On a Tuesday after school, I stood alone on the sideline of my daughter’s middle school soccer game, unable to concentrate on anything but all the tasks I had to squeeze in when we got home.
My mind raced with thoughts of dinner, homework, laundry, feeding the dogs, emptying the car, cleaning up after dinner, choosing an outfit for both of my girls, choosing a work one for me, showers, reading books, paying attention to a story about a squirrel at recess, signing permission slips, and studying spelling words. It was all I could do to keep myself from speeding home to get a head start.
During the week, I was up at 4:30. After I took a walk, packed lunches, made breakfast for my girls, and filled my thermos with coffee, I dashed to beat the school bell at the high school where I taught. I was a pro at time efficiency, yet I couldn’t find a way to add minutes to the day.
At the time, my daughters were 10 and 12. Their quick cute Saturday morning soccer games had been replaced by a sports schedule that consumed our week. If it wasn’t soccer, it was lacrosse or swimming. Out of motherly obligation, I dragged myself to each one as though I had no choice.
By then, I’d learned that sideline chit-chat made me feel worse. I compared myself to moms who joked with one another and didn’t compulsively check their phones for the time.
I often wanted to ask them: Do you really like going to these things? How do you cope when you get home? Does your anxiety skyrocket and send you into a tailspin? But I didn’t ask anything because my husband’s love of watching our girls play let me know some parents actually enjoyed it. So, I pushed through game by game, each time a little more resentful.
Most of the time when we got home afterward, I acted awfully. I snapped at my kids and raced around the house as if someone was chasing me. Annie’s mac and cheese and mini carrots became the go-to dinner (“Yes, again,” I told my younger daughter.) I got angry when my dogs took over 30 seconds to poop and cursed my husband for going back to work to “finish up.” I let my girls watch TV while they ate, so I didn’t have to sit with them. I needed the time to get everything done before bed.
Nothing about it felt good—not me, not the way I was mothering, or the unrealistic burden of squeezing a list of “musts” into a tiny window of time.
The night I made my younger daughter cry because she asked for help with her homework, I knew something had to give. No longer could I buy into the false notion that a “good” mom showed up for every game. Showing up at every game was making me anything but. I just wasn’t sure how I was going to pull it off.
In my head, I rehearsed how I’d explain to my daughters that I wasn’t going to go to every game anymore. I didn’t want them to mistake my absence for apathy. In the end, I opted for the truth.
One night before bedtime, I sat on their bedroom floor and said, “I’m not going to all your games anymore. I’ll be in a better mood if I have some time to get stuff done before you get home. OK?”
They both looked at me and smiled. More than that, they looked relieved. I told them to pick two games a season that they wanted me to watch. I’d look forward to going to them and, other times, be happy listening to the recap over dinner that was something different than Annie’s mac and cheese.
At first, putting my needs before theirs didn’t feel right. If anything says “bad” mom, it’s skipping the line of everyone else’s needs. But I was tired of being a martyr and not convinced they needed me at every game. What they needed was a mom who met them at the door and was happy to see them. When I made the decision, a 10-ton boulder lifted off my shoulders. If anyone was judging me, I felt too good to care.
This year my younger daughter is a senior in high school. With confidence, I can tell you I don’t regret the games I missed. Nostalgia doesn’t take over and leave me wishing for lost time on soccer sidelines. I may not remember a specific load of laundry or meal I made while they played, but I do remember rewriting an unwritten obligation of motherhood that allowed me to show up as the best version of myself in all the other moments off the sports field.
Sad as it is, social hierarchies are established very early on, with popular kids and queen bees starting to assert their dominance in elementary school. These situations are often labeled as “girl drama,” but they can apply to kids of all genders. While your son or daughter might not be directly involved in any bullying that’s going on, it’s important to teach them that sitting back and watching when someone else is being targeted isn’t okay either. But how do we raise kids to have the confidence to stand up for another person, especially when adults sometimes don’t?
Storytelling: Provide your child with lots of stories of children having similar social challenges. This can come from your own experience, from books you read, or stories you hear on the news. These stories are a jumping-off point for discussing whether your child has had similar challenges and what they might do if faced with them in the future.
Language: Teach your child the word “upstander.” Talk about times when you’ve been an upstander and look for opportunities to show what this behavior looks like.
Social network: Help your child develop friendships with other children in their class to widen their social network. It’s not quite as hard to be an upstander when you have friends on your side.
Dealing with a bully means taking away their power and de-escalating the situation. If we provide our children with examples of upstanders before they are faced with a bullying situation, they can see how important it is to rise above bystander status and stand up for someone. Practicing what to do in these situations can make the reaction more innate once they are faced with it in real life.
Today’s generation of kids might be living in a world with AI, self-driving cars, and other things we used to only see on The Jetsons, but whether it’s learning to cook or managing a budget, there are a few essential life skills kids need to learn as they grow. “For years, researchers believed life skills, like empathy and creative thinking, were innate. Today, we know these skills can be taught and practiced,” says Stephanie Malia Krauss, author of Whole Child, Whole Life: 10 Ways to Help Kids, Live, Learn, and Thrive. Most life skills for kids can happen when their stage and situation encourage and enable it. We asked K-12 educators and child development experts to weigh in on when your crew can master life’s major skills.
Life Skills for Kids Ages 0-2
Nobody expects a baby to balance a checkbook. But there are skills that the two and under set should know before they leave this stage.
Clean Up (Everybody Everywhere)
When a child is 18 months old, they want to copy their caregivers. If you sweep the floor, they want to sweep the floor. Aghogho Boccardi, 7-12 grade educator and founder of Hope Like a Mother, started her kids on chores by having them pick up after themselves at mealtimes. “After a meal, they get down from the table and pick all the large chunks of food from the floor.” She makes it a fun game, and afterward, they help Mom with the handheld vacuum. Notably, she only started this activity when the children showed interest in wanting to sweep.
Swim
“Starting at three months old, babies can begin to learn the skills needed to have confidence in the water, such as breath control and the baby back float. From there, children that continue lessons will add to their skillsets as they master new strokes and set new challenges,” says Chris DeJong, five-time U.S. National Champion swimmer, and Founder and President of Big Blue Swim School.
According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged four and under. The sooner your mini can master this life-saving skill, the better.
Life Skills for Kids Ages 2-4
By 30 months, most minis can follow simple two-step directions. They can also hold something with one hand while using the other to twist and pull. These developmental milestones mean you can introduce your kiddo to a new set of life skills.
Dress Themselves
This is the age when children want to put on and take off their own clothes. Getting up and out of the house takes three times as long, but let them do it. According to Krauss, this is when children start developing fine motor control. Learning to fasten buttons and put on their shoes gives them much-needed practice with skills they can take into learning to write.
Set the Table
We’re not saying you should give your assistant the fine china. But at this age, you can ask your child to put a fork and (plastic) cup next to each plate on the table. Bonus: you won’t have to guess if they wanted the blue or red cup. Meltdown avoided!
Memorize Your Name and Phone Number
If your preschooler can sing the lyrics to their favorite song, they can learn the seven digits of your phone number. Make it a game so they want to play along. Test your little ones at different times of the day so they’ll remember your number even if they are alone and upset.
“Elementary school is a foundational time for children to learn essential social, relational, and learning skills that they will use for the rest of their lives. Through play and projects, kids use, adapt, and strengthen their communication, relationship, and conflict management skills,” says Krauss.
Make Lunch
5-year-olds can learn cooking skills through the ‘cooking kit’ method. “By kindergarten, many children will be able to do the tasks necessary to make their own lunch if they are laid out for them. For example, they could make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich if you put peanut butter, jelly, bread, a butter knife, and a plate out for them. They may not have the executive functioning skills to be fully responsible for making their own lunch, though, and will need a little more development to be able to plan what to pack, pick out the ingredients, and assemble the lunch,” says Letty Rising, K-12 Montessori educator at Montessori Laboratory.
Get Their Own Snack
Everybody wins when your kindergartener can self-serve that after-school munch. Buy adult-approved options. Separate them into single-serve portions. Then leave them in an accessible, designated place, such as a lower cabinet or a drawer in the fridge.
