If your kiddo just got their eyeglasses prescription then you know a thing or two about getting hit with major sticker shock when browsing the frames in the optometrist’s office. Even with insurance, those specs can be seriously pricey‚ not to mention limited. Clutch onto the ‘scrip and hop over to one of these sites for kids glasses online that offer lots of affordable, adorable options for kids glasses online with the prescription they need. Even if you’ve already got your favorite pair of kids eyewear, these also make a great option to have a spare just in case. Because kids.

Whether you’re shopping for your toddler or teen, these glasses span the sizes for kiddos to make sure they fit exactly the way they’re supposed to. There are patterned frames, glow in the dark options, and glitter, so you know there’s something to match your little one’s style. Plus, kids are way more interested in sticking with wearing their glasses when they get to help pick them out. Because again, kids.

Eyeconic

young blonde girl in blue dress wearing blue glasses
Eyeconic

Fun, colorful frames from their favorite brands like Draper James (pictured), Nike, Ray-Ban, Converse, and Lacoste, starting at $119. You can also save up to $220 using your vision insurance benefits! Free shipping and returns, always. Plus, all of Eyeconic's lenses block 100% of UV rays.

How It Works: Prescription lenses are included in the price, so what you see is what you'll pay.

Why You'll Love It: If your kiddo's glasses need to be adjusted once they're delivered for the perfect fit, jus take them to a participating location for an adjustment that Eyeconic will cover for you.

See More at Eyeconic Here!

Target Optical

child wearing teal hoodie laying on their back wearing eyeglasses
Target Optical

You're already shopping Target.com, so you don't have to go far over to TargetOptical.com to check out their kids glasses online! With national brands like Ray-Ban and Vogue and our favorite Target brand Cat & Jack, Target Optical's kiddo glasses are an affordable no-brainer. 

Good to Know: Target Optical's kids glasses range from sizes XS-XL.

How It Works: Have your little one's prescription handy, or pop into a Target Optical near you for an exam. Just click the Eye Exams option at the top right to find your store.

Bonus: Prescription glasses are now starting at only $59 and up!

See More at Target Optical Here!

Zenni

blonde toddler wearing red eyeglasses
Zenni

Zenni is a great go-to for glasses, especially for affordable glasses for active toddlers, little kids, big kids, and teens. Their kiddo styles are durable and 1/10 of the cost of glasses at optical stores! From colorful frames to glow in the dark, these are oh-so-cool. 

How it works: Upload a photo to their website to do a virtual "try-on." 

Cost: Frames can cost as little as under $10.00.

Why You'll Love It: Their styles fit ages 0-3 years, 4-7 years, 8-12 years, and 13+ years (and don't forget their adult options!).

See More at Zenni Optical Here!

Warby Parker Kids

three kids on a couch wearing eye glasses
Warby Parker

Warby Parker scaled down some of their most iconic and best-loved adult frames for our little ones! Made for kiddos 4-8, Warby Parker Kids also offers eye exams for kids 4+ in store.

Good to Know: You can order at your local Warby Parker store, or by calling them at 888.492.7297, any day, 9 a.m.—10 p.m. ET.

Expected Cost: Starting at $95, including prescription lenses. 

See More at Warby Parker Kids Here!

Jonas Paul Eyewear

Jonas Paul Eyewear

Jonas Paul Eyewear has aimed, and succeeded!, at simplifying the glasses frames buying process for families with young kids. They have some seriously adorable frames to choose from, and all of them are sturdy, snug, and stylish to keep up with your little ones.

How It Works: After signing up online, for $1, Jonas Paul Eyewear will send you and your kiddo a try-on kit of seven actual pairs to try out over the next week. Once you've had a chance to try them on and decide, you can order the glasses directly on their website. Upload your kiddos prescription and choose from options like tinting or transitional-tint lenses. 

Good to know: Prices start at $99.00 for prescription glasses frames.

Tip: Jonas Paul currently offers two sizes for kids; Small, for ages 4-7 and Large for kids 8-12. They have a tutorial on their website to adjust the frames at home, if needed!

