Keeping up with middle school slang can be a tad overwhelming—just when you think you’ve got it down, your kid comes home, spouting off new words that seem like utter nonsense. You’re unsure if it’s an insult or a compliment, and if you attempt to ask them to explain, you’ll be laughed out of the room and still have no idea what they’re talking about. We looked to our resident Gen Alpha and Gen Z slang expert, Mr. Lindsay, for intel on the latest phrases middle school kids are using. Some have a positive connotation, and some are most definitely “Ohio,” so keep reading and get informed.
Replying to @laurencella What a great opportunity we have as educators and parent to use one of the words our kids are using and leverage it to teach valuable life skills! Every one would benefit from people young and old who are #standingonbusiness and doing exactly what they say they are going to do! Now that you know what it means, how can you leverage this word to connect with your students and teach them valuable life skills? #teachersoftiktok#teacherfyp#teacher#teach#genalpha#middleschoolslang#genz#slang
This phrase is big with Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids. But unlike other slang words, you can benefit from understanding what it means and trying it out on your kids. According to Mr. Lindsay, it describes doing exactly what you said you would do. “You’re not minding anyone’s business but your own. And you have really clear boundaries and expectations for yourself and others. And if you’re not standing on business, it means you’re all talk. You’re wishy-washy,” he says.
He continues by saying this behavior is what he hopes to see in his classroom and that it’s an opportunity to help kids build the skill set they’ll need later in life. We couldn’t agree more.
I guess I’m just a typical #millenial put here in my LuLuLemon! 😂 Here is a new one. The middle schoolers are using now: “Thats so _________ coded” Have you heard this one yet? What words are they putting in front of coded for you? tteachersoftiktoktteacherfypsslangggenzmmillenialcodedmmiddleschoolmmiddleschoolersm#middleschoolteacher
While this Gen Z slang word isn’t brand-brand new, according to Mr. Lindsay, it’s becoming a more commonplace term for middle schoolers. “My outfit is millennial coded to some of these kids, [which] just means that it’s very typical of a millennial to wear an outfit like this. So they’re using all kinds of things with the word ‘coded’ after to say something insulting in a sly, underhanded, sarcastic way, like, that’s so typical of that group.”
So, parents, if your kid says something like “That’s so soccer mom coded” or “That’s so millennial coded,” it’s an insult, and you have every right to call them on it.
This Gen Z slang word is a way of telling someone they’re so cool. This person has all the rizz. Mr. Lindsay spoke with some of his students to get an accurate definition of the term, and according to them, Sigma is somewhat of a replacement for the term Alpha. So, instead of being the Alpha, you’re now the Sigma. “You’re the baddie, the Alpha, the Sigma, you’re him. You’re all that and a bag of Doritos.” So, if someone tells you that you’re not a Sigma, it means you’re not him, you’re not a baddie, you’re not cool. The kids went on to clarify that while usually used jokingly, it’s also a serious compliment.
This one has been around for a while but only recently made its way into TikTok, live streams, and YouTube. It stems from the song “I Got Motion,” which came out at the beginning of 2023, but in early March 2024, live streamers Jinxi and Sketch took it to a whole new level. In a recent podcast episode, Jinxi asked Sketch how long he’s had motion, and Sketch replied: “Since birth.” Someone merged the clip with the song, and it has gone viral.
What does it mean? According to our Gen Z slang expert, Mr. Lindsay, it’s a versatile and fluid word used for various reasons, and different groups of kids might define it differently. The general idea, however, is that if you’ve got motion, you can make things happen and be productive. Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids use it to describe someone who can make money, has major rizz (can flirt), or is an admirable human. Regardless of the context, the assumption is if someone has motion, they’re a good person and doing good things.
This one is a head-scratcher. We know Ohio as the state of Ohio. But this term came from a meme created around 2021 or 2022. During that time, a lot of wild and weird things were happening in Ohio, and the meme represented the idea that crazy, wacky, or cringy stuff happens “only in Ohio.” Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids pulled the word from the meme and redefined it. Now, calling someone “Ohio” or saying “only in Ohio” refers to something being off the wall or just plain cringe.
Skibidi Ohio Rizz
This one is just… whew. We know Skibidi gained traction with the popular YouTube Skibidi Toilet videos, and the word means “something bad.” We know Ohio = cringe or weird. And we know rizz is charisma. Put them all together, and what do you get? Someone whose attempt or ability to flirt or be charming is terrible.
So many of us are scrambling to parent small people and bring home a paycheck. Doing so without losing it is nearly impossible. It’s a constant struggle to meet competing demands in a world that asks women to do it all, be it all, and look flawless at the same time. Yet somehow, we make it work—from harried mornings and lunchtime errands to that sacred, late-night Grocery Shopping Alone Time. What we don’t have time for is nonsense. And when you don’t have time for nonsense, the world’s mists clear. Priorities take hold: family, well-being, work. The rest falls by the wayside, including these unnecessary tasks.
1. Making elaborate meals
Working moms simply don’t have time to cook for hours every day. And even if they did whip up an incredible feast, their kids would take one look at that painstakingly prepared leg of lamb and drop to the floor whining for frozen dino nuggies. In the end, they’ll eat what they want to eat. My kids are going to eat ramen for dinner again tonight because they genuinely like it; we throw in chopped veggies for nutritional value, and it takes approximately five minutes to cook. Call me lazy. I prefer “clever.”
2. Attending work happy hours or after-work drinks (unless they want to)
I’m sure you’d have fun at your office mixer. Really. I bet Bob from IT has fascinating stories about his collection of samurai movies and/or birdwatching jaunts. Personally, I’d rather not spend an extra two hours in forced proximity with the people I’m already communicating with eight hours a day, five days a week, when I have three children and a spouse at home. We have almost nothing in common other than a job. Let’s not pretend.
3. Guilting ourselves about not volunteering at school
It would be nice to sell cookies at the during-school-hours class bake sale or tickets for the school dance or . . . you get the idea. Unfortunately, mom’s gotta make money. I will not feel guilty for refusing to use my precious, precious vacation days to hawk goods or perform other tasks easily accomplished by a handful of gifted kids. Can’t you bribe a fifth grader for that?
4. Throwing over-the-top birthday parties
Some kids’ gift bags come with live goldfish. My kids’ party guests are lucky if their brown paper bags have the crunchy snack variety. I have time for birthday parties 1980s style: cakes and chaotic screaming. But there’s a huge secret to birthday parties that Martha Stewart won’t ever tell you—the cake and the screaming? That’s the really fun part, anyway.
5. Attending useless meetings
There’s only one thing worse than an office mixer: a meeting that should have been an email. Between kids and work, my time is more than money. My time is time. I could be making my kids’ dentist appointments, but I’m being lectured about the proper use of a new program for the… third time? Hand me the highlight reel. Better yet, let me attend virtually (so I can mute you and make those dentist appointments).
6. Keeping in touch with people who do not spark joy
Being a working mom means I have to Marie Kondo my life. Do you embrace toxicity? You’re gone. Do you drag me down or build me up? If it’s the former, you’re out. This is both a self-preservation mechanism and a time-saver. I don’t have the mental energy or spare minutes to waste on people who don’t bring something to the table. If you’re not adding value to my life in some way, it’s a hard pass. That means you, Jen from high school, who always works the conversation around your multi-level marketing scheme, and you, cousin Phil, who always ends up talking about “What The Real Crime Is.”
7. Getting involved in work/office drama
The office is not Game of Thrones, and I don’t have time to play Cersei Lannister. Your drama is not my drama. Moms go to work because we have to work, and maybe because we like to work, but we don’t have time for your petty machinations. Office drama sucks up energy, and I save mine for things that matter, like a child barfing all over my bathroom floor at 2 a.m.—you never know when that’ll happen, and you have to be ready. (It’s sort of like being a ninja. But in a low-grade way, with a mop, a lot of willpower, and a strong stomach.)
8. Making Pinterest crafts
They’re twee and cute. They require $200 worth of supplies from three different stores and two hours of DIY fun followed by an hour of cussing and a child meltdown. All that, and they end up looking lopsided anyway. Maybe you can get them picture-perfect. If so, you can pin them and I’ll admire them from afar. Deal?
9. Making ourselves available at all hours
I come home; the email gets ignored. Sorry, but I’m only available during business hours (hence the name). Email is not a magic summoning button, and last I checked, I wasn’t a genie caught in a lamp. These are the boundaries we all keep talking about with our kids, and unless working moms set them for themselves, we’re trapped. So we learn, or we’re miserable. If you’re in an industry where that’s impossible, I’m so sorry—I can only offer only hugs and condolences.
10. Apologizing when we have to stop working
I will not apologize for not working when I can hardly speak or rise from bed. I’ve seen women work while in labor, work five hours after giving birth, work through Covid, work a few days after a mastectomy . . . the list goes on. I will not be one of them. Work can go on without me.
