For parents who are currently screaming into their pillows, here’s what to know and how to react to your teen
If you have a teenager, you already know how it goes. They’re learning their way around the world and becoming independent, fully formed humans—but with that comes some pretty freaking obnoxious habits that will drive you up every wall of your house. When you’re at your wit’s end, hit play on this TikTok video and listen to what a psychologist has to say about some of the most rage-inducing teen habits and how to handle them.
Dr. Lucie Hemmen makes content that helps families navigate their relationships with one another, and this video is no exception.
“Five really typical things that teens do that drive parents crazy,” she says to introduce the video.
The first one won’t surprise any parent of a teenager: staying in their room all the time. Dr. Hemmen explains this is because teens are establishing their own identities away from their families.
“The best way to deal with it is to honor that and let them know that ‘when it’s dinner time, you’re coming out of your room’,” she says. “That way, they know you’re meeting them halfway.”
The second habit is teens’ tendency to be “emotionally intense.”
“It’s really not their fault,” Dr. Hemmen explains. “It has to do with their brain development. Their feelings are on full blast, and discernment, as far as how intense the feeling needs to be given the situation at hand, is not so great.”
Unfortunately, the only way to handle this one is time.
“It’s something you need to make space for and wait out,” Dr. Hemmen says.
No. 3 is that teens are irritable, she says, but this is also part of their normal development. The best thing parents can do is try not to take it personally and let things go, but “call out what you need to.”
Fourth on the list is that teens are “self-absorbed,” according to Dr. Hemmen.
“That’s not who they’re gonna be when they’re an adult, necessarily,” she says. “It’s very age-appropriate when you’re a teen, especially a younger teen.”
And finally, “Everything seems like an argument.”
Dr. Hemmen reminds parents that it’s “not because they disrespect you, it’s because they’ve had a burst of brain development and they know how to argue better. They feel more empowered and they want more separateness.”
At the end of the video, Dr. Hemmen notes that it was hard to narrow the list down to just five teen habits—something else that will help parents of teens feel seen. Parents, hang in there!
Already, one-third of kids ages seven to nine—and half of all 10- to 12-year-olds—are using sites like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat
We live in a world where our baby’s first steps are just as likely to be posted online as they are to be saved in the baby book, so is it any wonder our kids are clamoring to get on social media? According to this study from the University of Michigan, one-third of kids ages seven to nine and half of all 10- to 12-year-olds are already using sites like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. And with all the news about how social media may damage kids’ self-esteem, potentially attract sexual predators, and encourage online bullying—exactly how worried should parents be?
“Parents are generally concerned about kids’ safety when it comes to online predators,” says Patrick Quinn, a former teacher and the official parenting expert for Brainly.com, an online homework help site run by teachers and kids. “But the bigger danger is the matter of kids not being able to realize that everything on the internet isn’t exactly true. Everybody wants to put their best foot forward online.”
Consequently, self-esteem can take a hit. According to a 2019 Johns Hopkins study, teens who spent more than three hours a day on social media were likely to see negative mental health impacts. That said, Quinn believes there are plenty of redeeming qualities of social media platforms. Finding connections and community support, for instance, can be important, especially for teens and tweens who feel isolated or different.
So what’s a parent to do? According to experts, best practices include installing good parental controls, setting clear rules, and teaching kids what good “digital hygiene” means. “We recommend sitting down with your child and talking through any new apps they’d like to download,” says Titania Jordan, Chief Parenting Officer for the BARK parental control app and the author of Parenting in a Tech World. “Discuss the pros and cons of each, keeping in mind that ‘because everyone else has it’ isn’t the best of arguments. But be sure to listen to what they have to say. Their research and passion may surprise you.” Now then: What’s a Snap? How do you Twitch? Who can DM your kids? From Facebook and Instagram to Twitch and Discord, here are the pros and cons of social media for kids.
Ask your child to sign a social media contract (we love this one from iMom) that lays out the general rules for what kids can and can’t do on social media—and what will happen if they break these rules. If you’re not sure your child can police themselves, parental control apps can help by setting bedtimes, setting screen limits, and blocking apps or sites you don’t want your child to use.
“When you make your expectations clear, your child will have a better understanding of what they can do and when,” Jordan says. Also, when your child signs up with a social site, make sure they add you as a “friend” so that you can see and monitor what they are posting. Kids should also give parents their login information so they can check up on what they’re doing online.
Some things to talk about before letting your kids loose on any social media platform:
Knowing the difference between “real-life” friends and online “friends”
Understanding that pictures posted on social media don’t tell the whole story (and that, despite how it looks, nobody has a perfect life)
The dangers of misinformation
Understanding that strangers who contact them online may not be who they say they are
The importance of never disclosing personal information online
Make sure to make space for “digital downtime” to keep life balanced
Understanding that anything you put online may be seen and shared by others
How parental control and privacy settings within individual apps can keep them safe
What is it? An image-sharing site that allows users to view and post pictures and videos.
