We know you want what’s best for your budding scholar, but when it comes to your relationship with your child’s teacher, there’s a fine line between a healthy parent-teacher partnership and an overly demanding one. So how do you best keep the communication channels open without offending anyone? We asked teachers to tell us about the common passive-aggressive, condescending, or straight-up rude comments they’ve gotten from parents.

Here are some things to avoid saying during a parent-teacher chat so you don’t (even inadvertently) offend your most important academic ally:

1. “I need… [insert thing here]”
– Michael W., third-grade teacher, Los Angeles, CA

I need an independent study.” “I need my child to do his homework.” “I need my kid to focus better in class.” We know you need things. But so does your teacher! Stop telling your teacher what you need and think more about the teacher’s (and the class’s) needs.

Instead: Say: “Do you have any time to discuss independent study/homework demands/etc.?”

2. “My child never had this problem/did this thing/struggled in the past.”
-Michael W., third-grade teacher, Los Angeles, CA

The past is the past! When you complain your child has never struggled in the past, what your teacher hears is you think it’s somehow their fault.

Instead: Focus on the present and discuss your child’s current needs without comparing them to years past (unless you have pre-existing strategies to offer your teacher that might help).

3. “But he was fine in preschool.” or “He never did that in preschool.” 
-Marni N., kindergarten teacher, Los Angeles, CA

Kindergarten isn’t preschool. There are new rules, changing routines, and a schedule that allows for a little less play and a little more learning—so don’t be surprised if your kid flounders a bit! Telling your kindergarten teacher that your child “didn’t do that in preschool” comes across as a passive-aggressive way of saying it’s the teacher’s fault.

Instead: Focus on your child’s current needs without comparing them to how they were in years past. Often, behavioral issues or learning challenges don’t appear until children get further along in school.

4. (When discussing seeking help with extra support staff  such as psychologists, behavioral specialists, OT/PT): “So what expertise do they have that you don’t?”
– Zak R., kindergarten teacher, Philadelphia, PA.

This sort of comment is best unsaid. You know what expertise a psychologist, occupational or speech therapist has—so asking your teacher to list those credentials is just “incredibly insulting.”

5. “Where did you go to college?”
-Pete S., eighth-grade teacher, Los Angeles, CA

It’s natural to wonder about your kids’ teacher, but asking this question (especially in a public setting) makes your teacher feel like you’re questioning their intelligence.

Instead: Read up on your teacher’s qualifications at the back-to-school night (teachers usually give a handout with background information), or do your own research. No matter what, rest assured that your teacher knows what they’re doing.

6. Asking your teacher for the opinions of other teachers
-Michael W., third-grade teacher, Los Angeles

A close-knit staff doesn’t want to get into the nitty-gritty with parents. “We are all colleagues, and yes, most of us know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, but that doesn’t mean we want to share that.”

7. “I know you’re very busy, but…”
Michael W., third-grade teacher, Los Angeles

If you know they’re very busy, don’t ask unless it’s important.

8. “My child isn’t being challenged in math, reading, etc.
Michael W., third-grade teacher, Los Angeles

Many teachers have classes of 20 to 30 kids of varying abilities—while they try their best, they can’t always tend to the needs of particular children (especially in elementary schools where they teach ALL subjects).

Instead: Add extra at home or via extra-curricular activities/tutoring. “It’s not that we don’t care, we’re just really crunched for time. To prepare and implement 4-6 different levels is not reasonable.”

Related: 14 Questions Teachers Wish You Would Ask About Your Kid

a teacher who is stressed out by a parent teacher relationship
iStock

 

9. “I just don’t understand why my child is struggling in your class.”
-Anne V., second-grade teacher, Los Angeles, CA

This only makes teachers feel like you think they’re the reason your child is struggling.

Instead: Ask, “What do you think my child needs?” Then work with your teacher to help your child thrive.

10. “Do you have kids?” 
-Madison S., fourth-grade teacher, Georgetown, SC

“In a normal conversation, I wouldn’t mind being asked if I have kids,” says Madison, “but if I’m trying to talk discipline with a parent and they ask that, then I’m offended as if they think I don’t know what I’m talking about.”

Instead: Just don’t.

11. “I’m not telling you how to do your job, but…”
-Amanda J., fifth-grade teacher, Georgetown, SC

But you just did.

Instead: Let your teacher do her job, and only offer to help if you think she needs it.

12. “Teaching is a noble profession.”  
-Steve, fourth-grade teacher, Nassau County, New York.

“You’re saying the job sucks, and you make no money, and you get no respect from people,” he said.

Instead: Just say thanks.

13. ” I could never do what you do!”
-Melanie, high school teacher, Nassau County, NY

“That’s not really what they mean. They mean they’d never want to.”

Instead: Just say thanks.

14. “What did you want to do before you became a teacher?”
—Dan, high school teacher, Nassau County, NY

This suggests that being a teacher is a backup or that you think they should do something else.

Instead: Just don’t.

15. My child said you didn’t teach the topics covered on the test.”
-Joe, high school teacher, Nassau County, NY

Give your teacher some credit and assume that everything on any test was taught at some point.

Instead: Ask the teacher how your child can better prepare for the next test.

16. “By the time my son gets all his work done for his important core classes, he’s too tired to do the work for yours. I’m sure you understand.”
-Kathryn, high school teacher, Nassau County, NY

You just called that teacher’s class “unimportant.”

Instead: Work with your child on figuring out how to get all the work done.

17. Talking about your child’s “giftedness” in front of other parents.
-Pete S., eighth-grade teacher, Los Angeles

If parents have questions about supporting their “gifted” child, they need to talk about it privately. “’My child is doing calculus in middle school; how will you make this class challenging for him/her/them?’ is an annoying and isolating question for other families in a group setting, and it also communicates to the teacher that parents don’t think the teacher is up to the challenge of teaching that student,” says Pete.

Instead: Address your concerns in an e-mail.

18. Going to the principal (or social media) before talking to the teacher about an issue.
-Amanda J., fifth-grade teacher, Georgetown, SC

“There are plenty of times when simply letting me know about something is all it takes to handle it. Similarly, if/when parents post complaints on social media without communicating directly with the teacher,” says Amanda.

Instead: Talk to the teacher first.