And if my kids are the ones laid up with hand, foot, and mouth disease or pink eye or whatever it happens to be? Same deal. They will only be small once, and they will not look back on that smallness and think my mother wasn’t there. I don’t have to answer to my boss on my deathbed, and he won’t pick my nursing home (if I can ever afford one).
11. Trying to do it all on our own
Cold, hard fact: You need help. You need a village. You need a partner, friends, teachers, family—anyone. You need a team. And if you truly don’t have one, you need to find one, if only for the sake of your children. These are people who can pick up your slack, make you feel better after a bad day, keep your kids when you need a break, and make you laugh when you need some comedy. And you can do it right back for them when they’re in need. Moms can’t do it all. No one should expect us to. It was mean of them to think we could in the first place.
Ask yourself: Does it make your life better? Does it make your kids’ lives better? No? Then you don’t have time for it. Simple as that.
Got extra storage space? We’ve got a side job for you
You love your kids, but let’s be honest: They’re not the best bosses. So if you want a job that doesn’t involve picking up toys or tiptoeing around tantrums, there are plenty of gigs out there that’ll earn you extra cash while letting you keep “Mom” or “Dad” as Job Number One. So, whether you want to put your style sense to work, hang with a furry friend, or throw a few more items in your shopping cart, here are the best side jobs for moms right now.
Do Other People's Laundry
iStock
If the idea of more clothes to wash doesn't stress you out, working with LaundryCare—a nationwide company that will pay you to do other people's laundry—might be your perfect side gig. All you need to do is supply the washer & dryer, plus the soap and fabric softener, and the company will pay you by the bag to wash and deliver to homes in your neighborhood.
What it pays: According to the site, laundry washers can get paid about $20 per bag of laundry.
Do you have dozens of beautifully arranged Pinterest boards? Do you follow current lifestyle, food, and decor trends? Offering up your services as a Pinterest manager for a company might be for you. Instead of creating pins for your boards, you'll create and manage pins to boost engagement for businesses. You will need to analyze data, report on trends, prompt customer engagement, and have knowledge of how Pinterest works, so be sure you know how to do those things before reaching out to clients.
What it pays: As a freelancer, you can charge what you want based on your skills, and according to Zip Recruiter, a WFH Pinterest manager can make up to $67K a year.
Where to apply: Check job sites like Zip Recruiter, Upwork, and LinkedIn for leads.
Advertise On Your Car
Wrapify
If you don't mind driving a rolling advertisement (and your kids won't die of embarrassment when you pick them up from school with a car that screams, say, "Fillows Creme Filled Cereal"), you can get paid for wrapping your car in ads. With Wrapify, you can get paid $450 a month to just go about your everyday business—you know, drive the kids to school, drive to soccer games, drive to parent meetings, etc.—while your car is "wrapped" in advertisements. You'll make the most money with a "full wrap" (meaning your car's whole exterior is an ad) or opt for just the doors and windows.
To qualify, you need to pass a basic background check and drive a 2010 or newer; Coupe, Sedan, SUV, pickup truck, or minivan without significant body/paint damage.
What it pays: $264-$452 for a "full" wrap; $196-$280 for a "partial" wrap; $181-280 for a "lite" wrap.
Are you a computer whiz and want to teach kids a thing or two about coding? Or maybe you're a Potterhead and want to design a spell-making class fit for Harry or Hermione? The only prerequisite to being an Outschool teacher is that you have expertise in something that may be of interest to kids and teens. It's free to list or teach a class—you just have to be willing to give Outschool 30% of what you make through enrollment (you can set the class cost at whatever you deem fit).
Note: If you've got a teaching credential, the Web is your oyster. Check Teachaway for a comprehensive list of online teaching jobs.
What it pays: About $50 per hour, according to Outschool (but it can be more or less, depending on how many students enroll and what you charge for the class).
You know that feeling of freedom you get at the grocery store alone? Turn that glorious solo time into pocket cash by becoming an on-demand grocery shopper for companies like Instacart and DoorDash. The perks? Flexible hours (work whenever you have free time), a fairly easy side job for moms, and direct deposit of your earnings. To be eligible, you need to have a car, a valid driver's license (and insurance), and be able to lift between 30-40 pounds without help.
What it pays: About $15 an hour, according to Indeed.com.
Ready for The Sleepover's big comeback? After two years of social distancing, maybe now's the time to get a gig organizing the coolest slumber soirees ever! Companies like Elite Teepees will provide you with all the supplies and information needed to license its brand and start organizing teepee sleepovers (forget simple sleeping bags on the floor; these sleepovers are in a league of their own!). Of course, any franchise comes with startup costs—starting an Elite Teepee business takes an initial investment of up to $7,500—but you'll have the potential to earn thousands more, depending on how much you put into it.
What it pays: Anywhere from $26,000 to $54,000 as a part-time business, according to the Elite Teepees website.
Got some extra room in your attic or garage? Don't leave it empty! People are willing to rent those corners and crawl spaces to store their overflow of stuff. Neighbor.com lets you list your garage, driveway, or basement exclusively to store other people's things (like their cars, storage boxes, bikes, etc.). Listing your space is free; Just set a price, post some pics, and then wait for people to e-mail you. It's easy money, especially if you've got an extra parking spot in a city where parking is sparse.
If you're nervous about being a Lyft or Uber driver because you don't want to pick up strangers and drive who-knows-where, how about letting someone else do the driving and just getting paid to supply them with the car? Sites like Turo or Hyrecar let you list your car or truck for other people to rent (it's like Airbnb for cars). You lay the ground rules for what you do and don't accept (no dogs, smoking, etc.), set a calendar for when your car is available, and wait for prospective renters to roll in (Note: HyreCar works specifically with rideshare and delivery drivers, while Turo works with tourists and those looking to test out specific car brands). It's a great option if you've got a second car that's just gathering dust in the garage.
Both Turo and Hyrecar's fees include insurance (you pick the level of protection)—and drivers also must have insurance (their own or a policy offered by the company), so you don't have to worry about your car getting damaged while someone else is driving it.
Note: If you've got a Jeep Wrangler or a Tesla, you've got the potential to make big bucks, as those are two of the most popular cars to rent from Turo!
What you can make: According to Turo, car owners can make an average of $706 per month, assuming their car is rented at least 12 days per month; meanwhile, Hyrecar claims you can make up to $1,200 a month to Uber, Lyft or delivery drivers (that's assuming your car is being rented for most of the month).
You don't have to sell the clothes off your back, but how about the clothes in your closet? If you've got cool outfits just collecting dust, now's the time to unload! Just send your unwanted threads to secondhand clothing companies like Poshmark, Crossroads, and Thredup, and they'll pick and choose what's good enough to sell (they can send back your clothes or donate the things they don't choose). The company gets a piece of your sale, but you won't have to do all the hard stuff like packaging and sending out goods to the customers.
What it pays: Varies, but more if you've got designer duds to sell—a Gucci handbag, for instance, will get you 90% of the listing price (about $286) on Thredup, whereas a pair of Old Navy jeans will only get you about 5% (that's about 55 cents in your pocket).
Are you good on the phone? Do you have the patience to engage with a not-so-cheerful caller? Companies use customer service agents for a variety of tasks, including answering customers' questions, making travel reservations, and providing tech support. All you need is a phone line and good internet access.
What it pays: $19/hour or about $39,000 a year, according to ZipRecruiter.
Where to apply: Browse customer service jobs on Indeed or Remote. Amazon also has remote customer service job openings—check them out here.
Want to get rid of your CD or DVD collection? Got an old cell phone or video game console you've long since abandoned? Time to unload!
For CDs, DVDs, and video games: Try sites like Decluttr or Eagle Saver, where you can sell your old DVDs and Blu-rays without having to worry about shipment costs or listing the items yourself.
For electronics: Decluttr buys cell phones, tablets, video game consoles, and textbooks (in addition to CDs and video games); and Amazon's trade-in program accepts things like cell phones, Kindle E-readers, tablets, video game equipment, and books. Amazon pays for the shipment costs and lists your item for you. You get paid in Amazon credit—or use your trade-in to upgrade to new Amazon devices.
What it pays: Varies, depending on what you're selling and how much you've got to sell. At Amazon, for instance, you'll be paid via an Amazon gift card equalling the appraised value of your device (plus you may get credit toward a new, upgraded device).
If you have a background in writing and editing, there's a huge demand for written content all over the web. Whether you want to write about your personal experiences or be assigned topics as needed by the publication, look for jobs at job sites like Indeed and Remote or on media-specific sites like Mediabistro.
What it pays: Varies by publication
Where to apply: Browse listings for "Writer" or "Freelance writer" on Flexjobs, Mediabistro, Indeed, and Remote, or look under the "Jobs" sections of your favorite websites.
Are you a fast typer? Use your skills for extra income! Sign up to be a transcriptionist at TranscribeMe!, which will pay you to transcribe audio clips. You can work as little as an hour or two—whenever you've got the time. It's monotonous work but an easy job.
