With a little planning—and forgiveness—surviving the holidays without losing your temper is possible
It’s the holiday season—you’re supposed to be happy, jolly, merry… right? RIGHT? Maybe not entirely. If you’re like most parents, the holidays come with equal parts Christmas cheer and seasonal stress. On one hand, we want to spoil our kids and feel their joy as they tear off the wrappings of their brand-new bikes or coveted toys—on the other, on the other, we can’t help but see red (the bad kind) as a result of all the ways they act out leading up to the big day.
And it’s no wonder: Between the added expenses, event overload, family drama, and travel plans, there can be more than merriment lurking behind those “perfect” holiday moments. In fact, according to a C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital report, one in six parents reports being more stressed during the holidays (with moms reporting twice as much stress as dads). As for what causes most yuletide woes, parents ranked holiday shopping, keeping kids healthy, household finances, party planning, meal-making, and criticism from family members as the biggest offenders
The holidays usually mean increased spending, a change of schedule, interaction with extended family, and of course, less sunlight, says Los Angeles-based psychologist Tara Klein. “We need to be extra careful about self-care during this time to have the emotional resilience for all the ups and downs that go along with the holidays.”
What that means is with planning—and forgiveness (of you and your kids!)—surviving the holidays without completely losing it on your little sugarplums is possible. Here’s how to make it happen:
Find Ways to Alleviate Financial Stress
If you’re worried about how to afford all those gifts—you’re not alone. A poll conducted by debt resolution company Beyond Finance found that more than two-thirds of people said holiday spending ups their stress levels—82 percent worried they won’t be able to pay for all the gifts they want to buy. Here are some tips for surviving the holidays when it comes to finances:
Make a budget—and stick to it. Be realistic about what you can spend and map out your gift-giving list on paper. Then, be sure to stick to your plans! Need some help? Microsoft offers this free budget-making template
Get creative with gifts. You don’t have to buy all your gifts; there are plenty of crafts and “I Owe You” items that your family and friends would be just as happy to receive. Offer your scrubbing skills to a relative in need of a car wash. Spend the evening babysitting for a friend overwhelmed with her littles (Best. Gift. Ever.). And, DIYers: From fresh-baked cookies to homemade photo gifts, this is your chance to shine!
Take advantage of free shipping. While there is an anxiety-ridden rite of passage to braving the mobbed post office during the days before Christmas—it’s unnecessary. Save money on shipping by taking advantage of stores that offer free shipping for purchases.
Be honest with family members. It’s OK to simmer down the expectations. Tell your extended family members that your budget is tight this year and that they’ll receive “creative” gifts (or just cards) instead of pricey gifts. Most people will welcome your honesty—it may even take the load off them, too—and you’ll feel better knowing everyone knows what to expect.
Learn How to Handle the Constant “I WANTs” from Your Kids
Is your child summoning her inner Veruca Salt whenever you take her to Target? Deep breaths! It’s hard to handle the barrage of “I wants” that can possess our kids during the holidays, but it’s not entirely their fault. After all, every ad and conversation they have about Christmas likely has to do with gift-giving. So the wanting is normal, but it’s the demands you need to curb. Here’s how to manage:
Make a Wish Board to help kids feel heard. Parent coach Abigail Wald—author of a Parenting Survival Deck that includes tips for handling tricky kid behaviors (click here to get the “Want Wanter” card for free!)—recommends that families make a Wish Board to help kids organize their holiday wants.
“Let them put every single thing that they want on there. Then, throughout the next month or two, you can help them physicalize it by cutting out little pictures and moving things up and down the list of where they want them. It can become a fun little connective art project that the two of you have together, which takes down some of the wanting,” says Wald.
She also suggests checking back in with the list: Every time your child thinks they would have played with that one thing, put a checkmark by it; whichever has the most checkmarks by the end might be what they want the most.
Talk about giving. We all know what the holidays are supposed to be about, but to the typical kid, it’s all about getting presents. Help your kids see it in a different light by talking about what your family will give the grandparents or other extended family members; have them make small gifts to pass out to friends, neighbors, and teachers; take part in a neighborhood toy drive or an “Adopt a Family” campaign. The more they experience the joy of giving, the less they may want.
Take pictures. When your child begs for a particular toy at a store, pull out your phone and take a picture of the item to add to their special Wish List. Often, acknowledging what the child wants by photographing it is enough to quiet the wanting.
Teach them how to properly accept gifts (even the ones they don’t like). It might not be easy to watch, but it’s normal for kids to complain when they open a sweater instead of a Switch. Your kid is not “spoiled “or “ungrateful;” they’re just a developing human that hasn’t refined their filter. Yet.
To help, try this: Wrap an assortment of random items—a rock from the driveway, a toddler fork, a stick—and put them wherever you open holiday gifts. Then, take turns opening gifts and showing an exaggerated level of gratitude over each thing (OMG, “I’ve always wanted a fork like this!” “Thank you so much! This rock will look perfect on my dresser!” or “Wow, this stick is PERFECT!”). You’ll get enough giggles to get the point across, and hopefully, your kids will transfer the game to real life when they receive their next sweater.
Try to Keep (at least some of) Your Kids’ Routines
For kids, veering from the everyday routine can be a recipe for disaster. And even though the holidays can mean no school, travel, and a candy-lined upheaval of the norm, you can still keep at least some of your regular rituals, including finding time for naptime and following traditional bedtime routines.
As Harvard Health Publishing Senior Faculty Editor Claire McCarthy, MD, states, “As tempting as it may be to let kids stay up late and sleep late throughout the holidays, try to stay within an hour of usual times, except for special occasions (like New Year’s Eve). Same goes for mealtimes (be sure your kids get three healthy meals a day, preferably with you and not in front of the television).”
Keep Kids Busy—Especially During Family Gatherings.
If your kid has something to do, they are less likely to be tugging on your arm demanding attention or melting down on the living room floor over a broken candy cane. Bring toys or games to keep your toddlers busy during family gatherings, and let older children help by passing out hors d’oeuvres or taking guests’ coats.
Make a List of All the Events—and Decide Which Ones to Skip
School concerts! Holiday office parties! Family gatherings! Santa! There is so much going on over the holidays that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But YOU DON’T HAVE TO DO IT ALL. Write a list of all the events happening over the month and decide which ones you can do and which ones you can cut. Then, put all those things on a family calendar that everyone can see. This way, you don’t overextend yourself (and your kids know what to expect). The more relaxed you feel, surviving the holidays without losing it on your kids won’t feel so unattainable.
Keep a Designated Friend on Speed Dial
If you’re worried about surviving the holidays without losing it, Wald advises finding a “listening partner” for when times get tough. “I love to have a speed dial buddy—a friend I can text or call when I need to check in. You can feel alone even amid a lot of people, so it’s nice to have someone who knows your life, who knows your kids, who’s got your back, who you can text or call from the bathroom, from the car, or while you’re going for a walk. Just someone who can help you regroup and get grounded again,” she says.
Surviving the Holidays Means Remembering It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
The entire holiday season is a little like my 2019 holiday card. It took so long to get my three kids to sit still with corresponding “Happy. New. Year” signs that we attracted a small crowd of onlookers who chuckled at my Sisyphean efforts to corral the trio into a picture with at least three open pairs of eyelids (because after a while, that was my bare minimum). The moments leading up to the photo were filled with arguing, frustration, and the promise of candy, but all I see now is that perfect picture and those sweet smiles.
Wald offers sage advice about surviving the holidays, “It’s the things that happen year after year that they will remember most, so if a particular holiday time winds up pear-shaped, don’t worry. It doesn’t need to be perfect; it’s the fact that it’s happening at all that matters.” So be gentle with yourself and allow yourself—and your kids—some grace.
Keep the shopping small and local and support the women in our city
March is all about girl power. Not only is it Women’s History Month, but International Women’s Day falls on March 8. This makes it the perfect time to support hardworking women, some of them moms, in our community. From circuses in the parks to delightful sugar-filled bakeries, dive into our list of women-owned businesses in Chicago.
Just Some of Our Favorite Women-Owned Businesses in Chicago We Love to Support
Metta Baby Rachel Harangody's Metta Baby is Chicago's premier infant wellness studio with offerings including water stimulation, infant massage, baby yoga, parent/baby classes, music classes and more. The team is dedicated to promoting early developmental activities starting at two weeks that support motor, sensory, and cognitive skills while nurturing secure attachment between infants and their parents.
1921 N. Damen St. Bucktown
Kido Kido is a south loop kid's shop with a focus on positivity that sells books, clothes, puzzles and toys owned by husband and wife duo, Doug and Keewa. Along with the responsibilities of the store, Doug is a visual artist specializing in graffiti and murals and Keewa is a performing artist who sings jazz and plays characters. And, their kids are ridiculously adorable.
1137 S. Delano Ct. South Loop
Oasis Face Bar
Oasis Face Bar Leila Golding's newly opened Lincoln Park Oasis Face Bar takes the facial out of the spa, making it more budget-friendly and less time-consuming than a traditional spa experience. Her space is bright and beautiful and the estheticians are knowledgeable and friendly, so you still feel pampered. Book you or your partner a facial or schedule a family spa date. It's never too early to teach kids, boys or girls, the importance of a good skincare routine.
2136 N. Halsted Lincoln Park
Katherine Anne Confections When this local confectioner isn’t busy making mouthwatering truffles and caramels, it's drawing people with delicious hot chocolate in flavors like bittersweet, semisweet or salted caramel topped with homemade ‘mallows. The secret? Steamed whole milk and a creamy top that has 45% butterfat.
2475 W. Armitage Ave. Bucktown
Nadia Girl Owned by local mom, Briana Beazley, Nadia Girl makes tween clothing that not only feels and fits great but also helps girls feel more confident. All of the line’s designer duds are made of sustainable materials, with a portion of sales dedicated to organizations that empower girls through education.
Give Me Some Sugah A potato chip cookie? Uh, yes, please. Lenore Lindsey is a South Side native who believes the secret to success is to do what you love, which led her to open Give Me Some Sugah in 2008. She's famous for her potato chip cookie, but also loves anything lime and keeps things interesting (and savory) with an ever-changing line-up of homemade soups. Due to health issues, Give Me Some Sugah will be closed Feb. 2-Mar. 31. But, let's show her some love and support when she returns to her beloved kitchen.