Related: 16 Things Parents Don’t Need to Worry About (According to Teachers)

a parent teacher conversation in a hallway
iStock

Here are general phrases to avoid during a parent-teacher chat that can come off as critical, accusatory, or condescending:

  • I’m not sure if you’re aware, but...” This is a backward way of saying that you think your teacher is slacking—or of making you feel better about being the whistleblower. Instead, be direct and express your concerns about the issue straight up. (I.e., My child said so-and-so bullied him in class. Can you help me get to the bottom of this?”) 
  • I’m sure you’re just having a bad day, but…” This automatically makes someone feel like you’re about to insult them because it’s usually followed by a negative comment. 
  • “I’m not trying to be difficult, but…”  This opening may put the teacher on guard (or make her think you are being difficult.). Just say what you want to say directly.
  • Don’t take this the wrong way, but…” – Despite your warning, whatever you’re going to say will likely be taken the wrong way (or you wouldn’t preface it as such). So say it differently.

Here are examples of more direct and assertive phrases:

    • “I’m wondering if you could tell me how my child is doing.”
    • “I’d love to know how to support my child at home.”
    • “I’d like to schedule a meeting to discuss my child’s progress.”
    • “I’m happy to help in any way I can.”

There are plenty of things your kids wish they could ban. Broccoli for instance. Or bedtimes. But we’re guessing books wouldn’t make their list. Promote the power of “yes” by pulling these banned children’s books off the shelf and into your evening reading routine. You won’t be disappointed, and neither will the kids! Looking for other books for kids? Check out our collection of classic children’s books, our favorite bedtime stories, and books that feature diverse protagonists.


Hop on Pop is a children's banned books
Amazon

Hop on Pop

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When you read this book title as a directive, rather than as an innocent and undeniably catchy rhyme, it’s easy to see why a Toronto father’s rights advocate challenged the wildly popular Dr. Seuss book. But pulling it from library shelves because it “encouraged children to use violence against their fathers” was only the tip of the iceberg for his 2014 challenge. He also thought the library should fork over some cash to cover “damages resulting from the book.” Ages 3-7


Charlotte's Web has made the list of children's banned books at some point
Amazon

Charlotte's Web

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If you haven’t read this story about humble, radiant Wilbur (a.k.a. Some Pig) then you’re in for a treat. Although a group of concerned parents disagreed in 2006. They tried to have this book banned from classrooms because they found the book’s talking animals to be disrespectful to God. Ages: 8-12


Strega Nona was once a banned children's book
Amazon

Strega Nona

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Let’s be honest. This book is every parent’s fantasy. After all who doesn’t want a song-activated magic pot that cooks them dinner? The late Tomie dePaola’s classic tale of the Grandma Witch has been banned in several U.S. school libraries for promoting witchcraft. Ages: 4-8.


Amazon

Where's Waldo

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It seems a certain 1987 version of this book would have fared better in Europe than it did in the States, where it was banned in both Michigan and New York in the mid-1990s. Although the story behind finding the now-infamous “nude bather,” that caused the version to be pulled from the shelves, has since been lost, we’re guessing it had something to do with one reader’s relentless search for Waldo. Ages: 5-9


The Giver has made a children's banned book list.
Amazon

The Giver

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When it comes to dystopian novels, tweens, and teens just can't get enough of them. And Lois Lowry's Newbery Award-winning classic continues the trend. But parents in Blue Springs, Missouri grew concerned over "twisted" and "lewd" content in the book and tried to have it removed from an eighth-grade reading list in 2003. The good news is, the compelling story is continued on in three more books in the series. Ages: 12 & up


Amazon

Harriet the Spy

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Readers the world over love Harriet the Spy, because not only does she tells it like it is, she also rides a dumbwaiter, and who wouldn’t want to try that? Over the years, the book has been banned in school libraries because parents are concerned it teaches children to “lie, spy, talk back and curse.” Ages: 8-12


This Shel Silverstein books once was a banned children's book.
Amazon

Where the Sidewalk Ends

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Kids have loved the quirky drawings and odd poetry of Shel Silverstein for generations. But in 1986, the West Allis Milwaukee School District banned this particular poetry collection because of “drug reference, suicide, death and a disrespect for truth and authority.” Shortly after, a school district in Pennsylvania did the same. Ages: 6-8

Related: LeVar Burton Urges Kids to ‘Read Banned Books!’


The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe has been on lists of children's banned books a few times.
Amazon

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

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Magical wardrobes, talking lions and evil queens: Narnia’s got dibs on some of the best fantasy elements ever written. But the first book in this popular series was first banned in 1990 because adults were concerned by its “graphic violence, mysticism and gore.” Then in 2005, a group focused on the separation of church and state tried banning the book from Florida’s public schools after then-Governor, Jeb Bush, promoted it in a statewide reading contest. Ages: 8 & up


I Am Jazz is a banned children's book
Amazon

I Am Jazz

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The 10th most challenged and banned book of 2017, I am Jazz is an autobiographical picture book chronicling the early years of transgender reality TV star, Jazz Jennings. It first appeared on the banned list when a group of Wisconsin parents objected to its reading at school. They were concerned about sex education, language and offensive viewpoints. Ages: 4-8


Amazon

Where the Wild Things Are

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You’ve read this one to your sidekick so many times, you’ve got it memorized. But when this classic hit the scene in 1963, it caused quite a stir. Banned in many southern states for depicting child abuse (the no-go supper for Max), it’s also been challenged for being “too dark” and showing supernatural elements. If you’re looking for more books to put on your nighttime reading list try one of these all-time faves. Ages: 4-8


Amazon

Hansel and Gretel

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The surprisingly dark tales spun by the Brothers Grimm have been challenged many times. But we bet the specifics behind this particularly gruesome classic will surprise you. Was it because of images of cannibalism? Or perhaps because it promoted unhealthy eating habits or tooth decay? Nope. In 1992 two witches challenged this book claiming it painted witches in a bad light. Ages: 5 & up


A Wrinkle in Time has made the banned children's book list many times.
Amazon

A Wrinkle in Time

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This Newbery Award winner’s been challenged a few times for undermining religious beliefs, and in 1985 it was challenged at a Florida elementary school for promoting witchcraft, crystal balls and demons. Ages: 10-14


Amazon

And Tango Makes Three

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First came Roy. Then came Silo. Then came a baby and made their family complete. Based on the true story of two male penguins at New York’s Central Park Zoo, this ALA Notable Children’s Book made its way onto the banned book list for featuring a same-sex relationship. Ages: 2-5