Gather the Laundry
Teach your crew how to use the laundry basket. Realistically, four-year-olds will need you to point at the things that go in the laundry. Kids this age will not remember to empty their pockets. And if your kindergartener is also in charge of cleaning up their room, you will find strange things stuffed in the basket along with their socks. Wash with caution.
It’s definitely easier to do the laundry yourself in the short term. But children who start learning now will be well-equipped to wash their laundry in the middle-elementary years.
Life Skills for Kids Ages 6-8
Until six, most of your kids’ cleaning is heavily supervised and play-based. Rising says, “By the time children reach 6 years of age, they can be responsible for sweeping the floors as part of their chores, and likely also parts of cleaning the bathrooms like wiping down the counter.” This means caregivers can now pass on old chestnuts, such as “You were old enough to make the mess, so you’re old enough to clean it.” Huzzah!
Run the Washing Machine
According to Dr. Ryan Sultan, board-certified child psychiatrist and Research Professor at Columbia University, children can now learn how to operate a washing machine and fold clean laundry. They will still need periodic reminders on how much detergent to use and how to avoid turning everyone’s whites a light pink.
Operate a Microwave Alone
Microwaving a meal is a big deal for the elementary school set. And they can do so much more than warm up yesterday’s dinner or cook a box of mac and cheese. YouTube is full of recipes for microwave-friendly meals. Spend time watching the videos together for added parent and child time. Budding chefs will need to learn basic microwave safety–no metal in the microwave!—before you turn them loose.
Tie Their Shoes
Six-year-olds have the fine motor skills necessary to learn to tie their shoes. But thanks to the magic of Velcro, compressed morning schedules, and schools that insist on slip-on shoes, children are learning this skill later. According to a 2019 survey commissioned by OSGO to coincide with National Feet Week, “3 in 10 children are still unable to tie their shoelaces on leaving primary school.”
The only way kids can master this skill is with a lot of practice. If there’s no time in the morning for them to lace up their shoes, set aside time later in the day. Some children don’t care to practice this skill. If you have a reluctant lacer, dispense small rewards to get them on board.
Life Skills for Kids Ages 8-10
iStock
Your not-so-mini is one of the big kids now. With greater ability comes the opportunity for greater responsibility.
Budget Money
In his book The Opposite of Spoiled, Rob Lieber says that the main point of an allowance is to help “kids learn to save and spend money, a skill they don’t get to practice in many other ways as they grow up.” Learning to delay gratification has a whole host of benefits. According to Lieber, adults who practice self-control as children are more likely to save money and own homes. Lieber’s three-jar method to budget money for saving, spending, and charitable giving is a great place to start.
Many parents discover another upside. Children are much less eager to spend their own money. While minis as young as six can begin to budget, the mid-elementary set has a clearer grasp of time. They will be far more impressed when you say, “If you want that iPhone, you’ll need to save your allowance for six years.”
Practice Online Safety
In a 2019 study from Common Sense Media, 8-12-year-olds spend 31% of their total screen time gaming. And whether they play on a smartphone, a console, or a computer, they can bump into players they don’t know. “One of the first things children need to understand about chatting online is that they could be talking to anyone from anywhere,” advises Philip Wride, Parenting & Education Coach.
“It’s important they know not to share personal information like their name, address, or photos of themselves. The same is true if they play games online–the people they are playing with could potentially be any age. If someone asks for their name, address, or a photo, the child must understand it is a red flag activity and that they should tell an appropriate adult.”
If possible, children should play games and use the internet in a shared space where they can keep an ear and an eye on the activity.
Life Skills for Kids Ages 10-12
“By the end of elementary school, most children can engage in increasingly complex and abstract reasoning and decision making. Academic assignments and learning activities engage them as problem solvers and critical thinkers,” says Stephanie Malia Krauss.
But it’s important to refrain from allowing academic work or sports to crowd out the critical life skills tweens will carry with them into adulthood. If your crew’s time is limited, consider giving them one or two chores and rotating the assignment every week.
Take Out the Trash
Taking the garbage outside isn’t brain surgery. But there are several limiting factors to consider. Is your child strong enough to carry the bag? Are they tall enough to hoist it into the bin? Does your municipality require you to sort your trash into different containers? If the kitchen garbage is too heavy, start your tween off with the recycling.
If your family lives in an apartment with a communal dumpster, your child may need situational awareness to avoid cars in the parking lot. Take your junior janitor with you when you toss the trash and progressively hand over the job.
Make Simple Meals on the Stove
Kids can be taught how to cook on the stove in early elementary school. A tween trained in basic kitchen safety can independently scramble eggs, cook pancakes from a mix, or make a grilled cheese. They will learn best working with you, but more mature tweens can also follow (video or written) recipes. You’ll want to be on hand in case that grilled cheese turns into a flambé.
Life Skills for Kids Ages 12 and Up
iStock
12-year-olds are nowhere near old enough to live independently, but this is a great time to help them hone the skills they will take into adulthood.
Cook Family Dinner
This is when cooking practice can really pay off. Teach your tween how to make a complete dinner, then add them to the weekly cooking rotation. If you don’t have the mental energy or cooking know-how to teach this skill, consider using a service like Hello Fresh or Chef’s Plate. Each meal comes with ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Watching your kid cook while you recover from a long day at work is almost like taking a spa day. Even better, your future college student won’t have to survive on ramen packs for four years.
Balance a Checkbook
“Balancing a checkbook is a complex task that requires an understanding of basic math and financial concepts. Generally, it’s best to wait until children are in middle school before introducing them to this skill. This will help ensure they have the necessary foundational skills required to complete the task effectively. Additionally, provide guidance on how to safely and accurately manage finances, such as avoiding overdrafts and using online banking tools if available,” recommends Kalley Hartman, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist of Ocean Recovery.
Start your middle schooler off with small steps. First, show them how to keep a running total of their credits and expenses. Then show them how to reconcile their tally against the bank balance. You can use a service like Greenlight or Mydoh or act as the bank by collecting receipts and adding them to a paper ledger two days later.
Perform Basic Home Maintenance
According to Dr. Sultan, most tweens and teens are old enough to learn to change a lightbulb, unclog a drain, and reset the circuit breaker. Parents in the know will tell you that getting your teenager to unclog the toilet themselves is a game changer. And a great way to get them to use less bathroom tissue.
Teaching your kids essential life skills might feel overwhelming, but you’re not in it alone. “Kids can learn life skills anytime, anywhere, and with anyone. Children constantly observe, learn, and practice these skills at home, school, in the community, and in whatever activities they engage in. Like reading, some children will master skills more slowly and others more quickly. What’s most important is providing them with instruction, opportunities to practice, and assistance when they need it,” says Krauss.
You might think “mean girls,” shifting friendships, and popularity contests are a rite of passage reserved for teenagers—but the truth is, this brand of schoolyard drama starts in elementary school.
And it’s not just girls. In fact, according to a study by the University of Illinois, kids of both genders are aware of popularity issues as early as third grade. And while this survey of 12,000 elementary and middle school kids found that 41 to 48 percent of girls reported experiencing relational aggression (teasing, social exclusion, and rumor-spreading), another study actually found that it is boys who use this sort of aggression more.
So get ready, because there will likely be a day when your otherwise confident child will come home from school and tell you something that’ll make your heart sink. And while you may want to swoop in and come to the rescue (or stomp right up to the mean kid himself), experts say parents should navigate this territory carefully.
“The child is looking to us not just to solve the problem, but to know how to feel about the problem,” said Abigail Wald, a parent coach whose nontraditional coaching program, Mother Flipping Awesome, has helped more than 10,000 families, “And if we are thinking, ‘This is the worst thing to ever happen,’ that sets off alarm bells for the child and makes a mountain out of a molehill very quickly.”
And remember: the drama your kids face now can help build the resilience they’ll need later.
“One thing we can do is change our perception of these things and realize that yes they are annoying for us—and sometimes they can feel downright heartbreaking—but essentially these things are really good,” Wald said. “These are good training wheels dramas for everything that our children are going to have to deal with throughout their lives.”
Here are some scenarios to consider:
When a classmate (or friend) is mean
iStock
Before you jump to conclusions, try to help your child see the other side: maybe the “mean kid” felt hurt by something your child said to her. Maybe the child is dealing with something difficult in her own life. Or maybe you just need to teach your child to rise above the conflict. So listen—and ask questions.
