It certainly isn’t breaking news that screen time in the toddler years is something that should be avoided as much as possible. In an interesting twist, a recent study exploring the relationship between toddler language development and toddler screen time found that it’s not necessarily the amount of time spent watching videos that is the issue. Rather, the reason why the toddler is watching the video is the important part of predicting the impact on expressive language.
The study looked at children between 17 and 30 months of age and had caregivers document how much time their children spent on video/TV, video games, video chat, and e-books. Caregivers also noted the reason why screentime was being used whether that was for calming/babysitting benefits, for educational purposes, or to engage with family members. These factors were then compared to the children’s vocabulary and length using two or more words together.
Results show that children between the ages of 17 and 30 months spend an average of nearly two hours per day watching videos. This is a 100 percent increase from prior estimates gathered before the COVID pandemic. “Children exposed to videos by caregivers for their calming or ‘babysitting’ benefits tended to use phrases and sentences with fewer words,” as explained on smu.edu. “However, the negative impact on language skills was mitigated when videos were used for educational purposes or to foster social connections—such as through video chats with family members.”
“In those first couple years of life, language is one of the core components of development that we know media can impact,” said Sarah Kucker, assistant professor of psychology in SMU’s Dedman College of Humanities & Sciences, to sciencedaily.com. “There’s less research focused on toddlers using digital media than older ages, which is why we’re trying to understand better how digital media affects this age group and what type of screen time is beneficial and what is not.”
In addition, once kids are well into their toddler years, there are television shows like Miss Rachel, Peppa Pig, and Daniel Tiger that actually aid in language development.
The takeaway: We all just need to do our best to limit screen time as we can, understanding that it is not always possible.
Several Gaming YouTubers have become global superstars in recent years
Like a lot of eight-year-olds, my daughter Alex loves video games. If given unfettered access, I imagine that she’d play video games for hours, if not days, pausing only for occasional snack and potty breaks. And like so many of her peers, in addition to playing, my kid also thoroughly enjoys watchingothers play video games. Whether it’s Roblox, Minecraft, or Mario Kart, watching other video gamers play IRL, via live-streaming platforms like Twitch or on video-sharing sites like YouTube, has become a preoccupation for her.
While the phenomenon of kids watching others play video games isn’t anything new, the trend of video gaming as a spectator sport has gained steam in recent years. Known as “Let’s Play” videos, this genre of video content (either live-streamed or pre-recorded) features video gamers sharing screens and commentary over gameplay, often with the addition of personal storytelling, humorous anecdotes, and lots of enthusiastic yelling and screaming (iykyk). What was once deemed a niche endeavor has grown into big business and turned some video-gaming content creators like PewDiePie, Markiplier, JuegaGerman, and DanTDM (to name just a few) into global superstars.
Today, Amazon-owned Twitch boasts more than 140 million monthly active users, and YouTube Gaming reported more than 40 million active gaming channels and 100 billion hours of watch time in 2020, the vertical’s biggest year since it launched.
Experts say kids’ interest in watching gaming YouTubers play is similar to watching any other sport. “The truth is, watching video games is not that much different from watching football games, poker, racing, golf, or some reality shows. Viewers learn a bit about the game, are entertained, and have something to share with like-minded friends,” said Dr. Randy Kulman, founder and president of LearningWorks for Kids.
For many parents, the practice of watching someone else play video games instead of playing the games yourself doesn’t make much sense. But for kids who have been raised on a steady diet of digital media and entertainment, watching others play video games can be both fun and educational.
“As humans, we have been playing since the beginning of time. Play is important for human well-being throughout our lifespan, and crucial to creativity and happiness. As a video game researcher, I was happily surprised to see this shift highlighting the positive uses and effects of games,” author and video gaming expert Dr. Rachel Kowert wrote in a blog post.
So what’s with the fascination of watching others play video games? Experts say there are many reasons why our kids enjoy watching others play video games, including:
There’s plenty to learn from others: Upskilling is a big reason why kids like watching others, especially seasoned gaming experts, play video games. By observing more skilled players, like gaming YouTubers, newbie gamers pick up tips and tricks that they can apply to their own gameplay.
Trying out new games: Some video games are expensive or are rated for older audiences, so watching others play games that are new or out of reach gives kids the opportunity to “test drive” a game before committing to making a purchase.
