There’s nothing quite as universal as the bedtime story and its part of the wind-down routine for millions of children around the world. And one study shows that a surprising number of parents read to stories to their kids way past the preschool years. A recent study commission by Wonderbly revealed some interesting results.
Of 2000 parents surveyed, 1 out of every 10 said they have read to their children at bedtime until age 13 or even older. Only 11% said they stopped by age 4. And 15% of parents said they started reading to their babies in utero. 1/5 said they’d been reading to their littles since babyhood.
86% of parents said they love putting their kids to bed and reading or telling a story, with 36% saying it’s the most quality time they get with them all day. 8 out of 10 parents cited bedtime routines as the best part of being a parent.
And 3 in 4 parents said they wished they could NEVER stop telling their kiddos stories, with 23% actually planning to never stop.
3 in 10 parents cited loving storytime as a chance to be creative and use their imaginations.
Why read to your kids? While we know that modeling behavior like reading to, with and in front of kids fosters early literacy, there are other benefits, for parents and kids alike. Bedtime and the ritual story can be a time to connect, decompress from the day. And your kids are never too old for that.
“Storytime not only fosters a wonderful closeness but also encourages conversation and helps kids to relax,” said David Cadji-Newby, author and creative director at Wonderbly.
It also takes the top of the poll for kids as well (45%), ahead of picking out pajamas (18%) and watching TV (26%).
Cooler weather is upon us and that means it’s time to dust off your denim. Whether your style is a pair of retro mom jeans, Good American jeans, women’s boot cut jeans or you just need that perfect size chart for jeans, we’ve got something for you. Keep reading to find your new best jeans; you can thank us later.
Whether you rock ankle length, crop, raw hem or light, dark or distressed washes, 7 For All Mankind has a pair of jeans for you. The premium denim maker offers versatile styles that easily transition from a busy morning with kiddos to a girl's night out. Our editors love the variety of high waisted options, torn looks and eight unique styles that make this denim the perfect option for moms who want a little style with their comfy jeans.
Coming out of quarantine we're all here to admit that soft stretchy clothes just feel better than anything tight, stiff jeans. The perfect mom-on-the-go jeans, Anatomie's Kate Stretch Denim Cargo Jeans are the perfect stylish upgrade from yoga pants: they're as soft as leggings but with just enough structure to feel like a pant. And those bonus pockets are just what any parent needs. If you're going to splurge on a pair of jeans this year, wrinkle-free travel jeans with extra pockets are the way to go.
These aren't your mom's high rise jeans! Madewell's curvy styles are fashion-forward and comfy––no pleats allowed. The stretchy pants come in varying rises (we personally love the nine-inch height) to keep things in check while allowing ample room for moving. Our editors report that they keep their shape and are great for everyday wear. The best part? When you bring in a pair of old jeans (any brand!) to a Madewell shop, you get a $20 credit towards a new pair!
The brainchild of Emma Grede and Khloe Kardashian, Good American jeans are better than good—they're great jeans for mom. Styles range from good flare to good curve, but Red Tricycle editors love the good waist and good leg style. Not sure which style is the best? Head to Good American and select the model that best matches your size to see how they look on a real woman.
With tons of styles and fits, Paige jeans are a great option for moms. You can choose from maternity and petite to skinny and boyfriend and these designer duds are equally relevant for a night out as they are for the hustle of a busy day with kids. We love all the color and print options, and we know you will too.
Our readers can't get enough of the budget-friendly High-Waisted Straight Jeans and Rockstar styles from Old Navy. Opt for the Built-In Sculpt styles, which offer extra support and shape in all the areas you need most. Old Navy styles also come in Never Quit Shape Retention, which means you'll be chasing the kids all day without sagging around the waist or rear.
Universal Thread styles come in the perfect weight denim to help smooth and sculpt, one of the reasons these stylish and affordable jeans are a fave. Target has also redesigned the waistband in many styles for a better back-rise fit, so you're not pulling them up all day. With tons of options for color, fit and size, mamas are bound to find the perfect pair of jeans for them.
Mother Jeans are perfect for laidback mamas. Inspired by California summers of the '70s, styles come in tons of frayed, cutoff and looser fits with fun embroidered details. While a more relaxed style, Mother jeans are made from the highest quality denim in Los Angeles and are easily dressed up or down with the perfect sandal or bootie.
Think that wearing mom jeans means wearing stuffy styles? Think again. Measure & Made is a company that uses a patented FITLOGIC system to ensure you get the best fit and style for your body. Take a quick (less than a minute) quiz that takes your body size and shape into account, and then helps guide you to the right size for your body. There are several styles, but we especially love the skinny ankle jean.
This mid-rise straight jean from Flying Monkey is a classic fit—you can dress these up or down, whether you're dressing for a casual Friday in the office or last-minute date night with your partner. As a plus, Flying Monkey has a whole section labeled specifically "mom jeans," and there are dozens of other styles with mid- and-hi-rise waist options,
Before you panic at the word "jegging," know that these popular high-waisted jeans from American Eagle are extremely popular, especially for post-partum moms. Made with real denim with plenty of stretch for a comfy fit, they sit over an inch above the belly button, which is ideal for moms who don't want to worry about muffin tops. Plus, there are tons of different washes, and you can choose between a high, super-high or curvy-high fit.