Amazon

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

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More a case of mistaken identity than concern over content, Bill Martin’s classic children’s book was banned by the Texas State Board of Education in 2010. It turns out that the children’s author didn’t also pen Ethical Marxism: The Categorical Imperative of Liberation. Oops! Ages: 2-5


Amazon

Drama

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If you think your house is filled with drama, you haven’t been to middle school lately. Get a refresher with this tween graphic novel that follows theater geek Callie as she strives to build a Broadway-worthy set and figure out … well, boys. But the real drama for this book came when it hit the banned children's book list in one school district and two school libraries in Texas because it features LGBTQ characters. Ages: 10-14


Amazon

The Giving Tree

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We dare you not to shed a tear over this touching story of a selfless tree who loves a boy. But it was a cynical interpretation of the tree’s selfless giving as “sexist content” that landed this Shel Silverstein classic on a Colorado library’s banned book list in 1988. Ages: 1-8


Amazon

Harry Potter Series

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J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series has been translated into 68 different languages, distributed in over 200 different territories worldwide, and has sold over 450 million copies at last count. And the number of challenges and bans on this series, usually for depicting witchcraft and wizardry and promoting anti-family themes, is also impressive. By 2000, it had been challenged about 650 different times. Ages: 8 & up

Related: Brooklyn Public Library Offers Free Ecards to Teens Nationwide Facing Book Bans


Amazon

Bridge to Terabithia

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Another Newbery Award-winner, this story of friendship and loss is a definite tearjerker. But it wasn’t the tragic death of a friend that led the New Brighton Area School District in Pennsylvania to remove it from their 5th-grade classrooms. They were concerned about the disrespect, foul language and confusion that could be created when kids read about Terabithia, the fantasy world dreamed up by BFFs Jesse and Leslie. Ages: 9 & up


The Witches is a banned children's book.
Amazon

The Witches

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Roald Dahl is no stranger to the banned book list. James and the Giant Peach is on there. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is too. But it’s his classic tale of a boy-turned-mouse and his cigar-smoking grandmother who fight against witches that continues to find its way onto the list again and again and again. It was challenged at least ten times in the late 1980s and early 1990s for things like “being too sophisticated” and “not teaching moral values.” Ages: 8-12


The Family Book has made it on a banned children's book list.
Amazon

The Family Book

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Families coming in all shapes, sizes and colors is the theme of this popular Todd Parr book. But concerns over depicting families that have two moms or two dads kept this bold and colorful paperback off the shelves in the Erie School District in Illinois in 2012. Ages: 5-6


Amazon

The Fighting Ground

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One of Avi’s lesser-known works, it’s the story of 13-year-old Jonathan, who wants to fight beside his brother and cousin, against the British, during the Revolutionary War. This ALA-notable book was banned at the Bay District school library in 2008 over parent concerns around the use of profanity. Ages: 9 & up


Captain Underpants is a banned children's book.
Amazon

Captain Underpants series

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If your kid has read the book, watched the movie and bought the T-shirt, then you’re not alone. But you might be surprised to find that this popular Dave Pilkey series was at one time the most banned book in the country. In the early books, concerns were raised over content that wasn’t suited for the age group and encouraging disobedience. The release of the 12th book caused new concerns over references to Harold being gay. Ages: 7-10


Anne Frank has made several banned children's book lists.
Amazon

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

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The powerfully poignant diary of Anne Frank, who spent two years hiding from the Nazis, with her family in the cramped “Secret Annexe” of an office building, often shows up on the banned book list. Although concern over sexually explicit material is the reason usually cited, once in 1983 the Alabama State Textbook Committee tried to ban it because they thought the diary was “a real downer.” Ages: 10-13


Amazon

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble

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This story of a donkey who wishes himself into a rock set off alarm bells with the Illinois Police Association. In 1977 they challenged the book because the police are depicted as pigs in the story. In the aftermath, it was banned in many parts of the U.S. Ages: 3-7


Amazon

Junie B. Jones series

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If you cringe every time you read Junie B. Jones to your kids and she “runned speedy quick” or “did a shrug” or commits some other crime against grammar, you’re not alone. Most of the challenges to this series are about Junie’s speech patterns and the fact it might encourage young readers to follow suit. Ages: 6-9


Jacob's New Dress has made a list of banned children's books.
Amazon

Jacob's New Dress

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This book has been banned by a North Carolina school district claiming that the book taught children to be transgender. Jacob's New Dress is actually about acceptance and anti-bullying when Jacob wants to wear a dress to school. Ages: 4-7


Maus is a banned children's book
Amazon

Maus

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Maus has been banned in a Tennessee county for profanity, nudity, violence, and suicide, although it presents the argument of how to honestly portray the Holocaust without those things. Maus is a Pulitzer-prize-winning graphic novel that follows Spiegelman's parents' traumatic internment at Auschwitz. Ages: 11 & up


Amazon

New Kid

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'New Kid' was written by author Jerry Craft about his own life experiences, then a Texas school district banned it for "Critical Race Theory and Marxism." When Jordan Banks starts at a new private school, he was one of the only students of color, and he discovers this new struggle of fitting in when there is very little diversity. This banned children's book is the winner of the Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award, and the Kirkus Prize for Young Reader's Literature. Ages: 8-12


Sold is a children's book that has been banned in 2022 and 2023

Sold

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The story of 13-year-old Lakshmi, a Nepalese girl who is sold into sexual slavery is a powerful, but not easy, read. Banned in multiple states for depictions of violent sexual content, this book is not for the faint of heart. Still, it's an important topic about a very real subject that affects humans all over the world. Ages: 14+


The watsons go to birmingham is a banned childrens book

The Watsons Go to Birmingham

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Christopher Paul Curtis' iconic historical fiction book tells the tragic true story of the 1963 church bombing in Birmingham, AL, through the eyes of 10-year-old Kenny, on a trip to see his grandma. Although it is a Newbery and Coretta Scott King Medal winner, it was banned in Utah and challenged in other states for what was deemed "offensive language." Ages 10 & up.

 

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Parents in multiple states have challenged the book for so-called “inappropriate content,” while historians and the Anne Frank Foundation express concerns about “denial of history”

In some of today’s most alarming news, an unidentified eighth-grade teacher in Texas was fired after reading out loud to her English class from an illustrated version of “The Diary of Anne Frank.” This week, Mike Canizales, the communications director for the Hamshire-Fannett Independent School District (IDS) in Hamshire, Texas, confirmed to reporters that the teacher was fired because “a version of “The Diary of Anne Frank” book that was not approved by the district was read in class.”

