Puzzles for Toddlers That They Can Do (Mostly) By Themselves

by Kate CartiaJanuary 5, 2024

Puzzles are a must-have in any toddler’s toy collection

We are huge, huge fans of puzzles for toddlers. While there’s nothing wrong with some screen time, coloring, or playing pretend (in fact, we adore those things), puzzles are a classic that combines playtime with learning. They help little ones with motor skills and recognition, and they often hold their attention for a solid amount of time. There are wins aplenty here, folks!

Of course, we can’t throw them a 1,000 piece jigsaw puzzle (not that you would. We just have to cover our bases here.). Puzzles for toddlers are specifically designed for little hands and developing minds. Animal friends, shapes, colors, and recognizable characters are ideal (and luckily, we have all those and more below). And don’t sweat it if your babe isn’t immediately interested in actually matching the pieces to their spots right off the bat. Just holding, examining, and playing with puzzle pieces are super enriching for little ones! Our picks for the best puzzles for 1-3+ years are below.

Montessori Dinosaur Toddler Puzzles Set of 5

Montessori Mama's wooden puzzles feature 5 of your little one's favorite dinos in vibrant colors designed to encourage your little one to play and keep them engaged!

Best For: 2+ years

Montessori Dinosaur Toddler Puzzles Set of 5 ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Colorful Wooden Shape Puzzle

Color and shape recognition is one of the first steps in your babe's development, so you definitely can't go wrong with this colorful wooden puzzle from GYBBER&MUMU.

Best For: 18+ months

Colorful Wooden Shape Puzzle ($7.99)—Buy Here!

The Bumble Nums Build It Together Puzzle Set

This unique floor puzzle that features 3 simple first puzzles—just 3 pieces each!—of the Bumble Nums Characters Grumble, Bumble, and Stumble. Adorable, right? The mini character puzzles then fit together as parts of the larger 34-piece floor puzzle, so it grows with your kiddo.

Best For: 3+ years

The Bumble Nums Build It Together Puzzle Set ($18.29)—Buy Here!

Chuckle & Roar Shapes & Animals Learning Kids Puzzles 2pk

Your toddler can use this Chuckle & Roar puzzle set to learn shapes and colors at the same time in the Shapes & Colors puzzle. Then, they'll learn about the sounds each cute little animal makes in the wooden Animal puzzle!

Best For: 3+ years

Chuckle & Roar Shapes & Animals Learning Kids Puzzles 2pk ($10.99)—Buy Here!

Puzzle Builders

They'll be building critical thinking skills and fine motor skills with Puzzle Builders from Lakeshore Learning. Each chunky piece has a sweet 3D ladybug, spider, or bug and all the pieces fit together no matter how they're connected for no-fail play.

Best For: 12+ months

Puzzle Builders ($59.99)—Buy Here!

Melissa & Doug Farm Wooden Cube Puzzle

Melissa & Doug puzzles are super popular, and with this clever cube puzzle, you can see why. It's actually 6 puzzles in 1, with each side of the cube pieces creating a different darling farm animal.

Best For: 3+ years

Melissa & Doug Farm Wooden Cube Puzzle ($9.99)—Buy Here!

Wee Gallery Beginner Pet Puzzle

This jumbo puzzle is ideal for floor play, and who could resist these adorably illustrated pets??

Best For: 2+ years

Wee Gallery Beginner Pet Puzzle ($19.99)—Buy Here!

Mudpuppy Mindfulness 4-in-A-Box Puzzle Set

This puzzle set includes 4 different puzzles with different levels of difficulty with beautiful illustrations and important messages. It even includes a mindfulness booklet!

Best For: 2+ years

Mudpuppy Mindfulness 4-in-A-Box Puzzle Set ($13.44)—Buy Here!

Montessori Rabbit and Bear Silicone Puzzles Set of 2

These silicone puzzles almost work as art on top of being so much fun to play with. This set includes both the rabbit and bear puzzles, each made of soft silicone!

Best For: Little ones able to grip

Montessori Rabbit and Bear Silicone Puzzles Set of 2 ($26.99)—Buy Here!

Multi-Layered Whale Puzzle

We really love the uniqueness of this stacking puzzle. It's also really durable, so it'll be played with for a long time.

Best For: 2+ years

Multi-Layered Whale Puzzle ($14.99)—Buy Here!

At the Market Play A-Long Puzzle

Help them build this huge 3' long 45-piece puzzle! It features five mini puzzles that increase in piece count from 1 to 5 and fit into the main jigsaw.

Best For: 2+ years

At the Market Play A-Long Puzzle ($12.99)—Buy Here!

Children of the World Puzzle

It's never too early to start learning about diversity, and this interchangeable puzzle not only introduces them to different races and ethnicities, it also shows them the different characteristics we share that connect us.

Best For: 12+ months

Children of the World Puzzle ($15.99)—Buy Here!

Furry Friends Jigsaw Puzzle

The colors of these puzzles are so much fun and we really like the included numbered pieces!

Best For: 3+ years

Furry Friends Jigsaw Puzzle ($14.99)—Buy Here!

Cocomelon Puzzles 4pk

It's always good to see a friend, and your toddler gets to hang with JJ and his buddies while they play and master these puzzles. Each one sports a different Cocomelon scene, too!

Best For: 3+ years

Cocomelon Puzzles 4pk ($12.88)—Buy Here!

Woodland Chunky Puzzle

Each wooden puzzle piece is smooth and chunky to make it easier for little hands to lift, grasp, examine and replace.

Best For: 12+ months

Woodland Chunky Puzzle ($24.40)—Buy Here!

Rainbow Caterpillar Gear Puzzle

The interlocking gears sit right on the pegs and work together for a fun twist on puzzles!

Best For: 18+ months

Rainbow Caterpillar Gear Puzzle ($10.94)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

2024 Family Travel Trends We Can’t Wait to Experience

by Kate LowethDecember 27, 2023

Ride the rails, set sail for adventure, take in the big city, and so much more

We know that families are eager to get out there and see the world—and 2024 is going to be the year that they do it in a major way. We expect to see lots of families taking those big trips with both domestic and international destinations on the agenda for 2024. Airfare prices continue to remain high but there are more and more ways to find cheaper flights including a bunch of lower-cost airlines that have added US routes this past year. Road trips aren’t going away either as families pretty much have these down by now. Where will 2024 take you?

Low-Cost Airlines Can Get You Where You Need to Go for Less

Chances are you are familiar with low-cost domestic airlines like Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit but did you know that there are low-cost airlines that will take you to Europe, Tahiti, Japan, and loads of other spots beyond the U.S.? Airlines like French bee, PLAY, Norse, and ZIPAIR have been adding routes from the U.S. in recent years and they are a great option for families looking to spend less on airfare.

