The other night was “wine night” for a few moms in my neighborhood. We do this every couple of months when we get together for our “PTO meeting” where we stay out too late, pour one too many, and hit the alarm clock more than we should the next morning. The most recent one was last week. I desperately needed a glass of wine and some girl talk, but having a five-week old baby meant that I also desperately need sleep.

Wine or sleep? Wine or sleep? (The struggle is real!)

Then the voice of a good friend came through with some words of wisdom, a piece of mom advice that I always refer back to when I’m stuck in a situation where I really want to do something, but question whether I can fit it all in.

Let me tell you this is one of the best pieces of parenting advice that I ever received. It’s simple. It’s easy. It’s a no-brainer. But for some reason, it’s something that I always had a hard time implementing until recently. Ready for it?!

Say no to things that you may really want to do if it will make your life easier.

Sounds easy, right? Who doesn’t want to make their life easier? I mean we’re told in the workforce to say no all the time. It’ll help advance your career path. It’ll lighten your load. Heck, we say no to our kids all the time! Recently I have even seen books on why it is healthy to say no. But for my type A personality I always feel like I can figure out a way to make it all happen all the while stressing myself in the process—its just my personality. For better or worse I am a people pleaser which makes exercising this “rule” pretty hard at times. It’s hard to turn down things that you or someone in your family really want to do (like go drink some wine down the street).

Truth be told, putting it into action has literally saved me time and sanity. Let me give you some examples…

That birthday party for your kid’s classmate that starts at 7:30 pm when your kid goes to bed at 8 pm. Say no. When you’re invited to somebody’s house for a weekend get-together and you already have two other things to do right before then, say no. When school asks for you to help with volunteering for the next event but you’re not sure you can pick up your other kids and make it there in time, say no. When you get invited to Adele’s concert but you’re not feeling well and coming off a work trip, say no. When you want to catch some zzz’s even though you want some gal time, go for the sleep!

I found that there is always another time for these events, invitations, volunteering, etc. There will always be more birthday parties, get togethers, school fundraisers, and even concerts to attend. Your sanity, health, and time are more important! So do as we teach our kids when it comes to drugs—JUST SAY NO! You’ll thank me for it.

Erin is a working mom of two exploring ways to embrace change and find new hobbies in her search for life outside of Corporate America. She lives in Bucks County Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids, and Boston Terrier. She also loves ice cream and chocolate. A lot.

Are you feeling like the days are dragging and you can barely get through the morning rush without multiple cups of coffee? We get it. Luckily, there are tons of additional ways to stay awake, from simple mindfulness techniques to foods that will get you ready for the day ahead. Scroll through and get that energy up!

1. Head Outside

If the sun is shining in your neck of the woods, Vitamin D is a natural energy boost. All you have to do is play with the kids outside, walk the dog, or roll back the sunroof. As always, if you plan on being outside for an extended period, be sure to put on a fresh coat of SPF. Foods like fish, egg yolks, fortified milk, and cereals are also delicious D sources.

2. Drink (Lots of) Water

Water helps make the world—and our bodies—go round. And fatigue is a sure sign that we aren’t getting enough of it. Keep reusable bottles in your bag, at your desk, and in the car. You’ll get in the habit of hydrating throughout the day for sustained energy levels and all sorts of other body benefits (radiant skin sound good to anyone?).

3. Meditate for a Pick-Me-Up

Parenthood can feel like an endless circuit of activities, homework, appointments, and the daily surprises that keep us on our toes. Sometimes all the caffeine we drink to keep up backfires, leaving us wired and unable to focus. Step off the hamster wheel and cue up a mom-friendly meditation app rather than another cup of joe. Just 5-, 10-, or 15-minute increments of measured breathing and meditation will leave you relaxed and refreshed.

4. Diffuse Essential Oils

Essential oils have taken the wellness world by storm—and with good reason. Naturally free of chemicals, they can help with stress, mood, and yes, energy. Oil aficionados recommend peppermint and grapefruit to boost energy and nutmeg for focus.

5. Reduce Sugar

High-sugar food can cause your blood sugar to spike, which can feel good for a short time. But it’s the after-effects that leave you in a slump. Instead of heading for that piece of chocolate, try one of these low-sugar snacks to keep a more even blood sugar level throughout the day.

6. Play That Funky Music

Think of your favorite song. If it’s got a beat, you may already be tapping your foot. Music is a mood elevator, so put on tunes while you cook dinner, pause the podcasts and pump up the jams in the car for the commute, or take a spin around the living room with the kids.

7. Step Away From Screens

Be it our phones, tablets, or work computers, turning on those blue lights at night can keep us up past our bedtimes, leading to even more sleep deprivation. Ana Homayoun, author of Social Media Wellness: Helping Tweens and Teens Thrive in an Unbalanced Digital World, offers great advice specifically for moms: “Be intentional about screen use. Many times we use our smartphones and screens from morning to night (and late into the night, especially for new moms on a feeding schedule). The incremental creep of usage can actually leave us far more exhausted than we realize. Shutting down social media access and phone access for certain hours in the day can create time and space for re-energizing.”

8. Fuel Up to Fight Fatigue

When you reach for that next cup of green tea, did you know a bowl of protein-rich edamame can also pack a pick-me-up punch? Nutrition expert Joy Bauer, the author of From Junk Food To Joy Food, includes it in her list of energy-boosting foods. So sprinkle them on a lunch salad, add them to one of your favorite (and easy) pasta recipes, or save them for an afternoon energy snack. For something sweet, watermelon is in season from May to September and is a great source of B6 and citrulline, an amino acid that aids in cell division and benefits heart and immune system function.

