If you have a kid, you probably have a zooful of stuffed animals living with you. These “stuffies” are more than just cute clutter—they actually serve a fundamental purpose in a child’s life. Their favorite teddy or doll is their first friend and allows them to explore their emotional life without judgment, helping navigate all the ups and downs of early childhood. Their stuffed friend’s unconditional love and acceptance teach a valuable lesson about what it means to be a caring human. That’s why a new book that celebrates this particular (and essential) bond, Bear Is a Bear, caught our attention.

Bear Is a Bear is written by popular children’s author Jonathan Stutzman and illustrated by Dan Santat, a Caldecott Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling author/illustrator. This moving story with a heartwarming reveal is akin to books like The Velveteen Rabbit and CorduroyBear Is a Bear reads like that classic you cracked opened over and over again as a child, but with a modern twist.

Add Bear Is a Bear to your shelf today!

The Story

Bear is...a new friend, a fellow mischief-maker, a protector and a dreamer. Through all the many ups and downs of a little girl’s childhood, Bear is there to provide love and support. Until it is time to say goodbye...and hello again.

Bear is a Bear is a deeply touching story of an ever-evolving friendship. Have the tissues nearby—it’s the final reveal that will bring tears to your eyes and make this book an instant classic in your household. 

A baby shower gift that will have everyone “Ooh!” and “Ahh!” ing—Buy Bear Is a Bear today!

Share the Love 

Bear Is a Bear is a moving tribute to the beloved companions of our childhoods—our “stuffies.” (We bet you can remember the name of your favorite as a child right now.) The oversized picture book is also gorgeous, making it the perfect baby shower or birthday gift. Grab your copy, a favorite stuffed friend and snuggle up for storytime with Bear Is a Bear today, and enjoy for years to come!

An instant classic to share with generations to come, add Bear Is a Bear to their collection today!

 

 

—Jamie Aderski

Remember Steve, the OG host of Blue’s Clues? Well, he still remembers you, even if it’s been quite a while since he starred on the animated show. 25 years after the show first appeared and 19 years after Steve left, he re-emerged with a touching message to celebrate the big anniversary.

“You remember how when we were younger we used to run around and hang out with Blue and find clues…and then one day I was like ‘oh hey, guess what? Big news, I’m leaving,” Steve starts the video. He goes on to let viewers know that he’s been able to pursue his dreams, even if the departure was sad and unexpected for young fans.

But that’s not all. Steve has a special shout out for his now grown up fans and it might be a bit of a tear jerker! He ends the video with one last heartfelt (and humorous) message. “I’m super glad we’re still friends. You look great, by the way. Whatever it is you’re doing, it’s working.”

Since Steve exited the show in 2002, he’s pursued various musical and acting opportunities, including starting his own band and releasing a children’s album. But it’s safe to say Blues Clues, where he appeared in 100 episodes over six years, will always be his biggest hit. With 20.8 million views at the time of this publication, it’s obvious the show (and Steve) will never be forgotten.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Nickelodeon

 

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How do you make an Airstream extra dreamy? Add a touch of Pottery Barn! The two popular brands have collaborated to release a new Pottery Barn Special Edition Travel Trailer—and it’s oh so splurge worthy!

The new Airstream trailer features the standard amenities, including a dedicated kitchen, bathroom, sleeping and relaxing areas. But it levels up with hardware, soft goods, fixtures and touches inspired by Pottery Barn. The includes a unique solid oak wood dinette table, matte black pull-down kitchen faucet, wall sconces and custom storage solutions in the bedroom, plus Pottery Barn’s Belgian Flax Linen Bedding.

Another unique touch? The outdoor hanging table that attaches to the trailer’s exterior, the perfect spot for a midday snack or evening drink. When you’re ready to pack up and move on, it stows in a rear storage compartment.

Of course, this high-end collaboration isn’t exactly cheap. But if you’re ready to travel in style (or work and learn on the road) it’s worth a look, especially since the Airstream sleeps up to five people. The MSRP is $145,500 and it’s available at dealers nationwide now.

