly version of this spark by visiting the activity blog Learn Play Imagine.

Messiness factor: One sponge.

Make a Bug Vacuum

Excerpted from Mason Jar Science (c) by Jonathan Adolph, photography (c) by Carl Tremblay, used with permission from Storey Publishing.

A Lesson in: Entomology

Scientists capture bugs for study using a mouth-powered vacuum, called an aspirator or a pooter. Kids can make their own version from a mason jar, then use it to gather ants (or other small insects) and observe them in action.

What you'll need:
Pint-size mason jar with a two-piece lid
Milk or juice carton
Hole punch
2 bendy straws
Tape
Gauze pad

How to: 
1. Open the milk carton along the seams and flatten it out. Use the inner lid of the mason jar as a template to trace a circle on the carton. Cut out the circle and punch two holes in the center about an inch apart.

2. Carefully slide the short ends of the bendy straws into the holes. Tape a piece of gauze pad around the end of one straw to prevent any bugs from getting sucked up.

3 Set the lid on the jar and fasten it in place with the ring.

4. To use your pooter, place the tip of the straw without the gauze near a bug. Put your mouth on the straw with the gauze, and gently suck in. The bug should travel up the straw and land unharmed at the bottom of the jar.

Take It Further
Capture some ants in your bug vacuum, then use a magnifying glass to observe these remarkable insects up close. Open the jar and feed them a few drops of sugary water or corn syrup, or try giving them some birdseed. Ants live in colonies headed by a queen ant, and they can’t last long on their own. When you are done observing them, release your ants where you found them. (Note: Some ants bite, so be careful handling them.)

Tell Me More
Ants were the Earth’s first farmers. For millions of years, certain species have been creating underground gardens where they grow their favorite fungus for food. They tend to their crops, bringing them water and even weeding out other fungi they don’t want.

Excerpted from Mason Jar Science © by Jonathan Adolph, used with permission from Storey Publishing. Available online, $12.69.

Messiness Factor: One sponge. 

A Smell Challenge

Babble Dabble Do

A Lesson in: Olfactory senses.

Teach kids the importance of smell with this activity that asks them to use only their noses to identify objects. Can they sniff out the fish oil over the garlic cloves? The lemon juice over the orange oil? Homeschooling blogger Ana has the instructions at Babble Dabble Do.

Messiness Factor: Two sponges.

Is This Soluble?

Dominka Roseclay via Pexels

A Lesson in: Mixtures 

Teaching children chemistry can become a fun, at-home activity as a weekend afternoon project or as part of their remote learning curriculum. One of the best experiments you can do is the mixing activity. With this exercise, children will learn the difference between soluble and insoluble substances. Do not worry! You can do it with ingredients you already have in your kitchen!

Ingredients

  • Water
  • Oil (cooking oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, etc.)
  • Food Coloring
  • Table Salt
  • Sand
  • Transparent containers with a lid or transparent cups with a spoon to mix

Experiment

Before you begin the activity, ask the children what each ingredient is—whether it is a solid, liquid, or gas—and what they think will happen when you begin mixing them. This guarantees a hands-on experiment that will allow the children to feel they are in control.

  1. Mix the water and the sand. Children will notice there is a separation between both ingredients and that layers have formed, so it is an insoluble reaction.
  2. Mix the water and the food coloring. Children will see them combine—the water turning into that color—and know it is a soluble reaction.
  3. Mix the water and the table salt. The salt will disappear in the water, making it another soluble reaction.
  4. Mix the water and the oil. This time, a clear layer will be formed, showing another insoluble reaction.

After these mixing activities, you can further this experiment by letting the children find other ingredients to mix with water and have them determine if that substance is soluble or insoluble. The main goal is to show them different reactions and layers.

For a clear example of this experiment, check out this video.

Messiness factor: 2 sponges 

Experiment courtesy of Dr. Stephanie Ryan. See more fun about science over at letslearnaboutscience.com

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Postpartum Hair Loss is Totally Normal. Here’s What to Do About It.

by Kate Cartia

Postpartum hair loss can be helped. Really.

Having a baby means a million and one changes. Whether it’s your schedule, your body, and literally everything in between, everything is totally turned on its head. No pun intended, but your hair is definitely added to that list. Postpartum hair loss is a classic challenge for many, if not most, new moms, but until it’s actually happening to you, it’s hard to fully understand what the big deal is. But after having thick, luxurious hair during pregnancy (one of the bonuses), watching it thin back out, change texture or lose strength can be not-so-awesome.