9. Exercise

Okay, you knew this was coming. As hard as it can be to muster up the will to work out, the endorphin boost from exercising makes the muster well worth it. If you need an inspiring reset, try something new like a Hip Hop dance class. There are loads of indoor exercise programs you can do with little to no equipment.

10. Delegate a To-Do or Two

We run ourselves ragged doing it all—parenting, working, shuttling, and keeping the meals coming. While we can’t outsource the big or fulfilling responsibilities, how about daring to say “no” to the over-the-top birthday party next time around? Give yourself permission to pass on that extra something that’s overwhelming the week. Better yet, farm out your chores to your family and teach the kids some life skills!

11. Be Social

Isolation can lead to fatigue and depression, so it’s important to engage with friends and family when your busy schedule allows. Plan a mom’s night out, have another couple over for a takeout dinner, or plan a park date with another family. You’ll be laughing in no time!

12. Turn in Early

We all love the idea of crawling into bed “early,” but who else ends up binge-watching one or two hours of the show that’s been stockpiling because the kids are finally asleep? We may want to take a tip from the kids instead. While 7 p.m. zzz’s aren’t realistic—parents need some evening solitude to decompress or finally get things done uninterrupted—try really turning in an hour (or two) early one night a week. Before bed, reach for a book instead and notice how many pages you get through before those eyelids get heavy. For a tired mom, we’ll put money on about … five!

13. Sneak a Snack

Whip up a tasty snack that packs a punch of energy in every bite.

14. Self-Care is for Everyone

Make standing appointments for your manicures and get those haircuts in the calendar! You deserve a little self-care, something that probably tends to fall to the bottom of your priority list. There are lots of ways to give yourself some much-needed self-care without even leaving the house. Try out one of these beauty hacks on your next night off the clock.

15. Don’t Skip Breakfast

Yes, we’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But how many of us skip it on those busy mornings? Try out one of these make-ahead breakfasts to get you going for the day with a healthy start.

16. Just Keep Truckin’

We know how awesome you are—and that no matter how sluggish you may feel, you’re doing your best to show up and be great for your kids, your job, and your partner. You’ll catch a break soon, even if it’s just to read that book you’ve had on your nightstand for ages. Before too long the kids will be grown and you’ll have all the time to sleep in on a weekend again. And you may just find yourself missing these hectic, joyful days when you’re sleep-deprived and the kids are still young.

What’s the cleanest type of birthday party joke? One that’s a soap-prise

It’s your kiddo’s special day so once you’ve figured out the birthday party theme and the birthday gift, you’re ready for a cuddle and a laugh. Our kid-friendly and kid-approved birthday jokes are perfect for their special day. Get ready for sweet laughs, and be sure to drop one in their lunchbox for some LOL fun!

If you need more birthday party fun, check out our favorite birthday desserts that aren’t cake, party favors kids will actually use, outdoor birthday party ideas, and the best indoor birthday party ideas around!

birthday jokes are fun at a party
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1. What do you say to a rabbit on its birthday? 

Hoppy Birthday! 

2. Why do candles always go on the top of cakes?

Because it's hard to light them from the bottom. 

3. What do cakes and baseball teams have in common?

They both need a good batter. 

4. What goes up but never comes down?

Your age. 

5. What does every birthday end with?

The letter Y.

6. What did the pirate say on his 80th birthday?

Aye matey. 

7. What did the tiger say to her cub on his birthday?

It's roar birthday! 

8. Why did the girl put her cake in the freezer?

She wanted to ice it. 

9. Why did the cupcake go to the doctor's office?

It was feeling crumby. 

10. What one thing will you get every year on your birthday, guaranteed?

A year older. 

kids holding balloons and telling birthday jokes
iStock

11. What do you give a 3100 lb. rhino for his birthday?

I don't know, but you better hope he likes it. 

12. Why did the baker laugh in the bakery?

Because the eggs kept cracking jokes. 

13. Why did the little girl hit her birthday cake with a hammer?

It was a pound cake.

14. Did the teddy bear want cake on his birthday?

No, he was stuffed. 

15. Why did we have to send the cake to the doctor?

It was feeling crumby.

16. Why did the student eat their homework?

Because the teacher said it was a piece of cake!

17. Why did the robber break into the bakery?

She heard the cakes were rich.

18. What kind of music is bad for balloons?

Pop. 

19. What do clams like to do on their birthdays?

Shell-ebrate.

20. What song do you sing a Snowman on his birthday?

"Freeze a jolly good fellow..."

birthday jokes are fun for toddlers
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21. Did you hear about the tree's birthday celebration?

It was really sappy. 

22. What did the cake say to the ice cream?

You're cool. 

23. What kind of cake do ghosts like?

I Scream Cake.

24. How do pickles celebrate their birthday?

They relish it. 

25. What kind of candle burns longer than the others? 

None, silly—they all burn shorter. 

26. What's the cleanest type of birthday party joke?

One that's a soap-prise. 

27. What happens when you invite a thief to your birthday party?

They take the cake! 

28. What kind of cake do you eat if you are sick on your birthday?

Coffee cake. 

29. Why can't kids remember past birthdays?

Because they are too focused on the present. 

30. What did one candle say to the other?

Don't birthdays just burn you out?

31. Why was the birthday cake so hard?

It was a marble cake! 