He continued, “The teacher was sent home [Wednesday]. There is an active investigation.”

The version the teacher read an excerpt from is called “Anne Frank’s Diary: The Graphic Adaptation,” adapted by Ari Folman and illustrated by David Polonsky, released in 2018. It includes passages that were edited out of Anne’s original diary, which she wrote beginning when she was 12, and was first published in 1947. Her diary follows her family in hiding inside the secret annex of a house in Amsterdam for two years before Anne was killed in a concentration camp at the age of 16. Her diary, retrieved after her death, is considered one of the most important pieces of literature about the Holocaust and is often taught in schools as part of the curriculum about the time period.

Amy Manuel, a parent of twin sons who are in the eighth-grade reading class in Texas, told reporters she complained about the book because it contains a passage about Anne’s attraction toward another girl, saying, “That’s not OK.”

After she complained to school administrators, they sent an email to parents reading, “It was brought to the administration’s attention tonight that 8th-grade students were reading content that was not appropriate. The reading of that content will cease immediately.”

Related: 29 Banned Books That Every Kid Needs to Read

This isn’t the first time Anne Frank’s diary has been challenged by parents, and the Anne Frank Foundation, an organization based in Switzerland that controls the copyright to the work, has spoken out about concerns that ignorance of the Holocaust and denial of history are on the rise, especially in the United States.

“We consider the book of a 12-year-old girl to be appropriate reading for her peers,” the Foundation said.

Whether you like comedic classics, raw dramas, or films based on real-life father-daughter relationships, you’ll find something on our list to watch together

Relationships between dads and their daughters are exceptionally important. Fathers teach their daughters so many lessons and offer both comfort and protection. They also watch as their daughters become their own people and head into the world. For those times when quality time is an absolute must, we have created a list of movies that celebrates the unique dad/daughter dynamic and offers a chance for fathers and daughters to reconnect for a few hours in the comfort of their home.

The Parent Trap (1961)

The Parent Trap is a fun father daughter movie
© Walt Disney Studios

 

This 1961 Disney classic finds two teenage twin girls meeting up at summer camp after leading separate lives. The twins, played by Hayley Mills, work together to reunite their parents, who separated just after they were born. Father-daughter audiences will enjoy the fantastic adventures of the twins as they scheme to bring happiness to their father by reuniting him with their mother and releasing him from the grip of his gold-digging fiance, Vicky. The 1998 remake of the film finds Lindsay Lohan taking over the role of the twins. 

Where to stream: Disney+
Rating: G
Age recommendation: 6+

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

'To Kill a Mockingbird'
© Universal Pictures

 

Lawyer and single father Atticus Finch raises his two children in the Deep South in this film based on the book by Harper Lee. When Atticus takes on a case where he defends a Black man named Tom against a white woman, things go very wrong. While the movie won three Oscars and was nominated for several others, what makes it worth a watch for dads and their daughters is the relationship Finch has with his two children. He is a true role model for both, but especially his daughter, Scout, to whom he teaches lessons about prejudice and bravery. With mature themes surrounding race and rape, the film is best viewed by kids 12+. 

Where to stream: Apple TV (Rent)
Rating: Not rated
Age recommendation: 12+

Father of the Bride (1991)

Father of the Bride is a great father daughter movie.
Touchstone Pictures

 

Steve Martin plays George Banks, a man living the typical American Dream alongside his wife and two kids. When his daughter, Annie, decides to get married, the chaos of planning a wedding leaves George feeling overwhelmed and left out. This sweet comedy is a perfect reminder to all fathers and daughters that while their relationships will change and grow with each major milestone, especially marriage, the father-daughter dynamic will always remain one of the most important. While there are some sexual references, the film should be fine for kids 9 and up. 

Where to stream: Disney+
Rating: PG
Age recommendation: 9+

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) 

'Mrs. Doubtfire' is a great family movie.
20th Century Fox

 

The late Robin Williams plays Daniel Hillard, a father who takes on the acting role of a lifetime when he pretends to be Euphegenia Doubtfire, a British caregiver, in an attempt to gain employment as his children’s nanny. After his split from their mother, Daniel falls on hard times and must fight to show everyone, including his ex-wife, that he is a responsible parent.  Daniel proves he is a loving father who is willing to learn some important lessons to be a part of his kids’ lives. The film won an Oscar for Best Makeup and scored Williams a Best Actor Golden Globe. Mrs. Doubtfire features some language and difficult themes such as divorce and separation. 

Where to stream: Hulu
Rating: PG-13
Age recommendation: 12+

Fly Away Home (1996)

Fly Away Home is a great father daughter movie.
Apple TV

 

A teenage girl, Amy, whose mother dies, moves to Canada to live with a father she barely knows. They learn lessons about what family means when they teach a group of geese to fly and migrate south using an ultralight plane in this heartwarming ’90s film starring Anna Paquin, Jeff Daniels, and Dana Delaney. This father-daughter movie, loosely based on the story of Bill Lishman, an inventor from Canada, offers powerful scenes between a grieving daughter and her estranged father as they work to find each other. Watching them bond over their love of the geese and flying may make fathers tear up right alongside their daughters. The car accident that claims the life of Amy’s mother may be difficult viewing for kids younger than eight.

Where to stream: Amazon (Rent)
Rating: PG
Age recommendation: 8+

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

The Princess and the Frog is a good father daughter movie.
© Walt Disney Studios

 

Set in the bustling city of New Orleans during the 1920s, Tiana grows up dreaming that she and her father will one day own a restaurant together. While the journey is a much harder one than she anticipated, her father instilled a strong work ethic and sense of self in Tiana. When a prince comes to New Orleans and gets tricked by voodoo magic, he and Tiana are turned into frogs. Her father’s love and the lessons he taught her as a girl help her to chase after her dreams even when they seem impossible. With some violence and perilous situations, the film may be a bit frightening for very young viewers. 

Where to stream: Disney+
Rating: G
Age recommendation: 5+

Despicable Me (2010)

Despicable Me is a fun father daughter movie.
© Universal Pictures

 

A criminal mastermind named Gru does his best not to fall in love with the three little girls he uses to help him steal the moon. The three orphans have other ideas and want Gru for their dad. The heartwarming relationship that develops between Gru and the girls makes the first film in the franchise worthy of a father-daughter movie night. Gru’s relationship with his minions has given him the tools to care for others. Parents should be aware of some very mild language and cartoonish violence.

