Halloween is right around the corner! Whether you’ll be going door-to-door in your neighborhood, hitting a low-key Halloween happening around town or having a cozy family party at home, we’ve got the perfect costume for your SoCal trick-or-treater. From a ray of sunshine to a party on the beach we’ve got 11 costumes that pay homage to San Diego and will delight your little one.

Carmen Sandiego

Your little one instantly becomes everyone’s favorite red-coated, fedora-wearing super thief with this Carmen Sandiego costume! It's the perfect costume for any San Diego dweller. If your little pumpkins aren't familiar with this cool character, have them tune in to the popular Netflix animated series Carmen Sandiego to learn all about this "master thief who uses her skills for good."

Surfer, Shark, Jellyfish & Deep Sea Diver

Go to the beach, find your costume-inspo! The best thing about this family costume is you can customize based on your crew— it works just as well with a lifeguard and no jellyfish. San Diegan beach lovers can ride the wave of compliments this quadruple threat costume will bring. It's super cute and easy to pull together too!

San Diego Padres Friar

AngiegootsMakes via Etsy

The Padres may not make a run for the World Series this year but we still love them. Show your pride and for your home team this Halloween by grabbing this adorable Etsy find. The tutu back is crochet stretch and adjustable ribbon strap. The shop has plenty of other Padres gear if your team prefers. 

Online: AngiegootsMakes

Taco

Taco 'bout a costume that's almost good enough to eat. San Diego is famous for serving up some of the most delicious tacos in the country. Put your little cutie in a taco costume and watch the ensuing delight. No need to say gracias, we're happy to shell out this idea.

Maverick from Top Gun

Top Gun 2's release date may be pushed back, but your little Maverick can still feel the need for speed this Halloween. Did you know Top Gun was filled right here in San Diego? Earn even more cred if you and your spouse make it a family affair and dress up as Goose and Charlie. Quick, go find that leather bomber jacket. 

LEGO Movie Characters

Everyone is awesome in these LEGO Movie character costumes. San Diego's beloved resort brings kiddos joy on the regular so show your love by dressing up your little one as their favorite colorful bricks. You can really rev up the fun factor of wearing these colorful costumes by donning them to attend LEGOLAND's Bricktacular Halloween event!

In-N-Out Burger Costumes

Order up! In-N-Out fans are diehard, and this adorable family Halloween costume goes above and beyond. Everyone will recognize those little fries in the iconic fast-food chain's palm-tree-lined container, of course, accompanied by a burger and waitstaff who undoubtedly know all the secret menu items. Make it animal style, please. 

Skateboarder

Beth Shea

As we saw in the Olympics this past summer, San Diego breeds professional skateboarders. From legendary Tony Hawk to Keegan Palmer, pro skaters live and practice right here in our hometown. The skate culture has a SoCal vibe through and through. Your little shredder can show their love of the sport by suiting up in Vans SK8-HI shoes, Killer 187 knee and elbow pads, a Bones Brigade or Santa Cruz T-shirt and a Bell or Pro-Tec helmet. Bonus: this gear will outfit them long past Halloween on all of their skating adventures through San Diego's many skateparks

Avocado Toast

Did you know that San Diego is the avocado capital of the U.S.? Give a nod to this popular green fruit by dressing up as avocado toast! Everyone loves this yummy, albeit pricey San Diego-inspired breakfast!

 

Dr. Seuss Characters

Dr. Seuss (Theodor Seuss Geisel) lived in La Jolla for several decades and signs of his wacky, wonderful work abound throughout town. The author's wildly imaginative characters make us all spoiled for choice for the perfect Halloween costumes. Whether you opt for The Cat in the Hat, The Lorax or The Grinch, oh the places you'll go will be filled with fun!

Sunshine

San Diego's love language is bright skies and sunshine so dressing your babe up as the star at the center of the Solar System seems fitting. This DYI costume is super easy to pull together, with this Etsy sunray headband, yellow leggings and a cozy bodysuit. 