What do kids do on Instagram? Share their photos and view their friends' feeds, as well as keep tabs on celebrity feeds and follow users (often strangers) with similar interests. Users can also communicate via direct messages (DMs).
What parents should know: Instagram has been under attack for allegedly causing low self-esteem, especially in young girls. To combat this, parents should have a serious conversation with their kids about how what they see on Instagram isn't actually "real life." Show them how filters can make people look different/better/thinner—and how everyone has flaws to hide (this enlightening short video from Ditch The Label explains the "Insta-Lie" perfectly). There is also a "disappearing message" feature that lets kids send timed photo or video messages that users can only view once before they disappear (though screenshots can still be taken), so many kids use this feature to hide things they may not want their parents (or others) to see.
How to safeguard kids: Common Sense Media rates Instagram as best for ages 15 and up because of its easy access to mature content, as well as access to strangers. When you do decide to let your kids use the site, make sure they add you as a friend (create your own Instagram account if you don't already have one) so you can see what they are posting. You can also make your child's account private, so only their friends can see their posts. To do this, go to Settings, then Privacy, and toggle on the Private mode (You can't lock this setting, so know that your kids can always change it back.).
What is it? The hottest social media site for teens and tweens, TikTok has racked up more than 3 billion downloads, with youngsters everywhere clamoring to show off their antics or watch short, punchy video clips. The app is supposed to be for kids 13 and up, but younger users can easily skirt this rule by lying about their birthdays when they sign up. Also: Like YouTube, kids don't need an account to view videos, but they do need one to post them.
What do kids do on TikTok? Watch endless video loops of dance routines, makeup tutorials, homemade music videos, cooking demos, physical stunts, and more. Videos can be up to 10 minutes long, though most are only a few seconds. Creative or enterprising kids can make their TikTok videos by uploading videos from their devices or by recording, editing, and adding effects (as well as music and filters) directly in the app—making it a great place for self-expression.
What parents should know: Profanity and sexually suggestive content are commonplace, even with parental controls enabled, according to ProtectYoungEyes.com. The app also has direct messaging features, meaning that kids can easily contact and be contacted by strangers. That said, users ages 13-15 automatically have the following features set: -No direct messages -Automatic private accounts -Comments can be made from only “Friends” or “No One.” -No videos can be remixed or downloaded.
How to safeguard your kids: TikTok has parental control settings, as well as “Digital Wellbeing."Go to the settings tab in the app on your child’s device and click on “Family Pairing” to set restrictions and screen time allowances. If you are giving your child your phone to use, go to the app, click settings, click on “Digital Wellbeing” to set time limits, and set to “Restricted” mode.
What is it? A camera tool and social messaging app that lets users send "snaps" (messages) to each other, mainly in the form of pictures. Pictures and messages are (supposedly) automatically deleted after they are viewed—but this doesn't stop the receiver from taking a screenshot, so kids should know it's still possible their messages will be shared or reposted.
What do kids do on Snapchat? Younger kids will be all about the camera filters and augmented reality elements that allow them to take fun pics of themselves with glamorous makeup, bunny ears, or a big cat sprawled on top of their heads. Older kids will likely use Snapchat as a messaging tool—sending Snaps to friends and posting photos to their “story," which disappears after 24 hours.
What parents should know: Kids may be exposed to inappropriate content on the Story feed, where they swipe through everything from up-close pimple popping videos to dance tutorials. Also, it may be hard to lull kids away from the app since users are rewarded for "Snapstreaks"—when two users send Snaps to each other at least once within 24 hours for more than three consecutive days. These reward badges are removed when the streak misses a day, so kids are incentivized to keep the conversation going.
How to safeguard kids: Parents can go into the app to prohibit location sharing (go into settings, go to “See My Location,” and set it to “Ghost Mode.”). Parents can also specify who can view or contact their kids. Parents should explain to kids never to send pictures they wouldn’t want their whole school to see (because it doesn't really "disappear"). Also, parents need to explain that kids should never post pictures of friends without similar consent.
What is it? An online discussion/chat forum, originally designed as a way for gamers to chat while playing a video game. While the site is still mostly geared toward gaming, it has evolved into a forum to explore any subject-specific interests and group audio chats with friends.
What do kids do on Discord? Talk to other users about topics of interest (mainly gaming, anime, or music). Discord offers voice chatting, video chatting, and text messaging (it's Skype mixed with Reddit), and users can either join or create public or private groups (called “servers“) about whatever specific topic they want to talk about.
