If the idea of swimsuit season makes you tense up, stick with us. We know it’s not always easy to fully embrace our bodies, but times are a-changin’! Social media, fashion websites, even store mannequins have gotten with the program and are showcasing a wide range of body types. Now more than ever,  it’s much easier to find models and influencers that represent our own bodies. And although there’s definitely a lot of work still to be done as far as size inclusivity goes across the board, there’s progress in the air. The body positivity movement isn’t going anywhere, so the perfect mom swimsuit is out there. We promise.

Let’s remember, no matter how you feel about your body, every body is a beach body. Our kids just want us to put on the bathing suit and spend the season creating memories with them. Not only do they not care about your oh-so-human “imperfections”, they likely don’t even see them. We can guarantee that no one sees what you consider to be flaws the same way that you do. At the end of the day, we want to set an example for our children. Showing them that their own bodies are perfect just as they are starts with us learning to love our own. We aren’t saying it’s that simple; but we are saying that the first step in getting comfortable at the beach or pool is just doing it. Putting on the swimsuit and getting out there. And we’re here to help.

These mom swimsuits from Amazon are totally mom-friendly. They’re flattering, confidence-boosting, and downright cute. We’ve made sure that they’re also supportive, offer various levels of coverage, and include a wide range of sizes. These are some seriously adorable and wearable suits that we’re confident you’ll feel great in. Get ready to flaunt that hot (yes, hot!) bod this spring and summer in one of these mom swimsuits, all snaggable from Amazon!

SweatyRocks Monokini

SweatyRocks

This little number is like a bikini without the commitment. It also comes in a ton of colors so you may want to pick up more than one!

Amazon Review: I have an athletic build (with a few extra winter pounds in this pic ;) but love the suit for the most part. I wish it was a little less cheeky / narrow cut in the back and the off shoulder side was a little higher for a little more chest coverage. Overall very happy with it. Quality fabric and stays in place. I returned L because it was too small and the XL fits well. I usually I'm somewhere between a medium and large both for top and bottom. —SavvyStagerAndHomeMaker

SweatyRocks Monokini ($29.99)—Buy Now!

CUPSHE V-Neck Tummy Control One-Piece

CUPSHE

You've probably heard of CUPSHE, and with good reason. They're famous for creating cute and flattering swimsuits that are supportive and flattering, and this v-neck one is no exception! It comes in 19 colors and prints.

Amazon Review: First of all, I am just under 5’9” and it’s very difficult to find a one piece that not only fits correctly, but is also flattering. The color is beautiful and I can’t wait to wear this on my upcoming vacation. Buy the suit. It really does look good on everyone. —Scott Christensen

CUPSHE V-Neck Tummy Control One-Piece ($33.99)—Buy Now!

High-Neck Plunge Mesh One-Piece

Tempt Me

Our Shopping Editor actually owns this one in 3 colors. Yes, 3. It's incredibly flattering, a little flirty, and comes in a bunch of colors and patterns!

Amazon Review: All I can say is, oh my gosh!! I have a REALLY hard time finding one piece swim suits. I have a long torso and suits usually only reach my boobs. So frustrating. I took a chance with this one, hoping it would work. I’m going on a cruise on April and wanted something cute. This one is stunning! I got the white and the wine color. It makes me look good!! —Melissa

High-Neck Plunge Mesh One-Piece ($33.99)—Buy Now!

Retro Halter Ruched One-Piece

When retro-style swimsuits are this cute, we wonder why we ever changed them! This one also comes in lots of colors (are you spotting a trend here?).

Amazon Review: This suit is so flattering. I have a new baby and really wanted something cute that would make me feel confident even with my mom bod. Highly recommend —LauraWelcher220

Retro Halter Ruched One-Piece ($34.99)—Buy Now!

Flowy Tankini Two-Piece

Aqua Eve

If you like the retro silhouette but prefer a two-piece, this tankini will be right up your alley!

Amazon Review: I bought this for my 16 year old daughter. She is bustier on top and makes it hard to find a swimsuit that will hold those girls in. She absolutely loved this swimsuit and the shorts as well. Bought size 16 and fits her perfectly. She is 5’4” and weighs about 190lbs. —Sara

Flowy Tankini Two-Piece ($40.99)—Buy Now!