You don't need to know another language to teach English, and most online ESL companies provide complete lesson plans that make your job easy. All you need to do is apply, sign on, and start connecting with kids from around the world. Note: This is a great gig if you're looking for something to do when your kids are asleep, since your students may be in a different time zone.
If you've ever used Amazon Prime Now, you know the wonder of needing a pack of diapers RIGHT NOW and receiving them on your doorstep in just minutes. The magic behind the on-demand service? Drivers who are willing to pick up your orders and get them to you pronto. It's good for the drivers, too, who can work when they want (turn on the app and start taking orders). As for pay, drivers get paid depending on which jobs they take, with more urgent items (those that need to be delivered in an hour or less) offering the highest pay. The only catch? You've got to live near an Amazon warehouse to get the gig. Find participating cities here.
If you've always wanted to write the Great American Novel (or maybe just a cute bedtime story). Amazon makes it easy to do it on your own. Just get writing, and then log onto Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing to upload your book. The site will convert your creation to an ebook and/or have it available as a printed book. You don't have to pay a cent! Every book is printed only when ordered (so there's no need to prepay for books). You'll be a published author before you know it. The KDP site offers free tools to help you write, illustrate, and organize your masterpiece.
What it pays: It depends on the price and size of your book and whether it's in color or black and white—but according to the site's royalty calculator, a 200-page 6X9 book without color will get you $2.75 per copy sold if you set the book price at $10 (which is, by the way, way better than the 10% royalty most mainstream publishers offer new authors).
Do you have a law degree? Are you a nurse or a doctor? Whether your know-how is in medicine, law, cars, or home improvement, cash in on your knowledge by answering questions for Justanswer.com. Anyone can apply to be an expert; you make money if your answer is voted the most helpful.
What it pays: Anywhere from $20 to $100 an hour (but that’s, of course, only if you’re giving the “best” answers… and lots of them).
Did you know you can burn 200 calories an hour just walking man's best friend? Go! Cancel your gym membership, and spend your mornings palling around with pooches. This is a perfect side job for moms who want to get out of the house, whether your kiddo comes along in a stroller or spends the morning at preschool.
Pssst: Want more than just a 20-minute Fido fix? Get yourself listed on Rover, and turn your home into a crash pad for pups (and maybe cats, too). You get paid by the day or hour, depending on the setup.
What it pays: Up to $25 an hour (or about $60 per day for pet-sitting)
If you're one of those stylish mamas who hasn't ditched the high heels and still carries a brand-name purse instead of a dirty diaper bag—Stitch Fix might be the perfect work-from-home job for you. Stitch Fix is a clothing delivery company that sends you personalized wardrobe choices based on your preferences, lifestyle, and price point (you fill out a questionnaire to determine these bits).
Behind this service, of course, is a team of work-from-home stylists who pull together the outfits, client by client. Stylists get a rundown of the customer, then scramble to find something fabulous. Stylists must commit to working 15 to 30 hours per week and be available for a remote training session.
What it pays: About $16 per hour according to Glassdoor.
Channel your inner artist and sell your goods online at sites like Etsy and Amazon Homemade. Both sites take a commission, with Etsy taking a 6.5% commission as well as a 20-cent listing fee, and Amazon taking a 15% cut and a $1 referral fee (this covers payment processing, marketing, seller support, and fraud protection).
What it pays: It depends on what you're making and how much of it you sell.
Online consignment shops are an eco-friendly way to outfit your kid
It’s almost time to put away the swimsuits and think about clothes that work for the school year: jeans, sweaters, and durable shoes. Whether you need to make space in the closet for clothes that actually fit or if you’re looking for a more sustainable way to shop, consignment is your answer. We’ve got every option for finding used kids’ clothes out there from in-app selling to designer duds on a dime, an online baby consignment store, and even a place to sell old toys.
Hanna-Me-Downs by Hanna Andersson
You love Hanna Andersson for its adorable prints, classic pajamas, and how well the items hold up to the constant wear and tear that comes with being a kid. Long known for its sustainable fabrics and durability, the clothing brand is taking the next step in responsible retail with a new Hanna Andersson resale shop, 'Hanna-Me-Downs,' making it even easier for parents to buy and sell the made-to-last apparel.
How it works: Upload your images, select the condition of the items, choose your prices (Hanna Andersson will offer price recommendations based on the condition of your items), and then ship the item to the buyer using a pre-paid USPS label. The shop is open and ready for business, and items range from infant clothing to swimsuits and pajamas—many are listed at a nearly 50% discount.
Why you'll love it: Sellers can make more through Hanna-Me-Downs, as the company will offer 25% more value on each resale item via a gift card option, which can be used on the Hanna Andersson website or gifted to a friend. A cash transaction option is also available if you don't go for a gift card.
GoodBuy Gear is a service that picks up your item and sells it for you. They check the quality of the item and recommend a selling price for you to approve. GoodBuy Gear always inspects their items and never sells recalled items.
How it works: They handle everything from communication with the buyer to shipping the item, so you don’t have to. When your item sells, you make up to 85% of the sale price.
Why you’ll love it: GoodBuy Gear handles everything for you so there’s no stress on your end.
How it works: Created by a dad, this new online consignment shop/service sells your unwanted baby gear and toys on local marketplaces for you. You choose what you want to sell (see the requirements for items), and then you can either mail your items in or if you're in Portland or Dallas, make a drop-off at a local Sella hub. You'll be matched with a Sella expert, and they'll handle everything else from there. The rate is reasonable, no matter how much (or how little) you make. You pay a flat rate of $6 and $0.20/day for small items and $0.05/cubic foot for large items.
Why you'll love it: The "Sellas" do everything for you, from taking photos to figuring out market value and writing out compelling listings. Once you've approved the price, the items will be listed in places like Facebook Marketplace, Craig's List, and more. All you have to do is collect your earnings.
Tea Collection, the world-inspired kids' clothing brand has just launched Tea Rewear shop with Kidizen. This is the first time a kid's clothing line has offered its own resale site; you'll be able to buy and sell items from the world-inspired kids' clothing brand, and when you trade in pre-loved items, you'll earn credits towards other Tea Collection items available for purchase.
How it works: Simply mail in your gently-used Tea Collection items, or drop them off at locations in Austin, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
Why you'll love it: Tea Collection is known for its well-made clothes, so you'll be able to buy, sell and trade items for years.
Kidizen is a socially-driven parent-to-parent marketplace where you’ll find deals on high-end and boutique brands as well as styling ideas, all within an easy-to-use app.
Buy from them: Individual kid filters make it easy to find what you need, in the size you want. Shop your favorite brands, and connect one-on-one with sellers to ask questions via built-in private messaging.
Sell with them: Set up your shop, snap a photo (or two) of the item(s) you’re selling, and set your price. Kidizen eliminates the middle mom, leaving you with 90% of the purchase price.
Why you’ll love it: More than just a platform for buying and selling used kids' clothes, it’s a community where parents can find inspirational pics and share their favorite stylish photos.
This online consignment shop deals in outerwear and winter gear like jackets, snow pants, gloves, ski gear, and more.
How it works: If you're selling, Out&Back has instant cash offers, which means they'll take the gear off your hands and deposit cash to your Paypal or Venmo account. They even pay for shipping, so you don't have to mess with uploading photos or managing listings. If you're buying, simply browse their website for the items you're looking to purchase.
Why you'll love it: Unless you live somewhere where cold weather is part of daily life, buying winter gear for kids often means you spend a ton of money on things they might only wear a few times. And even if you do live somewhere where 32 degrees equals a warm winter day, kids grow fast, so the dollars spent can still add up. With Out & Back, you can buy and sell new and slightly used items with ease.
This online swap meet-style trading platform was started by a Brooklyn mom looking to trade her daughter's used clothes for cute duds to outfit her newborn son.
How it works: Instead of splitting the profits, as you would with a traditional consignment company, you pay an annual membership fee to gain access to the marketplace. Send in the items you wish to trade, and Swoondle will catalog each item. They give you Trading Credits that can be applied to clothing and accessories on the website. Remember: what you give is what you get—each item is assigned a rating of 1 to 5 depending on its worth. Credits in a designated level are traded for items similarly tagged within the same level.
Why you'll love it: Your first five items traded are free! You'll get an email with your credit amount, and that's when you can decide which membership you want (the rate depends on how many trades you want to do). To get started, request a kit and send your items back in the provided bag for free.
Shop Tomorrows is an online shop for used kids' clothes that doesn’t use money between buyers and sellers.
How it works: Launched by a mom and former stylist, parents can easily buy and sell gently used clothing in top brands like CrewCuts, Appaman, Adidas, and more. Once you set up an account with Shop Tomorrows you’ll be able to purchase tokens (1 token = $1), and you’ll use those tokens to purchase clothing.