But, rest assured you’re not alone. And, postpartum hair loss is such a common problem, there are definitely some solutions that are effective and accessible. No snake oil or empty promises here. These solutions are tried-and-true. Shampoos, styling products, concealers. They’re all here. We’ve gone through soooooo many options and have picked some of our favorites. They’re highly-rated, proven to work, and easy to get your hands on. Editor’s Note: Keep in mind, lots of good things take time. Don’t totally give up if you don’t see immediate improvement. Also, your results will vary. This is not intended to be considered medical advice. We encourage speaking to your healthcare provider about your hair loss concerns, especially if you’re noticing extreme shedding, sudden thinning, and/or irritation.

VEGAMOUR GRO Revitalizing Shampoo & Conditioner

Vegamour

The VEGAMOUR GRO Shampoo features a proprietary Karmatin b-SILK protein which smooths damaged hair, improves the appearance of damage caused by heat and coloring, absorbs dirt and oil, locks in hydration, and protects hair color. The moisturizing conditioner is ultra-rich and promotes visibly fuller hair. You'll start to notice a difference around month 3, with full effects around your 4th month of use when you follow the instructions.

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inala Triple Threat Tonic

inala

Rice water is a powerhouse ingredient for hair strength, and inala's Triple Threat Tonic uses it to formulate a priming, styling, refreshing treatment for all hair types. You'll reduce breakage, add light hold, and hydrate and freshen up your hair between washes. inala Triple Threat Tonic can be used on wet, damp, or dry hair.

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Luvme Hair

Luvme Hair

Okay, you caught us. We did say many of these products take time to see results, but if you're just not into waiting, Luvme Hair offers gorgeous wigs for immediate glam results. Of course, you can choose to rock them while you wait for other treatments to take effect, cover any thinning that makes you self-conscious, or just change up your look whenever you feel like it. Luvme Hair is all about the power to change. And with these options, you'll have lots of reasons to do just that.

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2% Minoxidil Spray with Biotin

Amazon

2% Minoxidil has been proven to restore thinning hair, reduce hair loss, and help keep your scalp healthy. There are a lot of Minoxidil options out there, but this one has great reviews at a wallet-friendly price.

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Editor's Note: This is not intended as medical advice. Speak to your healthcare provider before beginning treatment with Minoxidil or any other medicated product. Minoxidil is not for use by pregnant or nursing women, and those with other conditions outlined by your doctor.

OUAI Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque

OUAI

Don’t skip the conditioner even if you have fine or thin hair. It can still get damaged and coarse, and this hair masque from OUAI can be used as frequently as needed (though if you fall into the fine hair category, you'll likely use it less than you might otherwise). 

OUAI Fine to Medium Hair Treatment Masque ($38.00)—Buy Here!

Living Proof 5-in-1 Styling Treatment

Sephora

This cream is powered by Living Proof’s "healthy hair molecule" to smooth and protect by forming a weightless shield around each hair strand, while the "thickening molecule" creates space between strands for hair that looks and feels fuller. That sounds like a lot of science, but the customer ratings speak for themselves. The result? Smooth, strong, voluminous hair—and endless compliments (here for that).

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ANYA Scalp Serum

ANYA

Free of toxic chemicals, 100% vegan, and safe while breastfeeding, this serum from ANYA is formulated with powerful ingredients shown to stimulate hair follicles and promote fuller, thicker hair. Best results are seen after 90 days of use. so patience is a virtue here.

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A22 Biotin Boost Hair + Scalp Serum

Spoiled Child

Increase the appearance of thicker, fuller, healthier hair with this innovative blend of 100+ vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential oils that has been shown to support your natural healthy hair cycle and to combat signs of thinning & shedding. Caffeine, biotin, rosemary oil, and more are all safe for sensitive skin.

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The Complete Routine by Oh Hey Mama

Oh Hey Mama

This powerful hair bundle is specially formulated to help you fight the scalp issues that cause slow growth, breakage, and excessive shedding. Formulated with stimulating herbs and extracts for growth, nourishing oils that heal and protect, and DHT-blocking ingredients that help fight the most common hormonal reason for hair thinning and fall-out.

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Nutrafol Postpartum Hair Growth Supplements

Nutrafol

We typically don't recommend supplements, largely because they work differently from person to person. But everything we've read about Nurtrafol makes us confident in their Postpartum Hair Growth Supplements. Their ingredients are standardized to make sure each serving is the same, plus this formula is breastfeeding-friendly. You know what we're going to say, though. Make sure you speak with your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

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Bombay Clip-In Hair Extensions

Bombay Hair

Even if you've never used hair extensions before, or even considered them, they can make a huge difference. Bombay clip-in hair extensions are so, so user-friendly, and come in a ton of colors, lengths, and weights (yep, weight matters with hair extensions—if you have weaker or brittle hair, you'll want to go for lightweight extensions to avoid breakage). Bombay Hair also does a custom color match—just send in photos of your hair per their website instructions and they'll tell you your best match.