Building social connections: Viewing something together is inherently social, and watching others play video games on platforms like Twitch or YouTube lets kids connect with others who have shared interests and have the chance to discuss the games they are watching.
Creating a sense of community: Many online video games are multiplayer and require collaboration and teamwork to succeed. Watching other gamers work together to achieve success as a team can help build community and a sense of belonging, allowing kids to feel like they are part of a larger group of fans.
It’s fun and entertaining: Simply put, watching others play video games is entertaining and engaging, especially if the players are skilled, funny, and have big personalities. Kids enjoy the thrill of watching their favorite gaming YouTubers or Twitch streamers play games they love and succeed in challenging tasks.
As parents of young children, we often receive a stream of cautionary advice about the harms of our kids’ overexposure to too many video games and too much screen time. While the negative aspects of excessive video gaming and screen time have long been documented, ranging from increased social isolation to impaired mental health, a growing body of research is showing heretofore unknown benefits to playing video games, particularly for developing young minds.
In a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, researchers found that children who played video games showed enhanced cognitive performance compared to those who did not play video games. “In contrast to the negative associations with mental health, video gaming has been proposed to enhance cognitive flexibility by providing skills that can be transferred to various cognitive tasks relevant to everyday life.”
Researchers found that video-gaming kids fared better than their non-gaming counterparts in cognitive flexibility, such as certain decision-making skills, as well as better visual and spatial memory. Another recent study by researchers at the University of Houston College of Education examined the video-gaming habits of diverse urban public-school preteen students and concluded no direct linkage between video game playing and diminished cognitive performance.
If you’re concerned about your kid’s video-gaming habits, here are a few considerations:
Moderation is key: Most experts agree that video gaming can be a healthy and enjoyable activity for kids as long as it’s done in moderation. Parents should monitor their kid’s gaming habits and make sure they aren’t trading video gaming time for other important activities such as homework, physical play, and socializing with friends and family.
Establish clear screen time guidelines: The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old should have no more than one hour of screen time per day, while children ages 6 and up should have consistent limits on the amount of time they spend on screens.
Monitor game content: The content of the games that children play can have a significant impact on their development and behavior. Parents should be aware of the content of the games their children are playing and make sure that it is age-appropriate and aligns with their family values.
Consider positive effects of gaming: While there can be potential negative effects of video gaming, such as addiction and exposure to violent content, there also are potential positive effects, such as improved cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and social connections with other gamers.
Get involved: Experts agree that parental involvement and monitoring are key to ensuring that video gaming is a healthy and positive activity for children. Parents should talk to their children about their gaming habits, set clear rules and boundaries, and be aware of warning signs of problematic gaming behavior.
This new addition will be the park’s second roller coaster
Buckle up and start your engines! Universal Studios Hollywood has announced a brand-new roller coaster will be joining its line-up of tinsel town-inspired attractions. And we can’t wait to join the family and enter the world of the Vin Diesel films in an all-new way.
Construction will soon begin on a new Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster, inspired by Universal Pictures’ most-profitable and longest-running franchise. The now iconic films currently have a presence in the park as Fast & Furious: Supercharged, a portion of the World-Famous Studios Tour, but this addition will add a welcomed new level of thrill.
Buckle up… our new Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster is officially under construction! 🚦🚧
— Universal Studios Hollywood (@UniStudios) July 12, 2023
Universal shares of the forthcoming attraction: “Equipped with a state-of-the-art ride system uniquely created to engulf guests within the dynamic Fast & Furious universe, this all-new roller coaster will benefit from Universal Destinations & Experiences’ decades-long expertise in revolutionizing the development of the contemporary roller coaster across its global theme park destinations.” It promises to “bring innovative and technological achievements never previously employed to this all-new thrill ride,” and we couldn’t be more excited for this addition.
Rumors of the proposed roller coaster began to circulate when permits were discovered last year. That theory was further solicited when the park’s beloved longtime productions, Universal’s Animal Actors and Special Effects show, were shuttered for good to make way for “a future attraction.” Throughout the rumor mill, Universal Studios Hollywood has had a bit of fun with teasing until the official announcement was made. Earlier this year, an ambient roller coaster audio track could be heard playing near the anticipated coaster’s location.
istock
The attraction will join the park’s already impressive line-up of family-friendly attractions that includes rides and experiences celebrating the biggest brands in movies, television, and digital media, like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, Illumination’s The Secret Life of Pets: Off The Leash, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
This news comes during a tremendous period of growth for the southern California park and on the heels of the recently opened Super Nintendo World. As the first Mario-themed land in the United States, the whimsically colored space, located on the park’s lower lot, invites guests into the 8-Bit fantasy world of Mario, Luigi, and the gang. Adding a new level of immersion to the park, the land features character meet and greets, never-before-seen interactive games, and its headliner attraction, Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge. The country’s second Super Nintendo World is slated to open at Universal Orlando Resort in 2025.
