ML Interest Tag: ivy-league

Baseball Movies for Kids That They’ll Love

by Dhyana Levey

Got a restless baseball enthusiast at home? Check out a few good kid movies about America’s pastime

If you have a baseball fan in your family and are seeking a good film to watch on the weekend, these top 20 best baseball movies for kids should cover all the bases. From historical documentaries about baseball icons like Babe Ruth to timeless comedies like The Sandlot and A League of Their Own, one of these terrific PG movies for ages 12 and younger will be a home run. Pop some popcorn, round up the kids, and start planning the perfect family movie night that’ll soon have everyone asking “Have you seen my baseball?” 

Looking for other movies to watch as a family? Check out all the new and original kids’ movies streaming in 2024, 100+ movies every kid should watch before they grow up, the best movies for a summer movie night, and ’80s movies to watch with your kids.

baseball movies for kids

Angels in the Outfield

This heartwarming, family-friendly remake of the 1951 original about hope and baseball stars a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Danny Glover, Adrien Brody, and Matthew McConaughey. A foster child (Gordon-Levitt) prays that the Anaheim Angels, his favorite team, makes it to the World Series after his estranged father promises to reunite the family should this unlikely success occur. A real angel (Christopher Lloyd) responds to the child's prayers, and his favorite team launches off on a surprising winning streak. This baseball movie is rated PG and recommended for ages 7 and older. 

(Buena Vista, 1994)

The Jackie Robinson Story

Jackie Robinson plays himself in this baseball film that follows his time as a sports star at UCLA and a coach in the military to his success in helping the Dodgers win the 1947 championship. His time in the major leagues is fraught with racial bigotry as he struggles to break the barriers of segregation. While somewhat dated, this is one of those good kid movies that shines a light on overcoming prejudice. It's rated PG-13 for language and recommended for children ages 7 and up. 

(Legend Films, 1950)

A Mile in His Shoes

This is a wholesome, Canadian made-for-television baseball movie about an autistic 18-year-old named Mickey who becomes a winning pitcher in the minor leagues. It's based on a novel about the real-life Mickey Tussler, who played the game well but didn't fit in with his teammates during a time when there was little awareness about autism. While the film focuses on Mickey's baseball talents, it also emphasizes the importance of treating people with autism with respect—making it one of those good kid movies to watch on the weekend. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 8 and older.

(Vivendi, 2012)

Rookie of the Year

If you think the best movies for tweens are comedies, you're probably right! This 1990s comedy follows a baseball-challenged little leaguer who breaks his arm but then discovers when his cast is removed that he can now throw a ball like a champ. The Chicago Cubs want to get in on this action and make the 12-year-old its star pitcher. The plot is a bit far-fetched, but it's also entertaining and light-hearted, which makes for a good kid baseball movie. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 8 and older.

(Twentieth Century Fox, 1993)

The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg

Sometimes the best kid movies are also the realistic ones that teach us all something about talent and perseverance. This is a great feature-length documentary baseball film about Hank Greenberg, America's first Jewish baseball star. He faced ethnic and religious prejudice during a time that Jewish athletes weren't welcomed but transcended this bigotry to become a community hero during the 1930s. This flick is rated PG and recommended for ages 8 and older.             

(Twentieth Century Fox,  2000)

The Pride of the Yankees

This is a classic baseball movie that pays tribute to the life of legendary Lou Gehrig, who played first base for the New York Yankees before dying tragically at age 37. His teammates Babe Ruth, Bob Meusel, Mark Koenig, and Bill Dickey play themselves in it, along with sportscaster Bill Stern. The film is less about sports than it is about Gehrig's charisma, family life, and accomplishments as he worked his way up from the streets of New York to the minor leagues and eventually become a Yankee fan favorite. It also chronicles his health struggles and premature death from ALS, a disease that was unknown at the time but became more notable to the public as "Lou Gehrig's disease." The movie is unrated (although it can be considered a good PG movie) and recommended for children ages 8 and older. 