2234 E. 71st St. South Shore
Purple Monkey Playroom Jessica Roubitchek opened Purple Monkey Playroom when her daughter was just shy of turning 2. She wanted to give families a bright, nurturing destination for young children, parents and caregivers to have drop-in playdates, parties and more. They managed to sneak in a small design-on-a-dime renovation during COVID shutdowns, so they're excited to showcase their upgrades.
2040 N. Western Ave. Bucktown
The Stork Bag Chicago mom, Ericka Perry, created the Stork Bag after searching online for a care package to send her pregnant best friend who lived in Florida. When she didn't find anything that fit the bill, she created her own and a business was born. The Stork Bag care packages target specific needs based on where a mom is in her pregnancy or post-pregnancy, and they even offer rainbow care packages for moms who have lost a baby.
Goldfish Swim School Kathy Ryan and her husband Bob co-own Goldfish Swim Schools in Roscoe Village and Wicker Park. They offer year-round swim instruction to ages 4 months to 12 years in a unique setting with highly trained instructors, small class sizes, shiver-free 90-degree pools and a state-of-the-art water purification system. Families with children of different ages and skill levels can conveniently have all of their swimmers in the pool during the same half-hour time slot.
2630 W. Bradley Rd. Rosco Village
1930 W. Hubbard St. Wicker Park
Mimi's Tot's Closet Mimi's Tot's Closet sells seriously cool threads and some of the sweetest outfits for infants and toddlers you'll ever see. They are located inside Mimi's Vanity Room, which hosts sassy spa, paint and slime birthday parties—they also have a mobile spa service for at-home parties!
8442 S. Ashland Ave. Washington Heights
Makoshey
Makoshey Tired of the same old tight, short, and sparkly clothing options for their three girls, Kristen Flather and her husband Fred started Makoshey, a clothing company that focuses on comfy, stylish and durable duds made to keep up with girls who want to climb, explore, invent, dream, run, play and create. Makoshey’s t-shirts are proudly printed in Chicago and feature an ideal blended fabric pairing a super soft feel with reliable durability.
Lolita's Productions Marisa Díaz-Arc is CEO of Lolita Productions LLC, which curates events that highlight Chicago Latinx entrepreneurs such as Lolita's Bodega's monthly pop-ups at Humboldt Park. They also produce the annual Puerto Rican Festival that celebrates the beauty of Puerto Rican culture. She is also the founder of Dándole Tech, a non-profit organization that provides education and repurposed technology for future leaders in need.
1440 N. Humboldt Park Blvd. Humboldt Park
Art Makers Outpost In 2019, Valerie Kahan decided she was done being torn between work and spending time with her kids. She set out to build a business of her own, Art Makers Outpost, an environmentally conscious art makers-space for young artists and adults. They work with local businesses to identify excess materials, recyclables and scraps that can be repurposed into art supplies for the studio.
609 South Blvd. Evanston
Essie Marie's Dressings & Marinades Itiona Scott grew up on the South Side of Chicago, the second youngest of 14 children. Her happiest memories were made in the kitchen watching her mom cook from scratch with zero need to measure. Losing her mom unexpectedly from heart disease at the age of 15 inspired a life-long devotion to healthy eating. Leapfrogging on the unwavering support she received from her mom as a child, Itiona started Essie Marie's Dressings & Marinades, which put a heart-healthy spin on her mom's best recipes.
Anupy Singla
Indian As Apple Pie Cookbook author and journalist Anupy Singla wears many hats. She’s the author of three books, including Indian For Everyonea regular commentator on NPR, a culinary instructor and the founder of a fast-growing food and housewares company, Indian As Apple Pie. She’s also the mom of two girls. Pay a visit to her website where you can purchase her cookbooks, spices and other products, as well as find approachable recipes.
Mindy's Bakery Previously named Mindy's HotChocolate, Chef Mindy Segal of Mindy's Bakery switched things up and is now specializing in handcrafted sourdough bagels and bialys, babka, za'atar challah and seasonal pastries. Lucky for us, Mindy still has a sweet spot for the roasty-toasty drink she serves with a house-made marshmallow on top.
1747 N. Damen Ave. Bucktown
Brown Sugar Bakery Stephanie Hart notes that opening her own business, Brown Sugar Bakery, in 2004, gave her more time to focus on being a mom. As she transformed from tech consultant to mompreneur, baking up her "dangerously delicious" cheesecakes, cupcakes, cobblers, cookies and pies, she relished the extra time spent with her daughter. The bakery is best known for its specialty sweets, including sweet potato pie, peach cobbler and bread pudding as well as nearly 20 cake flavors, including German chocolate, red velvet, carrot and turtle.
328 E. 75th St. Greater Grand Crossing
Le Chocolat du Bouchard Get ready for sugar bliss. This french bistro owned by Cathy Bouchard serves a wide variety of decadent hot chocolates, along with cases of baked and chocolate goodies. We highly recommend their carrot cake, it's one of the best around.
127-129 S. Washington St. Naperville
Monica + Andy Monica Royer started her oh-so-adorable kids’ and baby shop for the sole purpose of making things better for moms and their babies, focusing on everything from better fabrics to better ways to shop. From this simple concept grew a space where moms come together to not only shop, but bond at one of the many events that encompass singing, dancing, bubbles, music, yoga, laughter and learning.
Various Locations
Toys et Cetera Learning and play intertwine at Nancy's toy shop, which is located in the historic neighborhood of Hyde Park. It's big on safe, eco-friendly fun that's also educational, developmentally and culturally sensitive. They've been going strong since 1976, so they have their finger on the pulse of what kids like. They seek out good craftsmanship and clever toy inventors.
1502 E. 55th St. Hyde Park
The Dearborn Sisters Amy and Clodagh Lawless opened The Dearborn in 2016 after 40-plus years of hospitality experience to provide guests a way to enjoy a working lunch, pre-theater drinks or family dinners any night of the week.
145 N. Dearborn St. Loop
Chicago Boudoir Photography When Liz Hansen founded her studio, she aimed to offer a Victoria's-Secret-style photoshoot experience for the everyday woman. She believes every woman, in every stage of life and in every size and shape, should feel empowered and celebrated. Her business focuses on a personalized experience for each client, so she limits the number of photoshoots each month to allow time for pampering.
896 Green Bay Rd. Ste. 12 Winnetka
2 Moms Media LLC Sara Fisher and Caitlin Giles founded 2 Moms Media LLC in 2011 after the dynamic mom duo realized a need to improve how brands reach moms. They work with clients to create and execute integrated marketing campaigns that deliver real results in line with strategy and budget. Their services include media outreach, influencer management, grassroots marketing tactics, events, social media management, marketing analysis, brand positioning and more.
Cat & Mouse Game Store Owned by LInda Schmidt and Adre LeMoine, this West Loop shop has grown-ups hooked with its focus on games, puzzles and brainteasers. Everyone that works at Cat & Mouse is seriously addicted to games and puzzles and the huge selection in the store reflects that. Staff members are always willing to demo a game and introduce your family to something new.
Vicinity Candles Annie from Vicinity Candles Etsy shop sells candles inspired by local Chicago neighborhoods, with scents like Lakeview, West Loop, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Andersonville, Gold Coast, Pilsen, Wicker Park and Hyde Park. Each includes an insert that provides a glimpse into the neighborhood history which led to the inspiration for the scent.
Geppetto’s Toy Box Like Pinocchio, your kiddo will want no strings to hold him down at this Oak Park treasure. Cut them loose to explore art kits, building blocks, puzzles, developmental diversions and lots more. The owners, Brandy and Eric Masoncup, stand behind "slow toys" — back-to-basics playthings that children need time to explore and grow from. To that end, you won't see a lot of beeps, flashes and electronic brouhaha on the shelves.
This hotspot is full of fun and educational finds, and it has a sweet nostalgic twist. Owner Ann Kienzle has worked in the toy biz for eons and stays on top of the latest innovations. She has a passion for the importance of play in a child's life and has created a well-designed space that inspires awe in all who step into one of Play's three shops.
3109 W. Logan Logan Square
2462 N. Lincoln Lincoln Park
5311 N. Clark Andersonville
zpd a
zpd+a Tai Kojro-Badziak is a partner with zpd+a, a Chicago-based architecture firm with projects nationwide. They focus on adaptive reuse, mixed-use/multi-family new construction, hospitality, senior housing and some residential. During Covid, she created a home studio that doubled as a kindergarten classroom. Running an architecture firm from home while simultaneously homeschooling isn’t for the faint of heart. She and her husband got through with deep breaths, giving each other and their daughter space to feel all the feels, hot baths and a decent amount of wine.
67 E. Madison Loop
Dance Academy of Libertyville Growing up in Chicago’s northern suburbs, Emily Winkler was pretty sure she’d be a teacher or dancer. Turns out, she was right on both accounts. Besides her day job as Director of Dance Academy of Libertyville, she's mom to yin and yang super duo Chloe and Phoebe, quick-witted, wickedly smart and has an unsinkable passion for encouraging and inspiring young people to reach their full potential.
746 E. Park Ave. Libertyville
Melissa Salvatore
A Little Photo Studio Growing up, Melissa Salvatore thought she’d be one of two things: A photographer or she’d live on a farm, wear overalls every day and marry a guy named Bob. Well, some poor schmuck named Bob missed out, because, lucky us, she chose photography. She provides a full-service experience, from photo session to design and print. Her team is made up of professional kid wranglers, designers and masters of printing and editing.
2868 N. Lincoln Ave. Lakeview
Codeverse
Codeverse Co-founder Katy Lynch created Coveverse to give kids an impactful first introduction to real programming. Their interactive coding platform, Codeverse Studio, gives kids all the developer tools they need to build real apps and games, giving life to their creative ideas.
Timeless Toys This Lincoln Square mainstay owned by Martha and Harry Burrows is what we think Santa's workshop looks like—toys, toys, everywhere. Also, a big air of whimsy. Timeless Toys has been around since 1993 and is known for championing educational play. Go for games, puzzles, puppets, trikes, dolls, outdoor games, books and just about anything else your little tinkerer's heart desires.
