The birthday invite didn’t come. They didn’t get the part in the school play. Their best friend moved away. Sound familiar? As parents, we have the (unpleasant) task of watching our kids learn the same life lessons we did in our childhoods. It can be hard to resist the urge to make sure they never have to experience the frustration or sadness that comes with not getting what they want, but disappointment is a healthy emotion for kids and can contribute to their social and intellectual development, as noted in Psychology Today. The caveat? It only works if kids understand that being disappointed at times will help them achieve their goals in life. And that’s where we come in.
Even if they do understand (or at least try to), that doesn’t mean it feels good or comes easy. That’s why we’ve enlisted a few experts to offer tips for parents when it comes to helping kids learn how to deal with disappointment.
1. Empathize with Their Feelings
Licensed professional clinical counselor Melissa Marote says that, first and foremost, it’s essential to validate your kids’ feelings; really empathize with what they’re going through. Listen to their feelings and respond with things like, “This must be frustrating.” You should avoid compounding the negativity, however. As you discuss the things your kids are missing out on, Marote explains, try to put a positive spin on it. For example, encourage your kids to save up their excitement for all the things they will eventually get to do in the future.
2. Give Them Reassurance
Child development expert and creator of The Moodsters Denise Daniels, RN, MS, tells us that it’s important to remind kids that this is only temporary—the playdate will happen when it isn’t raining, and they’ll have the opportunity to try out for the team next season. It might be hard for young kids to picture life beyond the current day or week, but still, Daniels suggests having kids make a list of things they want to do in the future because there will always be another opportunity to try.
3. Teach Self-Calming Skills
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Emotions can run high when kids are anxious and sad. Teaching kids how to calm down and manage their feelings is an essential tool for how to deal with anxiety. Marote suggests giving kids a breathing technique to oxygenate the brain and help kids think more clearly. Show your kids how to take a deep breath in and then blow out, like they’re blowing out birthday candles or making bubbles. For younger kids, blowing real bubbles is another excellent method, Marote says.
One more tip for the little kids: talking to a stuffed animal. Kids are so close and connected to their stuffed animals, which makes them a great comfort for kids who are dealing with hard feelings. Tell your kids, “Talk to your teddy bear about how sad you are,” Marote says.
4. Give Them a Choice
So, a trip to the indoor playground or a group trip with friends to a nearby amusement park is out. Naturally, your kids will be disappointed, but you can give them some power (especially when they’re smaller and they feel like they have none) by offering them a choice. “Our plans have changed, and your outing with friends has to be postponed. What if you pick the movie for family movie night and we’ll look for another day that works for the group?”
5. Redirect Focus
For kids that become very hyper-focused on negative feelings, it can be helpful to use distraction techniques when learning how to deal with disappointment, Marote says. Suggest an impromptu game of “I, Spy” or get creative by asking kids to draw a picture about how they’re feeling. Other ideas include reading a funny book or watching a silly video, asking them trivia questions, and telling them jokes. This is especially important when it’s close to bedtime and you’re trying to keep things positive before sleep.
6. Don’t Fix It
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This is a hard one. Whether you want to make your kids feel better or you figure you can just take care of it (fix the toy, help find the sock, bring the forgotten homework to school), it’s more effective to act as a guide when kids are learning how to deal with disappointment, according to PBS. Ask questions that will help them troubleshoot what happened and how they feel about the problem. “How did you feel when that happened? What do you wish had happened instead? How can we turn this into something good?
7. Stick with Your Normal Routine
In times of stress, encourage kids to keep regular times of going to bed, eating meals, and doing homework, Daniels says. Having a basic plan for the day is essential because kids thrive on predictability. When something doesn’t work out, at least they’ll know what should happen down the line.
8. Find Time to Have Special Moments
If your kids are bummed because they can’t attend their friend’s birthday or their favorite ice cream flavor isn’t available or they missed the final shot on goal, take the opportunity to plan something else fun. This doesn’t mean you have to take them to the amusement park or invest tons of money; just spend quality time together and you’ll see their moods lift.
9. Don’t Underestimate the Power of Hugs
Close contact, like hugs, can go a long way to providing kids with comfort when they’re learning how to deal with disappointment. That way, they’ll know you might not fix the problem, but you’ll always be there to offer comfort. Marote also suggests encouraging younger kids to hug their stuffies when they’re feeling sad or anxious. If you’re dealing with disappointed tweens or teens, look for signs that they’re ready for a hug or having you in their personal space. If it doesn’t happen, remember that being nearby and ready to listen is just as important.
Got extra storage space? We’ve got a side job for you
You love your kids, but let’s be honest: They’re not the best bosses. So if you want a job that doesn’t involve picking up toys or tiptoeing around tantrums, there are plenty of gigs out there that’ll earn you extra cash while letting you keep “Mom” or “Dad” as Job Number One. So, whether you want to put your style sense to work, hang with a furry friend, or throw a few more items in your shopping cart, here are the best side jobs for moms right now.
Do Other People's Laundry
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If the idea of more clothes to wash doesn't stress you out, working with LaundryCare—a nationwide company that will pay you to do other people's laundry—might be your perfect side gig. All you need to do is supply the washer & dryer, plus the soap and fabric softener, and the company will pay you by the bag to wash and deliver to homes in your neighborhood.
What it pays: According to the site, laundry washers can get paid about $20 per bag of laundry.
Do you have dozens of beautifully arranged Pinterest boards? Do you follow current lifestyle, food, and decor trends? Offering up your services as a Pinterest manager for a company might be for you. Instead of creating pins for your boards, you'll create and manage pins to boost engagement for businesses. You will need to analyze data, report on trends, prompt customer engagement, and have knowledge of how Pinterest works, so be sure you know how to do those things before reaching out to clients.
What it pays: As a freelancer, you can charge what you want based on your skills, and according to Zip Recruiter, a WFH Pinterest manager can make up to $67K a year.
Where to apply: Check job sites like Zip Recruiter, Upwork, and LinkedIn for leads.
Advertise On Your Car
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If you don't mind driving a rolling advertisement (and your kids won't die of embarrassment when you pick them up from school with a car that screams, say, "Fillows Creme Filled Cereal"), you can get paid for wrapping your car in ads. With Wrapify, you can get paid $450 a month to just go about your everyday business—you know, drive the kids to school, drive to soccer games, drive to parent meetings, etc.—while your car is "wrapped" in advertisements. You'll make the most money with a "full wrap" (meaning your car's whole exterior is an ad) or opt for just the doors and windows.
To qualify, you need to pass a basic background check and drive a 2010 or newer; Coupe, Sedan, SUV, pickup truck, or minivan without significant body/paint damage.
What it pays: $264-$452 for a "full" wrap; $196-$280 for a "partial" wrap; $181-280 for a "lite" wrap.
Are you a computer whiz and want to teach kids a thing or two about coding? Or maybe you're a Potterhead and want to design a spell-making class fit for Harry or Hermione? The only prerequisite to being an Outschool teacher is that you have expertise in something that may be of interest to kids and teens. It's free to list or teach a class—you just have to be willing to give Outschool 30% of what you make through enrollment (you can set the class cost at whatever you deem fit).
Note: If you've got a teaching credential, the Web is your oyster. Check Teachaway for a comprehensive list of online teaching jobs.
What it pays: About $50 per hour, according to Outschool (but it can be more or less, depending on how many students enroll and what you charge for the class).
You know that feeling of freedom you get at the grocery store alone? Turn that glorious solo time into pocket cash by becoming an on-demand grocery shopper for companies like Instacart and DoorDash. The perks? Flexible hours (work whenever you have free time), a fairly easy side job for moms, and direct deposit of your earnings. To be eligible, you need to have a car, a valid driver's license (and insurance), and be able to lift between 30-40 pounds without help.
What it pays: About $15 an hour, according to Indeed.com.
Ready for The Sleepover's big comeback? After two years of social distancing, maybe now's the time to get a gig organizing the coolest slumber soirees ever! Companies like Elite Teepees will provide you with all the supplies and information needed to license its brand and start organizing teepee sleepovers (forget simple sleeping bags on the floor; these sleepovers are in a league of their own!). Of course, any franchise comes with startup costs—starting an Elite Teepee business takes an initial investment of up to $7,500—but you'll have the potential to earn thousands more, depending on how much you put into it.
What it pays: Anywhere from $26,000 to $54,000 as a part-time business, according to the Elite Teepees website.
Got some extra room in your attic or garage? Don't leave it empty! People are willing to rent those corners and crawl spaces to store their overflow of stuff. Neighbor.com lets you list your garage, driveway, or basement exclusively to store other people's things (like their cars, storage boxes, bikes, etc.). Listing your space is free; Just set a price, post some pics, and then wait for people to e-mail you. It's easy money, especially if you've got an extra parking spot in a city where parking is sparse.