(MGM/UA, 1942)

the rookie is a baseball movie for kids

The Rookie

One of the best movies for tweens who love baseball, this inspiring true story follows the life of Jim Morris, a high school baseball coach who was injured before getting to the major leagues. However, he gets a second chance at the age of 35, making him the oldest rookie at the time. The movie stars Dennis Quaid as Morris and Brian Cox as his father. It's rated G and recommended for ages 8 and older.

(Walt Disney Pictures,  2002)

The Sandlot is a classic baseball movie for kids

The Sandlot

This is a coming-of-age sports comedy movie about a small group of baseball players during the summer of 1962. It focuses on the new kid in town, Scotty Smalls, a 12-year-old who joins a local pick-up team to make friends. The film has a nostalgic feel and some critics have compared it to A Christmas Story because of its narration and tone. It's a good kid movie that parents will also enjoy, is rated PG, and is recommended for ages 8 and older.

(Twentieth Century Fox, 1993)

baseball movies for kids

A League of Their Own

Tom Hanks and Geena Davis star in this classic (and one of the best, in some people's opinion!) baseball movie about a girl's baseball team in the 1940s. It's based on a true story about women during this time trying to break gender stereotypes and prove that they have as much of a right as men to be on the field (and be respected as athletes). The characters are fun, the storyline comedic and engaging, and there are many other stars, including Madonna, Lori Petty, Rosie O'Donnell, and Jon Lovitz. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 10 and older.

(Columbia Tristar, 2002)

The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings

In another star-studded baseball classic, this often-forgotten film features the comedic talents of Richard Pryor, James Earl Jones, and Billy Dee Williams. It's about a team of former Negro league baseball players in the 1930s struggling with racial tensions as they find success on the road and give the established teams a run for their money. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 10 and older.

(Universal Pictures, 1976)

baseball movies for kids

Million Dollar Arm

Based on a true story about baseball pitchers discovered after winning a reality show competition, this film stars Jon Hamm as an independent sports agent who recruits talented Indian cricket players to play Major League baseball. He takes them to Los Angeles, where the now-baseball players struggle with a new game and culture. This is a good (and somewhat recent) PG-rated movie recommended for ages 10 and older.

(Walt Disney Pictures, 2014)

42 is a great baseball movie for kids

42

This is another, more recent, movie about baseball legend Jackie Robinson (played by Chadwick Boseman), who broke through the sport's racial barriers during the 1946 and 1947 seasons after being recruited by Branch Rickey, general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers (played by Harrison Ford). It's a basic and crowd-pleasing baseball movie that'll appeal to teens and mature tweens whether they are baseball fans or not. It's rated PG-13 and recommended for ages 11 and older.

(Warner Bros., 2013)

The Natural is a classic baseball movie for kids

The Natural

Considered an all-time baseball movie classic, The Natural stars Robert Redford as a sports prodigy who lost the chance to try out for the Chicago Cubs but, 16 years later, returns to professional baseball with the downtrodden New York Knights. He plays well and helps the Knights become a winning team, but the team's owner wants him to lose. This is one of the best PG movies about baseball and is recommended for ages 11 and older.

(Columbia Tristar, 1984)

Bad News Bears is a baseball movie for kids

The Bad News Bears

A former minor-league hopeful begrudgingly agrees to coach a misfit Little League team in this funny, slightly-edgy film that is one of the best movies for tweens. In an effort to change his bad luck with the team, the coach brings in a feisty female pitcher and attempts to whip all his outcasts into shape. This baseball movie pushed some boundaries when it was made in the 1970s, and it's rated PG-13, and recommended for ages 12 and older.

(Universal Pictures, 1976)

Field of Dreams is a classic baseball movie for kids

Field of Dreams

Kevin Costner plays an Iowa farmer who hears a voice in his cornfield telling him (the now famed suggestion) "if you build it, he will come." Although everyone thinks he's crazy, he builds a baseball diamond that is soon visited by the ghosts of great players. This film is about reconciling relationships and following your dreams and will appeal especially to older teens and adults. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 12 and older. 