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Toppik Hair Filler Keratin Fiber

Toppik

Toppik is a well-known name in thinning hair solutions. These little fibers work like fibers in some mascara formulas—they conceal roots, fill in sparse areas, and add volume. It comes in several colors, and Toppik highly recommends finishing it with their FiberHold Spray.

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Voloom Volumizing Iron

Voloom

This grid-patterned heated iron is designed to be used right at your roots, hidden by the rest of your hair, to provide immediate boost, volume, and texture. It's not a curling iron or a flat iron—it's created to lift your hair up and away from your scalp for volume that can last for days, depending on your hair type and products used.

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25 Things to Ask Kids That Aren’t ‘How Was Your Day?’

by Aimee Della Bitta

As parents, we all want to know what our kids are up to during their school day. But the truth is, asking, “How was your day?” often leads to a pretty lackluster response. This year, why not try a different approach? We got a bit of expert advice on when and how to get the need-to-know from kids, plus 25 creative prompts to get the conversation flowing.

Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a brain wellness expert and author of Back on Track, A Practical Guide to Help Kids of All Ages Thrive, emphasizes the importance of asking questions at the right time and in the right way. Instead of parents bombarding their kids with questions when they get home from school, she suggests waiting for about 20 minutes and (always!) offering a snack before starting a conversation. Additionally, parents should give their kids enough time and space to respond, as they may need more time to process information.

Dr. Jackson also recommends leading with curiosity and avoiding a confrontational tone that may leave kids feeling defensive. When parents stay positive and show support, it encourages kids to share their true thoughts and feelings. Here are a few ideas for better questions to have at the ready:

1. Who did you sit with at lunch today?

2. What did you play at recess?

3. What’s the funniest thing that happened today?

4. What’s the coolest thing you learned today?

5. Was your lunch good today? Any requests for tomorrow?

6. What was the nicest thing you did for someone else today?

7. If one of your friends could be the teacher for the day, who would you want it to be?

8. What would you rate today on a scale of 1-10?

9. Was there anything that made you feel frustrated today? Follow up with, is there something we can do tonight to help make it better for tomorrow?

10. Did you read anything you loved today?

11. Did you hear any music you want to share with me

12. If you can switch seats with anyone in the class, who would it be and why?

13. What’s one thing that made you smile today?

14. Did anything surprise you about today?

15. What was the hardest rule to follow today?

16. When did you feel most proud of yourself today?

17. What challenged you today?

18. How did you feel about math today? (this is always a better option than a direct question about a test).

19. Does your teacher remind you of anyone else you know?

20. If you could choose any subject to teach, which would it be?

21. Is there anything I can do to support you?

22. What’s one thing you did today that helped a friend or your teacher?

23. If you could fast forward or slow down any part of the day, what would it be?

24. Do any of your friends have a nickname they like?

25. What’s one thing you’ll still remember about today at the end of the year?

Related: 45 Conversation Starters That’ll Get the Kids Talking

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Pediatric Physical Therapist Explains Why ‘Tummy Time’ Isn’t a Thing in Certain Countries

by Christina Marfice

In a TikTok video, a pediatric physical therapist explains why “tummy time” isn’t really a thing in other countries—but why it’s still important

Tummy time, the practice of placing your infant on their stomach to play, is a very common part of raising a baby in the U.S. But apparently, in the rest of the world, it’s not. Recently, an American mom who gave birth in France went viral for a video of a French pediatrician telling her not to do tummy time, causing moms everywhere to stress about what’s actually best for their babies’ development.

“I had multiple professionals being like, ‘You shouldn’t be putting your baby in uncomfortable positions especially if they’re not already getting themselves into that position,'” the American mom in France said in one video. “If they’re rolling over onto their tummy, that’s one thing, but putting them in positions that they aren’t able to get into naturally is developmentally inappropriate.”

@pattilynn13

#livinginfrance #tummytime #newbaby

♬ original sound – Patti Lynn

But that’s not the standard advice in the U.S., and a pediatric physical therapist made a video response to explain why medical advice for infants is so different in France—and why tummy time is still very important, despite that one doctor’s guidance.

Dr. Bonnie Soto explained that the guidance varies because tummy time is all about helping your baby build muscle, but it isn’t the only way to do that.

“If you live here in the United States, if you’ve been around my page for a while, you know that tummy time is a big thing and it is important, but I don’t think in the way that people understand,” she said.

@milestonemama

I’ve been trying to find a moment to talk about this all week 😅 So many differences in how we raise children that affect this convo #tummytime #newborn #babytips #newborn #babiesoftiktok #postpartum #parentsoftiktok #milestones #motorskills #momsoftiktok #dadsoftiktok

♬ Paradise – TELL YOUR STORY music by Ikson™

Dr. Soto explained that when we used to put babies to sleep on their stomachs, they got plenty of tummy time naturally, right after waking up from each period of sleep throughout the day. But once we learned it was dangerous to let babies sleep on their stomachs, she said, parents overcompensated and started being afraid to put their babies on their stomachs at all. That’s when pediatricians started recommending “tummy time” for play. But once again, parents overcorrected.