32. Knock knock! 

Who's there?

Wanda.

Wanda who?

Wanda wish you a happy birthday! 

33. What do you say to a kangaroo on their birthday?

Hoppy Birthday! 

34. What's hairy and covered in fondant? 

A coconut cake. 

35. What did the cake say to the donut?

You're looking glazed over. 

little boy smiling at a birthday joke
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36. What happens when your dad chugs 8 sodas at your birthday party?

He burps 7-Up. 

37. What do you call a bunch of balloons in the bathroom?

A birthday potty. 

38. What do frogs drink at their birthday parties?

Diet croak. 

39. If you have a dozen eggs in one hand and 10 cupcakes in the other, what do you have?

Crazy-big hands. 

40. How do cats bake cake?

From scratch! 

—young reader Jacey

41. What did the cake say to the fork?

You wanna' piece of me?? 

42. How did Darth Vader know what Luke Skywalker was getting for his birthday?

He felt his presents. 

43. What happens if no one comes to your birthday party?

You can have your cake and eat it, too. 

44. What kind of music do balloons hate?

Pop music. 

45. What do you call a spaghetti noodle pretending it's his birthday?

An impasta

46. What did the birthday card say to the stamp?

Stick with me, we're going places! 

47. What is a tornado's favorite party game?

Twister! 

48. Why did the cupcake cross the road?

It had muffin else to do! 

49. Why don't owls give each other presents on their birthdays?

Because they don't give a hoot! 

50. What did the King of the Underworld say when Zeus gave him boring socks for his birthday?

I Hades! 

51. What did the mama say to her baby on his birthday?

Nappy Birthday! 

52. What did the ocean say on its birthday? 

Nothing, it just waved. 

53. Why isn't Elsa allowed to have a birthday balloon? 

Because she'll just "let it go." 

54. How do you make sure a birthday party in outer space is super fun?

You planet. 

55. Knock Knock

Who's there?

Bacon

Bacon who?

Bacon a cake for your birthday! 

 

 

The birthday invite didn’t come. They didn’t get the part in the school play. Their best friend moved away. Sound familiar? As parents, we have the (unpleasant) task of watching our kids learn the same life lessons we did in our childhoods. It can be hard to resist the urge to make sure they never have to experience the frustration or sadness that comes with not getting what they want, but disappointment is a healthy emotion for kids and can contribute to their social and intellectual development, as noted in Psychology Today. The caveat? It only works if kids understand that being disappointed at times will help them achieve their goals in life. And that’s where we come in.

Even if they do understand (or at least try to), that doesn’t mean it feels good or comes easy. That’s why we’ve enlisted a few experts to offer tips for parents when it comes to helping kids learn how to deal with disappointment. 

1. Empathize with Their Feelings

Licensed professional clinical counselor Melissa Marote says that, first and foremost, it’s essential to validate your kids’ feelings; really empathize with what they’re going through. Listen to their feelings and respond with things like, “This must be frustrating.” You should avoid compounding the negativity, however. As you discuss the things your kids are missing out on, Marote explains, try to put a positive spin on it. For example, encourage your kids to save up their excitement for all the things they will eventually get to do in the future.

2. Give Them Reassurance

Child development expert and creator of The Moodsters Denise Daniels, RN, MS, tells us that it’s important to remind kids that this is only temporary—the playdate will happen when it isn’t raining, and they’ll have the opportunity to try out for the team next season. It might be hard for young kids to picture life beyond the current day or week, but still, Daniels suggests having kids make a list of things they want to do in the future because there will always be another opportunity to try. 

3. Teach Self-Calming Skills

a sad little boy learning how to deal with disappointment
iStock

 

Emotions can run high when kids are anxious and sad. Teaching kids how to calm down and manage their feelings is an essential tool for how to deal with anxiety. Marote suggests giving kids a breathing technique to oxygenate the brain and help kids think more clearly. Show your kids how to take a deep breath in and then blow out, like they’re blowing out birthday candles or making bubbles. For younger kids, blowing real bubbles is another excellent method, Marote says.

One more tip for the little kids: talking to a stuffed animal. Kids are so close and connected to their stuffed animals, which makes them a great comfort for kids who are dealing with hard feelings. Tell your kids, “Talk to your teddy bear about how sad you are,” Marote says.

4. Give Them a Choice

So, a trip to the indoor playground or a group trip with friends to a nearby amusement park is out. Naturally, your kids will be disappointed, but you can give them some power (especially when they’re smaller and they feel like they have none) by offering them a choice. “Our plans have changed, and your outing with friends has to be postponed. What if you pick the movie for family movie night and we’ll look for another day that works for the group?”

5. Redirect Focus

For kids that become very hyper-focused on negative feelings, it can be helpful to use distraction techniques when learning how to deal with disappointment, Marote says. Suggest an impromptu game of “I, Spy” or get creative by asking kids to draw a picture about how they’re feeling. Other ideas include reading a funny book or watching a silly video, asking them trivia questions, and telling them jokes. This is especially important when it’s close to bedtime and you’re trying to keep things positive before sleep.

6. Don’t Fix It

a mom helping her son learn how to deal with disappointment
iStock

 

This is a hard one. Whether you want to make your kids feel better or you figure you can just take care of it (fix the toy, help find the sock, bring the forgotten homework to school), it’s more effective to act as a guide when kids are learning how to deal with disappointment, according to PBS. Ask questions that will help them troubleshoot what happened and how they feel about the problem. “How did you feel when that happened? What do you wish had happened instead? How can we turn this into something good?

