From the LEGO Duplo Dream Town Playground to the Gobbler 3-Wheel Scooter, these holiday gifts for 2-year-olds are perfect for busy little ones

Toddlers, specifically 2-year-olds, are developing at a rapid pace and they’re known to bounce from one activity to the next at warp speed. Finding gifts that keep them engaged, nurture their curiosity, and spark excitement is like striking holiday gold. To help you out, we’ve curated a list of unique gifts for 2-year-olds that are up for the task. From games that get kids counting to toys that teach how to communicate emotions to a racetrack that offers hours of fun—here are the best gifts for 2-year-olds this season. Got kids of other ages? Check out our top picks for gifts for 18-24 month-olds, teens and tweens, and babies!

LeapFrog Number Lovin' Oven

LeapFrog

This oven does it all. Counting and cooking, serving and sharing; this is preschool prep for little chefs. Complete with 16 fun ingredients and easy take-and-go play—everything fits right inside.

LeapFrog Number Lovin' Oven ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Playskool Friends Sesame Street Elmo’s On the Go Letters

Playskool

Who better to teach your little ones their alphabet than Elmo? Comes with a carrying case to keep all their letters in one place, too.

Playskool Friends Sesame Street Elmo’s On the Go Letters ($23.75)—Buy Here!

VTech® Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Spiral Construction Tower™

VTech

Get ready for some construction fun with this giant construction tower set. Over 4’ wide and over 2’ tall, this set has a giant spiral ramp, a bridge, a crane, a conveyer belt, elevator, and more! Cruise over each Smartoint® on the playset to hear revved up responses that drive learning!

VTech® Go! Go! Smart Wheels® Spiral Construction Tower™—Buy Here!

Bath Beep Beep Stickers in the Tub

Alex Toys

These fun soft reusable foam pieces stick to the wall when they get wet, and with 38 stickers, there's no end to bathtime fun.

Bath Beep Beep Stickers in the Tub ($19.49)—Buy Here!

Uptown White Wooden Play Kitchen

KidKraft

How chic is this play kitchen? A play phone, chalkboard, and towel rack add to the realism (but we do have to warn you—please don't try to put it together the night before).

Uptown White Wooden Play Kitchen ($174.14)—Buy Here!

MAGNA-TILES Downhill Duo

Target

Car-loving kids will adore this set designed for little hands (but big imaginations).

MAGNA-TILES Downhill Duo ($69.99)—Buy Here!

Mini Vet Playset

Battat

If you have a little animal-lover on your hands, this vet kit will let them put their healing skills to use.

Mini Vet Playset ($17.99)—Buy Here!

Honeysticks Bath Colour Drops

Honeysticks

These non-toxic tabs fizz and change color in the water, and they're free from fragrance and residue-causing dyes and chemicals.

Honeysticks Bath Colour Drops ($19.95)—Buy Here!

Pretend Play Bandages & Tin

NEEDLE & GRAIN

Let them fix up their stuffed animal's and doll's boo-boos with these reusable, oversized felt bandages.

Pretend Play Bandages & Tin ($22.00)—Buy Here!

Colorful Play Road Tape Set of 4 Rolls

Msgic Playbook

Create colorful roads anywhere—tables, cardboard boxes, floors, and more. (This is one of those things that definitely requires parental help to set up.)

Colorful Play Road Tape Set of 4 Rolls ($24.00)—Buy Here!

Chocolate Cake Play Food

Design Life Kids

Not only is this pretend cake lots of fun, we can't get over how pretty it is. It's ideal for their first tea parties and pretend baking.

Chocolate Cake Play Food ($80.00)—Buy Here!

Shape Sorting Toy Garage

Battat

Your 2 year old can practice sorting and color recognition by organizing each car into their own garage and opening and closing them with their coordinating colored key.

Shape Sorting Toy Garage ($39.00)—Buy Here!

Globber Primo Foldable Scooter

Globber

This 3-wheel scooter helps little ones learn balance and folds down for easy storage. Available in both pink and blue.

Globber Primo Foldable Scooter ($89.44)—Buy Here!

Sensory Play Lightbox

KiwiCo

KiwiCo's Sensory Play Lightbox is museum-inspired to light up each shape to let them mix and match, see how each shape fits together, and shows them how different colors blend to create new hues.