(Universal Pictures, 1989)

Moneyball

San Francisco Bay Area baseball fans should not miss this flick, based on the excellent nonfiction best-selling book about the Oakland A's. Brad Pitt plays the general manager, who is assisted by an Ivy League graduate (played by Jonah Hill), as they recruit flawed but talented players in an attempt to change outdated baseball traditions. The adults will get as much entertainment out of this winning movie as the kids, and it's rated PG-13, and recommended for ages 12 and older.

(Columbia Pictures, 2011)

Everyone's hero is a baseball movie for kids

Everyone's Hero

In this animated feature set during the 1932 World Series, a boy considers whether to take a chance and become a hero or play it safe. Guess which one he chooses? You're right — he decides to fight the odds, taking a cross-country journey to return Babe Ruth's baseball bat. This is one of those feel-good kid movies for all ages, rated G and recommended for ages 5 and up.

(20th Century Fox, 2006)

The perfect game is a baseball movie for kids

The Perfect Game

This sports drama is based on true events and a 2008 book of the same name about a group of boys struggling in Monterrey, Mexico who discover baseball and then go on a winning streak. Their dreams of making it to the 1957 Little League World Series lead them across the border to compete and become the first team from outside the US to win. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 8 and up.

(Lionsgate Image Entertainment, 2010)

Hardball is a baseball movie

Hardball

A gambler (Keanu Reeves) becomes a Little League coach for a team of children in Chicago's housing projects to help pay off his debts. He surprises himself by becoming attached to the troubled fifth-graders and their teacher (Diane Lane). This inspiring baseball movie has some tough language and themes and is rated PG-13. It's recommended for ages 14 and up. 

(Paramount Pictures, 2001)

Air Bud is a baseball movie for kids

Air Bud: Seventh Inning Fetch 

This direct-to-DVD baseball movie is one of the many sequels to the original 1997 film Air Bud, about a dog who plays basketball. This one focuses on Andrea, the younger sister of Josh (the boy who adopted the talented golden retriever in the first movie). Andrea is trying out for her high school baseball team and Josh's athletic canine helps out as an extra catcher. Meanwhile, dognappers have their eye on him. This movie didn't get the best reviews—descriptions of it include the words "pointless" and "slow"—but it's rated G and recommended for ages 5 and up. 

(Walt Disney Home Entertainment, 2002)

 

Brewster's Millions

Yes, this can be considered a baseball movie! While its main focus isn't sports, the lead character named Brewster (Richard Pryor) is a minor-league pitcher who loses his position just before his great-uncle leaves him $300 million. But before Brewster can inherit, he must follow complicated rules to spend $30 million in 30 days. This is a fun film that does, in fact, involve baseball games. It's rated PG and recommended for ages 11 and up.

(Universal Pictures, 1985)

 

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5 Thoughtful Ways to Empower Your Kids to Achieve Success

By Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP

We all want our kids to be successful—to be a leap ahead. Not ahead of every other kid, necessarily, but to their full potential.

So, how do we do it? And how do we achieve it (even more importantly) without making them stressed-out and overwhelmed in the process?

First, get a grip on your parenting goals and philosophy.

Is my goal to have my daughters be doctors like me? Why? Because that sounds successful? Not a good enough reason. Is my number one focus for them to be accepted into some highly-acclaimed academic institution? For what purpose? I have to check in with myself about my own motivations.

Instead, I try to make it my goal to raise daughters who 1) are well-adjusted, self-sufficient, confident adults; 2) who love what they do-no matter what that is; and 3) who understand that they have to work hard to achieve their dreams. That is the REAL measure of success.

Allow time for imaginative play to foster a love of learning.

Just because I’m not gunning for Ivy-League admittance for my kids (not that it would be bad if they ended up there, it just isn’t my focus), it doesn’t mean I don’t look for educational opportunities every day. In fact, I do a lot of that. 

But my main goal with the activities is that my kids totally nerd out on whatever it is that THEY think is really cool, even if it’s not in my interest area. I also make sure that they have plenty of free time to play without structure.

For example, my almost-four-year-old is on a Julia Child kick these days. We stumbled upon some old In Julia’s Kitchen With Master Chefs episodes and she was hooked after one show. I noticed that, soon after she started watching, she asked me to pull out ingredients from the cupboard and began making little concoctions with them. 