When the upcoming Fast & Furious-themed roller coaster opens, it will join the theme park’s sole other roller coaster, Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but some behaviors should be strictly forbidden
Whether at school or home, spending lots of time online has become an inescapable part of most kids’ daily lives. According to a study by Common Sense Media, children ages 8 to 12 spend an average of 5 hours and 33 minutes per day on screens, which include computers, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. Meanwhile, a study by Pew Research found 98% of teens have access to a smartphone and the average teen spends 7 hours and 38 minutes per day on their phone.
While there are plenty of educational, social, and creative benefits to digital screen time, care must be taken to ensure that a child’s digital footprint and online activities are age appropriate and commensurate with their level of maturity and understanding.
The key to developing healthy online practices is having open and frequent conversations about safety and using the internet responsibly—and initiating these conversations early. “Start talking about online safety with your kids at a young age. Because it gets harder when they are in their teens and it becomes more difficult to get between them and their phones,” said Yaron Litwin, digital safety expert and Chief Marketing Officer at Canopy, an AI-powered smart filter that helps protect kids online.
Most experts and parents agree that children shouldn’t have unfettered internet access until at least age 10, but that’s often easier said than done, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Despite the challenges of monitoring your kid’s myriad online activities, some behaviors should be strictly forbidden. For a list of internet safety tips for kids, here are 10 things they should never do online, based on their ages.
Internet Safety Tips for Kids Ages 5 to 8
Don’t have social media profiles: Apps like TikTok and Snapchat may be irresistible to young kids because of the fun social media trends like dance challenges and viral music clips they see older kids creating and participating in, but public social media profiles can open up young children to inappropriate contact, harassment or targeting. The expert consensus is for kids to wait until the age of 14 or 15 to create public-facing social media accounts.
Don’t talk to strangers: This advice we often give our kids IRL applies doubly so online because of the dangers of catfishing, trolling, and spoofing. Children should never talk to strangers online, even if the stranger seems friendly. Let your child know in an age-appropriate manner that anyone online can pretend to be someone else, and that predators often target children because of their innocence and openness.
Don’t use the Internet without limits or supervision: Screen time has increased exponentially in recent years, especially for young children. Kids need to experience a healthy balance between online and offline activities, and parents can help by establishing clear limits on screen time as well as supervising young children’s online activities.
Don’t give or share any personal information: In an always-on, digitally connected world, privacy can be challenging to maintain. Children need to learn that personal information—whether it’s their own or family member’s personal information—needs to be held strictly confidential and not shared or given to anyone online. This includes full names, home addresses, phone numbers, school names or locations, passwords, etc. Personal information can be used by predators and criminals to track down children or to commit identity theft. Parents also may want to avoid posting identifiable images of their children online.
Don’t meet up with someone you met exclusively online: Whether it’s on gaming platforms like Roblox or Minecraft, or social messaging apps like WhatsApp, it’s not uncommon for children to develop friendships that are entirely virtual; however, even if your kid has been talking to someone online for a long time and they feel as if they know them well, it’s not safe for kids to meet up in person with online strangers on their own. There’s no way to know for sure who they really are or what their intentions might be.
Don’t cyberbully others:Cyberbullying is just as harmful as bullying in person; it can have a devastating impact on victims. Children should never bully others online, and they should report any cyberbullying they see to a trusted adult.
What to Teach Tweens and Teens About Using the Internet Responsibly
Shutterstock
Don’t click links or open attachments from people you don’t know: Unwanted spam that arrives via e-mail or text can be annoying, but trojan horses sent via links or attachments from unknown senders can contain malware and other bugs designed to infect your child’s computer or mobile device and steal personal information or worse. When it comes to stuff that comes from an unknown sender, kids should simply delete it.
Don’t download pirated music, movies, or games: While it may be tempting for your child to download “free” pirated materials from the internet, doing so is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. Copyright holders can pursue legal action, and penalties often are severe. Teach your child how to use legitimate sources to download and purchase movies, music, and games.