What parents should know: Being a user-generated site, kids may be exposed to inappropriate content including swearing and graphic language and images (though there are groups with rules against these things).
How to safeguard kids: While there are no parental controls, Discord does have some safety/privacy settings to control who can direct message or add your kids as friends. Its "Safe Direct Messaging" feature is supposed to delete any direct messages with explicit content (although, according to Common Sense Media, this isn't foolproof). To be safe, instruct kids to only accept invitations from and participate in private servers with people they already know.
What is it? An online discussion board where users can post questions, start conversations, and share pictures and videos of things that interest them (its slogan is "Dive into anything"). While the site is designed for adults, it's easy for kids to explore, even without signing up (though they need to be signed up to post questions).
What do kids do on Reddit? Share stories with others who have similar interests or questions, ranging from talks about their favorite video games and TV shows to personal questions about sexuality, friendships, and physical health. Once they register, users can vote, post, or subscribe to “subreddits” that focus on specific topics.
What parents should know: There are no parental controls on Reddit, so kids asking particularly iffy questions may see or be exposed to inappropriate content. Also, given the nature of Reddit as an open discussion forum, kids may go down a rabbit hole of extreme opinions that may reflect racist, sexist, hate-filled, or ignorant points of view on a variety of heated topics. Parents should talk with kids about how to spot misinformation and extremism as well as how to differentiate between fact and hearsay. That said, if kids are looking for a community of people who understand particular issues, Reddit can help kids feel a little less alone in their plight.
How to safeguard kids: Reddit is meant for adults, so it's recommended to use filters to block the app until your child is at least 13 (given the adult nature of some posts). If you'd like to let your kids explore the site, parental control apps such as Bark can send you alerts if your child is exposed to or posting anything concerning (including drugs, sex, violent or suicidal ideation).
What is it? With 2.74 billion users (and counting), Facebook—now part of Meta—is the most popular social media site out there, offering an easy way to share and view photos, videos, opinions, and thoughts. While the app is meant for users 13 and up, according to the BBC, it's estimated that more than 20 million of its users are younger than this. Also, even if they don't have an account of their own, anyone can view posts on Facebook (you only need an account to post or contact other users).
Note: Facebook is so adamant about its 13+ age limit that there is a page on its site devoted to reporting and deleting accounts believed to be for children (useful if you've banned the app from your house and find that your child set up an account anyway).
What do kids do on Facebook? Share and view photos and videos of themselves and others, keep up with their favorite celebrities, watch videos of interest, and message each other.
What parents should know: Kids can easily be exposed to inappropriate content—as well as be contacted by strangers. Also, like Instagram, users can easily become obsessed with "keeping up" their image and trying to maintain the illusion of a "perfect life." Parents should keep in mind that if their kids are on Facebook, they can easily see all the things you've ever posted (something to think about if you've ever posted exasperated posts about your parenting journey or baby pics that would mortify your kids today).
How to safeguard kids: If you allow your child to have a Facebook account (preferably at 13), make sure it's set up as a private account to limit who can see their posts, photos and profile. To do this, go to the Privacy section of the Settings menu and pull the drop-down options to "Friends," "Only me," or "Close friends" (which requires you to enter specific names).
What is it? An app for kids that lets users talk via text and video chat. While Facebook itself maintains the 13 and up standard, Messenger Kids skirts this rule because parents set up and manage the account on behalf of their children. Bark calls this setup—where kids use the app, but parents manage every aspect of it — "like training wheels for a child’s first social media experience." This lets parents see who their child chats with, how much time they're spending on the app, and every image they send/receive. Note: This is the only app on the list that was designed for kids under 13.
What do kids do on Facebook Messenger Kids? Talk and video chat with friends.
What parents should know: Parents must have a Facebook account to set up Messenger for their children. And while kids won’t have a public profile, parents can allow their name and profile photo to be visible to others (or not). Another important thing to note is that kids can't send links or YouTube videos through the app, which keeps them safe from iffy content.
How to safeguard kids: If you're worried about excessive use or unwanted friends, you set in-app time limits, approve or deny new friend requests, and remotely log your child out.
What is it? A live-streaming site, primarily for gamers. Any kid who's obsessed with video games will likely be obsessed with watching other kids play video games—which is exactly what they do on Twitch.
What do kids do on Twitch? Watch live streams, most of which are devoted to gaming. If they're logged in, they can talk directly to the streamer and ask questions about the game (which may or not be answered, depending on how many people are watching the stream). For a fee, kids can also broadcast themselves playing.