At first, I asked if she was interested in an Easy Bake Oven, or some other way to actually cook food but she looked at me, appalled, when I suggested it. “Mommy, these are experiments, NOT meals.”

No problem, kiddo.

She then proceeded to narrate her addition of the baking soda to the vinegar (“Ooh, look how it bubbles! It’s making a frothy foam”) and every single other ingredient she added in. She sounded like she was a cooking show host but, apparently, she imagined she was the star of a fancy chemistry presentation.

The counters were a mess. We probably wasted $20 in flour and salt, but she was so content as her little imagination soared. The next time we were at the library, she wanted to know if there were books about other types of mixtures—paints, dirt and water, other types of foods. It was a little magical.

Provide age-appropriate learning opportunities that allow kids to build competence and confidence—but don’t overdo it. 

I care about keeping my priorities straight but I also care about stimulating my daughters’ little neural pathways. In the process of fostering a love of learning, I have to make sure to simplify so we don’t get too overwhelmed.

Why? I’ve seen the effect of over-scheduling kids over and over in my office. The kids are so frantic and so are their parents.

Instead, I recommend focusing on one or two weekly non-school activities per kid per season (3 max!).

Mix it up while they are young, if possible, unless they find something THEY love that they want to stick with. If you can, find one active activity and one more “academic” or community option (think music class, art class). 

For older kids, let THEM choose from a handful of options, versus demanding that they are involved in a specific activity you really care about. If the coach/teacher is a bad fit, that’s one thing but, if at all possible, try to stick with whichever activity you choose through the season, then switch it up if it’s not working out so you can help foster a little perseverance and commitment.

Model resilience and a growth mindset. 

Allow your kids to see you fail and to rebound from your failures. Use family dinner times to talk about the best parts of your day but also about the challenges you faced and the ways you overcame them. 

Have your kids, when they are old enough, share their “Rose and Thorn of the Day” as well. Work on letting them figure things out on their own, waiting to jump in with help until they ask you for it and, even then, assisting mostly by helping them to problem-solve the situation for themselves.

“Well, let’s see, how could you get your book back without yelling if your sister takes it?”

“I could give her another toy and ask if I could trade her.”

“I love that idea! Nice problem-solving.”

In your own work, look for ways you can adjust your attitude to consider yourself a “learner.” When you don’t do as well as you want to do, use it as an opportunity to grow as opposed to looking at each mini failure as a sign of ineptitude.

Approach your kids’ failures in the same way. “I can’t do that” is usually met with a “yet” in my house. “Did you try your best? Ok, then you did a great job!”

Aim for goodness of fit.

When you get involved in activities or make choices on which schools/educational programs are best, look first at how it fits with the personality of your child. Does your child need a warm, supportive environment to thrive, even if it’s not seemingly as rigorous as another option? 

It might just serve you better in the long run. Does your kid need more structure and accountability? An educational program that fits that model may work better. The temperament of your child will often determine their needs and their ability to work well within the system where they go to learn every day,

A leap ahead—that’s my focus for my kids and I bet it is for you, too.  A leap to wherever they want to go. To whatever they want to be. To an understanding that success in life and work is not about fulfilling expectations, it’s about finding the things that ultimately bring them joy and fulfillment.

Whitney Casares, MD, MPH, FAAP
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm a pediatrician and a mama mindset expert. I host The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, and am a mom to two young girls in Portland, Oregon. I'm also author of The New Baby Blueprint and The Working Mom Blueprint from the American Academy of Pediatrics. 

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3 Words Every Kid Needs to Hear & They’re Not “I Love You”

By elham raker

“We support you.” Those three words were all it took.

I saw my parents at a family party and they knew immediately something was wrong. I told them what was happening—I was going through something particularly difficult in my life—and I tried to act like a big girl that didn’t need her parents’ help. I gave them an update while inside, I was crying big heavy tears. My mom asked me what I was going to do and I said, “I don’t know.” She then told me something that I have hung onto more than anything they have ever said to me or done for me—and it’s been a lot—three words that I will never forget.

