ML Interest Tag: license

24 Games You Can Play in the Car on Your Next Road Trip

by Kate Loweth

Getting to your destination can be part of the adventure when you have this handy list of car games in your back pocket

If you’re heading out on a road trip soon and want to ensure that the trip will be spent making memories with the kids (screen-free fun in the car is possible!), then we’ve got a list of car games just for you. To make your journey as enjoyable as possible, you’ll want to print out this list of easy games to play in the car. They don’t require any special gear, there are no pieces to lose, and they’re actually fun for parents and kids alike. Be sure to check out our list of road trip hacks that’ll make the drive even easier. Win, win, win!

1. The Alphabet Game: Find all the letters of the alphabet on things you pass along the highway. Variation: limit your finds to license plates or road signs to make it harder.

2. I Spy: This road trip classic has players starting with a vague clue like, “I spy something that moves” and the other players guessing from there. Only yes or no questions are allowed. Tip: put a limit to the number of questions so the rounds don’t go on for eternity.

3. Would You Rather: This is a fun one to get the kids thinking, with great questions like: “Would you rather live in the desert or on a deserted island?” Another good one: “Would you rather be able to control the weather or talk to animals?” Check out our list of would you rather questions for kids and our list of would you rather questions for teens. We even have would you rather questions for adults!

4. Fortunately/Unfortunately: This story-creation car game for kids starts with a sentence like, “Mom came home with a chocolate cake.” The next person has to continue the story with fortunately like, “Fortunately, it had sprinkles on it.” Turn passes to the next person who uses unfortunately like, “Unfortunately, they were made of wax.” Hilarity ensues.

5. Story Volley: A similar game is story volley where you take turns creating a story back and forth between two (or more) players. This one can go on forever!

6. Open-ended Questions: Learn a little more about your car companions with this game where you can ask any question you like. Good ones to start with: What’s your favorite animal? What superpower do you wish you had? What TV character are you most like?

7. Alphabet Game (Version 2): The flow of this game is to use this phrase, “My name is ______ and I’m married to _______. We live in ______ and are shopping for ________.” All words have to start with the letter you are on like, “My name is Amy and I’m married to Al. We live in Arkansas and are shopping for apples.” Then you move on to B.

8. Letter, Word, or Sentence Guessing Game: For back seat players only, you have one kid draw a letter, word, or sentence (depending on age) on the other player’s back. Try to guess what was drawn.

9. License Plate Bingo: Using a little notebook to keep track, try and find all the state license plates. This game can carry over from road trip to road trip as who has ever seen a Hawaii plate outside of Hawaii? Parents should be ready to verify any rare sightings (to prevent cheating).

license plate bingo is a game you can play in the car
iStock

 

Related: 22 Creative Road Trip Activities (That Don’t Include Screens)

10. 20 Questions: This game has you thinking of an item while your opponent has to guess what it is. Limit your questions to 20 so you don’t go totally insane. This game knows how it is to travel with kids, clearly. For little kids, you can limit it even further to a category like animals.

11. The Name Game: Good for teens and tweens, this game has you name a celebrity like Oprah Winfrey and the next person has to take the first letter of that celebrity’s last name to start their turn and name another celebrity like Will Smith.

12. Hot Sauce or Chocolate: A variation on this or that, this game has you choose which item between two that you’d rather give up. Start with hot sauce or chocolate, choose one (clearly chocolate is the one to keep) and the next person has to add another to the pair like peanut butter so now you’re choosing between chocolate and peanut butter.

13. The Vacation Memory Game: This is a fun car game for kids! The first person starts with, “I’m going on a vacation and I’m going to bring . . . ” and then they choose an item like sunscreen. The second person starts, “I’m going on a vacation and I’m going to bring sunscreen and . . .” and chooses a second item like beach towels. The game continues until someone messes up the order and forgets an item. You can make it trickier by going in alphabetical order.

14. Count the Item: Choose an item like an American flag, tractor, or Starbucks sign and see how many your crew can find while on your journey.

15. Yes-No-Black-White: In this car game for kids, one player is the questioner and one the answerer. The questioner asks a question, trying to get the answerer to say the words “yes, no, black or white.” The answerer needs to answer verbally and truthfully, without using the forbidden words.