4749 N. Lincoln Ave. Lincoln Square
Pockimals Tia, Hilary and Ana are childhood friends who are focused on maintaining the magic of childhood. Pockimals makes getting dressed ridiculously adorable with tiny stuffed animals equipped with buttons that secure them directly to custom-designed pockets. All items are produced with soft cotton to ensure comfort and no-scratchiness happiness.
Building Blocks Toy Store Owner Katherine Nguyen fills every nook of her 3 toy stores with play-rich, high-quality toys and books. Building Blocks is known for its deep selection of Thomas, Brio and Chuggington trains, but you'll also discover lesser-known items. You'll find everything from developmental playthings for babies to science kits that grandparents can't keep their hands off of.
2071 N. Clybourn Lincoln Park
3306 N. Lincoln Lakeview
2130 W. Division Wicker Park
Midnight Circus in the Parks
Midnight Circus in the Parks Julie (Greenberg) Jenkins is one-half of the husband and wife team that created Midnight Circus in the Parks, a traveling circus show that performs under a big top in Chicago Parks every fall. They've raised over $900,000 for Chicago Public Parks to build play lots, provide new equipment and subsidize special programs for neighborhood parks.
Frog Temple Pilates Randi Whitman was a professional dancer in her 20’s when she ruptured a disc in her spine. While trying to mend herself without surgery, she discovered pilates. Today Whitman teaches her clients how to strengthen their bodies as “a whole picture, vs. pieces and parts”, via Pilates, a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility. Her bright, airy Bucktown studio offers group classes, private and semi-private lessons, as well as massage therapy.
1635 W. Cortland Bucktown
AHF Body Chemistry Born and raised in Chicago, Arnett Faulkner began paying close attention to ingredients in skin-care products when her son was born with severe eczema and she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her research led her to conclude that pure essential and plant-based oils and natural ingredients are best for nurturing the skin. After sharing homemade products with friends, she yielded to the calling and created AHF Body Chemistry, a line of natural and organic whole body products.
Redline Athletics
Redline Athletics Old Irving Ed and Laura Hosty are fellow parents and lifelong athletes who saw a need for a youth training program in Chicago that focused on speed, agility and strength training with an emphasis on injury prevention. Their new 12,000-square-foot facility trains kids ages 8-18 to become more athletic, more comfortable moving their bodies and more resilient so they can achieve success on every field of play. Redline Athletics welcomes kids across the spectrum of athleticism — all are welcome.
3800 N. Milwaukee Ave. Old Irving
B Nude Candle Co Natasha Ellis started making candles as a fun at-home activity with her kids. She enjoyed the collaborative, customized process of candle creation so much, she launched Be Nude Candle Co. Her playful spirit comes out with candle names like Grey Sweatpants, Namaste Away From Me and Tall, Dark & Handsome. For a fun date night or friend night out, consider booking one of her candle-making workshops.
190 N. Swift Rd., Ste. J Addison
On Your Mark
On Your Mark Coaching & Training Owner and Nike Master Trainer Emily Hutchins started the Youth Development Program at On Your Mark based on the principles of making young athletes better—not only their athletic performance but by teaching them to be well-rounded humans. In order to support sustainable long-term development, kids work on physical and mental strength, mobility, stability, agility and speed.
1011 W. Monroe West Loop
Brush Park Gymnasium Feeling there was a lack of workout facilities that effectively catered to families wanting to maintain a regular fitness routine, mom of two Adrienne Farrel created a space where every family member can have access to high-quality health and wellness. And, she did it beautifully. The stunning facility has all the equipment needed for an effective adult workout, a kid's playspace with a climbing wall, hanging pod chairs, and a magnetic wall and outdoor space for parents to sit, chat and enjoy coffee while the kids play.
Inclusivity can be taught from a very young age and these companies are doing their part to make the toy landscape a diverse one. From a doll that looks like your child to one that teaches about their medical condition, diverse toys can make us feel valued as humans and show us that there’s a whole world beyond our front door.
Barbie Inspiring Women Series
Showcasing women who've made the world a better place through determination and fighting for justice and equal opportunity, Barbie's Inspiring Women Series includes change makers like Eleanor Roosevelt, Dr. Maya Angelou, and Hellen Keller. Now the collection has a new doll: civil rights activities and women's suffragette, Ida B. Wells.
Wells co-founded the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) which fight for freedom, justice, and equal opportunity to this day. Not only does the doll pay homage to this history-making woman, but Barbie has also partnered with Girls Write Now, a non-profit organization that removes gender, race, age, and poverty barriers to mentor future writers and leaders.
Teni and Tayo Creations are excited to share a piece of Africa with young children. Omobola Imoisili founded the brand after relocating to L.A. from Nigeria and wanting to give her small daughters something representative of their heritage while they attend school. Brand mascots Feyi Fay, a superhero fairy, and Captain Nosa, a Nigerian scientist, and superhero, encourage kids to do well in school and promote a love of learning in all the brand’s offerings. From STEM toys to books and apparel, there are diverse toys available for everyone.
ISH Dolls creates diverse toys and clothing that celebrate culture and the Hindu faith. Their colorful plush dolls are designed to bring joy to children of all backgrounds and to introduce them to the avatars found in Hindu culture. This mom-owned business launched at the height of the pandemic in May 2020 with its first plush, Baby Krishna, and followed up with his companions Rahda, Durga and Baby Lakshmi.
Everything—and everyone—is awesome! Inspired by the rainbow flag of the LGBTQIA+ community, LEGO's “Everyone is Awesome” 346-piece set features 11 unique monochrome figures with individual colors and hairstyles. Once completed, it’s the perfect size for a desk or window display, to bring a colorful pop to life every day.
Qai Qai is no ordinary doll; since appearing on social media alongside Serena Williams, Alexis Ohanian, and their daughter Olympia, Qai Qai has amassed thousands of followers of her own. According to Serena Williams, "When we first opened @RealQaiQai's account on Instagram two years ago, it was just supposed to be an inside joke, but we've come to realize that Qai Qai could be the beginning of a new kind of toy story, and one that we're excited to help bring to life so our daughter and millions of other children can see and play with more toys that look like them."
Your heart will melt at the cute offerings from Red & Olive. Not only are the knit ethical dolls adorable, but they also help support the artisans who handmake each one. Each fair trade doll is handmade by Peruvian artists, empowering them to provide for themselves and their families. The companion dolls come with either matching beanies or bows.
Celebrate the culture and traditions of India with Modi Toys. This family-owned small business offers plush diverse toys and gift baskets that feature Baby Ganesh, Baby Krishna, and Baby Hanuman along with books that explain their history. You can even personalize the plush toys with a baby's name—the perfect gift for a new arrival.
Diversify your child's bookshelf with the help of The Little Feminist Books Club. When you select the 7-9 age group, you will get two paperbacks or one hardcover book each month, along with a hands-on activity that goes along with the book, a discussion card, and a parent letter explaining why the book was chosen.
The Healthy Roots Doll Zoe is a life-like 18” doll with hair uniquely designed with curl power that allows it to be washed and styled, giving kids the chance to learn more about how to care for their curls by practicing on hers. The inspiration for Zoe came from Yelitsa Jean-Charles, a young woman—who like many others—never had a doll that looked like her growing up.
Kids can use real products and try out countless styles from puffs to box braids! Zoe learned to love her hair after she did the big chop with her mom. Together they learned how to love every single one of her curls. Now she’s here to help other girls learn to love their curls.
Check out these dolls for girls on a mission to change the world. Inspired by their upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, twin sisters Laken and Carlissa King sought to create dolls that spark creativity and celebrate togetherness.
Worldgirls are 18-inch dolls representing girls from around the world who are chosen to attend the top-secret school, Worldgirls Hall. Each Worldgirl is assigned 1 of 5 traits: WARRIOR, HEALER, EXPLORER, REBEL, and SCHOLAR. The company created the traits so children could connect with the dolls' unique passions rather than their looks.
When Dr. Lisa Williams, CEO & Founder of the only Black-owned major doll company, saw the psychological implications of the importance of your toy box no matter your race or ethnicity, she created the Positively Perfect Dolls for younger children. In recent years her company has created The Fresh Dolls featuring black and multicultural fashion dolls and accessories. The Fresh Dolls were intentionally created with fuller hips and thighs, and a more realistic waistline, with trendy fashion pieces. New this year is their Wakanda Forever superhero line!
If you’ve ever had the frustration of finding dolls that look like your family (or friends!), you’ll LOVE this. Multiracial families, same-sex families, single-parent families, and adoptive families can now construct dolls that capture the beautiful reality of their households. MyFamilyBuilders is a unique, educational wooden diverse toy that is stackable and magnetic to create the perfect doll.
Created by single adoptive mom Kayla Lupean, Play Maysie is a portable, customizable world in a case for the pint-sized bunch. Noted as “everything a dollhouse should be,” this diverse toy is a gender-neutral classic childhood favorite that is made for adventures. Play Maysie’s design was inspired by the nostalgia of vintage tin lunchboxes. It folds out on both sides to showcase interchangeable, magnetic rooms with fixed wooden furniture—built for frustration-free play, less mess and no more lost pieces! With an eye on teaching sustainability, each Play Maysie is made of eco-friendly, renewable materials for indoor and outdoor play either at home or on the go.
At the core of the company's mission, for every three Play Maysie cases purchased, they will donate another one to a child who is entering the foster care system. Their hope is, with an integral sense of ownership, foster youth can open their Play Maysie case at any time to create an experience where they feel safe, secure, and in control during a time where nearly everything in their world is unfamiliar.
While you might be used to seeing ribbon wands in rainbow or pastel colors, the Melanin Magic Ribbon Wands are a celebration of melanin. Kids need to see all skin tones all together all on the same toy. Each ribbon deserves a place and the rainbow would look incomplete if it were missing one. These simple toys make a wonderful gross motor skills tool for dancing, twirling, jumping, and shaking. They also make a great conversation starter for kids. Purchasing one of these diverse toys support Brown Babes Rep Too, an organization dedicated to ensuring a diverse environment in small business advertising.