CUPSHE Ruffle Lace-Up

Yep, it's another CUPSHE suit, but we obviously couldn't resist these ruffles and flattering plunging neckline!

Amazon Review: After three babies, I’ve struggled to find something I’m comfortable in swimsuit-wise. This suit is perfect. I never write reviews, but felt a fellow momma needed to know this suit is great for covering the mommy tummy due to the ruching and good support. Buy it! I got a size large and am 5’6”, 175lbs. Fits perfect. —Jennifer B.

CUPSHE Ruffle Lace-Up ($36.99)—Buy Now!

One-Shoulder Tankini

Tempt Me

Although this one comes in a lot of colors and patterns, we're crushing on this nautically-inspired navy one.

Amazon Review: I needed a new swimsuit for a trip and took a chance on this one. I couldn't be happier with the pattern, fit and detail with the one-shoulder bandeau! I am 5'3 and 128 lbs. and the Large fit so well. It showed on chart that LARGE is a 10-12 and I am usually a size 8-10 but this fit perfectly. I chose the Red Leaf design and love it. —Amazon Customer

One-Shoulder Tankini ($29.99+)—Buy Now!

Ruched Halter One-Piece

RXRXCOCO

We're firm believers that ruching is really flattering and the Amazon reviews agree.

Amazon Reviews: LOVE THIS BATHING SUIT MORE THAN LIFE! I like many women have a hard time loving their body; I'm not a mother, but I'm 5'8" with a short torso, and super long legs (about 190lbs). This suit made me feel SO good and confident. It's super comfortable & flattering, and I felt completely tucked in and adorable. I really am so glad I purchased after buying suit after suit that made me hate looking in a mirror. —angelica

Ruched Halter One-Piece ($21.49+)—Buy Now!

High-Waisted Two-Piece

American Trends

Another suit our Shopping Editors swear by! We love a high waist, too.

Amazon Review: Love this swimsuit! I am so glad I ordered this swimsuit. I had lost 50lbs so wasn’t sure what size to order. It fit perfectly and is true to size. It was comfortable and coverage was great. I can’t wait to order more in different designs —Amazon Customer

High-Waisted Two-Piece ($26.99)—Buy Now!

Crossover Strappy One-Piece

Hilor

Strappy is so on-trend and the negative space at the waist creates an hourglass figure!

Amazon Review: I have a very long torso so finding one piece bathing suits are difficult. I’m 57, 125 LBS and the suit fits perfectly, very flattering. Looking for a suit that has a full coverage on the bottom is also a plus. —pickyshopper

Crossover Strappy One-Piece ($26.59+)—Buy Now!

High-Waisted Bikini

Yonique

Looking to soak up a little more sun? This bikini shows some skin while still keeping you feeling secure.

Amazon Review: This came today and I ran to try it on. I have to say it is quite flattering for a woman of my size. I am a mom of 4 , twins included. It is plus and of very good quality, but it is nice. I wear 2 pieces all the time but I make sure they cover me and cinch me and I have very large DD cups or may even go to specialty stores and go up to an F or G. I am impressed that it offers support for me. That said I’m ready to hit Cancun in this 2 piece! —MBakerpsych

High-Waisted Bikini ($35.99)—Buy Now!

Rash Guard Bike Shorts Two-Piece

LALAGEN

Prefer some extra coverage? This set offers additional modesty while making it so easy to run or swim after your kiddos without having to adjust!

Amazon Review: Fit great and very comfortable on. As a plus size woman, I personally am uncomfortable wearing swimsuits in the public eye but I LOVE this suit. The shorts come down to just above the knee and are really comfortable. The top is not so low cut that I spill out, and the fit was GREAT. Not too tight anywhere. The top is long enough to cover my belly without riding up constantly and it dries fairly quickly. Definitely glad I bought it! —Aja Collins

Rash Guard Bike Shorts Two-Piece ($36.99)—Buy Now!

Cutout One-Piece

Daci

The little cutout and bow add a little something extra to this classic style!