Why You'll Love It: Not only are they affordable, the entire process is incredibly easy. But even better? For every pair of glasses you buy, Jonas Paul Eyewear helps provide funding to international organizations that are working to end preventable blindness around the world. 

See More at Jonas Paul Eyewear Here!

Felix Gray

Felix Gray

This popular eyewear designer known for bringing blue light protection glasses to grownups also has a whole line for kids. Whether you're looking for blue light glasses or blue light + prescription glasses for your kiddos, Felix Gray has options.

How It Works: Choose a pair of frames from their selection online and then upload your prescription. They don't currently offer a try-on kit but their detailed fit guide will help you make sure you're getting the right frame for your little's face.  

Cost: Frames start at $95 

Why You'll Love It: Even kids that don't have a prescription can sport these stylish lenses to cut down on damaging blue light and glare from laptops, tablets, and other screens they encounter. 

See More at Felix Gray Here!

Pair Eyewear

child wearing white eyeglasses
Pair Eyewear

Pair Eyewear offers the unique feature of being able to swap out the tops of the frames to get a new color without having to get a whole second pair. You pick out a base frame and can add magnetic tops in a ton of colors and prints to match your style. Pair was originally just for kids, so make sure to check out their adult options, too. 

How It Works: Pick out one of 5 base frames and topper. Don't forget to add extra toppers from their huge assortment!

Cost: Base frames are $60 each (including prescription lenses) and each base can be fit with different top frames starting at $25+ each. 

Why You'll Love It: Pair Eyewear partners with The Eyelliance to provide glasses and vision care to children in the developing world and for every Pair purchased, they provide glasses to a child in need!

See More at Pair Eyewear Here!

 

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.

Bless this mess—until you’ve run out of space that is. Here’s a list of places where you can donate your used toys and clothes in San Diego

No matter what time of year it is, it’s always a good time to clean out those toy boxes and donate toys that the kids are no longer playing with. The best part about donating your kids’ gently used play items? They can learn to gracefully give away the things they’ve outgrown and give them to recipients who can benefit from their generosity.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CX4q_hfJQgc/?hidecaption=true

We all know about the popular donation sites: Goodwill, Amvets, and Salvation Army, but there are several smaller local organizations with a huge need for toys and goods to help out San Diego children in need. Below are donation spots that could use your support:

Father Joe’s Village: Father Joe’s Village provides meals and care to thousands of homeless people each day. They accept donations of used toys (along with many other used household goods) for their retail locations. By donating items to their thrift stores, people can support programs that help families overcome homelessness. You can find more details on their website about the logistics of dropping off used goods or scheduling a pick-up.

Online: my.neighbor.org

Birthline of San Diego: With a mission to provide life-affirming support and resources to pregnant women and families with young children, this nonprofit relies on donations. What’s more, they give out hundreds of baby gift bags every year. They are looking for donations for children 0 to 5 years. From gently used toys and shoes to formula and diapers, all these things will go to help. So, if your fam has outgrown the use of these things, it’s time to declutter and give.

Birthline of San Diego
3660 Clairemont Dr., Ste 4
San Diego

Chula Vista Office
1220 Third Ave., #1
Chula Vista
Online: birthlineofsandiego.org

Christie’s Place: Christie’s Place is a nonprofit support center for women, children, and families living with HIV/AIDS whose motto is “Love Grows Here.” They are the only organization in San Diego dedicated to serving women, children, and families impacted by HIV/AIDS. The mission of Christie’s Place is to empower individuals whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS to take charge of their own health and wellness, and by doing so, improve their quality of life. 86% of their clients are at or below the federal poverty line, so used toys before Christmas will provide great excitement and joy. This will be the perfect opportunity for families to find their perfect toy that was donated by a generous family.

