Try one of these yummy, gooey combos to take your treats to a new level

S’mores: they’re the undeniable sign that summer has arrived. In honor of our favorite summertime treat, we’ve rounded up the best (and most unique) s’mores recipes from around the web, everything from a s’mores recipe made in the oven to a decadent peanut butter version. No need for a campfire: read on for the best s’mores ideas around, indoor or outdoor style.

S’mores Pizza

Ever had pizza for dessert? This s’mores idea is a fun summer treat because you can make it outside on the grill. Get the recipe from Dessert Now Dinner Later.

S’mores Apple

Sometimes you just need some tasty fruit to go with your s’mores to make it even better. Try out one of the most unique s’more recipes!

Peanut Butter Cookie S’mores Recipe

Check out this s’mores idea that’s also a cookie! It’s got everything you love about s’mores, packed inside cookie dough, giving a delicious treat. Get the recipe from Parsely and Icing.

S’mores Dip

Doesn’t this s’mores charcuterie plate scream summer? Snag the recipe from Dinner at the Zoo and get it plated up for a special occasion.

Related: 14 Sweet Dessert Charcuterie Board Ideas

Pretzel Peanut Butter Cup S’more

a pretzel peanut butter s'mores recipe
Oh, Sweet Basil

Take inspiration from Oh, Sweet Basil and make this fun twist on the classic s’more. With Reese’s peanut butter cup instead of regular chocolate and a touch of saltiness from the pretzel, it’s a deliciously balanced bite.

S’more Brownies

a unique s'mores recipe for brownies
The Sweet Occasion

How gorgeous are these s’more brownies from The Sweet Occasion?! A graham cracker crust is topped with fudgy brownies and the best part, a toasted meringue topping. It’s easier to make than you’d expect.

S’more Quesadilla

unique s'mores recipe for s'mores quesadilla
My Casual Pantry

No need for a campfire to make this sweet recipe from My Casual Pantry. The tortilla is coated with a cinnamon-sugar mixture, then it’s filled with chocolate and marshmallows, of course.

S’mores Rice Krispie Treats

s'mores recipes
Delicious Little Bites

Think of these treats from Delicious Little Bites as portable s’mores—they’ve got all the traditional elements, but make way less of a mess. Plus, our kids have never met a Rice Krispie treat they weren’t obsessed with. 

S’mores Hand Pies

Spaceships & Laser Beams

These cute hand pies from Spaceships & Laser Beams are a guaranteed kid-pleaser. With a marshmallow creme and chocolate chip filling, after all, what’s not to like? Refrigerated pie crust makes these simple to put together, too.

 

Related: 11 Campfire Desserts to Make on Your Next Outdoor Adventure

S'mores Cookie Sandwich

s'mores recipes for a cookie sandwich
Cooking Classy

Check out this cookie version of a s'more from Cooking Classy. Instead of the crunchy graham crackers, soft cookies make this a treat you can really sink your teeth into.

Peeps S'mores

s'mores recipe that uses peeps
Eclectic Recipes

Sure, Peeps are usually an Easter affair, but this recipe from Eclectic Recipes is too cute for just one holiday! The colorful marshmallow birdies add an unexpected element to a classic snack.

Lemon Meringue Pie S'mores

s'mores recipes
Cooking Classy

If someone in your family isn't a chocolate lover, this citrusy take on s'mores from Cooking Classy is a great alternative. The tart lemon curd contrasts with the sweet marshmallow—delish!

Oven S'mores

s'mores recipes
Savory Sweet Life

If sitting around a campfire isn't a possibility, try out this oven s'more recipe from Savory Sweet Life. Eat 'em when they're fresh and gooey from the oven or let them sit to cool and serve as a cookie later on.

S'mores Popcorn

popcorn s'mores recipes
Crazy Little Projects

Now you can eat s'mores by the handful with this decadent treat. This recipe from Crazy Little Projects can be made ahead of time and stored for whenever you get the urge to munch on something sweet. But be warned: this snack is pretty addicting!