Amazon Review: BUY IT! I am curvy! I HATE buying suits! Nothing ever fits right from very expensive to cheap! This suit is absolutely amazing! Hitting all the right spots and you wrap the top as tight or as loose as you want!!! After this first purchase I literally bought three more! —Nikki Vidal

Cutout One-Piece ($38.99)—Buy Now!

Yonique Cutout Swimdress

Yonique

Cutouts are clearly having a moment, and if you prefer some extra hip coverage, this swimdress checks all the boxes!

Amazon Review: Just BUY it! You have to try this bathing suit. Now I have never, like ever, worn a bikini and typically not thrilled with my stomach exposed, but I tried this suit due to all the positive reviews and pics of women of all sizes wearing it. It is so comfortable and flattering. I also liked it because it was one piece vs. a bottom underneath a swim dress. Perfect! —Melissa

Yonique Cutout Swimdress ($37.99)—Buy Now!

Ruffle Sleeve One-Piece

Blooming Jelly

The ruffle sleeves really make this suit even cuter and really unique!

Amazon Review: I felt so confident in this bathing suit, and that doesn’t happen often. Beautiful color, fit great in all the right places. Obsessed with the ruffles!! —Laura Osofsky

Ruffle Sleeve One-Piece ($35.99)—Buy Now!

Avanova Bow-Back Bikini

Avanova

The feminine bow in the back and adjustable straps mean that you can customize for the perfect fit.

Amazon Review: I LOVE this bathing suit, and it’s been a LONG time since I have felt good in a bathing suit! I’m 185lbs, 5’9”, where a 38 DD, don’t have much of a butt and I ordered an XL. By far a great buy! Probably will buy more soon! —Amazon Customer

Avanova Bow-Back Bikini ($26.99+)—Buy Now!

SUUKESS Wrap Push-Up Bikini

SUUKESS

We've very into bust support when it comes to our swimsuits, and this wrap top/high waist combo bikini is an easy fave.

Amazon Review: Bought for my 15yr old. Perfect color and fit. She's xl and larger on top. Held her well. Great suit, I was shocked to find one we both agreed on! Will buy more —Heather Joubert Bearb

SUUKESS Wrap Push-Up Bikini ($33.95)—Buy Now!

Blooming Jelly Lace Front Swimsuit

Blooming Jelly

The lace detail gives the illusion of an hourglass shape (and is really darling, too!).

Amazon Review: It has the vintage look with the elegance. Not the typical bathing suit you find at the store. Got a lot of compliments. —A.R.

Blooming Jelly Lace Front Swimsuit ($31.99+)—Buy Now!

Ruffle Off-the-Shoulder One-Piece

Tempt Me

Adjustable and removable straps, lots of colors—what more could you ask for?

Amazon Review: Often i have issues feeling comfortable in a bathing suit other than black. I am 5’2/ 165 lbs. I wear a size 36 DDD and i am on the curvy side. I would highly recommend this swimsuit. It makes me feel comfy & cute and covers up in the back. It is also hard to find a bathing suit that fits me correctly but this suit really holds the girls in. I am a size L for most stores and i ordered a large here. True to size- for me. —Kristina

Ruffle Off-the-Shoulder One-Piece ($30.99+)—Buy Now!

Yonique Blouson Tankini

Yonique

A blouson top is blousy and flowy, so if you prefer a less fitted option, this is a great way to go.

Amazon Review: Love the boy legs & blouson top. Better than I expected! —Skinner

Yonique Blouson Tankini ($37.99)—Buy Now!

Zip-Front Long-Sleeve Rash Guard Swimsuit

woman in pastel printed rash guard swimsuit
AXESEA

This suit is pretty much the definition of "secure". You don't risk exposure from carrying kiddos or big waves, plus it's really comfortable!

Amazon Review: I ABSOLUTELY love this product and rave about it to everyone. It’s modest and chic. This swimsuit is easy to put on, unbelievably comfortable, lightweight, padding is so comfortable, beautiful pattern. —Patience

Zip-Front Long-Sleeve Rash Guard Swimsuit ($38.99)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Summer is here, and that means lots of long afternoons trying to keep everyone happy and cool. Enter: the backyard waterslide. The perfect departure from the repetitive visit to the neighborhood pool, these waterslides will up your summer playtime in a big way.

