Stroller maker Joovy has announced a recall for its Zoom 360 Ultralight jogging strollers. According to the notice, the front wheel bearing can become detached or fail, which can cause a fall hazard for the user. So far, 25 incidents have been reported that prompted the recall.
The affected strollers were sold at baby stores, Joovy.com, Amazon.com, BuyBuyBaby.com and Target.com from May 2020 through Dec. 2020 for about $250. Keep scrolling to see all the details on how to fix your Joovy stroller.
photo: CPSC
Strollers impacted by the recall have a SKU number of:
8060
8061
8067
8069
Look for a batch number between March 2020 (03-XX-20) and October 2020 (10-XX-20) on the stroller label on the inside leg. The recall impacts black, blueberry, charcoal and red colored strollers.
If you have one of the recalled strollers, stop using immediately and contact Joovy at 800-495-8718 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday for a free repair kit. Once you receive, you can watch Joovy’s video to install the repair.
Sesame Workshop is helping families in yet another way! As part of its Sesame Street and Autism: See Amazing in All Childreninitiative, the organization is launching new resources to help families cope with challenges, create new routines and embrace flexibility.
Julia continues to be at the center of Sesame Workshop’s program, a four-year-old with autism. In partnership with Exceptional Minds, the pair are releasing a new animated video that follows Julia along as she copes with her fear of the dark.
Not only will families be able to tune in to the new video, but they can also take advantage of new coloring pages, activity sheets and Good Night routine cards to help children develop a healthy bedtime routine. Printables will all be available at sesamestreet.org/autism and are free to everyone.
Additionally Sesame Workshop is partnering with Friends of Children with Special Needs (FCSN) to launch new versions of We’re Amazing 1, 2, 3 digital storybooks in both Mandarin and Cantonese.
As lazy summer days give way to school supply runs, it’s high time to check off every item on your summer bucket list. Take a whirl on Navy Pier’s Ferris wheel (those views though!), hit up the museums you’ve neglected, spend a summer day at the zoo and run away to join the circus. Wait. . . What?! Midnight Circus in the Parks kicks off its tour in parks across the city Sept. 11. Read on to hear how this community circus is asking you to join them in giving back to the parks we all love. . . and all you have to do is show up!
Big Top Pop-Up in Your Local Park
"Midnight Circus takes place in an intimate one-of-a-kind little big top that sets up right in the very heart of each Chicago neighborhood we play. . . the local park!" shares co-founder Jeff Jenkins. "The cast is a wildly eclectic and award-winning group of artists that put together a show that is so jam-packed, exciting and unique that it is the only American circus to ever play the world-renowned Montreal Circus Festival." Indeed this circus offers a little bit of everything, from trapeze thrills to tightrope high jinx. The troupe includes ultra-talented acrobats, aerialists, eccentrics and one super smart (and sweet!) rescued dog.
A Family Circus
Jenkins and his wife, Julie founded the circus in 2007 after a work trip to Europe, where they fell in love with the small circuses that performed in the parks and piazzas of France and Italy. They wanted to create an intimate show that would bring families and communities together for an evening of carefree fun. Their two kids, Max and Samantha, have literally grown up onstage, alongside their parents, and it's a joy to see this family working and laughing together each and every show.
Circus Fun at Your Feet
Midnight Circus constructs its "Little Big Top" tent the day before the show, beginning an exciting setup for the neighborhood kids to watch. Under the colorful big top, bleachers accommodate about 500 people, and there's no such thing as a bad seat. The littlest circus-goers are welcome to sit in the grass at the foot of the bleachers, so bring a blanket and be ready to have the show at your feet.
Building Community. . . One Circus at a Time
Attracting over 15,000 people every year, from the far south side to the north, the circus has raised over $1 million dollars for Chicago parks. "From day one the idea was to bring families and communities together for a world-class circus experience right in their local park and raise money to rebuild the playground," Jeff explains.
Not only are they raising funds, they truly are building communities and creating positive memories for kids who would not otherwise have access to this type of entertainment. Kids from neighborhoods that lack the amenities some of us take for granted: bowling alleys, movie theaters, playspaces, or even safe places for kids to just be kids. Click here to watch a video on Englewood's collective excitement and gratitude when Midnight Circus appeared in their park.