Related: No Oven Required: 19 Easy No-Bake Desserts

Regular bedtimes are important for everyone in the house

If the bedtime battle is the most dreaded time of day in your house, it can be tempting to give in and let the kids stay up late. However, research shows why kids need a regular bedtime and it’s more important than just having some mom-time once the kids are (finally) asleep.

A study in the United Kingdom looked at the sleep habits of 10,000 kids ages three to seven years old. The research, published in the journal Pediatrics, concluded that kids with irregular bedtimes had more behavioral difficulties than those who went to bed at the same time consistently.

Related: Earlier Bedtimes for Kids Is Better for Your Sanity, According to Study

 

little girl at bedtime
iStock

The study, which reported that 20 percent of three-year-olds did not have a consistent bedtime, found that kids who did not routinely go to bed at the same time every night were more likely to be unhappy, inconsiderate of others and argued more. The behaviors reported were based on surveys of both parents and teachers.

A follow-up to the study found that irregular bedtimes were also linked with increased risk for obesity and low-self esteem, as well as lower math scores. Regular bedtimes, on the other hand, were shown to have a positive impact on a kid’s development, health and behavior.

The good news is, even if you’ve let that bedtime slide on more than one occasion, it’s not too late. The researchers found that the effects could be reversed by implementing a consistent sleep schedule. When kids switched from having irregular bedtimes to having a regular bedtime they showed measurable improvements in their behavior. The study’s lead researcher, Yvonne Kelly explained, “This shows that it’s never too late to help children back onto a positive path, and a small change could make a big difference to how well they get on.”

RELATED STORIES: Can You Really Make Up For Lost Sleep? Science Has an Answer

 

 

 

Ah, the holidays! It’s time to get into the mood, and this year, instead of buying bags upon bags of ready-made holiday décor, why not let the kids DIY it? That’s right—it’s time to spread some cheer with crafts for kids, and these holiday garlands are the perfect way to get started! Scroll down to see them all.

Woven Paper Stars

My Poppet

Looking to get rid of all those old magazines lying around? Then, this woven star garland from My Poppet is just the ticket. Stunning, and not to hard to do, this one can be left up after the holiday season! Click here to see what else you'll need to get started. 

Printable Banner Garland

Courtesy Brit Co

Do you have a printer? Do you have string, tape and scissors? Then you have what it takes to make this printable banner garland from Brit + Co. They provide the template, all you have to do is click here for the tutorial

Sparkly with Straws

Projects with Kids

Give your holiday décor that special sparkle with this completely creative DIY garland. Seriously. The glitz and glam that this craft gives will light up your home—minus the actual lights. Learn how to make this Christmas craft from Projects with Kids.

Coffee Filter Festivities

Hands On As We Grow

Coffee filters aren’t just for your morning cup of "wake me up, please." No way. They’re also a super science supply and more than a little bit artsy. Check out how Hands On As We Grow turns regular coffee filters into a gorgeous garland.

Santa Stars

Red Ted Art

Okay, okay, we all already know that Santa is kind of the star of the show when it comes to Christmas. Well, this artsy activity literally makes Santa into a star. A star shape that is. Get the full garland how-to from Red Ted Art.

Happy Herbs

The Sweetest Occasion

Oh, sweet smelling and pretty? Yes, please! These mini rosemary wreaths from The Sweetest Occasion pull double duty. Not only do they string together into a rad little garland, but they also give your home a fresh holiday scent too.

Snowy String

Art Bar Blog

You’ve seen them all over Pinterest. They’re 3D paper snowflakes, and they sorta look like you need Martha Stewart-level skills to make them. At least, to make them in a way that you’d actually want to display. Well, don’t fear—a totally easy, kid-friendly version is here. Check out Art Bar Blog’s tutorial for a full how-to.