“I think parents get really stressed out about it,” she said. “Then it becomes this big to-do, like, ‘Oh my god—I have to fit tummy time in,’ and parents are being told things like your baby has to do an hour of tummy time a day. Oh my gosh, that’s crazy.”

Dr. Soto explained that the goal of pediatricians’ recommendations is not to get parents to fit in a regimented 30 minutes of tummy time every day. It’s to get them to give their babies lots of attention, care, and variety to help their bodies grow and develop.

“Roll into tummy time after a diaper change for a few minutes and you can sit and chit-chat with them,” she said. “Your baby needs to snuggle you on your chest and take a nap, take a contact nap, get in the baby carrier, or just lay there and chit-chat in your face as you’re leaning back. Those are all part of a tummy time program.”

She continued, “Your baby needs free, unrestricted movement. They need connection with you. You just holding your baby, snuggling them, moving them around in different positions is good for their development.”

So there you have it. Don’t ditch tummy time, but don’t treat it as a hard and fast rule, either. The important thing is to help your baby move as much as you can, so they can keep building strength all over their bodies.

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My Postpartum Therapist Understood Me like a Friend, but I Needed More Than That

by Jess deCourcy Hinds

When I sought out therapy after a tough pregnancy and traumatic childbirth, Deborah seemed perfect. An LCSW and former nurse who specialized in obstetric mental health, she was a mom herself and a free-spirited creative writer like me. When I asked if I could bring my baby to our sessions, she was the only clinician who agreed—enthusiastically. What could go wrong?

“I’m trying not to be distracted by the baby’s cuteness,” she kept saying during our sessions as I breastfed. Sometimes I thought of Deborah as an aunt or mother figure watching my baby grow. This felt right to me because, at the time, I thought an ideal therapist should be like a friend or mentor. Indeed, Deborah seemed like the kind of woman I wanted to be in 20 years. An artist, a feminist, and hippie, she had a huge smile and infectious laugh. She wore cool red glasses (I had the same pair in electric blue).

Also, she was a neighbor, so I bumped into her regularly at our local Dunkin’ Donuts. When she frequently texted between sessions, asking for updates about my life, she reinforced the unprofessional boundaries that we both fostered. Unfortunately, I didn’t improve in her care. My postpartum depression dragged through my daughter’s first year.

I was reluctant to take medication while breastfeeding, but I urgently needed it. Deborah didn’t tell me about breastfeeding-safe options until I’d suffered for too long. It’s hard to say whether she was hesitant because of her own beliefs or because she thought I didn’t need them. Mental health professionals can misdiagnose just like other doctors. Sometimes practitioners just don’t understand how much pain you’re in.

Deborah was kind but didn’t see me clearly. She often told me I was doing better than I was. I can be very outwardly cheerful and productive when I’m depressed, so it’s easy to fool people. I drafted a whole novel during my baby’s naps. As a writer herself, Deborah thought this was amazing. But she didn’t hear me when I said my worries were getting the better of me. It was time for medication.

I connected with a psychiatrist who connected me to a lactation-safe prescription, and I did enough research to feel confident in my decision. I wish I hadn’t waited so long! The meds were a huge help—and taking care of myself made me a better, healthier mom.

In sharing my story, I do not claim to have the answers for others. I simply want other parents to know that searching for and finding help—the right help—can be a process, and there’s no one-size-fits-all counselor. We know that postpartum depression and anxiety are common; one in eight women experience symptoms within twelve months of a baby’s birth, according to the Center for Disease Control. One in ten fathers also experiences mood changes after the birth of a baby. And those individuals (heck, all of us) deserve support tailored to their personalities, needs, and communication styles.

RELATED: I Survived Postpartum Depression and I Swear You Can, Too

A good postpartum counselor doesn’t have to be your buddy. My current therapist, Samuel, is structured and unsentimental, the opposite of Deborah. My anxiety responds better to someone who helps give me distance from my unproductive thoughts instead of encouraging me to delve into them. Samuel will cut me off if I spiral in circles and get stuck, whereas Deborah would give me pep talks and indulge my worries. Ultimately, it was Samuel—and the medication—that helped me get well. I urge other parents not to give up on their quest to find exactly what they need.

If you’re looking for a counselor, consider Zoom therapy to broaden your range of options. Check out the CDC reproductive health page and sliding scale and affordable therapists. It can take a few tries to get a good match, but don’t give up on therapy if it doesn’t click the first time. Good help is out there.

Jess deCourcy Hinds (jessdecourcyhinds.com) is a writer and librarian. Sign up for her free quarterly newsletter, I’m an Open Book: On Love, Libraries and Life-building.

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