As parents, artists, community activists and life-long Chicagoans, the Jenkins duo believes that access to great public parks and public schools are the foundation upon which a great city is built. That, in short, is why they do what they do.
Run Away with the Midnight Circus
For its 2021 run, Midnight Circus will perform 45-minute shows in 5 Chicago parks from Sep. 11-Oct. 9. Tickets are available at midnightcircus.net and admission is free.
2021 Schedule
September 11: Foster Park
September 18: McKinley Park
September 25: Lake Shore Park
September 28 & 29: Ridge Park
October 2 & 3: Humboldt Park
October 9: Welles Park
Beyond the Circus Tent
It's not just about the circus life for Jeff, who also spends a lot of time in the south and west sides of Chicago engaged in civic work. He, along with his rescued pit bulls, June Bug and Rosie Rae, in collaboration with the Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago visit Chicago Park District camps all summer long in an effort to educate and entertain. Click here to watch an inspiring video highlighting Jeff's work to end the cycle of dogfighting in the most vulnerable neighborhoods.
Jeff wholeheartedly believes the intrigues of the circus and people's natural inclination to be drawn to dogs are both great conduits to reach young people. And the work he does with both fulfills his goal of reaching people in communities that are often overlooked.
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.
When it comes to little girls and easy hairstyles, more often than not, the responsibilities are relegated to moms. But there’s no reason why dads can’t be in charge of whipping up a spectacular ‘do, too. Whether you’re a first-time hairstylist or a seasoned hairbrush pro, there are plenty of inspirational and instructional hair tutorials online that can teach virtually any dad how to become a hairstyling pro. Read on to view some of our favorite dad/daughter videos below.
8 Easy Styles Any Dad Can Do
This video includes eight different styles, including braided ponytails, buns with braids and more. Be sure to order ponytail holders before you get started!
Low Pigtail Braids
Perfect for a bike ride, or a day at school, Daddy Daughter Hair Factory can show you how to perfect the low pigtail braid hairstyle. Don't forget the wet brush for tangles!
Easy Styles That Take Little Time
"Maddy and Daddy" bring you some easy hairstyles like a ponytail, twist bun and pigtails that you can totally pull off.
Braided Buns, Top knots, and Princess Ringlets
With more than 1 million followers on Instagram, Mike Worthington and his daughter Asia have become such a viral sensation with their fun online hair and fashion tutorials that they've taken their show on the road with a Daddy Does Hair roadshow!
The Daddy Sock Bun
Featured on DadsDoHair.com, a Facebook community that features real dads giving instructional videos on quick and advanced hairstyles for other dads (and moms) looking to learn to do with their daughter's hair, this video shows an ingenious use of an old sock to create a beautiful hair bun.
Simple Fishtail Braid
Bryan Leffew is a stay-at-home dad who has been doing his daughter Selena's hair since she was a baby. In this video, Bryan practices a simple braid for one of Selena's upcoming performances at school
Spinning Hair Bun
War veteran and police officer Manny Colon offers up a novel approach to creating the perfect hair bun for his daughter Lily. Hint: it doesn't involve a vacuum cleaner, but it doesn't require some fancy footwork from Lily.
Slicked-Back High Ponytail
This father has a rather interesting way to create the perfect high ponytail on his daughter. Ta-da!
Flip-Through Ponytail
Entrepreneur Mark Peters offers some helpful, pain-free hints on how to transform a low ponytail into a flip-through pony.
Dad does his baby girl's hair, with guidance from mom.
Dutch Braid
As a single dad, Philippe Morgese taught himself how to do his daughter Emma's hair. What began as father-daughter bonding turned into Daddy Daughter Hair Factory, a popular Facebook community and live workshops that teach other dads how to do their daughters' hair.
Three Easy Hairstyles
Filmmaker Steven Miranda shows three easy hairstyles that any dad can do.
Dealing With Thick Hair
Dad Olu offers up easy tips for kids with thick hair, just like his adorable daughter Kemi. Find out more about this adorable duo by clicking here.
Summertime is all about fun in the sun and time outdoors, but we can’t spend every day at the pool or the park. Whether you’re looking to escape the heat, the rain or the scorching sun, we have five fun-filled ways to spend a summer day indoors!
