Think flowers, candy, stuffies, and stickers

Everybody loves the baby milestone blanket, but maybe consider these other creative and super-cute baby milestone photo ideas that show their growth in the first year. Add your unique spin to one of the following set-ups; if you’re short on time or not the creative type (we get it), we’ve included props you can purchase to add flair to your photos. 

Flowers and Leaves

This is one of the sweetest baby milestone photo ideas we’ve seen. Teresa, a custom artist and illustrator based in Southern California, surrounded her daughter Elena in beautiful blooms and leaves to show how she blossomed each month. Create seasonal scenes as she did, or place one perfect rose or daisy next to your child the first month and then add a flower each month as a visual indicator of your child’s age.

Mini Blocks

picture of blocks that people can use in baby milestone photo ideas

These mini blocks give you lots of flexibility with how you display your message. Add a heart or a holiday symbol and stack the blocks vertically or lay them side by side in a pattern. Long after your child has hit the one-year mark, use these blocks to spell out your child's age in years or what grade they're in.

Buy them here, $30.

Animal-Themed Baby Milestone Cards

Pose your child on a neutral background to make these wood safari animal-themed cards stand out. Each disc is double-sided and features adorable giraffes, lions, and lions, and there's even a card announcing the arrival of your sweet bundle. 

Available at Etsy shop Brickhousegifts, $28

Monthly Milestone Chalkboard

This chalkboard comes in two sizes (9x12 and 12x16) and features cute, hand-drawn animals. Add milestones, favorites, and other important baby data, and then choose a light-colored, neutral background and take a close-up shot so the text is readable.

Available at Etsy shop Image Ability, $20

Related: 5 Baby Milestones That Will Totally Change Your Life as a Parent

Seasonal Props

Seasonal props that show the baby’s age in months convey the passing of time and will make for an amazing collage to commemorate that first year. Family blogger Chelsae in Tampa Bay took this photo of her daughter Evelyn with these autumn leaves for November, and she used candy hearts in February and beach toys in June.

Sleeping Baby Pictures

We love this baby milestone photo idea because there’s nothing sweeter than a sleeping infant. And with each month, you’ll appreciate not having to force a smile in each month’s photo. With a sleeping baby, you can take the shot quickly, and your child will always look beautiful and relaxed. If you’re worried about your child waking up, take photos at the end of naptime rather than at night. A shortened nap is easier than getting a crying baby back to sleep at night.

Favorite Stuffie

Posing your child next to the same stuffed animal each month shows how big they’re growing. It also lends itself to seasonal-themed photos and shots of impromptu hugs with their fuzzy friends. This photo from Alice Morais of Little Pearls Photography, a maternity, newborn, and family photographer based in Kennesaw, GA, captures both a seasonal theme and a sweet moment with a stuffed animal.

Photo Banner

a banner to hold pictures, a cute baby milestone photo idea

Put your favorite photo from each month in this self-editable photo template. You can also record the date and a short message. Once you've printed them out, attach them with a clothespin to raffia or ribbon to create a beautiful photo banner. When you update the banner with a new card each month, take a photo to show family and friends your baby's life in pictures.

Available at Etsy shop partiara, $9 for a self-editable template.

Everyday Items

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You don't need to be crafty or buy expensive props to create cute monthly baby photos. You need a gorgeous baby (check!) and to be creative with items you already have. Pose your babe with common items like diapers, onesies, pacifiers, or food (cupcakes are a new-mom fave). Spell out how old your baby is in months, or place the items around your child. Use the same prop every month or switch it up based on your baby's preferences.

Sports Stickers

Dress your baby in a solid-colored onesie and pop on one of these sporty stickers for consistent and cute photos each month. Or, get creative with where you place the sticker, like on a baseball cap, favorite stuffie, or diaper as your baby crawls away from you. If your older baby is too busy to sit still for a photo with you, a sticker gives you lots of flexibility on where, and how, to take an awesome photo.

Available at Etsy shop Custom Print Gallery, $10.

Inkless Foot and Handprints

Printed on special paper, this pack of baby milestone cards gives you those coveted baby fingers and toes, but with zero mess.

Buy them here, $54.

Spread some serious joy by sharing your baby milestone photos with family and friends near and far on the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

 

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Find out the best Costco hours to shop to whether or not you really need Costco coupons, these hacks will make your shopping experience even better

If you have a Costco membership, then you already know all about the joys of shopping for steals while sampling the goods. What you might not be aware of, however, are the secret tips to navigating your favorite shopping destination, and the extra “hidden” ways you can use that membership to earn even more. Here are some of the best Costco hacks and tips to save you money.