From amped-up slip ‘n slides and baby-friendly pools, these outdoor inflatables turn your backyard into a hot-weather paradise. Keep scrolling to see our faves.

Rave 20-Foot Sports Turbo Chute

Target

This slide is for serious riders. Stretching 20 feet, each section is extra slipper and measures 46" wide x 9" high. You can attach it to another section of the slide for a super long ride, use as a traditional slip 'n slide or even use on a lake.

Available at Target, $600

 

Little Tikes Rocky Mountain River Race Inflatable Slide

Amazon

There are plenty of surprises in this bright water slide! The two slides allow for up to four kiddos at once, and the climbing wall and surprise bucket means lots of summer fun.

Available on Amazon, $389

Deluxe Inflatable Water Slide Park

Target

Who needs a fancy water park when you have this in your backyard? This deluxe water slide boasts a climbing wall in place of steps, shower pump at the top and water gun at the bottom. With eight stakes and an air pump, you have everything you need to let the fun begin.

Available at Target, $300

WOW Watersports Super Slide

Want another super long slide for your space? This 25 foot long slide by WOW Watersports fits the bill. It has a zig zag spray pattern sprinkler system the entire length of the slide to ensure maximum sliding, connects to your backyard hose and has eight inch high sides so riders stay on track.

Available at Dick's Sporting Goods, $180

Candy Zone Inflatable Water Slide

Wayfair

What goes better than summer and candy? Slide into the sweet zone with this kiddie-perfect water slide that is great for littles three to four. It comes with six balls and hooks up to your house for endless fun.

Available at Wayfair, $72

Inflatable Racing Outdoor Water Slide Track

Target

Race into summer! This outdoor track comes with two surf riders and a built in spray for fast-paced fun.

Available at Target, $80

H2OGO! Inflatable Backyard Outdoor Mega Obstacle Cours

Target

Can you handle all the fun this inflatable brings? The huge inflatable water park comes with everything you need, including a blower, a repair kit, sprinkler sprayer hose, 10 ground stakes, PVC ball sprinkler, 6 small flags and a storage bag. Kids will love the extra-large pool, integrated flag relay race game and slides.

Get it at Target, $520

Note: At the time of publication, all products were available for purchase.

 

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Starbucks is embracing summer with some new merch: and it’s Zebra inspired!

The limited edition collection has launched just in time for hot weather and is packed with color. You can snag a Zebra Cold Cup and a Zebra Mug, in addition to a few other jungle-themed pieces.

photos: Starbucks

The special cups are only available while supplies last and inventory is varied by location. The cold cup can be yours for $18.95 and the mug for $12.95 at a Starbucks near you.

––Karly Wood

 

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It’s almost Memorial Day weekend, and Dunkin’ is here for the hot weather! The brand is celebrating the end of the school year with brand new lemonade refreshers, donuts and MUNCHKINS that will get you in the summer spirit.

The new menu items will be available for a limited time, and DD Perks members will get extra goodies, too. From May 26 through Jun. 8 members will earn points toward a free beverage reward three times as fast with 3X points on all Dunkin’ Lemonade Refresher purchases. That’s 15 points per dollar!

There are three new options to choose from when it comes to Dunkin’ Lemonade Refreshers: Strawberry flavored lemonade, Peach flavored lemonade and Blueberry flavored lemonade. Each one is made with lemonade, B vitamins and flavored fruit concentrate which means a bright and cheery drink.

Be sure to pick up a few Berry Powdered Donuts and MUNCHKINS donut hole treats! The items feature a new berry powder that packs a sweet berry punch, not to mention a sweet pink look.

Dunkin’ is also getting ready for National Donut Day––with a free donut. Head to your local shop on Fri. Jun. 4 to snag a free classic donut with the purchase of your drink.