This article is presented by Google Kids Space, a new kids mode on select Android tablets that features apps, books and videos for your kids to explore, learn and have fun*. Learn more about Google Kids Space here!
Build an Obstacle Course
An at-home obstacle course is a DIY fort mixed with adrenaline! Rearrange the furniture and make your own obstacles out of household items: painter's tape is an easy way to create stepping stones and balance beams, a large cardboard box can easily be turned into a tunnel and a laundry basket and dryer balls work great for a mini game of hoops. See more obstacle course inspiration here.
Explore Their Interests with Google Kids Space
Your kids want screen time and you want to make sure it's quality screen time, with easily accessible content that’s age-appropriate, engaging and inspiring. Enter Google Kids Space, a new kids mode on select Android tablets that gives your little one a custom experience based on their age and interests and provides apps, books, and videos to spark their curiosity and discover off-screen activities*. There's even a section called Make that focuses on hands-on offline entertainment for kids, like learning to draw their favorite characters or silly science experiments they can do at home. Whether your kid is interested in dinosaurs or drawing, they’ll be able to find loads of entertaining and educational content—it's all included within Google Kids Space's library of content! Learn more about Google Kids Space here.
Get Crafty with Paper
You don’t need a ton of craft supplies to get creative! Whether you have construction paper, computer paper or yesterday’s newspaper, you have everything you need for a fun hands-on project. Try out origami, see if you can make a paper airplane or make cute matching bracelets. Get instructions for 34 easy paper crafts here.
Make Your Own Band
Sure, guitar is cool, but have you played a DIY pan flute? Get crafty by making your own instruments out of common household items like cardboard boxes, rubber bands and empty toilet paper rolls. Once you have a little practice, your kids can team up to make their own band and play some of their favorite tunes! Get instructions for 26 DIY musical instruments here.
Try an At-Home Science Experiment
DIY science experiments are the perfect combo of entertainment and education. When your kid is making their own slime or invisible ink, they’ll also be learning about polymers and oxidation! Things may get a little messy, which is why we’ve ranked our at-home science experiments on a scale of one to five sponges so you can be prepared. See 59 at-home science experiments here.
*Google Kids Space requires a Google Account for your child. Parental controls require the Family Link app on a supported Android, Chromebook, or iOS device. Books and video content not available in all regions. Video content subject to availability of YouTube Kids app. Books content requires the Google Play Books app. Availability of apps, books, and video content may change without notice. Google Assistant not available in Google Kids Space.
Whether you’re #TeamTablet or all about limiting screen time, the use of technology in little hands can be a life-saving boredom buster, enriching and fun—if you’re not having to manage your little one’s every move. EnterGoogle Kids Space: a new kids mode with content to help kids discover, create, and grow—on tablets at an unarguably incredible price point. Read on to learn more aboutGoogle Kids Space and how our editor’s kids used this new tablet experience!
If you do a Google search for tablets, you'll find a lot of options. What’s hard to find: Tablets designed specifically for kids, with expertly curated content and a straightforward design that kids as young as three can understand. That's whereGoogle Kids Space comes in! To create a one-of-a-kindtablet experience that encourages kids' curiosity, Google teamed up with children’s education and media specialists, teachers and other experts to handpick games and books. The kids mode also recommends videos that spark creativity and play. Paired with the easy-to-use parental controls fromGoogle Family Link, it's a win-win for families.
Curated Content
S. Massey
When setting upGoogle Kids Space on your child's tablet profile, your child has the opportunity to select areas of interest, such as sports, cooking, animals, science and more. On their home screen, they'll find content suggestions based on their selected interests. They can easily navigate among the homepage (with new recommendations every day), "Play" (teacher-approved apps and games that are age-appropriate), "Read" (handpicked books), "Watch" (videos from YouTube Kids), and "Make" (videos that encourage offline play). Parental controls that you've set up for your child's Google account managed with Family Link are applied to the curated content that your child might select. Bonus: If your kids are sharing a tablet, each child can have their own profile so they'll be able to customize their own interests! Google Kids Space is best suited for kids aged 3 to 8.