You Can Get Curbside Pick Up

Artistic Operations via Pixabay

Due to COVID, Costco is now offering curbside pickup on selected items for members. Most of it is electronics and jewelry, but it's still a nice perk. 

Get Immunizations

CDC via Unsplash

Cross two errands off your list when you make an appointment at the Costco pharmacy for annual immunizations. You can get a flu vaccine for the whole family and other important milestone immunizations. The pharmacy accepts all major insurances. 

Know Your Price Codes

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Did you know there are all sorts of little tips and tricks when it comes to figuring out those price codes? Yup, there's a system. Think asterisk = seasonal and 97 cents means a markdown, etc. There are more, according to Wallet Hacks

Related: Costco May Keep Its Hot Dog & Soda Combo Price $1.50 ‘Forever’

Shop without a Membership

a Cool costco hack is that Instacart delivers
Instacart

Want the perks of shopping at Costco without the cost of a membership? There's an easy way to make it happen. If you don't mind using Instacart, simply fire up the app and place your Costco order, no membership is needed. Of course, with a $5.99 delivery fee, it still isn't completely free, but you're also gaining the convenience of shopping from home—although you won't get to nibble on all those samples.

Save on Gift Cards

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It’s nearly impossible to get gift cards on sale since you are essentially just trading in cash for a card of the same value. At Costco, however, you can purchase a pack of gift cards to various retailers at a discounted rate.

Ditch the Coupon Book

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Forgot your coupon book? No worries. Nowadays, according to Wallet Hacks, there are no barcodes and the savings are automatically applied to your bill. The book is just your monthly list of deals and savings.

Skip the Food Court Line

skipping the food court line is a great costco hack
Pixabay

After navigating your way through Costco and the enormous checkout line with kids in tow, the last thing you want to do is wait in another line to grab lunch, especially if your tots are hangry. Luckily there's a ridiculously simple way to skip the food court line. While you're checking out, place your order and pay, then all you have to do is show your receipt and grab your food at the pick-up area.

Related: Here’s the Real Reason Costco Checks Your Receipts Before You Leave

Spend Less on Prescriptions

National Cancer Institute via Unsplash

With this Costco hack, Costco’s prescription program, members are offered deep discounts on their prescription medications without insurance coverage.

See a Double Feature

Krists Luhaers via Unsplash

A trip to the movies for a family can get pretty pricey, but at Costco, you can purchase a 10-pack of movie tickets for a discounted price and they never expire. With the money you’ll save, that overpriced popcorn and drinks won’t be quite so bad.

The Best Time to Shop

costco hacks
The Krazy Coupon Lady via YouTube

Love Costco's prices, but not the crowds? Beat the lines and packed aisles by shopping on the best day and time. According to Business Insider, try to bypass the weekends and shop on weekdays if possible. It's also best to avoid evenings, so load up your tots and hit Costco early or mid-morning.

You'll Never Overspend

costco hacks save you money
Sharon McCutcheon via Unsplash

While we can't guarantee you won't buy one too many bottles of Kirkland wine, you definitely won't get charged for more than what you take home thanks to the one thing Costco employees always do before you leave the store. As it turns out checking that receipt and drawing that smiley face has nothing to do with making sure you're not stealing. Instead, Costco does this to ensure that you haven't been double charged for any items.

Another way Costco makes sure you won't overspend is with its 30-day price adjustment policy. According to Eat This, Not That!, if an item goes on sale within 30 days of when you purchased it, Costco will pay you the difference, no receipt needed.

Related: 11 Ridiculous Things You Can Buy on Your Next Costco Run

Save Money on Your Next Car

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No one likes car shopping, but when you use your Costco membership, you might actually have some fun. The Costco Auto Program works with thousands of pre-owned car dealerships to negotiate low prices for you, so you don’t have to sweat the haggling.

Make Sure You're Scoring a Deal

one costco hack is to look for discounts
JJ Ying via Unsplash

Want to make sure you're getting the best deal possible? According to Eat This, Not That! you'll know a Costco item has been discounted if the price ends in $0.97. If the price tag also has an asterisk, then it won't be restocked. 

Family Vacation on a Budget

Disney facts and Disney trivia for kids
Youn Choo via Unsplash

Want to see the world? This Costco hack can help you do it for less. With Costco Travel your membership can get you deals on theme park tickets, airplane tickets, car rentals, hotels, and cruises. We're talking up to 30% off hotels both in the U.S. and abroad as well as package deals on family-friendly vacations like Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Package with Walt Disney World tickets. 