If you're nervous about being a Lyft or Uber driver because you don't want to pick up strangers and drive who-knows-where, how about letting someone else do the driving and just getting paid to supply them with the car? Sites like Turo or Hyrecar let you list your car or truck for other people to rent (it's like Airbnb for cars). You lay the ground rules for what you do and don't accept (no dogs, smoking, etc.), set a calendar for when your car is available, and wait for prospective renters to roll in (Note: HyreCar works specifically with rideshare and delivery drivers, while Turo works with tourists and those looking to test out specific car brands). It's a great option if you've got a second car that's just gathering dust in the garage.
Both Turo and Hyrecar's fees include insurance (you pick the level of protection)—and drivers also must have insurance (their own or a policy offered by the company), so you don't have to worry about your car getting damaged while someone else is driving it.
Note: If you've got a Jeep Wrangler or a Tesla, you've got the potential to make big bucks, as those are two of the most popular cars to rent from Turo!
What you can make: According to Turo, car owners can make an average of $706 per month, assuming their car is rented at least 12 days per month; meanwhile, Hyrecar claims you can make up to $1,200 a month to Uber, Lyft or delivery drivers (that's assuming your car is being rented for most of the month).
You don't have to sell the clothes off your back, but how about the clothes in your closet? If you've got cool outfits just collecting dust, now's the time to unload! Just send your unwanted threads to secondhand clothing companies like Poshmark, Crossroads, and Thredup, and they'll pick and choose what's good enough to sell (they can send back your clothes or donate the things they don't choose). The company gets a piece of your sale, but you won't have to do all the hard stuff like packaging and sending out goods to the customers.
What it pays: Varies, but more if you've got designer duds to sell—a Gucci handbag, for instance, will get you 90% of the listing price (about $286) on Thredup, whereas a pair of Old Navy jeans will only get you about 5% (that's about 55 cents in your pocket).
Are you good on the phone? Do you have the patience to engage with a not-so-cheerful caller? Companies use customer service agents for a variety of tasks, including answering customers' questions, making travel reservations, and providing tech support. All you need is a phone line and good internet access.
What it pays: $19/hour or about $39,000 a year, according to ZipRecruiter.
Where to apply: Browse customer service jobs on Indeed or Remote. Amazon also has remote customer service job openings—check them out here.
Want to get rid of your CD or DVD collection? Got an old cell phone or video game console you've long since abandoned? Time to unload!
For CDs, DVDs, and video games: Try sites like Decluttr or Eagle Saver, where you can sell your old DVDs and Blu-rays without having to worry about shipment costs or listing the items yourself.
For electronics: Decluttr buys cell phones, tablets, video game consoles, and textbooks (in addition to CDs and video games); and Amazon's trade-in program accepts things like cell phones, Kindle E-readers, tablets, video game equipment, and books. Amazon pays for the shipment costs and lists your item for you. You get paid in Amazon credit—or use your trade-in to upgrade to new Amazon devices.
What it pays: Varies, depending on what you're selling and how much you've got to sell. At Amazon, for instance, you'll be paid via an Amazon gift card equalling the appraised value of your device (plus you may get credit toward a new, upgraded device).
If you have a background in writing and editing, there's a huge demand for written content all over the web. Whether you want to write about your personal experiences or be assigned topics as needed by the publication, look for jobs at job sites like Indeed and Remote or on media-specific sites like Mediabistro.
What it pays: Varies by publication
Where to apply: Browse listings for "Writer" or "Freelance writer" on Flexjobs, Mediabistro, Indeed, and Remote, or look under the "Jobs" sections of your favorite websites.
Are you a fast typer? Use your skills for extra income! Sign up to be a transcriptionist at TranscribeMe!, which will pay you to transcribe audio clips. You can work as little as an hour or two—whenever you've got the time. It's monotonous work but an easy job.
You don't need to know another language to teach English, and most online ESL companies provide complete lesson plans that make your job easy. All you need to do is apply, sign on, and start connecting with kids from around the world. Note: This is a great gig if you're looking for something to do when your kids are asleep, since your students may be in a different time zone.
If you've ever used Amazon Prime Now, you know the wonder of needing a pack of diapers RIGHT NOW and receiving them on your doorstep in just minutes. The magic behind the on-demand service? Drivers who are willing to pick up your orders and get them to you pronto. It's good for the drivers, too, who can work when they want (turn on the app and start taking orders). As for pay, drivers get paid depending on which jobs they take, with more urgent items (those that need to be delivered in an hour or less) offering the highest pay. The only catch? You've got to live near an Amazon warehouse to get the gig. Find participating cities here.
If you've always wanted to write the Great American Novel (or maybe just a cute bedtime story). Amazon makes it easy to do it on your own. Just get writing, and then log onto Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing to upload your book. The site will convert your creation to an ebook and/or have it available as a printed book. You don't have to pay a cent! Every book is printed only when ordered (so there's no need to prepay for books). You'll be a published author before you know it. The KDP site offers free tools to help you write, illustrate, and organize your masterpiece.
What it pays: It depends on the price and size of your book and whether it's in color or black and white—but according to the site's royalty calculator, a 200-page 6X9 book without color will get you $2.75 per copy sold if you set the book price at $10 (which is, by the way, way better than the 10% royalty most mainstream publishers offer new authors).
Do you have a law degree? Are you a nurse or a doctor? Whether your know-how is in medicine, law, cars, or home improvement, cash in on your knowledge by answering questions for Justanswer.com. Anyone can apply to be an expert; you make money if your answer is voted the most helpful.
What it pays: Anywhere from $20 to $100 an hour (but that’s, of course, only if you’re giving the “best” answers… and lots of them).
Did you know you can burn 200 calories an hour just walking man's best friend? Go! Cancel your gym membership, and spend your mornings palling around with pooches. This is a perfect side job for moms who want to get out of the house, whether your kiddo comes along in a stroller or spends the morning at preschool.
Pssst: Want more than just a 20-minute Fido fix? Get yourself listed on Rover, and turn your home into a crash pad for pups (and maybe cats, too). You get paid by the day or hour, depending on the setup.
What it pays: Up to $25 an hour (or about $60 per day for pet-sitting)
If you're one of those stylish mamas who hasn't ditched the high heels and still carries a brand-name purse instead of a dirty diaper bag—Stitch Fix might be the perfect work-from-home job for you. Stitch Fix is a clothing delivery company that sends you personalized wardrobe choices based on your preferences, lifestyle, and price point (you fill out a questionnaire to determine these bits).
Behind this service, of course, is a team of work-from-home stylists who pull together the outfits, client by client. Stylists get a rundown of the customer, then scramble to find something fabulous. Stylists must commit to working 15 to 30 hours per week and be available for a remote training session.
What it pays: About $16 per hour according to Glassdoor.
Channel your inner artist and sell your goods online at sites like Etsy and Amazon Homemade. Both sites take a commission, with Etsy taking a 6.5% commission as well as a 20-cent listing fee, and Amazon taking a 15% cut and a $1 referral fee (this covers payment processing, marketing, seller support, and fraud protection).
What it pays: It depends on what you're making and how much of it you sell.
From foreign language classes to programs with Juilliard and out-of-state trips, the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park is thinking outside the textbook with their curriculum.
Education is evolving—and we’re not just talking about the “new math” that likely stumped your household a few years back. School curriculums are expanding past typical subjects, and incorporating a cross-curricular learning approach that fuels children with skills and values to help them thrive in a rapidly changing world.
At the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park (BISC-LP), a private international school for students ages 15 months to 11 years old, students are cultivating this fresh approach. With its immersive experiences in languages, the arts, sciences, and civic responsibility, BISC-LP is helping shape students into well-rounded individuals.
Keep reading to discover seven of BISC-LP’s cross-curricular learning programs that are preparing kids for a bright future!
To help children thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, BISC-LP immerses students into modern foreign languages throughout their entire academic career at the school. Beginning as young as 15 months old in BISC-LP’s pre-nursery program, and continuing through primary school at age 11, students are taught English, French, and Spanish.
In collaboration with The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and MIT, BISC-LP helps students discover their passions with special lessons in music, dance, drama, STEAM, and environmental awareness. In the past, children have been able to sharpen their performing arts skills with visiting artists from Juilliard, tackle hands-on activities with global peers and MIT professors, and work on sustainability projects, from building raised planters to creating rooftop gardens.
Through challenging, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math) courses, children are empowered to be ambitious, confident, and inspired. Students also have access to BISC-LP’s STEAM corridor that touts state-of-the-art materials, like green screens for filmmaking and robotics equipment.
