Parents are singing this sour juice’s praises all over social media, but here’s what experts think of the latest miracle cure for your toddler’s sleep problems
For so many parents, bedtime is nothing short of a circus, leaving them as exhausted as their sleep-resistant children. And when kids struggle to get their nightly shut-eye, we moms and dads start Googling. Melatonin! Magnesium! Is it the nap schedule? Do we need to start meditating before bed? Is there some kind of voodoo doll I can use to get this kid to sleep?! When all else fails, sleep-deprived parents turn to social media for out-of-the-box suggestions—or, in this case, out of the bottle. TikTok’s latest magic bullet? Tart cherry juice for toddlers.
I know what you’re thinking. Juice? Yes, juice. Before bed? Uh-huh. Some parents swear that if you want your toddler to go to sleep more quickly and rest more soundly, all you need is some watered-down tart cherry juice, and they’re even turning it into bedtime popsicles, gummies, smoothies, and more. But is this promised sleep remedy actually effective and safe for little kids? We got all the juicy details with help from Pegah Jalali, a registered dietitian in New York City, and Dr. Candice Jones, a board-certified pediatrician in Orlando, FL.
What is tart cherry juice?
Tart cherry juice is, as you probably guessed, a tart-tasing juice made from cherries—specifically, Montmorency cherries, which are native to France and taste far more sour than those sweet Bing cherries you’re used to. According to the Cleveland Clinic, tart Montmorency cherries contain melatonin, a naturally occurring sleep hormone that helps regulate our sleep cycles (and a supplement you might have heard your mom friends talking about). They also contain tryptophan, an essential amino acid that helps our bodies make melatonin.
A no-sugar-added bottle of this biting liquid can cost upwards of $6 for 32 ounces, with a serving size usually listed as one cup.
Can tart cherry juice help toddlers sleep?
The #tartcherryjuice hashtag has more than 60 million views on TikTok, and we’d guess plenty of those are from exhausted parents. But despite the many claims from TikTok moms and dads that their toddlers have never slept better, Jalali stresses that there isn’t any current scientific data studying the effect of tart cherry juice on sleep in children. Gulp. This means that medical professionals shouldn’t officially promote tart cherry juice as an appropriate, effective treatment for littles who struggle to go to sleep.
Is tart cherry juice safe for toddlers, babies, and older kids?
The fact is, we just don’t know right now. The most current study on sleep and tart cherry juice is from 2012, when researchers had 20 adults spend a week drinking an ounce of the juice before bed each night. In the end, this group slept better than the placebo group, and tests found more melatonin in their urine.
Another study from 2010 looked at tart cherry juice’s effects on a small group of elderly adults who struggled with insomnia. In this population, the researchers found that tart cherry juice did “modestly improve sleep,” but they reported that their “findings may not generalize to other populations.”
What this shows is that there may be potential to demonstrate that tart cherry juice is an effective sleep aid, but with study populations as small and limited as your toddler’s attention span, we can’t generalize the results to the general population—especially kids. This is something that researchers from both studies agree on.
What are the other benefits, if any, of tart cherry juice?
Jalali agrees that the melatonin and tryptophan in tart cherry juice “can help increase sleep duration,” though, again, this isn’t well studied. Upon examination of several bottles, we found that tart cherry juice offers consumers calcium, iron, and potassium. Cherries are also a good source of antioxidants and vitamins A and C.
Beyond this, the sour substance has been used by athletes to help with muscle recovery, thanks to its anti-inflammatory qualities. This has been especially effective after high-intensity events rather than regular daily workouts, says a 2010 study in the Scandinavian Journal of Sports Medicine. It found that when marathon athletes regularly drank the juice before and after competing, they recovered more quickly and felt less soreness and inflammation.
What are the downsides of tart cherry juice consumption?
We empathize with any parent struggling to get their child to sleep. However, Jalali reminds us that the American Academy of Pediatrics “recommends limiting juice intake based on age.” For example, toddlers should only have up to 4 ounces of juice daily, which is half a cup.