Get Checks for Less

affordable checks are a costco hack
Rawpixel via Unsplash

Even in the age of digital payments, there are still those few moments when a check is required, and Costco will print you a pack of checks for less than your bank charges.

Related: The Best Times to Shop at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Costco & More Grocery Stores

Get Tech Help for Free

Christina @wocintechchat via Unsplash

There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out why your WiFi is out or Netflix isn’t loading. Costco offers free technical support for any televisions, computers, tablets, appliances, and more purchased in-store and online. No warranties or extra fees are required.

Shop Costco Next

Two women shopping online
Microsoft Edge via Unsplash

Costco Next is an online way to shop from Costco's most trusted suppliers and you'll get to choose from a wide range of exclusive items that are often low in stock. Costco Next allows you to purchase directly from the suppliers' site while still enjoying your Costco membership values.

Additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

 

 

Sleepovers can be scary for both kids and parents the first time. Our guide will help you get through the night

There comes a time when camping in the living room with Mom and Dad will no longer cut it. If that’s the case, your kids might be ready for their first sleepover. But, like any new milestone, you may worry if it’s the right time to send them to a slumber party. There are no hard and fast rules about the right age for sleepovers: some 6-year-olds might be ready to sleep away from home, and some 11-year-olds might not be. So parents need to assess each opportunity individually. Read on for six signs your kids may be ready for sleepovers or an epic slumber party and 10 things to say that’ll reassure them that everything will be A-OK once they get there.

1. They Know What to Expect

Your kid’s first sleepover is a fun rite of passage, but make sure she knows exactly what she’s getting into before she heads out the door. Go over specifics, like navigating the bedtime routine at someone else’s house, and answer all the questions, like whether or not she can still bring her favorite stuffed animal.

2. You’ve Tested It Out

If you’re not quite sure your child is ready for a full-fledged slumber party away from home, try it at your house first. This way, you can see if the kids tire of one another or begin to fight with one another. Also, you can opt to throw a “mock sleepover” with a movie, popcorn, and PJs, but call it quits just before bedtime. Then you’ll know you’ve worked your way up to the real deal, but everyone can go home and sleep in their beds!

Related: Why I’m Saying Yes To Sleepovers This Summer!

3. They’re OK without You

Have you ever had to spend the night away from your child? Perhaps they’ve had a babysitter walk them through brushing and bedtime or stayed with grandparents while you were out of town? If they are OK being away from you overnight, or at least until they fall asleep, they may be ready for their first sleepover.

4. You’ve Asked Questions

Perhaps your little one is thrilled about the pint-sized pajama game, but you’re still a little uneasy. There is nothing wrong with calling up the other parent and asking questions until you feel more comfortable. Everything from “What time will they go to bed?” to “Do you have pets?” are all fair game to calm your nerves. You’ll also want to address any concerns about how the parents handle situations like arguments or kids being scared at night. And don’t overlook the BIG question: are there guns in your house, and are they kept in a safe, secure place where the children (ANY children) will not have access to them? 

5. They’re Planning One

When your kids come home from school begging for a sleepover with their BFF, it’s a good indication that they’re ready to give it a go. On the flip side, if they seem cautious about the idea or worried about who will tuck them in, they may need more time to warm up to sleep away from home.

6. You’ve Talked to Your Kids About Inappropriate Touching

Part of feeling safe is being safe and making sure your children understand good etiquette at the host family’s house, but also what is appropriate and inappropriate behavior from the adults and older siblings. While we encourage our children to be polite and on their best behavior, it is equally important to speak frankly with children in a way that will empower them to say “no” and know when something just isn’t right.

tweens love sleepovers
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Here are 10 statements you can make to help your little one feel secure at their first sleepover:

  • “You can call me to say goodnight before you go to bed.”
  • “I will pick you up first thing in the morning.”
  • “You can take a picture of us with you.”
  • “We are only a phone call away.”
  • “You will have so much fun with your friend and we’ll see you in the morning.”
  • “[Friend]’s parents will be there in case you need anything.”
  • “You can bring your pillow, blanket, and stuffed animal with you.”
  • “We’ll be home if you need us.”
  • “I’m so proud of you and I want you to have fun with [friend]!”
  • “I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get home.”

And if all does not go according to plan and you need to dash out to pick up your child early, a simple “maybe next time!” can help them to feel a little less embarrassed about feeling homesick. Happy slumbering!