16. The Animal Name Game: The first player picks an animal like a squirrel. The second player has to pick an animal that starts with the last letter of the prior animal, like “lion.” And on and on!

17. Skittles: In this game, you are looking for the holy grail: the yellow vehicle. See one and yell, “Skittles!” and get one point. You may have to set your own rules about whether yellow farm equipment and buses count or should be excluded (as a fleet of school buses could cause an early end to your gameplay).

kids enjoying games you can play in the car
iStock

 

Related: 16 Roadside Attractions You’ve Got to See to Believe

18. Cheers to the Governor (the kid version): This is a collaborative memory game you can play in the car to get to a certain number. So, if your goal is to get to 21, you start by counting one by one in order. You start with one rule, usually that 7 and 11 are switched (instead of saying 7 the person who is supposed to say 7 will say 11, and the person who should say 11 will say 7). If you make it through all the numbers, someone makes up a new rule (clap twice instead of saying three, make an animal noise instead of 15), and start counting back at 1 with the new rule. If someone misses a rule, you start back at one. The goal is to get to the point where all of the numbers are replaced with rules.

19. State Capitals: Good for all you geography fans, get the kids to list the state capitals. You can do it in alphabetical order or quiz style.

20. Cows and Graveyards: You get a point for every cow you spot on your side of the car. Spot a graveyard and lose all points.

21. Name That Tune: Play a snippet of a song from the radio and try and guess the song and artist.

22. Restaurant Race: Each player gets a restaurant like McDonalds, Taco Bell, or Burger King and players count how many of their restaurants they can find along the way.

23. Rock-Paper-Scissors: This is a classic hand game that’s a perfect game to play in the car. Two players shoot rock (fist), paper (flat hand), or scissors (the peace sign) on the count of 1,2,3… shoot! Paper beats rock, rock beats scissors, and scissors beats paper. Try the best of three, or just keep playing down the road.

Our All-Time Favorite Games to Play in the Car

24. Off Limits: In this game, you choose words or phrases that are “off limits” like family member’s names, “hungry” or “are we there yet?” (Brilliant!)

25. The Quiet Game: The player who is quiet the longest wins! Save this one for when you are really desperate.

Related: 21 Clever TikTok Travel Hacks to Make Traveling with Kids a Breeze

 

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15 Non-Cheesy Mantras That’ll Actually Shift Your Mood

by Amber Guetebier

Say it with us, “I’m going easy on myself today”

Parenting is no walk in the park, and sometimes it feels like the cards are stacked against us: work, dealing with tantrums (be it your toddler or tween), laundry, inflation on just about everything. That’s why it is more important than ever to offer some positive reinforcement… to yourself! We talked to the experts and came up with 15 positive affirmations to write down, display, or pull out on the days or in the moments when you need a lift.

Why positive affirmations can make you a better parent

We asked renowned parenting expert Reena B. Patel why positive affirmations matter. Patel, who is also a licensed educational psychologist, board-certified behavior analyst, and the author of Winnie & Her Worries, reminds us that positive affirmations are rooted in positive psychology. “Positive, simple statements help shift your focus away from perceived failures and direct your focus toward your strengths,” says Patel. “We believe and act upon what we think, thus leading to self-fulfilling prophecies if we focus only on what we are not good at. There is power in positive thinking. Positive emotions are linked with better health, longer life, and greater well-being.”

Patel also suggests that, whenever possible, parents try to state their affirmation while looking at themselves in the mirror, and by saying the statement multiple times a day (at least three is ideal). Use positive “I’ statements and place a visual of the words in an area that you can see daily as a reminder, she adds.

1. I am a good parent. It’s easy to criticize ourselves and focus on how we think we’re failing as a mom or dad. But parenting is tough, and we’re all doing the best we can. Acknowledge that fact, and tell yourself out loud, every day, that you’re a good parent.

2. Loving myself is the greatest gift I can give to my child. Kids are sponges and they learn from us. So if your kiddos know you appreciate yourself, they will learn to love themselves. That’s one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids.