2440 Third Ave.
San Diego
Online: christiesplace.org

Community Resource Center: Help locally! Drop off your ‘gently used’ clothing, shoes, toys, and other household items to assist families in need. Further, the items you drop off help us turn housing into homes and the sales proceeds help to provide shelter, food, education, counseling, and back-to-work programs for many families in our community. There are three San Diego locations, just visit during store hours to donate.

Encinitas, Carlsbad, and San Marcos
Online: crcncc.org

San Diego Rescue Mission: Helping San Diego’s homeless and poor has been the goal of San Diego Rescue Mission for over 50 years. Donations go directly to those in need or are sold at one of their thrift stores. To donate, schedule a pick-up with them or drop the items off at one of four locations.

Point Loma, Mission, North Park, and National City
Online: sdrescue.org

Brick Recycler: Got LEGOS®? If you have bricks that need a new home, you can send them to Brick Recycler gives LEGO bricks to schools, libraries, orphanages, enthusiasts, and more. Their job is to match up boys and girls with charitable organizations, to let them have countless hours of play. There are limitless DIY science, architecture, and art projects that can be created using pounds of mixed pieces. So click through to find out how to ship your extra bricks today.

Online: brickrecycler.com

A.B. and Jessie Polinsky Children’s Center: The Polinsky Center is a non-profit operated by the County of San Diego and offers shelter to children whose parents are unable to care for them. Toys, clothing, games, DVDs, and more are always welcome. Check out the Polinksy Wish List for more information and give them a call if you’re interested in donating.

9400 Ruffin Ct.
San Diego
Online: sandiegocounty.gov

Thrift Cottage: The Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church Thrift Cottage is a bargain-hunter's paradise taking in “gently used" apparel for women, men, and children, household items, books, and toys. You can donate anytime the cottage is open. Sales of these gently and new items support local charities, scholarships for high school seniors and youth camps, military families and disabled veterans, and children.

1211 Tenth St.
Coronado
Online: gmpc.org

Sweep up those needles one last time! We’ve got your Portland tree-cycling options outlined here

Even though the season has come and gone, the spirit of gratitude and giving is still with us. So this year we’re taking the famous Marie Kondo’s approach to getting rid of our trees by first thanking it for the joy it brought us and then properly recycling it. Curious about Christmas tree recycling in Portland? Check out the four easiest ways to repurpose and recycle your tree along with pro-tips on Christmas tree recycling locally.

Portland Christmas Tree Recycling Ideas

Sean Foster on Unsplash

Recycling Your Christmas Tree in Portland: Where to Start

If you are interested in recycling your Christmas tree in Portland, the following are four ways to get the job done.

1. Recycle it at home with your curbside or yard debris collection service.
2. Recycle it through a nonprofit.
3. Take it to a recycling center.
4. Repurpose it in your own backyard.

Pro Tree-cycle Tip: Prep your tree for recycling by stripping it of all ornaments and lights. Most trees are turned into wood chips, and these items may damage the chipping machine. If you have a flocked or artificially-colored tree, check our listings below, as not all recyclers accept these.

1. Curbside or Yard Debris Christmas Tree Collection Service

One of the easiest options for Christmas tree recycling is your area’s waste collection team on a regular pick-up day. Where you live depends on how to prep, where you can put it, and what they’ll take. Generally, trees that are cut up and fit completely inside the curbside compost roll cart are good to go. Whole trees can be placed next to the composting cart, however, there may be a charge. If a tree is over 6 feet, it must be cut in half. For details, call your local solid waste and recycling office. Flocked trees are not accepted for recycling curbside.

Insider Tip: Make sure to not overfill or stuff down the tree material.

Online: oregonmetro.gov

2. Find a Boy Scout Troop in the Area

For a small donation, Boy Scout Troop 150 (and others in your area) will collect Christmas trees and wreaths for recycling. You can also drop them off a the designated spot. Register your address, and number of trees, and make a donation at the link below. You’ll be doing something good for the planet and helping these scouts earn badges throughout the year.