7. Stick with Your Normal Routine

In times of stress, encourage kids to keep regular times of going to bed, eating meals, and doing homework, Daniels says. Having a basic plan for the day is essential because kids thrive on predictability. When something doesn’t work out, at least they’ll know what should happen down the line. 

8. Find Time to Have Special Moments

If your kids are bummed because they can’t attend their friend’s birthday or their favorite ice cream flavor isn’t available or they missed the final shot on goal, take the opportunity to plan something else fun. This doesn’t mean you have to take them to the amusement park or invest tons of money; just spend quality time together and you’ll see their moods lift.  

9. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Hugs

Close contact, like hugs, can go a long way to providing kids with comfort when they’re learning how to deal with disappointment. That way, they’ll know you might not fix the problem, but you’ll always be there to offer comfort. Marote also suggests encouraging younger kids to hug their stuffies when they’re feeling sad or anxious. If you’re dealing with disappointed tweens or teens, look for signs that they’re ready for a hug or having you in their personal space. If it doesn’t happen, remember that being nearby and ready to listen is just as important. 

Related: 9 ‘Harmless’ Phrases That Hurt Kids More Than You Think

—with additional reporting by Gabby Cullen

Minute to win it games for kids make for instant fun

If you’re looking for a great way to spend the evening at home with the family or you’ve got a big party to plan, there’s a good chance you’re searching for fun games for kids. That’s where minute to win it games come in. (You can also try out some of the best jokes for kids, DIY magic potions, ultimate trivia questions, and amazing movie night ideas.) These completely creative games will make all the difference during your next rainy weekend afternoon, family game night, or birthday party.

What’s a minute to win it game?

Simply put, it’s a 60-second game using items typically found around the house. Participants attempt to see who can finish a challenge first or who can complete a task the most times in under a minute. You can even add a theme, like Halloween minute to win it games or holiday minute to win it games!

How to play minute to win it games

These quick, exciting games are good for parties, of course, but you can also do them with just one or two players! There are three basic ways you can play Minute to Win It Games.

  • Player vs. timer: In this style, a player races against the clock. They still have just one minute to complete the game and if they do win, you can move on to another game. If they don’t, you can choose to let them try until they do beat the clock or move on to another player.
  • Player vs. Player: In this version, which works great for small groups, have two people compete against each other (for a minute), and whoever completes the challenge first, wins! This way, you can rotate through your crew at a reasonable pace.
  • Group Minute to Win It Play: Here’s where you’ll split your group into two teams. Each team decides who goes first, and then those players compete against each other to win! This is fun for teammates too because they’ll be cheering on competitors in each round.
minute to win it dice game
Paging Fun Mums

1. Dice Balance
The kids over at Paging Fun Mums try to see how many dice they can get on the stick in one minute (the most dice win!). It's a little tricky and super fun to watch!

2. Sticky Situation
This popular game requires players to bounce a ping pong ball just right, to land it on a piece of bread slathered in peanut butter. See the full instructions here.

3. Cup to Cup
Have your players sit outside in a single file line (have the last player sit back to back with the second to last player). Put one bucket at the front of the line and one bucket at the end of the line. From there, players must fill a small plastic cup from the first bucket and pass it over their heads to the last bucket. The first team to reach the designated mark on the bucket wins!

4. Sock the Block
Build several LEGO block towers and place them around the room. Players must use balled-up socks to knock over all five towers.

5. Nose Dive
The secret weapon in this game? Petroleum jelly dabbed on the nose. Using their noses (no hands allowed), players must move five cotton balls from one bowl to another, before the minute is up.

minute to win it games are fun activities for kids
iStock

6. Defying Gravity
Up and away! Using one hand, kids keep their balloons in the air for one minute. If this is too easy, for the half-pints you can add two balloons (or more!). Remember, no resting a balloon on a body part.

7. Wrap It Up
A two-player game that involves wrapping one player up with streamers, ribbon, or toilet paper.

8. Ball Drop
Have your player stand on a chair. Set a plastic cup on the ground in front of them and give them three ping pong balls. The object is to get all three balls in the cup without missing or having any bounce out.

9. Cereal Scramble
Cut the front of a cereal box into equal pieces. Stack the pieces into a flat tower and set a timer for one minute. Each child has a minute to piece the cereal box together.

10. Movin' On Up
Stack up 25 plastic cups of one color and add one cup of a different color at the bottom. Half-pints move the top cup to the bottom and see how far they can move the single-colored cup to the top in one minute.

girl playing the stacking cup minute to win it game
iStock

11. Stack Attack
This one might not be as tasty as cookie face, but it's still pretty popular. Give the kids one single stack of 36 plastic cups. Each child gets one minute to stack all of the cups into a pyramid and then unstack them, making a single column again.

12. Johnny Applestack
How about them apples? Another fun stacking game for kids using fruit from the kitchen—apples. Little ones have one minute to stack five apples (or three for younger kids) on top of each other and stay for three seconds.

13. Rubber Band Shooting Gallery
Get some rubber bands and aluminum cans and have players stand 10 feet away. Start the clock and see how many they can knock over in a minute!

14. Junk in the Trunk
Each player will need a tissue box, pantyhose and ten ping pong balls. Put the ping pong balls in each tissue box. Then, tie the boxes around each player. Kids have one minute to shake out (no hands) as many balls as they can.