3. I’m not perfect. We all know that nobody is perfect. But we place a big expectation on ourselves as parents to be pretty close to it. Repeating that mantra is a great reminder that it’s okay to be human, not to be perfect.

4. I can only control myself. It’s so hard, but one of the best ways to help kids grow emotionally is to exhibit mature behavior. Debbie Pincus, MS LMHC, says, “When we react emotionally to our kids and lose control, we’re allowing our kids to determine how we behave rather than the other way around.” Next time your kid throws a massive fit, try to stay calm and see what happens.

5. I am willing to learn and grow. Patel reminds us that it is critical to embrace change and growth, even when things seem tough. After all, it’s what we’d tell our kids, right?
6. Today is a new day. It’s easy to focus on how yesterday was a bad day. Sanah Rizvi, the founder of The Psych Way, suggests shifting the self-talk to focus on how every day is a chance to make progress toward what you want and the person you want to be.

7. I’m doing the best I can do. At the end of the day, that’s all we can do. Repeating that mantra every day will help you accept it as truth.

8. I make good decisions for my kids. This positive affirmation is a tough one to remember, especially when little ones are very vocal about making their displeasure with our decisions known. Parent Trust points out that moms and dads know they’re making the right choices for their kids. Embrace it and repeat the statement to yourself as a reminder.

9. I’m going easy on myself today. Permit yourself to take it easy. Say it out loud and grow comfortable with the idea.

10. It’s okay to ask for help, and what’s more, I deserve it. It’s time to take control of your needs and be OKAY with asking for help. You’ll be surprised to find out how many people are willing to step up if you just ask them.

11. Parenting is exhausting. Every parent knows this statement to be true. Writer Lauren Tamm suggests repeating this mantra as a reminder that taking care of kids is hard work. No wonder we’re so tired at the end of the day!

12. I am loved. Motherhood can be a thankless job, and little ones aren’t known for their compliments. Parent coach and family therapist Nicole Schwarz reminds moms that even though their kids may not say it, they really do feel that way. You just may need to put words to it.

13. I am what my kiddo needs. At the end of the day, there’s nothing else that’s as true as that statement.

14. It won’t always be like this. The one thing we know for sure is that hardships always pass. From colicky babies to navigating social media with tweens, one day, you’ll find yourself on the other side.

15. I do not need to compare. ” I know my kids the best, and comparisons do not serve me. If I notice myself comparing, I will quickly let it go,” Patel says. And that’s a lead worth following.

—with additional reporting by Leah Singer

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Need a Break? Best Places for Drop-In Childcare in Portland

by Annette Benedetti

For those moments when your sitter cancels or you’ve got a last-minute meeting try flexible, drop-in childcare near Portland

Life is busier than ever with more parents working from home. While it’s nice to have the kids in the house, sometimes you need a little peace and quiet so you can get work done, whatever that may be. Luckily there are plenty of places offering drop-in childcare near Portland that’s both flexible and affordable. Childcare that works around your schedule and is available when you’re in a pinch? We couldn’t think of a more useful tool for busy Portland parents.

WeVillage

This popular flexible childcare spot takes in kids in the morning, for an afternoon or an evening. It accepts kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. Parents with infants will love the beautifully and specially designed rooms that provide safe and stimulating programs for your little one. The play-based preschool curriculum is a win with local families looking to get their kiddos ready for Kindergarten. There's an über convenient online reservation form on their website, making their service even more simple to use.

Ages: 6 weeks-12 years

1901 N.E. Broadway
Portland
Online: wevillage.com

Grandma’s Place

If you need flexible, part-time childcare on the east side or in North Portland, this favorite childcare spot has three centers to choose from. The staff is heavy on teaching language skills, including baby sign language and Spanish language programming for bigger kids. They also offer interest centers for children including math, science, imaginative play, and reading.

Ages: newborn-12 years

Clark Family Center
2740 S.E. Powell Blvd.

Clark Family Annex
2706 S.E. Powell Blvd.

Rose Quarter
1730 N. Flint St.
Online: gpelc.net

Little Vikings

Students, staff and faculty at PSU can leave little ones at this weekday drop-in center that's right on campus. They offer walk-in, reserved or occasional care for up to 5 hours a day, 20 hours per week. Ask about their activity kits for parents to check out to keep their little ones busy during meetings or study sessions.