Cost: Minimum donation $10-$15
Online: troop150.org

Portland Christmas Tree Recycling
iStock

3. Take It to a Recycling Center

Requirements may vary and fees may apply, and we found just the resources to help. Have questions about these options? Reach out to Portland Metro or search for recycling centers online. This site offers a recycle center name, distance from your entered location, and if they pick up and or drop off.

Online: oregonmetro.gov

4. Repurpose It in Your Backyard

If you’re not up for curbside or drop-off options, consider these intentional backyard alternatives. The American Forest Society has some great ideas for putting your tree to good use in your own yard, from a bird feeder to coasters.

Online: americanforests.org

How & Where to Recycle Christmas Lights

Bob Ricca via Unsplash

Ideas for Recycling Holiday Lights

Have a few strands of holiday lights that aren’t working? Or maybe you consolidated your working lights this year? There are different ways to get them off your hands in an environmentally friendly way.

  • Make someone else's Christmas bright next year by donating your lights to Goodwill or other donation centers.
  • String lights can be recycled for the copper inside them at your local recycling center (just make sure you don't put them in your home bin). Many centers, like Metro’s, will take them free of charge.
  • Hardware and home-improvement stores generally accept Christmas lights for recycling and even for coupons or other incentives. Bigger stores encourage donors to opt for LEDs by offering to take incandescent lights. Just swing by the customer service counter to learn more.

Online: oregonmetro.gov

Subscribe to Ridwell

Dedicated to reducing waste, the folks at Ridwell will pick up your holiday lights and recycle the electronic bits and the glass as well for those who subscribe to this additional Portland recycling service. Check out Ridwell for all sorts of other recycling needs that can help your family keep items out of the landfill.

Online: ridwell.com

Additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

Wondering where you donate your kids clothes and toys in Portland? These non-profits are happy to pass along items to local families in need

Spring is almost here, which means it’s the perfect time to do some heavy spring cleaning. Before you throw out all of your kids’ old toys and clothes, remember that what’s old to you and your family could be new and exciting for local families in need. After you’ve sifted through your family’s lightly worn items, head to one of these Portland non-profit spots with your mostly new and lightly used clothes, toys and household goods at these places where families can donate kids clothes and toys in Portland.

a woman holds a stack of kids clothes to donate
Dan Gold via Unsplash

Mother and Child Education Center
Providing resources for families in need, this nonprofit accepts a wide range of gently used items for babies. It’s almost more useful to list some of the things they don’t accept, such as toys, stuffed animals, high chairs, and adult clothing. They’ve got a fabulously detailed donations page to help you sort and package your goods in a way that streamlines volunteer and staff time, so that items reach recipients more efficiently. In the event that they can’t take an item you’re looking to donate, they’re even happy to offer suggestions for alternate places. Just call. No more excuses for dumping a bunch of random stuff at Goodwill.

Good to Know: Donations done by appointment only. They ask that you call to find out if they can accept your donations in advance.

1515 N.E. 41st Ave.
Portland
Online: momchildpdx.org

Catholic Charities’ In Kind
Catholic Charities accepts new or gently-used baby clothes, maternity clothes, household appliances, and furniture. You can also donate your new or like-new bedding and towels. Please note, they only accept new hygiene items, baby toys, cribs, pack-n-plays, and car seats. Catholic Charities of Oregon can also pick up large donations of furniture or household items on a case-by-case basis. They ask that you call to make an appointment to drop off your items and make sure to check out their current list of needs. Make an appointment to drop off your in-kind donations during regular business hours by emailing donations@ccoregon.org.

Catholic Charities Traveling Crib
Pregnancy & Parenting Support Program
Clark Family Center
2740 S.E. Powell Blvd.
Portland
Online: catholiccharitiesoregon.org

Markus via Pexels

With Love,
Providing clothes and other necessities to children in foster care, this nonprofit seeks your donations in new or like-new condition. Donate baby swings, strollers, high chairs, bouncy seats, baby carriers, and Pack-n-Plays that are clean, have no broken parts and have not been recalled. Check their website for a complete list of guidelines and items not accepted. Two locations in Tigard and Lake Oswego serve as drop-off spots. Check the website for days and times.