“This is a beautiful opportunity for us to help our child learn values and coping skills,” Wald said. “Discuss with the child what choices the other person is making and what that child might be needing, or consider that their friend might be hurt and taking it out in these ways.”
You can also try to role-play future interactions to outfit your child for future encounters. Ask your child to play their part, while you play the part of the friend and play out different scenarios to see what options your child may have to handle the problem.
The advantage to this sort of approach, Wald said, is that even tight-lipped kids may end up showing you a lot more about what’s going on than if you had just asked them, “What happened?”
“We can also discuss whether that is somebody they really want in their life or not,” she added.
If you suspect your child may be the victim of bullying, that’s one of those times when you should definitely get involved—by more than just empathizing. (Here’s how to recognize the emotional and physical signs that your kid is being bullied, according to the National Center Against Bullying.)
Immediately reach out to the school—first your child’s teacher, then the principal—to make them aware of the situation. Most schools have strict anti-bullying policies and should attend to any suspicions immediately and respond to complaints quickly.
“If you sense that your child is having feelings of self-harm or that there is actual bullying going on—physical or emotional—that is truly unsafe, that is a time to step in to engage other adults and figure out what the options are,” Wald said.
When a good friend moves to a different “group”
While your heart might break along with your child’s, you want to resist the urge to “fix it,” just be there with your child’s feelings.
According to Sacramento psychologist Dawn Huebner, parents often rush to make things all better, but this doesn’t help kids—and can even make things worse.
“You do not want to continue to try to set up playdates if it’s clear to you that the friendship isn’t working anymore,” said Huebner, who has written several books, including Outsmarting Worry: An Older Kid’s Guide to Managing Anxiety. “Parents are quick to try to make things OK for them by solving problems or by making it seem like this thing that’s happening isn’t that bad, but when your friend doesn’t want to be your friend anymore, that’s sad. It’s normal to feel sad.”
Consequently, a parent’s first job in this situation is to empathize. Huebner urged parents to think about the sort of support they’d want. For instance, grown-ups don’t like other people solving their problems; most of the time, neither do children.
“The most helpful thing is when another person says, ‘Oh that’s hard. I’m sorry that happened,'” she said. “It’s the same for children.”
When your child isn’t picked for a team/invited to a party
iStock
It’s hard for anyone to feel left out—and there’s nothing a parent can really do to make this feeling go away (at least not right away). But instead of trying to distract your child, experts say parents should simply sit with their children and let them feel all their feelings. Empathize, but don’t solve. This helps build coping skills for the future.
“You don’t want to distract the child to compensate; that’s a mistake,” Huebner said. “You want to start with, ‘That’s hard.’ Because sometimes we don’t have the answers. You can say, ‘I don’t know why your friend didn’t invite you. It’s hard to be left out. You’re just kind of commiserating.”
When your child doesn’t want your advice
The hardest part about watching our kids unravel over a seemingly small drama is resisting the urge to tell them what to do. After all, we may know a quick fix. Why can’t we just give them the directions?
Because, most likely, your kids don’t want your input unless they’ve actually asked you for it. So tread lightly.
“You want to hear them and be compassionate about it, but that’s different than agreeing with them,” Huebner said. “Then you can say something like, ‘Do you want to hear my ideas?’ Or, ‘Do you want some help sorting this out?'”
Like the city we hail from, Chicagoans have grit, and a play-hard, work-hard attitude. We know ketchup has zero business on a hot dog, distance is always measured in minutes, our favorite football teams are da Bears and anyone who crushes the Packers, and we have deep-rooted, generational Cubs or White Sox allegiances. (Go Cubbies!) Smalltalk centers around weather, as we stubbornly grind our way through all four seasons, sometimes in the same day. We’re a proud people. So, it’s a logical leap to stamp our kid with a distinctly Chicago name derived from our streets, athletes, politicians, and landmarks.
Adler Planetarium
Addison
Many a wild time has been had on Addison Street as it's home to the popular Cubby Bear which sits across the street from the home of the Cubs, Wrigley Field, also on Addison Street. With no apparent connection to Chicago, it's a mystery as to why it was named after the brilliant British physician Thomas Addison, who discovered Addison's Disease.
Adler
Elgin native, Max Adler, was a concert violinist who gave up music to become VP of Sears Roebuck & Co. after marrying into the family that controlled the powerhouse company. After his retirement in 1928, he became a philanthropist who was key to the creation of the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere, Adler Planetarium.
Al
Throwing a nod to our gangsta roots, how about a lil tot running around named Al, for the infamous, needs-no-intro Al Capone?
Anderson
Shout out to the northside's popular Andersonville, which hosts a massive shindig in honor of their Swedish immigrant roots, the annual Midsommarfest.
Chicago Bulls
Barack
No matter political alliances, you gotta admit, the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, is a guy you'd like to grab a beer, play b-ball and swap stories with. Not only was he the first African-American President in US history, he was also previously an Illinois State Senator who laid roots in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
Benny
Chicago Bulls mascot "Benny" the Bull is one of the longest-tenured and most recognized mascots in sports history, getting his name from Ben Bentley, the Bull's first Public Relations Manager and Stadium Announcer.
Betty
Guys, we get to stake a claim on one of the most universally well-liked celebrities of all time, Betty White. It's a small claim, she moved from her Oak Park home when she was just over a year old, but we'll take it. She, in many ways, paved the way for women in entertainment and had a love story with Allen Ludden that's worthy of fairytales.
Briggs
Lance Briggs played his entire 12-year career as a Chicago Bear linebacker, which is great and all, but mostly Briggs would be an adorable hipster baby name. Just picture baby Briggs in his flannel buttondown, skinny jeans, busted-up Chucks, messy-hair-don't-care style, and oversized glasses for his 20/20 vision.
Burnham
Daniel Hudson Burnham — use any one of those names for baby — was responsible for many of our skyscrapers and was the Director of Works for the World's Columbia Exposition, a.ka. The White City. He is credited for the essence-capturing quote, "Make no little plans. They have no magic to stir men's blood and probably will not themselves be realized."
Chance the Rapper at Great Wolf Lodge Gurnee
Caray
You aren't allowed to call yourself a Chicagoan if you don't know the name Harry Caray. This absolute legend, in his signature thick wide-rimmed glasses, was a sports announcer who spent 11 years with the White Sox and the last 16 years of his career with the Cubs, famously leading fans in a spirited rendition of Take Me Out to the Ball Game during the 7th-inning stretch.
Catherine
The Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed over 17,000 buildings and 2,000 square feet and many locals like to hold on to the likely, utterly tall tale that it was caused by Catherine O'Leary's cow knocking over a lantern in her barn.
Chance
One of our most famous Chicagoans, Chance the Rapper, also happens to do a whole heck of a lot for Chicago kids with his charity SocialWorks. SocialWorks aims to empower youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement while fostering leadership, accessibility, and positivity within Chicago.
Chicago
Yep, totally a human name now, thanks to Kim and Kanye.
Clark
Not only is it the name of a highly-trafficked street that runs diagonally north-south for a solid 8 miles in Chicago, but Clark is the name of the Chicago Cubs beloved mascot. Clark Street is named for George Rogers Clark, an American War revolutionary who captured much of the Northwest Territory from the British. Cheerio, Clark!
You've likely found yourself on Damen Ave. one time or another. But how'd it come to be? It was renamed from its original Robey Street in honor of Father Arnold J. Damen, a Catholic priest who founded Holy Family Church and St. Ignatius High School and College, now known as Loyola University.
Elston
Daniel Elston was a British merchant who arrived in Chicago to make and sell soaps, candles and bricks — interesting combo, eh? He also served as an Alderman and Elston Avenue serves as an alternate route alongside the Kennedy Expressway, never straying too far from its path.
Ernie
Nicknamed Mr. Cub and Mr. Sunshine, some say former Cubs player Ernie Banks is the greatest player who ever picked up a bat and glove. He wasn't all brawn and no brains, however, as he was also the first black Ford Motor Company dealer in the United States.
Ferris
Bueller? Bueller? Bueller? Bueller may not have really been ill, but Ferris makes for a pretty sick name, after the iconic 80s movie filmed in Chicago, Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Field
Marshall Field was the founder of Marshall Field and Company, renowned for its level of quality and customer service, and provided funding for the Field Museum of Natural History and land for University of Chicago. For some nostalgic Chicagoans, Macy's will forever and always be referred to as Fields.