We've flown French bee to Paris and Tahiti with kids and found it to be very comparable to other carriers like American Airlines and United. Just make sure you know what is included in your fare and what will incur an additional cost (like checked baggage, seat selection, and meals) before you book with these airlines so there are no surprises.

Credit Card Points Offer a Way to Hack the System

Not everyone is interested in playing the credit card points game but those who know how to work the system often share that they can get some pretty great deals using signup bonuses. Websites like The Points Guy and NerdWallet are great places to start learning about what credit cards work best for travel and what deals are on the horizon. If you time your credit card sign-up right, many programs will gift you enough miles for free tickets. Plus, these travel cards often offer perks like free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck which are key in making your travel experience the best it can be.

Families Want to Ride the Rails

According to Pinterest, 2024 brings slow travel to the forefront. After the busyness of 2023 with everyone getting back into travel in a big way, 2024 will have families slowing it down and looking for more mellow ways to travel. We predict that this will lead to more families will riding the rails for their next vacation. Nobody has to drive, your sleeping quarters are included, and you get to see some of the most gorgeous areas of the country. Bonus: it's super eco-friendly. From trains that take you to five national parks, to those that take you from New England to Florida, there's so much exploring to do.

All-Inclusives Are Worth the Money

Once thought of as a honeymoon-only extravagance, families are turning toward all-inclusive properties for vacations, especially when traveling with grandparents. Nobody has to cook, you know what you're going to spend in advance and kids will love getting to order mocktails from the swim-up bar. Some of our favorite spots: Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda in the Dominican Republic, Villa la Valencia Beach Resort & Spa in Los Cabos, and Margarita Beach Resort Ambergris Cay in Belize.

Cruising Is Back in a Major Way

Cruising has seen a major uptick in the past year and we are looking forward to checking out new ships like Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas in 2024. Set sail for Alaska to catch the salmon run or book your vacation on the Disney Wish for a trip that's full of character breakfasts and kid activities.

Those looking to cruise on a smaller scale should look to adventure cruise companies like UnCruise and Adventure Canada where you can expect small ships, small crews, and only a few hundred passengers. Bonus: Families will find that expedition cruising offers a level of personalization that you can't get on other cruises.

Back to the Big City

The last few years have seen road trips and national parks vacations getting their time in the spotlight. According to Expedia, cultural capitals like Edinburgh, Lisbon, Tokyo, Dublin, and Sydney are going to see a lot more travel focus for 2023. We can get on board for that!

Spend Some Time in a National Park

family hiking in a national park — istock

With over 400 national parks in the United States, chances are there are quite a few nearby that you have yet to explore. According to Airbnb, national parks travel will be a huge focus for 2024 and we can understand why. National park trips are particularly fun for families as they give kids (and parents!) a little history lesson and a big dose of fresh air at the same time. Check out these national parks that are particularly kid-friendly from California all the way to Maine. While you are at it, check this list to see what days are free at the national parks for 2024.

Road Trips (Still) Reign Supreme

The past few years really brought back our love of the road trip. If you are itching to find a new destination for 2024, check out this list of our favorite road trips in the U.S. and find unique Airbnb rentals you can reserve along the way. Before you head out, peruse this list of road trip hacks to get your crew prepared for the long journey, and download some of our favorite podcasts for kids so you don't have to fight over the radio station.

Head to the Trees

Whether it's the need to get as far away from civilization as possible or a Swiss Family Robinson obsession, families are taking to the trees and booking a night or two in a treehouse. There are loads of treehouses you can rent across the country with a ton of options, especially in California. There's even a brand-new treehouse resort near the Smoky Mountains that just opened in 2023.

More Travel with the Grandparents

We expect to see a continuation of the multi-generational travel trend in 2024 with families looking to get out and travel with grandparents. Whether you send the kids off on their "gramping" adventure without you or are looking for somewhere that three generations can enjoy, there are plenty of options out there.

Guided, Small-Group Trips

We want to go big with our travel plans but the actual planning of the trip is most definitely not part of the fun. Leave the planning and execution of your trip up to experts like Exodus Travels. You can book a private trip for your family, or join in a small group with other families that have similarly-aged kids to make it even more fun. Whether you go self-guided or have an expert there to show you the way, this type of travel is definitely the way to go for families.

Another great option for a customized travel experience is Costa Rica Escapes, a company that specializes in creating family adventures based on the needs of your family. Definitely something you'll want to explore in 2024.

Off-the-Grid Adventures

Many of us have developed our love of the great outdoors these past few years and we'll be looking for off-the-grid adventures for our 2024 trips. Think about a kayak trip in Yellowstone or a ranch vacation complete with a hot spring pool in Idaho. There are tons of awesome options out there with no WiFi in range.

Ride Off into the Sunset in an RV

While most of us never considered RV travel as a fun option for a family, it has exponentially increased in popularity in recent years and we expect this trend to continue into 2024. If you are a total RV newbie, we suggest leaving the planning to the experts when you book your first RV trip. Think you can handle it on your own? Rent an RV, grab yourself a WiFi hotspot, and head out on the road to give road schooling a try. You can even try out the rad stylings of a camper van!

Cozy Cabins to Get Away from It All

There's something so restorative about a weekend in the woods. Cabin rentals have become super popular and we don't expect that to change in 2024. They offer families time together, many times without WiFi, and you can even bring your dog.

Make It a Micro-cation

If time and money are tight (hello, inflation), consider a micro-cation for your next family trip. These four-day-or-less trips allow you to see someplace new and get a break from everyday life. It's a good way to get the kids used to traveling without having to pack a ton of gear for everyone. Surprise the kids with a last-minute trip and see a new part of the country.

Take the Family Glamping

Glamping gives you the best of both worlds—the smell of a campfire in your hair and an actual bed to sleep on. You won't have to schlep all of your camping gear with you, everyone gets a better night's sleep, and you still get time out in the woods away from WiFi and civilization. Check out some of our favorite spots for glamping including loads of options in California.

38 Gift Ideas for Curious Preschool Kids

by Aimee Della BittaDecember 15, 2023

From the must-have Paw Patrol air carrier to cool book bundles, your busy kids will love these holiday gift ideas.

Parents of preschoolers know this stage is all about curiosity, exploration, and boundless energy. If you’re on the hunt for the just-right gifts that balance and encourage this playful combo—start with this list. From books that spark imagination to a scavenger hunt game that gets them outside, these innovative holiday gifts for 4-5-year-olds hit the mark. Need something for a different age? Check out our guides to the best gifts for 6-9 year-olds, tweens, and even stocking stuffers!