Don’t post inappropriate content: Older kids may think posting inappropriate content online is no big deal, but they should be taught never to post anything they wouldn’t want their family, friends, classmates, or teachers (not to mention future employers) to see online. This can include photos, videos, or texts that are sexual in nature, violent, or hateful. It’s useful to remind your tween and teen that everything on the internet is forever.
Internet Safety Tips for Everyone
Don’t believe everything you see or read online: Just because it’s on the internet doesn’t mean it’s true or even real. In our current time, when the digital ecosystem is rife with misinformation, children need to be taught to think critically about the information and materials they find online, and parents can help promote digital media literacy by helping our kids understand what are trusted and reliable sources of information and what’s not.
From dark fudge to bright and cheery pinwheel sugar cookies, we’ve got a whole lot of easy Christmas cookie recipes for you to try this winter
The holiday season is upon us, and that can only mean one thing: cookies! We’ve created the ultimate list of Christmas cookie recipes to include in your celebrations, many of which are tried-and-true favorites (like these cream cheese Christmas Tree cookies) from our own editors and staff. Whether you’re looking for the perfect cookie exchange recipe or a new twist on a classic cookie, our list has it all.
While these cookies from Dessert for Two look like a million bucks, they are surprisingly easy to make yourself. Simple sugar cookies are topped with royal icing and artfully decorated using M&M's. You will totally win the cookie exchange this year.
Cooking Classy's peppermint meltaway cookies are the essence of the holidays. Light and airy peppermint-infused cookies are topped with fluffy homemade frosting and crushed candy canes. These bite-sized treats are sure to be a hit this holiday.
Ever heard of black cocoa powder? These gorgeous dark chocolate candy cane cookies from Liv For Cake are made with rich, dark ingredients. After baking, they are dipped in melting chocolate and crushed candy canes for the perfect holiday treat.
Nothing says the holidays quite like cranberry. Live Well Bake Often's chocolate cranberry cookies are a feast for the senses. Creamy white chocolate chips and chewy dried cranberries not only make for a beautiful-looking cookie that will be the centerpiece of your cookie platter but a tasty one, too.
These perfectly festive candy cane-shaped cookies from Kristine's Kitchen are the epitome of the holidays. Simple sugar cookie dough is twisted and shaped, baked, and then topped with crunchy peppermint candy. These are great for cookie exchanges or holiday bake sales!
Give your go-to cookie recipe a twist this holiday season and bake up some brown sugar cookies. This recipe from Gimme Some Oven comes together quickly and is easily customizable when you use festive cookie cutters, colored frosting, and sprinkles.
The warm flavors of the holidays are all here in A Taste of Madness' salted caramel Nutella chocolate chip cookies. Nutella, salted caramel, and chocolate chips put a unique twist on the traditional cookie and make it fancy enough for all your festivities.
Knock your fam's socks off this holiday with Princess Pinky Girl's Christmas pinwheel sugar cookies. The different-colored dough is layered, rolled, and sliced before baking to make these festive and fun cookies. Don't forget the sprinkles!
The holidays are a great time to try your hand at new recipes, and these Linzer cookies are the place to start. This recipe from Rasa Malaysia is made with buttery and crumbly dough that's baked into perfect circles and sandwiched together with a sweet jam. Don't forget the generous amount of powdered sugar on top!
Need a simple cookie this holiday? This six-ingredient recipe for Italian almond cookies from An Italian In My Kitchen is for you. The buttery cookie is light and airy with the perfect amount of almond flavor. We imagine these as a perfect after-dinner treat enjoyed best with a cup of coffee.
What do you get when you combine the best cookie in the world with the most iconic Christmas flavor? Eggnog snickerdoodles! Wondermom Wannabe has developed an easy way to combine your fave flavors into a chewy cookie that pairs great with a glass of milk, or let's be honest, eggnog.
You had us at Nutella! Food Fanatic's toffee Nutella cookies are the perfect blend of hazelnut, chocolate, and toffee that results in a chewy cookie that you won't be able to stop eating.
Dust off your cookie cutters to make these traditional Dutch cookies from The View from Great Island. They’re subtly spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and ginger, and they look great topped with a simple royal icing.
Keep it simple (but oh-so-delicious) by making a batch of these fudge cookies from Simply Stacie. You can skip the nuts if your crew isn’t into them, and you’ll end up with a melt-in-your-mouth cookie either way.