Jalali also shares that we need to consider our kid’s oral health. Sugar shouldn’t sit on a child’s teeth all night, so if you’re going to give tart cherry juice a whirl, your kiddo should have some water afterward and thoroughly brush their teeth. Also, as a mom of four, the last thing I want any kid to do, especially a new-to-the-potty toddler, is to load up on a liquid before bed. That’s like engraving a formal invitation for a bed-wetting incident.
Additionally, kids’ interest in a particular food or drink can ebb and flow. If your only go-to for helping your child sleep is tart cherry juice, Jalali says we need to ask: “What will parents do if the child refuses?”
And finally, even no-sugar-added juice is high in carbohydrates, averaging about 30 grams of carbs per serving. Unfortunately, this is similar to the carbohydrate count in a regular soda. Drinking tart cherry juice alone, without any fiber, fat, and protein, can spike and crash a person’s blood sugar, which can make it harder to fall and stay asleep. So one has to decide, do the potential pros outweigh the cons?
What are other strategies parents can use to help their kids sleep?
When a child can’t sleep, there are so many possible explanations. Dr. Jones says some sleep issues stem from “lack of a consistent bedtime routine, a recent nap, a distracting environment, separation anxiety, a scary dream, or sickness.” Other potential disrupters might include a sleep disorder, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, an uncomfortable sleeping environment, and screen time too close to bedtime.
Parents have to become investigators. It’s always a good idea to keep a journal for a few days and try to pinpoint the issue. If nothing turns up, head to the pediatrician for some insight. Dr. Jones encourages parents to ask their doctors for sleep recommendations. She advises us to be mindful of children’s needs to have a “consistent bedtime routine, create a comfortable and quiet sleep environment, turn off and remove distractions such as electronic devices, and resist allowing your child to take a nap close to bedtime.” Be mindful that sickness can disrupt your kid’s sleep, but that “they are likely to return to a normal sleep pattern once they are well.”
It’s not a good idea to put a bandage on a symptom. Instead, you need to get to the root cause and work from the ground up to help your child sleep, ideally with the help of their medical practitioner.
Still on the fence about whether or not to try tart cherry juice? Dr. Jones isn’t convinced—yet. “There are many sleep aides that could help,” she says, “But, like tart cherry juice, many are controversial and unproven.” As parents, Dr. Jones reminds us of our number one job: keeping our children healthy and safe.
The going rate for the Tooth Fairy might surprise you
How much should a kid get when they lose a tooth? If you’re unsure what the going rate is for the tooth fairy, Delta Dental Plans Association’s Original Tooth Fairy Poll has an answer. According to the 2023 Original Tooth Fairy Poll®, the average value of a single lost tooth during the past year increased by 16% from $5.36 to $6.23, a record high in the 25-year history of the poll.
Delta Dental
Even though the average under-the-pillow cash gift was over $6, the magic number did vary depending on the geographic area. This year, kids living in the South saw the highest returns, with an average of $6.59 per tooth, an increase of 14% from last year’s findings. Kids in the West saw a huge increase (53%!) with the per-tooth average coming in at $6.25. In the Northeast, the average dropped to $6.14, down from $7.36 in 2022. The Midwest is still trailing the national average at $5.36, but there was still a 32% increase over last year’s rates.
Of the poll, Gabriella Ferroni, Senior Director, Strategic Communications, says, “Delta Dental has been analyzing the Tooth Fairy’s U.S. annual giving trends for a quarter century, highlighting the role of good oral health care habits for children “We know this time-honored tradition will continue to bring great joy to homes across the country, and we look forward to seeing how the Tooth Fairy’s giving changes over the next 25 years. Given the projection, it would be in the Tooth Fairy’s best interest to invest in a larger purse.”
Historically, the Original Tooth Fairy Poll® mirrors the U.S. economy, tracking with the trends Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500), but this year, the average price for a tooth increased 16% while the S&P 500 experienced an 11% decline.
There’s nothing else quite like the local children’s museum when you have kids with serious energy they need to burn off. Kids love exploring all the hands-on exhibits, and parents love that their kids get to learn while having fun—a win-win! We’ve gathered up the best children’s museums in every state, as recommended by our readers. Keep reading to see them all.