What parents should know: While the app doesn't technically allow threatening language or sexually explicit content, kids will still likely be exposed to plenty of profanity in the chats, which stream live beside the video. Kids don't have to sign up to watch live streams, but they do to chat. Users can also send "Whispers" (direct messages) to other registered users, though this can be restricted in the app's settings.
How to safeguard kids: Twitch doesn't offer parental controls, but logged-in users can set chat filters to limit discrimination, sexually explicit language, and profanity (though, according to Common Sense Media, these filters aren't foolproof.).
This dad’s brutally honest tweets about what life is really like after kids are sparking an important conversation—and more parents need to be having it
Do we have too rosy of a view of what life is like after kids? One dad’s viral tweet thread says so, and parents are applauding him for his brutal honesty about the realities of parenting in the modern age.
Jay Acunzo started his thread by setting the scene: “I just spent 3 days with dear friends, all of whom have kids ages 8mo to 4y. Something I need to get off my chest about being a parent of young kids and the culture we live in.”
I just spent 3 days with dear friends, all of whom have kids ages 8mo to 4y.
Something I need to get off my chest about being a parent of young kids and the culture we live in:
He continues on to write that what our culture demands parents share about their kids doesn’t match up with what they’re actually experiencing during parenthood.
“What the culture shares and even demands you share about having kids/being a parent is that it’s precious, it’s a gift, it’s a joy, etc. But this is not what actual parents talk about or how actual parents feel,” he wrote. “Instead…We talked about the fact that our physical + mental health had gotten problematic. Our careers had taken huge hits. Our friendships were drifting. Our relationships with our partners felt strained (one person summed it up as: they’re basically just the other parent I live with). We didn’t sit around writing Hallmark cards to the joys of parenting. We sat around going HO-LEE FORKING SHIRTBALLS this is impossibly hard and every dimension of our life got worse: health, finances, career, love, etc. EXCEPT a new dimension called Loving Our Kids (10/10 great).”
We didn’t sit around writing Hallmark cards to the joys of parenting. We sat around going HO-LEE FORKING SHIRTBALLS this is impossibly hard and every dimension of our life got worse: health, finances, career, love, etc. EXCEPT a new dimension called Loving Our Kids (10/10 great).
Acunzo even added that it felt wrong to be so honest. The voice in his head told him to “walk it back” and add caveats like “even though I adore them!”
“But the way the culture talks about parenting is not how actual parents talk about parenting to each other,” he wrote.
And then he made this extremely important point: “Parents ought to be given more permission to say multiple things are totally true at the same time, because we feel ashamed to feel bad about our experiences otherwise. Because yes, we all feel like dogsh*t during the early stages of parenting very tiny kids. Yes, we wish we had more time for ourselves and our work. And yes, kids are the reason why every dimension of our lives took a hit EXCEPT this one amazing new dimension. BUT ALSO…We wouldn’t trade it. We don’t regret it. I routinely drop everything to console or play with them. I would, w/o thinking, take a bullet for them. I’d arm wrestle The Rock — and I promise you, I’d win — for my kids.”
In the replies, many other parents joined the conversation.
“I think it also depends on culture – in the western world there’s a lot of emphasis on the “individual” sometimes at the expense of the collective. I grew up in Pakistan – our culture emphasizes alot on the collective. Multi – generational families living together, close communities , families , relatives etc – takes a village to raise children. Now raising kids as first generation immigrants in Canada – it’s incredibly hard without the family support network and I think part of the culture here is to almost force independence on parents and kids from an early age,” one commenter wrote.
And this very relatable comment: “I remember going to the playground as a new mom. All the moms were gushing about how perfect their babies were and how wonderful motherhood was. I went home and told my husband they were all lying. The parenthood culture doesn’t encourage honestly talking about the struggle.”
In other words, we need to make more space for parents to talk about all the realities of parenthood. Are there wonderful parts? Of course! But some parts of it just suck, and there’s no way around that. And it’s OK to make space to talk about that, too.
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.
Let’s just say these family-friendly Lunar New Year events are really hoppin’
2023 ushers out the year of the Tiger and introduces the year of the Rabbit, the luckiest of all 12 of the Chinese zodiac animals. While we hope plenty of luck finds you and your family this year, we can at least point you in the right direction for ways to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with the kids around Portland. Whether you’re looking for traditional events and activities that include lion dances, red envelopes, and lanterns lighting up the sky, or you think a little extra (we’re talking balloon animals and face painting) would entice your kids to get out and celebrate, we’ve got the scoop on happenings you won’t want to miss. Our tip? Make your plans now, as many of these popular festivals require tickets and they go quickly.