Crown Fountain in Millennium Park
Grant
Grant Park, a.k.a. Chicago's front yard, is home to big-time notables Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, Art Institute of Chicago and the Museum Campus and plays hosts to some of our most-attended fests, like Taste of Chicago, Lollapalooza, Chicago Blues Fest and Pride in the Park. It was named after the 18th President of the United States, Ulysses S. Grant, who along with former President Lincoln, led the Union Army to a victory over the Confederates in the American Civil War.
Ida
Ida B. Wells was an African-American investigative journalist, educator, and early leader in the Civil Rights Movement, having been freed by the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War at the age of 16. She was arguably one of the most famous black women during her time, working to combat prejudice and fight for the equality of African-American women. We are obsessed with this Chicago name for obvious reasons.
Jackson
The southside's Jackson Park, named in honor of 7th US President Andrew Jackson, was developed to host the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 and is potentially the future site of the Barack Obama Presidential Center.
Former John Hancock views via Maria Chambers
Jane
Born in the Lakeview neighborhood, absolute legend, Jane Bryne became the first female elected to the office of Mayor in the US in 1979, at a time when Chicago was the 2nd largest city in the country.
John
As the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock wasn't a Chicagoan, but the skyscraper that up until 2018 bore his name was built as the second tallest in the world on Michigan Ave. in 1968. It was featured in Poltergeist III and was home to the late great Chris Farley, who passed away in his residence on the 60th floor.
Jordan
MJ. Good ole #23, Michael Jordan. Everybody knows him, he made basketball-lovers out of everyone with his out-of-this-world skill, infectious mode of play and raw talent. Arguably the best that ever played, depending on who you ask, producing some pretty sweet gear during his career to boot.
Lake Michigan views via Maria Chambers
Kingston
We all know Kingston Mines is a world-famous blues club that has hosted legends in the industry, with performances 7 nights a week that go into the wee morning hours. But, did you know it was home to the first-ever performance of the Grease musical in 1971? This fierce Chicago name is a favorite.
Lake
Besides our stunning city skyline, pretty much the most visually stunning in the world, Lake Michigan and its beaches make Chicago a rather swell special place to live. It's one of the five Great Lakes of North America and the only one that sits wholly in the United States.
Lincoln Park Zoo via Maria Chambers
Lincoln
Lincoln Park, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln Avenue, everywhere you look a Lincoln. Near Lake and Wacker sits a marker commemorating the location where Abraham Lincoln won the nomination for the presidency at the 1860 Republican Convention. Pay a visit to the Chicago History Museum if you're interested in diving more into Lincoln's history, Chicago and beyond.
Logan
Logan Square has quickly risen to be one of the favorite neighborhoods in Chicago, with restaurants that rival West Loop favorites. Its namesake, John A. Logan was an American soldier who served in the Mexican-American War, a Union General in the American Civil War and served the state as a Senator and a Congressman. And, you owe an annual three-day weekend partially to him, as he's regarded as the most important figure in the movement to recognize Memorial Day as a national holiday. We love this Chicago name for boys, girls, and even pets.
Lou
Chicago is known for its pizza, and we all have a passionate favorite. And Lou Malnati's undoubtedly tops a whole lotta lists. Deep dish Lou's? Yes, please!
Morton Arboretum
Maggie
Maggie Daley was the wife of Chicago's longest-serving mayor, Mayor Richard M. Daley, who held the position for 22 years. Well known for dodging the spotlight, but staying highly involved, she started the successful After School Matters non-profit that provides high school teens with after-school and summer opportunities in the arts, leadership, sports and STEM fields. In her honor, Chicago also has one of the coolest urban parks in the country with both lake and city views, mini-golf, a climbing wall, skating ribbon, green space and climbing structures, Maggie Daley Park.
Macaulay
Instant holiday classic, Home Alone, starring Macauley Culkin was filmed in a Winnetka home, the Grace Episcopal Church in Oak Park and the famous airport scene was shot in Chicago O'Hare Airport.
Morton
"When it rains, it pours," Morton Salt's motto and accompanying Morton Salt Girl on their logo is one of the 10 most recognized symbols in the US. Joy Morton, the company's founder, also established Morton Arboretum, the 1,700-acre botanical garden situated in Lisle that sees hundreds of thousands of visitors and hikers a year. He's also the son of J. Sterling Morton, who founded Arbor Day.
Ogden
You can ride Ogden Avenue from the Near West Side all the way to Naperville. We wouldn't suggest it, but you could. Bonus points if you know where its name came from? Chicago's first mayor, William B. Ogden, served a one-year term beginning in 1837, was a founder of the Chicago Board of Trade, designed the first swing bridge over the Chicago River and donated the land for Rush Medical Center.
Oprah
How lucky are we that Oprah chose Chicago to host her now-iconic Oprah Winfrey show? She has amassed a beautifully positive legacy that will transcend generations, and any kid would be lucky to carry her name. But, boy, are those some big stilettos to fill. This Chicago name will definitely get you noticed.
Oscar
My bologna has a first name, O-S-C-A-R, and your kid could, too! German immigrant, Oscar Mayer made his way to Chicago and laid the groundwork for one of the most well-known names in the food industry on the near-northside. And blessed the USA with the super dope Weinermobile and the longest-running tv commercial to date that starred a 4-year-old singing about bologna.
Chicago River via Mercury River Cruises
Payton
Called the greatest football player he'd ever seen, and even greater human, by Mike Ditka, Walter Payton played all 13 of his career seasons with the Bears as a running back. His legacy includes the NFL's Walter Payton Man of the Year Award and the Walter Payton Award.
Rand
William Rand opened a printing shop in 1856 and two years later hired Irish Immigrant Andrew McNally to work for $9/week, focusing their efforts on printing tickets and timetables for Chicago's railroad industry. In 1868 they officially launched Rand, McNally & Co. and became the largest and most-reputable map publishers in history. They became the first major map publisher to adopt a system of numbered highways and erected many of the roadside highway signs still used today.
Randolph
Randolph Street runs through the West Loop and is home to some of Chicago's most well-known and loved restaurants, like Girl & the Goat, Little Goat Diner, Au Cheval and Bar Siena. It got its name from one of Chicago's first city planners, James Thompson, who may have named it after his home county, Randolph County, Illinois. But, your guess is as good as ours.
River
The Chicago River runs right through the city and is one of the reasons Chicago is of geographic importance, as it is a link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River Basin, and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. It has a place of honor on the Flag of Chicago represented by two horizontal blue stripes. It's also a feat of civil engineering, as the direction of its flow was reversed in 1900 in an attempt to protect the city's water supply.
Maria Chambers
Rizzo
Since being traded to the Cubs in 2012, Anthony Rizzo has made a big impact on Chicago. Not only is he a three-time All-Star first basemen and Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor, through his non-profit Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation, but he has also donated over $4M to Lurie's Children's Hospital.
Robey
What is now Damen Avenue, was once Robey Avenue, named after James Robey, who operated a roadhouse near Madison and present-day Damen. Don't worry though, the name is still alive, with The Robey Hotel sitting at the intersections of Damen, Milwaukee and North Avenues, serving up sick city views.
Robin
There will never be another quite like the late, great Robin Williams. His eyes twinkled with a beautiful mischievousness and his wit lightning quick. Robin attended elementary and junior high in Lake Forest before his Ford Motor Co. exec dad got transferred to Detroit. You can see a mural dedicated to Williams at Bucktown's Concord Music Hall.
Roscoe
Tis a mystery how Roscoe Village and Roscoe Street received their names, but Roscoe Village is often referred to as a village within a city because of its small-town feel and huge love the residents have for their little slice of a big city.
Rose
D. Rose is no longer a Bulls player, but this Chicago native was a prominent fixture on the team when he wore the jersey. When he called the United Center home, he was named Rookie of the Year and, at the age of 22, was the youngest player to ever win the NBA Most Valuable Player Award.
Dominican American Sammy Sosa spent much of his baseball career with the Chicago Cubs, reaching his 400th run milestone faster than any other player in the National League, securing his place as one of the game's best all-time hitters.
Shedd
Sitting right next to Lake Michigan within Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium was the first inland aquarium with a permanent saltwater fish collection and was a gift from John Graves Shedd, President and Chairman of the Board for Marshall Field & Company.