Sensory Play Lightbox ($79.95)—Buy Here!

bilibo by MOLUK

Fat Brain Toys

The bilibo is anything your kiddo wants it to be. A turtle shell. A rocking seat. A doll cradle. A helmet. There's a reason the bilibo is so popular.

bilibo by MOLUK ($29.95)—Buy Here!

Dinosaur Alphabet Poster

Society6

Dino-obsessed minis will love putting this up in their bedroom or playroom, and it's another great way to keep them excited for learning the alphabet.

Dinosaur Alphabet Poster ($16.80)—Buy Here!

ADORA PlayTime Baby Doll

ADORA

A classic baby doll with realistic features, soft-to-the-touch materials, and easy-care cleaning. This one is definitely a doll they'll love for years.

ADORA PlayTime Baby Doll ($52.43)—Buy Here!

Where's Bear? The Hide and Find Stacking Block Game

Peaceable Kingdom

Where's Bear? is a fabulous first game for little ones. Take turns hiding and finding Bear under the nesting boxes—Where's Bear? is 5 games in one.

Where's Bear? The Hide and Find Stacking Block Game ($22.95)—Buy Here!

LEGO duplo Town Dream Playground

duplo

Every kiddo loves a building set, and the Town Dream Playground has everything they need to stretch their imaginations.

LEGO duplo Town Dream Playground ($49.95)—Buy Here!

Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set

Franklin

This set can be used inside or out and has all the gear they need to practice their shots.

Kids Mini Soccer Goal Set ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Musical Instruments Sound Puzzle

Melissa & Doug

When the pieces are correctly placed, they make instrumental sounds that are super realistic.

Musical Instruments Sound Puzzle ($11.75)—Buy Here!

Magnetic Car Loader Wooden Toy Set

Melissa & Doug

Includes 4 cars and 1 semi-trailer truck with magnetic crane.

Magnetic Car Loader Wooden Toy Set ($15.99)—Buy Here!

'Trashy Town' Board Book

Amazon

With rhythmic, repeatable refrain, this book about Mr. Gilly and his garbage truck will be a fast favorite.

Trashy Town Board Book ($7.99)—Buy Here!

Cheese & Charcuterie Board

Plan Toys

Get them started on a love of charcuterie with this darling set from Plan Toys.

Cheese & Charcuterie Board ($40.00)—Buy Here!

Toddler Musical Instruments

Amazon

Start their love of music early with this big assortment of instruments designed for little musicians.

Toddler Musical Instruments ($22.99)—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.

 

Rates of depression and anxiety disorders among young Americans have seen a fivefold to eightfold increase over the past five decades, mainly due to a dramatic decline in free play among kids over the same period, says an article on Psychology Today.

Now, most parents don’t allow their kids to participate in any form of free or risky play for fear of injury and abduction. While parents should supervise their children’s safety in both public and private playground settings, they should also understand that a scraped knee or elbow is part of the rite of growing up and learning to be resilient.

Participating in risky play helps develop important life skills, such as self-control, resilience, problem solving, and team coordination. So, here are some useful tips on how to introduce your kids to risky play.

Types of Risky Play for Kids As the term suggests, risky play often involves risk taking, but it allows kids to test their limits and gives them a sense of achievement upon successful completion of the play. According to a study published in the European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, risky play can be categorized into six main types:

1. Play with great heights, for instance, climbing a tree or any other tall structure
2. Play near dangerous elements, such as fire and deep bodies of water
3. Play with potentially harmful tools, such as knives, hammers, saws and bows and arrows
4. Disappearing, for instance, playing hide and seek
5. Rough‐and‐tumble play, for instance, games like wrestling or chasing one another
6. Play with high speed, such as skiing, bike riding, and playing with swings and slides

Tips to Introduce Your Kids to Risky Play

• Encourage kids to play outside: Inspire your kids to leave the safe indoor zone and let them play outdoor games. Even a quick walk across the nearby part or a visit to the neighborhood playground would be a great first step. Eventually, you want to let your kids get outside alone. You can watch them from a distance, but let them feel independent outside.

• Avoid negative words: Instead of telling your kids, “Don’t climb that tree,” or “Don’t run so fast,” consider using positive words and phrases, such as, “You should know the right technique for tree-climbing before you can attempt it,” or “Make sure you’re in full control of your body when running fast.” Negative phrases evoke negative emotions, such as fear and can scare away your kids from risky play altogether.