—Sarah Shebek

All images courtesy of Airstream

 

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Kids love museums but curious hands and irreplaceable art do not always mix well. This summer, take your budding Picassos to the Asian Art Museum’s newest exhibit, teamLab: Continuity, an interactive digital art experience the whole family will love. Immersive art is all the rage these days so read on to find out why and how kids blend in perfectly!

TeamLab: Continuity

Asian Art Museum

Located in San Francisco’s Civic Center, The Asian Art Museum recently reopened after an extensive remodel and COVID-19 hiatus. Continuity is located in the brand new Akiko Yamazaki and Jerry Yang Pavilion, which at 8,500 square feet is the city’s largest art exhibition space.

My sidekicks, ages five and seven, were initially wary of the exhibit. Like most kids their age, they like to run around and touch things but know from previous experience this leads to frantic shushing in art galleries. However, the enthusiastic docents pointed out all the exhibit's cool features and encouraged the kids for some hands-on action. Before long, my kids were touching, giggling and dancing from room to room. Images of the natural world are projected onto the floor, ceilings and walls and change constantly as you walk which gives the feeling of being truly immersed in a painting.

TeamLab

Multiple senses are involved in this truly interactive exhibit as a swipe near the wall changes the display of colorful cherry blossoms while a touch of the hand creates a new cloud of butterflies. Music, dancing light and even smell adds to the experience with the scent of rose petals creating a spa-like and relaxing environment. In one particular room, the creators presented an exciting vibe with streams of light zooming around the room that slightly disoriented my sense of balance. The upbeat tempo of the music accompanied by the flashing lights caused my kids to immediately launch into their own private dance party. 

Sketch Ocean

Sarah McDonald

Although Continuity is the main draw, don’t miss Sketch Ocean, a smaller exhibit located near the museum’s entrance. This is another interactive art experience from teamLab, where colorful sea creatures created by visitors are projected onto the walls.

Pick a template, color, scan and watch as your drawing bursts into life on the wall and swims away to join other creations. The movement of the artworks are quite life-like and the result mimics a real aquarium. Look out for fish who have swum all the way from Tokyo, where teamLab has a sister exhibit.

Nosh 

Creating great art is hungry work, so make a stop at the museum’s cafe, Sunday at the Museum, for a Japanese-inspired sandwich (think Katsu chicken on milk bread with slaw!) or a house-made chocolate chip cookie. The cafe also serves boba tea from the Boba Guys and sparkling fruit drinks.

If you are looking for a fun way to fire up your kids’ imagination and enjoy modern art together minus the stress of keeping them quiet in an adult space, be sure to catch this exhibit while it is in town! 

TeamLab: Continuity and Sketch Ocean

July 23 to February 2022
Tickets: $20/adults weekdays, $25 weekends, free for children under 12
200 Larkin Street, San Francisco
Online: asianart.org

—Sarah McDonald

featured photo: Asian Art Museum

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Reading with your child is not only snuggly bonding time for you both, it builds your baby’s brain power, helps develop language and exposes your child to the world around them. There are books out there to engage every baby, and we’ll help you in your hunt by compiling baby-tested favorites in all the big categories, including touch-and-feel books, stories about animals, funny reads and classics every baby will treasure. Read on for the next additions to your bookshelves.

Daria Shevtsova via Pexels

19 Classic Books All Babies and Toddlers Should Have
A bookshelf packed with a mix of classics and new faves is the first step to raising a reader. Here, we’ve rounded up 19 storybooks that have mesmerized little ones for years, from tales about ravenous caterpillars to mischievous bunnies. You’ll probably remember a few from your own childhood.

Best STEM Books for Babies & Toddlers
STEM—an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math—is one of the biggest buzzwords in education these days. With good reason, as learning these subjects can help students become better thinkers and problem-solvers. Here are our top picks for books that introduce STEM concepts to your future Einsteins.