15. Doughnut Chew
A piece of cake! Of all the minute to win it games, kids will eat this one up. First, tie a string around a doughnut, then hang it between two chairs. Littles need to eat the doughnut within a minute without it falling to the floor.

 

girl with balloon
iStock

16. This Blows
If you’re looking for a minute to win it game that your tween or teen will still get a kick out of, this is it. Each player has one minute to blow up a balloon and then use the air that’s inside of it to knock over as many plastic cups as they can. If they still have time on the clock, they can repeat the steps to blow down any leftover cups.

17. Chandelier
Light up the fun! You'll need 15 empty soda cans and four paper plates. Kids have one minute to stack cans with paper plates in between to see how high they can go.

18. Sponge Run
Place a kiddie pool or a bucket full of water on one side of the yard, and place an empty bucket on the other side. Players must soak up as much water in their sponge as possible and carry the sponge on top of their heads to the empty bucket. Once they arrive, players must squeeze as much water as possible into the empty bucket and head back to their teammates. The first team to fill their bucket to the line wins.

19. Noodling Around
Start this minute to win it game with one strand of uncooked spaghetti. The player puts the end of the dry noodle in their mouth; they have 60 seconds to pick up six uncooked pieces of penne pasta—with the spaghetti. Oh, and without using their hands!

20. Scoop It Up
Move six ping pong balls from one bowl to another, using only a spoon. Again, like some of the other minute to win it games, the kids can’t use their hands. Instead, each child will use a spoon—in their mouth.

Chica Circle

21. Card Ninja
Tweens and teens will get a giggle out of this minute to win it game. Slice a watermelon in half, securing it on a table or other flat surface. Give the kids cards to throw (kind of like throwing stars). Whoever gets the most cards into the melon in one-minute wins. Chica Circle has more details

22. Puddle Jumper
Set up a series of plastic cups. Fill them to the top with water and set a ping pong ball on the first in the row. The kids need to blow the ball from the first cup to the second. Keep going with more balls, racing to see who moves the most in one minute.

23. Penny Hose
Players have to retrieve two pennies from the bottom of a pair of pantyhose. It's hard than it looks!

24. Nut Stacker
It’s almost like the penny game, just slightly more difficult. Instead of stacking coins with one hand, each child has one minute to stack hex nuts onto a wooden stick or dowel.

25. Leaning Tower of LEGO
Fill two bins/buckets with LEGO (the number depends on the age of the players). Players must stack all the bricks in the container. If the tower breaks, continue to stack. The first person to stack all their bricks wins!

Sunflower Mom

26. Peep Face Game
Got extra peeps? We love this twist on the cookie minute to win it that's a fun game for kids at Easter. Sunflower Mom gives her little chicks one minute to stick as many peeps as they can to their face! Little bunnies think this game is funny.

27. Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Toss
Have players stand back from the table with mugs on it. Give players a designated number of marshmallows and see how many the team can throw into the mug in one minute.

28. Penny Tower
How many pennies can your child stack in one minute? If they just guessed a million, they’re not exactly right. The trick to this game is that the child can only use one hand. And believe us, that makes it oh-so-challenging.

29. Cookie Face
This is by far one of the favorites of kids just about everywhere. Not only do they get to play a super-silly game, but it’s all done with cookies. Cookies! Place a regular ol’ sandwich cookie on the child’s forehead. They’ll need to use their facial muscles to move it down their face and into their mouth—without using their hands.

30. Keep it Up
As light as a feather! Little players keep two feathers in the air for one minute (or as long as they can). The catch is they can just use their breath. To make it easier for younger kids, they can use a straw.

goldfish games are minute to win it games
Ginger Snap Crafts

31. Go Fish!
Whether it's crackers or mini marshmallows, this fun game for kids is easy! You'll need straws and two plates. Little gamers have one minute (to win it!) to see how many fish they can transfer from one plate to another with the suction from the straw and no hands. See more Goldfish Minute to Win It Games over at Gingersnap Crafts.

32. Ping Pong Toss
Players have one minute to try and toss ping pong balls in a container down the table. Three in a row wins, or, at the end of the minute, whoever has the most balls in their container.

33. Spin Doctor
As far as a minute to win it games go, tweens find this a ton of fun. A player spins a coin on the table. A second player stops the coin with one finger on its edge (upright!). Either player can spin the coin, and it's a win when you stop the coin for three seconds within a minute.

34. State of Fun
This minute to win it game uses brainpower! Get a sheet of paper and pencils for players, then have them write down as many state capitals as they can before the timer goes off. The player with the most correct state capitals wins the round.

35. Gummy Worm Search
This minute to win it game is messy, so save it for warm weather or a summer birthday party! Fill aluminum pie pans with gummy worms and cover them with whipped cream. Players have to find the gummy worms using their mouths, no hands! The player who finds the most gummy worms at the end of the round wins. 

Make sure to capture all the giggles—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.

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We all know that screen time for toddler-aged kids should be limited, but let’s be real, sometimes we need to make dinner, clean the house, or kill some time while waiting at the pediatrician’s office. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offers the following screentime guidelines:

  • Between 18 and 24 months, screen time should be limited to watching educational programming with a caregiver.
  • For children 2-5, limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on weekend days.

Instead of beating ourselves up for allowing our kids to watch a show, speech-language pathologist Moira Chrzanowski suggests that we take the opportunity to help our little ones develop their language skills. “For the most part in that zero to five age range, verbal language skills should be your top priority as far as education goes, and that includes listening and speaking skills.”