Ages: 6 weeks-12 years

1136 S.W. Montgomery St., Ste. 101
Portland
Online: littlevikings.org

Peak Academy

Located in Lake Oswego, this awesome flexible daycare option offers a variety of licensed, academic early childhood programs for children ages 1 to 12 years-old. The options are flexible and quality educational experiences while being taught by trained professionals in an enriching environment. Parents can choose from school readiness programs, no-school day camps, and drop and go care.

Ages: 1-12 years

464 First St.
Lake Oswego, OR
Online: peakacademy.com

Baerly Big Drop In Day Care

Serving the west side, near Washington Square Mall, this drop-in center offers late night options for parents and construction toys, dress up duds and sometimes field trips for munchkins. Parents like the individual care given to each child, and the array of activities available for all ages and the flexible hours. Reservations are not required, but they are strongly recommended.

Ages: 2 ½-12 years

9225 S.W. Hall Blvd., Suite. B
Tigard, OR
Online: bbigwebsite.wixsite.com

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Why Is June Pride Month in the US?

By Joann Suen & Sapna Satagopan
find out why June is Pride Month
Tristan B. via Unsplash

What is pride? It’s a feeling of being happy, content, and proud of who you are or what you’ve accomplished. Have you ever felt this before? Here at Xyza, we feel a sense of pride when we see governments and communities working together to accomplish something big, and when people treat each other with love, respect, and acceptance. That’s why we celebrate Pride Month with the LGBTQ community.

Countries around the world celebrate the LGBTQ community at different times of the year. In the United Kingdom, for example, Pride Month is celebrated in February, whereas in Brazil the largest Pride parade in the world usually takes place in March. In the United States, June is Pride month.

Why is June Pride month? In the United States, Pride Month is celebrated in the month of June to commemorate the Stonewall riots, a series of riots that erupted throughout New York City in June and July of 1969. These riots were a response to the police raid of the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village, a popular gathering place for the young LGBT community during the early hours of June 28th, 1969. The police arrested employees for selling liquor without a license and roughed up the many patrons inside the inn. As police dragged patrons out of the bar and into police vans, people outside the bar watched and grew increasingly enraged. A riot soon ensued and continued for the next five days. Historians mark the Stonewall riots as a turning point in the gay rights movement.

This year marks the 53rd anniversary of what historians consider the start of annual Pride traditions. Why? On June 28th, 1970, a year after the Stonewall riots, an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 people marched down the streets of New York City to protest the abuse and discrimination that the LGBTQ community had suffered for hundreds of years. Today, millions of people around the country celebrate Pride Month with parades, festivals, workshops, and remembrance ceremonies to acknowledge the LGBTQ community and its impact on the world.

How is your city celebrating pride this year? Share with us by emailing editor@xyzanews.com.

This post originally appeared on Xyza: News for Kids.
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? 

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Go Fish! An Insider’s Guide to Local Fishing Holes

by Tinybeans Team

It’s summer! With these local fishing spots, your kids will fall hook, line, and sinker for this easygoing past time that doesn’t break the bank or require tons of planning. For the price of a fishing license (available online) and the time it takes to get there, you’re guaranteed to catch a whopper of a memory or two. Keep reading to find out where to go and don’t forget your fishing pole and tackle box. Not sure you’re ready to cast a line? Check out our guide to Atlanta-area recreational lakes—perfect for dipping your toes— here.

The Dugout

iStock

The Dugout is a bait and tackle shop with a pay-to-fish lake, and it has a devoted following of beginner and advanced fishermen for its product selection, customer service, and friendly employees. No matter how great or small your fishing needs are, this fishing hole comes full-service and is a solid bet.

The Dugout
1475 Field Park Cir NW.
Marietta, Ga
770-428-7406
Online: facebook.com/dukedog1475

Big Creek Park

Ben Wilkens via Unsplash

Lake Lanier has 45 waterfront parks, and some are only 45 minutes from the heart of Atlanta. We like Big Creek Park for its shady picnic area, public restroom, green space, and proximity to the water that doesn't require a hike down to water level.