14 Touch-and-Feel Books to Fill Baby’s Bookshelf
The classic Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt has introduced generations of children to the world of touch-and-feel books. Now these books are more interactive and fun than ever. They mix the traditional elements of reading a picture book with touching, listening and even chewing! 

Brina Blum via Unsplash

11 Kids Books That Encourage Diversity & Inclusion
There’s no shortage of good reading material out there, especially when it comes to promoting important values like kindness and acceptance. Fill your child’s library with books that encourage diversity and inclusion. Your baby’s first literary lesson can be that differences are okay. In fact, they’re what make us special.

10 Books All About Becoming a Big Sibling
Looking to head off any early sibling rivalry? Introduce your child to the concept of a sibling with some of these books all about bringing a new baby home. They make becoming a big brother or sister seem like your family’s next big adventure.

Woof! Roar! Oink! 11 Animal-Themed Books Your Baby Will Love
Your little one will love learning animal sounds while flipping through these stories packed with pictures of cute and cuddly animals. Here are 11 fantastic animal-themed books, from old favorites to soon-to-be classics, that will turn your animal lover into a bookworm.

2081571 via Pixabay

Top Funny Books for Babies and Toddlers
We’ve gathered up 16 funny tales guaranteed to make kids crack up, from stories that feature mixed-up animals to tales about the power of undies and magical poo (yes, poo). A few of these books also offer jokes to entertain parents reading the story. 

Build Your Library! 25 Board Books Every Baby Needs
Want to inspire your little sidekick to enjoy a lifetime of reading? Start building the library now. Discover 25 worth-reading beginner books, from gotta-have-’em classics like Goodnight Moon to newer, need-to-know titles like Hello, Bugs.

Best Holiday Books for Babies & Toddlers
The build-up to the holidays is one of the best things about the season, and it feels even more exciting when you have little ones. A simple and fun way to get into the spirit with your kids is by reading holiday books with them. Whether you want to relive a classic or start a new tradition, here are some of our favorite Christmas and Hanukkah books for babies and toddlers.

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

featured photo: StockSnap via Pixabay

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We love the competition of the Olympic Games, but we might love the backstories even more! Just in time for the upcoming Games, Rebel Girls is releasing a new book of short stories featuring 25 phenomenal women in sports. It’s part of the award-winning Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls series and includes Simone Biles, Megan Rapinoe, Chloe Kim and many more!

Rebel Girls Champions: 25 Tales of Unstoppable Athletes is available to pre-order now on Amazon. The short stories are perfect for the young readers in your life and feature colorful, full-page portraits created by female artists worldwide. It will be updated with new stories right after the Games and officially go on sale September 7.

 

You’ll find a mix of stories on past champions like Lisa Leslie and Michelle Kwan, as well as brand new stories on exceptional female athletes competing in this year’s Olympics. At 64 pages long, your bedtime stories just got a gold-medal touch. Pre-order the collection now for $8.99 on Amazon.

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Rebel Girls

 

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Today is the last day to find great deals on Amazon Fire Kids Pro tablets, Amazon Fire Kids tablets and more for Amazon Prime Day!

The portability and convenience a tablet brings are ideal for kids of all ages. They’re an excellent brain-boosting tool that expands their world and keeps kids connected for school projects and collaborations. The tech gurus at Amazon already make impossibly good tablets for younger kids, ages 3-7, with their line of Fire Kids tablets. News flash: So you can retain your “cool parent” status, you need to know that Amazon is not only rolling out a new generation of their 10-inch Fire Kids Tablet, ages 3-7, but they’re also dropping all-new tablets that are tailored to older kids, ages 6-12! 

Not sure if it’s time to upgrade to the bigger-kid tablet? We have you covered, walking you through what’s different about the Amazon Fire Kids Pro versus the Amazon Fire Kids tablet. And don’t worry, no FOMO here—Amazon has our backs because if you have a Fire Kids tablet, you can upgrade through the Amazon Trade-In program with a 20 percent discount. Read on to learn more to help decide which tablet is suitable for your little techie!