• Consider safety: It may sound counterintuitive, but you must ensure the safety of your children. To that end, assess the risk involved in a risky play before letting your kids participate in it. If, for instance, your kids want to participate in a game where they could get minor injuries, you should still allow them to play. But when the risks are major or life-threatening, then that’s a red signal.

• Resist the urge to help: Even when you wanted to, resist the urge to help them for at least 17 seconds, suggests Professor Mariana Brussoni of the University of British Columbia as quoted in a CBC article. Instead of offering them immediate help, let them deal with a problem for some time. That way, you’ll allow them to figure things out on their own.

• Give them enough time: One common mistake parents make is telling their kids to hurry up and finish a risky play within a certain amount of time. It doesn’t work that way for kids. Let your kids play at their pace. Give them the freedom to play the way they want to. Constantly giving instructions could do more harm than good. Simply get out of their way and provide guidance only when they ask for it.

Finally, let your kids decide what type of risky play they want to participate in. Experts suggest that different kids have a natural inclination to different types of risky play, and parents should listen to their children.

Rebecca Wallace is a mother of a 3 year old girl. Rebecca likes to share her experience and write on topics that would help other parents.

ABC should be as easy as 123, but convincing a toddler to sit in one spot long enough to sing the entire Alphabet song is harder than…well honestly, we can’t think of anything more challenging! So we did our homework and found 10 awesome games even the busiest tot will enjoy. From feeding a hungry shark to fishing for letters, flip through the slideshow to discover your new favorite way to introduce the letters from A to Z.

ABC Shark Feed

Kristen Buskirk via Toddlerapproved

We are chomping at the bit to try out this feed-the-shark alphabet game. Kristen of Toddler Approved got it right, the littles will love “feeding time,” so grab cardboard, card stock, tape and scissors to create your very own Great White. 

School Bus ABC Game

Shaunna Evans via fantasticfunandlearning

Any toddler who loves all things vroom will enjoy this ABC game—we love the Fantastic Fun and Learning sets the stage for pretend play, too. Make a bus route around the room for the parents (i.e., kiddos) and passengers (i.e., bottle caps marked with letters). Let your tots claim their own "kid," and let the letter drop-off/pick-up ABC play begin.

Sticky Letter Game

Jodie Rodriguez via growingbookbybook

Make those pesky ABCs stick in the mind of your toddler. Painters tape is the key (a few eager learners wouldn't hurt, either!) Take turns sticking letters and even making words. Head over to Growing Book by Book for the tutorial.

ABC Bean Bag Toss

Meri Cherry via mericherry

With just a few pieces of cardboard, duct tape (it does everything!) and those handy-dandy plastic letters, create an easy ABC Bean Bag Toss n’ Match challenge. Set your letter signs as far as you think your toddler can toss and let them throw away. Get the tutorial over at Meri Cherry.

Runaway Letters

Jodie Rodriguez via growingbookbybook

Growing Book by Book blogger Jodie sets up a perfect ABC game for busy toddlers. Using magnetic letters as your materials, sing the classic ABC song, let your kiddo snag a letter and run. Call for the letter using easy words and see your kiddo make a return trip.

Glow-in-the-Dark Matching Game

Lisette Martin via whereimaginationgrows

Glow-in-the-dark anything is awesome, so we are loving this creative matching game for toddlers from Where Imagination Grows. With just index cards, round stickers (the Dollar Tree is a go-to for these) and a black light, you can up the ante for budding letter learners. 

ABC Hunt Game

Malia Hollowell via playdoughtoplato

Using plastic cups, markers, marbles or another small object, set up the toddler version of the classic game “find the bean.” Head over to Playdough to Plato to get more cool tips and find out why blog owner Malia suggests only using five letters at a time.

Hershey Kiss Memory Game

Jenae Jacobson via icanteachmychild

Make a game of memory even sweeter with Hershey Kisses and multi-colored circle stickers. First, find the matching letters, and then get a treat—a win-win! Find out how it’s done over at I Can Teach My Child.

Fishing for Letters

Allison McDonald via notimeforflashcards

Easy to make and easy to play, Fishing for Letters is a favorite game for everyone. Allison of No Time for Flashcards lays out a simple (but brilliant) idea for picking out the “catch” of the day. Little ones may not even realize they are learning while playing with this idea. Grab card stock, make a fish template with markers, get cozy on the couch and get to cutting. 