Big Creek Park
4000 Big Creek Rd.
Buford, Ga
Online: lakelanier.com

Acworth Beach/ Cauble Park

iStock

Acworth Beach is a busy place in the summer. The beach and other facilities—including restrooms, a playground, and picnic facilities—in Cauble Park attract plenty of visitors, and the nearby fishing dock in the park provides access to the lake's channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie, carp and bullheads.

4425 Beach St NW
Acworth, GA 30101
770-917-1234
Online: allatoonalake.org

Bull Sluice Lake

Luke Brugger/ Unsplash

While we’ve all been there for the incredible playground, try packing the fishing poles the next time you go and hitting the fishing platform just below dam. Be sure to take your hats since this area is in direct sunlight, but the cool old hydroelectric dam will wow the kiddos if the fishing doesn’t.

Morgan Falls Overlook Park
200 Morgan Falls Rd.
Sandy Springs, Ga
770-730-5600
Online: sandysprings.gov

Murphy Candler Park

Clark Young/ Unsplash

This man-made lake is stocked with bass, bluegill, sunfish, and catfish, and has plenty of good, shady shoreline fishing options for novice fishermen with short attention spans. With trails, athletic fields, tennis courts, a public pool, and tennis courts nearby, your fishermen won’t have to leave with a fish to leave happy.

Murphy Candler Park
1551 West Nancy Creek Dr.
Brookhaven, Ga
Online: murphycandlerpark.org

Azalea Park

Kelly Sikkema

Head to Azalea Park in Roswell for its easy shore fishing from the Chattahoochee River, covered picnic areas, and nearby playground, just in case the fish aren’t biting. However, since the Department of Natural Resources stocks the stretch of the ‘Hooch between Buford Dam and Azalea Drive with 150,000 catchable trout each year, you’ve got as good a shot as anyone to land a big one.

Azalea Park
203 Azalea Dr.
Roswell, Ga
Online: roswellgov.com

 

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Kid-Friendly Fishing Holes We Love

by Annette Benedetti

Spring is here and the fish are jumping. Now is the perfect time time for your kids to experience their first catch! If you are looking for the perfect way to get your family out of the house and into nature, heading to a nearby fishing hole is the perfect way to spend a couple of hours or an entire day. There are spots in the city limits and spots a short drive away, depending on how much time you have to try to catch supper. If you aren’t sure where to drop your line, or just just need somewhere new to explore, read on for some of our favorite spots.

istock

Haldeman Pond

A small 2-acre pond that makes a great spot for kids to fish. It’s got good bank access with plenty of spots for little ones to try their lines. Hidden away in the middle of Sauvie Island makes the pond feel much further away than it actually is, giving you the illusion that you’ve truly escaped the city. It’s stocked around mid-spring, and can be fished all summer long. A parking permit is required for Sauvie Island.

Featured Fish: trout, crappie, bass, catfish.
Location: 17 miles from Portland, off Oak Island Rd on Sauvie Island
Online: mapcarta.com

Henry Hagg Lake

This sprawling lake outside Gaston, Oregon has plenty of room to stretch out! Try your luck at the fishing pier or from any bank, or jump in a boat and explore the deeper waters. Experts recommend fishing the “arms” of the lake either from a boat or the bank for the best chance to catch something. When the kids tire, they’ll find picnic grounds, restrooms, and the chance to swim, too.

Featured Fish: trout, bass, crappie, perch
Location: 34 miles from Portland, past Forest Grove
Online: recreation.gov

Commonwealth Lake

Within Beaverton City limits, this stocked lake offers kids a great chance to practice close to home. A flat paved trail circles the lake, and an ADA fishing platforms makes a perfect spot to cast on. You’ll also find a playground, a picnic area, and restrooms. License required.

Featured fish: trout, bass, bluegill, and crappie
Location: 8 miles from Portland, off Highway 26 in Beaverton
Online: thprd.org

Blue Lake Park

Stocked with a variety of species, this lake offers bank fishing or an ADA accessible dock along with beautiful views. Rent a boat to get out on the water, and when the kids are done fishing they can cool off in the swim area or the splash pad.