Where to stream: Netflix
Rating: PG
Age recommendation: 6+

Related: TV Shows Every Mom and Daughter Should Watch Together

Interstellar (2014)

'Interstellar"
Paramount Pictures

 

When the planet undergoes horrible and catastrophic events due to climate change, Cooper, a former astronaut, must decide whether to head to space to find a new planet to sustain human life or remain with his son and daughter. Choosing the former, Cooper does his best to save humanity while maintaining a connection with his family. Cooper’s belief in his daughter, Murphy, his urge to share his love of science with her, and the unbreakable bond they share, which defies time and space, make this the perfect father-daughter movie. Some violent and intense scenes and language make the film best for kids over 12.

Where to stream: Prime Video
Rating: PG-13
Age recommendation: 12+

Captain Fantastic (2016)

Captain Fantastic
© Bleecker Street Media

 

Ben and Leslie Cash raise their children in the wilderness to avoid the chaos of the real world. When Leslie dies, Ben must bring the Cash kids into the world he worked so hard to protect them from. Fighting against relatives who claim his parenting methods are abusive, Ben must figure out a way to keep his kids together. Ben has forged a beautiful relationship with all his children, especially his daughters. It carries them through figuring out a way to remain in the world they’ve so carefully cultivated with their father and blaze a new path on the one he’s tried to keep them hidden from. Fathers and daughters will marvel at Ben’s strength of conviction and dedication to his family. With an R-rating and some graphic content, the film is best viewed by fathers and their teenage daughters 17 and over.

Where to stream: Prime Video
Rating: R
Age recommendation: 17+

Hearts Beat Loud (2018)

Hearts Beat Loud is a good father-daughter movie
Gunpowder & Sky

 

Nick Offerman plays widowed father, Frank to teen daughter, Sam in this music-centric comedy. While Sam gets ready to leave for college in the fall, Sam encourages her to join him in forming a band. When things take an unexpected turn, Sam needs to figure out what her dream is. This film features a kid who acts more like an adult than her dad, but Frank is attentive to his daughter and reminds her that life is about enjoyment and not just hard work. The two balance each other out and Frank proves that fathers can be fun and inspire their daughters to take chances. With some mature content including drinking and kissing, Hearts Beat Loud is best for older tweens.

Where to stream: Kanopy, Apple TV (Rent)
Rating: PG-13
Age recommendation: 12+

Leave No Trace (2018)

Leave No Trace is a thrilling father-daughter movie.
© Bleecker Street Media

 

A teen daughter, Tom, and her father, Will, survive and thrive in a remote forest. When authorities discover them, they are forced to adapt to life in the real world. This harrowing story finds not only a father protecting his daughter but her protecting him as well. Tom and Will provide a safe place for each other, proving that often that home isn’t found in a place but in a person. Parents should note that the film features perilous moments and difficult topics like mental illness.

Where to stream: Kanopy, Apple TV (Rent)
Rating: PG
Age recommendation: 12+

Eighth Grade (2018)

Eighth Grade is a father-daughter movie.
© A24

 

This father-daughter movie focuses on teenager Kayla’s coming-of-age during middle school in a small town. Kayla does her best to vlog about being confident but struggles to be seen and heard in real life. Raised by her father, Mark, the two must navigate the murky depths of social media and middle school while trying to carve out a relationship. While Mark isn’t always the most communicative, he truly cares about her daughter, and the two forge a tight and enviable father-daughter bond. Eighth Grade received an R rating for tackling difficult themes such as teen sexuality and having some strong language.

Where to stream: Max
Rating: R
Age recommendation: 14+

King Richard (2021)

King Richard
YouTube

 

Based on the lives of tennis greats Venus and Serena Williams, King Richard focuses on one of the most profound relationships in their lives. Their father, Richard, played by Will Smith, proves to be their constant cheerleader and advocate. The belief he has in his daughters makes this a standout film that garnered Will Smith an Oscar for Best Actor in 2021. Some violence and language make this best for teens 13 and over.

Where to stream: Max
Rating: PG-13
Age recommendation: 13+

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

Mitchells vs the Machines is a fun family movie
Netflix

 

When technology rises up to take over humanity, a suburban family on a road trip to drop their daughter at college must fight back. While the film is a comedic gem, what stands out is Rick Mitchell’s relationship with his daughter, Katie. Once extremely close, the father-daughter duo has grown apart. To gain back some of the closeness he thinks they’ve lost, Rick cancels Katie’s flight to college and decides to drive her instead. His genuine love for his daughter is evident throughout the film. Dads will enjoy the nostalgic nods to 1980s road trip movies, while daughters may be reminded of what true heroes fathers can be. 

Where to stream: Netflix
Rating: PG
Age recommendation: 7+

The Little Mermaid (2023) 

The Little Mermaid
© Walt Disney Studios

While the relationship between mermaid Princess Ariel and her undersea king father Triton is a bit rocky, partly because Ariel is obsessed with all things human and partly because King Triton is a bit overprotective, it is still filled with love. When Ariel falls in love with Prince Eric and makes a bargain with the sea witch Ursula, King Triton does his best to help his daughter. His loyalty to all his daughters and his need to keep them safe in their under-the-sea home make this a perfect father-daughter flick. The film does have some moments of danger that may frighten viewers under the age of 8.

Where to stream: Available for purchase on Amazon and Apple TV
Rating: PG
Age recommendation: 8+

Related: The Best Family Movies Streaming Right Now

This bucket list destination brings all the adventure and relaxation you crave

Here’s the thing: I love travel. Love, love, love. I can travel non-stop on back-to-back trips and still want more. I have two boys and one is a travel junkie like me and the other is decidedly not.

My oldest, the travel enthusiast, was graduating eighth grade and I wanted to take him somewhere special to celebrate the occasion. We settled on Sri Lanka, a place that my son was not overly familiar with and a place that had been on my bucket list for ages.

rice paddy at sunset in Sri Lanka
Uga Escapes

 

Nestled in the heart of South Asia, the island of Sri Lanka is known for its rich cultural heritage, lush landscapes, and warm hospitality. Plus, there are plenty of active adventure activities to be had. Traveling with a teen can be both a ton of fun and a challenging experience. I wanted to plan plenty of active adventure excursions to keep us busy but also wanted to allow for downtime so we wouldn’t get on each other’s nerves. This trip turned out to be the perfect combination of both.