Yes, you read that right. Spanx has jeans. And there's no jean you're going to covet more than this totally on trend distressed jean in gray. Sturdy, with real pockets, they hold it all in without feeling like you're wearing...well...Spanx.
Just Black jeans rose to popularity in Stitch Fix boxes, but you don't have to subscribe to get these super trending button-fly jeans that are high-waisted enough to keep your "extras" cinched in. Stretchy and long lasting.
The Not Your Daughters Jeans brand is known for being among the first of the "new" wave of mom jeans: trendy styles and cuts with forgiving details like higher rises and 4-way stretch. The Barbara Bootcut will quickly become your go-to jean that can go from the office to a playdate.
If you've ever considered a Pajama Jean, you're going to think you've died and gone to heaven with Liverpool's pull-on Chloe. The fabric is as soft as your favorite weekend leggings, but they don't feel like you're wearing jeggings, either.
OshKosh B'gosh is celebrating 125 years of making adorable clothes for families, and now you can snag a pair of overalls that are just like the ones you remember as a child, complete with clover design, real metal hardware and the classic patch.
Christmas carols meet the high school drama club. The cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series are coming together to perform their favorite Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s songs and share their fondest holiday memories in High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special. The 45-minute special premieres on Fri., Dec. 11 on Disney+ and will also feature a sneak peek performance from the highly anticipated second season of the popular series.
Series regulars Olivia Rodrigo, Joshua Bassett, Matt Cornett, Sofia Wylie, Larry Saperstein, Julia Lester, Dara Reneé, Frankie Rodriguez, Joe Serafini, Mark St. Cyr and Kate Reinders will get viewers in the holiday spirit with their renditions of holiday classics, popular hits and a medley of Hanukkah favorites. They will also share anecdotes of memorable holidays from their childhoods, best – and most embarrassing – presents, favorite traditions, family photos and poignant New Year’s resolutions. Bassett will also debut an acoustic version of an original song which he wrote for season two of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
“The holidays remind us of the universal importance of family and loved ones,” said Tim Federle, executive producer and director of the special. “The cast of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is its own kind of family, and we are delighted to have the opportunity to share their favorite holiday music and traditions with our viewers.”
High School Musical: The Musical: The Holiday Special: The Soundtrack, featuring holiday songs performed by the cast in the special, will be available beginning Fri., Nov. 20 on all major music services and streaming platforms.
The special is executive-produced by High School Musical: The Musical: The Series creator and executive producer Tim Federle (Golden Globe and Academy Award-nominated Ferdinand) and Ashley Edens (Dancing With the Stars). The series has been “Certified Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes as measured by a consensus of reviews by top critics and audience members and recently received the 2020 GLAAD Media Award for “Outstanding Kids & Family Programming.”
Season one of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is currently available on Disney+.
Peacock is monkeying around! An all-new original film Curious George: Go West, Go Wild is coming to the streaming service on Sept. 8. The first nine seasons of the beloved series several films and television specials will also be available.
In Curious George: Go West, Go Wild George and Ted travel to cousin Ginny’s farm for a relaxing outdoor weekend, but plans take a turn when her farm animals escape into the wild blue yonder. With the help of Emmett, a friendly farmhand, the group sets out to track the herd. Featuring a spirited new score and original songs, this unforgettable story proves that anything is possible when you believe in yourself.
The music from the film features “The Other Side” by global recording artist Yuna. This is the first time in the history of Curious George films that a song is performed by a female vocalist. Other highlights include original songs written by Michele Brourman & Amanda McBroom and score by Germaine Franco. The soundtrack will be released day and date with the film release on Peacock.
Curious George: Go West, Go Wild will also be available on Digital & DVD via Universal Pictures Home Entertainment winter 2020.
It’s aca-mazing! The Bellas are back and it’s for a good cause. Money raised from the downloads of their rendition of Beyonce’s “Love on Top” will go directly to UNICEF to help children in Lebanon and around the world.
The Barden Bellas got together virtually from their homes complete with a hilarious introduction by Elizabeth Banks and John Micheal Higgings in character as Gail Abernathy-McKadden-Feinberg and John Smith.
The Bellas, including Anna Kendrick, Rebel Wilson, Hailee Steinfeld, Anna Camp and Brittany Snow were there to lend their vocals to the acapella performance.
To the bus! This week Scholastic Entertainment made an exciting announcement: it’s partnering with Brownstone Productions and Universal Pictures to bring the first live-action hybrid and full-length film of The Magic School Bus to life!
The movie is based on the best-selling Scholastic book series by author Joanna Cole and illustrator Bruce Degen, which has never been brought to the big screen it its 26-year history. Elizabeth Banks has already been cast as everyone’s fave teacher, Ms. Frizzle.
“We are delighted to bring to life the iconic Ms. Frizzle and her zest for knowledge and adventure in a fresh new way that inspires the next generation of kids to explore science and supports the dedicated teachers who help make science real and accessible for young learners every day,” said Scholastic Entertainment President and Chief Strategy Officer Iole Lucchese.