 

Wondering what to draw with chalk? There are tons of creative ways to use this fun outdoor art supply

Sidewalk chalk is the Swiss Army knife of summer, and when the days get longer, there’s no better tool we’d rather have in our pockets. From straightforward to seriously creative, we’ve got an idea that will turn your sidewalk into hours of fun. Here are not only cool things to draw with chalk but also some of our favorite ways to make your mark (and then erase it).

1. Draw a backdrop for a picture. Bonus point for scenes where they’re flying or underwater. Need inspiration? See the amazing chalk creations we found around the globe, here.

2. Make silly silhouettes. Trace each other with chalk. And then fill in the details for a fun self-portrait.

3. DIY your own chalk. It’s easy to make an endless amount of summer’s favorite supply. See our tutorial, here.

4. Your sidewalk’s got game. Make a life-sized game board of their favorite game (Chutes & Ladders, Candy Land, checkers, etc.) and let your little gamers be the game pieces.

5. Let chalk hold court. Draw a makeshift tennis or basketball court, and let them practice their swings and dribbles like Princess Pinky Girl did.

6. Get wet. Hose down the driveway and let them experiment with chalk on a wet surface. They’ll love the new effect.

7. Chalk that’s to dye for. Need to freshen up your look? Turn sidewalk chalk into hair chalk in a few easy steps. Find out how at One Creative Housewife.

8. Go 3-D. Tired of a two-dimensional driveway? Turn your sidewalk chalk into foam paint. The Tip Toe Fairy shows you how here!

Related: 20 Cheap (or Free!) Sidewalk Games to Keep the Kids Busy

a play town is one of the things to draw with chalk when spending the day outside
courtesy of B-Inspired Mama

 

9. Be city planners for a day. Make a sidewalk chalk town and roadway. Look for inspiration at B-Inspired Mama.

10. Do some trolling. Turn the patches of grass growing through cracks in the driveway into the hair for your own pet trolls. Just add a body and let the fun begin!

11. Make an Olympic-worthy course. Measure out a long jump board, mark each milestone, and start training!

12. Make chalk pops. Make sidewalk chalk on a stick (they look like real treats!), then turn the kids loose to design a masterpiece. See how Project Nursery does it, here.

13. Create your own put-put. Draw a mini golf course and use a hockey puck or rock and a stick to play a round!

14. Decorate the walkway. An ode to the Wizard of Oz’s Yellow Brick Road—only with more color.

15. Make it glow. You can make a batch of your own glow-in-the-dark chalk, like Coffee Cups and Crayons.

Related: 20 Sidewalk Science Projects to Try Outside Today

 

 

Let’s get babyproofing around the house

Although it seems like it was just yesterday you were bringing your sweet baby home for the first time, the months have flown by. You’ve joyfully witnessed baby’s first smile, first time rolling over (both ways), and don’t even get us started on how amazing it was the first time baby sat—without padding or leaning on anything. Sounds like crawling is just around the corner—yet another in the line of baby’s firsts. That means it’s time to start babyproofing the place.

Our handy babyproofing checklist includes clever DIY tricks that make your home safer for your child and can save you some money too. Whether you need to babyproof your cabinets, your fireplace, or drawers, these ideas are a great place for any parent to start.

When to Start Babyproofing

As your little one gets close to crawling, it’s time to babyproof your home and other places they visit frequently, like grandparents’ homes. To start, get on the floor and look at the surroundings from a baby’s perspective. See what’s tempting to grab and pull on, what’s at eye level, and what could injure them. Then, put away fragile items, move cords, secure furniture that could fall over, and put padding on sharp edges. Every few months, and when your child reaches a new milestone, like walking, evaluate your home for additional babyproofing needs. As kids grow taller, the danger zones will change and likely increase.

Related: 12 Babyproofing Tips to Corral Your Crawler

Babyproofing Checklist for Your House

1. Secure stairway railings

The railings on staircases or landings on upper floors may look narrow, but they’re big enough for kids’ limbs (or heads) to get stuck in. Secure clear plastic or fabric to railings to deter kids from playing on them.

2. Hide cleaning products

Plastic bins with lids and latches that baby can’t open are a safer place for cleaning products than under your kitchen sink. If you can store them on a high shelf or out of sight in a tall cabinet, that’s even better.

3. Corral cords

Cut a slit down an empty paper towel roll or piece of pipe insulation and thread multiple wires through it to keep them from becoming tangled in your tot’s curious hands. You can also use zip ties to pull together cords and then tuck them far away from baby’s reach. Don’t forget your USB cords that still hold a charge when they’re plugged in.