Field trips are taken to a whole new level at BISC-LP. Children of all ages can either participate in local urban adventures to cultural and historical destinations, hone their wilderness skills at a sleep-away camp in Michigan, or hit the ski slopes in Wisconsin. Middle-school students have the unique opportunity to join an international sporting event, known as Global Games, with peers from across the Americas who are within the Nord Anglia Education network. Think of it like a junior high-only Olympics!
BISC-LP is all about igniting students’ passions—especially within an age-appropriate environment that infuses a balanced level of competition and encouragement. Students can sign up for a variety of clubs, like taekwondo, chess, musical, rock band, mathletes, dance team, basketball, soccer, and cricket. Trust us when we say, there’s even more for your child to choose from.
Known as Global Campus, this exclusive online learning platform allows children to connect with peers of the same age from BISC-LP’s family of schools all around the world. Students receive access to one-of-a-kind learning activities and resources from global experts to further develop their problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
At BISC-LP, children are guided to be well-rounded individuals both inside and outside the school. As a result, the school community takes part in local charity events and holds various collection drives throughout the year to donate to organizations, such as the Cradles to Crayons, Boys and Girls Club of Chicago, and Lurie’s Children’s Hospital, to name a few. Children also work with UNICEF on worldwide relief efforts and raise money to fund educational opportunities for children in need.
Book a tour or attend the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park’s upcoming Open House, happening November 5 & January 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
My husband and I decided long ago that we wouldn’t let our lives be ruled by extracurriculars. Yet my four kids, who range in age from kindergartener to teen, still come home with plenty of flyers—and oh the e-mails we get—about “opportunities” to make their lives better. They will become smarter, more athletic, or more creative if we will simply pay (usually a hefty) fee and enroll them in adult-orchestrated activities.
These include sports, clubs, classes, organizations, and even junior committees. They can learn a new language, build robots, code, earn badges, and much more. There’s no shortage of possibilities when you live in suburbia—and parents take a lot of pride in rattling off how “busy” they are every single night of the week and all weekend long, too.
I have no doubt that each of these can teach kids valuable lessons and provide parents with some respite. Teamwork, for example, is best taught in a team (duh) environment. Many of these opportunities encourage kids to be more giving, patient, and open-minded. Of course, these traits are important—but let’s not pretend that the only way kids will grow up to be wholesome, respectful adults is if they are in nonstop extracurriculars.
Our decision to limit our children’s participation is based on our belief that our health should be our number one priority. We see family dinners, which have been proven to do wonders for mental health, as a time to catch up with one another, problem-solve, and enjoy a meal together. They don’t work out every night, but they do happen most evenings. Then there are the general benefits of downtime and a great night’s rest. Plus, every evening, we spend one-on-one time with our kids at bedtime: playing games, reading books, and talking.
We also want them to have the opportunity to simply be bored! Boredom fosters creativity—and kids (and adults) need time to just chill out and think. Because every waking minute of their day isn’t filled with activities, my kids actually have time to read a book, draw, build with Legos, or hang out with one another.
That doesn’t mean we’re against them altogether. We attempt to strike a balance between not too much and not too little. We don’t have hard-and-fast rules about how many extracurriculars our kids can be in, though we tend to rotate based on interest. One of my kids loves basketball—a winter sport—whereas in spring, we prioritize track. My son’s martial arts takes place immediately after school, two days a week. My youngest, desperate to play soccer, took a short class over the summer.
Limiting their options just teaches them to prioritize: What do they truly want to do versus what’s sort-of-maybe interesting and fleeting? What needs to be an extracurricular, and what can be learned through a book, online class, or video? We encourage our kids to try new things, but we never push them to make a youth career out of one activity. Variety is the spice of life, right?
They’ve also learned to prioritize themselves, at times, and one another, at others. Sometimes their job is to show up to their sibling’s game and cheer them on. Each kid isn’t always the star of the show—an important lesson.
I’m also ever-mindful that enrolling kids in many extracurriculars, or even one, is steeped in privilege. After all, there’s the cost of signing up, plus transportation, time, and (almost always) extra gear or supplies they need to participate. It’s a suburban belief that “good kids” have enrichment activities, when, in truth, they’re for those who can afford it.
We have given ourselves parental permission to enjoy the time we have with our kids and not make extracurriculars the dictators of our lives. They can be absolutely wonderful, and if an activity is doable and affordable, we say “yes.” But there are plenty of reasons to say no to overscheduling our family. Extracurriculars are just that: extra. They should be bonuses, not obligations.
I have a video of my two-year-old daughter sitting quietly in the middle of a tornado. Not a real tornado, of course. Just the whirling, noisy storm of her two older brothers literally running in circles around her. In that moment, she is sitting on the floor rocking a baby doll while her brothers bounce around the room like pinballs. While they’re shrieking and giggling, jumping from couch to floor and back again, she is singing a lullaby nobody can hear—as if she and her doll are in a quiet place somewhere far, far away.
I watch it now and say a silent thank you. Because—while it may have taken me three kids to get there—it was in that moment that I knew I had a child who is happy just playing by herself.
And that matters. Experts say solo play or “independent play” not only helps children build confidence in themselves; it also helps inspire creativity, build focus, nurture problem-solving skills, and inspire trust—both in themselves and in their relationship with their parents.
Then of course there’s the (very important) fact that alone time for the child gives parents a little time to themselves, too. “It does give parents a break,” said Bryana Kappadakunnel, a Los Angeles-based LMFT and founder of Conscious Mommy, which offers coaching and workshops for parents of young children. “If a child knows how to play independently and doesn’t require the parent to engage or entertain them, it makes things like preparing dinner much easier.”
So where do you start? How can you turn your wiggly, codependent toddler into a self-sufficient kid who’s happy to play alone? I asked some experts and am sharing my own experiences to give you some suggestions.
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Start by doing solo time with your child
Sure, we all want to have children who can let us go to the bathroom without knocking incessantly at the door because they need us right now (just saying). But that doesn’t mean we can send our unsuspecting two-year-olds to their rooms and expect the magic to happen.
Start by setting up a space that invites them in: Put some paper and crayons on the kitchen table while you’re cooking dinner; set up a playdough station; put a box of Magna-Tiles on the living room floor. Or, says Amy Carney, author of Parent On Purpose: Raising Thoughtful Children in a Complicated World, set up a “boredom box” with age-appropriate items that spark creative play in your child. For this, Carney recommends small items like art supplies, trinkets, toys from birthday party bags, figurines, slime, or putty.
Want to make your toddlers feel good about playing by themselves? Sit nearby and “narrate.” This means just acknowledging what your child is doing, i.e. “You are building a really high tower!” or “You’re really being caring to your baby doll.” Doing this builds children’s confidence about what they’re doing.
By the same token, avoid correcting your child or trying to make it a teaching moment—don’t quiz them about colors or ask them to count the blocks in their hands. After all, this is play; not school.
And, replace your instinct to correct with curiosity: for example, if your child is using stacking blocks for all-things-NOT stacking (hey, they make fun hats!), say something like, “Hmm you seem to have found a new way to play with that toy.”
Finally: Don’t ask questions, which Kappadakunnel said can be distracting to the child. Just watch and narrate. Imagine that you’re a nature photographer and just observe the child in her “natural habitat.” (They’re interesting creatures, those kiddos!)
Don’t overload the space
Apparently, your child doesn’t need a lot of toys. A 2017 study from the University of Toledo in Ohio suggested that an environment with fewer toys is better for toddlers and that too many toys actually decrease the “quality of play.” It becomes overwhelming for the child. For each play session, just a handful of toys is enough.
Start by putting out a few toys and telling your child that you’re going to watch them play and that they can show you how the toys work. Let your kid get busy, and just be there to watch (if they ask you to play, tell them it is their time to show you or to play on their own—but that you’re there to see all they can do!). Then, once they are used to playing without you as a playmate, you can try putting the toys down and walking to another room (or another part of the room where you can do something else independently of your child).
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The kind of toy matters
They say “the more a toy does, the less your child does.” So choose simple toys that inspire open-ended play. Some good examples are:
Magna-Tiles
Blocks
Pretend play items (a kitchen, tools, etc.)
Baby dolls or a dollhouse
Simple instruments
Sensory play (playdough, clay, slime, etc.)
And don’t tell your child how to use the toy. Let them explore it for themselves. There is no WRONG way to play with a toy (unless it puts the child is in danger, of course).
Note: Avoid toys with screens or sounds—and don’t use toys that are meant to “teach” (like toys that claim to teach ABCs or colors). Toys that teach have their place, experts say, but when it comes to solo play, open-ended toys are best because they inspire creativity and free thought, and allow the child to lead the way.