“We support you.” That’s all. “We support you and whatever decision you make.” Nothing about my situation had improved, there was nothing my parents could do to help, but at that moment, having their support and knowing they have my back made all the difference in the world.

I recently heard a lecture about “good enough” parenting. I love this concept and it’s my new mantra. Why is it that when our children have problems, we think it’s our problem? Why is it that we blame ourselves for everything that goes wrong? Why do we put this pressure on ourselves that we have to be perfect—or very close to it? Where does this come from?

The answer is we don’t know. The truth is we rarely “know.” Yes, some of the little things we can help with, we can guide, we can advise. But nobody has all the answers and certainly not to all the “bigger kid, bigger problems.”

That’s when we need to tell our kids, “We support you.” That’s when we hold hands, hug, eat a batch of cookies or a carton of ice cream and just listen. Our kids don’t want us to fix it, they just want to know that we are there for them, that we support them, that we have their backs—whether they’re a tantrum-ing three-year-old, or a 23-year-old dealing with the consequences of a bad decision.

We just need to hold them and let them know that their problems are not too big for us, their feelings don’t scare us, they don’t need to go to time out or be afraid to open up to us.

“We support you.”

At the end of the day, that’s all parenting needs to be. Loving our children, being there for them and supporting them. It’s not planning everything so that they are successful, it’s not getting them into the Ivy League or getting them an awesome job. It’s taking care of their basic needs, loving them and just being there.

Don’t beat yourself up if you aren’t having the most stellar parenting day. If your kids are alive and breathing asleep in their beds, I call it a win! No helicopters or lawnmowers necessary. Just some face-to-face time! We are good enough.

How do you deal with parenting failures? How did your parents support you or how do you wish they supported you?

 I'm a mom to 2 busy kids and a pediatrician. My blog is about all things mom, doctor and how the two come together. My goal is to help you find your voice while I find mine and help you become your best version while I become mine!

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Adorable Kids’ Hairstyles and Haircuts That Never Never Look Outdated

by Shahrzad Warkentin

Prepping that back-to-school style isn’t just about the threads. A new haircut or hairstyle can be a great way to start the school year off on the right foot. From classic cuts to trendy styles, we’ve rounded up our favorite kids’ hairstyles and haircuts for kids to inspire your tykes (and you!) to update their tresses.

Kids’ Haircuts

Bangs

ys15 via Pixaby

If you've got a kid who can pull off bangs, go for it! You can trim them up in between cuts, and she'll stand out in a crowd. Be sure to snag a proper pair of scissors that are designed for trimming hair. 

Buzz Cut

Quite possibly the easiest haircut of all time, if you don't want to worry about styling anyone's hairdo before hurrying out the door, the buzz cut is your answer. Do you have the right trimmer? 

 

Curly Bob

Eye for Ebony

For curly haired-kiddos, this is a perfect length. It'll still have plenty of volume, and it won't be too hard to maintain. Be sure to use plenty of detangler or a leave-in conditioner when dealing with sensitive little heads. 

Mohawk

Imelda via Flickr

With shaved sides and long hair in the middle, a mohawk is a great way to make a statement on the first day. But, be warned, you'll need to be ready to style it every day, so this style is best for product-savvy parents. 

Textured

Amanda Urabe

This cut gives straight hair definition and is a great get-up-and-go do.

Layered

Amanda Kitano

Add a little flair to shoulder-length hair with some defining layers. This one might take a daily blow-out to maintain the style, so be sure you have a good hairdryer on hand. 

Side Bangs

Pixabay

Not all boy haircuts have to be short. Side bangs and layers make this longer look manageable. A little bit of gel to keep it contained, and he's ready to go! 

Side Shaved

Kelly Brook Chang

Rock this trendy look that’s both awesome and makes it easy to get hair done in the morning rush.

Ivy League Fade

djedj via pixaby

This classic look never goes out of style. The best part is it’s easy to maintain, and it looks great on all ages.

A-Line Bob

Claudia's Hair Story via Instagram

Frame her face with an A-line bob that leaves a little length so you can still rock a pony with adorable hair accessories when you need to mix it up.