Donation Drop-Off Hours: Mon. & Fri., 11a.m.-1 p.m.

8178 S.W. Durham Rd.
Tigard, OR
Online: withloveoregon.org

Impact NW
With a long history of serving families in the Portland Metro area and beyond, this nonprofit provides a wide range of free services. Many of the people they serve have only enough income for food, rent, and the bare essentials, and so Impact NW accepts donations of other much-needed supplies. While they always accept donations of new items, they accept gently used items in clean and good condition on an at-will basis only, due to limited storage space. Please call ahead to ask about available space for the item you’d like to donate. Donations can be dropped off at time arranged over an advanced phone call.

10055 E. Burnside
Portland
Online: impactnw.org

Central City Concern
Central City Concern serves families impacted by homelessness, mental illness, poverty and addictions. They gladly accept donations of gently used children’s items, hygiene kits, diapers, baby wipes,car seats (new), strollers, bassinets . Check their website for a complete list of ways you can give.

232 N.W. 6th Ave.
Portland
Online: centralcityconcern.org

Northwest Children’s Outreach
This faith-based nonprofit operates several distribution centers in Oregon and SW Washington, working to provide caregivers with items families need. Volunteers sort clothing, pack orders, and pick up donations. They accept clothing for newborns to teens, hygiene products, breastfeeding supplies (including pumps), nursery items, children’s safety products, toys, and books. Check their website for a complete list and for hours of operation at each location.

Online: northwestchildrensoutreach.org

Daria Shevtsova via Pexels

Children’s Book Bank
Have your kids outgrown a portion of their at-home library? Bring your gently used books to this non-profit focused on providing children’s literature to children with limited access to books at home. Volunteers rehabilitate and bundle the books for distribution through Head Start and public schools, so please check for missing pages, mold, or other damage beyond repair before donating. Current needs include board books, picture books, alphabet books, books about numbers, colors, animals, shapes and words, story books, rhyming books, Dr. Seuss books, multicultural books and books in Spanish. Donations taken by appointment only. Call to setup your time.

1728 N.E. Glisan St.
Portland
Online: childrensbookbank.org

Insights Teen Parent Services
Dedicated to serving teen parents and their children through a wide range of free support services, this nonprofit also runs a resource closet that parents can visit by appointment to find what they need. Among other items, they're currently accepting maternity clothes, clothing in sizes newborn-5T, toys for ages 0-5, board books, and winter coats. They also accept cribs made after December 2011, and used car seats that meet specific requirements, as listed on the website. Donations are limited to a specific list so check their website for an updated list.

3308 N.E. Peerless Pl.
Portland
Online: insightstpp.org

North county folks, the day has arrived—The Shake Shack, located in The Beacon La Costa, is now open for business. Rumors about the modern-day “roadside” burger stand, known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches, and flat-top Vienna beef dogs opening its fifth San Diego location in Carlsbad, surfaced last year. Burger connoisseurs, young and old, have been anxiously waiting for its grand opening ever since.“We’re thrilled to finally open our doors at The Beacon,” said Andrew McCaughan, Chief Development Officer at Shake Shack. “Our newest Carlsbad Shack is beautifully designed and we’re so excited to finally welcome in the community to dine with us.”

Shake Shack Opens in La Costa
Shake Shack

The La Costa location offers a walk-up window, which gives guests the ability to pre-order via the Shack app and pick up their food from the exterior of the shack. Whether you choose to take out or dine in, we recommend trying the Shroom Burger—the delicious option proves that a "veggie" burger can be the star of the show! The mushroom is breaded, fried, and full of cheese, and can easily be a family favorite. 

Shake Shack

Expect to see all the classics on the menu, including the ShackBurger®, Chick'n Shack, crinkle-cut fries and hand-spun shakes. In addition, The Carlsbad Shack will serve up a SoCal regional burger, the Roadside Double featuring a double Swiss cheeseburger with Dijon mustard and onions simmered in beer. Shack-canned Wine, Shackmeister Ale, and local beers are also available Seasonal burgers and drinks will hit the menu in the coming weeks. 