Why You’ll Love It: You can sell and buy clothes on Shop Tomorrows, and you don’t have to send anything to the company beforehand. You’ll be able to connect to closets you love, and you have the option of dropping off sold items at someone’s front door if they live nearby to save on shipping costs. You set your prices, and you keep 100% of your commission, too. You can buy tokens in bulk to save money, and there’s also an impressive set of filters, so you can easily find exactly what you need.
A unique blend of online consignment and subscription services, Everlasting Wardrobe gives parents the freedom to rent clothing for 30 days.
How it works: Once you fill out a profile for each kid, you'll receive eight new or like-new items of clothing. Kids can wear those items for a full 30 days before you need to return them. If there's something your kid loves too much to send back, you can buy that item at a deep discount.
Why you'll love it: There's no charge for shipping, you'll have stylists picking stuff based on the categories and customizations based on your preferences (with no styling fees), and you'll have access to hot brands like Burt’s Bees Baby, OMAMImini, Kickee, I Haven’t The Foggiest, Frenchie Mini Couture, PopUpShop, Mimi and Maggie, Red Caribou and more. Also, if you're opting to have gently-used items sent to you, it's good to know that all items go through an inspection and an eco-friendly cleaning process after being returned and before being sent back out.
Cost: $40 per month for 8 pieces of new and like-new professionally cleaned & inspected clothing for 30 days, or $80 per month for 8 pieces of brand-new clothing for 30 days.
You’re probably already spending time on Facebook, so it’s the perfect place to do your buying and selling too. Simply head to the marketplace section on Facebook or search garage sale groups, and local groups will pop up.
How it works: If you're buying, be sure the images are clear and that there's a good description of the item. If you're selling, the good news is that since this is all your effort, from the pictures to the pricing to the drop-off or delivery, you get all the proceeds.
Why you'll love it: If you enjoy organizing your clothes and price haggling, this is the way to go.
The local swapping app also has an online store where parents can buy gently used kids' clothing and toys.
How it works: While the option to consign is limited to San Francisco Bay Area residents (Toycycle will pick up items for free) at this time, nationwide thrifty shoppers have to option to shop for gently used goods at bargain prices. If you can consign, payouts range from 10-60% based on the value of the item, with higher-value items receiving a higher percentage payout. You can also choose to donate your proceeds to a local charity.
Why you'll love it: The online shop has a wide variety of items, from Land of Nod blankets to school-aged sizes for bigger kids. There are even books and DIY kits available for purchase (hello holiday gifts on the cheap!).
If you're looking for a basic online buying and selling community then OfferUp may be your solution.
How it works: Download the app, browse local deals, and message sellers. You can narrow your search to just clothing, and since you can buy and sell just about anything on the site (there's a handy app to help make it happen), it's kind of like a one-stop family consignment shop. Plus, they've recently announced a new delivery option.
Why you'll love it: Not only will you have access to a wide array of baby and kid gear (it's all from other users within a 30 mi. range) but you can also upload and sell your own gear too.
How it works: If you love frills, boutique prints, and formal wear for Sundays, take note! Founded by three southern moms, there are hundreds of brands offered on Bagsy's website. Simply request a bag, opt to pay for a return, or donate to charity if items don't sell, and that's it!
Why you'll love it: You'll receive up to 50% of your resale price, and you can opt to use the money as a credit to shop the site.
This online consignment shop offers high-quality kids' clothing at great prices.
How it works: Currently, the store only buys locally (in the SF Bay Area) but for updates on inventory, buying and selling, fun giveaways, and more, check out their facebook page.
Why you'll love it: You can shop for quality brand names like Tea Collection, Mini Boden, Nordstrom brands, Gap, and more all in either new or excellent gently used condition.
Started by a busy mom of four, Sweet Pea & Teddy offers stylish name-brand fashion in sizes newborn through 14 years. With bargain prices on chic pieces, the selection is varied and constantly fresh (new items are added every day).
How it works: You can search by sizes or search by styles, like “nautical,” “retro” or “holiday ready,” making it a breeze to find occasion outfits. The site is visually rich, with lots of great photos making it clear what the items look like, and checkout takes just a couple of clicks.
Why you’ll love it: The site also has a selection of designer handbags so you can browse for something for mama while you shop for the kids.
Poshmark is one of the original online consignment shops but what you might not know is that it has a great selection of used kids' clothing (and is an excellent way to sell).
How it works: Selling is uber-easy with the app: you take a photo and upload it to your "closet" in less than 60 seconds—right from your phone! The labels are pre-paid and shipped to you, and the cash goes into your account as soon as the item is delivered.
Why you'll love it: Buying and selling are made super easy through the app, and the entire interface is very user-friendly.
This site is a one-stop shop for keeping you and your family in style (and on budget) season after season.
Buy from them: ThredUP is the world's largest online consignment shop, so you’ll find everything from J.Crew (and crewcuts) to Vince and Mini Boden sold for up to 90% savings. Looking for something specific? Create a personal shop by selecting favorite sizes and brands, and thredUP will email you when those pieces become available.
Sell to them: Order a thredUP Clean Out Bag, clean out your closets, and send your like-new (or possibly never-worn) garments in to be evaluated for FREE (you can also use the Clothing Calculator to estimate how much your items are worth). ThredUP buys the items outright and pays you up to 80% of the resale value in shopping credit or cash.
Why you’ll love it: The site features a companion app so you can buy on the go. New customers take 20% off their first order.
As the “largest online consignment shop/thrift store" Swap is a great resource for buying and selling everything from gear to clothes, toys, and more.
Buy from them: You’ll definitely need more than a few minutes to browse through the thousands of items available on this site. From A Pea in the Pod to Gymboree, H&M, and the list goes on (and on), you can easily dress yourself and the smaller members of the family year round, and outfit them with the gear they need.
Sell & Swap with them: The site offers a unique service where you can sell your gently used clothes, toys and gear, or swap items with other sellers. After passing the inspection process, swap.com will style and photograph each item, and then let you set the price. Not sure what to charge? The Kids' Pricing Guide can help.
Why you’ll love it: The new SureSell Guarantee means that you’ll make money no matter what. If your items haven’t sold in 45 days, you can sell them to Swap.com for up to 30% of the retail value.
Everything you need to know about the best places to eat, play, and stay in the Palm Springs with kids
Palm Springs is an ideal destination for families looking for a fun and relaxing getaway from Los Angeles—whether it’s just for the weekend or during a school break. With its year-round sunshine and its unique desert landscape, outdoor activities and cultural attractions, there’s something for all ages to enjoy in Palm Springs. For outdoor fun, families can explore the many hiking trails and bike paths that line the valley. For a break from the sun, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers a scenic ride up to the top of Mount San Jacinto. From there, you can explore miles of hiking trails, picnic areas and panoramic views. If your family prefers a more leisurely pace, there are a variety of kid-friendly pools and water parks throughout the city. Families with younger children will appreciate the numerous attractions and activities for kids in Palm Springs. From the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, and the Palm Springs Air Museum. From glamping destinations and luxury resort hotels, to fun adventures and where to grab the best bbq, here are our favorite places to eat, play, and stay when we head to Palm Springs with kids.
The Best Things to Do in Palm Springs with Kids
1. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
Kate Loweth
For an up-close look at some real desert critters, this zoo plus botanical garden focuses on wildlife from North America and Africa. You can tour exhibits like a replica of a Northeast African village and get personal with some Nigerian dwarf goats. The new Rhino Safari is a spot you'll definitely want to visit and it's right near the giraffes (pay $8 for a chance to feed them!).
Catch some knowledgeable animal chats, feed the giraffes, ride the endangered animal carousel, and explore the vast array of trails that loop through the Sonoran Desert (FYI: the trails are closed in the summer). And finally, plan to spend at least 30 minutes checking out one of the best outdoor G-scale model train exhibits we've ever seen.
Good to Know: Arrive early, when it’s still cool out, you’re likely to catch more animals in action (they prefer to lounge around when the sun’s high in the sky) except for nocturnal animals like the big cats, who tend to come out closer to sunset. When it gets hot, head to the air-conditioned Discovery Center.
47900 Portola Ave. Palm Desert, CA Online: livingdesert.org
Related: Animal Encounters near LA for Kids Wild about Animals
This roadside attraction is impossible to miss on your way into Palm Springs, but we recommend reserving this stop for when you are on your way out of town, headed back to Los Angeles. Touted as the world’s biggest dinosaur museum, you can check out giant robotic dinosaurs (don’t worry, they’re more kitschy than terrifying) for a fee. Let the little ones climb into the mouth of a huge model T-Rex (now in themed paint-suits!), ride the animatronic Brontosaurus, and then search through the sand at the Dino Dig to win a prize.
Good to Know: Stop by on a Sat. or Sun. between 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., to score a dinosaur-themed ice cream treat from The Wafflesaurus Truck.