Fire Kids Pro Has a More Mature Look, Both Have the Same Power

The all-new Fire Kids Pro tablets for kids ages 6-12 come with a 7-inch, 8-inch HD or 10-inch HD screen. You can expect these new tablets to look less bulky than the original line for younger kids. The protective case included is slimmer (dare we say, cooler?), and the home screen looks more like the one you'd use. 

The new generation of Fire HD 10 Kids tablet (ages 3-7) is available with a 10-inch HD. It boasts up to 12 hours of battery life and USB-C for charging so easy charging for little hands. Bonus: It includes a kid-proof protective case in three cheerful colors to choose from. Like its big brother, this case also has a handy-dandy kickstand to prop up the tablet—ideal for traveling, schoolwork, or just chillaxing!

Same Smart(er) Web Browser, More Open Experience for Older Kids

More independence for them with less worry for you: The Fire Kids Pro and Fire Kids web browser includes different settings that give you flexibility for your kids if you choose open but filtered access to the web or access to only hand-selected websites and videos. Now they can explore on their own with guardrails and older kids can research for a school project or just chill out with a favorite movie. 

Profiles with Fire Kids Pro and Fire Kids tablet offer customizable controls, with the Fire Kids Pro provides three levels of restrictions: limited, moderate and full access at device set-up. Parents can set and adjust the level of access with different features, such as web browser and digital store access, at any time on the Parent Dashboard. For the Web Browser, built-in controls help filter out inappropriate sites, and you can block specific sites as you see fit. 

Both tablets offer access to the (brilliant) Parent Dashboard! Here you can set time limits, see what sites they're visiting and for how long, establish learning goals, set a bedtime, block or allow specific sites and more—all remotely so you (are still) the boss.

Both Get a One-Year Subscription to Amazon Kids+, With Expanded Content for Older Kids

Both the Fire Kids Pro and Fire Kids come with one year of Amazon Kids+ with access to over 20,000 books, movies, TV shows and other kid-friendly content curated by Amazon—wow. That is a massive amount of content, and we are impressed! 

The Amazon Kids+ subscription provides access to even more content to fit any picky older kids' tastes. Older kids can choose from thousands of apps, songs, Audible books, games, including Teen Titans Go and Asphalt 8, books like Keeper of the Lost Cities and Chronicles of Narnia, PG and PG-13 videos hand-selected by the Amazon Kids team, plus educational content from National Geographic, Rabbids Coding, LEGO® and more. 

Fire Kids Pro Features a Digital Store

In addition to expanded Amazon Kids+ content, Fire Kids Pro tablets include access to a digital store so kids can request apps like Disney+, Spotify, Minecraft, Zoom and more. Once their request is sent, parents have the final say, approving purchases and downloads.

Fire Kids Pro Has Video & Voice Calling(!)

With Fire Kids Pro, kids can stay in touch by making and receiving voice and video calls over Wi-Fi! This feature allows kids to call from the tablet to approved contacts with an Alexa-enabled device or the Alexa app. Parents have to approve the contacts and have visibility into calling history. Now kids can easily chat with friends to collaborate on homework or stay in touch with family, all while parents have peace of mind on who they can chat with. Kids can make announcements like "I'm done with my homework" from the tablet to Alexa-enabled devices at home—pretty cool, Amazon!

Both Give You Control, With More Flexibility Within Levels of Control With Fire Kids Pro

Both versions include parental controls so you can customize your kid's experience, no matter where you are! With Amazon's Parent Dashboard, you can control options from anywhere and make changes to access, view their activities, set time limits and more, all through your desktop or mobile phone without touching the tablet. With the "Learn First" feature, grown-ups can block access to games and cartoons until after educational goals are met. With both the Fire Kids Pro and Fire Kids tablet, you can let your kids explore without stressing about what they're doing and where they're going because you are in control of it all (but that can be our secret... ).