1. Celebrate Chinese New Year at Lan Su Chinese Garden
While some celebrations of the Lunar New Year only last a day, the Lan Su Chinese Garden celebrates the Chinese New Year for two whole weeks. That's more than enough time to wrangle the kids into their winter gear and step out for the Pacific Northwest's largest Lunar New Year celebration. Festive decorations, tours, crafts, and performances are just a taste of what you'll experience if you visit during the daytime hours. Kids can have a bunny meet-cute, see Chinese lion dances and martial arts demonstrations, even learn calligraphy if they're game. Storytimes, food, and musical performances are all part of the celebration too. Remember to get your tickets in advance for this popular celebration.
Good to Know: The Lunar New Year Opening Lion Dance, featuring Portland Lee's Association Dragon & Lion Dance Team, is free and open to the public. It kicks off the two-week long celebration on January 21, from 9:30-10 a.m.
If you really want to zhuzh up your Lunar New Year, bring the fam to see the glowing lanterns at Lan Su Chinese Garden in the evenings. It's an area favorite for a reason. Glowing lanterns surround you while large lighted lanterns float on the pond nearby. An illuminated dragon procession will keep the kids entertained, as will a Chinese chopstick challenge you can try as a family. End your evening with a warm cup of tea and snacks in the Garden Teahouse. The evening viewings run from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on select nights, and tickets are a must.
Dates: Jan. 26-29 and Feb. 2-5, 2023 Cost: $45/person; $15/kid (3-11); Free, kids 2 & under
What gets your kids excited? Live performances? Crafts? Magic? Come celebrate the Lunar New Year at Keller Auditorium, as it has all three and then some. Chinese Friendship Association of Portland (CFAP), the local non-profit hosting this year's Lunar New Year's celebration, is bringing in all kinds of talent to showcase. Performances range from an astounding magic show by Golden Wand Winner Eric Qiu to routines from international rhythm gymnast champs. Kids can dig in to the various activities at the arts & crafts workshops and even try their hand at calligraphy. Prepare to be awed by this year's events celebrating the Year of the Rabbit. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for arts & crafts, and performances begin at 7 p.m.
Date: Feb. 4, 2023 Cost: $25-$115
Keller Auditorium 222 S.W. Clay St. Portland Online:portland5.com
3. Enjoy Chinese Storytime
Read books, sings songs, and recite nursery rhymes at this virtual Chinese storytime hosted by the Multnomah County Library. Best for kids six and under, it'll be an engaging time and a special way to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit from home. Please register to receive the Zoom link.
Say goodbye to the past year and welcome prosperity in the Year of the Rabbit at the Milwaukie Community Center. Lots of learning will take place at this celebration that includes dances, crafts, activities, and music. Light refreshments and exciting lion and drum dances will keep the kids engaged at this free, and very family-friendly event.
Date: Jan. 22, 2023
Milwaukie Community Center 5440 S.E. Kellogg Creek Dr. Milwaukie, OR Online: ncprd.com
Welcome the year of the Rabbit at this family-friendly Lunar New Year celebration held at the Oregon Convention Center. Expect plenty of traditional Chinese New Year activities like lion dances, folk dances, calligraphy, and martial arts demonstrations. There will be children's activities and games to be played as well. Tickets are on sale for this event now.
Oregon Convention Center 777 N.E. MLK Jr. Blvd. Portland Online:oregoncc.org
6. Make Lunar New Year Postcards & Origami
If you're up for an adventure, head north to the Hands On Children's Museum in Olympia. Always a hot destination for toddlers and their grown-ups, it's even more so on the Chinese New Year when kids can make rabbit origami and write postcards to friends and family, wishing them luck in the year ahead. These activities are included with museum admission or membership.
Date: Jan. 22, 2023
Hands On Children's Museum 414 Jefferson St. N.E. Olympia, WA Online:hocm.org
7. Lunar New Year Dragon Dance Parade & Celebration
Experience a dragon dance and parade when you celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Portland Chinese Museum and the Oregon Historical Society. The parade starts at N.W. 3rd and Davis Street and proceeds around Old Town, Downtown, and Oregon Historical Society Park Plaza as dancers weave in and out along the 1.4-mile route. Lion dancers and other performers kick things off around 10 a.m. before the dragon heads out for the trip.
Make a wish on a red ribbon and snap a few selfies at Washington Square Mall to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit. Families can also crafts, stories, and dances in the center court from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as part of day's activities.
You won't want to miss this free community event that has all the usual Lunar New Year celebration activities like lion dances, calligraphy demonstrations, and martial arts performances. But this gathering, hosted by local Asian American residents in partnership with Mac Market and Unidos Bridging Community includes balloon animals (our money's on the rabbit), face painting, and storytimes too. It's the perfect mix of traditional elements and a little something extra that'll get your kids excited for the day.