4. Cover outlets

Plastic covers are the easiest way to cover outlets around the house (and safest too). But in a pinch, or when you’re visiting relatives or traveling, you can put adhesive bandages or duct tape over electrical outlets. Avoid cartoon varieties of bandages that will attract little ones’ attention.

Related: 15 Products You Need When Your Baby Starts Crawling

Renee Servinsky of Sassy Wife/Classy Life

5. Block off the fireplace

Babyproof a fireplace without sacrificing aesthetics too much by covering the opening with a piece of magnetic chalkboard (we love the one above from Sassy Wife/Classy Life). The chalkboard blocks off the fireplace and give little ones a surface on which to draw with chalk and play with magnets (choose large magnets that don’t pose a choking hazard).

6. Place dishtowels out of reach

Nix the dishtowel hanging off your oven door handle. Kids can pull down on it and open a hot oven or bonk themselves with the heavy door. Move towels to a higher shelf or put them on command hooks out of baby’s reach.

7. Test choking hazards with a toilet paper tube

There’s no need to purchase a choke tester. Anything that can fit into an empty toilet paper tube is small enough for your baby to choke on. Keep all those wee things out of reach.

Related: Your Guide to Safe Sleep for Baby

8. Create a TP protector

Babies love to unroll toilet paper as much as pets do. Keep your TP intact and out of baby’s hands and mouth with a two-liter soda bottle! Cut off the top and bottom of the bottle and cut a slit down the remaining center piece. Use tape to cover sharp, raw edges and slide the container over your toilet roll to cover it. See the tutorial at My Frugal Baby Tips.

9. Protect with pool noodles

These summertime staples can be used for everything from door stoppers to crib-rail covers that prevent tots from rolling out of bed. They’re also good for wrapping around sharp edges, like around the fireplace, to minimize bumps and scrapes.

10. Pad corners with tennis balls

Tennis balls can soften sharp corners where a pool noodle doesn’t fit. Cut a few small slices into the ball’s core so you can wedge it over items like table corners. It may not look pretty, but this hack is pretty temporary. Before you know it, your toddler will be steady enough on their feet that you no longer feel the need to protect every corner in your home.

11. Shorten pull cords

Use clothespins or twist ties to shorten and hold up pull cords on curtains and blinds to remove this strangulation risk from your home. Command hooks are also handy for keeping cords out of reach.

12. Sock it to knobs

To keep little hands from turning door knobs, cover them with a spare sock and wrap a hair tie or rubber band around the base to hold the sock in place. An adult can still squeeze and turn the handle, but a child won’t be able to.

13. Band together on horizontal cabinets

Attach hair ties or rubber bands to keep paired cabinet doors closed. Just loop the tie around the handles and your baby will only be able to open the doors a little bit, not wide enough to slip a hand through.

14. Get a handle on vertical drawers

Slide a yardstick or tension rod (or another long, thin object) through the handles of horizontally stacked drawers, rather than spending time and money on individual locks.

Make sure to capture photos of your baby crawling around their newly babyproofed pad—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Yes, it is possible to experience peace, tranquility, and calm on a family outing

Watch your entire family zen out before your eyes during a visit to the historic Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park. A must-see for locals and tourists alike, the Japanese Garden is made up of eight unique, smaller gardens and is renowned for being one of the most authentic Japanese Gardens outside of Japan. Plus, it’s only a stone’s throw away from many of Portland’s other family-friendly spots like the Oregon Zoo, International Rose Test Garden, and the World Forestry Center. Make a day of it, pack a picnic, and get ready to learn, explore, and discover all sorts of new things right in your own backyard.

the tea house at the portland Japanese Garden sits in the distance beyond trees on an overcast day
Tyler Quinn

Step Back in Time

Designed in 1963, the grounds now encompasses 12 acres with eight separate garden styles. Leisurely explore each one while taking in a spectacular view of Mt. Hood. From the lush, vivid greens of the Strolling Pond Garden to the stark, empty space (or ma) of the Sand and Stone Garden, each style highlights unique aspects of Japanese garden design. Be sure to check out the Kashintei Tea House in the Tea Garden, which is where you will often find tea demonstrations and gatherings.

a weeping cherry blossom at the flat garden at Portland Japanese Garden
Jonathan Ley

Garden Highlights

The Japanese Garden sprawls and sways into five verdant gardens: Flat Garden, Tea Garden, Strolling Pond, Sand & Stone Garden and Natural Garden. Spending time in each will give your crew a real sense of how mighty this place is. Everything has a reason and a there’s a reason for everything. Legions of volunteers work tirelessly to make this spot the pristine venue for all that it is; how incredible is their collective attention to detail.