“If we can take the pressure off of play to be academic and instead see the learning in play associated with how a child learns to regulate their body, how a child learns to interact with others, how a child learns to occupy themselves—play then becomes this rich, wonderful work that is fascinating,” Kappadakunnel said.
If your child is resistant to solo play, ask, “Have I been available?”
Does your child fight you when you try to get them to “go play”? Kappadakunnel said maybe your child just needs more of you, first.
Ask yourself: Have you been available to your child lately? If the answer is no, then figure out how you can change that. It doesn’t have to be much: Even 10 to 15 minutes of scheduled “special time” a day does wonders for kids. Just set a timer and sit down on the floor with your child. It may seem like a blip to you, but those 10 minutes can really make a difference—for both of you.
Remember that screens don’t count as “alone time”
While an older child might prefer to spend every moment of her alone time on an iPad or video game console, kids need to make time for more productive time alone. That means, maybe, instead of turning on cartoons first thing in the morning, put down some novel toys and ask your child to make something of them. It may be a hard shift at first, but beginning the day with play is a good way to start!
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Now is as good a time as any
Whether you’ve got toddlers as clingy as koala bears or older kids who still consider you Playmate No. 1, it’s never too late to start encouraging a little solo time. For toddlers, having “Alone Time” bursts once or twice a week is a good place to start. You can also lead by example, scheduling time for yourself as often as you can and sharing your feelings about it with your kids.
And don’t forget about YOU. We all know you need some of that precious me-time, too. So make yourself a model: If they see how happy you are doing something for yourself, by yourself (arts & crafts, taking a walk, reading quietly), maybe they’ll start to crave those same sorts of experiences, too. Remember: You can lead the way.
Read books that celebrate being alone
Books are a good way to teach young children—especially when it means they get some quality time with you. Try reading these books to get your kiddos craving solo play:
In search of the ultimate New York summer getaway? You’ll find it with this ultimate list of things to do in the Hamptons with kids
Headed out to the Hamptons with kids and wondering what to do with them for the weekend—or even the entire summer? No matter which shore or fork you find yourself on, we can help you find family-friendly things to do—with ideas for rainy day activities, welcoming places to eat, and sensory museums to visit. From mini golf to petting zoos, to boating and beaches, there’s something for everyone. And from Sag Harbor and Montauk to Southampton and East Hampton, we’ve got tons of ways to keep the kids busy! Read on for our favorite family-friendly activities in the Hamptons with kids. For more summer activity inspiration, check out our kid-friendly winery and breweries, beaches you can get to by train, and NYC’s best playgrounds with water for cooling down.
Learn, Play, and Create: Young minds can run wild at the Children’s Museum of the East End in Bridgehampton. The CMEE has a Long Island-themed indoor play space and an outdoor playground. Plus: there is a miniature golf course on the grounds that visitors get to play for free! CMEE also hosts a variety of toddler and kid classes including Baby & Me, Cooking, Chess, Sensory Play and Gardening. Insider Tip: You will need a reservation to visit, and make note: The museum is closed on Thursdays.
Eat Outside: A summer must! We love Cowfish in Hampton Bays for an upscale meal waterside, Navy Beach in Montauk for stunning sunsets (reservations are required!), and Lobster Roll AKA Lunch, with locations in Amagansett and Southampton, for the lobster roll and more casual fare. For authentic Mexican street food, check out La Fondita, also in Amagansett.
Perfect Your Swing: Play a round of mini-golf at the Hamptons-themed course at Hamptons Mini Golf, Puff ‘n’ Putt in Montauk (it's cash only!), or Whale’s Tale on Shelter Island, which is open seasonally.
Have a Barnyard Adventure: Head to Harbes Family Farm, a popular 100-acre farm in Mattituck for fun for both kids and adults. In addition to the original farmstand, the farm includes the Barnyard Adventure, an 8-acre family-friendly attraction that includes farm animals, Jumbo Jumpers bounce pillows, a trike track, sports zone, Gnome-themed hedge maze, and "bunnyville" (so cute!). The farm also includes Harbes Wine Barn, a wine-tasting room renovated from a 100-year-old potato barn.
Enjoy Live Music: Take the kiddos to a concert series hosted by Southampton Cultural Center in Agawam Park and Cooper’s Beach in Southampton. Most concerts are held on Wednesdays and start at 6:30 p.m. Concerts that are held on Saturdays start at 5 p.m. Young ones can frolic and play as you relax on blankets.
Cool Down with a Treat: Hamptons favorite BuddhaBerry in Sag Harbor offers serve-your-own fro-yo in flavors like caramel sea salt pretzel or sweet peach from Georgia, plus endless toppings to choose from, such as dinosaur gummies. They'll even offer you a large cookie to top off your cool creation. Or, indulge the kids at the long-time favorite Sip ‘n Soda in Southampton with old-fashioned root beer floats, banana splits, and milkshakes.
Bond with Nature: It's the mission of Amber Waves Farm to produce organic, healthy food for the local community and to reintroduce wheat to the local East End of Long Island. Kids ages two to nine can learn all about living the farm life by visiting the Amagansett spot, which hosts summer workshops,events, and customized programming, such as Farm Chores for Kids, Cooking Classes, and Foraging at the Farm. The farmer's market is great here, too!
Try Some Pizza: Brooklyn favorite Roberta's has a spot in Montauk, and chef PJ Palaca has taken over Astro's Pizza in Amagansett.
Frolic in a Lavender Farm: Have a moment of Zen walking among the lavender bloom at Lavender By the Bay. This massive farm grows English and French lavender and sells timed tickets for 90-minute slots. Take a deep breath at the East Marion or Calverton Farm and then stop by the shop for some calming goods to take home!
Quack Like a Duck: Grab the cracked corn (it’s better for the ducks than bread) and head to the duck pond on David’s Lane in East Hampton. Located on the edge of a nature preserve, there are plenty of trails to explore here after you give the ducks a snack.
Explore Long Island’s Nature: Learn about the local eco-system and touch amphibians and reptiles native to Long Island at the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center, where you can also go on outings like bird-watching or exploring a pond for critters. At the Quogue Wildlife Refuge, you can walk seven miles of trails through diverse habitats including forests and ponds, as well as the ecologically rare Dwarf Pines in the Pine Barrens. The refuge also offers Summer Ecology programs for kids as young as four and as old as juniors in high school.
Act Out: The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center offers weekly musical theatre camp in which kids ages six to 16 become part of the show or work behind the scenes. The Center also stages live shows outdoors in the evenings.
Get Some Ice Cream: There's no shortage of ice cream in the Hamptons. We think the best can be found at Magic Fountain in Mattituck, Snowflake Ice Cream in Riverhead, John's Drive-in in Montauk, Candy Kitchen in Bridgehampton, and Gemelli Gelato in Hampton Bays, which has a huge outdoor seating area.
Discover History: Visit Quogue’s oldest schoolhouse built in 1822 at the Old Schoolhouse Museum. Then tour the area’s oldest operating water mill and colonial crafts at the Water Mill Museum (closed Mon.-Wed.). Don’t miss Long Island’s whaling heritage displays of whale jaw bones and harpoons at The Sag Harbor Whaling & Historical Museum (open Thurs.-Sun.; reservations recommended).
Go On Safari: The largest combined children’s zoo and wildlife park on Long Island, the Long Island Game Farm in Manorville, will entertain kiddos of any age with a giraffe, red kangaroos, lemurs, zebra, and alligators. Plus, Old McDonald’s Farm Petting Zoo lets kids reach out and touch furry friends.
Saddle Up: If you love horseback riding, you’ve come to the right place. Stony Hill Stables in Amagansett welcomes all ages for pony camp and competitions. Head to The Green School in Sagaponack for private riding lessons for kids ages three and up.
Hit the Beach: Choose from the calm waters on the bay side or the roaring waves and white sands of the ocean side. Try the low-key, family-friendly Indian Wells Beach in Amagansett with food trucks and restrooms, or the sprawling Cooper's Beach in Southampton, which has a concession stand, chair and umbrella rentals, bathrooms, and fresh water showers. Little ones will appreciate the gentle waters at Foster Memorial Long Beach in Sag Harbor—it’s a little rocky, but the waters are warmer and you won’t find waves here. Insider Tip: Be prepared to leave early to get a parking spot, and pay for it. Many beaches in the Hamptons are not public.
Get Some Doughnuts: Head to North Fork Doughnut Co. for "craft doughnuts" made from scratch daily using locally-sourced ingredients, including fresh farm berries. Don't forget to check out the destination bakeshop's monthly "flavor forecast" before you go!