With a flash of light, these whimsical fairies come to life! Kids can control their movements with their hands and they can be released again and again.

L.O.L. Surprise Magic Flyers ($30)—Buy them here.

Fat Brain Air Toobz

Arrange and connect in just about any way, over anything! Can kids make the foam balls move from tube to tube? Can they use enough force to make them spin?

Fat Brain Air Toobz ($140)—Buy them here.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Deluxe Grill, Smoker & Pizza Oven

melissa and doug deluxe barbecue is a good gift for 4-5 year olds.

The ultimate holiday toy for a preschooler who loves to whip up a good meal. Whether they feel like making steak, pizza, corn, or veggie burgers, this pretend-play outdoor kitchen has what they need.

Melissa & Doug Wooden Deluxe Grill, Smoker & Pizza Oven ($170)—Buy it here.

VTech® Go! Go! Smart Wheels®4-in-1 Zig-Zag Raceway™

Tots with a need for speed will adore this speedy 4-in-1 Zig-Zag Raceway™ and electronic SmartPoint stunt car. They can rev up imaginative play and lessons around first words, fun tunes, phrases about feelings, and cool sound effects by cruising over three SmartPoint areas.

VTech® Go! Go! Smart Wheels®4-in-1 Zig-Zag Raceway™—Buy it here.

Disney The Little Mermaid Ariel Doll

Inspired by 2023’s live-action remake of the classic Disney animated film, this Ariel doll has a beautiful ombre tail and classic long red hair.

Disney The Little Mermaid Ariel Doll ($11)—Buy it here.

Paw Patrol Mighty Aircraft Carrier HQ

A must-have toy for preschoolers in 2023, they’ll love the dual vehicle launchers and Chase figure that comes with this aircraft carrier from Paw Patrol: The Might Movie.

Paw Patrol Mighty Aircraft Carrier HQ ($99)—Buy it here.

The Noggin Preschool Learning App

Make screen time smarter with a kid-safe, ad-free app for ages 2-7. The Noggin Learning app is so easy, and it's the gift that keeps on giving. Build math, reading, wellness, social & emotional skills with 1000+ educational games, videos, and books starring your little one's favorite characters.

Get 50% Off an Annual Noggin Subscription or 60 Day FREE Trial—Get it Here.

JACADI Jacquard Holiday Dress

This dress is one that they'll want to wear over and over again. And, with JACADI's heirloom-quality pieces, they'll be able to. We also love the ultra-festive bold hues that are perfect for any holiday party.

JACADI Jacquard Holiday Dress ($189.00)—Buy it here.

Sketch Pals Doodle Board

They can keep this adorable new Boogie Board attached to their backpack and use it after their school day is over.

Sketch Pals Doodle Board ($20)—Buy it here.

Hearthsong Regatta Boat Swing

An outdoor swing, but with a little sailing style thrown in for good measure. Perfect for two kiddos, it comes with adjustable, durable nylon ropes and O-rings for easy installation.

Hearthsong Regatta Boat Swing ($170)—Buy it here.

Super Mario Adventure Game DX

Your preschool kid might be a little too young for video games, but they’re never too young to love Super Mario Bros. With this board game, they get to enjoy the characters while having screen-free fun.

Super Mario Adventure Game DX ($30)—Buy it here.

Color Pop Books Being Brave Bundle

Encourage their love of literature with a collection highlighting the power of courage and confidence.

Color Pop Books Being Brave Bundle ($45)—Buy it here.

Little Live Pets My Puppy's Home

Pet lovers will be able to pet, feed, and nurture to their heart’s content. There are 25 different sounds and the puppy reacts to touch.

Little Live Pets My Puppy's Home ($50)—Buy it here.

Crayola Imagination Art Set

Get your preschooler this 115-piece set and watch their creativity blossom.

Crayola Imagination Art Set ($25)—Buy it here.

Story Telling Shadow Puppet Theater

Not only is this a gorgeous gift, but it gives preschool kids the chance to tell the story of Cinderella in their own way.

Story Telling Shadow Puppet Theater ($67)—Buy it here.

Star Wars Forge Ultimate Lightsaber Kit

With this toy, kids get three different Mandalorian-inspired weapons, including the Dark Saber, a vibro-blade, and an electro-bayonet.

Star Wars Forge Ultimate Lightsaber Kit ($35)—Buy it here.

Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage

The hot wheels ultimate garage is a great gift for a 4-5 year old

No preschool gift guide would be complete without Hot Wheels! This multi-level playset has dual racing tracks, a loop stunt, and pretend play opportunities on the first level of the ‘garage.’

Hot Wheels City Ultimate Garage ($109)—Buy it here.

Jaq Jaq Bird Reusable Wall Decal

Give them a (safe) place to scribble on the wall with this fun chalkboard panel that can be easily applied and removed from flat surfaces.

Jaq Jaq Bird Reusable Wall Decal ($25)—Buy it here.

VTech Switch & Go 3-in-1 Rescue Rex

VTech Rescue Rex is a good gift for 4-5 year olds

The fire truck, police car, and rescue helicopter combine to create a 20"-long T.Rex ready to save the day! The police car makes sounds and has a driver, too.

VTech Switch & Go 3-in-1 Rescue Rex ($30)—Buy it here.

Flour Shop Cookie Cake Kit

Introduce preschoolers to baking with this fun kid that comes with everything you need to make a cookie that looks just like a pizza!

Flour Shop Cookie Cake Kit ($40)—Buy it here.

Magic Power Potion Necklace Kit

They can keep a little magic close to their hearts while at school with this sweet gift perfect for preschoolers. It comes with eight ingredients, a booklet with five potions, and four different necklace styles.

Magic Power Potion Necklace Kit ($45)—Buy it here.

hand2mindNumberblocks Super Secret Step Squad Headquarters

Fans of these mathematical superheroes will love this playset from the popular series. There’s a lookout, a ride-on elevator, and it comes with a Numberblock Three figurine. Get the rest of the Numberblock crew here.

hand2mindNumberblocks Super Secret Step Squad Headquarters ($40)—Buy it here.

Haba Animal Upon Animal Game

Who will be the best at stacking this colorful collection of animals? The first person to use all their game pieces wins!

Haba Animal Upon Animal Game ($25)—Buy it here.

Embroidered Icon Bag

This adorable tote has a drawstring closure so they’ll be able to store all their treasures without the fear of one going missing.

Embroidered Icon Bag ($45)—Buy it here.

Omy Giant Games Poster

Not just a gigantic coloring sheet, but an activity sheet as well! Kids can do dot-to-dot games, wend their way through mazes, and more.

Omy Giant Games Poster ($23)—Buy it here.