Felt Board Game

Mama.Papa.Bubba

Use a felt board for your child to arrange their letters. It's a no-mess way for them to touch the letters as they place them on the felt board. (Making your felt board is an awesome DIY project; you'll get to decide the size and color!) As they learn, they can use the board to spell out different words. Check out the details from Mama.Papa.Bubba.

—Taylor Clifton & Gabby Cullen

Feature image: iStock 

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Chicago has a rich roller skating history rooted in the James Brown “JB” style, known for elaborate footwork. It’s also the birthplace of roller derby. While rinks are few and far between, you can still get your glide on at select retro-fun spots that have stood the test of time. Introduce your kids to this slick part of Chicago’s history and impress them with your 8-wheeled dance moves at these local hangouts.

Glenwood Roller Rink 

Roll into Glenwood and you can easily transport yourself to the 80s, skating with hair scrunchied in a crimped high pony, jeans perfectly pegged and the smell of Electric Youth wafting behind you. Spritz the family with Aqua Net and take a few turns around the rink.

You’ll dig the polished hardwood floor and colored lights gleaming overhead. It sets the scene for open family skate on Wed. 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Sat., 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.-11 p.m. and Sun. 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. If you have first-timers in your group, lessons are offered for all ages, Sat., 10:30 a.m.-noon.

656 Holbrook Rd., Glenwood; Online: glenwoodrollerrinkinc.net

MLK Skating and Bowling Center

MLK Skating is a city icon and a popular destination for birthday parties and school field trips. It's just one part of the Chicago Park District’s Dr. Martin Luther King Park and Entertainment Area opened by Mayor Daley in 2003. The rink is open for all ages Tues.-Sun., with Glow skating every Saturday. Once you’ve gotten your fill of skating, you can swap your wheels for bowling shoes or hit the arcade for gaming.

1219 W. 76th St., South Side; Online: unitedskates.com

Aurora Skate Center

Music, games and pizza, pizza, pizza make for good old-fashioned fun at this west suburban hotspot. Glide your way around the rink to sounds of the top 40 every Sat. and Sun., 1 p.m.-4 p.m. This family-friendly skate intersperses freestyle skating with the hokey pokey, backward skating, races and buddy skating, where two or three people are encouraged to hold hands and do their best to not pull each other to the floor. Beginners can take lessons every Sat., noon-1 p.m.

34W113 Montgomery Rd., Aurora; Online: skateaurora.com

Lombard Roller Rink

Family-owned Lombard Roller Rink offers a clean, friendly environment to introduce kids to skating. Families are invited to take a spin, Fri.-Sun, and classes are offered for kids every Sat., noon-12:45 p.m. They also offer an artistic skating club that competes in several disciplines and at all levels. 

201 W. 22nd St., Lombard; Online: lombardrollerrink.com

The Rink

The Rink was first opened in 1974 by then-husband and wife duo Carmen Clark and Nate Simpson. The idea was born from a desire to bring entertainment options a little closer to home, as they were always driving to the suburbs for a family night out. Although it has recently changed ownership, the new owners, Ramona and Curtis, are committed to keeping this Chatham neighborhood staple as it's always been. A place that's boiling over with positive energy and a focus on community building. Note: due to planned renovations along with vandalism in November, The Rink is closed with a re-grand opening planned for March. 

1122 E. 87th St., Chatham; Online: therinkchicago.com

Fleetwood Roller Stating Rink

Located just outside Chicago in Summit, Fleetwood is celebrating nearly 65 years of showing families a good time. Slide-in for open skate on Wed. and Fri.-Sun. Wobbly skaters can beef up their skills with lessons, Sat., noon-1 p.m. Kids who take lessons can skate for half-price, Sat., 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. 

7231 W. Archer, Summit; Online: fleetwoodrollerrink.com

Coachlite Skate

Coachlite has open skate Fri.-Sun. and discounted sessions on Wed. You can also book Dart Dasher Nerf where kids engage in nerf gun wars while a light show and music play in the background. These 2-hour private sessions that include pizza and game referees are a great high-energy birthday party idea. 

1291 W. Berwyn Ave., Roselle; Online: coachliteskate.com

Tinley Park Roller Rink

Tinley Park Roller Rink believes the fastest path to happiness is found on skates. Who are we to disagree? Visit them for family skates on Sat., Sun. and Wed. They also typically open on school holidays, so follow them on Facebook to stay up-to-date on schedule changes. 