Dolls with Autism, Dwarfism and Hearing Loss from Lottie Dolls
Lottie Dolls introduced a doll inspired by an autistic boy who loves astronomy. The diverse toy comes with an astronaut-in-training jumpsuit, companion dog, noise-reducing headphones, and sunglasses to reduce visual sensory overload.
Lottie Dolls offers dolls that highlight diversity, including the Mia doll, a wildlife photographer with a cochlear implant, and the Sinead doll, the world's first doll with dwarfism.
Crystal Kaye is the artist behind Kay Customz. Not only are Crystal’s custom dolls cute, but they’re also inclusive. She goes beyond creating dolls in a few different skin tones, and makes dolls with freckles (and not just the traditional two or three that are meant to look cute but don’t really represent what a normal person looks like freckles), vitiligo and albinism.
Build-a-Bear & Vermont Teddy Bear Company Amputee Bears
For kids with limb differences, Build-a-Bear and the Vermont Teddy Bear Company are there to create a bear with the same limb difference. Both offer customization that allows this treasured bear to match its owner.
Differently-Abled Dolls from Barbie's Fashionistas Line
The Barbie Fashionistas line, which already includes Barbie dolls with various body types and hairstyles, also offers two differently-abled dolls. The first doll is in a wheelchair and the second is fitted with a prosthetic leg. “As a brand, we can elevate the conversation around physical disabilities by including them into our fashion doll line to further showcase a multi-dimensional view of beauty and fashion,” Mattel said.
To encourage their daughter's interest in African culture, two parents created this doll company with different shades of skin complexions and hair textures available. They even have a buy-one-gift-one program!
Inspired by the letter from a six-year-old girl, the iconic green army men sold by BMC Toys now have an addition—women soldiers. They are available in four different military poses
The idea was inspired by Matthew Shifrin who was born blind and loved to play with LEGO bricks. As a child, he had a friend, Lilya who would painstakingly write down all of the LEGO building steps so that he could upload the written directions into a system that translated them in a Braille reader. For the first time in his life, he was able to build LEGO sets entirely on his own.
When Lilya passed away, Shifrin decided he wanted to share his experience with others like him. A friend from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology introduced him to the Creative Play Lab at LEGO Group and his wonderful idea was developed into the LEGO Audio and Braille instruction. LEGO also has LEGO Braille bricks!
With dozens and dozens of looks to choose from in the Truly Me collection, your child can bring home an American Girl doll who brings out exactly who they are. From singing to soccer to so much more, every child can find outfits and accessories to match their interests.
Kids can even have their dolls fitted with a prosthetic leg by the company A Step Ahead Prosthetics.
Lakeshore Learning's People with Differing Abilities
We all want our kids to be open-minded, but in order to understand other people's differences, it's important that kids see those differences first-hand—and talk about them. Lakeshore Learning's People with Differing Abilities include people with realistic details and adaptive equipment—from a girl in a wheelchair to a boy with leg braces. For younger kiddos, Lakeshore also has a "Soft and Safe" version of these diverse toys that feature children with various disabilities.
If you've got a superhero-loving kid who wants a doll—but not that kind of doll—Wonder Crew dolls are the perfect addition. The collection of boy dolls was designed to have the "adventure of an action figure with the emotional connection of the favorite stuffed animal." They're soft and perfect for cuddles, but they're also superheroes. What's even cooler? Each doll comes with two masks and capes: One for the doll and one for the kid who plays with it. Genius.
By taking care of Jerry's diabetes, children gain hands-on practice with counting carbs, monitoring Jerry's blood sugar and dosing Jerry with insulin. Kids care for Jerry using the virtual diabetes tools and the digital pantry in the product's app.
Follow along with Jerry's journey to train for the All-Stars Games! All 21 interactive storybooks are paired with care tasks to reinforce important diabetes lessons. The curriculum is co-designed with doctors, educators and families to create educational content that kids love.
Do you know what's not empowering? Dolls with body proportions that are impossible to have in real life. That's why the makers of Lammily Dolls decided to make a collection of dolls using proportions akin to the average 19-year-old American woman. That means everything from the hands, arms, and neck to the waist, legs, and feet are realistic. The makers hope that playing with "normal" dolls will help young girls see their own bodies more positively (because sadly, studies show girls start worrying about their looks by age five).
Diversity is the name of the game when it comes to this line of dolls. Maru and Friends dolls are making a statement, and it’s one that’s long overdue. These dolls are more than just pretty playthings. Maru and Friends tell the tale of life as an immigrant. And your child can learn Maru’s story, as well as what it’s like for her friends to grow up in America.
This line of dolls and accessories was created by Cynthia Watkins and Kathryn Burnett, a mother-daughter duo, in 2017. Different skin tones, sizes, and hair types are available and each doll is handmade with painstaking detail given to outfits with the ability to match a specific outfit if desired.
This award-winning game matches faces to countries. Twenty-four pairs of illustrated cards depict the happy faces of children from all over the world and make for a fun and educational memory game. At times challenging, the game helps sharpen recognition and memory skills. The back of the game box shows which country each child is from.
Great for multicultural arts and crafts activities. This set includes 10 sheets of each of these five colors: Manila, Salmon, Light Brown, Brown and Dark Brown.
No matter how old your kids are, threatening or upsetting news can affect them emotionally. Many can feel worried, frightened, angry, or even guilty. And these anxious feelings can last long after the news event is over. So what can you do as a parent to help your kids deal with all this information? Here are a few tips for talking to kids about tragedy in the news.
Addressing News and Current Events: Tips for All Kids
Consider your own reactions. Your kids will look to the way you handle the news to determine their own approach. If you stay calm and rational, they will, too.
Take action. Depending on the issue and kids’ ages, families can find ways to help those affected by the news. Kids can write postcards to politicians expressing their opinions; families can attend meetings or protests; kids can help assemble care packages or donate a portion of their allowance to a rescue/humanitarian effort. Check out websites that help kids do good.
Tips for Kids under 7
Keep the news away. Turn off the TV and radio news at the top of the hour and half hour. Read the newspaper out of range of young eyes that can be frightened by the pictures (kids may respond strongly to pictures of other kids in jeopardy). Preschool kids don’t need to see or hear about something that will only scare them silly, especially because they can easily confuse facts with fantasies or fears.
Stress that your family is safe. At this age, kids are most concerned with your safety and separation from you. Try not to minimize or discount their concerns and fears, but reassure them by explaining all the protective measures that exist to keep them safe. If the news event happened far away, you can use the distance to reassure kids. For kids who live in areas where crime and violence is a very real threat, any news account of violence may trigger extra fear. If that happens, share a few age-appropriate tips for staying and feeling safe (being with an adult, keeping away from any police activity).
Be together. Though it’s important to listen and not belittle their fears, distraction and physical comfort can go a long way. Snuggling up and watching something cheery or doing something fun together may be more effective than logical explanations about probabilities.
Tips for Kids 8–12
Carefully consider your child’s maturity and temperament. Many kids can handle a discussion of threatening events, but if your kids tend toward the sensitive side, be sure to keep them away from the TV news; repetitive images and stories can make dangers appear greater, more prevalent, and closer to home.
Be available for questions and conversation. At this age, many kids will see the morality of events in stark black-and-white terms and are in the process of developing their moral beliefs. You may have to explain the basics of prejudice, bias, and civil and religious strife. But be careful about making generalizations, since kids will take what you say to the bank. This is a good time to ask them what they know, since they’ll probably have gotten their information from friends, and you may have to correct facts.
Talk about — and filter — news coverage. You might explain that even news programs compete for viewers, which sometimes affects content decisions. If you let your kids use the Internet, go online with them. Some of the pictures posted are simply grisly. Monitor where your kids are going, and set your URLs to open to non-news-based portals.
Tips for Teens
Check in. Since, in many instances, teens will have absorbed the news independently of you, talking with them can offer great insights into their developing politics and their senses of justice and morality. It will also help you get a sense of what they already know or have learned about the situation from their own social networks. It will also give you the opportunity to throw your own insights into the mix (just don’t dismiss theirs, since that will shut down the conversation immediately).
Let teens express themselves. Many teens will feel passionately about events and may even personalize them if someone they know has been directly affected. They’ll also probably be aware that their own lives could be affected by violence. Try to address their concerns without dismissing or minimizing them. If you disagree with media portrayals, explain why so your teens can separate the mediums through which they absorb news from the messages conveyed.
Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.
Volunteering is not only a great way to spend family time, but it can help foster your child’s social skills, grow their sense of empathy and expose them to new interests. From creating custom cards for the troops to cleaning dirt and debris from the National Mall, we’ve rounded up volunteer opportunities suitable for a range of ages—from tots to teens. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, scroll down for the best family-friendly volunteer opportunities in the DMV.
Arlington County: Be Earth Friendly Every Day Arlington County's website boasts a long list of recommended family activities and events, like how to create your own rain garden or rain barrel, recycling tips, leads on local freecycling groups, and scheduled invasive plant removal projects at area parks. Arlington is also home to a ton of nature centers and gardens, where you can register for a nature event or stock up on foliage at a spring native plant sale.
The Alice Ferguson Foundation The Alice Ferguson Foundation has a long legacy of grassroots, community action. Our goal is to create meaningful experiences that connect our volunteers and visitors to the natural world. Family friendly opportunities include everything from Children's Garden maintenance and trail cleanups to Potomac River trash pickup and beautifying.
Anacostia River With multiple points throughout the district, Montgomery County, and Prince George’s County, there is likely an Anacostia clean-up site near you. The Anacostia Watershed Societywelcomes all, families and kids included to volunteer. They provide the tools and supplies, you provide the manpower to make the river sparkle.
National Mall and Memorial Parks Plan a unique family gathering or organize your local troop for a day on the Mall. Groups of 15 can spend an afternoon pruning trees, painting benches and keeping this National Park looking visitor-ready.
Casey Trees Help add green to the urban landscape with this non profit organization dedicated to increasing the leafy canopy in DC. Check the website for on-going opportunities to help with community plantings. Or register your child's school for a hands-on academic experience.
Children’s National Medical Center Most of the hands-on volunteering is for people ages 18 & up, with the exception of a 15 & up Ambassador Program, but the hospital needs more than bedside manners. Keep Dr. Bear’s Closet well stocked with superhero figures, Legos, books, crayons, stuffed animals, iPads – you get the idea – through donation drives.