Kinetic Sand Deluxe Sand Castle Playset

Kinetic sand is a good holiday gift for 4-5 year olds

Everyone’s favorite sensory toy got a beachy upgrade. With nine different tools, kids can make, create, and break for hours of fun.

Kinetic Sand Deluxe Sand Castle Playset ($15)—Buy it here.

Lilies & Roses Stripes Bangles

These charming baubles are the perfect accessory for when they want to get dressed up.

Lilies & Roses Stripes Bangles ($22)—Buy them here.

Bluey Hammerbarn Shopping Center

The Bluey Hammerbarn is a good gift for four year olds and a good gift for five year olds

The must-have for Bluey fans, this four-level playset has 45 sounds and phrases from the popular kids’ TV series, nine different play areas, and a real-working lift.

Bluey Hammerbarn Shopping Center ($64)—Buy it here.

Qniglo Walkie Talkies

These cuties operate on USB charge, come in several color combos, and allow kids to communicate up to three miles apart. There’s even an option to listen to FM radio.

Qniglo Walkie Talkies ($37)—Buy them here.

Learning Resources Human Body Activity Kit

The perfect way to introduce a preschooler to all the wonderful ways the body works, this fun gift for ages four and up had a 3-D model, activity books, a magic “X-ray” machine, and much more.

Learning Resources Human Body Activity Kit ($14)—Buy it here.

Tangrams Shape Puzzle

With 36 wooden pieces and 60 pattern cards, preschoolers will have plenty of ways to practice their patterns. The bright colors and fun animals add to the fun.

Tangrams Shape Puzzle ($11)—Buy it here.

Thomas & Friends Talking Toy Train Set

Thomas the Train talking set is a good gift for 4-5 year olds

Little engineers can use the control panel to move the trains, load cargo, and even let Percy and Thomas meet on the track to chat.

Thomas & Friends Talking Toy Train Set ($50)—Buy it here.

Magic Mixies Pixlings Doll

Magic Mixies Pixlings are a hot gift for 4-5 year olds in 2023

A hot toy for holiday 2023, these magic mixie dolls are offered as a deer, a unicorn, or a mermaid, and all come in a sweet jeweled bottle. Just say the magic words and watch the mysterious potion reveal the treasure inside.

Magic Mixies Pixlings Doll ($18)—Buy it here.

The Bad Seed 6-Book Set

You’ll love reading these food-based stories about self-acceptance to your preschool kid. Choose between The Smart Cookie, The Sour Grape, The Couch Potato, and more!

The Bad Seed 6-Book Set ($54)—Buy it here.

Jaq Jaq Friends Wipe Clean Activity Book

Covered in the sweetest print, this activity book is perfect for on-the-go creativity. It comes with a set of ButterStix®, is erasable and washable, and is easy for little hands to handle.

Jaq Jaq Friends Wipe Clean Activity Book ($24)—Buy it here.

Breyer Wooden Stable Playset

A classic addition to any preschooler’s play arsenal, there are six different horses in this sturdy set.

Breyer Wooden Stable Playset ($25)—Buy it here.

BillieBlush Heart Print Fleece Coat

a fun coat is a good holiday gift idea for a 4-5 year old

Keep them warm this coming winter with this bright and cozy jacket.

BillieBlush Heart Print Fleece Coat ($138)—Buy it here.

Jr. Jigsaw Supercar Racers Puzzle

A fun puzzle for kids who love things that zip and zoom.

Jr. Jigsaw Supercar Racers Puzzle ($14)—Buy it here.

The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination

Sparky is a special figment agent, and he delivers the FBI (Fantastic Bureau of Imagination)’s mail. One day, disaster strikes when the Cave of Untold Stories is too full, and Sparky must recruit more special agents. With lovely illustrations and fun prompts, this book is charmingly interactive.

The Fantastic Bureau of Imagination ($14)—Buy it here.

Hearthsong Cabin Fantasy Fort Kit

Kids will have 32 wood-like pieces and double-sided hook and loop tape that’ll allow them to build their own play space.

Hearthsong Cabin Fantasy Fort Kit ($99)—Buy it here.

At the time of publication, all items were available for purchase.

All images courtesy of retailers.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

Put Your Kid in Charge of Elf on the Shelf for a Real-Life Holiday Miracle

by Anna RollinsNovember 19, 2023

When my son, George, returned home from preschool that first day in December, he couldn’t wait to tell me about their new class elf, Snowflake. “She made a snow angel on our teacher’s desk!” he said, giggling.

Each day, he came home with new stories about Snowflake: she built a fort out of peppermints, she played in a ball pit of M&Ms, she got herself stuck on the ceiling fan. I laughed at each report, thankful for the creativity and care his teachers invested in curating this magical, new tradition.

About a week into the festivities, though, George arrived home with a question: “why don’t we have an elf at home?” I gulped and shrugged my shoulders as I unloaded the dishwasher.

“I guess, well, because Mommy doesn’t want one,” I replied.
“Why wouldn’t you want one? They’re so fun.”
“They seem like a lot of work to me,” I said after a short pause.

I actually couldn’t imagine taking on more responsibilities. Between work and motherhood, I could hardly keep the house plants alive. I felt myself falling short in every area of my life. And I had the perpetual sense that someone was watching me, evaluating my performance, taking note of each time I served chicken nuggets for two meals in a row or bribed my kids with candy to take their baths.

I had a list of unwritten rules about what was required to be a good mother. Each day we did not work toward our goal of 1,000 hours outside or 30 minutes of read-aloud time, I sensed that I was receiving a demerit. That someone, somewhere, was going to place me on the naughty list.

The idea of adding an elf—a figure I had to move, arrange, and play pretend with, all after tucking my kids into bed—to my already full load felt like an unwelcome burden.

Still, George wanted an elf. He was enamored… and persistent. So I conceded to his wishes and placed an order for our own house elf. When it appeared on our doorstep, my son was ecstatic. He nodded at me as I lifted the elf from his package. In it, there was a book: one that detailed a narrative about the elf. There, we were also introduced to a list of rules.

According to the Elf on the Shelf book that accompanies the figure, kids are told that 1) they can’t touch the elf without it losing its magic, and 2) the elf leaves each evening after bedtime to visit the North Pole and returns in the morning. After reading the book aloud, I said to my son, “but that’s not how the elf is going to live here.”

I proceeded to invite my son to take charge of the elf. I told him that he got to touch him and move him—that he was responsible for creating the magic. At first, he resisted: “that’s not what they let us do at school,” he replied. But then I told him, “not all elves have to live the same way.”