Oreo cookies are already delicious, but these bonbons from Love & Risotto transform them into something special. Let your whole crew get involved in rolling up the bonbons and dipping them in chocolate—the final product will be super satisfying.
These cookies from The View from Great Island are super easy to make using your favorite flavor of jam. Let the kids get involved in mixing the batter and topping them with the jam before popping the cookies in the oven.
Get your gingerbread fix with these tasty Christmas cookies from Crazy for Crust. They’re filled with warm spices and molasses and are perfectly chewy. Topped off with M&Ms, you’ve got a dessert that’ll wow your whole crew.
We guarantee that the little ones will love helping you decorate these adorable cookies from Bakergirl. Plus, you can swap out the peanut butter cookie for your favorite sugar cookie or gingerbread recipe if that’s more your speed.
Made with just four ingredients, these cookies from Italian Recipe Book are super easy to whip up. And since everyone loves Nutella, they’re bound to be crowd-pleasers.
Brighten up your dessert table with these simple cookies from Cooking with Bliss. With a tangy mix of fresh cranberries and orange zest, they’re bound to be a family favorite.
If your kids are cookie obsessed, then make these cookies that you can feel good about sneaking in a second, third, maybe even fourth helping. Sophia from Veggies Don’t Bite created this recipe that is sugar-free (her solution is date paste!) and combines crispy oat edges with the sweet delicious flavor of chocolate chips.
It'll be tough to go back to regular old cookies after making these stuffed chocolate chip cookies. And, be sure to save a couple for yourself, because these ooey-gooey treats will be gobbled up in no time.
If you love the taste of gingerbread but are looking for a more kid-pleasing version, Veggie and the Beast‘s recipe for soft cookies should fit the bill. Rolled in a bit of white sugar, these little guys are a perfect balance of spiced and sweet.
Peanut butter and chocolate fans, take note: this classic recipe from House of Nash Eats is a must. Basic peanut butter cookies are taken to the next level with a chocolate kiss placed on top after baking.
These nut-free cookies make a perfect lunchbox treat or after-school snack. Little ones and adults alike will love the combo of oats, sunflower butter, honey, coconut, and dried cranberries.
Unfortunately, we don’t usually see Girl Scouts selling their addictive cookies during the holiday season, but luckily there’s a way to get your Thin Mint fix with minimum effort. This recipe from Averie Cooks will be done in no time, and the cookies will disappear even faster.
These little cookies from The Wicked Noodle couldn’t be easier—just melt some chocolate kisses on top of pretzels, and then the kiddos can help you decorate with festive M&Ms.
Sicilian Fig Cookies (Cuccidati)
iStock
Former editor Amber Guetebier shares this recipe and tells us, “I made these for my Sicilian friend for Christmas. They are totally time-consuming (over two hours from start to finish) but perfect if you want something autentico for the holidays, and if your kids are tenacious and into baking and getting covered in flour and honey."
Raspberry Ribbon Cookies
Scott Wardell
There’s something about shortbread that screams holidays, so these raspberry ribbon cookies are a perfect choice. The little ones will love the delicious raspberry jam on top, too.
It’s not news that peanut butter and chocolate go great together, which is why you shouldn’t be surprised when these four-ingredient cookies from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook disappear shortly after pulling them from the oven. Believe it or not, they really do have just four ingredients and take less than ten minutes to prep! Waiting is truly the hardest part.
This year, make these colorful fortune cookies from Glitter and Bubbles for Santa—he’s sure to gobble them up. Kids will love dipping the cookies in different types of sprinkles.
If you've got a lactose-intolerant little one, these oatmeal coconut cookies from ¡Hola! Jalapeno are a lifesaver. Plus, you can adjust them to fit your family's taste by adding mix-ins like peanut butter or chocolate chips.
Dig out your cookie cutters to make these cute little trees topped with a delicious vanilla frosting. The cream cheese added to the cookie batter gives them a special touch, too.
Lemon Cookies
Brandi McWade
When you’re in dire need of a cookie fix or just don’t have the time to scour your pantry for all of the ingredients, try out this lemon cookie recipe courtesy of our former Digital Media Manager, Brandi McWade. The cookies are actually made from a box of lemon cake mix, which makes this as convenient as it can get.