When: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3-6 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: 111 Michigan Ave. NW, Suite 1180 Online:childrensnational.org
DC Diaper Bank Helping babies is the number one mission of the DC Diaper Bank. Diapers, newborn necessities, nursing supplies, hygiene products and more are all collected to empower and change lives of babies living at or below the poverty line. Kiddos can get involved by helping to collect supplies, packaging diapers, and distributing to those in need. Even the littlest of helpers can join in – there’s a playroom for the young and eager to practice their skills while you and junior box up pampers.
Art for Humanity This Arlington-based charity has been helping poor children in Honduras through the Honduras Independence Bilingual School since 2006 and has three main ways to involve kids. One is by collecting vitamins and health supplies such as ibuprofen and cough drops for adults and children. Another is to sponsor a child’s education. The website lists kids in need and how much money per month they need. Sponsors get reports of their progress and a video of the children.
Shelter House This nonprofit serves two shelters for families and one for victims of domestic violence in Fairfax County, VA. Arrange a drive or just gather items to donate as a family. Needs are greatest for toiletries, pillows, pots and pans, gift cards, diapers and wipes, baby bottles, cutlery, and sheet sets.
Cards for Hospitalized Kids OK, so this isn’t locally based, but seriously, it’s so easy, we couldn’t exclude it. Get out the art supplies and make uplifting cards – generally themed or holiday-specific – to be delivered to children in hospitals. Cards go out monthly. Send your creation(s) to 7290 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60631.
Color A Smile With kids, you’re probably coloring pretty often anyway, right? Print a page from the choices on the Color a Smile website, use crayons or markers, and mail the picture to PO Box 1516, Morristown, NJ 07962-1516. Every month the organization distributes the drawings to senior citizens, troops overseas and “anyone in need of a smile.” In the past 25 years, it has sent more than 1 million drawings.
We Are Family Missing Grandma and Grandpa? Volunteer with We Are Family! They reach out to isolated senior citizens to help with groceries, cleaning, transportation, and/or just a friendly visit. Little ones can bring huge smiles to faces who might not get to interact with pint-sized future presidents, doctors, social workers and teachers. Kids who visit with the elderly benefit from the stories, interactivity and getting a dose of Grammie and Pop-Pop —even if it’s just for a little while. Be still our beating hearts.
Hebrew Home of Greater Washington Visit an elderly person (or two or 10) who might not have family nearby. Chat, play games or take them outside for fresh air. If you play an instrument, sing, dance or love theater, contact the recreation team about performing. Kids ages 10 to 17 need parental permission to volunteer here.
Montgomery County Humane Society To volunteer at a shelter, you must be at least 16, but younger people can help in other ways. For instance, host a drive for new or gently used pet supplies, or make a “no sew” pet bed, cat toys and other do-it-your-self toys. Find specific instructions online.
Where:601 South Stone St., Rockville, MD Online: mchumane.org
Lucky Dog Animal Rescue Got a pint-sized animal lover who wants to collect a whole zoo? The Lucky Dog's Youth Program is the perfect way for your personal Jeff Corwin to get involved without having to get another puppy or kitty. Lucky doggers can host fundraising events, make dog toys, bake treats, draw pictures (yes, really!) and even invite Lucky Dog Rescuers to school to learn more about the animals they help (for kids 7 & up). Woof!
Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County Even pets need a hand up sometime – which is exactly where Chomper’s Food Bank comes into play. Little one who are always trying to fill up the grocery cart with all those delicious treats, can now fill up their basket to help Fido instead of driving Mama crazy. Dried and wet food, kitten, puppy or senior food, it’s all needed at Chomper’s so that dogs and cats of Montgomery County can stay in their homes even if their owners are a little down on their luck. Helping animals and people? We call that a win-win.
Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Fans of Lost Dog Café know that their mission is to help animals in need. So, help kiddos put their money where their mouths are, and fundraise for animals who need it most. Middle schoolers, high schoolers and even elementary aged animal lovers can collect coins, bills and checks to donate to homeless dogs and cats. To date, they’ve helped more than 22,000 furry critters – all with a little help from their friends.
Animal Welfare League of Alexandria Help a furry friend without worrying about allergy attacks or friendly nips through the Youth Program’s at-home activities. These include chopping hot dogs, making Kittywands, catnip socks, Pupcicles of broth and meat, tugbraids and hiding houses (instructions for all are here).
Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s Paws and Read Who doesn’t love a good story? Children in kindergarten through fifth grade, accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, can practice reading and give cats some love by reading books to them. Take that, holiday brain drain (that’s a thing, right?).
When: Mon., Wed.-Fri. 1-5:20 p.m. Where: 2650 S. Arlington Mill Dr., Arlington, VA Online: awla.org
Humane Rescue Alliance Kids been nagging you for a pet? Give one a trial run – and a good home – as a foster family. The alliance takes in an average of 30 animals a day, and it needs help providing shelter for them, particularly those that might need specialized care, such as orphaned kittens and puppies.
Wreaths Across America Cemeteries may not be the first things that come to mind when volunteering as a family, but Wreaths Across America aims to place a festive, holiday wreath on the grave of soldiers to “Remember, Honor and Teach.” Families can lay wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as multiple locations throughout the DMV.
Socks for Vets For those with younger kiddos who want a taste of volunteering, but might not be able to pack food or read to puppies, Socks for Vets is the perfect fit. Each month, the founder, Cavan McIntyre-Brewer decides different ways to honor the nation’s veterans. Your family can get involved by donating socks, making cards, shopping for goat supplies (seriously they have packgoats!), and other myriad ways to show support for the bravest of the brave. Socks for Vets regularly visits the DC area where they hand out cards to Vets at the memorials, volunteer at military hospitals or participate in parades where they showcase their mission (DC is a bit much for the furry critters, though, so don’t expect to see goats roaming around Pennsylvania Ave.) and how they help wounded warriors.
Any Soldier Gather together to create care packages for members of the military who are stationed overseas. Recommended items include playing cards, jerky, Nutella, sunflower seeds, socks and Beanie Babies. The website offers a complete list including brand names or select a service member’s name to see their wish lists.
Holidays for Heroes Send three blank holiday cards, three blank envelopes with postage stamps and a personalized message from your family to a service member for the American Red Cross to provide to injured, ill or hospitalized service members and veterans. Each recipient will be able to send the cards to their loved ones. Mail them to the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region at 8550 Arlington Blvd., Fairfax, VA 22031.
Manna Food Center This charity in Gaithersburg has volunteer opportunities for kids ages 7 & up who want to help feed the hungry in Montgomery County. One activity is Family Box Packing. The center recommends that children be at least 10, but kiddos as young as 7 are welcome. At these events, held five time a month, participants spend about 90 minutes packing about 192 boxes of nonperishable food items. Check the website for additional opportunities, such as food drives.
Meals on Wheels As part of the Moms for Meals program, kids can accompany parents on weekday delivery runs during summer and winter breaks. Meals on Wheels provides food to homebound seniors and people with disabilities. If you can spare the time, chat with the recipient for a few minutes to make their day just that might brighter.
Food for Others Make a family outing to this food distribution center, which serves those in need in Fairfax and the greater NOVA area. Children must be at least 12 and those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Tasks include packing food boxed, Power Packs and USDA bags, unloading trucks, and sorting and stocking donated food.
ALIVE! Food Distribution Bagging groceries and distributing them is a great way for young and older munchkins to help others. ALIVE! has set weekends were volunteers can setup, unload, bag, distribute and register clients to receive food donated through the ALIVE! food bank. If your volunteer is older (teenager) he or she can help with furniture delivery, special events and maybe even at the ALIVE! house in old town. Whatever your family desires, there’s something to spark passion at every level.
Arlington Food Assistance Center Different kids means different interests – which is perfect for the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Children as young as 5 can help out at Family Bagging Nights (put food in grocery bags), while teenagers can post leaflets and posters promoting food drives. Middle and high schoolers can host Dimes for Dining where they give their neighbors a jar to fill with change and collect them at the end of the month.
The Bowie Interfaith Pantry and Emergency Aid Fund Plunk the kids in the nearest car-shaped shopping cart and help restock the fund’s pantry through its Shop-a-Shelf Program, which reimburses folks for canned goods, fresh produce, personal care items, and other donations. Or go a step further and Adopt-a-Shelf, then keep it full year round.
Capital Area Food Bank This is the largest organization in the metro area working to feed the hungry. It has partnered with 444 community organizations to provide food to those who need it and also delivers food directly, helping 540,000 people – 12 percent of the region’s population – a year eat. Do your part by gathering your family to sort and pack the food for delivery.
Food and Friends Volunteers founded this organization in 1988 and volunteers are still needed. Go through a volunteer orientation and then sign up to deliver meals and groceries to six to 10 families or prep and pack food (ages 14 & up for the latter). Note: Thanksgiving is an especially busy time for the org so sign up soon.
So Others Might Eat This interfaith organization provides food, showers, clothing, medical care and housing for those in need. Volunteers in the dining room must be at least 13 years old and accompanied by an adult, and at least 16 to do it independently. Opportunities outside food service include creating holiday decorations and baking treats to be served with meals.
Spend Yourself Food Pantry This Falls Church-based group seeks volunteers on Saturdays between 8:30 am and 12:15 pm to provide food to clients, pack and shelve food, and interact with clients. Donations of non-perishable food items are always welcome, too.
Martha’s Table This group has worked for 35 years to support children, families and the community at large in the DC area. Become one of the 16,000 volunteer who help with food, clothing and special events every year. Must be at least 12 to help with food and clothing.
Lorton Community Action Center More than 100 youth volunteer here every year in a variety of ways. Students 13 and older may help prepare food bags and assist with donations in the pantry, children of any age may organize a food drive, kids 15 and younger with an adult on hand may help in the Lorton’s Attic thrift store, and kids can raise money to donate to the center in lieu of (or in addition to) holiday or birthday gifts using a personal fundraising webpage.
Where: 9518 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA Online: lortonaction.org
Helping the Homeless
iStock
Carpenter’s Shelter Serving more than 600 homeless and formerly homeless children and adults each year, this shelter serves people in need in the city of Alexandria. They’re looking for in-kind donations of food, toiletries and miscellaneous items such as air mattresses, dish and bath towels, and SmarTrip cards. The shelter also keeps an Amazon Wish List in case you want to have the kiddos pick items there that can be shipped directly to the shelter.