He accepted my logic. And it ended up being such a success! While I cooked dinner, my son made the elf a wardrobe out of construction paper. As I tidied the house at night, he built the elf a palace out of Magna-Tiles. On more than one occasion, I overheard him singing the elf a lullaby before they both went to sleep, together, in the same bed.

These new rules, where my son was in charge, fostered pretend play and imagination. It didn’t have to go this way, of course. There is no textbook for these sorts of things. The magic was in the freedom. By refusing to follow a formula, I gave myself a holiday—one where I could bear witness to just how good, how perfect, my son is without my micromanagement.

I found, too, that I could have an actual vacation whenever I resisted some of my internalized beliefs about good motherhood. I purchased grocery store brownies for a potluck rather than dirtying the kitchen to make homemade. I counted Christmas movies not as screen time but as memories. I prioritized my own joy rather than some projection of perfection—and my whole family had a happier holiday because of it.

2023’s Best Screen-Free Toys to Gift Kids of All Ages

by Kate CartiaNovember 10, 2023

Team Screen or not, these screen-free toys are fun for all the kiddos on your list

We don’t have an issue with screen time. After all, devices are entertaining, sure, but they also offer educational and convenience benefits. But regardless of your stance on the subject, everyone needs time away from screens and devices (grown-ups included). It can be so easy to forget to look up from our digital lives. That’s where our work, communication, entertainment, banking, researching, and, well, really most things throughout our days. We don’t think there’s anything wrong with that…until we forget to take in our surroundings. That’s why we also make sure to focus on screen-free toys around the holidays.

While there are some hot high-tech gifts this year, we think it’s a great idea to include some screen-free toys in the mix. And they’re really anything but boring. Creativity, relaxation, and imagination are all nudged when we aren’t looking at our screens. They’re great for flexing little ones’ minds, and they also prevent them from becoming a little too reliant on their iPads. There are a lot of fantastic screen-free gifts out there, and these are some of the absolute best that are definitely on our “Buy” and “Give” lists.

Slice & Bake Cookie Set

Includes 12 sliceable cookies, 12 toppings, knife, spatula, cookie sheet, and kitchen mitt, plus a storage cookie tube.

Slice & Bake Cookie Set ($27.99)—Buy Here!

Nuts and Bolts 24 Piece Sensory Set

Color-matching, coordination, and fine motor skills are all used to play with these super fun toddler-ready nuts and bolts.

Nuts and Bolts 24 Piece Sensory Set ($17.97)—Buy Here!

Little Tikes Adventure Rocket

For kiddos who need something a little different from the classic playhouse, this rocket includes all the tools and activities they need to explore outer space.

Little Tikes Adventure Rocket ($174.99)—Buy Here!

Volcano Expedition Base Camp

Screen-free fun is erupting in this schleich® play set where dinosaurs roam the land. Featuring molten lava, volcanic ash, and action-packed play functions, like glowing lava, cool vapor, realistic tremors, and a ground-shaking eruption, kids will get lost in their imagination for hours on end.

Volcano Expedition Base Camp ($130)—Buy it here.

Rody Horse

Rody Horse is smooth, bouncy, and designed to stay sturdy while your little one hops. Rody can be inflated and deflated to adjust as kids grow, and can support up to 100lbs. Comes in multiple colors.

Rody Horse ($64.95)—Buy Here!

5pc Fine Motor Fun Set

Gator tweezers, a water dropper, scooper, cup tweezers, and plastic fine-tip tweezers give little ones the tools to play with sand, water, pom poms, different foods, and all sorts of other objects (with parent supervision, of course).

5pc Fine Motor Fun Set ($16.00)—Buy Here!

Wooden Busy Board

This hand-held busy board includes LED lights to really hold their attention.

Wooden Busy Board ($25.99)—Buy Here!

Warmies

What's better than their favorite stuffy? Warmies are fully microwavable to provide hours coziness. They're scented with real dried French lavender and perfectly weighted, too. Choose from so, so many different loveable characters.

Warmies ($29.99)—Buy Here!

Magnetic Building Blocks

We love these blocks since they're ideal for building together with your littles.

Magnetic Building Blocks ($29.99)—Buy Here!

TubeLox Deluxe Set

A life-sized construction set makes for literally years of fun. Kids can create forts, cars, playhouses, castles, jungle gyms...the list goes on and on.

TubeLox Deluxe Set ($425.00)—Buy Here!

Automatic Laying Domino Train

This domino-laying train lets your minis create fun domino patterns over and over again, thanks to the train's automatic placement.

Automatic Laying Domino Train ($36.99)—Buy Here!

Outer Space Sensory Bin

A self-contained galaxy sensory bin where they can scoop, sort, and play.

Outer Space Sensory Bin ($19.99)—Buy Here!

Slumberkins Shine Bright Kin & 'Bigfoot Shares His Gift' Board Book

Slumberkins is a Tinybeans fave. Each sweet 'Kin' and book combination helps kiddos learn social and emotional skills (confidence, positive self talk, and healthy relationships), plus they're adorable and include an affirmation card for littles to help remember the most important messaging. This season, Bigfoot is sharing his gift and learning self-acceptance.

Slumberkins Shine Bright Kin & Bigfoot Shares His Gift Board Book ($58.00)—Buy Here!

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Ready to Grow Garden

No one loves a good sticker decoration activity like kids, and this terrarium gets decorated and also includes potting mix, decorative gravel, plant mister and quick-grow chia seeds.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Ready to Grow Garden ($15.39)—Buy Here!

Wooden Water Blocks

Odin Parker makes heirloom toys that are perfect for gifting, and the water blocks teach them colors, shapes, shadows, and more.

Wooden Water Blocks ($75.00)—Buy Here!

Randimals

Meet Hork. He's a shark-horse hybrid, along with his friends Zangaroo, Seadog, Squiger, and more. Randimals are designed to remind little ones that 'what makes us different, makes all the difference'.

Randimals ($37.95)—Buy Here!

Plan Toys Balancing Cactus

Made from rubberwood, this cute cactus teaches balance and coordination through a stacking game the whole family can play.

Plan Toys Balancing Cactus ($35.00)—Buy Here!

Modern Museum Architecture Set

Complete with easy-to-decorate pieces—86, to be exact—that are reusable and ready to help little ones complete their museum build.

Modern Museum Architecture Set ($27.99)—Buy Here!

Nesting Rainbow Stacking Blocks

Even though they all nest together, these stacking blocks can be used individually for open-ended play.

Nesting Rainbow Stacking Blocks ($26.99)—Buy Here!