Even though these are technically brownies, we couldn't resist including them in our roundup of must-have holiday sweets. This recipe from Leah's Thoughts is the perfect holiday combination of rich chocolate with icy, cool peppermint.
Being a child in today’s world is very different than just a decade ago. Kiddos have traded in toys for cell phones, playtime for screen time and hanging out with friends in person for texting and FaceTime. It has not only changed the way they interact and play but also shifted the type of gifts they’re now asking for—because if you don’t have the latest phone or tablet, who are you?
If Grandma and Grandpa give your youngsters the next gadget to add to their tech arsenal this holiday season, you want to ensure their new present doesn’t expose them to potential harm. By having so much technology at their fingertips, the world has truly become their oyster, along with the dangers of the internet that comes with it.
That’s what Bark, a parental control app, is hoping to change. Founded in 2015 by CEO Brian Bason, who’s a dad of two, Bark helps parents monitor everything their kiddos do on their phones. From text messages and emails to YouTube and over 30 social media platforms, parents and guardians can have insight into what their children are actually seeing online. In 2020 alone, Bark analyzed 2.1 billion messages and has been able to help protect 5.9 million kids.
The app, which has won awards from The National Parenting Center, Mom’s Choice Awards, and National Parenting Product Awards, was created with the assistance of renowned child psychologists, digital media experts, law enforcement professionals, and youth advisors. As a result, Bark has built an advanced algorithm technology that can detect signs of violence, online predators, adult content, cyberbullying and more.
Receive Alerts Directly to Your Phone
If a child engages with unsuitable content, such as a worrisome website or game, or receives a potentially harmful message, parents are notified with emails and text alerts, thanks to Bark’s 24-hour detection services. The algorithm is also trained to detect slang terms and emojis that kids use today to communicate.
To help parents address tough situations, Bark provides expert recommendations from child psychologists on what steps to take after a particular alert, how to talk about it and more.
Select Your Preferred Monitoring Levels
In each category (sexual content, profanity, etc.), Bark users have the option to select one of three monitoring sensitivity levels (relaxed, moderate, or strict) and can be selective of which alerts they want to see and how. According to Bark, the average parent will receive concerning alerts within 24 hours after signing up.
With 42% of children spending over 30 hours a week on their phones, it can become almost a part-time job for parents to keep track of all that their youngsters are doing on their devices. Bark helps by making sure parents receive alerts about anything concerning, so they don’t have to manually look through every single keystroke their child has made.
Say Goodbye to Tech Overload
As kids spend more time glued to their phones, parents may also want to cut back on screen time. Fortunately, Bark helps promote a healthy balance. It allows families to limit the amount of time spent on the internet by setting customized device use rules for school time, bedtime and free time.
The app also allows parents to pause access on both Wi-Fi and cellular networks when children need downtime for homework, dinner or just a moment without their phone.
Block Inappropriate Website and Games
Parents can also turn to the web filtering features to block specific websites or website categories, like streaming and gaming. So if Roblox or Fortnite is a no-go in your household, you can easily restrict access. If your child does attempt to visit a restricted site or app from the designated block list, you’ll receive an alert notifying you about the issue.
Limit Access to App Stores
App Stores can be made off-limits to youngsters who may have gotten their hands on it in the past—and accidentally purchased a good number of games without your approval. Not only does this save your wallet and you from headaches, but it helps you decide what they’re able to engage with.
Check Your Kiddo’s Whereabouts to Help Keep Them Safe
After the 2018 devastating school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fl., Bark extended its services to all K–12 public and private schools in the nation at no cost. Parents can also turn to the app’s check-in feature to ensure their child’s safety by sending a notification to their phone that requests a response.
Bark has also recently released a new location sharing feature that alerts parents whenever their child arrives at, or leaves, a specific location.
While adults cannot control the entire internet, they can use Bark to create healthy guardrails for their children and make sure they know when their child may be in danger.
Sign up for Bark today and start your seven-day free trial, so you can have peace of mind while your child is online. Learn more about Bark and its mission to keep children safe in this video here.
Amazon’s epic Prime Day has arrived! Get ready for some stellar deals and the best savings of the year.
Open to Prime members, Prime Day has over 2 million deals in electronics, baby, home, beauty, fashion and more. It’s also the perfect time to support small and medium businesses in addition to woman-owned, Black-owned and family-owned businesses.
We’ve rounded up the best deals for families and kids and be sure to check back often as more items make the list.