17658 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park; Online: tinleyrink.com

Maggie Daley Park

Infuse a bit of fresh air into your skate session at Maggie Daley's Skating Ribbon. The outdoor ribbon is open Apr. 30-Sep. 26 for rollerblading and mico-scootering. Rentals are available for both. Open skate times vary depending on the month, so check the website before making a plan to visit. 

337 E. Randolph, Loop; Online: maggiedaleypark.com

Family Fun Zone

This place is great for families with young kids because it's designed for ages 14 & under. Skate sessions are held Tues., Wed. and Fri.-Sun. Plan a family date night on Wed. when the price of admission also gets you all-you-can-eat pizza. For a budget-friendly option, go on Tues. when admission is just $2. 

2333 Theodore St., Crest Hill; Online: familyfunzone.com

Lynwood Sport Center

Lynwood Sport Center has a cinematic history as the rink was featured in the movie Roll Bounce released in 2005. The best time for families to check out this sweet rink is Sat., Sun. and Tues. On Tues., order a large pizza, a pitcher of soda and your skate rentals for up to 4 people for $38. 

2030 Glenwood-Dyer Rd., Lynwood; Online: skatelynwood.com

Chicago Athletic Association

Turn skating into a date-night (or day) opportunity with Chicago Athletic Association hotel's pop-up skate events. On select weekends, they host skate programming on the historic Stagg Court. Afterward, visit the Fine Arts Display Case on the 2nd floor to catch a glimpse of the hotel's vintage skates. Keep an eye on their website and Instagram for future announcements. 

12 S. Michigan Ave., Loop; Online: chicagoathleticevents.com

— Maria Chambers

Featured photo: Alexander Belyaev via Pixabay

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Are you watching the Tokyo Summer Olympics? At Xyza: News for Kids we’re watching along and sharing some Olympics trivia with families around the world. Ready to test your knowledgeabout the biggest sporting event in the world? Race ya to the finish!

1. Which of these sports is making its debut in the 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo?

A. Skakeboarding

B. E-sports

C. Cricket

D. Rollerskating

Answer is A: Skateboarding, surfing, sports climbing, and karate will make their debuts at the highly-anticipated Tokyo Summer Olympics. Fans of skateboarding will be cheering on their favorite athletes such as thirteen-year-old Sky Brown from Great Britain and twelve-year-old Kokona Hiraki from Japan, two of the youngest athletes to compete at the Tokyo Olympics.

2. What did Japan introduce to the world the last time they hosted the Olympic games?

A. Robots

B. Bullet trains

C. Jet Planes

D. Vending machines

Answer is B: Bullet trains. In 1964, Japan became the first country in Asia to ever host an Olympic Games and the first to introduce a high speed train called the Shinkansen, or bullet train. The bullet train took passengers between Tokyo and Osaka, a distance of 247 miles, in approximately two hours and thirty minutes. When the first bullet trains began operating, they traveled at a speed of approximately 125 miles per hour. Now, bullet trains can travel at speeds of over 200 miles per hour and Japan Railways, the company behind these speedy trains, is building trains that will go even faster! Zoom!

3. What did the Tokyo Olympic Committee recently send to space in preparation of the games?

A. Mario and Luigi figurines

B. Nintendo Switch

C. Robots Gundam and Zaku

D. Mascot Miraitowa

Answer is C: Robots Gundam and Zaku. In March of 2020, two of Japan’s most popular animated robots, Gundam and Zaku, rocketed to outer space in a mini satellite named, “G Satellite Go To Space.” The reason for their trip? Japan wanted to welcome the world to the Olympic Games both on Earth and from outer space! The idea was that the two robots would transmit images and messages about the Games back to Earth in English, Japanese, and French during the Olympics!

4. What sport did Japan introduce the last time they hosted the Olympics?

A. Karate

B. Volleyball

C. Basketball

D. Swimming

Answer is B: Volleyball. In 1964, Japan hosted its first ever Olympic Games and introduced two new sports: judo and volleyball. Although volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, the sport wasn’t added to the Olympics until 1964. In fact, two-person beach volleyball wasn’t added until 1996. Shocking, we know! Bump, set, spike, anyone?