And the Journey Begins

I decided to stay at the Uga properties—they cater to families (with plenty of activities for teens), but they also provide a really unique, luxury experience. So in the evenings, or on days we had downtime, the resort was a perfect place to relax and recharge.

outdoor room in sri lanka
Uga Escapes

 

Our first stop was Uga Chena Huts which is nestled within the heart of Yala National Park. This eco-luxury resort provided us with an amazing, upscale, unique glamping experience. The resort consists of fewer than 20 luxurious villas each with its own private plunge pool, creating plenty of privacy amidst the wilderness. My son and I went swimming in our plunge pool both day and night, both together and separately. That plunge pool got so much use, it was one of the highlights of our trip. It felt so decadent to have our own pool and since it was steps away from our room, it was quick and easy to change in (and out) of our swimming suits. The views of the ocean from the pool were amazing.

We did daily game drives in Yala National Park and saw tons of elephants and other wildlife. The game drives went out twice daily—early in the morning and late in the afternoon, prime times to see the animals. The property also offered star gazing so we were able to unwind under the night sky with a guided stargazing session, where teens (and adults) joined us to learn about the constellations. It was magical.

room with plunge pool in sri lanka
Uga Escapes

 

Next, we headed to Ulagalla Resort located near Anuradhapura. Set amidst 58 acres of lush greenery, Ulagalla is equally stunning and also came with a private plunge pool. (Jack and I were quickly getting spoiled).  This property is massive in size (one of our favorite activities was to bike around the grounds and through the rice paddies), but it’s intimate enough that there are less than 30 villas, so it never felt crowded. Even though there were other travelers present, we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.

This property really caters to families as they have so many excursions. In addition to cycling around the property, they have a bike tour that goes through the local village and stops at historical sites and temples. This was such an amazing tour—the locals were so friendly, with all the kids coming out and waving and yelling “hello!” as we cycled past. When we stopped at the temple, local kids and adults gathered around us to ask where we were from and how we liked Sri Lanka. I’ve traveled all over the world and have met many warm, kind, and hospitable people, but Sri Lanka is definitely at the top of the list for friendliest. Everywhere we went people (kids and adults) smiled and waved hello. It felt so special and warm.

horse riding through rice paddy in Sri Lanka
Uga Escapes

 

In addition to the bike tour, we went kayaking at dawn through the lily pads which felt so tranquil and magical. We also did a sunset jeep tour where we had drinks overlooking the escarpment (our guide told us that sometimes elephants make an appearance). We also did a cooking class (which we both loved even though at home we are not very good cooks) and went horseback riding in the lake (the horses were super playful).

One evening we had a fantastic dinner experience called Kamatha. It was a feast—we were served up traditional specialties—dozens of small dishes that incorporated vegetables harvested at Ulagalla’s organic farm; locally-caught lake fish; and free-range meats sourced locally. This was a very special treat and it was all the more magical because our dinner took place in the middle of a rice paddy. The three days spent at Ulagalla felt like a month—we did so much, but also had ample time to relax and just take in the scenery (from our private plunge pool, of course).

beach in Sri Lanka
Uga Escapes

 

The next stop was Uga Bay, a beachside resort situated along the golden shores of Pasikudah. The resort offers snorkeling, SUP, and sunbathing (which isn’t bad given there are amazing views of the Indian Ocean). We also went scuba diving here. In the evening, we had a lovely beach dinner—the table and chairs were literally created from the sand. It was truly special and unique.

Before heading back to the U.S., we spent a final night in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital at Uga Residence, a boutique property that houses one of the city’s top restaurants Rare Bar + Kitchen.

My son and I spent 12 days together and it was a perfect mix of active adventure and relaxation.

Booking with a Tour Operator

game drive in Sri Lanka
Uga Escapes

 

When traveling with kids, it’s ideal to book everything through a tour operator so they can handle all the transfers, hotel bookings, and excursions. Not only is Scott Dunn ideal for families but they are experts in Sri Lanka, so they know how to put together the right itinerary. The company has been around for over 35 years and they customize every trip depending on what your family wants to do and see. Plus, they have access to the best guides and drivers, so you’ll get an expert trip that is curated for your unique needs and wants. Last but not least, there’s 24/7 support when you’re on your trip, which provides plenty of peace of mind, especially when traveling with kids. Scott Dunn prides itself on planning down to the smallest detail—knowing it’s the smallest touches that make the biggest difference.

Flying to Sri Lanka

Anyone traveling with kids knows the flight can make or break a trip. Qatar Airways is a great choice when traveling with kids due to its world-class service and family-friendly amenities. With spacious seating, in-flight entertainment, and attentive cabin crew, flying with Qatar Airways allows for a comfortable journey for parents and teens alike. Moreover, their extensive global network makes connecting to Sri Lanka from various destinations around the world convenient and hassle-free. From the U.S. there’s a stopover in Doha before connecting to Colombo.  The airport in Doja is amazing (you could spend a week there just shopping) and the Qatar Airways lounge is a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal.

 

A pea in the pod, a bun in the oven, preggo… no matter what you call it, everyone who experiences pregnancy knows you spend half of the nine-month stretch feeling joyful and excited and the other half feeling anxious and wondering if the things happening with your body are normal. You’re probably spending hours rabbit-holing into Google’s depths to read other mothers’ experiences and analyzing your own, wondering, “Is this normal?” Let’s break down a few common pregnancy “normals” and set your mind at ease.

You Are Not Your Belly
Few instances in your life could ever change your appearance so drastically and so quickly, and no two women are going to feel the same. While one may feel more beautiful than ever before, with shiny hair, glowing skin, and a cute, round belly, another woman may be counting down (by the minute) until her due date so she can hit the gym and feel like her old self again. The normal response? Whatever is normal for you.

Know that it’s okay to feel whatever it is you feel about your body; just remember that you are not your belly or your thighs or your boobs. Many women feel negative about weight gain and don’t love that random strangers will comment on their stomachs and bodies without prompt or permission. Be gentle with yourself; you’re creating a life, and your body has to change for that to happen. You will feel like yourself again one day, sooner than you think. In the meantime, pay attention to the happy changes going on with your body, especially when you’re able to feel those fluttery kicks from within.

Sex Drive (Or Park)
Some research points to an increased libido during your second trimester, and supposedly during this time, you’re feeling hot and ready for lovemaking at any time of day or night. This may be normal for some, and for others, it may be the exact opposite, where you sleep with a fly swatter next to your bed to fend off any unwanted advances (unless, of course, it actually is just the much-needed neck massage and nothing more. Yeah, right. We know your tricks.).