50770 Seminole Dr. Cabazon, CA Online: cabazondinosaurs.com
Related: Dinosaur Bucket List for Kids Who Love These Ancient Beasts
The twisty tree shapes, Cholla cactus forests and blobby boulders in Joshua Tree make wonderful Dr. Suess-style memories for your kids. For a quick day trip, stick to the exhibitions along the main roads. We recommend entering via the south entrance and exiting via the west entrance (or vice versa). This way you can hit up all the hot spots and stop for some hiking along the way. We especially love stopping at the White Tank Campground and hiking to Arch Rock. It is a super easy hike and there were tons of boulders for climbing.
Good to Know: You'll want to make sure you have gassed up your car before you head to the park as gas stations are few and far between near the park entrances. Bring food, water and sunscreen with you, check the weather before you go and do yourself a favor and pay your entrance fee online in advance. You'll save yourself a major headache and avoid the line at the park entrance. If you're looking for the quintessential Joshua Tree photo opp, you'll want to know that most of the official Joshua trees are located near the west entrance (side note: they aren't even trees at all, just a tree-like version of the yucca plant).
Check out their "Current Conditions" page for closures as well as their calendar page where you can catch a "Ranger Chat" for an in-depth expert view of what happens in this national park.
Joshua Tree Visitor Center 6554 Park Blvd. Joshua Tree, CA Online: nps.org
Related: More National Parks to Visit near Los Angeles
4. Footgolf
That's not a typo—footgolf is a thing and almost any age can play making this a must-do for a family-friendly activity in Palm Springs. Rather than swing a club, you kick around a soccer ball and try and make it into the 21"-sized holes. It's golf crossed with soccer if you will. You can rent soccer balls on site (no need to bring your own) as well as a golf cart—which let's face it, is half the fun for the little ones.
38995 Desert Willow Dr. Palm Desert, CA Online: desertwillow.com
You've seen that giant windmill farm in the Coachella Valley, en route to Palm Springs plenty of times, but how much do you really know about the iconic site? For $49 per car (up to five people) you can take a self-guided driving tour and learn how windmills work, why there are so many in the desert, and how much electricity they produce. The tour consists of 10 stops, with two additional (optional) stops off property.
62950 20th Ave. Palm Springs, CA Online: windmilltours.com
6. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
Even pool-obsessed kids can sometimes have enough sunny splash time. Try a favorite, midday break with a change of scenery and climate. This tramway, built in the 60s, will take you and yours 2.5 miles above the desert floor into the San Jacinto mountains and the snowy wilderness awaiting at the top. Kids will love the rotating tram, which guarantees spectacular views no matter where you’re seated. There are dining options at the top so don't worry if your brood gets hungry.
If there is snow, you can have a snowball fight, go sledding, snow-shoeing or cross-country skiing before descending back to the balmy poolside oasis of your hotel. (Check out our aerial tram guide for the tricks of a perfect trip). Even when it's not snowy, it's a lot cooler at the top, and fun for kids to explore the hiking and walking trails, and take in the jaw-dropping views.
Altitude sickness can occur so pay attention to your body, drink lots of water and if you or your kids are afraid of heights, this may not be the experience for you. It's not for the faint of heart but totally worth it once you get to the top.
If your kids get tired of the hotel pool or you've rented a place without a spot to splash, head over to the Palm Desert Aquatic Center where non-residents can take advantage of the various pools, multiple slides, diving boards, and a variety of play features on site that are designed to delight water lovers of all ages.
73751 Magnesia Falls Dr. Palm Desert, CA Online: pdpool.com
Expected to Reopen 2023: Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert
While the museum has been forced to close due to the pandemic-related challenges, the plan is to reopen the museum in 2022 through community support and fundraising efforts. Keep your eye on the developments as this is a gem of a spot for kids, especially when it's too hot to stay outside. If you'd like to donate and support this valley institution, visit cdmod.org
Nestled on 45 acres of lush landscape with epic mountain views, splash-loving kids will go gaga over HyTides, the Hyatt Regency’s brand new water park with 30-foot dueling water slides, lazy river and splash pad. For kids that don’t meet the water slide requirement, there’s another water slide just for them! With plenty of dining options, a spa and tennis courts for the parents, this spot has the foundation for an epic weekend (or even longer) stay.
See what a weekend looks like when you stay at the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.
44600 Indian Wells Lane
Indian Wells, CA Online: hyatt.com
2. JW Marriott in Palm Desert
This sprawling resort is the kind of spot that is perfect for multi-generational stays thanks to fantastic amenities that appeal to everyone in the family. Of course there’s the well-known spa and golf courses, but kids will love the recent addition of California’s largest indoor “Entertainment Zone” full of arcade games and a bowling alley—a must-go option when the heat gets to be a bit much.
Don’t miss feeding the flamingos on the front lawn (look for the babies!) or swing by the free-to-enter aviary where parrots and other tropical birds happily chirp (and sometimes talk). Reserve a gondola ride around the property and then disembark at Mikado—a Japanese steakhouse that serves mouth-watering food along with a side of fun and flying shrimp. At night, you can hang out in the lobby for cocktails and listen to live music. And, do not, we repeat, do not miss out on night swimming. The whole family will love splashing around under the night sky full of stars. There’s so much happening on site, that there’s really no reason to leave the property if you don’t want to—delivering a perfect family vacation whether it’s just for the weekend or for a bit longer.
Insider Tip: Ask for a major suite—you can connect additional rooms which makes it convenient if coming with a larger group.
74-855 Country Club Dr.
Palm Desert, CA Online: marriott.com
Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs
3. Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs
The hotel chain's first west coast location, Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs marries the mid-century Palm Springs aesthetic with Margaritaville’s casual-luxe island feel. There are two pools on the property, two restaurants and it boasts the area's largest resort spa (when you are ready for some kid-free time). It's also located within minutes of downtown, placing you and your family in the middle of the town's action. Read more all about our visit to Margaritaville Resort with kids.
1600 North Indian Canyon Dr. Palm Springs Online: tinybeans.com
Located just south of Indian Wells, this is one of the biggest and most family-friendly resorts around with cabanas, poolside food, and beverage service. Everyone will love the 41 pools and 53 hot spas, as well as the 5 resort golf courses designed by PGA biggies like Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, and Greg Norman. This secluded resort is not only family-friendly but it’s also pet-friendly with activities to enhance your pet’s stay as well. Want to know more?
PS: We’ve got the inside scoop on why kids and adults love La Quinta Resort & Club.
49-499 Eisenhower Dr.
La Quinta, CA Online: laquintaresort.com
With the largest pool in the Palm Springs area, this resort has families in mind. The zero-entry pool and sandy beach is awesome for the little ones while the wide expanse of the rest of the pool means the bigger kids have the freedom to swim until they are exhausted.
Prepare for great eats at Sirocco Pizza Company, making fireside s’mores treats by the outdoor fire pits, lots of ping pong tournaments and of course, comfy and generously-sized accommodations. Plus there’s a kid’s club for some parental downtime. Check out more reasons to stay at this family-friendly resort near Palm Springs.
44-400 Indian Wells Ln.
Indian Wells, CA Online: renhotels.com
7. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort in Rancho Mirage
One word: Splashtopia. Sounds awesome, right? And it is. This knock-your-socks-off water feature, nearly two acres big, has two 100-foot water slides, a 425-foot lazy river, a jacuzzi with cliff views and a sandy beach. You can spend all day, every day here—just order food from Splash Grill and you’re good to go.
If little eaters would prefer something more familiar, check out the River complex shopping and dining complex across the street that has restaurants like Cheesecake Factory and P.F. Chang’s. Also, there’s a movie theater in case you want to catch a flick after a day of fun in the sun.
Come for the mountain views or the fantastic golf courses, or just to unwind with your family (pets included!). Enjoy three pools, including a 75-foot water slide, play some tennis (they offer kids lessons), rent a bike or de-stress with a relaxing spa treatment.
For an ultra-hip stay, this resort is both boho-chic and kid-friendly, in that artsy, "I woke up like this" sort of way. Bring some marshmallows to roast on the outdoor fireplaces, play with your pooch in the dog park out back, or take the kids for a short bike ride downtown for some vintage clothes shopping and plan to rock your retro finds poolside.
701 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA Online:acehotel.com
Want to avoid hotels? Palm Springs has plenty of short-term rentals and this is home one of favorites. The fully renovated 1960s pad has 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, and room enough for 10 guests. The decor is modern, yet warm with a whimsical bedroom featuring two twin beds for kids. There's also a pool and fire pit for outside fun.
Another Airbnb option, this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is a bright and cheery retreat with a large pool, BBQ area and bocce ball court. Added bonus: There's an indoor rec room featuring a ping pong table and gaming console that kids will love.
Go here first thing in the morning for an authentic diner that delivers a fantastic breakfast. The coffee is strong and the pancakes are fluffy (the kid's Cub Cake is too cute!). Go early since lines can form out the door but lollipops are handed out with a smile for all. If you can stand the wait, get the German Pancake. There’s a reason everyone raves about them.