Curly Fade

dthebarber13 via Instagram

Tame those curly tresses with a neat fade. The kids will score cuteness points for matching back-to-school hairdos like this duo. Don't forget the curl treatment before styling! 

Kids’ Hairstyles

Side Ponytail

istock

With Stranger Things being a huge hit out this summer, it's no wonder everything '80s is totally "in." In that vein, give the classic ponytail a makeover by switching to a side version! Be sure to stock up on plenty of scrunchies to complete the look. 

Natural Braids

Matthew Henry from Burst

Keep natural hair protected, out of the way and totally adorable with multiple braids and colorful bands.

Fauxhawk

Bryant Horowitz

With length on top and a little bit of product, you can easily rock a hawk without fully committing to the cut.

Fishtail Braid

Abella's Braids via Instagram

This simple braid gives you the unique look of a fishtail without the all the work. Check out easy-to-follow tutorials here.

Streak of Color

Claudia's Hair Story via Instagram

If your mini fashionista desperately wants her hair to match her outfit, why not meet halfway with just a streak or two. This hair chalk set comes with 10 different colors! 

Headband

Abella's Braids via Instagram

Hair accessories never go out of style, especially headbands that can be worn alone or with ponytails. We love all the different options you can find! 

Pineapple Updo

Pexels

Keep natural or curly hair up and out of the way with this fast and easy style. Just add moisturizer and pull it up with a scrunchie.

Panda Buns

Shahrzad Warkentin

This cute up-do is a great way to keep long hair out of the way. Simply make two high ponytails then twist them and wrap them into buns. Secure in place with hairbands or bobby pins.

 

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Tips to Curb the Coronavirus Academic Slide

By Brian Galvin

As the bow wave of Coronavirus (COVID-19) school closures continues to sweep across the country, millions of parents are coming to grips with a frightening new reality: How do they fill the void of a child at home and prevent “academic slide?”

For most parents, this new challenge is both daunting and bewildering. They’re worried their child will lose momentum in school and want to keep them engaged but the virtual education industry has an overwhelming online bazaar of videos, content, tutors, tests, and noise to sift and sort. Lesson plans come in all shapes and sizes. So, where to start?

I’ve been working on the front lines of virtual homeschooling for many years, from early childhood lesson planning to preparing high schoolers for college exams to most recently helping design Varsity Tutors’ new Virtual School Day—a free remote learning program that includes live, online classes and educational resources intended to help keep students from sliding academically. The good news is you can do this, it just takes some planning and patience. Here are some tips on how to successfully lean into your child’s new homeschool reality: 

  • Using templates or one-size-fits-all online programs are of limited value, and will likely leave you and your child frustrated. And avoid random lessons cobbled together. Focus on building a structure or a virtual school day that replicates your student’s everyday schedule. If they have math first thing in the morning, do the same at home. Kids are creatures of habit—use this to your advantage. They will adjust quicker to being homeschooled by not also taking on a new school day routine.
  • Virtual homeschooling also provides the freedom to tailor your child’s online education day to his or her likes, dislikes, learning style, and needs. Two virtual structures that are used today include the traditional approach, where a student follows a structured, school-like curriculum created by his or her parent, and the unschooling approach, where students choose what and when they would like to learn. Many families also adopt techniques in-between these two approaches. But the goal is to settle on a structure that works for your child and their schedule and stick with it.
  • Once you are up and running, it’s critical to use assessments along the way. These checks ensure your child is mastering the lessons and knowledge, but more importantly, they are your peace of mind. Without assessments, you won’t know if there has been any slide or what steps to take to shore up problem areas.
  • Be observant of your child’s progress and attitude. If something isn’t working, re-evaluate it, and try different curricula or educational philosophies. Virtual homeschooling can be very effective due to its flexibility and its ability to accommodate the needs of your child, your values, and your lifest‌yle.

Finally, unless you are a trained educator, set reasonable expectations for you and your child during this temporary school closure time. Getting into an Ivy League school will most likely not depend on completing a difficult online math problem. All indications are the COVID-19 crisis is a moment in time and will recede at some point. 