Your kids will love trekking into the Japanese Garden. It’s an uphill trail of twists and turns, ready to set imaginations soaring. Once you arrive prepare to take in its splendor. Set the young amblers towards temples, a poetry stone, koi ponds, and gorgeous bridges. Keep those eyes peeled for whimsical statues, colorful flags, and symbolic artifacts at every turn.

Water is everywhere. You’ll see waterfalls, ponds, and water features throughout the grounds. Also abundant is stone. Stone pathways and steps, stone statues and monuments, and stone lion dogs are but some of the many interpretations. Nothing is without thought and purpose here.

stairs in the trees lead to a cultural village at the Portland Japanese Garden
James Florio

Festivals & Celebrations at the Portland Japanese Garden

Be sure to stop by the immersive Cultural Center where you can learn more about traditional Japanese arts, enjoy seasonal activities, and watch demonstrations and performances. Sit in on a flower arranging demonstration, try your hand at ink painting, or bang your hearts out at a Taiko workshop.

There are also a variety of Japanese celebrations observed at the Japanese Garden—from Hina Matsuri (Doll’s Day) in March to O-Tsukimi, the Moon Viewing Festival at the end of September. Be sure to check the website before booking a ticket to see what’s going on that day.

You can also check out the Zagunis Castle Wall—an authentic, Japanese medieval-style castle wall built using traditional hand tools. Pretty cool, right?

Know Before You Go:

1. It’s a circular journey around the garden, but it is not always stroller friendly. If you’re bringing babies or just-walkers, try a carrier. New walkers may struggle with the stone paths, boardwalks without railings, and uneven steps.

2. There are also plenty of off-limit spots to visitors, and the garden is a tranquil environment, so go when your kiddos are fresh and mellow.

3. No outside food or drink is allowed inside the garden, so snack it up before you arrive.

4. If you’re thinking of turning the garden into your own photo shoot, remember there is a $10 tripod fee.

Hours: Wed.-Mon., 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; closed Tue.
Cost: $20/adult; $14/kids, 6-17; $17/seniors; Free, kid 5 & under;

The Portland Japanese Garden
611 S.W. Kingston Ave.
Portland
Online: japanesegarden.org

It probably goes without saying that parents are always feeling proud of their kids for one reason or another, whether your son finished a difficult reading assignment or your daughter scored her first soccer goal. But just as important as their accomplishment is how you show your kids that feeling of pride. From words of advice to simple acts of kindness, here are 15 great ways parents can show their kids they are proud of them.

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1. Say "I'm proud of you." First and foremost, tell your kiddo you're proud of them when the time arises. You don't have to say this every day, but those words are encouragement are very meaningful to kids when they hear it from mom or dad.

2. Write them a note. Express pride by writing a little note or giving your little one a card or drawing that tells them you're proud of who they are as people or praises them for an accomplishment.

3. Talk about the obstacles. If your kid is struggling with an activity such as soccer or reading, offer support and recognize the obstacles he's facing.  At the same time, express your pride that your kiddo is facing those challenges.

4. Share some cookies. Nothing says love and pride like homemade chocolate chip cookies. Bake a batch of cookies and offer one to your son or daughter for being a great kid. Not a baker? Treat your kiddo to a cookie at the bakery counter at the grocery store instead.

5. Say you're proud in front of others. It's one thing if you tell your daughter you're proud of her. It's another when she hears you saying it to grandma or grandpa. Tell others how proud you are when your kids do something worthy of praise.

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6. Don't forget the small stuff. Of course, parents are proud when their son scores a goal or accomplishes a major milestone. But don't forget to show pride and offer words of encouragement when your kiddo does something small, such as help to set the table or read a book to her younger sibling.

7. Read a book to your kid about how you feel. Express pride through a children's book or story. After you finish reading the book, explain to your little one that the pride you feel is just like what the characters in the book feel.

8. Do an activity together. Show your kids how proud you are of them by participating in a family activity together. If your kids have been working on improving their physical activity, sign the family up for a 1-mile fun run and explain that it's a family reward.

9. Hug them. Showing affection is always a good thing. A hug not only expresses love but can also show your little one you're proud of them too.