Lorton Community Action Center More than 100 youth volunteer here every year in a variety of ways. Students 13 and older may help prepare food bags and assist with donations in the pantry, children of any age may organize a food drive, kids 15 and younger with an adult on hand may help in the Lorton’s Attic thrift store, and kids can raise money to donate to the center in lieu of (or in addition to) holiday or birthday gifts using a personal fundraising webpage.
Where: 9518 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA Online: lortonaction.org
Habitat for Humanity Children as young as 5 can participate here as part of Habitat Youth Programs, which aims “to instill a love of volunteering from an early age.” Contact your local affiliate for details on onsite help, but other ways to get littles involved include making cards for donors, homeowners and volunteers using Habitat’s card creation kit; raising money through Helping Hands for Habitat; and writing letters to local lawmakers to speak out against substandard housing.
ACTIONS in Community Through Service This group, which formed in 1969, helps people and families in need in Prince William County through programs such as housing support and domestic violence services. Children 15 and younger must be accompanied by an adult. ACTS suggests that kids coordinate drives or collections in their schools or places of worship, or that they make kits of essentials for clients.
Where: 3900 ACTS Ln., Dumfries, VA Online: actspwc.org
Bethesda Cares This community outreach program for the homeless provides food, clothing and psychiatric services, and helps put a roof over the heads of people in the streets. Families can help by organizing drives to collect food, clothing or toiletries. During the winter, seasonal clothing for adults is especially needed.
The Salvation Army – Kettle Bell Ringing Rambunctious and fun-loving kiddos will have a blast ringing bells for The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle drive. Bell ringers usually sign up for a minimum 2-hour shift so it’s the perfect way to split duties between friends, siblings or group organizations. And, all the little ones need to do is ring a bell! They can be noisy, chatty and sweet all while raising money for those in need. Who wouldn’t drop some coins in the kettle?!
Rising Hope Mission Church Families looking for a place where their donations will go directly to the local community should check out Rising Hope Mission Church. 100% of donations go to people living in poverty along the Route 1 corridor in Fairfax County. Kiddos can host food drives, clothing donations and even plan a lemonade stand in support of Rising Hope. Each season the mission has different requests so parents and their kids can tailor their volunteering to what’s needed most at the church.
They are legion—we're guessing especially in NYC. Gift mom with a fun afternoon visiting the locations from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. An actor all dolled up as "Midge" herself leads guests on a tour of many of the spots featured in the show, including The Gaslight Cafe in the West Village, Cafe Reggio, the historic cafe City Spoon Diner, a retro Euro-American cafe in the West Village, The Music Inn, home to vintage instruments and antique records and Lutzi’s Butcher where they'll sample the black-and-white cookie. Plus: You travel in style in a 1957 Chevy!
Take mom to one of the nicest concert venues in the city, Forest Hills Stadium. Tucked into this leafy neighborhood of Queens (shows end early because of a noise ordinance), there's not a bad seat in the house, and they consistently book great acts. An indie-splosion is coming to Forest Hills, including artists such as Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers, Fleet Foxes, The Lumineers and the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs. Take her experience up a notch and add the "Golden Apple Premium Experience" to her ticket for $99. Benefits include exclusive access to the backstage lounge at Forest Hills Stadium, two complimentary beverages, access to a private cash bar in the backstage lounge, private restrooms and egarly entry into the backstage lounge one hour before doors open to the general public. If that's not fancy enough for you, consider booking a "Speakeasy Suite."
Does mom have a favorite celeb chef? Or perhaps she longs for a dish she enjoyed during her travels? Satisfy her culinary cravings with a Top Chef Meal Kit from Goldbelly. Options include the famous Seafood Gumbo from Commander’s Palace in New Orleans, Mac and Cheese and Chicken Pot Pie from LA's Wolfgang Puck and Citrus-spiced Split Chicken Kit for Two with Magic Green Beans from Chicago's Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat. To take it to the next level, gift a Goldbelly Live! kit, which gets you a meal kit and a live cookalong with some of the country's top chefs and bakers like Carla Hall, Marcus Samuelsson and Jaques Torres. Kits are $60 and up; Goldbelly Live! experiences are $70 and up
Get creative together at "Family Try Wheel" at Clay House Brooklyn. In a small class you and the kid/s can get a little messy with some mud and give the clay wheel a spin.
Tickets: $85/adults; $65/kids 229 Smith St. Cobble Hill 718-222-0334 Online: clayhousebrooklyn.com
For the Adventurous Mom
Adventure Park Long Island
Take mom to The Adventure Park at Long Island, where through a “Buy One Get One Free” promotion, mom can climb for free on Mother's Day. You'll have three hours to tackle your choice of 14 trails and 49 ziplines. To book, head to the park's website annd enter code "Mother’s Day BOGO," or call 631-983-3844.
Tickets: $64/14 and up, $54/seven to 13 Fri.-Sun, April 1-June 16; Daily, June 20-Sept. 5 Adventure Park at Long Island 75 Colonial Springs Rd. Wheatley Heights, NY 613-983-3844 Online: myadventurepark.com
For An Arty Family Escape in Tribeca
Art Smart
Newly opened and reimagined hotel Smyth Tribeca invites families to come enjoy a night or two of downtown life. And we mean the whole family: you can even bring your dog. To keep the kids happy, check out the Kids Camp at Smyth package ($369), designed in partnership with retail experience/store CAMP. Kids receive a complimentary gift and craft set, as well as an in-room fondue set for homemade s’mores including chocolates, marshmallows and graham crackers. Rates start at $369.
And for some metropolitan enrichment, book the Keys to the Galleries package, which provides guests with customized art gallery tours curated by experts at ART SMART, who have their fingers on the pulse of the art world. Get a personalized, family-friendly and off-the-beaten-path art experience, including a café stop at one of the art world’s insider hot spots for a la carte bites. You can book the two experiences for $600/night.
The Smyth Tribeca 85 W. Broadway Tribeca 917-997-2700 Online: smythtribeca.com
For a Spa Getaway in New York Harbor
QCNY
It's true. There's a spa on Governors Island now. QC NY offers a variety wellness experiences including a "City Sauna" (with views of downtown Manhattan), a "Scottish Room" (plaid sauna with forest aromatherapy), steam rooms, Vichy showers, infrared beds and outdoor pools soon to open. Relax, detox, refresh. (You can also get some spa food, bubbly and cocktails if that's your thing.) For $88-100 dollars you get four hours access to facilities, toiletries and a robe; $200-$228 gets the same with unlimited time and a massage treatment.
112 Andes Rd. 646-402-9647 Governors Island Online: qcny.com
For an Experience in the Kitchen With the Kids
Cavallo Point
For a fun experience with the bonus of some fresh-baked goods when it's over, sign up for Taste Buds Kitchen's Mother's Day cooking classes. Make Strawberry Shortcakes with Hand-Whipped Cream and freshly brewed Sun Tea at a Mother's Day tea party on May 7 (festive attire welcome) or cook up some Flower Cupcakes together on May 8. Classes are for kids ages two to eight and a caregiver.
Tickets: $65 and up Taste Bud Kitchen 109 W. 27th St. Chelsea Online: tastebudskitchen.com
For a Day in a Garden
Eryn Hatzithomas
Numerous greenspaces are hosting special Mother's Day events this year on Saturday and Sunday.
The New York Botanic Garden hosts games, music, crafting, face-painting and more. Event details.
Wave Hill invites you to picnic and do a Family Art Project. Event details.
And the Queens Botanical Garden hosts its Flower Patch event, where you can snap a pic together as a family. Event details.
For the Mom Who Can't Get Enough of the Flower District
Have to drag her out of those shops in Chelsea? Sign her up for a tour with some experts, the team at NYC florist Flower Girl. Get a glimpse into how to navigate the shops, learn what and where to buy, and explore some of Flower Girl's favorite spots. (They've been doing this for almost 20 years, so they know their way around.) The morning ends with some light bites at a nearby location. Market Walks begin at 9:30 am and last around two and a half hours. Dates throughout 2022 starting May 7.
Take a Mother's Day ride on New York City’s iconic sightseeing cruise line, Circle Line. Circle Line is letting all moms ride for free on its 4 and 1/2-hour limited-time Spring Fling Day Cruise on Mother’s Day, with code “MOMSFREE22.” The vessel goes up the Hudson River, with regional landmarks along the way, such as the Tarrytown Light House, Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Lyndhurst Mansion, Hudson River Palisades, the MET Cloisters and more. Onboard you'll enjoy live music, tasty bites and refreshing beverages.
Tickets: $49 & $69/person Pier 83 at 42nd St. Midtown Online: circleline.com
They are fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, husbands, wives and partners, chefs and bakers, entrepreneurs and mentors, educators and dreamers, creative forces and agents of change. Friends, neighbors and valued community contributors. The much-talked-about beauty of Chicago is not just a credit to its architecture, landscape, the abundance of art—both commissioned and gifted by nature—and striking lake and river views, but in the diversity of the businesses and their owners that stand side-by-side in service to their neighborhoods. We’ve assembled just a short list of black-owned businesses to honor Black History Month, as an acknowledgment of the importance of these lives to the success of the city of Chicago.
Driven by their own passion for experiencing restaurants that introduce them to new flavors using quality ingredients, husband and wife duo D.C. and Alayna Crenshaw created Little Diner’s Crew, a dining club for kids that partners with an eclectic mix of the most popular restaurants in Chicago.
The stimulus for the concept was a desire to share their love of food exploration with their two boys, after a brief stint on the dreaded mac-n-cheese and chicken tender circuit. The mission of LDC is 3 fold. They want to provide kids the opportunity to try new foods from around the globe, give chefs a forum to educate kids about the food they eat, where it comes from and how it’s prepared and, lastly, they want to bring families together to enjoy a unique dining experience.
Caffeinate your day with a tea, mocha, latte or blended drink—and add in a pastry or small bite sourced from a local bakery—from one of Sip & Savor's three locations in the Bronzeville, Hyde Park and Rosenwald neighborhoods.