Sheridan
A drive along Sheridan Road and Lake Michigan through the northern suburbs when the leaves are boasting fall colors is extra special, add it to your Chicago bucket list if you have yet to do. Philip Henry Sheridan was a general in the Civil War who coordinated military relief efforts following the Great Chicago Fire.
Thompson
The James R. Thompson Center serves as a secondary capital for the state and was named after the 37th, and longest-running at 14 years, governor of the State of Illinois.
Walt
The pioneer of American animation who holds the record for most Academy Awards won by an individual at 22, Walt Disney, was born in the Hermosa neighborhood.
Willis
Perhaps it's different strokes for different folks, but "Wha'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" is EXACTLY right. To die harders, it will always be the Sears Tower, but Willis Tower is technically the official name of the 2nd tallest building in the United States.
Wrigley
This one's pretty obvi, with our Cubbies flying the 'W' at one of the most iconic ballfields in the country, Wrigley Field. Even if you don't like baseball, a game watched at Wrigley is pretty darn special.
Make sure to capture all the adventures with your little Chicagoan—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
When you think about Idaho, what do you envision? For most, it’s a potato haven, thanks to the state’s reputation as a major potato producer, but trust us when we say this Gem State is well deserving of your family’s next road trip.
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Idaho is brimming with a balanced blend of family-friendly roadside attractions. From enriching cultural and historic sites that tell the story of Idaho’s past to natural wonders that showcase the state’s beauty and thrilling outdoor adventures like no other, Idaho will delight both you and your little explorers.
So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for these must-visit roadside attractions in Idaho that provide endless opportunities for family bonding!
Northern Idaho
1. Silverwood Theme Park & Boulder Beach Water Park
Dive into a day of family fun with thrilling rides and attractions for all ages at Silverwood Theme Park. Nestled amongst the spectacular beauty of northern Idaho, this amusement park offers more than 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions, with something for everyone. The park’s family-friendly atmosphere and wide range of entertainment make it a perfect destination for parents and kids alike.
Connected to Silverwood is Boulder Beach Water Park, adding even more excitement to your visit. Boulder Beach features a variety of water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and interactive water play areas, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Parent tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy more rides!
Looking for a well-needed stretch during your Idaho road trip? Head to the 2,774-acre Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, which boasts four manageable trails ranging from 0.2 miles to 2.2 miles—perfect for a quick respite or a couple hours of fresh air.
A paradise for nature enthusiasts, Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge offers nature walks where you can witness wildlife in their natural habitat. This doubles as an active hike and an enriching educational experience for children to discover various species, from fish and amphibians to reptiles, mammals, and birds.
Parent tip: Bring binoculars for a closer look at the refuge’s diverse 200+ bird species.
Lace up your hiking boots for a leisurely outdoor adventure through Tubbs Hill Nature Park. This must-visit hiking destination offers stunning views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding mountains, making it a picturesque setting for family photos. With easy to moderate trails, Tubbs Hill is suitable for hikers of all skill levels, including those with young children.
Parent tip: Pack a picnic ahead of the trail to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks.
4. Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center
Immerse your kids in the rich history and culture of the Nez Perce tribe at Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center. Young learners can explore interactive exhibits, artifacts, and displays that showcase the tribe’s traditions and way of life. They’ll get an insider’s look at history, from the tribe’s clothing and tools to weapons and ceremonial objects.
If you have more time on your hands, join a ranger-led tour for a deeper understanding of the area’s significance; it’s a meaningful experience that’ll impress kids of all ages.
Parent tip: No cash? No problem. There are no fees for any of the sites of Nez Perce National Historical Park if you opt to extend your visit.
Embark on a thrilling jet boat tour through Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America. With Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tours, adrenaline junkies can take on Snake River’s exciting rapids while enjoying the awe-inspiring scenery and remarkable sights of bighorn sheep. During the tour, families will have the chance to stop for a photo op as well as a refreshing swim in calm water. Lunch and drinks are provided, so you can focus on just the snacks for the kiddos.
Parent tip: Bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection during the tour, and opt for cool, comfortable clothing (like shorts and swimsuits) in warmer weather.
Located near Boise, the World Center for Birds of Prey is a conservation center dedicated to the protection of eagles, owls, vultures, hawks, and falcons from around the world. Witness these majestic birds up close (or shall we say from nose to beak?) and learn about the center’s conservation efforts through interactive exhibits and educational programs. With a mission to inspire the next generation of conservationists, the World Center for Birds of Prey is a great pit stop for families looking to learn and explore together.
Parent tip: Visit during live bird encounters at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on Idaho’s striking Payette River, located about 45 minutes northwest of Boise. But before you let the term “whitewater rafting” deter you, we’ve done the homework for you and found safe and enjoyable options for rafters of all ages (that includes young kids, too!) and experience levels.
Parent tip: Our favorite is Cascade Raft & Kayak, which offers experienced guides that prioritize safety along with a fun and memorable experience your kids will remember for years to come. Their family-friendly adventures cater to little ones as young as five, offering a more peaceful escape with fun and splashy rapids throughout the Main Payette River or the Cabarton Stretch of the North Fork.
For more excitement, families with kids ages 12 and up can embark on the South Fork half-day or full-day trips, featuring class III–IV rapids (a.k.a. moderate to intense waves and obstacles).
Step back in time—the late 1800s, to be exact!—and explore Idaho’s oldest prison. The Old Idaho Penitentiary offers both guided and self-guided tours for families with kids ages six and up for a behind-the-scenes look at the daily lives of inmates. See cell blocks from various time periods and solitary confinement that operated during its 101 years of service. And if you have any brave preteens in your group, walk through the penitentiary’s former gallows. The prison’s history offers an eye-opening experience of Idaho’s rich heritage.
Parent tip: Take a guided tour for $2 to learn more about the prison’s escapes and scandals.
Known as the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder in Twin Falls, Idaho. Enjoy an incredible family outing on Snake River, from panoramic lookouts to comfortable picnic spaces. For stunning views of the Falls (which stands 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide!), go on an adventurous hike and revel in the multiple vantage points!
Parent tip: Visit in the spring for the best views when the falls are at their peak flow!
For an enlightening experience that sheds light on America’s past, make your way to the Minidoka National Historic Site, where kids of all ages can learn about the Japanese relocation center during World War II. Carve out a few hours to explore the on-site exhibits and displays that memorialize over 13,000 Japanese-Americans who were forced to relocate to Idaho’s desert lands. To gain deeper insight into the landmark’s significance, join a ranger-led tour.
Parent tip: Pick up free booklets at the Minidoka Visitor Center for interactive activities that’ll help your kids become official junior rangers.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or a nature lover, the City of Rocks National Reserve promises a memorable experience for your whole crew—pups included! You’ll have the chance to see impressive granite rock formations, unmatched landscapes, and amazing mammals, like mule deer, blacktail jack rabbit, and chipmunks.
To add an adrenaline rush to your visit, tackle the site’s hiking trails and rock climbing routes, or head to the adjacent Castle Rocks State Park for mountain biking and horseback riding.
Parent tip: If you want to turn your stay into a weekend getaway (we wouldn’t want to leave either), make a reservation at the City of Rocks campground, featuring a ground grill, a picnic table, and clean vault toilets.
What’s a trip to Idaho without a stop at the Idaho Potato Museum? This specialty museum is dedicated to the state’s famous spuds and is a must-visit roadside attraction in Idaho that kids and parents alike will love. Little foodies can appreciate the informative exhibits (like dressing up Mr. Potato Head), fun computer games, and unique displays touting rare potato artifacts and collections. We’re talking the largest ensemble of potato mashers in the world and the largest Pringle!
Don’t leave without taking a selfie in front of the giant potato statue outside and taking home some souvenirs from the gift shop.
Parent tip: Sample potato-themed treats at the museum’s café, including a baked potato with all the fixings (a fan favorite!), potato soup, and probably the best french fries you’ll ever try.