Online: Esty

––Beth Shea & Aimee Della Bitta

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Jasmine Snow

I'm a Style Expert and mom of 2. With over a decade in the fashion industry, I launched my lifestyle site Jasmine-Snow.com and my own digital style show, The Nap Series.

I believe fashion is an experience. Whether getting dressed in your closet or putting together a beautiful new space in your home, it’s about creating a look that makes you happy and is totally authentic to you and what you love! What’s more fun than that?! My style cred spills into every messy side of life in a ridiculously chic and relatable way. Despite sometimes being covered in purées and having a chaotic-ish new normal, I really believe style works on everyone!

Although parties and nightlife are still on hold this year, that does not mean the glitz and sparkle of the holiday season has to be too! I’m loving casual relaxed sparkle this year, and I promise it’s going to be just as chic as ever other year! When it comes to my babies, I love dressing and shopping for them with what feels most “of the moment” but also is super playful and fun for them to enjoy style too! When it comes to putting it all together, I take a 5 step approach that I like to call The Style Method. I start with a bit of inspiration, pick out a main piece to dress around and then build from there! The goal is to always have fun with it and never take yourself OR your shopping list too seriously! Check out a few of my favorite things that keep my kids entertained and practically style themselves!


1

The Black Bib

An accessory for babes with places to go and style to be seen!

$43

Just because you're a baby doesn't mean you can't make messes look chic! I never worry about covering up a cute outfit with a lame bib... this just adds to the whole look! This bib is like a baby version of a cool leather jacket, and is convenient to easily wipe clean after every meal. My favorite gift for new stylish mamas!

BUY NOW

2

Stoney Clover Lane Cozy Mini Pouch

My entire messy life organized inside a cute cozy pouch!

$68

I loooove a pouch situation in almost every bag, but Stoney Clover takes the cake on making pouches super cool that you never want to hide them in a bag! I keep my life organized by using fun pouches and the patches and personalization make labeling my entire #momlife into something really fun and stylish. The new cozy collection is a favorite, but the choices are endless!

BUY NOW

3

Personalized Playmats

Mats for Cool Moms!

$295

I am beyond obsessed with this company. It has all the cool black and white minimalist vibes mixed with my love of personalization! Oh... and of course it's good for the kiddos too! There are tons of designs to create your own look that works within your decor. This is the perfect way to actually make all of those toys and other random stuff laying around look cool. It's also a great way to make a nursery pop if you place on a neutral color rug.

BUY NOW

4

Glitzy Capes

Dress up that looks chic and glamorous!

$35

I love that this company designs glamorous dress up pieces like these capes and makes them so cool and cute that they actually appropriate for the grocery store runs when your little one insists on dressing in full costume. Each piece feels overly special!

BUY NOW

5

Striped Tee

$62

I'm a big believer that everyone should have a classic striped tee or long sleeve in their closet. Perfect for layering and mixing with sparkles and patterns! Your mini's closet is no exception and how fitting that Kule is making the perfect style for all cool kids out there!

BUY NOW

6

Wiggle and Whisk Baking Membership

Dance Parties and Cupcakes... I'm in!

$9.99

Wiggle and Whisk Studio is the perfect way to keep your little one entertained in the cozy winter days ahead. With a monthly membership, little bakers from 2-102 are invited to step into the baking studio and following along with a library full of baking tutorials. Founded by a dance teacher each lesson is filled with lots of fun, secret ingredients and epic dance parties while bakers whisk up their own confections!

BUY NOW

7

Uggs Classic Clear Mini

Snow boots for the Mini-Malist!

$120

I cannot get enough of these fashion forward Uggs for Toddlers! Deciding between graphic black and white or neon was just way too difficult! These have all the classic details you love about cozy Uggs but with a new fashionable twist!