Trez V. Pugh, III, CEO of this southside favorite known for exceptional quality and flavor, recently retired from 38 years working with the US Government and mentors young business students interested in entrepreneurship. He models and emphasizes the mentality that rising to the challenge of creating change is far more rewarding than going into business for the sole purpose of making money.
Humanitarian and Grammy-award-winning Chance the Rapper is a native Chicagoan who has succeeded in his mission to have a life-changing impact via his SocialWorks non-profit that empowers Chicago youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement. During Covid-19, SocialWorks helped using a three-pronged approach: creating a hyperlocal resource guide, conducting an inspirational Open Mike challenge, and producing a webinar series titled SWorkshops. Viewers can stream SWorkshops using the link or via social channels on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
If you want to support Chance's vision, make a monetary donation or volunteer your time and talents to the cause.
Kido is a south loop kid's shop with a focus on positivity that sells books, clothes, puzzles and toys owned by husband and wife duo, Doug and Keewa. Along with the responsibilities of the store, Doug is a visual artist specializing in graffiti and murals and Keewa is a performing artist who sings jazz and plays characters. And, their kids are ridiculously adorable.
A potato chip cookie? Uh, yes, please. Lenore Lindsey is a South Side native who believes the secret to success is to do what you love, which led her to open Give Me Some Sugah in 2008. She's famous for her potato chip cookie, but also loves anything lime and keeps things interesting (and savory) with an ever-changing line-up of homemade soups. Due to health issues, Give Me Some Sugah will be closed Feb. 2-Mar. 31. But, let's show her some love and support when she returns to her beloved kitchen.
The Rink was first opened in 1974 by then-husband and wife duo Carmen Clark and Nate Simpson. The idea was born from a desire to bring entertainment options a little closer to home, as they were always driving to the suburbs for a family night out. Although it has recently changed ownership, the new owners, Ramona and Curtis, are committed to keeping this Chatham neighborhood staple as it's always been. A place that's boiling over with positive energy with a laser-focus on community building. Note: due to planned renovations along with vandalism in November, The Rink is closed with a re-grand opening planned for March.
Mikkey Halsted is a father, husband and culture creator who has 15 years of music industry experience, having worked closely with Kanye West, Jermaine Dupri and Cash Money Records. With the help of his Master's in Education, he also mentors Chicago's youth. Mikkey Metro Grill, located in Hyde Park and Stony Island, focuses on burgers, wings and shakes using all-natural ingredients and they even have vegan options!
Any parent can relate to the challenge of attempting to make everyone happy at dinnertime. It's almost an impossibility. Eric Nance has a wife who's vegetarian, a daughter who is meatatarian and his other three kids (and him!) are somewhere wedged in the middle. When his wife went on a reading spree and started to focus on understanding what they were putting into their bodies, she ended up throwing away everything Eric liked to eat. So, he went on a mission to create a solution before he starved. And that is how LiteHouse Whole Food Grill came to be. With a mission to be "always friendly, always whole, always organic and always really really good".
If you haven't read up on Little Black Pearl, their work is extremely inspirational—especially for those with an interest in the arts. Their mission is to counter the hurdles lept by urban youth by providing a safe environment for expression, social growth opportunities and positive role models. Their programming includes Little Black Pearl Art & Design Academy, which is a 9-12 grade arts-focused high school that encourages students to engage their natural curiosity.
They also run Carver 47, a cafe and artisan market which serves fresh juices, smoothies, breakfast, lunch and take-home options that utilize seasonal and local foods, named to honor the life of Dr. George Washington Carver.
Chicago mom, Ericka Perry, created the Stork Bag after searching online for a care package to send her pregnant best friend who lived in Florida. When she didn't find anything that fit the bill, she created her own and a business was soon born. The Stork Bag care packages target specific needs based on where a mom is in her pregnancy or post-pregnancy, and they even offer rainbow care packages for moms who have lost a baby.
Mimi's Tot's Closet sells seriously cool threads and some of the sweetest outfits for infants and toddlers you'll ever see. They are located inside Mimi's Vanity Room, which hosts sassy spa, paint and slime birthday parties—they also have a mobile spa service for at-home parties!
A good way to take the focus off all the uncertainty in the world is to channel the energy into something positive. Like, taking control of your health and fitness. Bryce True's B. True Fitness in the western suburbs conducts one-on-one training and boot camps (socially distant boot camps while that's required) that allow you to exercise some control in a time where so much seems out of your hands.
Born and raised in Chicago, Arnett Faulkner began researching and paying close attention to the ingredients in skin-care products when her son was born with severe eczema and she was subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer. Her research led her to the conclusion that pure essential and plant-based oils and natural ingredients are best for nurturing the skin. After sharing homemade products with friends, she yielded to the calling and created AHF Body Chemistry, a line of natural and organic whole body products.
This family-owned bakery opened its first location in the suburbs of Chicago in 1990 because a woman recognized the cakes, pies and puddings her mom made really were the absolute best. Anything that tasted that good, had to be shared. Those original recipes are made the same as they were generations ago and they're known for rich, lush layer cakes in flavors like caramel, lemon and coconut.
Itiona Scott grew up on the South Side of Chicago, the second youngest of 14 children. Her happiest memories were those made in the kitchen, watching her mom cook, from scratch with zero need to measure. Itiona had a drive and passion for entrepreneurship from a young age, but losing her mom unexpectedly from heart disease at the age of 15 inspired a life-long devotion to healthy eating. Leapfrogging on the unwavering support she received from her mom as a child, Itiona started Essie Marie's Dressings & Marinades, which put a heart-healthy spin on her mom's best recipes.
Located in Lincolnshire and headed by father and son team, Emile and Andrew Johnson, Goode Foods canned goods are sourced from the northern upper peninsula of Minnesota, far from industrial plants and major sources of pollution. They work closely with farmers to ensure the most nutritional harvest for their veggies as possible by improving soil quality. They're one of the few black-owned canned goods companies in the midwest.
Follow @seasonedandblessedon Instagram to learn about more black- and brown-owned restaurants to support. If you have more businesses you’d like to add to Tinybeans Chicago’s list, please e-mail our Chicago Editor at maria.chambers@tinybeans.com
No matter how old you are, everyone longs to feel a little more connected these days. Email and texting connect us across the globe in an instant, but nothing quite beats the feeling of opening a hand-written letter. Whether you’re hoping to make friends across the globe, or you just want to put a smile on a lonely face, these programs that offer penpals for kids and other letter writing opportunities are a great place to start.
Are your kids curious about what it’s like to walk on the moon or what the astronauts on the International Space Station eat? They can ask an astronaut and even score an autographed photo thanks to the NASA correspondence program. Get the mailing address and all the details on how to score an out of this world pen pal here.
Is your little bookworm obsessed with their favorite author? Or maybe you have an aspiring young author of your own? Why not put pen to paper and write a letter to their favorite writer. As children’s author Mary Amato suggests, your pint-sized fiction fan can easily write a letter to an author. Simply look for the publisher’s address on the inside cover of the book and address your letter to the author care of the publishing company. While there’s no guarantee of a response, you can increase your chances of receiving a reply by including a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Get all the details by clicking here.
What better reason to write a letter than to spread peace and kindness? Kids for Peace was founded by a mom of two, Jill McManigal, and Danielle Gram, a high school honors student, with the intention of bringing kids together for a brighter future. The platform, which features over 300 chapters around the world, empowers kids across all cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds through service projects, global friendship and acts of kindness. The Peaceful Pen Pals program, just one of the many initiatives offered by Kids for Peace, is designed to connect kids through love, acceptance, compassion and kindness. Sign up to join the program here.
Globe-trotting might not be in the cards right now, but that doesn’t have to stop your young explorers from learning about other countries and cultures. Founded in 1967, the International Pen Friends Club has connected millions of pen pals across the globe. Once you sign your kiddos up and pay a small membership fee, they’ll be provided a list of four to 14 pen friends from the same age group (starting at age eight) to choose from. Pen friends are typically paired by similar interests, and you can also request specific countries you’re interested in. Your own address is also circulated to pen friends in the same age group, so you might get surprised with some international mail! Register for a membership here.
Inspiring young STEM-lovers isn’t always easy, but thanks to this innovative program, kids can build a relationship with a real scientist that's sure to leave a lasting impression. The Letters to a Pre-Scientist pen pal program pairs students or “pre-scientists” in fifth to tenth grade throughout low-income communities across the country with STEM professionals. Teachers who are interested in bringing this unique pen pal program to their classrooms can apply to the program here.
Operation Gratitude supports deployed troops, veterans, first responders, military families and wounded heroes and caregivers with care packages. Every package sent includes a bundle of letters. Your thankful tykes can write letters, make cards or draw pictures to express their gratitude for their service and dedication. Register to write letters and find more details on delivering them here.
The elderly, especially those living alone or in nursing homes, can often feel isolated. Love for Our Elders is on a mission to help fight loneliness and spread some love through their letter-writing program, Letters of Love. Simply take a few minutes to write a thoughtful letter and mail it in. While your kids won’t receive a letter in return, they will feel good knowing that their words have made someone very happy. You can check out the guidelines for letter writing and get the mailing address here.
Letters Against Isolation is another awesome program aimed at helping to spread some joy to isolated seniors. Sisters Shreya and Saffron Patel were inspired to found the program after doing their best to support their own self-isolating grandparents. They began writing letters on their own, but soon the demand grew so large that they are now looking for more penpals for seniors to help them deliver letters to care facilities across the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and Israel. Sign up to become part of their team.
Have a future leader in scouting? Join the Girl Scouts national service project writing letters to seniors and caretakers in assisted living facilities. Girl Scouts participating in the campaign can earn a special Girl Scouts Give Back patch. Check out the Girl Scouts USA site for more info for girls and their troops.
Letter writing not quite your tots’ thing? Or maybe they just prefer to draw? Put those talents to work decorating postcards to help support the U.S. Postal Service. Co-founded by musician (and Yo Gabba Gabba star) Mark Mothersbaugh, PostCARDS for Democracy is on a mission to save the postal service one postcard at a time. Simply buy some postage, decorate a postcard with some artwork and mail it to 8760 Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90069. The postcards will become part of a collective art piece, viewable both virtually and in a physical art gallery. Learn more about the campaign and check out some of the submitted postcards here.