18 Ideas to Help You Raise Grateful Kids

by Kate LowethNovember 5, 2023

Check out these helpful tips for how to teach kids to be grateful this year

As parents, guiding our kids toward living a life of gratitude is no easy feat. After all, how do we actually teach our kids what gratitude means and how they can demonstrate it on a daily basis? It starts with simple acts and words that even the youngest of kids can understand. (Also, try reading these books about gratitude.) Here are a few specific examples to get your little one in the habit—you can thank us later.

1. Give back to the community. Acts of service are great ways to instill gratitude in kids. Consider participating in a local park clean-up, donating canned goods to a food pantry, or giving away unused clothes and toys. There are also lots of ways you can volunteer right from your own home.

2. Ask your kids to name one thing they're grateful for every night. Starting this habit helps kids (and adults) remember what is good in our lives, and that we are grateful for even the smallest of things. This can be during a dinner conversation or before bed.

3. Make a good deed calendar. Use it in the holiday months as a countdown or year-round to inspire kids to pay it forward every day.

4. Teach them to "work" for a reward. I'm sure we've lost track of how many times our kids ask for a new toy or something fun. The next time your little one wants another hour of screen time, how about telling them to complete a household chore before getting the reward? Receiving a reward after work always makes the treat feel more well-deserved.

5. Integrate gratitude with holidays and special days. Thanksgiving and Christmas aren't the only holidays that are all about gratitude. Other days where it's equally important to teach kids the meaning of the holiday and how they can be grateful for it include Veterans Day and Memorial Day are teaching opportunities for kids to be grateful for service members.

6. Model saying "please" and "thank you." There's no substitute for good manners. Regularly using words like "please" and "thank you" gets little ones to remember to be grateful while demonstrating respect to others.

7. Gratitude goes both ways, so make sure to say "thank you" to your kids. As parents, it's easy to get caught up in the day-to-day and forget to show appreciation to our little ones. So when they do something kind or follow directions, remember to say "thank you." It may seem like a small gesture, but they will know you're grateful.

8. Teach them about food security. It can be hard for young kids to understand what it's like to not have enough food in their bellies. We've got easy ways to help them understand and ideas on how to give back.

9. Look for the positive in even the most difficult situations. It's easy to focus on the negative, especially when a situation doesn't go our way. Helping kids focus on the positive (even if it's a small positive) will go a long way in helping them feel grateful in life, even during difficult times like we are experiencing now.

how to teach your kid to be grateful — iStock

10. Send notes of gratitude. Don't reserve your "thank you" notes for birthday gifts and holiday cards. Teach your kids the importance of gratitude by having them write a note or draw a picture for a special person each month. This could be a grandparent, a neighbor, a teacher or a community member.

11. Turn holiday gifting into an opportunity to give back. With the holidays approaching and kids making their wish lists of toys, try making a new kind of list. Have your kiddos write down a few gift ideas they'd like to give to others. So rather than focusing simply on the getting, it's also about giving. Check out also these gifts that give back with every purchase.

12. Gift experiences not gifts. Kids who get tons of presents for holidays might not appreciate it when another one comes along. Gifting experiences like museum memberships or a special day with mom or dad can be something they remember long after that last toy gets chucked under their bed.

13. Create a gratitude jar. A mason jar is the start of this fun activity the whole family can participate in. A few times a week have everyone write down what they are grateful for. Then, have a special night where you read them all aloud.

14. Try out Turkey on the Table. This one is specific to Thanksgiving but is a fun way to get the flood of gratitude going. The feathers of this festive turkey are things that each family member is grateful for. You add them in the weeks before Thanksgiving and then read them aloud after dinner. Check it out here.

15. Discuss "needs" versus "wants." This one's more for the older kids but you can get the discussion started even at younger ages. Thinking about what we need to survive versus everything else can help kids to be grateful when they get those little "extras."

16. Read books about gratefulness. There are tons of great books where the characters share what makes them thankful. Consider adding one of these to your family bookshelf.

17. Write down a reverse bucket list. Instead of focusing on things they want, have kids write down things they have done and loved. This shift in focus will reframe this time of year away from all the wants.

18. Be a grateful parent. Kids learn from observing. There's no better way to demonstrate gratitude than for you to show how much YOU are thankful in life.

Fall Back: How to Survive the Time Change with Your Kids

by Felissa AllardOctober 13, 2023

Make the best of shorter days when the time change arrives

Pre-kid, you never really thought about Daylight Saving Time (what’s an hour here or there?). But kids can make this seasonal change a challenge. With the end of Daylight Saving coming up soon (Sunday, November 5), falling back means it’s super dark, super early. Before you set your clocks back an hour, read on for some tips and tricks for keeping that precious, tenuous sleep/wake routine in place.

Bit by bit. You can try moving their bedtime back for a few days leading to the time change. This will help set your kids’ little clocks before the big day so it won’t be a total shock. Consider arming them with a cute (and practical) alarm clock to help make the transition a bit easier. Care.com recommends 15 minutes for babies, 20 minutes for toddlers ages 1 and over, and 30 minutes for school-aged kids.

Be consistent. If sleep time comes later, that means waking up time will, too. If you’re letting time creep up a few days before, do the same with wake-up time, breakfast, lunch, dinner, etc. Their entire day from top to bottom should feel the same, even if you’re adjusting and fudging with timing. They shouldn’t even notice a change, especially if they’re too young to tell time.

Use light and dark to your advantage. Since light and darkness influence our kids’ internal clocks, give them plenty of outdoor time during the day so it’s a bit easier to stay up later at night. Once it’s time to start winding down for that later bedtime, make sure their room is nice and dark.

Eat Later It can be tricky when your family is used to their routine, but if you can bump dinner a bit later each night, it will help your kids’ internal clocks. Be sure to offer toddlers their afternoon snack a little later, too, and adjust your baby’s feeding schedule if possible.

Ignore it. Not the best strategy for some, but if you keep chugging along, so will they. Just switch everything on the day of, and move on. Kids are resilient. But try to keep their routine (mostly) intact.

Be realistic. Your child may not even notice a slight change or they may go bonkers. But it’s important to remember to listen to them, understand why they’re upset, and work from there. Children are all so different—who knows how they’ll each react or even how one will react from year to year!

Be sympathetic. Remember to put yourself in your kids’ shoes and stay calm if they’re a hot mess for a few days. By staying calm, you’ll help kids adjust to fall daylight savings in no time.

When your kids have adjusted to the time change, make sure to capture all their cutest moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Family Coach Explains the Big Mistake Parents Make with Consequences

by Christina MarficeOctober 12, 2023

A parenting coach is sharing the one thing most parents get wrong about consequences for their kids’ bad behaviors

When your child misbehaves or acts out, you give them a consequence so they learn not to repeat that bad behavior, right? Well, according to one parenting coach, you might be doing this all wrong.