BUY NOW

8

Gold Mary Jane Shoes

Ritzy MaryJanes

$32

A pair of MaryJane shoes are an absolute must in my book. They're classic, comfortable for little ones and always look polished. My favorite for babies all the way up to toddlers is Elephantito. I treat metallic like a neutral and gold is the perfect pick for a little extra glitzy to an outfit.

BUY NOW

9

Lola and the Boys Sweatshirt

Movie Night's Just Got Stylish!

$46

Movie nights are pretty big in our house (especially these days)! We love getting cozy in our sweats or PJ's and I'm loving this new popcorn sweatshirt to pair with soft joggers to step up our movie party game. Lola and the Boys is always good for a touch of fun and sparkle to any outfit!

BUY NOW

10

Leopard Cardigan

Keep Warm and Stay Fierce!

$55

Cardigans are my go to for keeping my kids warm. I through them on over dance outfits, dressed and even pajamas sometimes! This leopard one from Crewcuts is great to add a pop of graphic animal print to any outfit.

BUY NOW

If your child is starting Pre-K or Kindergarten this Fall, there may be a great deal of uncertainty about what that experience will actually look like.

Distance learning may not be an option for children this age, who learn best by having concrete experience with learning materials and toys, and face-to-face interaction with their teachers and other children. In-person learning may not be realistic either because young children often struggle with social distancing and mask-wearing.

Whether your child attends school this September or not, here are 5 ways to make them more comfortable with wearing a mask.

1. Explain in simple age-appropriate terms that we need to wear a mask to keep ourselves and others healthy. The face-covering keeps us safe from giving germs to others and from getting germs from them—no need to go into frightening detail about what happens if we do get sick.

2.  Allow children to choose a mask to purchase, or to help make or decorate their mask. Their participation can help foster ownership and more of a willingness to wear a mask.

3. Have masks available for creative dramatics and imaginary play. Make a few smaller versions for their dolls and stuffed animals so they can be included in the action. Having their favorite “stuffy” masked helps to normalize face coverings. Toy Doctor’s kits and Superhero capes are great props to stimulate pretend play with masks.

4. Introduce the word “practice.” Suggest that they practice wearing their mask while watching a video or listening to a story.

5. Model “masking.” When they are practicing wearing a mask at home, you should too. Though it doesn’t always seem so, your example will always be the biggest influence.

And finally, know that if your child is attending school in-person, they will be more likely to follow their teacher’s instructions about mask-wearing when other children are doing so as well. Most kids want to be in-step with their peers and in this case, it will serve them well.

I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.

The littles zip across the playroom floor, swishing capes trailing behind them. They run, tumble, jump and whirl in an elaborate superhero-fueled scene. Whether they’re acting out the newest Marvel movie or are imagining their own scenario starring Spiderman, your kids are majorly into this kind of pretend play. And science says it’s okay.

When it comes to superhero play, science may actually say it’s more than okay. As it turns out, what seems like a simple good versus bad guy routine may benefit your pre-k kiddo in some pretty impressive ways.

photo: Porapak Apichodilok via Pexels

So what can superhero play do for your young child? According to a 2015 article on the subject, published in the journal Pastoral Care in Education, superhero play can help children improve language skills, social skills and problem-solving abilities. Beyond these developmental benefits, this type of pretend fantasy play can also help preschool-aged kids cope with fears.

Your preschooler doesn’t have the cognitive ability to process scary or uncertain situations in the same way that you do. Don’t worry, they will—just not right now. Superhero play allows the young child to take on a powerful role and basically defeat evil. This gives the child the chance to explore a new role and feel a sense of power.

Dr. Gene Beresin, executive director of the Clay Center for Young Healthy Minds at Massachusetts General Hospital, told Romper, “They are beginning to appreciate that in many situations, they feel helpless, fearful, powerless, unable to overcome many obstacles. Many are afraid of the dark, monsters, being separated from parents, or harmed by ‘bad guys.’ They look for ominous creatures under their beds. They worry and fear about being helpless and weak in the face of adversity.”