1030 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA Online:eatatelmers.com
2. Sherman’s Deli
Big breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, both kosher (and not) can be found at both Sherman’s Deli locations. Try the hot corned beef (it's famous for a reason). And save room for one of the beautiful desserts in the display case.
401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA Online:shermansdeli.com
3. Cheeky’s
A spot to see and be seen. The mouth-watering, seasonal, made from scratch menu changes weekly as this restaurant strives to use the freshest, locally grown, organic ingredients. FYI: Expect long waits if you get there late (but totally worth it).
622 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA Online:cheekysps.com
A simple burger might be the best bet in the middle or at the end of a long day, so try Tyler’s Burger stand. It’s popular, so go well before your crew gets hangry.
For a uniquely Palm Springs experience, consider a stop at The Shields Date Garden (just look for the larger-than-life knight in shining armor) and The Walk at Shields—where, for $5 a person (kids under 12 are free), you can stroll along a garden path that meanders through a 17-acre date farm. After, hit the gift shop to peruse offerings like locally grown dates, date crystals (like sugar), date granola, and must-try date shakes (we’re sensing a theme). Feeling hungrier thanks to the walk? Grab breakfast or lunch at The Cafe at Shields, open from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
A sweet treat in downtown Palm Springs, not only is it the best toffee you’ll ever taste—no joke—the whole business was started by two teen friends who wanted to make money for a class trip. Great life lesson for kids, unbelievable toffee for everyone: it’s a win-win. If you want, catch the factory tour in Rancho Mirage.
Good to Know: Craving the toffee treat but not heading to the desert anytime soon? They have a retail location at the Century City Mall.
Few things say summer more than a lemonade stand. And what better way to launch your kid’s entrepreneurial career? Lemonade stands are a ton of fun but also offer life lessons like goal-setting, confidence-building, and basic business skills—lessons that can set them on a path to succeed in life regardless of the path they choose.
Here are our 7 top lemonade stand tips to help your kids run the ultimate lemonade stand and get the most from the experience.
1. SET YOUR PRICE…OR MAYBE DON’T!
Our first lemonade stand tip is if your kids want to set a price for their lemonade, make sure they account for all the costs to ensure they’ll make money on each cup. It’s not just the lemons and sugar that cost money, don’t forget to factor in the cost of the cups, signs, and stand decorations.
But a totally different strategy is to not set a price at all. By asking people to pay what they want, they may raise even more money than if they set a price for each cup. If your kids are raising money for a good cause, or a local charity, this strategy can supercharge their revenue!
2. THE BEST LOCATION MAY NOT BE THE CLOSEST ONE
A lemonade stand starts strong if it’s located in a safe, accessible area with high foot traffic. If you live in a busy area, your front lawn, stoop, or driveway might be ideal. But if you live in a quieter location, think about partnering with a friend who lives in a busier area or setting up somewhere else in town. But be sure to check with your local government to make sure that they won’t need a permit.
3. THE MORE EYE-CATCHING THE BETTER
Streamers, balloons, big signs, and cute pets are all great ways for the stand to catch people’s attention. The more eye-catching the better. Check out some of the bright and colorful lemonade stands on Pinterest and Instagram for inspiration. Or better yet, encourage your kids to let their imagination fly and practice their creativity with their own ideas about how to get people’s attention.
4. PRACTICE THE PITCH
What will your kids say to potential customers? Most kids get nervous talking to adults or strangers. Have them figure out what they’ll say to potential customers, write it down, then practice the pitch. The more they practice, the more it will feel like reciting a line in a school play instead of talking to a stranger. Eventually, they’ll be so good at their pitch that they’ll stop being nervous and may even exude more confidence beyond their lemonade stand.
5. GET THE WORD OUT
Aside from making a big, eye-catching display, get a few customers by asking friends and family to stop by and support the stand. And don’t forget to spread the word on social media. You and your kids can also create flyers and pass them out around your neighborhood.
6. OFFER PAYMENT OPTIONS
Cash is king. But joggers, walkers, and cyclists usually don’t have cash on them. Let your kids borrow your phone to use your PayPal and Venmo accounts to collect money from their more active customers. Even if they’ve never collected any e-payments, a child with a sign that says “We accept Paypal and Venmo” will catch people’s attention and gain them some serious entrepreneurial cred.
7. MANAGE THE PROCEEDS
Have your kids do the math to figure out how much they sold (the revenue), how much they spent (the expenses), and what is left at the end (the profit). Make sure to let them know that while it’s great to raise money for a cause they believe in, there is nothing wrong with working hard to make money for themselves, too.
And if you need a recipe, here’s our favorite from The Startup Squad’s first book: juice from 6 lemons, 6 cups of water, and 1 cup of sugar. Yum!
I've always built businesses, from a childhood gummy bear business to adult gigs at IMAX and Coupons.com. I founded The Startup Squad to help girls reach their potential and my book series, The Startup Squad, is published by Macmillan. I live in Silicon Valley with my wife and two daughters.
I hear it all the time: parents flippantly calling their day care a “babysitter.” It irks me—silently eating away at the pride I carry in the work that I do.
You see, in my mind and heart, I am your child care provider, your child’s teacher. I’m the wiper of dirty faces and hugger of hurt feelings. I love and worry about your kid almost as much as you do. I know who has a poopy diaper by smell alone. I know your child’s favorite colors, songs, and funny little quirks.
I am not a babysitter. A sitter is the teenager who comes to watch movies, eat pizza, and put your kids to sleep so that you can enjoy a rare night off. She does less work and is paid more an hour per kid. She may make your kids laugh—but she won’t understand what brings joy to their hearts.
The truth is, I rarely sit—unless it’s with a baby snuggled in the safety of my arms while I feed him a freshly warmed bottle. Or because your child asked me to read Guess How Much I Love You for the 12th time today. (After all, we both know that lap sitting is the best way to listen to your favorite book.)
Most of the time, when you arrive during pick-up, I’m standing. I’m standing in the kitchen, washing a dish. I’m pulling a child off the furniture. I’m mediating an argument. I’m changing a diaper. A baby is probably slung on my back with my ever-essential Lillebaby and I’m guzzling the last dregs of my cold coffee. I may be found repeating (patiently, but with muzzled exasperation)“keep your hands to yourself” for the 10,000th time. My feet are unpolished, calloused, and aching. Chances are, I’ll be on them.
I will never be just your “sitter”—and here’s why. I am a provider. I provide comfort for boo-boos. I provide discipline, teaching your child right from wrong and showing them how to respect their friends. Together, they learn practical life skills, how to care for their environment (when they aren’t tearing everything apart in their play, because balance) and how to practice gentle hands when they get frustrated and hit a friend.
When the time comes, I potty-train them. We tie shoes, paint, and talk about shapes and colors. As babies, I help them learn to feed themselves. Every day, your kids are provided wholesome meals and a happy, clean(ish) home to spend their days in. When your children are in my care, they are stimulated. I provide them with sensory bins and paint, setting them up in situations where they learn problem-solving and build their vocabulary.
But most of all, I provide your child love. And as any parent who has ever had to leave their child with someone else knows, nothing is more vital to your conscience and your child’s development than being loved.
You see, being a child care provider is about so much more than passing the time with your child until you come to pick them up (although some days, it may feel like that). It’s not about finding a way to be at home with my own kids and still make money.
I am a provider because I love kids. I am a provider because I love your kids. In my eyes, there is no job more vital than raising the next generation to be thoughtful, kind, brave, and confident.
A sitter is an insult to the care I feel for your children. Don’t get me wrong: I am not a replacement for you. No one will ever, ever replace mom. But we are a team, your family and mine. Our goal is to raise healthy, happy children—together.
Last year, one of my day care littles was baptized, and the family asked me to come to the baptism. Honored, I was so happy to go and sit with the family (who really feel like an extension of my own). But during the baptism, when they ushered me to the front, I stood with his Nana and sisters and cousins and aunts, because “You’re family, too.” I grinned awkwardly and inwardly danced with pride while I watched the little man be baptized.
After the service, their pastor introduced himself. “So, how are you related to the family?” he inquired, as his firm, wrinkled hands shook mine. That’s when my day care mom stepped in.
“Oh, well she’s our sitter—but she’s not. She’s so much more than that…sitter doesn’t really cover it, does it? She’s the one who raises our kids when I’m not there.” She knew, and I knew, how valuable we were to each other. How much I loved her children and how much she respected me for it. But that poor pastor’s face…
How do you explain the importance of the woman who helps raise your child? How do you explain the trust and bond between parent and provider? It’s not an easy choice, the decision to leave your child, for much of his or her day, in the care of someone else—particularly in the care of a stranger. It is, however, a decision that is made easier by the knowledge that you are leaving your child with a child care provider. And not just a “sitter.”
As a childcare provider, photographer and writer, I get motherhood: Feeling like you're doing too much, and not enough. Finding your identity somewhere between "I am woman, hear me roar" and "I am mom, hear me yell." I see you, I've been there. We are in it together.