Pieced Together

Raising Whasians

You have no less than a zillion puzzle pieces floating around your playroom. And none of them go to the same puzzle. Recycle and reuse them, turning those random pieces into this adorable garland from Raising Whasians.

Bright Lights

Stubbornly Crafty

When it comes to twinkle lights, sometimes the real deal just won’t do. You have too much plugged into the outlet already, you don’t want your tot anywhere near a tangle of wires, or you just want to save a few dollars on electricity costs. Whatever the reason is, you can still hang light—the faux kind. This paper light Christmas garland from Stubbornly Crafty is bold, bright and fun to make.

Classic Creation

Mama Papa Bubba

Go old school this holiday season and try out this classic cranberry and popcorn garland. This fab foodie fun project, from Mama Papa Bubba, may not be anything that the family should eat. But, after the holiday fun is over, you can dismantle the cran-corn mantle decorator and feed it to the birds.

Felt Candy Fun

Growing Up Gabel

Are your crafting skills totally Pinteresting or Insta-worthy? If so, this is for you. Help your crafty kid create this absolutely adorable felt candy garland from Growing Up Gabel.

Picture Perfect

Cupcakes and Cutlery

How many pics of the kids do you take? Um, probably plenty. Instead of keeping them on your phone or storing them in some cloud somewhere, print them out and create this festive holiday garland from Cupcakes and Cutlery.

Chip Off the Color Block

A Girls and a Glue Gun

The stack of paint chips that the kids stashed in your purse at the home improvement store doesn't have to end up in the trash. No way. Turn them into this cute craft from A Girl and a Glue Gun.

Trim the Tree

It’s Always Autumn

If you have felt and glue, you have the makings of this adorable garland from It’s Always Autumn. The kids can get as creative as they want, crafting trees with stars, polka dots, hearts, stripes or anything else they can dream up.

Gingerbread Cuties

What Can We Do With Paper and Glue

These gingerbread people don’t go in the oven, and they have no calories. How could that be? They’re purely paper! Your little artist can decorate their gingerbread people with sweet smiles, pretty bows, and cute clothes.  Get the full how-to from What Can We Do With Paper and Glue.

Star of the Show

MerMag

This glowing garland by Mer Mag uses LED lights, cardboard, and Perler beads to create colorful décor that you’ll definitely want to leave up through the New Year. Now that’s a bright idea! Find the materials and how-to over at Julep.

 

DIY Lyric Garland

Squirrelly Minds

This next garland from Squirrelly Minds has us ready to get crafty. Pick out your favorite song lyrics that capture the magic of the holiday season, and you're halfway to having a personalized garland to give as gifts or to decorate your home. Check out all the details, including what you'll need, here.

 

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Art is all around us—you don’t have to go to a stuffy museum to introduce your kids to the fine arts. We’ve rounded up 18 jaw-dropping outdoor art installations across the country that the whole family will appreciate. Some are interactive and others are just larger than life, but all of them are well worth a visit. Keep reading to see them all.

Isak Heartstone | Breckenridge, CO

Kate Loweth

From a downtown full of sculptures to live theater performances, Breckenridge is full of ways to explore the arts. Track down the famed Breckenridge Troll while you are there. Named Isak Heartstone, this 15-foot tall wooden troll sculpture is located on the Trollstigen Trail next to Illinois Gulch Trailhead. This massive sculpture is by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, who is known worldwide for bringing awareness to recycling and upcycling by building great things out of trash. Bonus: you can even explore the area's public art using the self-guided audio tour

Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net

Spoonbridge and Cherry | Minneapolis, MN

Created by a husband-wife pop artist duo, this larger-than-life spoon and cherry sculpture can be found at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Admission is free, so you can also check out the garden’s other pieces, including everything from a giant blue rooster to wind chimes that make soft music. Here's our guide to other kid-friendly Minneapolis activities

Online: walkerart.org/visit/garden

Wynwood Walls | Miami, FL

Wynwood Walls was started in 2009 to showcase international street art. Stroll through the rotating collection of more than 50 murals at this outdoor museum, then head out into the Wynwood district to check out the surrounding art galleries and eclectic shops.