1. Alabama: McWane Science Center, Birmingham Since opening its doors in 1998, McWane Science Center has welcomed millions of visitors to learn about all things STEM from exciting hands-on experiences. Permanent exhibits include Itty Bitty Magic City (a play area perfect for kindergarteners and younger tots), Alabama Dinosaurs (featuring fossils discovered in the state) and NatureScope (discover birds and creepy crawly things).
2. Alaska: Fairbanks Children’s Museum, Fairbanks The Fairbanks Children’s Museum is all about play-based learning, and kids have a blast with all the awesome hands-on experiences and programs. You can practice a little butterfly yoga, mingle with other parents and tots during special meetups and scale a rock wall, just to name a few.
3. Arizona: Children’s Museum of Phoenix, Phoenix With over 48,000 square feet of play space, there’s enough to do at the Children’s Museum of Phoenix to keep your tots busy all day long. There are more than 300 play experiences spread over three floors, in addition to a range of classes about everything from fossils to art. Be sure to check out the Schuff-Perini Climber, a tree-like sculpture that gives kids a bird’s-eye view of the museum’s atrium.
4. Arkansas: Scott Family Amazeum, Bentonville Your crew will love the Amazeum, an awesome interactive museum with a focus on art, science and Arkansas culture. Be sure to check out the climbable tree canopy, indoor cave and tinkering hub, in addition to daily activities like DIY workshops, day camps, and playgroups. There’s also a one-acre outdoor area with plenty to explore, including a rock wall and a giant rope structure.
5. California: Exploratorium, San Francisco The Exploratorium moved to Pier 15 on the San Francisco waterfront in 2013, tripling the overall space to 330,000 square feet. Truly a hands-on interactive experience for ages 4-12, it’s hard to say what the kids will enjoy more—taking a sensory-loaded trip through the tactile dome, visiting the tinkering studio or trying out iconic experiments like the shadow box. The museum’s exhibits are built in-house and constantly evolving, which makes every trip special and unique.
6. Colorado: Children’s Museum of Denver at Marsico Campus, Denver The Children’s Museum of Denver boasts a nine-acre campus, with awesome exhibits like Altitude, where kids make their way up and around over three levels of Colorado heritage to reach the lookout at the tippy top, and Box Canyon, an indoor mountain range for smaller tots. Kids can also go grocery shopping in a mini farmers market, learn about the science behind bubbles, and let their imagination shine at the art studio.
7. Connecticut: Kidcity Children’s Museum, Middletown Kids ages 1-7 will have a blast exploring Kidcity’s one-of-a-kind, hands-on exhibits, all of which are built by in-house artists. There’s a Fishery, where you’ll use conveyors to bring in the catch of the day; a Space Age Roadtrip, where friendly aliens take a trip on Route 66; and a medieval village called Middleshire, where kids can build a castle and keep watch for Vikings. Be sure to block out a good chunk of time for your visit—they’ll be entertained for hours!
8. Delaware: Delaware Children’s Museum, Wilmington Your little explorers will have the chance to discover the worlds of science, math, and technology at the Delaware Children’s Museum. Monkey around in the Stratosphere, a cool climbing structure that overlooks the museum’s lobby; learn what an architect does and how buildings take shape, and let your tiniest tots play on a model train in the transportation-themed area.
9. Florida: Tallahassee Museum, Tallahassee Although it’s not strictly a children’s museum, this gem located on beautiful Lake Bradford will be a hit for adults and kids alike. You’ll find an 1880s farmstead, historical buildings and a live collection of native wildlife, in addition to a zip line and adventure course for the thrill-seekers in your crew. And with living history events that teach important lessons about our country, it’s well worth getting a yearly membership.
10. Georgia: Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Atlanta Atlanta’s go-to destination for kids offers awesome hands-on exhibits, a 3,000 square foot mezzanine, and a permanent performance space, all of which have a focus on STEAM-centered, play-based learning. Gateway to the World invites mini explorers to climb through the layers of the earth, while Step up to Science hosts a permanent lab with experiments conducted on a daily basis. Get an insider’s peek at the museum here.