Featured Fish: trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, catfish, sunfish
Location: 14 miles from Portland, off NE Marine Dr.
Online: oregonmetro.gov

Canby Pond

Another spot reserved just for young anglers, Canby Pond is open to fishers 17 years old and younger, as well as those who have a Disabled Hunting and Fishing Permit. The pond is stocked and is popular in summer, though fishing is available year-round. Check online for a rotating schedule of events aimed at family fun.

Featured Fish: trout, largemough bass, crappie, bluegill
Location: 25 miles from Portland, Off Highway 99E in Canby
Online: bestfishinginamerica.com

via Pexels

Barton Park

A prime spot for fishing on the Clackamas River, this park offers good bank access and a boat ramp. Camping spots are available for an all-weekend excursion, and there are a few hiking trails to explore. The easy waters here make a great introduction to river fishing for beginners, and the gorgeous scenery doesn’t hurt, either!

Featured Fish: salmon, steelhead, fin-clipped trout
Location: 26 miles from Portland. Off Highway 224 in Clackamas
Online: clackamas.us/parks/barton

Bethany Pond

An easy to reach lake in Beaverton, this makes a great quick stop when you don’t have the whole day. The small pond is stocked with trout, bass, and more with warmwater species added year-round. While it won’t trick you into thinking you’re in the wilderness, it’s a sweet little spot that makes an easy trip for the little ones.

Featured Fish: trout, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and bullhead
Location: 12 miles from Portland, off Highway 26 in Beaverton
Online: thprd.org

Rainbow Trout Farm

This beautiful location east of Sandy covers 30 acres and includes 10 fishing ponds. Everything is there to make it the easiest start for any beginner: poles, tackle, and tips. Afterward, you can clean it yourself at their facilities, or have them do it for you and put it on ice. No extra charge! The best part for beginners is that it’s practically impossible to *not* catch a fish at these ponds, so everyone will leave feeling great.

Ponds are dotted between meadows, trees, picnic grounds, and are wheelchair accessible. All stocked with rainbow trout-- no license required.

Featured Fish: Rainbow Trout
Location: 52560 E. Sylvan Dr, Sandy, OR
Online: rainbowtroutfarm.com

Commonwealth Lake Park

Nestled in the Cedar Hills neighborhood, between Walker Rd. and Hwy 26, 20-acre Commonwealth Lake Park surrounds man-made Commonwealth Lake. This stocked lake in neighborhood park great for kids who want to experience their first, second or 50th catch. . Fishing platform that is ADA accessible. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks the lake with trout, so your kids are likely to have a successful experience.

Featured Fish: Trout
Location: SW Foothill and SW Huntington
Online: thprd.org

 

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Best Tips on Finding the Perfect Childcare

By Sara Mauskopf

 

I was talking to a mom the other day—let’s call her Beth—who shared with me a daycare horror story. Beth put her daughter in a daycare near her home that looked quaint. As a new mom, she didn’t know any other parents who had sent their children there but she was in a crunch to find childcare before she returned to work and this place was affordable, convenient, and had an opening. Within a few weeks of her daughter starting at the daycare she saw some red flags—one day she picked her child up with a dirty diaper, other days her child seemed excessively hungry, and sometimes the childcare provider was not forthcoming with details about her daughter’s day.

Ultimately she decided to take a costly leave of absence from work and figure out a better childcare situation. She later found out that there had been complaints filed against the daycare and their license was in the process of being suspended. She felt fortunate she intervened when she did and had the means to take a leave from work. She asked me how parents prevent these situations from happening in the first place.

Finding high-quality childcare is top of mind for working parents and it’s not easy to figure out how to navigate the process, especially as a new parent. But you don’t have to leave the situation up to chance and prayer.

Here are five things you can do as a parent to empower yourself and ensure you’re placing your child in a safe and loving environment.

Get parental approval

If you don’t know parents first-hand that have sent their children to a daycare provider, then ask the provider for references and call them. The more information on a facility or individual, the more comfortable you will feel leaving your children in their care. My company, Winnie, recently compiled a free database of every daycare and preschool, starting with San Francisco where you can get information about the provider, reviews from parents and other critical safety info like the adult to child ratio. We did this because we want to equip parents with the information they need to ensure their child’s well-being and make life easier for working moms & dads.