The point is, a lot is happening with your body and mind during this time (you’re growing a little human, for goodness sake), with hormones raging like they might during a slow jam during an eighth-grade dance. You’re feeling it? You’re not feeling it? Don’t worry. Whatever you’re feeling is normal. But if you’re concerned about the increase or decrease in your sex drive, talk with your doctor, and have an honest discussion with your partner about your needs.

The Prolapse and the Pee
Something else totally normal that happens to women during pregnancy? Pelvic floor conditions, including urinary and fecal incontinence, and a little condition called prolapse, which happens when the ligaments holding up the pelvic floor stretch, causing the uterus to descend. When this happens, the bowels and/or bladder can be pushed up against the vaginal walls and can cause a bulge, or prolapse, to push out of your vagina.

While this entire description should be a headline on the pamphlets aiming to prevent unplanned teen pregnancies, it is a completely normal side effect of pregnancy and childbirth. Many women say it feels like something coming down into their vagina or that it feels like sitting on a small ball.

Pelvic floor conditions affect one in five women, so to say it’s normal is an understatement. Every pregnant woman has peed a little without making it to the bathroom, but some pelvic floor conditions can be serious, so alert your doctor if you show symptoms, both during pregnancy and afterward. Together you can develop a plan for treatment and healing. There are also pelvic floor specialists who can develop a treatment plan for you.

And in the meantime, there’s leakproof underwear from brands like Proof. Choose the level of absorbency you need and the style you prefer (thong, brief, cheeky, hipster, and more), and you’ll get some piece of mind back.

Anxiety and Terror and Nightmares
When you’re pregnant, the last thing you want to hear is, “Oh, don’t mind her. She’s just emotional because she’s pregnant.” Don’t you just want to kick that person as hard as you can? Or maybe that’s just the emotions talking…? No, it’s a justified desire to kick that person as hard as you can. Of course, you’re emotional; you’re angry and weepy and nostalgic and sentimental and anxious and fearful and excited and happy and… it’s a smorgasbord of emotions, really. But every single one of them is normal, according to  medical experts.

Yes, you will cry over sweet commercials, and yes, you will get irate that the bag in the box of cereal wasn’t closed the right way and now your Captain Crunch is stale. And yes, you will lie awake at night, mapping and remapping the best route to the hospital where you’ll be giving birth. And yes, it’s completely normal to start crying in your kitchen while looking at your dog, wondering how in the world you’re ever going to still love your dog, or if you’re going to love your new baby as much as your dog.

Having a baby is a big change, and every emotion you are feeling is normal. Talk to friends about their “crazy” pregnancy emotions, journal about what you’re feeling, or ask your partner to give you a secret signal if you’re spinning out. Sometimes it can be as easy as telling yourself, “This anxiety/fear/anger I’m feeling only feels like more than I can handle because I’m pregnant.” Or just take comfort in knowing that the worry and anxiety you feel now is a good indicator that you are going to be a caring, concerned, and wonderful mom.

Finding Your New Normal
Try to stay off WebMD about your bump in the night, and instead talk with friends and family who have been pregnant and may have had similar experiences. And always mention anything you find concerning to your doctor. It doesn’t always seem like it, but the nine months are going to be behind you, and before you know it, you’ll be Googling “Is This Normal?” questions about your new little one. For now, try to relax and know that the most normal thing about the questions you’re asking is that every other pregnant woman is asking them as well.

If there’s one moment that sums up my adolescence, it would be my eighth-grade graduation dance. While every other girl my age was able to shop for a dress at just about any store, I was particularly shapely with a large bust. I had to literally squeeze myself into the options.

In a well-intentioned attempt to help me feel more comfortable, my mom took me to David’s Bridal and picked up a dress that she swore looked just like that one Kate Hudson wore in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. Yeah. OK, Mom.

Needless to say, it looked nothing like that. I felt totally uncomfortable and ashamed, said nothing, and spent the entire evening avoiding my classmates. At one point, I hid in the bathroom and cried. To add insult to injury, I was eventually found, which embarrassed me even more.

Did I hyperventilate to the point of dizziness? Of course. Did it feel like an elephant was sitting on my chest? You betcha. Looking back now, I wonder how things could have played out differently if I’d just told my mom how uncomfortable I really was—in the dress and in my own skin.

I was an anxious kid, and during that time, everyone around me wrote off those feelings and anxiety attacks as being “overly sensitive.” And so I took what they said to heart. I hardly mentioned the intrusive thoughts that crossed my mind—What if people think I look fat? What if they’re talking about me and making fun? How can I just blend into the background and go unnoticed?—and tried to silence them by ignoring them. I waited impatiently and nervously for things to get better. Spoiler alert: They didn’t.

In fact, it wasn’t until five years ago that I finally turned things around. I was so desperate to feel well that I had no choice but to speak up for myself. I told my primary care doctor that I felt my shortness of breath had more to do with being anxious than with my physical health and asked to be screened for anxiety. A few medications later, I found the right fit and was able to breathe easy again (literally).

But it shouldn’t have taken so long. In theory, advocating for yourself shouldn’t be that hard, right? To say, “Hey, I need help with this problem, and the solutions you’re giving me (in my case, downplaying my worries) aren’t doing any good.” But like many worthwhile things, it’s easier said than done.

In the years since then, becoming vocal about mental health care and encouraging conversations around mental illness has been a huge part of my life. Not only because I want to be happier and healthier, but because I have two small daughters who also have anxious personalities. And I’ll be damned if they’re also told to minimize those feelings and stop being so sensitive.

So my kids and I talk about mental health. all. the. time. Openly and honestly. Here’s what that looks like:

  1. We talk about their worries, no matter how big or small. Like how my 10-year-old will survive next year now that her best friend has moved away and how my 7-year-old can calm herself down when she’s really upset. For your kids, it could be something as small as worrying that they got one answer wrong instead of none or worrying about who they’ll play with at recess the next day. Whatever it is, they should never feel that their problem isn’t “big” enough to bring up to you.
  2. We validate their feelings and talk about what has been said or done to make them feel that way. Most importantly, I make clear that it is OK for them to feel whatever it is in its entirety.
  3. I work to create a truly safe space. As it happens, we still talk routinely about their fear and anxiety over what happened at Uvalde happening at their school, too. Having these conversations won’t eliminate their worries and anxiety altogether, but holding safe spaces that are judgment-free is the first step toward encouraging kids to express how they’re feeling—no matter how hard or uncomfortable those discussions may be.
  4. I encourage them to tune into their bodies. Advocating for their mental health isn’t about pushing back against every piece of advice they’re given, but it is about self-awareness and knowing when something doesn’t feel right.For example, are they feeling wheezy and dizzy because they’re under the weather, or is it because something spiked their anxiety and this is how their body reacts? Being self-aware in this way can also help them recognize when they should be reaching out to a trusted adult for extra help.
  5. We remain open to outside assistance if needed. Affordable and sometimes-free resources like therapy and counseling are well-worth exploring, though sadly not everyone has access to these options.Depending on how thin resources are stretched in your school district or community, this obstacle is a difficult one to overcome. But for instances that require more professional help, reaching out to your pediatrician or your child’s school counselor is a good place to start.