Date: Jan. 21, 2023
1140 N.E. Alpine Ave. McMinnville, OR Online:eventbrite.com
Make space under the tree! 4 STEM learning starter kits from Osmo that are ready to be wrapped
‘Tis the season for…STEM learning? As far as we’re concerned, it is! But don’t worry—your kiddos won’t even know that you’re sneaking learning into their stockings. With Osmo, all that is bundled into one completely fun, game-based program so your little ones actually want to play. And these aren’t just any games. These are hands-on learning games that allow players to use objects in the real world shown on their iPad or Fire tablets.
Kiddos learn best when they’re engaged in hands-on learning, and Osmo teaches with games connecting digital-physical interactions. Each game is designed to bounce the image of the game pieces or drawing the player arranges right onto their device screen. They’re able to see how their movements impact their game, blending the digital game world with their moves in front of them. And don’t worry—the Osmo Reflector is covered so it only captures images in a bounded area. Your child’s privacy is always protected.
Finding the right Osmo Starter Kit is super easy, too. You can always check out one of Osmo’s Classic Starter Kits. These best-selling kits include games covering the area of your choice, so you can’t go wrong! Every Starter Kit also includes a Base and the Osmo Reflector. But we’re especially excited about their Age-Based Starter Kits that are curated specifically for your child’s age! Here are the four we’re making sure Santa drops off this year. Santa’s really into STEM learning, by the way.
Genius Family Starter Kit (Ages 6-10)
This is the perfect package for the whole family that'll grow with your little one! It comes with 9 classic games. ABCs, Squiggle Magic, Costume Party, and Stories for ages 3-5. For ages 6-10, there's Numbers, Tangram, Words, Newton, and Masterpiece. In addition to the Osmo Base and Reflector all Starter Kits come with, the Genius Family Starter Kit includes Tangram pieces, Numbers tiles, 38 silicon sticks and rings (BPA-free and dishwasher safe), 19 costume pieces, silicon play mat, and stackable storage!
The Kindergarten Starter Kit is designed to introduce little ones to core subjects. With hands-on games for independent and collaborative learning, this is STEM made just for kindergarteners! You get 11 games including Osmo's best-selling Genius Starter Kit and additional games that promote math, reading, vocabulary, and drawing. Also included: tangram pieces, numbers tiles, words tiles, creative board, 4 erasable markers, fuzzy pouch, 31 tangible coding blocks, and stackable storage!
Get ready for an in-depth learning experience with the Elementary Starter Kit! Everything your child needs for a firm core subject foundation is included. Along with all the goodies that comes with the Kindergarten Starter Kit, you get 15 games to explore, learn, and grow!
Osmo's most most packed kit yet comes with their most popular best-selling Classic games for hours of (learning) fun! If you can't decide which Starter Kit is right for you, the Super Osmonaut Kit is definitely the way to go.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
There are so many great things about school. Kids make friends and learn all kinds of cool stuff, and you get to take care of business without having to worry about if they’re spending too much time online. If there’s one downside, it’s probably homework, and while the verdict is still out on how much good it really does, it’s probably going to make its way home at some point during the year. That’s why it’s important to dedicate somewhere to school and learning at home to help kids stay focused. These inspiring ideas go from grand loft bed-desk combinations to simple, small-space work station inspirations, and we think you’ll find one that’s just right for you.
What started as a creative way to make a work station for kids during the pandemic holds up just as well for after-school work. Simply set them up in their spot of choice and roll their supplies over to them.
If your kid’s room doesn’t seem to have space for a desk, Crate and Kids has a cool solution with their Kids Uptown Loft Bed Desk that can be attached to the interior or exterior rail of their Uptown Loft Bed for a cozy study cove (as can a matching shelf for book overflow). A Kathleen Wills design, this look is clean and contemporary, while wall space can shine with personal touches like artwork, maps, or memo boards to spur on study sessions.
IKEA’s FLISAT collection is designed for kids ages three all the way up to 12, so these pieces are meant to be versatile and customizable. They are also made of pine for a non-toxic study station. The legs on this FLISAT desk adjust to one of three heights to accommodate growing learners, while the top tilts for a fully ergonomic fit. It also conveniently holds a roll of drawing paper for artistic study breaks. If you want to round out the room with storage bins (on wheels!), a sweet book display, or a dollhouse-shaped wall shelf for books and other supplies, explore the entire collection.
Pottery Barn Kids’ Catalina Collection is a best-selling desk for good reason. The Catalina Storage Desk comes with three different hutch options, one of which comes with an outlet for easy charging capabilities. The oversized nob on the larger drawers also makes it easy for little hands to fully own and operate this space.