Beresin sums up this powerful benefit, telling Romper, “By identifying with superheroes, they become strong, invincible, use superpowers, aggression, and other skills to protect themselves, and ally fears.”

—Erica Loop

 

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Apart from (or should we say in addition to) sticker charts, bribery and guilt, getting the kids in on the household duties doesn’t have to be all pleading. Here are five ways to make cleaning up way less of a chore. Scroll down to make it happen. 

photo: Donnie Ray Jones via flickr 

1. Play Cinderella

Just own it: be the wicked stepmother who enslaves the poor Cinders and condemn her to a life of drudgery (well, just like 20 minutes). Dress ’em up in “rags” (just chop up some outgrown clothes and don an apron) and demand the sink full of dishes be clean and the floor swept. Bonus: later you get to play the Fairy Godmother who makes wishes come true (especially ice cream wishes. Wait, isn’t this just bribery?) You can also try playing Snow White out: specifically the scene where she tidies up the home of the 7 Dwarves: very useful for making beds.

photo: Jaro Larnos via flickr

2. Supermarket Wars

This requires two teams so it works best if you have either an older sibling or another parent to shop with. Kids who are old enough to find a few things in the store on their own can form their own team if you feel they are safe on their own in the store. Divide your shopping list into two lists: for example Mom’s team has produce, pet food and paper towels and Dad’s has dairy, snacks and canned goods. Double check your lists to make sure you’ve got everything you actually need between the two. Now form teams, and head to the store. When you arrive, each team gets a shopping cart and their list and then…they are off. Meet at the checkout or if you’ve got two grown-ups, check out and bag the groceries to complete the game. You can get more elaborate by deducting points for forgotten items and adding bonus points for staying under budget.

photo: kangheungbo via pixabay

3. Restaurant Romp

Want some help chopping up veggies and washing up the pots and pans? Play restaurant or Top Chef with your little culinary cuties. Have them clock in for their shift, say hello to fellow co-workers (siblings and/or stuffed animals) and ask their boss for the to-do list for dining prep before tonight’s dinner service. Got a white board? Write the night’s menu and tasks on it. Now hang out in the kitchen chatting about things but keep reminding everyone that there’s only so many minutes left “before we open for dinner” to keep them on task (and keep it real!). 

photo: laterjay via pixabay 

4. Fake Out

You can have some sudsy dudsy fun without actually doing the dishes: just make a pretend set up like the one here. You’ll need non-breakable dishes, plastic cups, a tub of soapy water and a tub of “clean” water and, if you’ve got one, a dish drainer. Who knows? Maybe they’ll be begging you to do the dishes tonight after all. One things for sure: you’ll have at least a few minutes minus the “I’m boreds.”

Tip: Obviously, don’t fill a sink up with sharp objects when little ones are on the job. Choose dishes they can wash, dry and put away. You may not have it done the way you’d do it, but you’ll be inspiring them for future (teenage years?!?) of service.

photo: Tim Malabuyo via flickr 

5. Play Hero
It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s…SuperBedMaker! Okay, they might not go for that name but grab those capes and see what feats of heroism your little superhero is capable of when it comes to sheets and blankets, putting away toys or other feats of amazing cleanliness. The whole family can don capes and see what they can do in an hour or less. Able to clean the counters off in a single pass? Fold laundry with a single hand? Go team! 

What’s your way of “tricking” the kiddos into doing their part around the house? Share your tips in the comments below. 

—Amber Guetebier

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Composite image by Keiko Zoll/Source photo: Ryan McGuire

I remember when it seemed like just yesterday that Twitter users had to contain their witticisms to 140 characters or less. Oh wait, it actually was almost yesterday: in November 2017, Twitter doubled its character count to 280 characters.

While many bemoaned the possibility of boring, longer diatribes, longer tweets have proven to be a boon for parents. Instead of trying to confine the daily insanity that is parenting small humans to a mere 140 characters, we can now practically compose daily memoirs with 280 characters! This of course means that your favorite funny moms of Twitter have become even funnier thanks to those extra 140 characters they didn’t have before.