@rooted.in.language

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♬ Bluey Theme Tune – Bluey

Some shows do a much better job at teaching these skills, Chrzanowski explains on her TikTok account @rooted.in.language. “When choosing media that’s going to be high quality for your kid, you need to intentionally choose based on what’s age appropriate that hits that zone of proximal development… that means they’re actually able to engage and learn, not [something] that’s way above their head so they disengage and become passive listeners.”

These are the three shows she recommends and why they are so great:

  1. Miss Rachel: “She expertly employs a parentese, child-directed style of speaking. She specifically targets the articulation of speech sounds and vocabulary building. She shamelessly exploits the power of song and repetition to great effect, and she explicitly teaches vocabulary and scripts for functional social routines and common activities—things like getting dressed for different weather, bedtime, playground play, going to the zoo, going to a birthday party. All of these strategies target big, complex skills and target them well, making her show the ‘chef’s kiss’ for having an actual impact on language development,” Chrzanowski says.
  2. Peppa Pig: “What I like about Peppa is the short and relatable story arcs, shorter than Bluey. Yes. Bluey episodes aren’t long, but they’re too long for a lot of two-year-olds. And a lot of the Bluey topics are complex, which mostly go over a two-year-old’s head and therefore don’t hold their attention,” Chrzanowski explains. “Peppa Pig episodes are under five minutes long. They’re simple, they’re happy, they’re the kind of plots a two-year-old can begin to follow… The best part about Peppa Pig for building language skills is the slow rate of speech. The dialogue and narration in Peppa Pig is noticeably slower than your average rate of speech.”
  3. Daniel Tiger: “The best feature of Daniel Tiger is its use of short repeated songs to address daily feelings, problems, and experiences. I’m talking [about] little ditties that are 10 seconds or less. Each little melody surrounds a particular theme and is repeated frequently across a single episode,” Chrzanowski says. “This aspect of Daniel Tiger is the main reason I find it so effective for building language skills—because it hits two key checkpoints for language learning: memory and motivation. Memorable because of the short, repetitive, catchy tunes a lot like commercial jingles. Motivating because the topics are highly relevant and immediately applicable to toddlers’ little lives.

So there you have it! The next time you need to pull out a screen, cut yourself some slack and remember that you’re helping them become better communicators in every way possible.

There’s an adage that says, “The most valuable life lessons can’t be taught—they have to be experienced.” And so it often goes with kids and many critical life lessons. For lots of developing young minds, learning things the hard way—whether through experience and/or repetition—can help to ensure that lessons learned are genuinely instilled. We asked parenting experts to share the best hard-earned life lessons for kids ages preschool to high school; here’s what they had to say.

1. Everyone makes mistakes.
Nobody is perfect, and making mistakes is an essential life lesson that children can learn starting from a very young age. “It’s important that we make mistakes because that’s how we learn,” said Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny founder Carole Kramer, a registered nurse and best-selling author of Newborn 101. Kramer explained that kids may accidentally spill things or break something, for example, but teaching them that the accident itself isn’t a bad thing, it’s what you do and how you react afterward—that’s the life lesson. “Kids shouldn’t get down or be upset at themselves when they make mistakes,” Kramer said. “Parents can use [mistakes] as teaching opportunities.”

2. Life isn’t always fair.
Every parent has heard their kiddo whine, “But that’s not fair!” Whether it’s a conflict with siblings or friends, or it’s used as a stalling tactic to avoid bedtime, kids will argue a lack of “fairness” to get their way. But many things and experiences in life aren’t always fair. “I think that’s a hard lesson for kids to learn,” said Kramer. “The truth is, you can’t always get what you want all of the time.” For younger children, fairness may seem like an abstract concept, but as they grow older, kids may recognize that they could do the right thing and still get the wrong outcome—sometimes through no fault of their own.

3. Actions have consequences.
One of the first steps toward understanding accountability and taking responsibility is learning that every action has a consequence. Kids may experience consequences of their actions that are positive, such as hard work reaping benefits and rewards, or negative, such as inappropriate behavior leading to punishment. But connecting the dots between what you do and what happens is an important lesson to learn for children of all ages, our experts said.

4. Attendance is important.
Showing up and being on time is part of overall success, and sometimes kids need a brush with repercussions to understand how important it is. “The importance of showing up and being on time (for school, for example) is something kids need to learn, oftentimes, the hard way, though hopefully sooner than later,” said Marjie Hadad, a global PR and parenting expert and author of The Power of PR Parenting: How to raise confident, resilient, and successful children using public relations strategies.

“In public relations, we schedule interviews for our clients. It’s very important that our clients arrive on time at the specified location for an interview. If without a good reason and they do not respect their commitment, they risk losing the opportunity.” That being said, perfect attendance isn’t necessarily the goal because there will be times when kids will have to miss an event or a day of school. It’s what they do when they are present that matters. 

kids participating in class
iStock

5. Pay attention to the instructions.
In pursuit of striking independence, kids may take instructions as loose guidelines rather than rules to be followed. But paying attention to instructions is an important lesson to ensure that something is completed properly or an intended goal is achieved. “There are times when creativity is required to navigate unexpected challenging situations,” said Hadad. “However, most times, it would be best to listen and abide by instructions.”

6. You won’t always get picked first.
It can be easy for kids to feel hurt or slighted if they are not picked first or are not invited to a friend’s birthday party. But these are opportunities for parents to teach their kids that sometimes there are reasons why things happen that people don’t know about. “Allow your child to have hurt feelings,” said Boston Baby Nurse & Nanny’s Kramer, but also teach them that sometimes things may happen for reasons that are outside of their own control.