Have you tried setting up study stations in their rooms, but the homework still ends up at the kitchen counter? Your kids, especially during early schooling, may just work better in a space where you can help them stay on task. So go with it and designate cabinet space for school and craft supplies. This design from Mullet Cabinet makes organization and storage a breeze, all in a separate section of the island so parents can still prep dinner and are present for any questions that might come up. Because it's a shared space, kids can also be responsible for setting up and cleaning up—and won’t waste any time hunting down that calculator.
You can get creative with the spot you dedicate for homework. We love how Design Improvised set up this station by a window (it’s important to take those mental pauses to gaze and regroup). With a portable cart that’s labeled and well-stocked with everything little learners would need, a chalkboard calendar for keeping easy track of assignments, and a desk to call their own, they also have everything they need to get to work.
We love this genius setup from The Vintage Glitter House—a painted pegboard offers a fun pop of color as well as lots of space to hang supplies and decorations. That way, your kiddo's pencils, paper, and craft supplies will all be in one spot.
This book set up from Good + Simple will help encourage reluctant readers and is an awesome addition to any study or work station. With sections for "currently reading" and "to read," it'll keep things organized while getting them excited about their next book.
An extra closet becomes a fun "office" space for the kids over at Look Linger Love. Clear plastic bins keep supplies organized and in view, and any mess is easy to conceal by shutting the door. Tucked in a corner of the playroom, you can take a closer look and tour the rest of the adorable space here.
To help create a clutter-free zone in her daughter's room, the clever mom over at Organized Mom decided to mask the mess. With built-in shelving and a fold-up base, this DIY desk easily folds up when not in use.
This combination of study space and craft area is perfect for group projects. The custom-designed craft/work island by Ellen Grasso & Sons features convenient storage space for each seat; supplies can be neatly stored until needed.
The 2021-2022 school year is shaping up to be one of the most challenging yet. I was asked at the beginning of the school year to put together some thoughts on how parents might be able to help their kids succeed this school year. Going into Winter Break, these seem like great reminders to help us during the second half of the school year!
This question is really great for two reasons—it gives parents some tangible impact in what sometimes feels like a situation that is out of their control and it helps to refocus the work on the adults and not the kids. Children are really resilient—it’s the adults that we need to help out.
Ok! Let’s dive into it. My first recommendation for parents on how to help their children thrive and excel in school is to provide as much outdoor time as possible. And preferably unstructured outdoor time. Go to a park with no plan. Sit on your balcony. Walk to the post office. Wander in a garden or the woods. Our kids need time to recharge and nothing does that better than some mindful time in nature.
When your child is feeling more refreshed and present, then they can begin to make space for learning and being at school. Parents want to be involved in their kid’s lives at school, but don’t always know how to do that. Start out by asking open-ended questions about your child’s day at school, and not just asking, “What did you do today?” or “Was your day good?” Ask things like:
“What is something new or exciting you did today?”
“What was something funny that happened today?”
“What did you do today during recess / homeroom / a-period / lunch?” Ask about a time at school that is NOT a class.
“What’s a problem or a challenge you solved today?”
And then, after asking about whatever thing you are interested in, follow it up with, “Tell me more!” Invest some time into what your child does day to day so that when you ask these questions, it’s not just about getting information, it’s about sharing an experience.
The Importance of Autonomy
Along with connection and community, happiness is made up of autonomy. So much of what our children do at school is decided for them. Until the upper years of high school, they have very little choice in what they get to learn or experience at school. Parents can have a huge impact in making their child’s time at school successful by giving them opportunities for choice and ownership. Daily opportunities for autonomy are huge—it provides a touchpoint throughout the day of something they can be proud of and invested in and it helps with understanding commitment and ownership. Something as small as choosing a snack can give a student the confidence and calmness that they need to tackle bigger problems like algebra or asking a teacher for help.
The Importance of Mastery
The last component of happiness is mastery. This might seem like that is the point of school, but when kids don’t get to choose something they can be experts in, it’s not the same. Even at a young age, parents can help kids thrive and excel in school when they invest in something their child love to do outside of the classroom. When a child has an interest, hobby, sport, or enrichment they are working on outside of school, it helps them to better express who they are, it becomes part of their persona, a part they can always go back to even when school gets hard. From ukulele lessons, to playing rugby, to even just collecting rocks, investing in something that helps your child feel like an expert comes in all shapes and sizes.
The Importance of Gratitude
Lastly, of all the recommendations I make to parents and families, this one comes up time and time again. We believe that a grateful child is a healthier child. Studies have shown that acts of gratitude increase feelings of optimism and drastically decrease anxiety. If you can see the good around you, you can expect there to be good tomorrow and are less worried about what bad thing might happen to you.