For most parents, reasonable success is keeping your child engaged in learning, preventing academic slide, and using quality virtual learning to fill the void of downtime instead of video games and iPhones. Schools will reopen and your child’s educational world will return to normal—and so will your sanity.  

It can take time for your family to adjust to homeschooling. It will also take time for you, the parent, to acclimate to being a teacher. Patience is essential but also be realistic.

Brian Galvin is the Chief Academic Officer for Varsity Tutors. A lifelong educator with a Master's in Education, Brian's been teaching and developing online classes since 2009. He most recently helped design Virtual School Day, a free remote learning program that includes live, online classes to help students during coronavirus school cancellations.    
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How to Keep Your Routine with the Kids at Home

by Gabby Cullen

With the recent spread of the coronavirus, chances are high that your kids will be at home (while you probably have to work from home as well) for the next few weeks. To attain some sort of balance between giving them screens for 16 hours a day and setting up a complete classroom at home, we asked a few educators and homeschooling parents for their top tips. From being okay with the fact that your kids will probably have above-average screentime to how important it is to keep a morning routine, keep reading for ideas on how to manage the kids’ schedule while school is closed.

Try to find a balance between downtime and learning time.

iStock

“Let your kids have balance while they are off. TV and computer are great, but don’t let them spend the whole day in front of a screen, as tempting as it can be. You can embed some learning into their day,” says Tammy Molnar, a kindergarten teacher based in the Dallas suburb of Rockwall, TX. For example, there are plenty of activities for kids that will teach them a thing or two: Take the time to set up a science experiment, play math games, read books, or spend time in the kitchen.

Don’t let your morning routine fall to the wayside. 

Pixabay

We all know the summer days when no one gets dressed until noon. Yes, it’s nice, but research shows that kids thrive on consistency and routine, as it provides a sense of security, and in these uncertain times, kids need that more than ever. Get them up, feed them breakfast, pull out the workbooks or if the weather is nice, head outside. Save screen time for the afternoon.

Set up a designated education space. 

iStock

Your kids have a space in the classroom, so why not give them a space at home? “It doesn’t have to be in a separate room,” says Natalie Cottrell, a homeschooling mom and founder of Grasshopper Academics a company that provides curriculum, downloadables, online consults and in-home visits to homeschool families around the country.

Take the time to prep (even just five minutes).

Unsplash

You write out your to-do list for the home and/or for work. Do the same for a daily lesson or two. “I usually get the kids to the table with a science video, we love mysteryscience.com, and then then I have our lessons planned out for the day. We use a literature-based curriculum—so basically just lots of reading. And lots of discussions about what we're reading.” says Dallas-based blogger and homeschool mom of two, Amanda Lauro.

Utilize resources being offered for free. 

Pexels

There are a ton of free online resources being offered right now. We've got a roundup that includes 70+ of them here.  Plus, look for deals and freebies being offered for parents, like Raddish Kids, who has offered over 25,000 free kits for parents temporarily homeschooling. And, did we mention that we have a few ideas ourselves? 

Take it outside.

Luna Lovegood via Pexels

They don’t get enough outdoor time anyway, so if the weather is nice where you live, and you can spend time outside, do it. Take the time to ride bikes, dig in the garden, do messy art or set up an outdoor learning lab. After all, it’s recommended that kids be outside for three hours a day, so what better time than the present? Looking for the ultimate list of outdoor activities for kids? We've got you covered! 

Set reasonable expectations for yourself (and your kids).

indoor activities
iStock

It’s okay to admit your kids probably won’t be getting the same level of instruction that they’re accustomed to. “Unless you are a trained educator, set reasonable expectations for you and your child during this temporary school closure time. Getting into an Ivy League school will most likely not depend on completing a difficult online math problem,” says Brian Galvin, Chief Academic Officer for Varsity Tutors, a Live Learning Platform that seamlessly connects experts and learners in any subject, anywhere, at any time.