Dr. Chelsey Hauge-Zavaleta is a parenting coach on TikTok, and in a recent viral video, she explained how many parents make a big mistake with consequences: They make them “unnatural and illogical.”

@drchelsey_parenting

#drchelsey #positiveparenting #attunement #consciousparenting #guidingcooperation #parentcoach #brainbasedparenting #childdevelopment #parentingtips #nervoussystem #supports #consequences

♬ original sound – Dr. Chelsey Hauge-Zavaleta

Some examples: grounding your child for failing a test or taking away screen time because they ran away at the park.

“Here’s some examples of natural and logical consequences,” she explains. “Kid throws truck — Oh, looks like trucks are too tricky for today. Trucks are all done. We can try them tomorrow.”

Another one: “Kids are fighting in the car — slowly pull over. Be silent. Say, ‘I drive when everybody is calm and quiet.’ Don’t say anything else. You can start driving again when they’re calm and quiet.”

One more: “Kids are fighting over what show to watch — Oh, looks like shows are too tricky for today. I’ll take the remote. Let’s try again after dinner.”

Hauge-Zavaleta adds, “Notice that with each natural and logical consequence, I say it as soon as things start to go sideways, and I’m doing that in significant part so that I can stay regulated. Your capacity to stay regulated and calm when giving a natural consequence is 99% of the success.”

She does acknowledge that this can be tough for parents, especially when you’re “exhausted and at the end of your rope.” And when you make a mistake and give an unnatural and illogical consequence, it’s OK to acknowledge it—”Mama got a little crabby!”—and switch to a natural consequence. Even that, at the end of the day, will be more effective.

10 Things to Consider before Sharing Kid Pics on Social Media

by Janine ClementsOctober 10, 2023

In 2024, most children have a digital footprint before they’re even born. While sharing images online can be a way to keep distant friends and relatives up to date on your child’s milestones, there’s a difference between sharing and oversharing. The “Sharenting” (parents oversharing on social media) trend is still on the rise but many parents are starting to reconsider where and how often they share images of their kids online.

A new report by the Australian Institute of Criminology has reinforced the need to play it safe where photos of kids are concerned. In a survey of more than 4,000 Aussies who had engaged in sharenting, 2.8% had received requests from predators wanting sexual photos of children on their feeds. Some were pressured, while others were offered payment, all in the hopes of getting parents to help facilitate childhood sexual exploitation (CSE). Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus summed it up well: “No parent would ever hand a photo album of their children to a stranger and the same care should apply to photos posted online.”

So, what should you think about before posting pics of your kiddos on social media? Experts have weighed in on everything from personal privacy to online safety. Keep reading to find out what they had to say.

Think Twice Before Posting Embarrassing Photos

While you might think your toddler having a tantrum or your tween misbehaving is so hilarious that you have to share it on social media, putting anything online leaves a permanent trail that will follow your kids for the rest of their lives. "Not only is this kind of oversharing disrespectful to your child, but you should also consider how these types of images or videos will be perceived by others, and the impact it could have on your kid when he/she is older," says parenting expert and author of Peaceful Parent, Happy Kids, Dr. Laura Markham. If it's on the internet, as well as the possibility of humiliating them later in life, there's a chance it could be seen by school bullies, college admissions officers, and future employers. Next time, ask yourself how you would feel if it was you in the photo instead.

Consider the Message You Are Giving Your Kids

As parents, we are constantly telling our kids about the risks of using social media and teaching them about online safety, but then ignore our own advice when posting photos of them. "It's our job to teach and model online literacy and safety," says Markham. "When children grow up routinely seeing photos of themselves online, they think it's the norm. We're inadvertently teaching them that they have no privacy and no control over their online image."

Be Mindful of Giving Away Personal Information

According to a UK study by Parent Zone and Nominet, the average parents share almost 1,000 photos of their kids online before their 5th birthday. Many parents announce the birth of their babies all over social media, while some go one step further and hashtag their kids' names or even set up Instagram accounts for their little darlings before they can even talk. While it's kinda cute, all someone needs is a name, date of birth, and address, which they can get using a geotagged photo, and this can put youngsters at risk of identity theft and digital kidnapping, which is when someone uses photos and details of someone else's kids and pretends they are their own. According to a national internet safety expert, Katie Greer, if your kids are searchable, anyone can find out anything about them. "To maximize the online safety of your child, limit the information you share about them," she says.

Avoid Posting Photos of Your Kids in the Nude

That photo of your little angels in the bath, running around the yard in the nude, or even in their underwear might be adorable to you, but once you post it, you no longer have control over it, and anyone can do what they want with it. "There is a chance this kind of photo could end up in unintended hands. Even using seemingly harmless hashtags like #pottytraining or #bathtime can also attract the attention of the wrong people," says Greer. "Your kids' online safety is paramount, so to keep things simple, keep their clothes on."

a little girl posing on the first day of school outside her house for a story on sharenting — iStock

Be Wary of Revealing Locations and Routines

It's surprisingly easy to track people using the information you can get from photos posted online. To protect your kids from potentially being discovered by child predators, Justin Lavelle, a leading expert on online safety and scam prevention and Chief Communications Officer with beenverified.com recommends turning off geotagging and location services and never posting details about where you live, including your address. "Avoid tagging the locations of places you and/or your children may be at frequently and crop out backgrounds with recognizable landmarks. First day of school? Take a picture at home with them in their new backpack, not in front of the school building with the name clearly visible," he says. "Do not advertise their routines and wait a few days before posting photos of birthday trips or visits to the park."

Get Permission to Post

While some might argue that parents have every right to post family photos, kids don't ask for such public childhoods. While babies and toddlers generally have no say in what mom or dad posts, tweens, teens, and even younger kids often feel their parents share too much about them online without their consent (and they're even covering their noses in family photos to fight back). Take Gwyneth Paltrow's daughter, Apple, who, after seeing that her mother had posted a selfie of the two of them without her permission, reportedly called her out in the comments. "While you might think it's your right to post what you want on social media when you ask kids, many don't want photos of them to be put online," says Dr. Laura Markham. "Our children have a right to decide what is posted about them and deserve not to have their privacy violated by us. It's important to get their approval first."

mom of newborn should know the danger of sharenting — iStock

Beware of the Backlash

When you're posting photos of your kids online, especially in the public domain for all to see, it's important to consider what the people who see the photos might think. They might not like it for all sorts of reasons and will be happy to tell you exactly how they feel. This can be very hurtful. There are many instances where people have been attacked for oversharing on social media. In 2019, Pink appeared on The Ellen Show and explained why she had stopped sharing photos of her children after getting comments attacking her for posting a photo of one of her kids without a diaper.