With Fire Kids Pro, parents can be flexible with parental controls, adjusting their preference on different features as kids age up. It makes this device super flexible, fitting all types of parenting styles and meeting kids changing needs through a wide range of stages between the ages of 6-12.

Both Offer a Worry-Free Guarantee!

Worried about drops and bumps with kids? Don't be. Fire Kids Pro and Fire Kids tablets come with a sturdy case in cool colors and fun prints to keep it protected. The difference is that the Fire Kids Pro looks more "adult" with a slimmer, more streamlined case. For both editions, the case is genius. They each feature a built-in kickstand which is ideal for hands-free video-watching, game-playing, and more. The best part? All Fire Kids Pro and Fire Kids tablets include a two-year worry-free guarantee; if it breaks, return it, and Amazon will replace it free—you just can't go wrong here.

 

—Jamie Aderski

 

 

Parenting is the hardest job. 

At times I feel like I am wasting my time arguing with my tween daughter just because I want her to perform better in her studies.

I feel sick of dealing with my son’s tantrums. 

Parenting is also the most stressful job, I forgot to add that.

I was told by well-meaning relatives that a mother has the right to feel frustrated at times. But little did I know (before my husband and I decided to have two kids) that parenting is mind-numbing, mundane and boring. It feels like you are living someone else’s life and not yours.

I mean, parents are humans too. Parents would like to live their lives too. Just because one has had kids doesn’t mean it is the end of the road for one’s personal wishes, desires, dreams and most importantly, their freedom.

Freedom does get curtailed quite a lot after becoming a parent. 

Well, especially for parents like us who have no help. 

Yes, my husband and I have to just rely on each other. It can very hard when you are desperately looking for a break from doing things for kids all the time.

One thing that has reduced the stress from this monotonous job was that I decided to put my kids into a routine from a very young age (3 months of age). A stroke of luck or intuition.  

I was led to believe, by another set of well-meaning relatives that as a parent, I am too strict. Yes, because I put my babies into a routine.

I was told that I am like a timetable! I have too many rules with the kids.

I know at times I do go overboard with my rules. Sometimes, one rule contradicts another and creates confusion.

But hey, I am trying my best here without much help. My hubby works full time so help is available from him only in the evenings and weekends. 

It is okay if I make mistakes at times. I know I am not a perfect parent.

But I know for sure that I am doing my best. 

Sometimes, my kitchen is messy. Sometimes my laundry basket is overflowing. At times, I even postpone cleaning as I am so tired or I have just haven’t had the chance.

But I know I am doing my best.

At times, I yell at my kids without a reason. But there are times, I follow all the parenting tips that I preach to the T.

But I know I am doing my best. 

At times, I cry on my husband’s shoulder because I am so bored and frustrated with being a mother even if the kids haven’t misbehaved the entire day.

But I know I am doing my best.

I know I love my children and it is okay for me to feel frustrated at times.

There are times when I feel like the most privileged person in the universe when people praise my kids for being so well mannered. 

Sometimes, I just feel privileged for doing things for them.

Sometimes, I feel privileged when I watch them playing together. At times, I feel so touched by their innocent questions. 

And sometimes I just melt when they hug and kiss me. 

These far and few good moments are what give me the strength to get through the tougher moments of parenting. 

But I know deep inside my heart that I cannot imagine my life without my kids. 

Parenting is a tough journey but worth it in the end. 

 

 

 

 

Priya is a Freelance Writer for hire. She has a Parenting Blog. She has also written an E-book Painless Parenting where she shares tips that can make the difficult journey of parenting easier.  She is a regular mum from London who loves spending time with her kids and eating chocolates.

When you have a baby or toddler at home, the thought of adding a pet to the mix might seem overwhelming. After all, owning a pet means having another living creature to feed and clean up after. But, trust us on this one, the responsibilities associated with having a pet will dim in comparison to the joy of watching your little one grow up alongside a furry best friend. Read on for a list of light-hearted benefits you can expect from welcoming a pet into your home. 