Online: thewynwoodwalls.com

Seven Magic Mountains | Las Vegas, NV

Like a colorful mirage, this weird and wonderful exhibit is in the middle of the desert outside Las Vegas. Kids will get a kick out of these 30- to 35-feet high sculptures, made from painted and locally-sourced boulders. Check out our guide to other kid-friendly Las Vegas attractions

Online: sevenmagicmountains.com

The Beltline | Atlanta, GA

lbstidham0 via Pixabay

The BeltLine is a fantastic family-friendly pedestrian loop that’s expanding around Atlanta, and, as a new and very popular initiative, has a growing collection of artworks exhibited. There’s a mix of permanent and temporary exhibits, and even musicians and performers on occasion. Even cooler, as the Beltline expands, so will the collection (there are currently 110 different works exhibited). Grab your strollers and bikes, and hit the trail! 

Online: art.beltline.org

Queen Califia’s Magical Circle | Escondido, CA

This magical place is the only American sculpture garden and the last major international project created by artist Niki de Saint Phalle. It’s inspired by the mythic, cultural, and historic roots of California, and it’s a wonder for kids of all ages. There's a bright mosaic snake wall, a maze entrance to the garden and nine free-standing sculptures, which include totems inspired by Native American, Mexican and pre-Colombian culture. Don't forget to look for Queen Califia herself, a mythical warrior queen! Looking for more outdoor art in Southern California? We’ve got the best places right here.

Online: escondido.org

Cottontail on the Trail | Minneapolis, MN

If you head to the Portland Avenue stretch of the Minnehaha Creek Trail, you’ll find Jeff Barber’s "Cottontail on the Trail.” The rabbit (or Minnehaha bunny) is an iconic trail marker and landmark, and on most warm days, you’ll find kids crawling, playing, and jumping all around the impressive bronze sculpture.

Westmoreland Park Nature Play Area | Portland, OR

Zach R. via Yelp

Art that looks good and can be touched? Sounds like our kind of place. In 2014—using repurposed concrete for water play areas and salvaged logs for climbing—environmental artist Adam Kuby collaborated with GreenWorks Design Firm to create a playspace that reflects the recent, and nearby Crystal Springs restoration efforts. A popular spot for kids and adults alike, take a peek at our insider’s guide to find out more.

Lupe the Mammoth | San Jose, CA

Affectionately named “Lupe,” this metal pipe rendering of a wooly mammoth was designed by LA artists Feyja Bardell and Brian Howe. It was installed on the Guadalupe Trail in 2015 and represents the spot where the bones of a 12,500-year-old mammoth were discovered 10 years earlier. While kids can’t touch or climb on the structure, it’s a perfect way to get them excited for a day of science and fun before heading to the nearby San Jose Children’s Museum, where a replica of the prehistoric animal can be found. Search for more cool outdoor art in the San Francisco Bay Area by clicking here.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum | Austin, TX

This woodsy, magical garden inspires creativity for all. Not only is it a wonderful place to wander through at your own leisure, but the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum caters to families as well. The permanent collection is filled with the works of Charles Umlauf, a prestigious sculpture who taught at the University of Texas, Austin for 40 years. Each sculpture is gently waxed, and touching is okay (climbing is not). Stop by on family day, the second Sunday of each month, for art-making, sculpture demos, family yoga, live music, and storytelling. Family days are free, and the rest of the time, admission is just $7 for adults and free for kids under 12. Get more information about the museum here.