If you’re looking for some serious motherhood hilarity to get you through those days when you’re freezing gum out of your kid’s hair (again) or fishing the tablet out of the toilet (again), look no further than these 15 moms who are absolutely killing it on Twitter in 2018.

vodkamom (@vodkamom)

From her Twitter bio: "I am a first grade teacher, writer, blogger and exhausted mother. Don't bother calling me because I never answer the phone." Follow @vodkamom on Twitter.

Mommy Cusses (@mommy_cusses)

From her Twitter bio: "5% lady, 80% pervert, 90% awkward." Follow @mommy_cusses on Twitter.

Kim Bongiorno (@ LetMeStart ))

From her Twitter bio: "Took away TV privileges from my daughter as punishment so now both our afternoons are ruined." Follow @LetMeStart on Twitter.

Susan McLean (@NoDomesticDiva)

From her Twitter bio: "Somewhere between love & madness lies... Motherhood. Humorist, Author, Blogger. Sharing the lighter side of parenthood & rockin' what I've got left." Follow @NoDomesticDiva on Twitter.

SpacedMom (@copymama)

From her Twitter bio: "Writer of freelance copy. Cultivator of small humans. Documenter of absurdity." Follow @copymama on Twitter.

The Magnitude of Margaretude (@Bollingmargaret)

From her Twitter bio, she hails from "Queen of the Double Entendre." Follow @Bollingmargaret on Twitter.

Mommy Owl (@Lhlodder )

From her Twitter bio: Don't let "Writing and literature professor" lure you into thinking she's not funny because boy howdy, she's funny. Follow @hlodder on Twitter.

MotherPlaylist (@MotherPlaylist)

From her Twitter bio: "I was told there would be snacks here..." Follow @MotherPlaylist on Twitter.

Paige Kellerman (@PaigeKellerman)

From her Twitter bio: "Writer, humorist and mother. People say I'm a bad cook. They're right. If you ask nicely, I'll write something for you. But you'll have to give me money too." Follow @PaigeKellerman on Twitter.

Chrissy Teigen (@chrissyteigen)

Celebrity mom she may be, but she is one helluva funny Twitter mom, too—with baby number two on the way, no less. From her Twitter bio: This mega model and wife of singer John Legend is a self-described "de-motivational speaker." Follow @chrissyteigen on Twitter.

Amy Flory (@FunnyIsFamily)

From her Twitter bio: "Named one of @Mashable's 17 Funny Moms on Twitter, one of @Parenting's 10 Handles to Follow, and World's Meanest Mom by my kids." Follow @FunnyIsFamily on Twitter.

Mommy, for real. (@MommyisForReal)

From her Twitter bio: "Wordsmith. Humorist. Seriousist. Getting real about motherhood with a cocktail of humor and neuroses." Follow @MommyisForReal on Twitter.

Mom of All Capes (@MomOfAllCapes)

From her Twitter bio: "We're life-nerds searching for the answers through experience." Follow @MomOfAllCapes on Twitter.

Jennifer Lizza (@outsmartedmommy)

From her Twitter bio: "When my kids grow up I'm going to knock on their doors & demand to know what's for dinner. Then I'll cry & use all the ketchup." Follow @outsmartedmommy on Twitter.

Ponies and Martinis (@PonyMartini)

From her Twitter bio: "Herding kids and dogs daily. One day, I hope to complete something I start. Or, at least complete a thought." Follow @PonyMartini on Twitter.

Who tops your Twitter list of funniest moms? Share your favorite Twitter parent personalities in the comments.

—Keiko Zoll

 

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Daily
Today Is Costume Day
It gives you wings.
1

Put some witch-craft into your costumes this year and try a make-at-home creation.

2

Once they are all dressed up, follow these 8 tips to take better Halloween pictures of the kiddos.