5. In what other year was the Olympics postponed?

A. 1916

B. 1940

C. 1944

D. None of the above

Answer is D: None of the above. Recently, the International Olympic Committee announced that the 2020 Summer Olympics would be postponed until the summer of 2021 due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. It’s a big deal because, believe it or not, no other Olympic Games have ever been postponed before. What?!?!? Nooooo … Yes! That’s not to say, however, that the Olympics have never been canceled before. We’re sneaky, we know. 🙂The Olympics were canceled in 1916, 1940, and 1944 because the world was fighting in World Wars I and II.

Want more Olympics trivia? Head to www.xyzanews.com/news for more!

Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

We're two perfectly imperfect moms who have five very different kids between the two of us. We believe that topics in news are a fantastic way to spark conversations in families. That's why we started the Dinner Table Conversation series here at Xyza: News for Kids. Won't you join us in the conversation? 

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor will soon be a big brother to Baby Girl Sussex. And you can bet this is an exciting time for Prince Harry and Dutchess Meghan as well as the new big brother. But the journey to bringing home a new baby can also be a time of anxious change as families introduce the first child to their new family member. Kelly Oriard, licensed family therapist and co-founder of Slumberkins, shares her advice for Harry and Meghan and all families navigating this big change.

1. Do the Prep Work
Well before the baby is born, begin talking about when the baby is coming, what it will be like, and what the big sibling’s role will be once the baby arrives.

2. Be Honest
Don’t just say, “It will be awesome having a sibling!” While at times it will be awesome, it can also be super hard for older siblings. Remember even toddlers without many words need to hear, “The baby may cry—and that may be hard to hear” or “Sometimes Daddy and Mommy will need to help the baby and you may have to practice waiting.” Honesty will help set realistic expectations.

3. Celebrate the Big Sibling Role
Make sure to celebrate that they get to be the big sibling now. Hooray! But don’t forget to remind them that they can still be your little baby too. Growing up doesn’t mean fewer snuggles, love or attention. Just some cool perks too.

4. Don’t Blame the Baby
Kelly shares, “The very best advice I have is don’t blame the baby for things once the baby comes.” Don’t say, “We have to leave the park for the baby’s nap time.” Kelly points out that this sets up an easy target for frustration. Instead say, “It’s time for our family to leave the park now.”

5. Teach Safety
Remember that your toddler is still learning impulse control and doesn’t yet understand how to be gentle with a baby. Try not to yell or get frustrated if your toddler shows typical toddler behaviors (hitting or aggression). Instead, remember that a caregiver’s role can be to teach and help practice.

6. Welcome All Feelings
This is an important tip as acting out when a new sibling arrives is normal. Make space for all emotions while stopping unsafe behaviors.

7. Make One-on-One Time for You & Your Older Child
They will need this. Period.

8. Support Bonding Between the Siblings
Making reflections like, “Wow, look at how the baby is looking at you, I can tell they really like the way you are holding them” or “That was so kind the way you noticed the baby was cold, thanks for bringing a blanket.” Narrating the connection that you notice between your children and stating it can help them really feel love and connection to and from their new sibling.

Following these tips and tricks can help to ease the growing pains families feel when introducing new siblings. Remember that even good change can come with some anxiety and stress. Doing some prep work to prepare your little one can help your family have a smoother transition. Slumberkins also has many great resources to help siblings of all ages develop positive ways to cope with their big emotions. It’s a great time to practice emotion identification or introduce your little one to Alpaca who models stress-relief or Fox who provides comfort during times of change.

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Kelly Oriard & Callie Christensen
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Kelly Oriard and Callie Christensen are co-founders of Slumberkins, a children's brand supporting social-emotional learning for children. Kelly has a dual master's degree in family therapy and school counseling, and Callie has a master's degree in teaching. Both are passionate about teaching children social-emotional skills to thrive in our modern world. 

Girls can do anything: that’s the message of a new children’s book, Pinkie Promises, from Senator Elizabeth Warren who ran for president in 2020. It’s her first-ever picture book in her own words and it’s on sale this fall for kids who dream big everywhere.

Polly wants to make a difference, but she keeps hearing “that’s not what girls do.” She’s frustrated, but one day she goes to a rally to see a woman running for president. They meet in person and after a pinkie promise, Polly is inspired to embark on her own campaign for Class President. Win or lose, she’s been empowered to take matters into her own hands.