Pay Attention to Your Privacy Settings

If you're going to post photos on social media, then check your privacy settings regularly. According to the Child Rescue Coalition, 89 percent of parents haven't checked their privacy settings in over a year. Facebook, Instagram, and other social media apps all have different settings. Without realizing it, you may be sharing your photos with the general public, aka strangers. Also bear in mind that the friends and family you share your photos with may have different privacy settings, which means they could potentially share your photos, too. "Public posting means anyone, anywhere can see it," says Lavelle. "Keep your posts private, set your profiles to private, and make sure your posts are only visible to a custom audience of friends and family."

sharenting mom taking a selfie with her son — iStock

Consider the Bigger Picture

No one knows what happens with all the photos once they have been posted on social media. Take Facebook (which also owns Instagram and Whatsapp), which has been all over the news due to data breaches and their handling of personal information. Do you want these big corporations to have access to all sorts of data on your kids that you inadvertently supply? "While it's wonderful that technology allows us to be connected with family and friends around the world using social media and other photo-sharing apps, there is so much we don’t know," says Lavelle. "It comes down to common sense, smart-decision making, and being careful what you post."

Be Present in the Moment

When your child is performing in a show or playing in a match, of course, you want to capture every proud moment on camera so you can share it with family, friends (and maybe the whole world). We've all done it. But your kids see you with your phone in front of your face instead of watching them, and you won't be able to focus on what they're doing. Next time, put your phone away, watch, and be proud. Your kiddos will love that they have your undivided attention, and you will be able to enjoy the experience much more.

Consider Private Social Networks

As mainstream platforms like Facebook and Instagram come under fire, private social apps—like the one we offer at TinyBeans—are gaining ground for their privacy and security features. Our app offers parents a safe space to share photos, milestones, and other special moments with close family and friends. So you can go ahead and make a proud grandparent's day without worrying about those images getting into the wrong hands.

What to Do If Your Kid Wants to Create a YouTube Channel for Themselves

by Melissa HeckscherOctober 7, 2023

Find out everything from how old you have to be to have a YouTube Channel to how to create a YouTube channel and why screen time limits are still important

Does your kid obsess over YouTube gamers and videos like they’re the only thing on a screen worth watching? It’s only a matter of time before they want to know how to create a YouTube channel themselves. But what does that mean, exactly? More importantly, is it OK? The answer, says Common Sense Media, is mostly yes—as long as parents keep a watchful eye over their kids’ online endeavors and follow a few basic guidelines to help safeguard their kids’ privacy. Here’s everything you need to know about how to create a YouTube channel for kids.

Why the Obsession with YouTube?

It may seem foreign to parents, but making a YouTube video isn’t all that much different from wanting to stage a talent show for friends and family; it’s just the audience that’s bigger.

“Even though you may have concerns about the risks of broadcasting on the web—and they are legitimate,” says this article from Common Sense Media, “your kid may see it as a way of expressing herself, learning digital video skills, sharing with friends and experimenting creatively. It’s important to balance your concerns with the benefits she can reap.”

“With your guidance and support, she can do it safely, and it might be a fun project that may be useful down the road. In fact, more and more kids are using their online channels—whether it’s a Tumblr blog, an Instagram photo collection, or a Snapchat story—as digital portfolios to showcase their work to employers, colleges, and potential collaborators.”

At What Age Can You Start a YouTube Channel?

two kids learning about how to create a YouTube channel — iStock

Officially, YouTube forbids children under the age of 13 from creating their own accounts, and children between ages 13 and 17 are only allowed to open accounts with parental permission. Of course, these rules don't say anything about parents opening an account for their child; this is allowed. Ryan, the eight-year-old star of Ryan's World, is one of YouTube's biggest stars, with over 24 million subscribers tuning in to watch him play and review toys, do science experiments, and more. It's no paltry gig—Ryan earned a reported $24 million in 2019, which includes revenue from not only his YouTube Channel but also his line of toys that can be found at big box stores everywhere.

"Ryan was watching a lot of toy review channels—some of his favorites are TheTubeFamily and Hulyan Maya—because they used to make a lot of videos about Thomas the Tank Engine, and Ryan was super into Thomas,” his mother said in an interview with TubeFilter. "One day, he asked me, 'How come I’m not on YouTube when all the other kids are?’ So we just decided—yeah, we can do that. Then, we took him to the store to get his very first toy—I think it was a LEGO train set—and it all started from there.”

How to Make a YouTube Channel for Kids

1. Create a Gmail account for your child if they are under 13 years old. This will give them a YouTube account but not a YouTube channel.

2. Create a YouTube Channel by clicking "Select My Channel" on the sidebar on the left of the YouTube homepage. This is where users can select the name to be associated with their YouTube channel. For kids, do not use their real/whole names since these names will be broadcast to anyone watching the videos.

3. Set the privacy settings so that everything is private or unlisted. Private means that only those you invite to view the channel can watch the videos; unlisted means only those with the particular video links can see them. Also, turn off comments so your kid won't have to read unkind or inappropriate remarks from other users. Note: These privacy settings mean that only friends and family can view your child's page, which is great when it comes to keeping them safe; not so great if they're trying to build a following.

For more details on creating a YouTube channel, click here. For points to consider before doing it, click here.

Tips for Keeping Kids Safe Online

tween girl on phone late at night — iStock

Edit for Privacy Purposes
Since putting up videos on YouTube essentially allows anyone (depending on your channel's privacy settings) to see and hear your child, parents must keep a close eye on what their kids are doing to make sure they aren't accidentally revealing any personal information. We recommend that you don't allow your children to show their faces in their videos. This means OK to narrating Minecraft games, sporting events and stop-motion animation shows, and yes to a stuffed animal or puppet performances where they do the voices.

Also, YouTube has new safety measures when it comes to kids. Parents will be able to create a supervised Google account, which will come with content settings and limited features. You can see all the details here.

Be Their #1 Viewer
Be sure to watch all of the videos your child posts. This can be tedious, but you have to make sure your kids aren't accidentally revealing any personal information (where they go to school, where they live, etc.).

Put Limits on Recording Time
Like any other screen time activity, it's best to limit your child's recording sessions to 30-60 minutes.

Make Videos with Them
It can be a fun family activity if you help your kids make a video to publish online. They'll love getting YouTube time, and you'll love being able to add some grown-up finesse to the project. Here's our step-by-step tutorial that'll give you all the details, plus the best gadgets to buy.

Puzzles are a must-have in any toddler’s toy collection

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Wee Gallery Beginner Pet Puzzle

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Montessori Rabbit and Bear Silicone Puzzles Set of 2

Multi-Layered Whale Puzzle

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Learning Resources Human Body Activity Kit

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