7. It’s OK to be uncomfortable.
Kids may be anxious in situations that are new or unknown to them, but managing to get through those kinds of experiences can help to build self-confidence and resilience. “Most of us learn this lesson as adults,” said Kramer. “We often have this mindset that everything always has to be great and everything needs to be cool. But we’re going to have a variety of emotions, and not all of them will be good ones.” Learning to be uncomfortable is a valuable lesson for kids to learn early.

being bored is a life lesson for kids
iStock

8. It’s OK to be bored.
The corollary to being OK with being uncomfortable is being OK with being bored. As parents, we often feel we need to entertain or occupy every second of our children’s lives, so when there is downtime, our kids may express their boredom. Rather than trying to immediately distract or placate a bored kid, teach them that feeling bored from time to time is not only OK, but it’s a natural and ordinary part of life.

9. Don’t take everything personally.
What others do and say is often simply a projection of their own reality, so an important life lesson for kids is not to take everything so personally. “Someone may be having a rough day, and they take it out on others,” said Kramer. For a six-year-old, that may be difficult to understand, but as kids grow older, they can recognize that other people may be experiencing life differently, and parents can teach their children to be empathetic toward others.

10. Be thoughtful about the power of words and tone.
Parents can help kids develop better communication skills by being thoughtful about the words they choose and the tone used to deliver them. “Everyday communication should be given some respect, said author Hadad. “Sometimes this is a lesson that needs to be learned the hard way by our kids in social, academic, and after-school job scenarios. When word choice and tone are chosen carelessly, there is the risk of losing a friend, alienating a teacher, or annoying an employer. If these were the goals, then mission accomplished. If these weren’t, well then, hopefully, a lesson well learned. Think before you talk and choose your delivery wisely.”

Start your family band by crafting some awesome homemade instruments. Most of these are super easy to make, and kids will have a blast banging on a tin can drum, shaking DIY maracas, and making some tunes. Looking for other creative projects for kids? Check out our collection of crafts for toddlers, classic paper crafts for kids, and things kids can make with toilet paper rolls.

Why Are Homemade Instruments Important?

Making and playing homemade instruments allows kids to use not only their artistic creativity but their musical creativity as well. In addition, according to the Ethnomusicology Review, “When fully engaged in musical invention, children can develop their naturally imaginative and participatory approach to learning.”

Our Favorite DIY Instruments You Can Make at Home

Cardboard Rain Stick

A rain stick makes the prettiest sound, and it’s very easy to make one at home with a few simple items. We love the tutorial for this found over at Kid Made Modern.

Cardboard Guitar

a picture of a cardboard guitar, a homemade instrument
Pink Stripey Socks

Perfect for toddlers who aren't ready for the real thing, we love this cardboard guitar spotted over at Pink Stripey Socks. You can paint it in any design, too! 

Hand Drums

a picture of DIY drums, homemade instruments
Minted

Kids can twist and twirl these homemade hand drums to their heart's content! Find the tutorial over at Minted.

Bongo, Shaker, Güiro All in One

Mama. Papa. Bubba

This fun little instrument is really three in one! Kids will enjoy shaking it or playing it as a drum and it's super easy to make. Get the tutorial over at Mama.Papa.Bubba.

Jingle Ring

picture of jingle rings, which are a homemade instruments
Buggy and Buddy

This adorable nature-themed tambourine-like DIY instrument is the perfect addition to a May Day celebration or even just a day outside. Easy to make, you can find the tutorial from Buggy and Buddy.

"Do-Re-Mi" Xylophone

Chelsea Foy of Lovely Indeed, in Partnership with The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization

If you've got a serious hankering for DIY projects, this adorable xylophone kids can play along to "Do-Re-Mi" from The Sound of Music fits the bill. From Lovely Indeed, you'll need to make a trek to the home-improvement store for all the materials, but the chic design and good sound quality mean you'll want to keep it out instead of stashing it away somewhere. Be sure to check out all the other adorable projects over at the Sound of Music Crafting Corner

CD Cymbals

picture of little girl using homemade CD symbols
Jackie Currie via Happy Hooligans

Happy Hooligans makes good use of CDs. We especially love these "cymbals" because they don't sound like real cymbals. 

Singing Straws

Handmade Charlotte

We love Handmade Charlotte's take on the pan flute. Not only does this homemade instrument make music, but it's also as bright and colorful as can be.

Rainbow Xylophone

a picture of a rainbow xylophone, a DIY instrument you can make at home
And Next Comes L

This super cute and colorful homemade instrument is as much fun to make as it is to play. Get the scoop on how to do it yourself over at And Next Comes L

Paper Plate Tambourine

a picture of a paper plate tambourine, a DIY instrument
Gabby Cullen

This little DIY instrument packs a jingle and it's a great use for paper plates left over from a birthday party. If you have the plain white ones, even better, though because then your little maestro gets to decorate her own. Get the complete step-by-step here

Didgeridoo

courtesy KiwiCo.

It's one of the world's oldest instruments, and your kids can make their colorful version in one afternoon. The secret to making it look real? Earth-toned paint colors. You can find the entire tutorial over at KiwiCo

Chicken in a Cup

homemade instruments
All for the Boys

For an outside-the-box take on a homemade instrument, you’ve got to try this “chicken in a cup” from All for the Boys. It’s super easy to put together using household items, and kids will get a kick out of the squeaky sound it makes.