Parents can help their children thrive at school by practicing what my family calls, “Favorite Part of the Day.” If you have younger students, doing just one “favorite” part or good thing, is enough, for older ones, the practice of sharing, “Three Good Things” at the end of the day works just as well.
Whether your family is lucky enough to have dinner all together, or maybe it’s driving back from everyone’s sports’ practices, take turns for everyone to share one good thing or their favorite part of that day. And sharing is mandatory—everyone can find one good thing that happened that day even if it was a really, really hard day. There are some days when my good thing to share is the meal I’m having right then and there.
Do you have a story you’d like to share with our readers? We’d love to hear it! Sign up for our Voices Contributor Network where you can submit your funny, heartfelt and/or unbelievable parenting stories and see them on Tinybeans.com!
I'm Liz - mom of two, wife of one, and small business owner. I live in Los Angeles but hail from the North East. I like dancing while washing the dishes, listening to my kids laugh, hanging out at breweries with friends and going to baseball games with the husband.
School is officially back in session, whatever it may look like. Whether you’re still doing virtual learning or your children are attending child care or classes in-person, routines have been dramatically altered to accommodate life in an ongoing pandemic. And these routines may already be exhausting you and your family.
One effective way to deal with the stress of “normal” life in a not-so-normal time is to make space each day to practice mindfulness. It’s a lot easier said than done, especially when you look at your to-do list filled with professional and personal tasks. However, when you practice mindfulness, you’re practicing the art of creating space for yourself—space to think, breathe, slow down, connect and be fully present.
“Mindfulness is to pay attention on purpose, in the present moment, to just slow down and notice all the beautiful things around you,” said Sandra Graham, Kiddie Academy’s director of training. “It can help children focus, manage stress, self-regulate emotions and develop a positive outlook. Particularly right now, it can offer them relief from the stress and difficulties that may be occurring in their lives and help build resiliency.”
Practicing Mindfulness Each Day
We’ve developed a few activities for “Mindful Minutes,” suggestions of things you can do with your child to achieve mindfulness each day. These Mindful Minutes reflect the Kiddie Academy Life Essentials philosophy and help children concentrate on the positives around them, developing a sense of appreciation, gratitude and contentment.
In a playful way, use these activities and games to introduce your child to breathing practices and other techniques to develop focus and sensory awareness, while reducing stress and regulating emotions.
Take your children for a walk outside. Invite your little ones to listen to how the leaves blow in the wind. Direct their attention to the warm sun as it bathes their faces. Listen to birds in the distance as they chirp. Focusing on the surroundings helps your children connect to their environment. It brings their attention to the here and now.
Encourage your little one to think from head to toe about how they’re feeling. This can be a good way to start the day or just something to do when you think your children need to center themselves.
Find a relaxing place, or a “happy” place. Sit comfortably in a quiet place that’s free from too many distractions and set a timer for one minute. Breathe deeply in and out, slowly. Let your mind and body rest and relax from any pressures.
The busyness and hurry of life shows no signs of slowing down, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take time when you and your child need it. So, remember to take a minute (or more!) each day with your kid(s) to practice mindfulness and center yourself in the present moment. You may come out with a sense of gratitude or energy for the days ahead of you.
Joy has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. As Vice President of Education at Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care, she oversees all things curriculum, assessment, training and more. Joy earned a B.S. in Education from Salisbury University.
You probably know Christian Robinson from his best-selling children’s books You Matter and Another and for his award-winning illustrations in Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña. He now brings his joyful, inspirational designs to Target as they launch the Christian Robinson for Target collection of home goods, apparel and books for babies and kids.
This limited-time collection, which continues Target’s commitment to sourcing and designing more products with Black creators and designers, includes bedding, pillows, wall art, t-shirts, onesies, pajamas, and exclusive editions of four of Robinson’s books. The clothing options include adaptive and sensory-friendly apparel. Most items are under $25, with the collection ranging in price from $6 to $70.
“We know our guests want their homes to be a reflection of themselves and look to Target for inspiration and new ways to explore their creativity,” says Jill Sando, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at Target. “Christian Robinson’s curiosity and creativity are unmatched. We’re thrilled to be able to introduce our guests to such a special partner and deliver an inclusive collection that is as inspiring as it is affordable.”
Discussing the partnership, Robinson says, “As a child, drawing became a way to make space for myself and to create the kind of world I wanted to see. Working with Target to bring this collection to life has been a dream come true and I hope it helps all Target guests, big and small, create a space of their own that is timeless, captures their imaginations and sparks their curiosity.”
The Christian Robinson for Target collection will be available on the Target website and in stores beginning August 15; new home products will arrive in October.