Socrates Sculpture Park | Long Island City, NY

You can check out both permanent and rotating exhibits at Socrates Sculpture Park. It's free to get in, there are a lot of events (yoga, music performances, kid workshops), and the former landfill is landscaped with over 90 varieties of plant life. Plus, there’s plenty of other fun stuff to do in the area. Hallets Cove, which you’ll find just north of the park, is a public beach and kayak launch during the warm months of the year. Find out more here.

Crown Fountain | Chicago, IL

Modern art at its finest comes to Chicago in the form of Crown Fountain. With its two 50-foot glass video installations of Chicagoans as new-age gargoyles spouting out water and visitors running around in swimsuits just like any public splash pad, it’s definitely a bucket list hit for all ages. Bonus: it's super close to The Bean. Check out this guide for other famous fountains in Chicago and this story on everything fun to do in Millennium Park

Red Wagon Sculpture | Spokane, WA

This Spokane playground is basically a toy that’s built to scale so playground runners can slide out of the big red wagon’s handle. This sculpture was built in 1990 and is 27 feet long—at least we know it’ll fit Clifford! Get more info here

City Museum | St. Louis, MO

This museum can be also described as a larger-than-life art sculpture that kids and parents can run around in. Jump on a plane, climb through a wire tunnel… It’s constantly “under construction” by a team of 20 different artists to ensure that every visit will be different. Get more kid-friendly St. Louis hot spots here

Online: citymuseum.org

Sun Tunnels | Lucin, UT

Drew Tadd via Pixabay

Four huge tunnels sitting in a desert leading nowhere might not seem like art, but there’s definitely more than meets the eye with this installation. Just looking through one of these can reframe how you see your surroundings, and the shadows they cast can teach little ones about sun orientation. Plus, they are just totally awesome to run through!

Online: umfa.utah.edu/land-art/sun-tunnels

555 Mission St. Sculpture Garden | San Francisco, CA

A quiet sculpture garden in the SOMA district of San Francisco is like jumping into a colorful children’s book. Pixelated silhouettes and cousins of Jack Skellington live here. The plaza is also perfect for a downtown picnic.

Olympic Sculpture Park | Seattle, WA

A free park devoted to 22 sculptures with unbelievable views of the Seattle waterfront makes for a perfect day out with the kids. Unfortunately, these sculptures are hands-off, but there’s a nearby museum with interactive exhibits that your littles can touch to their heart’s content.

Online: seattleartmuseum.org/visit/olympic-sculpture-park

Heavy Metal | Chattanooga, TN

Heavy Metal is an uber-fun playground of sound, where your kids can make music with friends or be a one-man band! This sculpture was created in 2000 and is a part of Chattanooga's city public art collection.

Online: locate.publicartarchive.org/art/Heavy-Metal

—Susie Forseman, Gabby Cullen & Christal Yuen 

 

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Is your day lacking a little magic? Do you have a Disney lover in your house? Then you’ll love the new Disney Princess Hotline, featuring messages of courage and strength from your family’s favorite heroines.

To celebrate World Princess Week, shopDisney has launched the royal hotline and it’s free! Call 877-70-DISNEY and you can hear from Moana, Jasmine, Ariel, Tiana or Belle. You can ring it as many times as you’d like to get inspiration from all of the princesses, but it’s only available for a limited time.

For the Frozen lovers, Disney has also set up messages from Anna and Elsa. They’re available at shopDisney.com and come straight from Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest. Perfect for an after school (or after work) pick-me-up!

Disney Parks visitors can take advantage of special in-person offerings this week, including the opening of Princess Tiana’s playground at EPCOT. There’s also plenty of new merchandise to celebrate the occasion. And on Friday, the Disney Channel will air an all-new musical special Disney Princess Remixed– An Ultimate Princess Celebration at 7:30 p.m. ET. This week just became a little more magical!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured photo: Brian McGowan, Unsplash

 

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Will Tan France’s baby rock the French tuck like dad? We can’t say. What we can say is congratulations to Tan and his partner Rob, who welcomed home their new addition today!