Smart & Easy Parental Controls
iStock
More independence for them with less worry for you:Google Family Linkhelps parents manage their child’s device. Parents can download the free Family Link app on compatible Android, iOS, and Chrome OS devices.Family Link helps parents do things like allowing or blocking apps on a child's device or setting time limits—all from their own phone. The best news: Since you control the settings through your child's Google account on this tablet, you'll be setting the guardrails for any time your child logs into his or her Google account.
Bottom line: Google Kids Space and Family Link transform tablets into multi-functional, super practical and easy-to-use devices.
Our Experience
S. Massey
In a household with four children ranging in age from 3 to 12, Google Kids Space was a hit with everyone. Since we could easily set up a custom profile for each kid, everyone got to enjoy the tablet and was able to find fun content that fit their age and interests. Once we had her profile set up—which only takes a few minutes—our littlest one was able to navigate between Sesame Street and Peppa Pig videos with only a minimal amount of frustration! When the tablet is open to her account, the home screen has suggestions picked for her, which means she spent more time actually using apps instead of asking us to help her pick a game (and another game after she changes her mind and another after that).
Even though our three year old and 7 year old were using the tablet, which would usually get some resistance about it being a toy for little kids, we got zero complaints about having the same device! When our son was in his profile, he was able to set his interests for vehicles and animals instead of princesses—giving him a very different experience than his sister—and the apps like Code Karts and home screen features like interesting animal facts let him feel like the tablet is for big kids. We had two tablets, but, with different profiles, we could easily take just one with us for traveling!
* Google Kids Space requires a Google Account for your child. Parental controls require the Family Link app on a supported Android, Chromebook, or iOS device. Books and video content not available in all regions. Video content subject to availability of YouTube Kids app. Books content requires the Play Books app. Availability of apps, books, and video content may change without notice. Google Assistant not available in Google Kids Space.
When you’re craving a family movie night or just need some downtime from mom duty, nothing could be simpler than turning on Netflix. The streaming service is perfect for quality time on the couch, but you can make the experience even better with a few secret tricks. We’ve rounded up some of the best Netflix hacks and codes to make streaming simpler.
1. Manage your profiles. Although each paid Netflix account allows subscribers to create up to five distinct profiles, many families will create profiles based on individuals. Unless you and your spouse watch radically different programs on Netflix or your kids have completely divergent tastes, a better approach to profile management would be to create profiles based on groups or interests. For example, “Grown Ups,” “Tweens,” and “Young Kids” or “Kids Movie Night,” “Documentaries,” and “TV Favorites.” Since Netflix’s personalization algorithm is based on what people actually watch (or like and rate), clustering profiles by groups or interests will yield better personalization and more specific recommendations in the long run.
2. Know your subscription plan. Netflix caused a stir when it announced pricing increases earlier this year. Knowing your subscription plan makes you aware of how many devices can use Netflix at the same time with a shared account. Netflix’s basic plan allows for just a single stream per subscription at $8.99/monthly. The middle (and most popular) plan offers two HD streams for $13.99/monthly and the premium plan allows four simultaneous 4K streams for $17.99/monthly.
3. Tune in during off-peak hours for better video quality. Studies have shown that streaming video quality diminishes during peak hours, so to get the most out of your Netflix viewing, try tuning in during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or late at night. With less internet traffic, your video stream will be stronger and suffer from less buffering and interruptions.
4. Dump the freeloaders. If you’ve ever shared your Netflix login credentials with friends or you’ve logged onto Netflix on a non-personal device, there’s a good chance there are unauthorized users messing up your recommendations—or worse. In addition to changing your password, you can eliminate unwanted logins and start with a clean slate by going to My Account > Sign out of all devices.
5. Clean up your viewing history. Do your kids have a show they absolutely love that you can’t stand? Every time you fire up Netflix it will remind your pint-sized viewers to keep watching that same series, that is unless you happen to “accidentally” clear the “Continue Watching” queue. Simply go to your Account menu and select the profile you’d like to adjust. Select “Viewing Activity” and you’ll be given a list of all the recently watched shows (this is also a handy way to check in on what your kids are actually watching). To remove a show from the list, click the small circle on the right-hand side.