Shake Shack is committed to being part of a larger mission to Stand for Something Good® and donated a dollar for every burger sold on opening day to Kids for Peace. Kids for Peace is a California-based global nonprofit that provides a platform for youth to actively engage in socially conscious leadership, community service, arts, environmental stewardship and global friendships.

The Beacon will ultimately offer a collection of restaurants, shops, and lifestyle concepts curated to celebrate the North County Coastal community. Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams is soon to open, joining other local favorites like Lofty Coffe Co. and La Costa Wine Co. 

—Aimee Della Bitta

RELATED STORIES:

All the Things We’re Looking Forward to Doing in 2022

9 Iconic San Diego Foods You Have To Try

12 Local Candy Shops We’re Sweet On!

Once upon a time, I was one of the youngest employees at any given place I worked. A sweet little baby ready to change the world! Ugh, my goodness, someone go back and talk some sense into her. But I digress…

My point is, I’ve worked with a lot of mamas throughout the years. My career in nonprofit management means that I’ve worked with a lot of women because the nonprofit deck is stacked to be mostly female. And while it goes without saying these working mamas were absolute badasses, there was a lot I didn’t realize until I became a working mom myself.

I saw working moms come in flustered at 8 a.m. and didn’t realize the battles they’d already fought that day to get kids fed, dressed, and off to school on time.

I watched working moms hang up silly artwork their kids made without realizing that a little human at home had said, “I made this for your office mama,” and that it was actually the most beautiful piece of art they’d ever seen.

I watched working moms go to meetings that could’ve been handled in an email, work through projects that coworkers were taking way too long on, and read through intolerable memos with the grace and patience of a queen. They knew something I didn’t: Nothing that happens at the office is anywhere near as important as what happens in their life at home.

I watched working moms count down until 5 p.m. and race out the door like their pants were on fire. I had no idea they were just getting started on the second part of their day. No idea that they were analyzing if they were going to make it to daycare or aftercare on time before late pickup fees started. I didn’t realize they’d get in traffic and start calculating how long until they got there, how many minutes until they got home to make dinner, do homework, do the bath, and bedtime. I didn’t realize that drive might be the only alone time they’d have for the day and they’d have to be actively shutting off from work mode and into mommy mode.

I didn’t know that she’d feel guilty for wanting to have a career, for not caring about her career anymore, or for being fine where she was because a promotion could tip her rocking boat right over.

I watched working moms smile at me when I was impossibly rude and couldn’t bother to remember their kids’ names even though we worked together for years. I politely smiled at her cute little stories but didn’t realize how full her heart was from those special moments.

I didn’t realize that for working moms a ‘perk’ was getting to go to the bathroom alone with the door closed.

I watched working moms call (and later email and text) to say their kid was sick and they’d be out. And could I cover this? Or could someone call to reschedule that? I had no idea the guilt she’d wrestled with, how exhausted she was from being up all night, and sometimes how relieved she was to just be home for a day. Even if it meant cleaning up puke.

I invited working moms to parties my friends and I were hosting that started insanely late at night. I laughed along when they said they couldn’t come and told them they’d be missing out.  I had no idea they weren’t.

I didn’t realize that a call from the school could send her into a panic and that most of those calls actually start with someone saying, ‘Your child is okay but…’ and then go on to explain any number of incidents that occurred she’ll have to deal with later.

I didn’t know that some days, work was a break from a hard night at home. And some days, work took her away from the best night at home.

I didn’t know that she had no idea how great she was doing. That most days she rocked work and went home and rocked motherhood. And that she wouldn’t ever think that. And she’d spend the night wondering how she could do better the next day.

This post originally appeared on Momlando.

Dana Nichols is a mama in Orlando where's she's raising Violet & Simon with her husband Reid. They are always on the hunt for the best donut and are obsessed with painting murals on the walls outside their house. Dana runs Momlando which aims to inspire and unite moms in Central Florida.