Don’t forget to deck out for the big day with the #NationalDonutDay collection that is rife with limited-edition customizable donut-themed fashions! The special line officially drops at 12:00 p.m. EST on Thur., Jun. 3, only at shopdunkin.com.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Dunkin’

 

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Looking for ways to keep the kids occupied this summer during the long days of hot weather? Then run, don’t walk, to Amazon’s Virtual Event! The online retailer is offering their best-selling devices at parent-friendly prices that are hard to pass up. Keep scrolling to see how you can get everything from smart assistants and Kindles to tablets at the best prices from now until Sun., Jul. 5!

Echo Glow

The multicolor smart lamp for kids requires a compatible Alexa device. Ask the smart assistant to change colors, set timers and create a more colorful life!

$24.99 (on sale from $29.99)

 

Echo Dot (3rd Gen) Kids Edition

Better sound quality awaits with the third generation Echo Dot Kids Edition. Packed with kid-friendly content, parents can rest easy with parental controls that limit content, and two year guarantee that replaces and broken devices.

$49.99 (on sale from $69.99)

 

Echo Dot Kids Edition With Echo Glow

The perfect bundle that combines the colorful Echo Glow with the content-paced Echo Dot Kids Edition.

$59.99 (on sale from $99.98)

 

All-new Kindle Kids Edition

This screaming deal means you get one year of FreeTime Unlimited, kid-friendly cover and 2-year worry-free guarantee with the all-new Kindle Kids Edition. Parents can set educational goals with this new table that holds thousands of books.

$79.99 (on sale from $109.99)

 

Fire 7 Kids Edition

The Fire Kids Edition Tablet comes with everything your kiddos need to stay entertained, including one year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited, a kid-proof case with built-in stand, and 2-year worry-free guarantee. Available in pink, purple and blue.

$74.99 (on sale from $99.99)

 

Fire HD 8 Kids Edition

Get an extra inch of screen on the Fire HD 8 Kids Edition Tablet.  Each one comes loaded with one year of Amazon FreeTime Unlimited that gives access to over 20,000 apps, games, books, videos, Audible books, and educational content. Choose from blue, purple and pink colors.

$99.99 (on sale from $139.99)

 

Fire HD 10 Kids Edition

Amazon’s Fire HD 10 Kids Edition tablet is the newest member of the family. The 10-inch screen now has a 12-hour battery with a 1080p full HD screen. Choose from pink, purple and blue colors.

$149.99 (on sale from $199.99

 

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Amazon

 

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If you’re spending time in the car this summer, arm yourself with water, snacks and some very good advice. Read on for our top 10 tips on keeping babies and toddlers safe in the car on warm summer days.

photo: iStock

1. Get your car seat inspected.
More than half of all car seats are installed incorrectly, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And since people tend to spend more time in the car during the summer, it’s a good time to find the nearest car seat inspection station, usually at a local police or fire department. The experts there will inspect your car seat and show you how to install it properly, usually at no charge.

2. Cool the car down quickly.
A hot car is uncomfortable for everybody, especially kids. If you’re getting into a scorching car, crank up the air conditioning and open the windows first to push out that hot air. After a few minutes, when the car is cooler, get in and roll up the car windows and let the AC keep working its magic. Also, when placing your child in the car seat, watch those metal buckles, which can get blazing hot on warm days. When your car is parked outside, keep the metal parts out of direct sunlight, tucking them into the car seat straps or placing a towel or light blanket on top of the metal when your child is out of the car seat.

3. Inspect your tires.
How are tires like babies? They’re both prone to blowouts, and tires are more likely to have them during the summer months. Blame the combination of hot weather, longer drives and cars packed full of road-trip gear. Regularly check your tire pressure and the condition of your tires to stay safe.

photo: Quinn Dombrowski via Flickr

4. Pack extra liquids.
On hot days, kids need lots of liquids to stay hydrated. Keep bottles of breast milk or formula in coolers with ice packs. And if your baby is drinking water, always pack more than you think you’ll need. Breastfeeding moms need lots of water too!

5. Keep cars locked with car keys out of kids’ reach.
Babies love playing in cars and fiddling with car keys, especially hitting the lock button to hear the beep it makes. To avoid having them lock themselves inside the car when you’re outside of it, or climbing into the car when you’re not there to supervise, always keep cars locked, even in the garage, and store keys out of reach from tiny hands. This is important year-round but especially so on hot days when temperatures inside the car can get dangerously high.