Are you raising a little social justice warrior? Well, there is no time like the holiday season to get kids into the mindset of thinking about others. As described in Race, Class, and Parenting: 7 Strategies for Raising Sensitive, Confident, and Loving Kids, gratitude and empathy form the foundation of social justice parenting. Keep reading for our top ideas to help you teach your children awareness, compassion and service.
1. Volunteer at a Food Bank or Organize a Food Drive
Family meals are typically such an important part of our holiday season, but so many individuals and families struggle to put a meal on the table year-round. In 2020, an estimated 10.5% of U.S. households were food insecure, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. Volunteering at a local food bank is an effective way to make our children more aware of their privilege and to teach our children the importance of service. If your child is too young to actually serve or stock food, you can help them organize a food drive among their family, classmates, teammates and friends.
The number of people who are without permanent homes has been on the rise this year, particularly in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic that has forced so many people out of work. In January 2019, even before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Annual Point-in-Time Count, seventeen out of every 10,000 people in the United States experienced homelessness on a single night. Of these 567,715 people, more than 35,000 were children.
A fairly simple, but meaningful project is to make care packages with toiletry items, like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap and deodorant for people who are displaced. These kinds of sanitation items help to restore a sense of dignity for people who are struggling to maintain their hygiene during this transitional period in their lives. You can set a budget for picking up these items from a local dollar store, or you could even creatively repurpose hotel shampoos and lotions. Because coronavirus is still a significant risk, consider adding a small bottle of hand sanitizer. These items can be distributed through formal organizations that service these populations, or you can just keep freezer bag parcels in the back of your car to distribute in safe situations when you are out and about.
In a year when we seem to be struggling more than ever to maintain respect for people who are different than us, there has never been a better time to establish a tone of inclusion and acceptance in our own family culture. This holiday season, be sure to make time to learn about the traditions and experiences of people who are different than you. Set an important example for your children by taking the time to understand what matters to your neighbors and why. Here are some of the holidays that are being celebrated around the world through fall and winter:
Even as you make an effort to learn about others, don't forget the importance of sharing your traditions as well. Striving for a more equitable society means we are willing to participate in a reciprocal exchange of cultures and traditions. Consider sharing your traditions with friends of different backgrounds. Invite two to three neighbors to participate in a recipe swap for Thanksgiving; encourage them to share a food/recipe they grew up eating. Perhaps you can invite a friend to participate in a spiritual service at your temple, church or mosque. To move us forward as a society, we all have to be willing to be more vulnerable with one another, and there are many simple ways to do so over the holiday season.
5. Craft Holiday Cards for Seniors in Assisted Living Communities
Loneliness is a significant burden on the elderly, including those who reside in assisted living communities. According to the CDC, lonely seniors are at greater risk for dementia, depression and premature death. Teach your children to be sensitive to this vulnerable population by planning a crafting day to make holiday cards that you can drop off for seniors at a facility in your community. These cards will spread cheer to people who can really benefit from knowing that they are remembered and appreciated by their neighbors.
We don’t just want to teach our children how to be caring, we want to empower them with the skills to actually make the changes we need for a better world. This holiday season, support your children as they take the lead on organizing a toy, clothing or blanket drive. Start with research about communities that could benefit from this kind of activism, including unhoused people, children in orphanages and families displaced by hurricanes and fires this year. Help them figure out how to communicate and raise awareness about the social issues that create these needs. Encourage them to enlist help and form partnerships to scale their impact. Teach them to set goals and to be persistent towards their goal. Ultimately, they will internalize a powerful lesson about their ability to influence change.
7. Raise Awareness and Spread Love with Holiday Cards
Holiday cards are such a fun way to spread cheer among our friends and family. Consider designing a card or sharing a more intentional message among your social network this holiday season. Give updates on the social justice activities you have executed over the past year or share your positive intentions for the world in the coming year. Create holiday cards that encourage, enlighten and inspire this year.
8. Gratitude Activities
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Children who are grateful are better able to feel confident, show compassion and leverage their privilege on behalf of others. Gratitude is the most valuable perspective in social justice parenting. Create new holiday traditions focused on gratitude; consider Thanksgiving crafts or activities that inspire your kids to think about what they are grateful for. Plan to go around the dinner table and reflect on what each person appreciates in his or her life. If you use an Advent calendar in your holiday traditions, consider connecting each daily ritual to an explicit statement of gratitude. Help your children communicate in the dialect of thankfulness this holiday season and all year long.
This holiday season, use your purchasing power to promote social justice. As we are buying gifts for family, friends and all of the people in our lives who have helped us get through the year, think about where and how you spend your money. Make a point to buy from small businesses who have been disproportionately impacted by pandemic closures. Purchase goods and services from minority-owned businesses. When planning gift purchases, try to buy dolls, toys and books that represent all people of different races, ethnicities and abilities. Every dollar you spend is truly a vote for the type of world that you want to live in.
10. Make New Year’s Resolutions around Social Justice Issues
It is never too early to form a resolution or set a vision for the coming year. Even young children can and should be taught to dream and set goals for themselves and their communities. For the coming year, you and your family can set specific resolutions around social justice issues. Perhaps you will commit to reading books and learning more about systemic bias or environmental justice. Maybe you will commit to volunteering on a regular basis in your community in the coming year. You may decide to become more politically active engaging your local politicians or pursuing an elected or appointed position yourself. You might decide as a family to rescue a new pet. Setting intentions are a powerful first step to evolving as an individual, as a family, and as a society.
Anyone, no matter how young, can help make the world a better place through their thoughtful actions. It’s never too early to set a good example for children by modeling simple acts of kindness. When children are encouraged to see things from another’s point of view and be shown how their actions can help uplift others, they often grow up to be more caring, responsible, and compassionate members of a global community. Books can teach children that they don’t have to perform a heroic act to make the world a better place because even the smallest acts of kindness ripple across the world in ways that no one could imagine.
Preschool, Kindergarten, First Grade
Kindness is Cooler, Mrs. Rulerby Margery Cuyler
Mrs. Ruler is an unconventional teacher who decides to teach her unruly students that kindness is cool. Each kindergartner must perform five acts of kindness, and while most of the kids catch on, there is one student who needs a rescue of the class gerbils to get in a last-minute act of kindness. Parents and teachers will appreciate the list of 100 acts of kindness at the back of the book to inspire kids with ways to put kindness into action.
Stick and Stoneby Beth Ferry
When Stick rescues Stone from a prickly situation with a Pinecone, the pair becomes fast friends. But when Stick gets stuck, can Stone return the favor?
Written with a warm, rhyming text that includes a subtle anti-bullying message even the youngest reader will understand. New York Times bestselling illustrator Tom Lichtenheld imbues Stick and Stone with energy, emotion, and personality to spare.
Second & Third Grade
The Kindness Quiltby Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
The children in this book are inspired by Aesop’s fable The Lion and the Mouse after their teacher, Mrs. Bloom, reads the story in class. She then instructs each student to perform an act of kindness and present it to the class. Minna cannot choose just one and decides to make a quilt with all of them. Other classmates add theirs to the quilt, and it soon takes over the school. The unique cut-paper illustrations present a variety of ways in which the important lesson of kindness can be shared, and displayed.
Because Amelia Smiledby David Ezra Stein
Amelia smiles as she skips down the street, so her neighbor Mrs. Higgins smiles too, and decides to send a care package of cookies to her grandson Lionel in Mexico. The cookies give Lionel an idea, and his idea inspires a student, who in turn inspires a ballet troupe in England! And so the good feelings that started with Amelia’s smile make their way around the world, from a goodwill recital in Israel to an impromptu rumba concert in Paris, to a long-awaited marriage proposal in Italy, to a knitted scarf for a beloved niece back in New York. Putting a unique spin on “What goes around comes around,” David Ezra Stein’s charmingly illustrated story reminds us that adding even a small dose of kindness into the world is sure to spur more and more kindness, which could eventually make its way back to you!
Fourth & Fifth Grade
El Deafoby Cece Bell
After a serious illness at the age of four, CeCe discovers that she’s no longer able to hear. Hearing aids and lip-reading involve unexpected challenges, and as she goes out into the wider world she realizes how little people understand what it’s like to live with hearing loss. To succeed in school, she gets a bulky device called a Phonic Ear that allows her to hear her teachers—even when they forget she’s listening. This delightful autobiographical graphic novel provides an uplifting and humorous glimpse into the life of a hard-of-hearing child. A great novel for raising awareness and promoting understanding.
New Kidby Jerry Kraft
A wonderful choice by the 2020 Newberry Award committee as the first graphic novel to win the prestigious award. Seventh-grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. Instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade. As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds. Jordan is not really fitting into either one. This book allows readers to learn about different sides of the tensions that children and adults face every single day, yet have few opportunities to really discuss.
Middle School
Rise Up: Ordinary Kids with Extraordinary Storiesby Amanda Li
From surviving a plane crash in the jungle to striking against climate change, you won’t believe the incredible stories of the challenges these brave kids from around the world have overcome! This book features 29 tales of amazing young girls and boys who have achieved the unimaginable. The stories range from triumphing over illness and injury to overcoming bullying. Entries include Sweden’s Greta Thunberg, whose youth climate activism sparked a global movement, and Pakistan’s Ayesha Farooq, who became Pakistan’s first female fighter pilot at age 25. Each section gives advice on how young people can participate in activities similar to the ones in the accompanying biography.
Pay It Forward: Young Readers Editionby Catherine Ryan Hyde
A moving and uplifting novel about Trevor McKinney, a twelve-year-old boy in a small California town who accepts his teacher’s challenge to earn extra credit by coming up with a plan to change the world. Trevor’s idea is simple: do a good deed for three people, and instead of asking them to return the favor, ask them to “pay it forward” to three others who need help. A heart-melting story of a boy who shows how each of us can make a difference. If your family enjoys this book, watch the movie together afterward.
Keira Pride is the Head Librarian at Stratford School, the leading independent private school founded with a vision of creating a unique, multi-dimensional, educational foundation for children. As Stratford's Head Librarian, she manages the library services department across campuses throughout Northern and Southern California.