Cereal Box Guitar

Made by Joel

If you've got a cereal box and a couple of rubber bands lying around, you've got a guitar! Made by Joel has the super simple how-to. Older babies and toddlers can help you decorate the cereal box with stickers or washi tape, then get to strumming. No cereal box? Rubber bands stretched around a loaf pan will produce a similar effect.

 

Homemade Tin Can Drums

Keep it simple (but still super fun) with this sweet DIY instrument idea from Red Ted Art. Kids can paint the “drums” however they want, and then they’ll have a blast discovering the different sounds they can make with kitchen utensils.

Backyard Concerts

homemade instruments
PreK K Sharing

Banging on a pot with a wooden spoon is practically a rite of passage in babyhood. Why not take it a step further and construct an outdoor music wall for your kids like this one from PreK + K Sharing? Scour your house for any seldom-used odds and ends that make a fun sound (or hit up your favorite thrift store), then use a hammer and nails to secure a section of fencing. 

Easter Egg Maracas

Picture of Easter Egg maracas, which are a homemade instruments
iStock

Shake to the sound of rice with these easy-peasy maracas. All you need is rice, plastic spoons, easter eggs, and tape! Best part? These shakers have been tried and tested by lifestyle blogger and mom of three, Katelyn Fagan of What’s Up Fagans, and they are certified to play at a decent volume without being too annoying. 

Kazoo

homemade instruments
Buggy and Buddy

Explore sound and science with Buggy and Buddy’s homemade kazoo. With simple materials that you’re bound to have at home, this kazoo is perfect for vocal tots who love to spend their days humming and singing. What a fun homemade instrument!

Shoebox Guitar

picture of a shoebox guitar, a fun homemade instrument
Minieco

Did you know empty containers hold a secret melody? All you need are some rubber bands, a shoebox, and split pins; then your quick-fingered tot can get their twang on. For the key to perfect, magical sound, check out the tutorial over at Minieco.

Mini Mandolin

Picture of a homemade mandolin, a fun DIY instrument
Hello Bee

With a little more time and effort, your wooden mandolin is set to last much longer than your musician’s first gig. Hello Bee has an awesome tutorial on making a mandolin that’s worthy of being part of a kid-sized Philharmonic. 

Pin Strummers

homemade instruments
Josie via Pi'ikea Street

Strum up a tune with bobby pins. This experiment and discovery project by Pi'ikea Street explores how different sounds can become just by changing one object.

Bell Shakers

homemade instruments
Hello Bee

Ring in a merry afternoon with these bell shakers. This tutorial from craft blog Hello Bee requires some drilling, but the modern look and long-lasting build are worth it. Now your littlest can join the family band with just a wriggle of the wrist!

Sensory Bin Shakers

a picture of sensory bin shakers, an easy homemade instrument
Fun-a-Day

We love these sensory bin shakers because they'll extend sensory play time. It's also easy for your kids to make on their own. Head over to Fun-a-Day to see how to make your own. 

with additional reporting by Taylor Clifton, Amber Guetebier, and Gabby Cullen

 

 

February’s birthstone represents empowerment and inner strength

Babies with a February birthday are pretty unique, as some only have a birthday every four years! Plus, those with February birthdays might be more creative (if they’re Pisces), be taller than their peers, and be revolutionary (if they’re Aquarius). If you want to know more fun facts about kids with February’s birthdays and even a few silly facts about February’s birth sign, we’ve got it all right here. 

February birthdays are more uncommon, and Leap Year birthdays are rare

Not only is it a short month, which leads to fewer February birthdays, but a Leap Day baby only gets to celebrate the actual day every four years. According to Unity Point Health, 1 in 1,491 people is born on February 29th, so although you might celebrate on a different day most years, it’s fun to throw an extra-special birthday party every four years. February 2024 is a Leap Year, so get ready to celebrate in a big way if you’ve got a Leap Day baby!

Your February baby might be taller than others

A Harvard University study of over 21,000 kids shows that winter babies are consistently born longer, heavier, and with a larger head circumference. The study was conducted over seven years and tested kids at birth, eight months, age 4, and age 7; researchers believe that seasonal issues for both pregnant moms and babies, like diet, exposure to sunlight and temperature, and viruses, may play a role in a baby’s characteristics.

But babies born in February have a higher chance of being born early

According to a study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, there’s a significant spike (nearly 10%) in early births for women who conceived in May, which means their delivery dates fall in February of the following year. What’s the reason? These moms are in late-term pregnancy during peak flu season, which is known to cause pre-term births.

A February birth sign can be Aquarius or Pisces

Will your baby be innovative, a team player, and a rebel at heart like others born under the sign of Aquarius? Or will your kid show signs of empathy, compassion, and being creative like other Pisces? More importantly, how compatible are you with your child? Check out our parent/child compatibility chart to find out.

February’s birthstone is the amethyst

People with February birthdays claim amethyst as their birthstone. The stunning purple variety of quartz has mesmerized people for thousands of years and can often be found in royal jewel collections in Europe and Asia. The gem represents empowerment and inner strength.

Your kid shares their special month with these celebrities born in February

Many celebrities and historical figures share your kiddo’s celebratory month: Abe Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Steve Jobs, Jennifer Aniston, Elizabeth Taylor, Henry Golding, Danai Gurira, Laura Linney, Charles Darwin, George Washington, Nina Simone, and more.