3
This time of year makes us all nostalgic for our own costumed youth, kinda.

{ Today’s ideas brought to you by Capes & Wings & Frilly Things }

When it comes to action, comic books deliver big time and are a great way to keep kids engaged in reading. Think of them as next-level picture books, with heros, complex story arcs and plot lines that make imaginations soar. Flip through the 12 catchy, readable comics we’ve found for every age group. The kids might discover a new favorite hero, and you’ll discover an easy, exciting way to make sure they get their daily 20.

Tiny Titans

Age: 5 and up

Follow along with Superboy, Supergirl, Robin, Wondergirl, and a host of other diminutive sidekicks as they do regular every-kid stuff like going to superhero school (Sidekick Elementary) and sorting the laundry (who dyed the capes pink?!). Grown-up superheroes like Superman and Batman drop in occasionally.

Buy it now, on Amazon.com, $11.07.

Do you and your kids read comic books? Share your favorite with us in a comment below.

— Emma Bland Smith

 

Faster than a speeding bullet! Craftier than Martha Stewart! Blast into fun and creativity by taking a page from your kiddo’s favorite comic book, and everyone can be a superhero for the day. With a few extra items added to your next supply run, you can make a no-sew cape in as much time as it takes to save the world— at least, one they’ve created—a single afternoon. Scroll down for the easy how-to, and your littles will be flying high in no time.

You Will Need

1. 1 pillowcase

2. 1 sheet of Kuni sticky-back felt (any color) for superhero logo

3. 1 sheet of Kuni felt (any color) for superhero logo

4. Superhero Logo Template

5. Ribbon

6. Scissors

7. Hot glue gun (parental supervision required)

7. Glue sticks

9. Sharpie Marker

10. Jewels (optional)

Creating the Cape

1. Cut the pillowcase in half. We used a new jersey pillowcase because the fabric is so soft, but even an old one will do the trick. Look for the folded end, because, once cut, this will be a perfect place to insert ribbon. Tip: If you are going to use new material, iron out all the folds in the fabric before starting.

2. Roll out and measure the ribbon so there’s enough to thread through and hang from your superhero’s shoulders.

Design the Superhero Emblem

1. Print out a lightning bolt, or any other fun superhero template for tracing. (We love the simple ones from A Beautiful Mess and Vanilla Joy).

2. Trace the lightening bolt with your marker, then cut out the shape. Any yellow felt will do, but we used Kuni brand with sticky backing for extra thickness.

3. Cut out a circle from another sheet of felt (different color).

4. Hot glue the circle in the middle of the back of the cape. Pick a spot and stick with it, hot glue sets in a flash!

5. Place and secure the logo in the middle of the circle with hot glue.

 

3. Roll out and measure a length of ribbon for the seam along bottom of the cape and then hot glue the ribbon to the edge— this will help to keep the cape in action during play time.

6. Bonus Step: If your superhero loves a little sparkle, now is the time to add jewels!

Finish the Cape

1. Take the length of ribbon and thread it through the hole created in the folded top of the pillowcase. It should be long enough to drape around your little superhero’s shoulders.

2. Go outside and save the day!

Will you make one of these super simple superhero capes? Share with us in the comments below.

— Photos and copy by Gabby Cullen

 

It’s every parent’s nightmare, but a great reminder that first responders know how to help kiddos in an emergency.

When firefighter Casey Lessard saw a child in shock on the side of the highway after a car accident, he lay on the ground and pulled out his cellphone to play Happy Feet, which immediately calmed the child down.

Lessard was one of the first to arrive on the scene of a car accident in Mississippi on Saturday that involved a Lincoln SUV flipping several times as it flew off an exit ramp. An adult driver and five children were in the car.

D’Ibervile Fire Capt. Darren Peterson said his firefighters do everything they can to calm and comfort children involved in traumas such as this. Heroes don’t always wear capes!

Read more at SunHerald.