Visit The Big Duck: A local landmark and piece of Americana since the 1930s, The Big Duck is located in Flanders, New York, along Route 24 just outside of Riverhead. Its belly holds a small museum and duck souvenirs, but its really about the exterior: Drive by at night and the eyes—lights from a Model T—glow.
See Where Pollock and Krasner Worked: You might say that visiting the home and workshop of one of America's foremost abstract expressionists is a bit high-minded for kids, but we're guessing that at some point your child has returned from school or camp with artwork inspired by Pollock's splatter method. At the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center, you can see the preserved house where they lived, tour the grounds, and inhabit the actual workshop space where Pollock created his large-scale works.
Go All Aboard: Make a stop at the Railroad Museum of Long Island, which has locations in both Riverhead and Greenport. Train-loving tots will freak over the model train exhibits, historic rail cars, and locomotives.
See Sea Creatures Up Close: The Long Island Aquarium is home to one of the largest all-living, closed-system coral reef displays in the Western hemisphere! You'll find all kinds of animals here, including seals, sea lions, sea otters, butterflies, insects, seahorses, and jellyfish. Insider Tip: Visit the aquarium within seven days of your birthday and get in free (ID and birth certificate required).
Build a Castle: Take part in weekly sandcastle building contests at Hither Hills State Park in Montauk every Thursday morning. All ages build their best castle using sand, water, and natural materials found on the beach. The State Park hosts additional family-friendly events like magic shows and musical performances.
See Montauk via MonTiki: Tour The End of the island like you never have before via a catamaran crafted in the style of a Polynesian boat with Sailing Montauk. Do a simple day sail, sunset sail, or a sail-and-swim session.
Slip and Slide: If you prefer your water play with chlorine—not salt—head to the area's popular waterpark Splish Splash for a totally tubular time. Insider Tip: The park's two new extreme slides, Bombs Away and Riptide Race, are musts for thrill-seekers!
Watch Horses & High-Profile Peeps: Head to the annual Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton to see some stallions jumping—not to mention the rich and famous who make the scene (and hobnob in the VIP tent). Held on Aug. 27-Sept. 3, it's seven days of sport, shopping, and food.
See a Puppet Show: Put down the iPad and be entertained by Goat on a Boat Puppet Theatre, either at a puppet camp or by its new Puppet Truck that will be rolling around all summer.
Take in a Ballgame: Grab the crackerjacks and cheer for your local baseball team—from the Montauk Mustangs to the Westhampton Aviators or Sag Harbor Whalers! The Hamptons Collegiate Baseball League features seven teams with college players from around the country. Most games take place nearly every evening at 5 p.m. in July. Past summers have included softball camp and youth clinics.
If you’re pregnant, your fitness journey doesn’t have to come to a halt. In fact, plenty of New York City’s most popular exercise studios offer prenatal fitness classes to keep you—and baby—healthy!
Staying healthy while pregnant is one of the best things you can do for your baby and yourself. After confirming what’s OK with your doctor, check out our top prenatal workouts in NYC, including prenatal yoga, prenatal pilates, cycling in and out of the pool and barre work. Added plus? You can do all of these classes post-baby as well to keep your workout streak going strong. For more fitness spots, head on over to our roundup of New York City gyms with childcare, take a look at our favorite kid-friendly hikes in and near NYC, and our top NYC stroller hikes if you already have a kid in tow. And, although the past few years of the pandemic have been hard on exercise studios, a positive change has been the uptick in fitness providers now offering all kinds of virtual options, including on-demand classes and live online sessions. Whatever your prenatal fitness need is, an NYC studio will meet it!
Indoor cycling studio BYKlyn uses Silent Disco/Sound Off headphones for a fun, club-like atmosphere, and top instructors from studios throughout NYC each bring their own style and music to classes. All classes are Real Ride, with hills, speed work and intervals—just like a real bike ride. Pregnant riders are welcome, and can adjust the intensity of a ride as needed. Choose from 30 classes throughout the week.
Moms love: The inclusive and fun atmosphere. All levels and body types are welcome—you don't need to be a perfect pro to ride here.
Ballet Beautiful is a great workout to take advantage of stretches and targeted exercises inspired by classical ballet training. (Fans include Maggie Gyllenhaal and Tracee Ellis Ross.) Classes offered combine barre, mat, and light cardio, and are designed to help sculpt and tone your body. Ballet Beautiful's Soho studio is currently closed due to the pandemic, but there are lots of ways to access classes online: via purchasing individual workouts to stream, joining as a member for access to all trainings, or by booking a private individual or group class. Don't worry, no matter how you take a class, no tutu or previous dance training required!
Moms love: The targeted prenatal and postnatal workouts specifically designed for women preparing for and recovering from childbirth.
Created by a former marketing executive and mom-to-be when she found prenatal exercise options contradictory and lacking, Pronatal Fitness trains expecting moms for pregnancy, birth and motherhood like athletes prepping for a major sporting event. The online workouts are specifically designed to prep moms for the physical, and physiological, demands of all three wonderful, but challenging times. Pronatal Fitness also offers post-natal workouts (with or without baby) to help you get back into the swing of things. For those struggling with diastasis recti (or ab separation), new moms can have a consultation and receive an individualized program.
Moms love: The total body workout designed to help moms of all stages and postpartum workouts for recovery.
Moms-to-be can practice yoga postures, breathing exercises and enhance awareness of their ever-changing bodies at the Prenatal Yoga Center. Positions will strengthen pelvic muscles, improve circulation, and exercise the spine. Instructors at the Prenatal Yoga Center interweave childbirth education and therapeutic application for common aches and pains into specialized yoga classes. After baby arrives, post-natal classes address concerns and body changes, and new moms can bring babies along.
Moms love: Classes specifically-designed for the journey of pregnancy.
Want to preserve those long, lean gorgeous muscles throughout your pregnancy (or at least try to find them again)? Barre classes are some of the best workout classes for pregnant women due to the controlled movements and seamless modifications. PureBarre and Physique57 are two of the most popular barre workout studios, and both offer classes that combine light cardio, strength training and stretching to work your arms, thighs, seat and abs of during and after pregnancy.
Moms Love: These two studios offer barre classes that make us feel like we’re never taking the exact same class twice given their variety of instructors and class types. The moves allow for small bursts that fatigue muscles to exhaustion for ultimate toning. At Pure Barre, new moms can workout and bond with their newborn at the “Babies on Board” class, a fun, postnatal-friendly workout.
Compare notes with other expecting moms in the moderately- paced, 90-minute prenatal yoga class at Yoga Vida. Each class begins and ends with a restorative pose to connect with baby, relax the body, and de-stress the mind. But we promise it’s no nap fest! Basic yoga asana allows you to strengthen the body and increase stamina required for labor (kegels anyone?). After baby, check out their postnatal classes; babies 18 months and up are invited to join you for a 90-minute class designed to heal and rejuvenate the body following childbirth.
Moms Love: Pigeon pose: it opens the hips (making more room for baby) and stretches the back, butt and thigh muscles in all the right spots.
Lengthen muscles, loosen joints, and relieve muscle tension with Village Gyrotonic prenatal class. The studio is currently open for one-on-one sessions, and you can join live classes online. Gyrotonic improves overall flexibility by strengthening and stretching major muscle groups and joints while enhancing your range of motion, balance and coordination. Based on principles from yoga, tai chi, gymnastics, and dance, the exercises are performed on equipment designed to give the human body complete freedom of movement.
Moms love: Gyrotonic exercises help to create a strong, flexible, pelvic floor while strengthening and toning abdominal muscles, buttocks, hips and thighs.
Good news SoulCycle addicts: just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean you need to stop tapping it back like a rock star. Assuming cycling has been a part of your life pre-pregnancy and you and your doctor agree it's okay, SoulCycle encourages riders to continue riding through pregnancy with personal adjustments taken when needed. While there are no set “prenatal” classes, regular Soul classes shouldn’t be an issue with your bump.
Moms love: It's a 45-minute dance party on a bike. What's not to love?
Exhale is a mom-to-be’s ideal destination for prenatal workouts. Specializing in barre, yoga, cardio and spa treatments, this inclusive facility is ready to make working out an awesome experience. If you’re already active in both barre and yoga classes, you are encouraged to take classes right up to the day you give birth if you like. Exhale's barre and yoga classes vary by intensity, and their dedication to guests’ health requires expecting moms to provide a note from their OBGYN before taking classes. While classes aren’t called out as prenatal, teachers are prepared to offer proper modifications throughout class to ensure a moms-to-be a great workout. Added plus? Exhale offers prenatal facials and massages (after the second trimester) to help guests relax and relieve stress.
Moms love: Scheduling back-to-back classes and spa treatment. What better way to motivate for a class than a spa treatment afterward? We’re in.