Baby Ismail has made his debut on Instagram and according to France, he was born early on July 10. The beaming couple shared two photos with their son to mark the occasion. In the caption France wrote “We love him so, so much. Like fully obsessed.” Insert all the heart eyes!

France first shared that the couple was expecting in April, noting that they’d have the baby via “the most wonderful surrogate” and that Baby France was due in the summer. He noted “Something we’ve wanted for sooo many years. Our hearts are so full right now.”

The family resides in Salt Lake City, Utah and France stars as a stylist on the popular show Queer Eye with the rest of the Fab Five. His partner Rob is an illustrator and the couple has been together since 2007. We’re so excited for the new dads as they embark on the journey of parenthood!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of DFree/ Shutterstock

 

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Can you believe Walt Disney World is turning 50? In honor of the momentous occasion (which perfectly pairs with the diminished pandemic), the theme park is celebrating with two brand new nighttime spectacular shows.

Starting Oct. 1, park guests can catch “Disney Enchantment” and “Harmonious” as part of “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.” The shows will debut at Magic Kingdom Park and EPCOT and pack a spectacular punch.

Head to Magic Kingdom Park to watch “Disney Enchantment,” which features first time immersive projection effects from Cinderella Castle. The show also incorporates stunning music and enhanced lighting.

Over at EPCOT, one of the largest spectaculars ever, “Harmonious” will combine songs and stories at the World Showcase Lagoon. The lighting, media, moving fountains and pyrotechnics are fabulous enough to entertain even your youngest and wiggliest kiddos.

To make the event pack even more punch, the show will highlight new interpretations of your fave Disney songs that have been translated into more than a dozen languages by over 200 artists around the globe.

Both shows will kick off Oct. 1, in perfect harmony with “The World’s Most Magical Celebration.”

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of Disney Parks Blog

 

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Can you believe it’s been 20 years since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone hit theaters? To celebrate the magical occasion, WarnerMedia Kids & Family just announced two new unscripted Wizarding World specials!

Uber fans will soon be able to catch a limited Harry Potter fan quiz competition series and a retrospective special. The first show is a limited series, made up of four, one hour episodes with hundreds of trivia questions and special guests.

photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros.

Tom Ascheim, President, Warner Bros. Global Kids, Young Adults and Classics shares, “To celebrate the dedicated fans old and new who have passionately kept the Wizarding World magic alive in so many forms for decades, these exciting specials will celebrate their Harry Potter fandom in a must-see multiplatform TV event.”

Do you think you have what it takes to compete? You could be chosen for the show! U.S. fans can check out wizardingworld.com for casting information.

Both the quiz competition series and retrospective special will air on HBO Max, Cartoon Network, and TBS in the U.S. this year.

––Karly Wood

 

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You don’t need an excuse to want to experience 27 miles of brilliant white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. But if you do happen to have a special occasion on the horizon, Panama City beach is a top spot to celebrate. From big birthdays to festive holidays, PCB is the perfect getaway for marking a milestone.

Start planning your dream getaway at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com!

Milestone Events

A vacation is a great way to celebrate a big birthday, graduation or family reunion. With over 17,500 places to stay, it’s easy to find a location to accommodate your group. During the day, spend quality time enjoying boat tours, hitting the waves on jet skis, biking through gorgeous national parks, reaching new heights while parasailing and taking a dive to explore marine life. With so many awesome outdoor activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone in your crew to do together. Fun photo tip: if you’re in PCB for the big 4-0, be sure to take a celebratory pic under the Pier 40 boardwalk entrance. 

For an unforgettable evening gathering, book a beachside bonfire in the sand as the sun goes down. Endless Rentals can set up your very own pop-up party with a firepit, chairs, s’mores, and tables in the sand.

Visiting for couples-only escape? (Hint hint: big anniversaries are the perfect time to ask grandparents to babysit!). Spend leisurely days hanging out on the beach, seeing the sights on a pontoon boat and winding down with a sunset cruise.