Hopefully, one or more of these practices resonates with you. But to every parent who isn’t sure how to help their kids prioritize and speak up about their mental health, I would say, don’t underestimate the power of not minimizing your kid’s feelings. Let them feel all the things—the hard, the uncomfortable, and all the great moments yet to come.

RELATED LINKS
Physicians’ Task Force Says It’s Time to Screen All Kids for Anxiety
20+ Calming Phrases That Will Help an Anxious Child
70% of Parents Support Mental Health Days for Students, Poll Shows

It’s almost time: back to school! Finding the right school for your child can be challenging, especially for the elementary school set at this crucial time in their development. Kids at these ages don’t exactly have the mental matureness to know what their values and needs are, so it’s even more important they have the support of the right education system to guide them along their learning journey.

What’s on our list for an excellent school? A commitment to academic excellence rooted in tradition, combined with life skill learning—a place that gives kids the support they need to take risks, challenge themselves and succeed. Basically, we want it all and Chicago City Day School fits the bill, as an independent private school with a record of success, a palpable “culture of kindness” and the adaptable spirit needed to succeed in our world today. Read on for five reasons why this school may be just what you’ve been looking for.

 

1. A Balance of Academics & Social-Emotional Learning

This is their recipe for success: inspiring a love of learning, confidence, and comfortability in the social and academic environment of school for years to come. City Day combines this winning formula with its unique urban campus, making students feel safe and inspired. They’ve also developed curriculum-based programming to support their students and prepare them for the world beyond school, with hands-on real-life experiences. City Day stands apart because of the autonomy, resources and faculty they devote to their elementary school population—it’s a rare gem.

Learn more about Chicago City Day School.

 

2. 40+ Year Track Record of Academic Excellence

Founded in 1981, City Day promises and delivers an academic program that draws on the best of traditional education thought and practice while also embracing innovation. Their students take on a multitude of creative and intellectual challenges, including composing poems, building rockets, measuring the quality of the Chicago River, and creating sculptures—all while honing reading, writing and math skills that will help them navigate a complex world.

Schedule a tour at Chicago City Day School.

 

3. An Independent School for Independent Thinkers

City Day stands out from the crowd yet again by teaching young kids how to think, not what to think. They accomplish this in their classrooms, where students work collaboratively in a study of the core subjects of math, science, reading and social studies. They also take field trips throughout the city, visiting museums, attending plays and even helping maintain local forest preserves. City Day also offers travel opportunities including Space Camp, France and Spain, Washington D.C. and a research expedition in the Bahamas. By the time City Day students graduate eighth grade, they have developed a worldview that allows them to respond to complex problems in high school and beyond—we can’t think of a better gift you could give your child.

Chicago City Day School is now enrolling for the 2021-2022 school year.

 

4. Junior K-Grade 8 School Offers a Unique Opportunity

City Day's school model gives students a chance to establish roots in their community as young as four years old. It allows students in grade six and up to be true leaders on campus and act as mentors to the younger grades. It also allows all of their students access to the resources and campus of a much larger school. And it prepares students for brand new experiences in high school—a transition that builds confidence strengthens character and equips kids with skills they need to succeed.

Schedule a tour at Chicago City Day School.

 

5. City Day Adapts to Our Ever-Changing World

City Day is an independent school that's developed an adaptive curriculum that grows in complexity with the students and responds to their individual needs. City Day’s expert teachers differentiate their instruction, and this, combined small class size ensures that each student is challenged and supported.

Unlike public schools, they have the ability to quickly enact new practices and programs to stay current and meet new challenges. City Day was able to remain open for the entire school year during 2020-2021. City Day successfully reconfigured its spaces and programming so that students and teachers could safely work together in person rather than through a screen.

Learn more about Chicago City Day School today!

 

City Day’s Statement of Inclusion:

“Chicago City Day School is a welcoming, inclusive learning community. We do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or national/ethnic origin.”

 

 

—Jamie Aderski

 

From shapes and basic counting to SAT prep and AP Calculus, there are tons of free online math resources that will keep your kids minds sharp. Keep scrolling to see some of the best free online math resources for preschoolers on up to high school seniors.

photo: iStock

ABCMouse: Digital math activities for kids two to eight years old

Adapted Mind: Free math worksheets for first though ninth grade

Beast Academy Online: Great for ages eight to 13 with comic-book style illustrations

CK-12: First grade through Pre-Calculus math activities

Dad’s Worksheets: Over 9,000 free worksheets that include addition, subtraction, fractions and more

edHelper: Free daily math workbooks for first through sixth grade

Eduten: Over 200,000 math tasks for first through ninth grade students

eMathStudio: Digital notebooks and tools, like math editor, calculator and graphing tools

Fiveable: Past and live stream courses on AP prep, Calculus and more

JumpStart Academy Math: Core math concepts for kindergartners through sixth grade

Khan Academy: Early math through AP Calculus

Learning Resources: Online resources to help kids learn about money and basic financial concepts.

Math Playground: Hundreds of games on topics like shapes, graphs, fractions and decimals

Math Chops: Helps kids in grades 4-11 build skills for standardized tests, including the SAT, ACT, ISEE

Mathnasium@Home: Live sessions 2-3 times per week where students get face-to-face tutoring for their personalized learning plan

Math Games: Online games and digital worksheets to make learning math fun

Mathnook: Games, worksheets, mobile apps, tutorials and teaching tools for kids in kindergarten through high school

Omni Calculator: Over 1,000 calculators from finance and food, to chemistry and conversion

Outschool: Numbers, fractions, statistics, probability and more

Prodigy: Math activities for first through eighth grade students

Varsity Tutors: Live, daily classes for kindergarten through high school seniors

––Karly Wood

 

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