Every pet parent has a long list of questions about their furball, including how to keep them happy and healthy! Hill’s provides science-backed nutrition to help your best friend be their best self. See how Hill’s science-backed nutrition can give your best friend their best life.

1. Pets Are Good Snugglers

As a parent, you know that having your little one give you a hug, cling tight to your leg, or sit on your lap can be the sweetest feeling in the world…but it can also lead to feeling touched out. You know, that cringe-y feeling you get when you’ve been cuddled with, laid on, stepped on or whacked by your toddler 389,752 times in the last 60 seconds. Well, good news! If you’re suffering from touched-too-much syndrome, there is an antidote. The right family pet—a particularly affable dog or unflappable cat or guinea pig—will not only take over a fair share of cuddles from your little one, they will love every minute of it. And, bonus: Your brain will get a blast of feel-good dopamine from watching the two cutest creatures in your house snuggle together.

2. Pets Provide Entertainment

It’s no secret we all love watching cute animals. There’s a reason why cat videos rule the internet! But while observing animals online is fun for a while, getting a dose of the warm and fuzzies from the real thing is even better—especially for babies and toddlers, who are supposed to avoid screens until after age 2, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If not yet mobile, your little one will enjoy watching the movements of your pet from the safety of a bouncy seat or exersaucer. Once crawling and walking, your mini-me will squeal at the fun of chasing (and catching!) their four-legged family member. Plus, with all of the adorable entertainment in real life, you’ll be less likely to get sucked into an endless loop of Internet cat videos the next time you log on to "check email really quick."

3. Pets Teach Responsibility

While your child may not be old enough to solely manage pet care, even the youngest toddlers can contribute. Young children love to deliver treats to thankful pets, brush their fur (also develops fine motor skills!), and toss a toy or ball for a game of fetch. Bonus: They don’t even seem to mind the slobbery ball, probably a result of recently having been prone to drool themselves.

4. Pets Are Good for Your Health

If you need another reason to welcome an animal into the fam, consider this: Household pets can have a real, measurable impact on your child’s health. Studies show that playing with a dog releases oxytocin, which lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. As a result, children who live with a dog are less likely to suffer from anxiety. In addition, children who are exposed to a dog in the first year of life have reduced rates of asthma and allergies.

5. Pets Make Great BFFs

We've all heard the story of the little boy who, when asked by his parents whether he wanted a baby brother or a baby sister, responds with, “I want a puppy.” Well, it looks like he was on to something, after all. A University of Cambridge study found that children reported having higher levels of satisfaction and lower levels of conflict in their relationships with their pets than with their siblings. They may say “a dog is a man’s best friend,” but as it turns out, a pet really is a child’s best friend.


—Suzanna Palmer

 

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Get ready to giggle—in a ghastly, ghostly way! The Ghostbusters: Afterlife trailer is here and it’s filled with some sinister sweetness, courtesy of mini marshmallow men.

The iconic over-sized Stay Puft Marshmallow Man is one of the most memorable characters from the 1984 original Ghostbusters. Now that the ghoul-gathering franchise is back, the geniuses behind Ghostbusters: Afterlife have turned the mega marshmallow man into a bag-full of minis.

In a recently released trailer for new flick features Paul Rudd and his new “friends.” As Rudd shops in your average grocery store aisle, he comes across an adorable teeny tiny marshmallow man. Rudd reaches out to touch the sweet little guy—just as the mini Stay Puft marshmallow bites his finger.

The clip continues to showcase the minis as they play in a devilishly delightful way. Afterwards, the puffy pals roast each other over and grill and one snuggles inside a s’more as his marshmallow mates toast the chocolate with a torch.

Even though you can catch the trailer right now on YouTube, you’ll have to wait for the theatrical debut. Ghostbusters: Afterlife’s big screen premiere is set for Nov. 21!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo courtesy of Sony Pictures

 

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