10. Praise your son/daughter for the things they're working on. Recognize the process itself is an accomplishment. Tell your son you're proud of his work on accomplishing the larger goal still being worked on.

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11. Go to the park, a movie or an outing. If you want something more than words of encouragement, look for an activity to do together as a way to express pride. A trip to the park, movie or museum is a great expression of pride.

12. Tell them you're grateful to be their parent. We're proud of our kids for what they do, but make sure your little one knows you're also proud to be their parent, too.

13. Say "I believe in you." You've told your kiddo you're proud, but what about telling them you also believe in them and have confidence in their choices. That's a point of pride in itself.

14. Praise your kid for the great choices they make. Tell your little ones why you're proud of them by explaining how they've made good choices. Hearing that and the words of encouragement will only motivate them to continue their positive behavior.

15. Give a small gift. You don't want to make it a habit of expressing pride through gift-giving. But perhaps there's a special circumstance when your kid has been working hard on accomplishing a goal. When she reaches the goal, give her a small gift and tell her how proud you are.

moms getting kids involved in the kitchen
iStock

16. Let your kiddo decide what's for dinner. Maybe you have a picky eater at home who just went an entire week eating her veggies. Express your pride in that accomplishment by letting her pick the Friday night dinner.

17. Say "thank you." It's often these words of encouragement and daily conversations with our little ones that the greatest impact. Expressing thanks is just one way to share words of encouragement and pride.

18. Point out the positive in a negative situation. So often, we get too focused on the negative situations that occur every day. For every negative instance, try focusing on something positive your kiddo did and tell him you're proud of that.

19. Don't forget to be proud if they own up to their mistakes. Your son may have accidentally broke an item at home, but he told you what happened. It's okay to be upset about the broken object, but make sure to tell your son you're proud that he told the truth. This will make future confessions easier.

20. Hang the accomplishment on the fridge. If you're proud your kiddo did well on an exam or drew a pretty picture, display it proudly on the refrigerator or bulletin board for family and friends to see.

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With road trips on everybody’s minds, we’re all searching for those quirky roadside stops full of a little weird and a lot of fun. These unique destinations are the perfect excuse to get off the beaten path and stretch out your road-weary legs. Just in case post-pandemic life wasn’t odd enough for you already, we’re rounding up the top roadside oddities in the DMV.

Marty Snook Magical Woods

Visit Hagerstown

Like a little Scandinavian forest tucked inside a distant DC burb, the Martin L. Snook Memorial Park, better known as the Marty Snook Magical Woods, featured expertly carved gnomes and trolls alongside wooden play structures like a wavy bridge and a treehouse.  This Hagerstown park opened just last year and has become an influencer favorite for capturing magical memories. These are the kind of trolls you want on your feed!

Where: 17901 Halfway Blvd., Hagerstown, MD 21740
Online: washco-md.net

Johnny Monarch's

Tricia T. via Yelp

In under an hour, take a trip across the pond to Johnny Monarch's, a busaurant (not a food truck!) in pastoral Loudoun Co. This fully operational double decker bus was built in the 1960s and once traveling the route from Yorkshire to Manchester. As a nod to the era it was created in, the upper deck (which seats 20) features photographs from the '60s. Many of the dishes are served TV dinner style, like meatloaf and roast beef. You'll also find lots of vegetarian options and a few kid-friendly picks, like PB & J and grilled cheese sandwiches. 

Where:  8374 W Main St, Marshall, VA 20115
Online: https://www.johnnymonar.ch/

 

The Big Chair

Tod Eytan, MD

Once an ad for a big furniture store, this chair sculpture located at the intersection of Martin Luther King Ave. and V. St. SE is a fun, oversized photo op for your family. The chair, which stands 19 ½ feet high and is made of aluminum. It weighs in at over two tons. Built in 1959 by a Virginia-based furniture maker, the ginormous chair stood to draw in customers. It drew notoriety when a local artist lived on the chair for 42 days without coming down. Now, it still stands to draw locals for a fun roadside stop.

Martin Luther King Ave. and V St. SE
Historic Anacostia 

Zero Milestone

Wikipedia

Modeled after a similar milestone in Rome, the Zero Milestone symbolizes the United States' road system's effectiveness. It's an inscribed granite block, set inside a big brass compass on the sidewalk, about four feet high. It serves as the exact spot from which all roads in the country would be measured. That idea was an epic fail, but it still stands as a symbol of the cross-country road system that connects us all.