As a kid, Mary Matthews only played soccer for a few years. But when her daughter’s soccer team needed a coach, Matthews stepped up. “I just absolutely fell in love with it.” she says. That was a decade ago. She’s since started Omaha Street Soccer, a nonprofit that brings soccer to kids in North Omaha.

Matthews’ story is unique, not because she took an extra leap in founding OSS, but because she is a woman. Youth sport—and all other levels of sport—is disproportionally coached by men, despite the growing number of female participants. “Participation has gone up, but women coaches have gone down,” says Dr. Nicol LaVoi, director of The Tucker Center for Research on Girls & Women in Sport.

If more girls than ever are playing sports, does it matter who’s coaching?

It really does, says LaVoi. And it transcends sports. “Seeing women as coaches helps counter outdated gender stereotypes about women in leadership,” she says.

Betsy Jacketti, recreational director of Mandeville Soccer Club in Louisiana, agrees. “It’s very valuable for the girl youth player to have female role models,” she says. Women who coach model leadership roles for girls and provide valuable insight from a female perspective. The list of benefits goes on.

So how do we increase the number of women in coaching roles? LaVoi, Jacketti and Matthews shared some ideas on where to start.

Actively Recruit Moms

A general call for coaches doesn’t cut it. “Most of the calls are not inclusive enough,” says LaVoi. “Coaching is such a male-dominated space that a lot of women don’t think that means them.” Specifically, ask moms to coach—and point out that coaching is a great way to be a role model for young women. It’s also a way to volunteer within the community. “Men’s philanthropy tends to be around giving money while women’s tends to be around giving time and talent,” says LaVoi.

And best of all, if you can parent, you can coach. The skills carry over. “Planning, management, communication, organization, teaching, scheduling and interpersonal and relational expertise are all aspects of parenting that easily transfer to coaching.”

Make It Easier

In most families today, women who work full-time also manage the childcare duties at home. “Coaching seems like a third shift,” says LaVoi.

LaVoi recommends that rec directors encourage co-coaching. Having two coaches can provide more flexibility and allows for a more accessible commitment. Letting coaches pick a practice day and time that works for them and their childcare needs is another way to make coaching easier for moms.

It also helps  to rally the proverbial village. “Having a supportive cast, no matter who that is in your life” makes it easier, says Matthews. Older siblings could watch younger children during practices. Call in a favor from grandparents or friends. It’s a worthy cause.

Offer Women-Only Education

Just like women-only gyms, coaching clinics for women help them feel more safe and supported. “I think by nature women want to do things well and don’t want to mess up and are apprehensive to step into that role,” says Jacketti. It can be daunting to ask a question in a room full of male coaches as the only woman.

Jacketti makes sure her women coaches know they will have the resources they need. “We want to make it an environment where the coaches feel comfortable and have education and support to be able to get on the field and not feel lost,” she says. Mentorship programs where new coaches are paired up with seasoned ones are also effective.

Women Can Coach. Period.

The Tucker Center has loads of data on women in coaching. Their Game ON: Women Can Coach Toolkit is a great resource for anyone who wants to make changes on the field.

—Sue Pierce is a writer for MOJO.

RELATED:
What to Say to Your Kids on the Car Ride Home
5 Reasons Why You Want Your Kids to Lose
How Your Kid Really Wants You to Behave on the Sidelines

MOJO is on a mission to make youth sports more fun for everyone — one kid, one coach, one family at a time. 

Diversity and inclusion are spectacular! And Disney+ is celebrating its community of LGBTQ+ creators, employees and fans with a first-ever virtual variety show. This is Me: Pride Celebration Spectacular will feature plenty of big names and unique musical performances and you can watch it live on YouTube and Facebook.