Check the licensing database

Did you know that there’s a licensing database when you can find information about all licensed daycares and preschools in the United States? If it’s a daycare, even an in-home provider, look at the licensing database. All licensed daycares and preschools are inspected regularly and these inspections are public information. You can also see if any complaints have been filed against the school and even subscribe to updates in case their licensing status changes.

Visit and ask questions

Ask to visit the provider, ideally while children are present. This will give you a feel for their st‌yle and if it jibes with yours. Ask questions to understand how the provider communicates with parents, what the physical environment is like (e.g. is it childproofed? Is it clean?) and what children do as a day-to-day routine.

Check their safety procedures

One thing that’s very predictable about children is that they are unpredictable. Accidents and emergencies happen so you want to ensure your provider is trained and prepared for the worst. Check the basics like training in first aid and CPR but also understand their policies around illness, evacuation procedures, and vaccines. Finally, you’ll want to really understand their philosophy around discipline. The most important thing for a childcare provider is that they have lots of patience and never resort to harsh language or violence with your child.

Trust your gut

Even if everything looks great on paper and checks out, you have to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right to you, you need to act like Beth did and pull your child out of the daycare until you sort the situation out. Beth didn’t have a lot of information to go on at the time, but she acted swiftly and prevented the situation from getting worse.

Short mom to tall kids. CEO and co-founder of Winnie, a leading marketplace for daycare and preschool helping millions of parents across the United States. Still getting the gist of this whole parenting thing.

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I Legitmately Know the Real Santa

By Maryellen Brito

There has been a lot of questioning about the legitimacy of Santa in our house. It started last year. We tracked him on the Eve and searched the internet for “actual footage” of Rudolph. Our son was only four years old and I thought we had more time. When I discussed this with other families, I got a variety of responses. Some shrugged it off and said they don’t do the Santa thing because they don’t like lying to their children or the patriarchy of it. There were the families that recommended all the ways I could prove his existence. Then there were the parental’s that firmly declared a halt to playdates with our son for fear he would expose their children to this curiosity. “The threat of Santa is how we get through the season.”

I get it. I do. I understand that the idea of sitting on a strange man’s knee telling him what a good girl or boy they’ve been in exchange for gifts can be jarring. I see this and don’t dismiss it. I also know that Christmas is not about Santa on a religious note, and frankly, he tends to overshadow the real man of the hour anyway. Woman of the hour too. I mean, Mary rode on a donkey for five days—pregnant! Way more impressive than a fat guy flying in a sleigh for a day. Am I right?

However, to me, it wasn’t about greed and spoils. The Santa I grew up with lived in the small town of Bristol, Rhode Island. He goes by Gerry.

Mickie and Gerry were friends of the family for as far back as I can remember. Always involved in the community and often seen breakfasting at the King Phillip Inn on Sundays. I remember my parents confiding in me the big secret—they were the real Mr. and Mrs. Claus. “Maryellen, you can’t tell anyone.” I nodded, and my world spun faster. I. Knew. Santa. Mind. Blown.

Their license plate said “Ho Ho Ho,” and they were never skimpy with candy canes. The beard? Oh, it was real alright! As was their generosity. Booked from November to January, morning until night, they didn’t accept payment for their visits, only donations to a charity.

I usually knew when they were coming over. The excitement was apparent by children and adults alike. Christmas carols playing and candles lit, I’d wait. Anticipation consumed me. I got butterflies as soon as I heard the bells. They had this way of entering. A subtle shaking of jingle bells before making their entrance. Not too loud or over the top. No annoyingly fake ho, ho, ho-ing. Rather than overwhelming energy, they were calm and mystical. The air seemed to sparkle around them. Santa was soft-spoken and understated. Still, I could be shy around him. Luckily, Mrs. Claus took the reigns and steered me in the right direction. She did most of the talking with a kind smile and lots of questions. The elves definitely answered to her; that much was clear. Santa, too, no doubt.