Ellipse Rd NW
National Mall

Q Street Barbies

Alexas Photos via Pixabay

Do you have a Barbie-lover in your house? Then, you need to stop at this quirky doll hangout. With every new holiday, those in-the-know flock to get a look at this ever-changing display of dolls in front of a local building. The setup makes it look like the figures are growing up out of the dirt. Neighbors have strong opinions on the display, but it is still a fun stop for your next local road trip.

1454 ½ Q St NW
Logan Circle 

NASA Goddard Rocket Garden

NASA Goddard/Tabatha Luskey

Blast off with this roadside attraction. The "Rocket Garden" located right behind the visitor center and features a large green space filled with decommissioned rockets and educational plaques. Among the rockets on display is an Apollo capsule used for training astronauts before missions and a huge Thor Delta-B rocket weighing in at just under 115,000 pounds.

Insider tip: While you're there, check out the Goddard Space Flight Center

9432 Greenbelt Rd.
Lanham, MD
Online: nasa.gov

Municipal Fish Market

Vincent L. via Yelp

Don't miss the oldest continuously operating fish market in the country! You'll probably smell and hear this stop before you see it. In operation since 1805, the majority of the seafood sellers here have been hawking the bounty of the sea for decades, possibly generations. Your little foodie will love the fantastic selection at this market. Chinese octopus and Chilean seas bass are ready to be wrapped and taken home for a family dinner. Want a break from cooking dinner? That's OK! This is a full-service market where vendors will cook the seafood to order.

1100 Maine Ave. SW
District Warf, Under the I-395 overpass
Online: wharfdc.com

Beyond the Beltway

Kiptopeke's Concrete Fleet

Angelica Kajiwara via Toddlin' Across America

Cape Charles is a beautiful family-friendly beach town perfect for any getaway with your crew. While you're there, check out the fleet of ghost ships in the Chesapeake Bay. The eerie-looking vessels consist of 9 of the 24 concrete ships made during World War II. The sunken ships serve as a breakwater to protect the pier and beach and a home for tons of local sea life. If you want an up-close look at this super cool site, rent a kayak, and you'll be all set to paddle out for a better view.

Kiptopeke State Park
Cape Charles, VA 
Online: dcr.virginia.gov

The Ruins of Presidents Park

Wikipedia

Check the website for special events at this location. It is on private property, and you'll need a ticket for this one. What once was a ten-acre sculpture park and museum is now a vast field of 18-to-20-foot-high busts of Presidents of the United States, many in disrepair but so cool to see. In 2017, National Geographic featured a video of the current owner discussing this historic exhibit's future. He'd like to restore the statues to their former glory.

8212 Croaker Rd
Williamsburg, VA
Online: thepresidentialexperiece.com

—Meghan Yudes Meyers and Angelica Kajwara

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When a pet comes into your home, they quickly become a part of your family. From walks together to their hilarious escapades to seeing them discover new things, each family makes special memories with their furry friend—and now there’s a place to keep track of them!

Tinybeans now allow users to add a pet! You can create a profile for your four-legged friend, share their photos and videos, receive milestone markers for them and see recommended articles based on your pet’s age and stage.

Up for a challenge? Create a pet profile today, and see if you can add a new memory each day this month. Your furball will love the added attention, and you’ll love the fun photos you can look back on!


If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.


Milestone blankets make a great backdrop for chronicling your newborn’s growth over the first year. Now there’s a fun way to incorporate your favorite show into your baby’s monthly pictures. BATZkids sells two limited-edition customizable blankets inspired by the hit TV show, Friends

The soft fleece blanket features the iconic yellow frame from Rachel and Monica’s door along with the quote, “Can I be any cuter?” Make sure you say that with Chandler’s inflection. 


Milestone Blanket

$44 BUY NOW

You can customize the blanket with your baby’s name displayed as part of a phrase inspired by the episode titles, “The One Where (Name) Turns….”


Twins Milestone Themed Blanket

$68 BUY NOW

Choose from medium or large sizes in this super soft fleece blanket that is pill free.


Firsts Holiday Milestone blanket

$44 BUY NOW

The blankets are available in two colors, white and purple. They're available in 3 different sizes - small 40" by 30," medium 60" x 50," and large 80" x 60" and vary in price from $44 to $80.


Swaddle Blanket

$44 BUY NOW

Start them off from the get-go with this swaddle blanket made from soft microfiber fleece that comes in small, medium and large sizes.

 

 

If Friends isn’t your thing, they’ve also got other adorable options such as Star Wars and Harry Potter.

—Karly Wood

All photos: BATZkids

 

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