The concert streams on Sunday, June 27 at 8 p.m. ET and includes Alex Newell (Glee), DCapella (Disney Music Group’s acapella performers), Frankie Rodriguez and Joe Serafini (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Michael James Scott (Aladdin on Broadway), Todrick Hall and Kermit the Frog! It’s hosted by Nina West (RuPaul’s Drag Race) and will reinterpret iconic Disney songs through a LGBTQ+ lens.

“At Disney+, we believe in the power of inclusive storytelling to bring us together and inspire us to live authentically,” said Joe Earley, global head of Marketing and Content Curation for Disney+. “We are committed to amplifying the voices of our LGBTQ+ creators and talent, and platforming content that reminds people to love loud – and sing louder – in this special event.”

It’s sure to have you humming along, but the concert will also raise awareness for GLSEN, a nonprofit that works to ensure LGBTQ+ students are able to learn and grow safely in school. For more diverse content, check out the “Celebrate Pride Month” content set streaming on Disney+, or watch OUT, the Pixar SparkShort that’s available now on YouTube.

––Sarah Shebek

Image courtesy of Disney+, featured image courtesy of Samantha Hurley/Burst

 

RELATED STORIES

Cue the Rainbows: Disney’s 2021 Pride Collection Has Arrived

These Are the 11 Best Animated Disney Movies of All Time

Disney Is Celebrating Courage & Kindness with a Year of Princess Activities & More

Play with Pride this summer! UNO has partnered with the It Gets Better Project to release a brand new card deck celebrating inclusivity and the LGBTQ+ community.

The rainbow-hued pack is available to purchase exclusively at Target.com and Target retailers nationwide for $5.99. Mattel has also donated $50,000 to the It Gets Better Project and will be a part of the organization’s digital pride fest in June. The unique festival will bring trailblazers in the LGTBQ+ community together with the general public for conversations and UNO gameplay.

The It Gets Better Project is a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting, empowering and connecting to the LGBTQ+ community globally. It uses a multimedia platform to reach millions of young people each year through storytelling and building community.

UNO Play With Pride is part of the company’s 50th anniversary celebration. It’s the world’s best-selling card game and its simple gameplay transcends language and culture. This new deck takes the company’s mission of bringing people together to the next level!

You can buy it starting today and it’s available through Pride Month and beyond at Target.

—Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of Mattel 

 

RELATED STORIES

Gray Skittles Are Returning for Pride Month & They Give Back in a Special Way

Cue the Rainbows: Disney’s 2021 Pride Collection Has Arrived

Kellogg’s & GLAAD Collabed on This Glitter-Covered Cereal for Pride Month

How has parenting changed in the last year? More specifically, how have parents changed? Millie Moon Luxury Diapers recently tapped OnePoll to conduct a survey of 2,000 millennial parents—and the results may surprise you!

It’s probably not a shock to many parents that the events of 2020 changes plenty of attitudes towards just about everything. Between the sudden, drawn-out together-time families found themselves in, working from home, schooling from home and doing everything else from home, parenting has had to change in the past year.

photo courtesy of Millie Moon

The survey found that four out of five moms and dads surveyed felt 2020 made them completely reevaluate their parenting. Seventy-two percent said the pandemic helped them to show more compassion as parents and 73 percent began prioritizing the smaller moments they could share with their kiddos.

When it comes to work, more than 40 percent of parents put less of an emphasis on their jobs. This extra time reportedly had a major affect on the littles, according to the parents surveyed. Seventy-six percent of parents also discovered new ways to connect with their kids!

The increased emphasis on connecting with the kiddos may make you wonder how parents are spending more time with their families. The survey found that nearly half of parents say story-time is a bonding moment. With that in mind, Millie Moon is donating a portion of the proceeds from the brand’s new Luxury Diaper line to the national early literacy nonprofit, Reach Out and Read. Nab these luxe diapers and wipes exclusively at Target!

—Erica Loop

 

RELATED STORIES

This Is How Much American Parents Pay for Babysitters

Here’s Why American Adults Think Their Moms Are So Cool

Here’s How Your Kiddo Can Sign Up for the Free Scholastic Summer Reading Program