The book features art by award-winning illustrator Charlene Chua and is available to buy Oct. 12 in hardcover for $18.99. It’s targeted for girls in the four to eight-year-old range, but its message applies to all women. Warren would often introduce herself on the campaign trail to young supporters by saying, “My name is Elizabeth, and I’m running for President because that’s what girls do.”

Along with authoring books, Elizabeth Warren has served as the United State Senator of Massachusetts since 2013, the first woman senator for the state. She’s also a former law professor and she finished third in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries.

—Sarah Shebek

 

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Is it that time yet? Have your kids finally convinced you to adopt that kitten, puppy or goldfish? 

If so, congratulations! You are about to have the adventure of a lifetime. 

Whether or not you have owned dogs or cats yourself before (or goldfish, for that matter), it will be quite different now that you also have kids. After all, you want to teach them how to take care of an animal, you want to allow them to develop empathy and responsibility, and ensure the animal comes out unscathed too. 

All jokes aside though, by ensuring you introduce your child to their first pet in the right way, you can pave the way for a dynamic and irreplaceable relationship they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Here’s my advice on how to combat this challenge:

Choose Your Pet Carefully 
For starters, you want to choose your pet very carefully, depending on, of course, your child’s wishes, but your lifest‌yle too. Guinea pigs, hamsters and fish will usually be able to fit into any kind of family dynamic, but if you want a cat or a dog, you’ll need to take their breed into consideration as well. 

Are your kids small or are they in elementary school? Some pets do well with small, curious children, some do not. Do you have the outdoor space to accommodate a large dog? Will a high-energy dog fit in with your family’s always-on-the-go lifestyle or is your family more chill and would do better with a cat that doesn’t require so much playtime and daily exercise? 

Ensure a Calm Environment 
When you do choose a pet, make sure the introduction between child and animal takes place when they are both calm. The dog or cat may be scared and confused when arriving at your home, so it may take a day or two for them to adjust. If they appear curious and playful then you probably don’t have to wait as long. After a meal might be a good time to introduce them. 

Prepare your child for what they can expect. The animal may sniff them, they may want to play or they may be afraid. Talk about the importance of gentle touches and letting the animal adjust to its new home. 

Don’t Negate, Offer Alternatives 
If you spot your child doing something the dog or cat definitely doesn’t seem to be enjoying, don’t just rush in and scream no. Neither your kids nor the animal will take kindly to it. 

Instead, offer an alternative. Tell your child why what they are doing is not okay and how it makes their new friend feel. They might be in pain, uncomfortable, or they may be looking for an escape route. Show them what they should be doing instead. Demonstrate the correct petting and snuggling technique, show them how to offer treats, and so on. 

Talk about Boundaries & Responsibilities
Even before your new pet arrives, but especially once they get there and spirits are high, reinforce the basic rules. For starters, you want your child to be as involved in pet care as much as possible. Let them provide the meals or clean the food bowls. Take them on every dog walk. Involve them in the training and teach the dog that they need to obey your child too, even though they are not likely to be the pack leader. 

Explain to your child that if they don’t want to share in the responsibility they can’t enjoy the benefits of having a pet. You need to be able to set and manage and set expectations for your child and their involvement. 

Never Leave Kids & Pets Unsupervised 
Both your child and your new pet will need some time to get used to each other. And while you may trust the cat or dog would never intentionally hurt your child, or that your child would never hurt them, a bit of roughhousing can quickly turn into tears.

Make sure you are always there to supervise their interactions, at least until your pet grows into a well-behaved adult. Once you get to fully know their temperament and they get used to your home as their home, you can leave them in the same room. However, if your kids are still toddlers, you might still prefer to always keep a watchful eye over them, just to be on the safe side. 

The joy of watching your kids play with their new pet, snuggle with them in front of the TV, and nap with them on the sofa won’t compare to any other parental joys you have experienced so far. 

As long as you are careful about your choice of pet and take the appropriate steps, you should be privy to the blossoming of an amazing relationship in the years to come. 

RELATED:
Signs Your Kid Is Ready for a Pet (According to Experts)
Here’s the Science Behind Why Kids Totally Need a Pet
The Best Pets for Kids If You Don’t Want a Dog or Cat

 

Small business owner, writer, avid latte drinker and an expert in writing team briefs in under 30 minutes. Mum of four (two humans and two doggos).