13. Lava Hot Springs Foundation World Famous Hot Springs & the Olympic Swimming Complex & Indoor Aquatic Center
Break up your road trip with a relaxing day in the geothermal hot springs of Lava Hot Springs. Soak in the therapeutic waters that is fully loaded with natural minerals and will keep you feeling cozy with temperatures ranging from 102˚ to 112˚ degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, you can take in amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
Parent tip: If you have little ones in tow, stop by the nearby Olympic Swimming Complex & Indoor Aquatic Center that’s just four blocks away. Kids of all ages can enjoy either the indoor or outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool and super fast water slides at the seasonal water park.
Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, nestled in the Caribou–Targhee National Forest. These stunning waterfalls offer more than just picture-worthy views; they provide a natural playground for families. Easily accessible hiking trails, picnic areas, and observation points make it ideal for families with young children. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful hike or a picturesque picnic, Upper and Lower Mesa Falls promise an unforgettable day immersed in nature’s wonder.
Parent tip: Visit the Mesa Falls Visitor Center to access the walking trail and boardwalk for impeccable sights of Mesa Falls.
15. Knob Hill Natural Area and Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve
Get ready for the wonder of the night sky at Knob Hill Natural Area. Budding astronomers can stargaze and learn about astronomy through guided tours and educational programs. Depending on the time of year, try to spot several constellations, from The Big Dipper and Little Dipper to Orion, Leo, and The Northern Cross!
Want an even more spectacular experience? Take a quick hike to the top of Knob Hill for the best view of the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve. As one of 22 Dark Sky reserves in the world, Central Idaho’s designation ensures minimal light pollution, providing optimal conditions for stargazing. The Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve also spans more than 1,400 square miles across three communities in Central Idaho, including Sun Valley, Stanley, and Ketchum.
Once you reach the top of Knob Hill, relax on a nearby bench (that perfectly overlooks downtown Ketchum, might we add) for a once-in-a-lifetime view of the Milky Way!
Parent tip: While a telescope enhances the stargazing experience, you can still enjoy the wonders of the night sky at Knob Hill Park without one. Pack some blankets and lay back on the grass with your family to gaze at the stars.
16. Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center
History books come to life at the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center, a perfect pit stop for travelers who have 45 minutes to spare or a full-day voyage. Discover the legacy of Sacajawea and the Lewis and Clark Expedition through engaging exhibits, interpretive displays, and historic artifacts.
If time permits, visit the Sacajawea Center’s Research Library in the Learning Center for an impressive collection of expedition journals and titles, field guides, and children’s books.
Parent tip: For added fun, check out the Community Gardens, filled with flowers and vegetables, then take a walk along one of the two trails throughout the beautiful 71-acre park. Fido can also come along for the trip, as dogs are welcomed at the Seaman’s Dog Park.
Keeping up with middle school slang can be a tad overwhelming—just when you think you’ve got it down, your kid comes home, spouting off new words that seem like utter nonsense. You’re unsure if it’s an insult or a compliment, and if you attempt to ask them to explain, you’ll be laughed out of the room and still have no idea what they’re talking about. We looked to our resident Gen Alpha and Gen Z slang expert, Mr. Lindsay, for intel on the latest phrases middle school kids are using. Some have a positive connotation, and some are most definitely “Ohio,” so keep reading and get informed.
Replying to @laurencella What a great opportunity we have as educators and parent to use one of the words our kids are using and leverage it to teach valuable life skills! Every one would benefit from people young and old who are #standingonbusiness and doing exactly what they say they are going to do! Now that you know what it means, how can you leverage this word to connect with your students and teach them valuable life skills? #teachersoftiktok#teacherfyp#teacher#teach#genalpha#middleschoolslang#genz#slang
This phrase is big with Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids. But unlike other slang words, you can benefit from understanding what it means and trying it out on your kids. According to Mr. Lindsay, it describes doing exactly what you said you would do. “You’re not minding anyone’s business but your own. And you have really clear boundaries and expectations for yourself and others. And if you’re not standing on business, it means you’re all talk. You’re wishy-washy,” he says.
He continues by saying this behavior is what he hopes to see in his classroom and that it’s an opportunity to help kids build the skill set they’ll need later in life. We couldn’t agree more.
I guess I’m just a typical #millenial put here in my LuLuLemon! 😂 Here is a new one. The middle schoolers are using now: “Thats so _________ coded” Have you heard this one yet? What words are they putting in front of coded for you? tteachersoftiktoktteacherfypsslangggenzmmillenialcodedmmiddleschoolmmiddleschoolersm#middleschoolteacher
While this Gen Z slang word isn’t brand-brand new, according to Mr. Lindsay, it’s becoming a more commonplace term for middle schoolers. “My outfit is millennial coded to some of these kids, [which] just means that it’s very typical of a millennial to wear an outfit like this. So they’re using all kinds of things with the word ‘coded’ after to say something insulting in a sly, underhanded, sarcastic way, like, that’s so typical of that group.”
So, parents, if your kid says something like “That’s so soccer mom coded” or “That’s so millennial coded,” it’s an insult, and you have every right to call them on it.
This Gen Z slang word is a way of telling someone they’re so cool. This person has all the rizz. Mr. Lindsay spoke with some of his students to get an accurate definition of the term, and according to them, Sigma is somewhat of a replacement for the term Alpha. So, instead of being the Alpha, you’re now the Sigma. “You’re the baddie, the Alpha, the Sigma, you’re him. You’re all that and a bag of Doritos.” So, if someone tells you that you’re not a Sigma, it means you’re not him, you’re not a baddie, you’re not cool. The kids went on to clarify that while usually used jokingly, it’s also a serious compliment.
This one has been around for a while but only recently made its way into TikTok, live streams, and YouTube. It stems from the song “I Got Motion,” which came out at the beginning of 2023, but in early March 2024, live streamers Jinxi and Sketch took it to a whole new level. In a recent podcast episode, Jinxi asked Sketch how long he’s had motion, and Sketch replied: “Since birth.” Someone merged the clip with the song, and it has gone viral.
What does it mean? According to our Gen Z slang expert, Mr. Lindsay, it’s a versatile and fluid word used for various reasons, and different groups of kids might define it differently. The general idea, however, is that if you’ve got motion, you can make things happen and be productive. Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids use it to describe someone who can make money, has major rizz (can flirt), or is an admirable human. Regardless of the context, the assumption is if someone has motion, they’re a good person and doing good things.
This one is a head-scratcher. We know Ohio as the state of Ohio. But this term came from a meme created around 2021 or 2022. During that time, a lot of wild and weird things were happening in Ohio, and the meme represented the idea that crazy, wacky, or cringy stuff happens “only in Ohio.” Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids pulled the word from the meme and redefined it. Now, calling someone “Ohio” or saying “only in Ohio” refers to something being off the wall or just plain cringe.
Skibidi Ohio Rizz
This one is just… whew. We know Skibidi gained traction with the popular YouTube Skibidi Toilet videos, and the word means “something bad.” We know Ohio = cringe or weird. And we know rizz is charisma. Put them all together, and what do you get? Someone whose attempt or ability to flirt or be charming is terrible.
Crocs with socks. Oversized t-shirts over teeny tiny shorts. Stanleys and Lululemon. There’s no doubt that Gen Z and Gen Alpha styles can be a bit of a head-scratcher. To make things even more confusing, known fashion trends from back in the day are now something else altogether. Take Izod polos and boat shoes: Better not call them “preppy” unless you enjoy having your tween or tween roll their eyes at you. In hopes of properly explaining Gen Alpha style for parents everywhere, we chatted with a Gen Z teen and got some explanations from mom and interior designer Kristina Kairis.
This Gen Z and Gen Alpha style revolves around ultra-feminine things like pearls, bows, pink, pastels, and soft, lacy, girly-girl clothes. Kairis explains it as “Marie Antoinette in modern times,” and our Gen Z teen confirms this is on point. The teen expert said coquette is also used to describe a current mood, as in “I’m feeling very coquette today.”
Preppy
This Gen Z and Gen Alpha style is probably the most confusing to understand—at least for Gen X and Millenials. What we consider “preppy” a.k.a. polo shirts, khaki shorts, deck shoes, over-the-shoulder sweaters, and plaid, is NOT preppy for Gen Z and Gen Alpha kiddos. For them, preppy means bold and bright colors, Lululemon, Stanley cups, smiley faces, and for some reason, our teen expert says neon Nirvana hoodies are also preppy (our former grunge selves are SO perplexed).