A BFF Retreat

After a year of hunkering down at home and major burnout from managing virtual school, a trip with your best friends may be just what you need to recharge. (Peace out, leggings… hello, warm weather wardrobe.)  Rent a house or stay at a resort with your crew—sans kids and spouses. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, taking a rejuvenating hike, sipping cocktails as the sun sets, enjoying delicious dinners and staying out way past your bedtime for dancing and music.

Extra Special Holidays

Sometimes the best holiday gift is a vacation (in which winter coats are a distant memory). Panama City Beach is a wonderful place to create traditions your family will remember forever. Check out PBC’s Beach Home for the Holidays events for information on tree lightings, concerts, Santa and Mrs. Claus sightings and more.  

Culinary and Cocktail Celebrations

The return of UNwineD is an excellent reason to toast. This annual culinary festival is set to take place in Aaron Bessant Park on June 4-5. The weekend kicks off with a VIP garden party hosted by Southern Living. During Saturday’s Grand Afternoon Tasting, guests will sample cocktails, craft beer, wine and delicious food from the area’s leading chefs. Be sure to bring a picnic blanket and chairs to enjoy a laid-back afternoon in the park.

And Just Because…

No matter the occasion, wind your day down at Schooners, known for its casual vibe and great food. Each night as the sun sets, they fire an old cannon to commemorate another beautiful beach day and kick off an evening of fun. 

Make your big day even more special with a family trip to Panama City Beach! Get everything you need to book your trip at VisitPanamaCityBeach.com.

It is no secret that military men and women sacrifice a tremendous amount for our country and our freedom. Army, Navy, Air force, Marines, Coastguard, National Guard, all have a unique mission, but make sacrifices some cannot even fathom.

Their children however never even signed up for this life but make daily sacrifices as well and deserve to be recognized. April is Month of the Military Child! We proudly celebrate this month in our household because my children are military children. They have had to be resilient beyond their years at times and have risen to the occasion and overcome many challenges in their short life.

They have lived in three states in the past five years, gone a full year without their Dad at home, and just recently have been told they will be leaving Columbia and moving again this summer. They were not too happy about that and kept asking “Why?” The “Why” is because their Dad is in the military and unfortunately we have very little say in where we live; something that gets increasingly more challenging as kids get older.

My children made it very clear they love where we live. They love their school, friends, and neighborhood and they don’t want to move. Sadly it’s just part of military life and I would be lying if I said all of the upcoming changes didn’t keep me up at night. My kids don’t get to have that consistency other kids may have and that is very difficult. I moved around a lot growing up as well so I can relate to these big feelings. Having to start over in a new state is difficult at any age. The unknown can be scary. But if there’s one thing military children are—it is resilient!

They learn from a very young age that plans can change at any time and they have to make the best of an otherwise tough situation. When the military calls, their parent may leave for a few weeks, months, or even a year. So many feelings and emotions surround being a military family and I teach my children that it is healthy to talk about the struggles and to find others who can relate. Reaching out and finding other military children with similar experiences can be the biggest blessing in not feeling so alone on this journey.

There are of course so many positives to being a military child. For starters, my children get to live in many different places and see different parts of the country they otherwise would not even know existed. They have recently also learned about F16s up close and even sat in the cockpit during a special family day on base. This is a unique experience and one they will cherish for years to come.

As they get older my children are becoming more aware of the unique sacrifices their Dad makes and have great pride in what he does. They admire and look up to him and other men and women in uniform. He is their hero and I hope they grow up with a sense of pride and honor in being a military child. So this month and every month let’s celebrate the thousands of brave military children across the globe and the important role they play in our communities.

Caitlyn is a military spouse and mom to three children and one fur baby. She was an elementary school counselor before becoming a stay at home who enjoys coffee, hiking, and playing in the dirt with her kids.