6. Download programs for offline viewing. When Netflix offered subscribers the ability to download select movies and TV shows on their mobile devices a few years ago, it was a game changer for the streaming service. Without needing to worry about a strong and stable wifi signal (for example, on a long flight with kids), downloaded programs make watching Netflix on the go a dream. All you need is the Netflix mobile app, and make sure your device has enough storage space for large media files.
7. Find better ways to search. Once you’ve binged through your favorites, Netflix can seem like a vast wasteland of scrolling through programs and content that you don’t care about. One Reddit user was so tired of Netflix’s seemingly endless scroll that he created a search engine called Flixable that’s entirely devoted to making it easier to browse what’s available on Netflix and to see what’s new and what's leaving. There’s also a Canadian version.
9. Play Netflix Roulette. Are you feeling lucky? Instead of endless scrolling to find the perfect movie or TV show to watch on Netflix, streaming service directory ReelGood offers Netflix Roulette. Simply select a genre (or keep it open), then take a spin. The randomizer will make a recommendation for your next Netflix and chill.
10. Discover what’s coming up. While it’s not officially sanctioned by Netflix, What’s Next on Netflix is a super-handy program guide that showcases the latest and greatest streaming on Netflix. An overview snapshot shows the number of new releases and total number of currently available titles. There are links to directories for guides in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
11. Remember a few computer shortcuts. For viewers who use Netflix on their laptops, there are a few keyboard shortcuts that’ll make laptop-viewing easier:
Press F for full screen; ESC to get out of full screen
Page Down pauses and Page Up plays
Space bar pauses and plays
Shift + Right Arrow to fast forward; shift + left arrow to rewind
12. Just ask Netflix. If all else fails, Netflix’s own websiteprovides plenty of up-to-date information about all of the new and upcoming programming on the service.
13. Be the first to know. One of the easiest ways to get a jump on the latest Netflix features is by signing up to become a tester. In your Netflix account menu you’ll see a link for Test Participation, click the link and you’ll arrive at a page asking if you’d like to participate in the testing of new Netflix features. Set the toggle switch to “On” and you’ll get access to features not yet available to all users.
Once upon a time, kiddos practiced tying their shoes well before starting kindergarten. But then came Velcro. And kids swapped tying their shoes for pulling their Velcro straps. Easy. Right? Well, at some point kids need to tie their shoes. That is, unless your little one wants to head off to college in Velcro sneakers (hint: they don’t).
One five-year-old boy gained internet fame with his super-simple shoe-tying trick. If your child isn’t taking to tying like a pro, you need to check this out.
To start with, shoe-tying isn’t easy. It may seem like second nature to you. But to your child, it’s a totally foreign idea. Add in still-immature fine motor skills, and you can see how this seemingly simple activity can feel like an Olympic-level challenge to a young child.
When Ashley Lillard posted a video on Facebook of her son Colton tying his shoes, it quickly went viral. Even though there are plenty of people praising the easy-to-follow tutorial, Colton admits that it wasn’t exactly his idea. The little boy credits his friend River for coming up with the shoe-tying trick!
TikTok has announced new changes to its platform that will help keep teens safe while still being able to create fun and engaging content. The video app’s recent update is specifically geared towards 13-17 year olds and builds on existing protective features.
Over the next few months, the changes will begin rolling out and include changes to Direct Messaging privacy settings, viewing and downloading options and push notifications. Keep reading to see all the specifics.
When a 16 or 17-year-old joins TikTok, Direct Messaging defaults will be set so that ‘No One’ is automatic. Users will need to actively switch to a different sharing option in order to be able to use the feature. All existing teens in this age group will receive a prompt to review their settings.
When it comes to sharing videos, users under 16 making their first video will now see a pop-up which tells them to choose who can watch the video. On each subsquent video, they can continue to decide who is able to watch before posting.
TikTok is also adding options for who can download your teen’s videos via pop-up question. Sixteen to 17-year-olds will have the option to turn the feature on or off, while anyone under the age of 16 will continue to have downloads disabled.
Push notifications will be disabled for 13 to 15-year-olds starting at 9 p.m., and 16-17 will have push notifications starting at 10 p.m. These changes are in line with TikTok’s goal of fostering healthy digital habits from a young age. You can see even more about these new changes over on TikTok.
––Karly Wood
Photos: Courtesy of TikTok/Feature photo: Franck via Unsplash