We’re here to help you find mother’s helpers near you
As a working or busy mom (let’s be real:all moms are working and busy!), life can often be a juggling act of managing work, home, and kids. Especially during school breaks when our schedules are turned upside down (looking at you, summer). Trying to do it all can be overwhelming and exhausting. We get it. Every day, there’s at least a moment or two where we wish there were two of us. That’s where a mother’s helper comes in. A mother’s helper is a fantastic resource for any parent who needs an extra set of hands around the house. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom who needs a break, a working mom who needs help with the kids, or a single mom who needs some extra support, a mother’s helper provides a winning solution.
If you’re looking for a mother’s helper for the spring and summer months, ZipRecruiter can be an excellent option. You just have to create an account and post your job listing with information about duties, hours, and compensation that you plan to offer. Once your listing is live, you will be able to review applications and contact prospective candidates for interviews. We’re here to break it all down for you so you can spend less time looking for help and more time getting it! Here’s exactly how to find a mother’s helper near you.
Create a Job Posting
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ZipRecruiter is about to become your new best friend here. Using the job posting page, creating one is super easy. A few tips? Be sure to include key details about what you're looking for in a helper, such as availability, responsibilities, and qualifications. Here's a quick example:
Job Title: Part-Time Helper Needed
We are seeking a reliable and responsible part-time helper to assist us with various tasks around our home. Our ideal candidate would be available to work approximately 10-15 hours per week, with a flexible schedule to accommodate our needs.
Responsibilities:
Cleaning and organizing various rooms in the house
Laundry and general household chores
Running errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up dry cleaning
Assisting with meal preparation and cooking
Childcare for our two school-aged children
Qualifications:
Previous experience in a similar role
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Detail-oriented and thorough
Familiarity with basic cleaning and household maintenance tasks
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
Comfortable working around children
Must have reliable transportation
We are looking for someone who is trustworthy, dependable, and has a positive attitude. If you meet the qualifications and are interested in this opportunity, please submit your resume and cover letter for consideration. Thank you for your interest in our position!
Narrow it Down
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This may seem obvious, but depending on the number of interested people who apply to your job posting, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. It's also totally normal to want to give everyone a chance, but we really encourage you to remember that only focusing on those candidates who have skills and experience that closely match what you're looking for not only saves you time, it also doesn't take time away from jobseekers who aren't a fit for you!
Check Out Your Applicants
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Take the time to review each candidate's profile and messages before making a decision. We know you're already super busy, but you definitely want to be as thorough as possible here! You can also request additional information from candidates, such as references or a resume.
When reviewing a candidate's profile, check out their education, work experience, skills, and any relevant certifications or awards they may have earned. Look for consistency in their work history and pay attention to any gaps in employment or frequent job changes. Gaps don't mean a negative right off the bat, of course, but it's worth getting more info!
When you're reviewing messages or emails, pay attention to the tone and professionalism of the candidate's communication. Are they responsive and timely in their replies? Is their grammar and spelling correct? Are they respectful in their language and approach?
If you have any doubts or questions about a candidate, don't hesitate to request additional information. This can include references from previous employers or coworkers, and more details about the information on their resume or application.
Ultimately, you want to ask yourself: Is this someone I want in my home, around my kids, and regularly in my family's life?
Ready to Make Some Decisions?
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As a mom, there's a good chance you won't have the time to meet every prospective candidate in person to chat. We suggest setting up phone screenings where you spend 10-15 minutes getting a feel for the people who you're considering before committing to a sit-down formal interview. Usually, phone screenings include giving a brief overview of the position, getting some quick details from your candidate, confirming pay expectations, and allowing for a few minutes of additional questions.
From there, you'll be able to only schedule longer interviews with those people you feel are truly strong possibilities. Remember, you're hiring a mother's helper because you need, well, help, so this is the perfect opportunity to manage your time and avoid wasting it on folks who really aren't a strong fit.
If the idea of summer break is completely overwhelming, there are lots of different ideas to keep everyone happy and having fun (camps, cool online classes for kids, crafts, projects, and more!). Hiring a mother’s helper is just one option, but it’s definitely one that can make your summer more about creating memories and less about turning your schedule upside down!
If you click some of the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Although we here at Tinybeans spend most of our days celebrating the women that create this amazing community of moms, March is officially Women’s History Month! And what better place to kick it all off than by highlighting some of our favorite women-owned brands? Supporting these businesses puts funds directly into the hands of female entrepreneurs and allows them to continue pioneering the ever-growing landscape of women-owned brands. We know it won’t come as a surprise, but women face a level of challenges in business that their male counterparts traditionally don’t.
Being intentional about where we spend our money means researching the brands we’re buying from; we’ve done that part for you, though. These women-owned brands are offering some of our absolute must-have products and services that we love year round. Beauty, fashion, lifestyle, kitchen—there’s no shortage of incredible goodies
SPANX
Sara Blakely, Founder After Sara solved a wardrobe crisis of her own by cutting the feet off a pair of pantyhose, SPANX was born. It's now the standard for shapewear and has evolved into a full line of women's fashion that we adore.
Cherie Hoeger, Founder & CEO It started with a call Cherie had with an aunt in Venezuela, where pads and tampons hadn't been available in stores for years. She immediately thought about what living without easy access to those products would be like for herself and her daughters. Months later, Cherie designed what she considered to be the ideal menstrual cup, and this idea turned into a line of period care, absorbent underwear, and more. Saalt is committed to donating 2% of their revenue to donate period care to regions with the most need, and help fund initiatives in menstrual health, education, and sustainability.
Ameeta Jaim, Co-Founder & CEO Ameeta created a program to help struggling readers gain reading and comprehension skills by integrating educational screen time. With Readability, your child can read out loud, independently and receive real-time feedback and assessment from the interactive voice-based AI tutor, while you track their progress. This personalized approach provides immediate feedback and tailored assessments, making the learning process engaging and enjoyable. The AI tutor's guidance helps your child become a confident reader, developing strong comprehension skills that will benefit them throughout their academic and personal lives.
Carolyn Ansley, CEO If you’re anything like a ton of parents out there, struggling to find nutrition for little ones who have a sensitivity to cow’s milk can be a long journey. KABRITA USA completely understands that struggle and created their goat milk formula based on what is best for baby, using the highest quality, European, GMO-free ingredients. It’s a gentle, non-GMO alternative to cow’s milk and soy, and KABRITA offers infant formula, toddler formula, junior nutrition, and snacks that are ideal for sensitive kiddos.
Swoon now has a full line of zero sugar, monk fruit sweetened lemonades and iced teas and is on track to eliminate one billion (yes, billion!) grams of sugar from the supply chain. Swoon was born out of necessity. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of six, Jennifer Ross knew she wanted to create a healthier beverage option that still felt fun and celebratory. Her friend Cristina Ros Blankfein, the Cuban American mom of three, was also seeking better options for her family. Together, they created the zero sugar beverage brand with the mission of tackling the sugar-filled beverage market.
Founded by Greek-American and olive oil sommelier, Katina Mountanos, Kosterina is a wellness brand centered around the extraordinary benefits of high-antioxidant superfoods and the clean, Mediterranean lifestyle. Katina, a former beauty and ecommerce industry executive turned is on a mission to make ultra-healthy products more widely accessible to consumers, and created a cross-category brand carrying extra virgin olive oils, balsamic vinegars, dark chocolate, and olive oil based skincare.
Three Wishes, founded by Margaret Wishingrad, is a healthy-while-delicious cereal. After welcoming her first son, Ellis, Margaret realized the white space in the market for a nutritional cereal she wanted to feed her son. She created these delicious cereals that we can't get enough of!
Proofwas founded in May 2020 by Lori, Jodi, and Kari Caden. Proof offers a line of really (really) leak-proof period underwear that empowers women to live life worry-free. These are the only triple-patented underwear for protecting against leaks and periods on the market – the brand’s patented Leak-Loc technology holds up to 5 tampons or 10 tsp of liquid, fights odors, and wicks away moisture all day! They even have a line specifically for teens.
Born and raised in central Seoul, Annie Chun grew up eating foods from the ocean - including seaweed that her culinary-gifted mother would roast and serve. The idea of reinterpreting a favorite food from her childhood became the catalyst for gimme. Gimme was the first brand to offer USDA Certified/Non-GMO Verified Organic seaweed snacks, and Annie had to influence South Korean farmers to change their practices to do this! She not only ensures that these snacks are sustainably grown, but also that they incorporate the highest quality ingredients possible.
Amber Murray, Founder Fidget Stickers Textured Sensory Stickers are a fun a discreet way to help people ground themselves when they're feeling anxiety or overstimulation!