Some might say that knowing Mickie and Gerry in real life should have ruined the experience for me. Quite the opposite. It was never Mickie and Gerry playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus. No, t’was Mr. and Mrs. Claus that played Mickie and Gerry. Or so it seemed. Seeing them out and about town or talking with them at family gatherings, Gerry had the same twinkle in his eye wearing jeans and a sweater that he did in his fur-trimmed, red suit. Mickie was as sassy, sweet and in charge as when she wielded sugary treats.

The older I got, the more I had the privilege of getting to know them. You know, the undercover them. They are Jewish and frequented the restaurant where I worked. Whenever the Rabbi joined, Mickie would whisper, “Don’t tell him I order the pork.” Naughty Mrs. Claus! Girl, I got you.

The restaurant was below the 2nd Story Theatre. Most diners ate before the play, so the joint was empty for the show’s run time. In December, Mickie and Gerry… ahem… Mr. and Mrs. Claus would sneak in the side door between gigs, ringing their signature bells and help themselves to a full meal. Well into my twenties, I still got butterflies. It had nothing to do with gifts. Obviously, I knew who was supplying those long, long ago. But I still believed. I believed in them what they were doing. The joy they were spreading, and the magic of Christmas.

That is what Santa represents to me, and why my heart aches as my son heads down the road to not believing. I appreciate and value his curiosity, and will stop myself from plotting drastic action to prove otherwise, but for now I stand by my statement. Yes, Francis, there is a Santa Claus. His name is Gerry.

—Maryellen Brito

 

I am an actor in New York City, currently cast in my most fulfilling role to date - mom! When I’m not chasing my son around the playground, I’m busy writing, cooking and trying to remember what I went upstairs for. 

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6 Free Tech Tools That Are Perfect for Parents

by Kenzie Kramer
Partner Content

Whether you’re using tech at home, at school or at work, it seems like new tools are coming out every day. So, how do you know which ones are best for your family? Microsoft has trusted tech tools that make it easier for families to get organized, stay connected, explore safely, save money and so much more! Bonus: Get started for free.

Keep reading to learn more about the smart tech tools:

Microsoft Edge

Your internet browser is how your family explores the online world, and while they all let you discover content, some of them work harder for you than others. Microsoft Edge makes it so easy for parents to score savings by scanning the web for coupons and price comparisons—doing the leg work for you! Edge also helps you pick the best products online by pulling in expert ratings and reviews. Learn more about Microsoft Edge shopping features.

Microsoft Edge Kids Mode

Just like us, kids are also spending more time online. Microsoft Edge makes it easy to switch into Kids Mode: an online experience, built into the browser. Kids Mode is tailored just for their age range, which keeps them away from inappropriate content, while still enjoying the web. Learn more about Microsoft Edge Kids Mode.

Microsoft Family Safety

Spending time online is fun, but without boundaries, many kids would scroll for hours. Microsoft Family Safety helps kids build healthy digital habits by setting screen time limits that apply to devices, apps, and games. It also gives parents an activity summary so you know how they’re using their online time! Learn more about Microsoft Family Safety.

Microsoft Teams

When you can’t be in the same room as loved ones, Microsoft Teams makes it easy to connect—even with your not-so-tech-savvy friend. Simply send a link for a video call or start a chat and they’re in—even if they’re not on Teams. Learn more about Microsoft Teams.

Microsoft 365

Between work, school and activities, you've got a lot to keep track of! The free Microsoft 365 apps have all the tools you need to stay organized. Find that email with Outlook search, manage your family budget with a template from Excel and sign that permission form from anywhere with Office Mobile. To help you stay on top of it all, you can even prioritize those tasks with Microsoft To Do. Learn more about Microsoft 365.  

OneDrive Personal Vault

You need your files to be secure, but you also need to be able to access them when and where you need them. Enter OneDrive Personal Vault: an extra layer of security for important documents and files. Now you can keep digital copies of your passport, driver’s license and insurance documents along with your family photos and videos, all secured in OneDrive Personal Vault so you have them if you need them. Personal Vault keeps your most sensitive files protected using identity verification. Learn more about OneDrive Personal Vault. 

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