Kairis mentions that the preppy look feels like upgraded VSCO girls, and the Gen Z teen agrees. There is also a good and bad way to use the word “preppy;” it all depends on how you say it, as Kairis mentions in her TikTok.
Aesthetic-Aesthetic (a.k.a. Vanilla Girl)
We all know that the term “aesthetic” is a favorite for Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids. But what you might not know is that it’s also a style. This style is all about the beige, the neutrals, the cozy, the soft, and the mellow—hence, Vanilla Girl.
Cottage Core
According to our Gen Z teenager, cottage core is a style that looks like you want to live off the grid, raise chickens, and make bread from scratch. So, all those homesteading IG accounts you follow? They’re living the cottage core life. Kairis explains it as the English countryside, going on a picnic, living a simplified life in an oversimplified way. Kairis also included long fancy nails in her cottage core style board, but our teen expert said acrylic nails are in no way part of the cottage core aesthetic.
E-Girl
This Gen Z and Gen Alpha style features a lot of black, overdone makeup, and mesh, so your brain might automatically think Emo, but E-Girl is a shortened version of “electronic girl,” and it is a blend of emo, goth, and Japanese and Korean street style. According to Wikipedia, the style gained popularity with the worldwide release of TikTok, a stark contrast to the filtered world of Instagram, which was the preferred platform of preppy girls.
E-girls wear baggy thrift-store finds, crop tops, platform shoes, plaid miniskirts, pigtails, and anime-inspired makeup. Our teen expert said that most e-girls are known to be streamers (they use Twitch) and wear headphones. Kairis says that the E-girl style is like “coquette meets goth” and that it almost feels like a “gothy, toned-down Harajuku girl,” which is pretty accurate.
Kawaii
The Kawaii aesthetic, which is also a Japanese street style look, is similar to coquette in that there are lots of pastel colors and lace. The clothes are almost doll-like in design and include fluffy skirts, scalloped shirts, patterned overalls, and anything that feels “cute.” There are also a lot of animal logos, Hello Kitty, jewelry, and keychains.
Soft Girl
This Gen Alpha micro-trend is a blend of coquette and Kawaii, with a bit of edge for good measure. Think eyelet fabric, pastels, gingham, and floral prints paired with platform shoes, bucket hats, and colorful hair clips. Cardigans and cropped jackets are also a big part of this look.
Kairis posted another video to get more details on what kids today call what we consider to be preppy style.
Our resident Gen Z expert said she hadn’t heard the term “Old Money” and figures it’s a Gen Alpha phrase. This aesthetic is what millennials and Gen X would consider “preppy” fashion. It’s definitely in line with the silent luxury fashion trend that gained popularity thanks to Succession. Think simple lines, neutral colors, loafers, sweaters worn over the shoulders, leather tote bags, blazers, etc. There aren’t too many kids wearing this style, however.
If you’re wondering why you aren’t hearing too much about the style of Gen Z and Gen Alpha boys, it’s because while there are some e-boys and preppy guys out there, a majority of tween and teen boys tend to dress as if they’ve just rolled out of bed. They almost always wear Crocs with socks, t-shirts, and athletic shorts, something that hasn’t changed much since we were young—minus the Crocs, of course.
If you want more help decoding today’s fashion trends and micro-styles your tween or teen might be coveting, Kairis created a free Gen Alpha style guide you can download here.
Whoever said watching too much television is bad for your health clearly wasn’t tuned in to the good stuff. Quality TV teaches, heals, and starts conversations. And when you find a unicorn series—that creates magic and feels like it was written just for you–it has the power to change you right alongside the characters’ journey and strengthen the bond between you and the person snuggled beside you on the couch.
The following mom-and-daughter TV shows do just that. Our picks feature women in all their forms: teens on the road to self-discovery, superheroes in spandex, and Mother Nature’s formidable matriarchs in the wild. So, whether you’re after comedy, reality, animation, or drama, you’ll find it here in our curation of the essential shows every mom and daughter should watch together.
TV Shows for Moms and Younger Daughters
Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur
Disney+
Marvel continues to spotlight women and girls with a new generation of female superheroes. Lunella Lafayette, a tween genius, works alongside her trusty sidekick, a T-rex, as they keep New York’s Lower East Side safe. Moms and their daughters can cheer on the young Black superhero who is both strong and intelligent. The show has some mild language and perilous situations.
In this action-packed game show, teams of people from all walks of life compete to win $10,000. This all takes place in a room filled with rising lava. Mothers and daughters can cheer for teams as they watch them work together to win. Based on the kids’ game, this family-friendly show will keep you glued to your screen.
This drama-free, family-friendly show is a contest celebrating the joys of baking. Moms can use baking tips from the show and create another opportunity to bond with their daughters in their kitchens. There is some very mild language and alcohol is often used as an ingredient.
In this family-centric show, families reconnect on a week-long journey. This fun and touching reality series allows families to disconnect from their hectic lives as they work alongside ‘guides’ (therapists and life coaches) to come together for activities and games. Mothers and daughters may see aspects of their lives reflected on the small screen as they watch together.
Five young girls band together to start a babysitting club in this coming-of-age series. Moms will love this show based on the classic book series many of them grew up reading, and daughters will love the close-knit group of friends who not only share babysitting jobs but intimate secrets and an unbreakable bond. The girls also use their keen business sense to start their babysitting service, showing young girls everywhere the entrepreneurial spirit is not reserved for just males. Moms should be aware there are many sensitive subjects discussed on the show, like gender identity and divorce, providing many teachable moments.
Superhero fan girl Kamala struggles with fitting in. When she discovers that she has superhero powers, life quickly changes. The diverse representation of a strong and intelligent female superhero will appeal to both mothers and their daughters. Ms. Marvel is both the first Muslim and Pakistani superhero. The series has some language and violence.
Led by an entirely female team, Queens explores the corners of Alaska, Mexico, Central America, and Africa, telling the stories of Mother Nature’s creatures through a female lens. Angela Bassett narrates the docuseries, which gets up close and personal with female bonobos, bees, elephants, lions, and more–all sisters, single mothers, and grandmothers whose stories of love and sacrifice just might mirror your own. Check out the trailer, sound-tracked to Billy Eilish’s moody “You Should See Me in a Crown,” here. It’ll give you an idea of how formidable these wild matriarchs are.
Cartoons have come such a long way from the pandering half-hour waste just trying to sell toys of your youth. Today, kids are consuming high-quality shows like Steven Universe, Adventure Time, and She-Ra and the Princesses of Power–all of which have tremendous depth, powerful narratives, and inclusive characters. The Owl House is another. Here, Luz Noceda, a 14-year-old Afro-Latina, stumbles into a magical realm, leaving her mother, Camila, a widow, and veterinarian behind in the human world. As the episodes continue, the two learn more about each other and themselves.
This funny sitcom, shot in mockumentary style, features a group of teachers in a fictional Philadelphia public school. The comedy series was created by Quinta Brunson, whose mother was a teacher. Similar to the shooting style of The Office and Modern Family, two of the show’s character’s relationships may be the real draw for mothers and their daughters. While Janine and Barbara are not mother and daughter, the relationship that develops between the school teachers and co-workers is a shining and hysterical example of a realistic mother-daughter relationship. There is some mild language and potty-style humor.
This Netflix show shifts its lens to Wednesday, the precocious and wonderfully morbid daughter of Morticia and Gomez Addams. When Wednesday is sent to her parent’s Alma Mater, Nevermore Academy, she finds mystery, friendship, and a world where she finally fits in. Featuring a strong female lead, Wednesday also showcases a realistic mother-daughter relationship between the titular character and her mom, which makes this a must-see mom-and-daughter show. Be aware there is some inappropriate language and images that may be frightening.
In 2020, actress, activist, and mother Natalie Portman joined forces with entrepreneurs Kara Nortman and Julie Uhrman to launch the Angel City Football Club, a women’s professional soccer team based in Los Angeles. And since its founding, the team has been crazy successful on the field and in the stands where A-listers fill the seats. This Max docuseries explores the team’s origin story: mothers, daughters, and women rewriting the playbook to make the system finally work for them.
Where to stream: Hulu or Max
Age recommendation: 11+
In this popular sitcom, the Johnsons show what life is like for an upper-class Black family in modern-day Los Angeles. Bow and Dre raise their five children while working as a doctor and advertising executive. This funny and poignant series is perfect for moms and daughters because it portrays a mother who balances motherhood and a successful career while honestly pointing out just how difficult that can be.