Sarah Ribner, Founder PiperWai features natural deodorants, body wash, and oils, all created to "create a more sustainable future through products we use every day."
Jennifer McMillan, Co-Founder Jenny and her husband Dave launched home decor brand JennyGems in 2015, and in 2020, they began manufacturing their own products!
Megan Benson, Owner Ethically sourced from a New Zealand sheep farm, felted by fair-trade certified female artisans in Nepal, and hand assembled and packaged in Egg Harbor, NJ.
Claire Watson and Nicole Hairfield, Co-Founders Claire and Nicole are best friends, moms, and neighbors who launched lifestyle brand Moonlight Makers in 2015!
Alaina Moulton, Founder Mom of 1 and military wife, Alaina Moulton, launched Baby’s Brew in 2019 as the world’s first portable, battery-powered bottle warmer!
Tara Williams, Founder Tara came up with the idea for Dreamland Baby weighted swaddles and sleep sacks when her 4th baby, Luke, kept waking up multiple times a night. As seen on Shark Tank!
Amanda Hunt, Founder As a mom of 3 and former Senior Technical Designer and Product Development Specialist for All Brands Intimates & Swimwear at Urban Outfitters, Free People, and Anthropologie, Amanda knew she could improve the traditional nursing bra and actually make one that was cute, trendy, and wearable!
Leanne Sherred, M.S., CCC-SLP, Co-Founder As a Speech Language Pathologist, Leanne has years of experience treating patients with communication disorders and challenges, but she quickly noticed that too many families were struggling to get access to the care they needed. So she created a new care model focused on research-based techniques that were aimed at meeting children and families where they were with 1 on 1 virtual sessions from home.
Kelly Morrissey & Lisa Loyd, Co-Founders Kelly and Lisa came up with the idea for chic, comfortable loungewear that can be worn braless when they decided they were tired of being uncomfortable in loungewear around unexpected guests or family members. The JJwinks "light hug" support allows you to wear their pieces without a bra while still feeling comfortable!
Arpi Khachatryan, Founder Born in Armenia and emigrated to Barcelona at the age of 10, Arpi developed a passion for designs when she moved to the U.S. and had her first child. Her pieces are created to help support mothers through their journey!
Helen Reavey, Founder Originally from Ireland, Helen's education-first approach to scalp (and ultimately hair care), has led to her regularly debunking hair myths across the industry, while simultaneously growing her celebrity fan list and cult-following. Celeb fans include: Marissa Tomei, Sienna Miller, Sarah Snook, Mark Ronson, Bella Hadid, Kourtney Kardashian, Melissa Wood, Halsey, Molly Sims and more.
Stephanie Lee, Founder Daughter of immigrants, Stephanie created selfmade, a ritual-based psychodermatology brand. It connects clean, sustainable products with the human pursuit of self-exploration. Their collection of face and body essentials is linked to online resources and a proprietary wellbeing app.
Jennifer Fisher, Founder Jennifer Fisher is best known as “the Queen of Hoops” for her eponymous NYC-based brass and custom fine jewelry line and A-list celebrity cult following that includes Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya, Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Tracee Ellis Ross, Emily Ratjkowski, Hailey Bieber, Selena Gomez, Bella Hadid, and many others.
Eunice Byun, Founder Material has become one of the most beloved kitchenware brands introducing collections that span useful food prep tools and cookware to gorgeous hand-finished tabletop ceramics.
Phoebe Yu & Kat Dey, Co-Founders ettitude is a purpose-driven lifestyle brand pioneering the world’s first, proprietary CleanBamboo® fabric. Made from 100% organically-grown, non-toxic bamboo lyocell, ettitude’s commitment to sustainability, innovation and comfort has resulted in some of the world’s softest, most breathable bedding, bath, and loungewear anywhere.
Aishwarya Iyer, Founder A cult favorite AAPI-owned pantry essential bran known for making some of the freshest, highest quality olive oil, vinegar, and honey on the market.
Hannah Mendoza, Co-Founder Clevr Blends is the Meghan Markle-backed and Oprah-approved SuperLatte brand making decadent and delicious oat milk latte drinks infused with adaptogens, probiotics, and superfoods.
Jing Gao, Founder Fly by Jing has become one of the fastest-growing direct-to-consumer startups and modern Asian food brands in the country, redefining the narrative around Chinese food in the Western world.
Heather Jiang & Jen You, Co-Founders Allégorie’s eco-friendly collections upcycle discarded fruits and plants (yes, really!), collected from grocery stores and juice factories, and transform them into stylish lifewear while ensuring health and fairness for all workers involved. Allégorie’s signature Gala Collection is crafted from apple peels recycled from apple juice factories and each Gala Card Holder upcycles about 25 apples.
Cassey Ho, CEO & Lead Designer POPFLEX offers products that are designed to not only look cute, but also serve a purpose. Best known for their viral sensations like their Vegan Suede Yoga Mat (designed to get grippier as you get sweatier), the Hourglass Legging and the cozy Cloud Hoodie. This fun brand is a small, BIPOC-owned business made up of mostly women.
Sloane Grossberg, Founder Sloane's background as a designer has allowed her to fabricate luxurious details without creating a bag so precious that it needs to be babied or so trendy that it will soon be out of vogue. shortyLOVE was born out of Sloane's desire to create her own version of a smartly designed, fashionable AND functional bag that's perfect for moms on the go!
Lindsey Laurain, Founder ezpz was created when Lindsey got fed up with the mess her 3 boys created as young eaters. Today, ezpz is a leading developmentally-focused feeding company providing mealtime solutions for first foods all the way to independent eaters!
Tera Henderson, Founder Inspired by her sons, Ford and Wyatt, born almost a full trimester early, Tera created a brand to honor moms and their little ones. She focuses on mom + me matching whenever possible, and all of their hand-designed styles are cut, sewn, and washed for softness in L.A., California. You'll find faves like Raising Legends, Raising Boys, Raising Girls, Bubby, Sissy, and more!
Ines Rosa, Founder With a strong presence in European perfumery, cosmetic, and drugstore chains, JCOS has introduced its line of intentional Japanese beauty products to the US market, designed to bring balance and beauty to the lives of women of every age, race, and ethnicity. JCOS offers collections of holistic self-care products.
Amanda Victoria, Co-Founder Siponey is the first B Corp certified cocktail company that dedicates 2% or more of their annual revenue to environmentalist organizations. They're committed to saving honeybees and creating a delicious canned cocktail, too!
Coco Quill, Founder Whiskey & Woof is a luxury scent brand that's Leaping Bunny Certified, vegan, and hand-poured. They offer candles, room sprays, diffusers, and more.
Jacynda Smith, Founder TYME is the hair tool brand that revolutionized heat tools with their original all-in-one styling iron that just requires the flick of your wrist.
Lynne O'Brien, Founder Line in the Sand is a line of active/waterwear and accessories that take a stand for empowering women and the planet. Their various UV swim leggings, tops, and dresses are made from recycled materials. 100% of the profits go to cancer and ocean organizations.
Linda Balti, Co-Founder Amour Vert is the ethically made, women-led, sustainable fashion brand that combines Parisian sophistication with Northern California ease while also giving back through partnership with American Forests.
Meena Harris, Founder & CEOPhenomenal Media is a values-driven, 360-degree media company that centers women and historically excluded communities. They're committed to lifting up the stories, experiences, and talents of underrepresented groups, helping to build community, shift dialogue, and shape culture.
Kelley Higney, Founder The chemical-free solution to bug bites and stings, BUG BITE THING is a suction tool that extracts the saliva/venom the insect leaves behind. Goodbye, itch.
Kelly Oriad & Callie Christensen, Co-Founders Plushes and lovies that come with kid-friendly board books and affirmation cards to help kiddos develop social and emotional skills early.
Jenni Morse, Founder Simpli Press combines the timeless qualities of a French press with modern-day innovation to achieve the smoothest complex brew with effortless cleanup. Get a rich cup of customizable home-brewed coffee with all the flavor coffee has to offer AND without the grit, in just three minutes.
Elizabeth "Pebby" Haislip, Founder "Our brand is built on a real human understanding of what it's like to struggle with accepting your body after a baby, postpartum depression, motherhood, anxiety, dating woes, and more." Pebby Forevee tees and accessories are designed to be flattering, fun, and confidence-boosting.
Violette Serrat, Founder & CEO Violette couldn't decide between becoming a painter or a fashion designer, and with the French-inspired makeup and skincare line she created, Violette_FR was born.
Pia Rappaport-Goldman, Founder PILLOWPIA offers home accessories that are eclectic, minimalistic, and chic while staying totally accessible. It's easy to match these pieces to almost any of your existing decor.