6. Don’t cover the car seat with a blanket.
A blanket may help your child fall asleep in the car seat, but even a thin muslin covering can make the temperature under that blanket way too hot. You also want to be able to see your child while you’re driving, which brings us to our next tip….

7. Install a backseat mirror.
Set up a mirror that allows you to see your child’s face from the driver’s seat when they’re in a rear-facing car seat. That allows you to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re comfortable and not overheating.

photo: Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

8. Adjust your car seat straps.
If you dressed your baby in bulky clothing on cooler days, the car seat straps may be too loose once your child is in light summer outfits. Straps should be tight enough that you can only fit one finger underneath them, and the buckle should sit across the armpit. Adjust the straps each time you place your child in the seat to make sure they fit comfortably.

9. Never leave your child alone in the car. For real.
Even if you only have a quick errand, even if your baby has finally fallen asleep, even if you crack the window open for air flow, you should never leave your child unattended in a car. A child’s body temperature heats up more quickly than an adult’s, and even a few minutes alone in a hot car can be life-threatening.

10. Check the back seat.
Forgetting a child in a car seat is many parents’ worst fear. To avoid it, leave your shoes, wallet or smartphone in the back seat so you have to go back there to retrieve them before you leave the car. Or, let technology help. The CoPilot Carseat Alert System uses a sensor that clips on to your car seat and a key fob to alert you if you walk away from the car without unbuckling your child first. The eClip ($49.95) from Elepho is a small device that attaches to your car seat and syncs up to an app that reminds you to get your child if you move more than 15 feet away from the car. And if you use the Waze app for driving directions, turn on the Child Reminder feature, which instructs you to check for your child as the last step in the directions.

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

featured photo: iStock

 

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Summer screams curbside lemonade stand. But, if you’re out of the sweetly sour stuff and still want to widen your young entrepreneurs’ selling scope with fun summer jobs, we scoped out eight great alternatives that will get your little people selling out fast. Keep reading to see them all.

photo: Miroslav Vajdic via Flickr

1. Watermelon Stand
Ice cold watermelon is a hot weather staple. And, not only does it give you a boost of energy, this is a pretty affordable product to sell. Simply slice it up, store in an ice chest and watch your kids sell a slice of summer.

2. Otter Pop Stand
On a hot day, anything cold is sure to be a hit. So let your kids break open the freezer and get out the Otter Pops (also called Freezer Pops or Fun Pops) to sell to those who need something cold to quench their thirst. Hint: You can also pair the pops with water or juice to make for double-hydration.

photo: Personal Expressions via Flickr

3. Popcorn Stand
You can make a ton of this movie-night favorite right on your stove in a large pot. Or, if you have one of those classic movie theater poppers, it’ll add major curbside appeal. Order a few packages of nostalgic popcorn containers and you’re all set.

photo: Melissa Heckscher

4. Advice Stand
It worked for Charlie Brown and Lucy! Let your kids put on their doctor hats (and costumes, if they have them!) and dispense psychological help to anyone willing to pay a few pennies for a little kid-branded honesty. Kids say the darndest things, after all; your little doctors may just do some good.

photo: Pretty Prudent

5. Bake Sale
Bake sales are par for the course at school fundraisers; why not bake some yummy treats for a private streetside sale? This project gives your littles two activities to do: One, in helping you bake the goods; two, for bringing in the bucks when they sell them. Any leftovers can be frozen and stashed for a special occasion. Like tomorrow.

photo: Duncan Rawlinson via Flickr

6. Tattoo Stand
Order a few dozen of your kids’ favorite temporary tattoos, add water and a washcloth, and you’ve got yourself the makings of a very fun roadside pit stop.

photo: Melissa Heckscher

7. Greeting Card Sale
Let your kids pen good wishes and illustrations onto their own homemade greeting cards. Since these creations take a bit of work on behalf of your aspiring Hallmarkers, your kids can charge a little more for each product ($1 a card isn’t unreasonable). They’ll be aspiring greeting card writers by day’s end.

photo: Patrick via Flickr

8. A Hose-Down Stand 
With temps rocketing well over 100 in much of the U.S., a nice misting of cool water might be worth a few pennies. Have your little water hosers hunker down by the street, ready to spray anyone who wants to pay a nickel or two for the instant cool-down. Don’t be surprised if your tots are soaking wet by the end of this little business venture.