Whether it’s trying to stash cash for the future or add to the family travel fund, figuring out how to save money is a move in every parent’s playbook. From simple hacks like keeping a change jar to money-saving apps, we’ve got some awesome tips just for you. Keep reading to see them all.
Budgeting
Keep a Change Jar: This has to be one of the easiest money-saving tips! Drop your spare change in at the end of each day and watch your savings grow.
Always Use Cash: Avoid using your card whenever possible. Fact: Using cash allows you to see how much you’re spending and keeps you accountable.
Time Big Purchases: Save all of your big purchases for the end of the month to get the best deals. If a salesperson is trying to make month-end goals, she might be willing to work with you on the price.
School Supplies: When it comes to school supplies, the earlier you shop the better. You’ll find more options and more savings.
Buy Themed Supplies After the Fact: Always purchase plates, cups and napkins on sale after holidays like Halloween, Fourth of July and Easter are over. You can stow away to use the following next year.
Groupon: This is definitely one of our favorite money-saving apps! Discover great deals for all types of events and products for your family.
SnipSnap: Ever wanted a money-saving app to keep you organized? This is the ultimate place to store all of your printed coupons right on your phone.
Honey: Install Honey on your browser and it'll automatically search the internet for all the coupons being offered for the website you're shopping on. It applies the savings at checkout.
Coupons: Do you miss clipping all those paper coupons? Check out Coupons, where you can sift through tons of digital coupons. You might have to print out some, but many can be used via your smartphone.
Checkout 51: This cash-back app saves you money at grocery stores, gas stations, drugstores and more. Checkout 51 adds new items every week, too.
Cloth Diapers: Babies go through diapers like crazy, and if you're searching for money-saving tips that will help you save the planet, cloth diapers are the way to go. Here are our favorites.
Wool Balls in Your Dryer: Forget that chemical fabric softener, and throw a wool ball in your dryer instead—they can be used over and over with ease.
Create a Non-Toxic Cleaner: If you want to stop using harsh chemical cleaners, you can actually keep your family healthy and save cash by making your own cleaner in a snap.
Shop Unique Sales: No need to obsess over department store sales. Look out for sample, garage and consignment sales for everything from clothes to toys.
Do Specific Searches: No more aimless scrolling! Avoid impulsive purchases by searching for the specific products you’re looking for when you shop online.
Grow & Plant Your Food: It takes a bit of extra work, but growing your veggies and planting your own trees can be a fun activity that will save you quite a bit of money in the long run.
Skip the Coffee Shop: Brew your own coffee at home and save $5-$7 every day!
Baby Food: Making your own baby food is actually surprisingly easy. Follow simple recipes to make yummy and healthy options for your little one.
Check Your Bills: Take an in-depth look at your cell phone and cable bills to make sure you’re not paying for features you don’t use.
Retail Me Not: Ever wanted to find out how to save money when you're shopping? Get paid to shop at your favorite stores by signing up with Retail Me Not.
Neighbor: Make money by renting out a spare room, garage or closet as storage space for others by downloading and registering for Neighbor.
GasBuddy: On the road and need gas ASAP? Use this money-saving app to find the cheapest gas closest to you.
Hotel Tonight: Have an unexpected stop on your vacay? Find low price hotels your family will love (You can also use this app to get great deals in advance!).
BestParking: Going on a cool adventure to a new city? This money-saving app will help you find parking that won’t break the bank.
Open a Travel Credit Card: Many credit cards (especially airline cards) offer extra points and incentives if you spend a certain amount of money within the first few months of opening an account. Some even offer double points for travel-related expenses, so take advantage of this perk and charge away.
Buy Themed Gear Ahead of Time: Your kid will want to represent her favorite character anyway, so why not buy it and bring it along for the trip? You'll save tons by avoiding marked-up resort prices.
Being a parent can be tough! That’s why we appreciate any company that creates a shortcut or finds a way to ease the daily grind of parenthood. Startup companies are everywhere, and not surprisingly, many of them are founded by parents in business who had a genius idea and ran with it. After all, who better to solve parenting problems than parents themselves? From kid’s meal delivery services to cribs that rock babies to sleep, we’ve rounded up 15 startups designed to make parenting life easier. Scroll down to learn more.
All parents, at some point, have wished that they could be in more places at once. But, unless you’ve cloned yourself, the reality is that the only way to get it all done is to ask for help. And one place to start is finding transportation for your kids that will help them maintain their educational pursuits without the added stress of playing chauffeur. Sure, parents could use one of the many ride platforms, but precious cargo like kids requires a better solution.
Zūm, a transportation service for kids, offers optimized transportation solutions and fulfills daily transportation needs, “Whether it’s home-to-school transportation, off-campus events, or delivery of meals and educational materials.”
Wonderschool
istock
Wonderschool is often described as an Airbnb for daycare services, and it also helps launch in-home preschools and daycares. The idea for the startup came from co-founders Chris Bennett and Arrel Gray who saw too many parents worried about finding child care. So they designed a company to increase access to high-quality early childhood care for families.
Wonderschool empowers experienced educators and childcare providers to run their own in-home businesses while providing service to other families in their communities. The programs are diverse and designed to educate in the warmth of an in-home child care program.
Otter
iStock
It’s not uncommon for stay-at-home parents in communities to babysit each other’s children on occasion. But sometimes making the connection between parents looking for care and parents looking to provide that service isn’t easy. If you’re new to your neighborhood or just don’t know where to look, this next startup is for you!
Helen Mayer, the founder of Otter, was in this same boat in 2020, turning down a dream job because she couldn’t find safe, reliable, and affordable care for her twins. Wondering if she was alone in this, she went to her community for feedback and received overwhelming feedback that cemented her desire to help parents in situations like hers. Shortly after, Otter was born, offering parents a tool that “matches parents who need childcare with stay-at-home parents who can care for their kids.”
Have you heard of the “fourth trimester?” If you haven’t, we're talking about the first three months after giving birth. It’s a time of adjustment for your baby and you that requires a lot of support! Enter the My Fourth app!
Major Care Doulas founder, Mandy Major, created the My Fourth app to help extend the care delivered to her clients into the fourth trimester, saying that their tagline is “put a doula in your pocket,” and adding that “[our mission is] to mainstream postpartum doula care and use digital tools to make it as affordable and accessible as possible. We track pregnancy so diligently in this country but totally fail families in the fourth trimester. We're left to figure it all out on our own. Parents need education, connection, support, and personalized advice! That's why we blend bite-sized content with regular text check-ins from our doulas. Continuous care is what it's all about!”
It’s officially the future, and although many advances in technology have made parenting easier, there are some that have created challenges that parents might not be ready for. Like when your 10-year-old asks for their first cell phone. Gulp. Parents who feel completely unprepared for this big step are not alone. In fact, Pinwheel, “smartphones that enable responsible and healthy usage with modes managed by parents for everyday kids' life,” was founded on that very feeling.
Dane Witbeck founded Pinwheel when his eight-year-old son announced that his friend got an iPhone back in 2019. A user himself, he says “Pinwheel lets [me] see his grades in real-time and helps him focus on what matters most by excluding web browsers, app stores and social media. And of course, it supports all of the basic functions like calls, text, and GPS locations, so I can keep an eye on him if he forgets to tell me that he's going to a friend's house after school!”
Got a kid that’s ready for their very own cell phone? Try Pinwheel and use our exclusive promo code TINYBEANS for 10% off.
Having a new baby is a beautiful experience that brings parents memories to cherish for a lifetime. But it’s also a time of complete exhaustion from all those sleepless nights soothing baby back to sleep every hour. If only there was a crib that would rock your baby back to sleep for you. Oh, wait, there is!
According to Cradlewise Co-founder and CEO, Radhika Patil, “Modern-day baby monitors notify you once the baby wakes up crying and that’s too late already. Cradlewise is the world’s first crib that senses the first signs of stirring and automatically rocks the baby to sleep. This proactive soothing helps safeguard sleep for babies.” The genius crib, made with natural materials, was designed to grow with your baby—adjusting from bassinet to crib—and has a built-in smart baby monitor and sound system for playing white noise and other curated playlists that can be connected to their corresponding app, allowing you to track your babies’ sleep journey, and get some shut-eye of your own.
Vivvi
iStock
Sometimes one of the toughest parts about being a working parent is finding childcare for the kiddos. That’s where Vivvi comes in to make life easier. Think of Vivvi as the Four Seasons of Childcare, but for medium-sized employers. This startup provides employer-sponsored childcare for companies of all sizes. The care is provided either on-site or near the company and is geared toward kids ages newborn to five years old.
Vivvi’s co-founders Ben Newton and Charles Bonello designed Vivvi to make it possible for companies of all sizes to implement a childcare program and change their employees' lives.