—Gabby Cullen

 

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Kids Need Unstructured Play Time, Especially in the Summer—& Here’s Why

by Erica Loop

The road to the ivy league doesn’t include hours on end of random block play and kid-created dress-up games. Right? Um, maybe not. Sometimes letting kids be kids is what children really need. So why is unstructured play so important? While there’s no easy answer to this question, filling your tot’s schedule with ballet classes, soccer games, tennis lessons and every other program that child shows even a moderate amount of interest in may not be the key.

Hey, letting your kiddo explore their interests is never a bad thing. That is, unless their interests include cliff diving or something equally as scary. Even though a class or two can do plenty of good, when the handful of activities that your child picks out turn into three different lessons a day that you choose, something might be…um, off.

Photo: Free-Photos via Pixabay

So why cut down on the classes and up your kiddo’s unstructured play time? Giving your child time to just play may boost your little one’s creativity. Think about what happens when you step back and let your child lead when it comes to creating engaging activities. Chances are they’ll kick their imagination into high gear and problem-solve a solution to the “What should I do now mommy?” dilemma.

Along with increasing creativity, unstructured play may help your kiddo to develop social skills. If your child is playing with their peers, they’re navigating the social waters and building communication, sharing and turn-taking skills.

What can you do to help your child play? Well, the answer isn’t to schedule unstructured play time. Instead, take the opposite approach. Stop scheduling everything, and just let your child be. Don’t worry, they’ll figure out something to do!

—Erica Loop

Featured Photo: HaiRobe via Pixabay

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Cool D.C. Parent to Know: The Career Changer

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

More and more, mamas and papas are leaving their desk jobs behind to start their own businesses (cue the mompreneur phenomenon). But before you put in your notice, you should meet Caroline Greene. Caroline’s a recovering lawyer turned life and business coach (and best-selling Amazon author) who helps moms start businesses and build lives that truly matter to them. This D.C.-based mom of two daughters shared some of her wisdom for moms as well as some local family hangouts that you’ll want to check out asap. 

Photo: Caroline Greene

 

You’re the author of two Determined Mom’s Guides. What will readers find in these guides?
The Determined Mom’s Guides are short, easy-to-read books with actionable steps to help moms be the parents, partners and whole people they want to be. My first book, MATTER, tells the story of how I went from being an Ivy-league educated lawyer to a stay-at-home mom to a life coach, and shares the tips and tools I learned along the way to help other moms find meaningful work. My second book, NEXT, shares all of the mistakes I made when launching my business (and provides a practical, step-by-step guide on how to avoid them) to help moms can start successful businesses that are right for them and their families without making all the same missteps I did!

What’s the one thing you’d tell a parent looking to start a new business in the DMV?
Don’t do it alone. The myth of self-sufficiency is an all-powerful one, especially in the DMV area. All too often it tells us that if we’re “good enough” to start a business then we’d better be “good enough” to do it all by ourselves. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether it’s getting more help in the house, reworking your tacit arrangements with your partner, or hiring a guide or mentor to help you navigate your business launch, get the help that’s right for you so that you can enjoy your time – at work and home.

You’ve got a free hour between appointments and pick-up. Where do you go for some “me time”?
You know, not too long ago, that very question would have put me into a panic. “What is ‘me’ time? Who gets to have that? I don’t even know what that means! “ But I’m delighted to tell you that with the help of my own coach, I’ve finally tapped into the things that bring me joy and actually give myself permission to do them. My current favorites are taking a walk or heading down to the Key Bridge Boathouse to jump on a paddleboard.

What’s your favorite go-to restaurant for family dinners?
If I’m choosing, Cactus Cantina! If the kids are choosing, Café Deluxe (which they call Lucky Moo Moos. I have absolutely no idea why.)

What’s the best part of being a parent in D.C.?
As someone who would rather be on the beach year round than live in a big city, I sometimes find it hard to embrace living in D.C., but the truth is, it’s a wonderful place to raise a family. Between the Kennedy Center, the Udvar-Hazy center, and the beautiful parks and playgrounds all over the city, there is never a shortage of things to do—assuming I can get everybody out of the house to go do them!

Do you know a cool mom or dad that everyone in the District should know, too? Tell us about them in the comments below. 

—Sarah Vogel

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