 

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photo: BBC One Facebook page

Sometimes you’ll do just about anything to escape the heat of summer, so it’s easy to understand why a group of young school boys decided to alter their uniforms a little in order to get some relief. When shorts weren’t a dress code option, naturally skirts were the next best thing.

A group of students from ISCAA Academy in Exeter, England couldn’t bare to wear their long uniform pants in the recent hot weather. The school dress code policy does not allow shorts to be worn to school, however, skirts are worn daily by the girls. In an attempt to cool down without breaking school rules, the boys decided unanimously to wear skirts to school. “We’re not allowed to wear shorts, and I’m not sitting in trousers all day, it’s a bit hot,” said one of the boys who took part in the protest.

As the students walked to school in their altered uniforms they chanted, “Let boys wear shorts!” They hoped that the protest would inspire the school administrators to change the dress code policy. Head teacher, Aimee Mitchell, told Devon Live that they are considering it. “With hotter weather becoming more normal, I would be happy to consider a change for the future.”

Many parents showed their support of the boys’ actions. Mom, Claire Reeves said, “I feel extremely proud of them all for standing up for their rights. People are always talking about equal right for males and females and school uniform shouldn’t be any different.”

What do you think of the students’ plan? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Back to school is a bittersweet time of year. The kids are getting older and bigger and summer is ending, but also you can say buh-bye to expensive summer camps and extra hot weather. You get back to early bedtimes, but you have to pack lunches again. Well, these inventive LA parents have come up with some big new ideas and products that make the start of the school year sweet and simple.

Philosophie’s New Coconut Butters and Honeys

We’ve been fans of local mom Sophie Jaffe’s line of superfood powder blends for a long time, and her 2 new products are just in time for back to school to make lunch packing a snap. Coming in the same three varieties as the powders (Green, Cacao and Berry) the Malibu made honeys make for a great addition to nutbutter & honey sammies or swirled with some berries into yogurt. The coconut butter makes for a great addition to easy breakfasts like toast or oatmeal, since it contains nutrients like magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, iron, and lauric acid, and is packed with fiber and healthy fats that will keep little brains active and bodies nourished through a long morning at school. And we still adore the original powders that make magnificent morning or lunchtimes smoothies or yogurts. A great lunchbox or afterschool fiber and nutrient filled snack that they’ll gobble is easily made by sprinkling superfood powder on popcorn. You can find tips and recipes for lunch additions (like the popcorn, a superfood berry trail mix, or a green protein bar) on her website.

Available online: thephilosophie.com

photo credit: Philosophie

What are your local Back to School secrets? Let us know in the comment section!

—Meghan Rose

With its fantastic new ‘Barrier Free’ playground for both disabled and able-bodied kids, hiking trails, and towering redwoods, Roberts Regional Rec. Area is a gem of Bay Area parks. Its 82 acres are clean and well-kept, and it even has a heated swimming pool, so be sure to add it to your ‘must-do’ list of outdoor summertime adventures!

When to go: Go between April and October if you want to swim (there’s plenty of shade from the trees in hot weather).

Approximate travel time: The park is located a few miles east of downtown Oakland, over the ridge on Skyline Boulevard.

What to see: The redwoods themselves are an awe-inspiring sight, and on a clear day the views over to San Francisco and the Bay from the lookout point atop the ridge are spectacular.

Where to have lunch: Enjoy a home-made lunch at one of the picnic areas nestled among the redwoods.

How to dress: Take a layer along if you go outside of the summer months.

Bonus: Find out more about/see pictures of the very special playground at www.barrierfreeplayground.org

Cost of trip: Inexpensive. Parking is $5, pool fees are only $2 for ages 1 to 15, and babies under 1 are FREE.

Online: www.ebparks.org/parks/roberts

—Annie Sheldon