A hilarious and heartwarming peek into teen-dom, this sitcom is a semi-autobiographical take on the high school experience of funny lady Mindy Kaling, who grew up a first-generation Indian American, like her protagonist, Davi. In the very first episode, you learn that Davi’s dad dies of a heart attack. The tragedy both strains and solidifies the relationship between her and her mother, and over four seasons, the two ebb and flow as Davi dates, effs up, and applies to college.
If you haven’t watched this yet, make it a priority! A group of friends discovers they are living above an alternate and frightening version of their world. While the show features some genuinely scary moments that grow more terrifying each season, it also focuses on friendship, loyalty, and perseverance. Mothers and daughters can bond over their shared experiences of what it is/was like to be a tween as they watch this action-packed coming-of-age.
Based on L.M. Montgomery’s beloved novel Anne of Green Gables, this Netflix series chronicles the life of a young orphan girl and her adventures while living on Prince Edward Island. Moms will especially love the strong-willed and determined Anne as a role model for young girls. The beautiful scenery, the relationships, and the home Anne finds make this a worthwhile binge for mothers and daughters. This modern retelling is much darker than previous versions of Anne’s story and is better for kids 12 and over.
It’s been called Stranger Things but with girls. And we’ll give it to them. There are some similarities: the ’80s setting, kids on bikes, scary-not-scary sci-fi. But Prime’s Paper Girls, adapted from the comics by Brian K. Vaughan, is so much deeper than a Netflix dupe. On its surface, the series follows four 12-year-olds who time-travel to 2019 on their paper route and team up with their future selves to save humanity. But at its core, it’s an incredibly rich character study and journey to self-discovery that both mothers and daughters will relish unearthing together.
Where to stream: Prime Video
Age recommendation: 14+
This classic mom-and-daughter show features a single mom and teenage daughter navigating life in small-town Connecticut. The most appealing aspect for moms and daughters will be the enviable relationship between Lorelai and Rory Gilmore, but be warned that Gilmore Girls has some mature and sensitive content like sex and underage drinking; this is best left to older kids and their moms.
It’s hard to believe that little one, who used to fit snugly in the crook of your arm, is finally ready for kindergarten… or are they? Maybe you should wait another year? After all, what is the right kindergarten age? Especially since the practice of “redshirting” kids—giving them an extra year before starting kindergarten (making them one of the oldest as opposed to the youngest)—has risen in popularity. But like most trends in the parenting world, it leaves parents wondering if it is a good idea. That’s why we looked at the studies and asked experts to weigh in on what is the right age to start kindergarten. Here’s what we found.
Getting Kids Started in Kindergarten
The preschool years are over and it’s time to start kindergarten. But where do parents start? Where we do with all things—online and by asking other parents. Now is the time to check out your local school’s website or find and join parent Facebook pages or other social media accounts associated with the school. Other suggestions include talking to parents with older kids and asking your preschool teacher about local schools and expectations. There are lots of resources out there for parents with inquiring minds.
Kindergarten First-Year Enrollment
Although kindergarten enrollment varies from state to state, parents can expect to encounter some similar requirements no matter where they live. Here are a few universals:
In most states, kids must turn five years old by a certain date, usually September 1.
Many schools require kids to have certain vaccinations before starting school; check with your district about specific requirements.
Most will ask for proof of residence. A utility bill or other piece of mail works fine.
You may be asked to provide a copy of your child’s birth certificate to enroll.
What Do Kids Learn in Kindergarten?
Although the curriculum varies from district to district across the country, parents can count their kindergartners learning the alphabet, sight words, phonics, and basic sentence structure as part of Language Arts. Math covers basics like number recognition, counting, addition and subtraction, measurement, and basic geometry. Additionally, hands-on activities and play-based learning help kids learn about real-world concepts like weather, plants, and animals. But many would say the most important things kids learn in kindergarten support their social-emotional growth (or soft skills) like building relationships, solving conflicts, and developing empathy and self-awareness.
What is the difference between Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Transitional to Elementary School (TES)?
Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is a two-year public school program designed for kids who turn 5 between September 2 and December 2 of the school year. It provides an additional year of instruction, focused on developing social-emotional skills, language and literacy, math, and physical development, to support kids who may not be ready for kindergarten.
Transitional to Elementary School (TES) is a program offered by preschools or childcare centers to prepare children for kindergarten. It typically focuses on language and literacy, math, social-emotional development, and basic self-help skills so kids can successfully transition to the academic and social expectations of kindergarten.
Your kid will (probably) be more willing to sit still if given an extra year.
Whether or not your five-year-old will sit still during circle time or stay on task at writing centers (or at home) may depend on their age, since younger children generally have a harder time doing both. Studies have shown that kids are often misdiagnosed with behavior problems in kindergarten when in fact, the behaviors are just a matter of being younger than classmates. And, according to this Stanford University study, children who wait a year to enroll have significantly lower levels of inattention and hyperactivity—with results continuing even at age 11.
Your kid may be misdiagnosed with ADHD if they start too early.
All those wiggles in the classroom may have some unintended consequences for kids regarding the right age to start kindergarten. A 2018 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that kids who turned five the month before starting kindergarten were more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than those who started the month that they turned six. "Our findings suggest the possibility that large numbers of kids are being overdiagnosed and overtreated for ADHD because they happen to be relatively immature compared to their older classmates in the early years of elementary school," said study author Timothy Layton, an assistant professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School, in this article for Education Week.
An older child will probably have an easier time saying goodbye to you.
Younger kids—especially those who haven’t attended a preschool program—may have a tougher time saying goodbye in the morning (and we all know how hard it is to leave a tearful tot at drop-off). Giving your child more time to become independent may help her let go when it’s time for the school day to start. with the in-home model of learning most schools will use this year, it may be challenging to start a drop-off situation mid-year should children resume in-class learning.
Their fine motor skills will be more developed.
Older kids usually have an easier time with fine motor activities (holding a pencil and using scissors, for instance). Doing these things can help build confidence and make a kid more excited about their accomplishments at school.
They have more time to be kids; you have more time with them.
Waiting to start formal schooling gives kids more time to be kids, to enjoy a more leisurely day, and to play freely (which, studies have suggested may be more valuable than academics for young children). Delaying kindergarten also gives you one more year with your child. If you're lucky enough to be home with your kiddo, you'll be glad you got that time.
An older child may be taller than their classmates; that matters (especially in middle school).
You may not be thinking about the teen years yet, but let’s not forget: A child who is the oldest kid in kindergarten will also be the oldest in her middle school grade—and that’s no small thing, especially when puberty hits.
They may be bored (and consequently misbehave).
This study has suggested that kids who delayed kindergarten were twice as likely to drop out of high school. Researchers think this is because they reach adult age sooner, which is when kids are legally allowed to quit school on their own (most state laws require kids to stay in school until at least age 17).
That extra year may be expensive.
If you’re a working parent, delaying kindergarten means another year of paying for childcare or preschool. And, with the average cost of preschool as high as more than $10,000 per year in some states (according to this study from the Economic Policy Institute), it’s an expensive wait.
They may not find peers on their level (initially).
A year can make a big difference when you’re only still in your first decade of life. This means a calm, more introverted six-year-old may have trouble finding like-minded peers in a kindergarten class full of rowdy five-year-olds.
It may not matter in the long run.
Despite conflicting research and strong opinions on both sides, it is still unclear whether “redshirting” makes any difference in the long run. Some studies even suggest that, whether your child starts school a year early or a year late, it all levels out by the middle school years.
With all that information, you’re probably still wondering: What is the right age to start kindergarten? The answer: Both. It depends on the kid.
“Kids should be with developmental age peers as much as possible since kindergarten builds not just academics but social skills, too,” said Deanna Lapen, a Los Angeles-based school psychologist and former kindergarten teacher. “With that being said, every child is an individual. Parents should think about why they would consider redshirting.”
Lapen said parents should talk with their child’s preschool teacher (if applicable) as well as look at the kindergarten curriculum for whatever school their child might attend. Then ask: “Is the upcoming kindergarten class a place where the child will thrive socially and academically?”
If so, don’t delay. And, as always—trust your instincts.