Baby
Willow
Regalo Baby 12-30% off select items like Sensory & Learning My Play Mat, Extra Tall Walk Thru Baby Gate and 192-Inch Double Door Super Wide Adjustable Baby Gate and Play Yard
Not a Prime member yet? There’s plenty of time to sign up and enjoy a 30-day free trial! Just head to Amazon and then shop Prime Day. Be sure to keep checking back as more deals are announced.
––Karly Wood
All photos: Courtesy of Amazon/Feature photo: Rawpixel
Your kid’s phone, tech and tablet are here to stay. Sometimes it’s hard to remember these devices are in our lives for a (very good) reason; finding just what you need when you need it, learning and connecting with people worldwide. So let’s celebrate the joys of living in the digital age—and let’s start the tech talk, parents. The more informed we can be, the better off our kids will be, getting the most out of their experiences.
Google has your back, with a plethora of vetted resources to watch or read, answering all of your burning WWW-related questions. We are loving the new Google resources for families, so read on to learn why you’ll want to make them a part of yours ASAP!
Learn More About Apps & Platforms Your Kids Are Using
With Google’s hub for families, you'll learn how to start a conversation with your kids about the apps and content they're into and what you should know about them. They've put together handy information from various experts and partners to help you understand the ins and outs of all the latest technology trends, empowering you to make the best decisions for your family. Save time researching and breeze through guides for YouTube Kids, understanding Fortnite and learning all about TikTok.
Get the Most Out of Your Family's Devices
Learn more about how and when to use devices as a family, with tips to get the most out of them (and your screen time). One of our favorite features is the insight as to when your kid may be ready for their first phone. Trusted network PBS Kids offers up ideas for using video chat for kids, and Common Sense Media helps you decide on the best game console for your child—even seven steps to good digital parenting!
Find Balance with Technology
With increased screen time for learning, fun, and connecting with family and friends, families have searched for solutions. Google offers helpful tips on how to achieve digital wellbeing with your family, even partnering with Sesame Street and Headspace to provide free mindful content for the whole family. Practice Sesame Street Monster Meditations with your little ones or dive into the new Headspace Breathers series to learn how to help your kids focus during distance learning, deal with separation from friends and family, or small ways to practice mindfulness and happiness.
Accessibility Tools for All
Inclusion is everything and Google knows it. Learn how to get the most out of technology for kids of all abilities with built-in accessibility features for people with disabilities. Good news: Many Google products come with accessibility features built-in! Google’s new hub for families also has curated content on this topic including helping autistic kids with digital media, family resources for dealing with autism and ways that games can help with special needs.
The long-awaited Amazon Prime Day is here! The two-day event is back from hiatus and is bursting with deals on all things electronics, home, baby, kids and fashion. We’ve rounded up the scoop on lightning deals and everyday essentials to stock up on as we head into winter. Keep scrolling to see our faves.
We’re knee-deep into summer and this is the point where the creative juices on keeping the kids moving and learning start to run dry—especially in this wacky Covid-19 scenario. If you haven’t signed them up for camp yet, no worries! There are still quite a few gems—both in-person and virtual camps—that still have space. Whether your little adventurer is into science experiments or exploring nature, you’ll find a spot. Endless summer, here you come!
Codeverse is the first fully interactive classroom for 1st-8th graders that is riddled with state-of-the-art technology. Your kids will learn to code, build apps, program cutting-edge gadgets and create video games, using a kid-friendly coding language, KidScript. They created a week-long virtual coding class for ages 6-13 that runs 2 hours/day that includes virtual field trips. At press time, there were openings remaining Aug. 3-Aug. 31.
Wonder + Scout is an art camp, nature camp, kindness camp and adventure camp—all rolled up into one—with a focus on creativity and confidence-building. This camp, meant for ages 5-12, offers small in-person class sizes and involves multiple mediums (wood + metal, movement + music, needle + thread, paper + pencil, canvas + clay, spoon + spatula) which deepens experiential learning. Classes available through Sep. 4.
If you prefer a virtual option, Spoolhouse Online has classes through Sep. 4, as well. Each week campers are intro'd to a different textile to practice technique, develop social-emotional skills and explore ways to be a change-maker. Camp includes daily interactive instruction via zoom, noon-1 p.m., digital resources and all materials.