Little Spoon
Littlespoon.com
Spending hours grocery shopping, prepping and serving meals, and cleaning up, only to have your child pick at their plate? Yup, it's exhausting. The founders of Little Spoon felt the same way! That’s why they started a meal delivery service for babies to big kids to bring clean, non-GMO meals and snacks right to your door. Its mission is to make parents' lives easier while offering the healthiest, tastiest food options for children. From chicken potstickers to turkey meatballs and even fresh smoothies and vitamins, your time, and your child’s nutrition and tastebuds are covered.
What parent hasn’t scrambled to find a last-minute photographer for birthday parties, holidays and family photo sessions? Shoott.com makes that problem obsolete. This startup provides on-demand professional photography at affordable rates. Shoott.com offers 30-minute photo sessions with an elite-level photographer at select iconic outdoor locations. Sessions are complementary to book, and you only pay for the photos you love at $30 or less. The company started in New York City and now offers services in 35 states.
“Our website makes it easy for anyone to book a professional photographer on demand for all of life's occasions, big or small—including holiday, engagement and family portraits as well as headshots or content for social media,” said Jennifer Tsay, CEO and co-founder of Shoott.com.
Lovevery
Lovevery
Play Kits by Lovevery are a subscription box service that delivers the right science-backed, non-toxic toys babies both want and need, at exactly the right stage of development, so that parents can rest assured they're giving their little ones the best possible start in life. Kits are delivered every other month and start at $36 per month. Lovevery was created to help parents give their little ones aneasy alternative to screen time, as well as the ability to maintain a minimalist lifestyle, by cutting out the unnecessary excess and delivering all that baby needs for playtime.
"At Lovevery, we make the science of early childhood more approachable and help parents feel confident they're giving their children the best start,” said Jessica Rolph, Lovevery co-founder and CEO. “We work with child development experts to distill all the research into a system of essential products that are stage-based and crafted with care. You can see that care in our Play Kits and our Play Gym, and it's why parents love what we do."
Huckleberry
iStock
If you’re a parent, sleep struggles have likely been a reality with your little ones at one point or another. That’s why Huckleberry was founded, as a new way to improve the way kids sleep. This app uses artificial intelligence and pediatric sleep experts to create individualized sleep plans for every family. Through Huckleberry, parents take a diagnostic quiz, track sleeping hours, naps and bedtimes, and the app predicts when your kiddo will be sleeping next. The program has several other features that can be purchased beyond the free app as well.
Huckleberry was co-founded by Jessica Toh who states that as a new parent, she never expected her baby would wake up every few hours for nearly two years, in spite of all the books and methods she tried. “It turned out there were many others in the same position,” said Toh. “I felt in this day and age there must be a way to solve this for all the sleep-deprived people out there who just want the best for their children.”
Aiko and Egor Animation 4 Autism
See Beneath
Aiko and Egor Animation 4 Autism is an animated video series and interactive app designed to help kids with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The activities use evidence-based principles to create activities that focus on simple animation and language for kids with ASD. The app is produced by See Beneath, whose founders are Gerin Gaskin, Casey Hoffman and Jim Turner, all of whom have a background in autism intervention and research from the University of California San Diego. These individuals spent more than 7,500 hours sitting on the floor with kids under the age of three diagnosed with ASD to develop the app.
“Our visionis a world where all children with autism will develop to their full potential,” according to the See Beneath website. “Our missionis to engage and educate children with autism (ASD) by creating and providing innovative tools that foster positive change and help children reach developmental milestones.”
Peanut
Peanut
Get ready to swipe right on the latest app to help moms make friends. Peanut is a Tinder-type app that matches moms so they can meet other like-minded moms. Once you create an account, Peanut shows you women in your neighborhood with similar-aged kids and creates matches based on shared interests. Then it’s up to you to create playdates and start conversations.
Michelle Kennedy came up with the idea for Peanut after having her first baby, Finlay, and was struggling to meet other moms. She decided to create a product that would make life as a new mom a little easier. “Peanut is more than an app to connect mothers,” according to Kennedy via Peanut’s website. “It’s about recognizing a pain point that millions of women encounter and finding a solution.”
Cognitive ToyBox
iStock
Cognitive ToyBox allows teachers to do what they do best: teach. This gamified early childhood assessment allows teachers to test a student’s learning and social-emotional readiness without spending countless hours administering tests. Here’s how it works: kids play five-minute assessment games and the results are then sent to the teacher automatically. The tool saves the teacher hours of work and provides objective data for teachers and parents.
Co-founders Tammy Kwan and Dr. Brenden Lake created Cognitive ToyBox because they wanted to develop an evidence-based technology solution to support early childhood educators, parents and children. The company currently provides preschool and kindergarten learning assessments.
Every parent has been through it. You confirm plans and then you can’t find a babysitter. That’s where Nanno comes in. This app allows parents to secure a sitter within minutes. There is no minimum hour requirement and you can book as few as two hours in advance. Nanno runs a full criminal background check on all its sitters and requires a skill set for every person. They also offer on-demand matching and booking, quality control based on reviews, and free cancellation protection.
Liz Oertle, CEO and Co-founder of Nanno, is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to solve real-world problems of everyday people, especially parents and families. A former startup lawyer turned startup founder, Oertle met Desi McAdam, a software engineer and director of a software consultancy. Together, they decided to build a product that would solve a real-world problem that desperately needed to be solved. That’s when the idea of Nanno took form.
Money is part of everyone’s life. You need money to purchase necessary items like groceries and clothing, and you need it to pay bills to survive. Some people are great at finances—others, not so much. That’s why you must teach your kids valuable lessons about money from a young age so they can adequately manage their finances well into adulthood.
You don’t want to risk allowing your child to learn inadequate money management from someone else, so that’s why you need to teach your kids about money. Financial skills are essential to navigate life, so here are some realistic ways to teach your kids about money so they’re set for the future.
Teach Them the Value of Money
First of all, you should teach your kids about the value of money. If you hand a young child a penny, nickel and dime, they’ll likely choose the larger coin, which is the nickel. However, the nickel is not the most valuable.
You can teach your children the names of coins and how much they’re worth. They’ll be able to recognize coins after repetition of showing and teaching them their values.
Talk Openly about Family Monetary Decisions
You shouldn’t have to hide monetary decisions from your children. If you’re paying bills or have a significant expense coming up, explain to your children that you have to save money for it and might have to budget, which means no more unnecessary items for a short amount of time.
Let them understand that things cost money and that their food, clothes, and toys don’t magically show up at your house. Ever since they were born, you’ve had to carefully save money to support them. Explain how you pay for things so they know how much everything costs.
Use a Clear Jar for Their Savings
Piggy banks are great ways for children to save money they get for birthdays, holidays, or if they find a coin on the sidewalk. They love putting their earnings into a piggy bank, but unless you dump all of the money out, they can’t visually see how much they have saved.
When kids can visually see their monetary growth, they’ll learn and grasp the concept of money even better. Each time they add to the jar, they can see the growth and be excited that they’re saving money!
Play Board Games That Involve Money
What’s more fun than a family game night? Games like Monopoly and The Game of Life teach valuable money skills. Although the money is fake, your children can learn what it’s like to spend money, be in debt, and invest their money.
Your kids can get a sense of how the world of money works. They can decide what they really need in life, which leads to better spending habits in the future.
Talk about Spending, Saving and Giving
When your child earns money, create three different envelopes for them—one for spending, saving, and giving. Part of teaching them about money is teaching them how to organize their money.
Each time they receive money, have them split it into either equal parts or an agreed percentage for each category. Then, they can choose what to do with the funds in each category. For example, if they have a friend in need, they can use the “giving” money for their friend.
Let Them Pay for Something They Want
Kids always want things, whether it be a new video game or a dollhouse. These items aren’t something they need, so if they want it, allow them to save up and pay for it themselves. They’ll soon realize that it takes a lot of saving to pay for an item.
If they want the item badly enough, they will take the time to save their money, especially if you refuse to give in and purchase it for them.
Encourage Teens to Get a Job
There are plenty of opportunities for teenagers to get a job. As your children get to that age, they can begin doing more work. They will further understand that it takes hard work to earn a small amount of money and appreciate how much you work to make money for everyday expenses.
Start with a small job, like babysitting or mowing lawns. Ask around the neighborhood what kinds of work people have that they can regularly pay your teen money to do. If you have older teenagers, help them search for a part-time job.
Use Everyday Context to Teach
Money is involved in everyday life. You likely spend money every day, whether it’s for groceries, spending at a restaurant, paying bills, and even for taxes. Each time you pull out cash or your credit or debit card, it’s a prime opportunity to teach your kids about money.
Let them help you count out money for a purchase, or have them help you fill out a form online when you make an online purchase. Additionally, teach them about checks and how to write them. The more often they can participate in spending, the more skills you’ll instill into them.
It’s Never Too Early to Teach Kids about Money
You’re better off being realistic about money with your children from a young age than have them grow up and be misinformed about the world of money. Help them make wise financial decisions so you can be confident in their future money habits.
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