The famed series has over 80 million books in print worldwide and spent 18 years on PBS as an animated show featuring Lily Tomlin. No word yet on the release date of the new film, so stay tuned!
The summer’s here, and you’re already half-way through the year. Without big-screen blockbusters showing in crowded commercial cinemas, you may not have noticed the fab lineup of recently released kid-friendly flicks. If you’re not sure what to titles to add to your family’s at-home film fest, check out the best kids movies of 2020—so far.
Harrison Ford stars in this PG adaptation of the literary classic. The live-action film is the story of a man and his dog—and some pretty amazing adventures. Find The Call of the Wild on Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, Microsoft, Movies Anywhere, Google Play, Fandango Now and YouTube.
A Shaun the Sheep Movie, Farmageddon, is the G-rated Netflix original flick fans of the beloved animated sheep will flock to. This alien-inspired movie is perfect for parents too!
Are you looking for the best kid movies on Netflix? The Willoughbys is a Netflix original, released in 2020! The PG-rated movie tells the story of four sibs who plot to send their parents away. Voiced by some serious star-power, such as Will Forte, Maya Rudolph, Ricky Gervais and Alessia Cara, you can stream this animated movie here.
The beloved pup is back for a 2020 update. Scoob! gives your kiddo the chance to see how the animated pup and his BFF shaggy first met. Your fam can catch Scoob!(rated PG) on Prime Video, Fandango Now, YouTube, Vudu, Xfinity, Google Play, Movies Anywhere, Redbox, Direct TV, My Dish, Microsoft, Row8 or Apple TV.
Sonic is back in the much-anticipated 2020 film. The PG flick stars James Marsden and Jim Carrey. When it comes to movies for kids, the beloved blue hedgehog is the perfect pick for older children and tweens. Watch Sonic the Hedgehog on Blu-ray or 4K Ultra HD, or stream it on Prime Video, Google Play, Vudu, Fandango Now or Apple TV.
Older kids will get a kick out of this animal-centered live-action flick. Dolittle (rated PG) stars Robert Downey Jr. as the famed doctor and veterinarian in this updated version of the classic tale. Watch Dolittle digitally on Prime Video, Fandango Now, iTunes, Verizon FIOS, Xfinity, Vudu or Google Play.
Starring Anna Kendrick and Justin Timberlake, Trolls World Tour is an animated adventure filled with musical awesomeness. Join Poppy, Branch, Barb and all your kiddo's faves on the small screen right now. Stream this PG pick on Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, YouTube, Fandango Now, Xfinity or Google Play.
This Disney Pixar animated flick features the story of two teenage elf brothers and their magic-filled quest. Starring celebs such as Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Octavia Spencer and Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Onward is rated PG. Catch the adventure on Blu-ray, DVD, or screen it on Disney+.
Parents need a trusted resource to help explain the current climate to their children. The Week Junior is a print publication that aims to help start conversations on relevant, timely topics, including the protests that have been happening in America. The Week Junior is currently providing free universal digital access to the magazine as families continue the conversation at home.
“Encourage children to do their part to decrease racism. If they witness someone doing or saying something unfair, they can speak up and not be a bystander. This may seem like a small thing, but it’s important. Change has to start with kids,” says Dr. Jamie Howard, a senior clinical psychologist specializing in children’s anxiety disorders at the Child Mind Institute in New York City.
The Week Junior’s Editor in Chief, Andrea Barbalich says, “The Week Junior is here to help children ages 8-14 understand a difficult time in America. This week’s cover story explains what happened to George Floyd and why people are protesting in a factual, sensitive, age-appropriate way. We hope our coverage sparks conversations at home about race and fairness and offers parents ideas for discussing complex topics with their children.”
As the country begins to reopen, theme parks are putting safety into place so they too can welcome guests back. Beginning Fri., Jun. 5, Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure and Universal’s Volcano Bay will open their doors.
Each park will observe strict health, safety and hygiene guidelines as set by the CDC. Guests will be required to wear face masks, receive a temperature check, practice social distancing and follow floor markings.
photo: Universal Studios
All three parks will have reduced hours. Currently, Universal Studios and Universal’s Island of Adventure will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and Universal’s Volcano Bay from 10 a.m. to 5 pm. Additionally, all locations will operate with reduced capacity for the time being.
All employees will wear masks and the parks highly recommend downloading the Universal app to go contact free.
As the country begins to reopen, regional theme parks are also initiating their phases to invite guests back. As of Mon., May 18, Orlando’s Universal CityWalk is now open daily from 4 to 10 p.m. daily.
During that time frame, select venues will be open, along with complimentary self parking. All guests will be expected to followed the recommended CDC guidelines which includes wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing, and following floor markings to ensure adequate space between individuals.
Additionally, guests will undergo a temperature check before entering CityWalk, and those with a temperature of 100.4 or greater will not be allowed in. In an effort to keep everyone as safe as possible, Universal is limiting capacity and most venues, offering more hand washing and sanitizing stations, thoroughly cleaning high-touch surfaces and offering cashless payments at all venues.