Digital Media Adventures camps that historically take place at University of Chicago were cancelled for 2020. However, your kids can still take advantage of the programming virtually. If you have a kid that would love to be the next Walt Disney, makes music videos or prefers tinkering on the computer above all else. . . this program is for them. Digital Media Academy's STEAM Learning Lab is for kids ages 7-18 and features 10 online tech courses, broken out by age, and allows them to learn online anytime, anywhere.
Immerse the kids in nature and unlock their imaginations with interactive outdoor adventures among 1,700 acres of trees or in your own backyard. Morton Arboretum has both virtual and in-person camps through the first week of August that combine science experiments, creative play and art for ages pre-K through 8th grade.
Now 13 years into their business, The Kids' Table is at pro status with their camps so they were quite comfortable creating online versions along with in-person options. They offer hands-on cooking fun for kids ages 4 & up through Sep. 4. Registration is all week-by-week, so kids can join for as many weeks as they'd like. Best of all, these camps will inspire your kiddo to play a more active role in the kitchen (even cleanup!).
This hidden-gem playspace and cultural center entertains little ones with music programming, pretend play areas and educational events. They typically spread their outreach into the summer months, with camps that focus on the vibrancy and culture of Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya and Ghana. Kids can expect fun lessons in geography, history, conversational language, authentic meal cooking, games and more.
With Covid-19 in town, their normal camps are being replaced by virtual Yoruba camps that encourage kids 8-13 to learn conversational Yoruba quickly by combinbine online self-aced learning with instructor-led sessions in the comforts of home.
Steve & Kate's Camp
Steve & Kate's Camp
Things will look a little different this summer at Steve & Kate's camp—typically you can do one-day drop-in classes—but for this summer kids sign up for week-long sessions. They are still, as much as possible, allowing kids to focus on the things that interest them most. Groups will be smaller (10-15) that operate like mini-camps and campers will not interact with other groups.
Kids can dabble in multiple mediums, as Kidstreet Camps at Lillstreet offer a variety of programs for kids ages 3-16, both online and in-person through Sep. 4.
Top priority for this camp that's a dream come true for active kids is FUN! It's a total bonus that the programming keeps your child active, healthy, smiling—and perhaps ready for early bedtimes from happy exhaustion—during week-long camps Jul. 13-Aug. 21. Hi-Five Sports Camp Chicago is about so much more than winning or losing, it's about teamwork, playing hard and fair, making new friends and learning the power of camaraderie. The staff is filled with professional coaches, high school and college athletes, as well as experienced P.E. teachers who are ready to guide your kids through a positive, self-esteem-building experience.
Located at Naper Settlement, a 12-acre living history museum in Naperville, Camp Naper offers kids in grades 1-6 the opportunity to explore, create and imagine. Each week offers a different theme and adventure to embark on. Week-long camps scheduled through the end of July.
No way kids will suffer from summer break boredom at Chicago Botanic's camp. They'll be one with nature exploring a range of themes including art, cuisine and conservation. Week-long camps run from Jul. 27-Aug. 21.
Imagined by Amy and Dr. Ed, this tag team of super-friendly educators were truly thinking outside the box when they opened The Laboratory. Their goal is to bring books and imaginary worlds to life through science. Your campers will be immersed in magical worlds that follow a storyline that's moved forward by math and science, with virtual and in-person options available through Sep. 4.
This camp is really the perfect combination of learning and fun! This year, take advantage of their creativity with Galileo Anywhere virtual camps running through Aug. 7.
Bubbles Academy is solving summer mornings with their virtual summer camp, through Aug. 28, for ages 3-7. Register by the week for guided virtual classes, art activities and offline outdoor exploration for EVERY weekday morning.
Daily lesson plans are created for campers to achieve linguistic, cultural and educational goals. Children will have the unique opportunity to learn Spanish in a playful and enriching environment through total immersion of language while highlighting each student’s creativity and capacity to learn with projects, songs and activities. Camps offered virtually through the end of August.
Old Town School of Folk Music typically offers music, art, theater and dance camps where campers develop new skills, build friendships and explore their creativity while thinking independently, working cooperatively, and discovering their own place in the arts. While these camps are cancelled for 2020, they still have a variety of online courses kids newborn-12 yrs. will dig.
The Chicago Fire Soccer Club is hosting in-person camps at The PrivateBank Fire Pitch and in the 'burbs. These camps offer mini soccer fans the opportunity to learn from professional and experienced staff, regardless of their soccer ability in July and August.