Lauren Brooks, Founder Bakery Bling started out offering glittery sprinkle baking decorations that are totally edible. Now they offer everything from glitter sprinkles to premade cookie decorating kits and houses.
Meredith Madsen, Founder Sunshine & Glitter creates fun, sparkly, and effective suncare that's eco-friendly, good for you, and reef-safe. They offer sunscreen, hair care, lip balm, and lotion.
Bonnie Blackburn, Owner "Hi! I'm Bonnie and the owner and creator of Hey June. I started this business five years ago out of desperation—to feed babies and pay the mortgage during years of a difficult marriage and then single momhood." Hey June offers beautiful, affordable, wearable jewelry pieces that are everyday staples.
Candice Collison, Co-Founder & CEO Candice found herself suffering from PPD and anxiety after giving birth to her daughters, and trying to dress her postpartum body made it that much worse. She developed Fair Trade Certified Of an Origin for motherhood in all its stages.
Tierra Forte, Founder & CEO, Barrie Brouse, Co-Founder, & Anya Emerson, COO Mightly is the brainchild of Tierra and her 8yo daughter Eloise. They create durable, adorable, eco-friendly kids clothes that can be mixed and matched.
Eliana Lopez, Founder All MUKUPATI products are made in a family-run factory, in Venezuela, that is committed to zero waste. For every purchase, MUKUPATI donates a percentage of sales to Fundacion Esperanza de Vida, an organization that helps children in extreme poverty in Venezuela. They offer soft, safe, and comfy kids essentials.
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International Women’s Day is coming up, so it’s the perfect time to highlight and support exceptional women-owned businesses in San Diego. These amazing females have built successful careers based on their passions, and our community reaps the rewards of their daily determination, creativity and desire to make the world a better place. Read on to be inspired by their stories and to support their businesses.
Talk about flower power! Natalie Gill established Native Poppy in 2015 to create joy by making art with her friends. She started her flower-arranging business in her backyard alongside Meghan Blancato who became a partner in the business in 2018. Their business grew into a brick-and-mortar flower shop with two locations: South Park and Solana Beach. In their own words, they “believe in taking care of the environment and drinking champagne, in stopping to cuddle and befriending every animal we see. We believe in singing while flowering and in always challenging ourselves and our peers to be better, all the while affirming each other for where we are today.” What a great place to bloom and find the best blossoms.
Game of pickle, anyone? It’s no secret that Pickleball is America’s sport du jour right now. In the past two years, you’ve either talked to someone who is raving about how much they love the game, or you’ve caught the bug yourself. Aubri Steele, mother of five, not only saw how the sport united her family and their community but also an opportunity in the marketplace. The game was hot, but the apparel needed an upgrade. Civile launched in early 2021 offers luxury high-performance athletic apparel for the modern ‘Pickler’ that is versatile and stylish.
3. Gluten Free Baking Company
Roanna Canete has a diverse background as a consultant turned self-taught gluten-free baker to Netflix star to bakery owner. She holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership and an MBA in entrepreneurship. Today, she owns and operates a dedicated gluten-free bakery in San Diego, California. In 2015, Roanna opened a Licensed Cottage Food Operation out of her home kitchen in Coronado, California. Word spread quickly and soon enough Roanna’s gluten-free baked goods were being sold to cafes, coffee shops and restaurants throughout San Diego. With wholesale business booming, Roanna moved the kitchen from her house to a production kitchen and in February 2020, she opened her first retail shop in North Park.
Owned by not one but two brilliant women, this San Diego-based marketing firm is dedicated to amplifying the social impact of non-profits doing good in the community by elevating their image and marketing. Angel Mason Broadus and Kristine Mason Broadus lead a diverse team that is strategically creating a ripple effect of good, positive change.
Azúcar is the fulfillment of a life-long dream for Vivian Hernandez-Jackson. She combines her classical French training with her Cuban roots to develop a unique product line of desserts and pastries that combines traditional favorites with new flavors and designs is her passion and it shows.
What do you get when you mix passion, purpose and purple? Kathryn the Grape! Kathryn Cloward, aka “Kathryn the Grape” to children, is a native San Diegan who made her childhood nickname into an integrated media series to help children have social and emotional personal development tools for understanding and expressing their feelings, making kind and compassionate choices and being brave in new life experiences. To date, Kathryn’s earned over 60 awards for her inspirational and creative work. She is a Contributing Editor of motivational content for Guitar Girl Magazine and relishes her role as a speaker and mentor for women in business—drawing from over two decades as an entrepreneurial trailblazer. She’s also the founder of Kandon Unlimited, Inc., a heart-centered mindful media company intent on creating and publishing positive and empowering media.
Lovely Leaps dance studio teaches love of movement and inclusion one leap at a time. Lovely Leaps owner Lisa McCabe, an African American engineer turned dance instructor, focuses on making dance fun and developing key motor skills for kids ages 10 months-10 years by growing their confidence and comfort in their own bodies. More than just a dance studio, Lovely Leaps is a movement of its own. Studio founders Lisa and Ricky McCabe started Lovely Leaps when their daughter was just five months old. Lisa's goal as a dance instructor is to offer a whole-child approach to help kids blossom. She believes dance should focus on fun instead of perfection and she stresses inclusion.
Katie Farina of Katie's Healing Kitchen offers award-winning vegan cooking classes in San Diego. When her mother was diagnosed with cancer, Katie took a special interest in evoking the healing power in healthy foods and nutrition. She graduated from the Natural Epicurean Academy of Culinary Arts, a Professional Chef Training Institute in 2013 and she has been a proponent of "harnessing the power of food to heal disease." She teaches cooking classes and in her own words, her "lifelong goal is to inspire others to make the connection between the food they eat and its effect on their body, the environment and the world." Be sure to check out Katie's amazing cookbook, and sign up for her cooking classes.
Sünje O’Clancy, MA, E-RYT, RCYT founded Yoga Rascals in 2007. She has been dedicated to enhancing children’s lives through yoga by creating a nurturing, fun environment while supporting development and learning so that they may realize their fullest potential. She shares, “I founded Yoga Rascals because of my love for children and my passion for yoga. Sharing the joy of movement, the calming effects of relaxation, and the many other benefits of yoga with children can have a big impact on how they develop their sense of self in a positive way." She adds, “I am very grateful to own my own business. It has allowed me to find balance between being a mom and raising my children while doing what I love professionally.”
Grace Martin founded Edens Garden as part of her dream to share high-quality, affordable essential oils and make them easily accessible to everyone. Edens Garden’s story is rooted in natural and conscientious living. As a woman and family-owned company, Edens Garden is inspired by their loved ones to put safety, quality and sustainability at the forefront of their goals. With customers always at the core of what they do, Edens Garden has expanded product offerings to include synergy blends and hand-crafted body and home care products.
Julie Rais Ellis is the mother of two and the founder of Rais Case, which started as a bags and accessories collection and has since expanded and grown into a movement. She's passionate about designing the highest quality products that cultivate community and culture around locally handmade goods. Ellis offers, "Our relationship with our community is where magic happens. Our mission is simple but focused. It is to make quality goods that create community & support well-being." Made with the highest quality materials available, all bags are designed, manufactured, and shipped from San Diego, CA.
Maya was looking for the perfect vegan cookie: crispy-on-the-outside and gooey-on-the-inside. Unable to find it, she created a cookie recipe herself. Soon, she was a local celebrity with moms and kids––which inspired her to open Maya’s Cookies. Voted San Diego's Best Vegan Baked Goods in 2017 and 2018, Maya's decadent cookie flavors range from chocolate chip and caramel pecan to funfetti and gluten-free s’ mores. You’ll love them all! Maya's Cookies is now America's #1 Black-owned vegan cookie company.
A trio of sisters, Martiza, Sativa, and Kaya founded Dirt Don't Hurt in 2017. These conscientious moms have six kids between them and during their pregnancies, they started to become more aware of what ingredients were in their personal care and cleaning products. Their line Dirt Don't Hurt was born when they decided to create the safe and natural beauty products they were looking for. Their plant-based products are 100% vegan and cruelty-free and include skincare and oral care. Try their popular All-Natural Activated Charcoal Tooth Powder.
Starr Edwards, founder of the delicious Bitchin' Sauce, a vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO almond dip available in a variety of flavors, started her company in 2004 at the young age of 16! She started selling her "creamy concoction" at local farmer's markets and it was a huge hit. Bitchin' Sauce became so wildly popular that she needed to open a commercial kitchen. Costco discovered her brand and now it is distributed nationally and sold in supermarkets, at Costco and Target. Bitchin' Sauce is headquartered in Carlsbad and is family-owned and operated.