11. Hawaii: Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center, Honolulu Whether you’re an island dweller or just on Oahu for vacation, the Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center is definitely worth a visit. Kids are encouraged to use their senses of touch, sight, hearing, and smell to gain a better understanding of the world around them. Exhibits include Tot Spot (a special play zone for your tiniest ones), Fantastic You (an up-close and personal look at the human body) and Rainforest Adventures (an exploration of rainforests and our precious natural resources).
12. Idaho: Museum of Clean, Pocatello For a seriously unique experience, you’ve got to check out the Museum of Clean. There’s not just one focus here—everything from clean air to clean water to clean language is covered. Kids will love exploring the museum’s play areas and interactive features (and looking at a massive collection of vacuum cleaners is pretty fun, too!).
13. Illinois: Kohl Children’s Museum, Glenview To folks living or vacationing in the greater Chicago area, Kohl Children’s Museum is just what the doctor ordered for beating the winter blues. With 17 permanent exhibits, kids are able to expend tons of extra energy by becoming veterinarians, nature explorers, chefs, mechanics and even Whole Food employees, all in one day. Don’t want to leave for lunch? Stop off at the Cosi for food and snacks.
14. Indiana: Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Worthy of a vacation in itself, lucky families who visit the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis are in for five floors of energy-zapping activities and fun. As the biggest children’s museum in the world, it has almost 500,000 square feet of exhibition space, 11 permanent exhibits, and over 120,000 real artifacts. From the Dinosphere and All Aboard! to National Geographic Treasures of the Earth, there’s enough to keep you busy for a few days.
15. Iowa: Iowa Children’s Museum, Coralville The Iowa Children’s Museum is all about inspiring kids to learn and grow through play, and their multi-sensory exhibits hit it out of the park. Aspiring chefs get to work in a pretend pizzeria; tots can learn basic physics lessons with race cars, tracks, and mazes; and train-obsessed kids can play with model trains weaving their way through Iowa. In case that’s not enough to tire them out, there are also special events for art-making, STEM learning and more.
16. Kansas: Cosmosphere, Hutchinson Go on a space odyssey at the coolest museum in Kansas, a 105,000-square-foot space and science center that’ll keep your whole crew entertained for hours. Watch a jaw-dropping show in their state-of-the-art planetarium (there’s a show about black holes narrated by Liam Neeson!), browse the largest combined collection of U.S. and Russian space artifacts in the world and watch live demonstrations of science experiments.
17. Kentucky: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Louisville A visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is sure to be a home run, especially if you’ve got sports fans in your family. You’ll get to see how baseball bats are made (and you’ll get a miniature bat to take home), crawl through a giant glove, try your hand at a simulated pitching experience and hold bats that were used by baseball legends.
18. Louisiana: Louisiana Children’s Museum, New Orleans With a visit to the Louisiana Children’s Museum, little ones will have the chance to learn about everything from reading and math to architectural ideas and the nuances of grocery shopping—all through super fun, hands-on activities and exhibits. Find out how to use a fulcrum or a pulley with the Simple Machines exhibit, head to Art Trek to explore a range of different media and techniques and go back in time to check out the recreated courtyard of one of New Orleans’ oldest buildings. With a fun mix of science, art and Louisiana-inspired activities, there’s really something for everyone.
19. Maine: Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, Portland Kids 10 & under will love spending the day playing and learning at this gem of a museum in Portland. The hands-on exhibits range from an exploration of the camera obscura to a kiddie-style farmers market (complete with bakery and fish market) to a special area that’s perfect for your tiniest tots. And since this is Maine, after all, there’s even a replica lobster boat where kids can learn about the state’s working waterfronts.
20. Maryland: Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Baltimore Its three floors, 13 exhibits and loads of purposeful play make Port Discovery Children’s Museum one of the best indoor spaces in the Mid-Atlantic region for kids ages 0-10. Start the day in KidWorks, the three-story urban treehouse that will not only give their little bodies but also their minds, a major workout. Then, let your sous chefs whip up a quick meal at Tiny’s Diner and take a journey through Maryland’s rich heritage in Tot Trails.
21. Massachusetts: Boston Children’s Museum, Boston There are 88,000 square feet of hands-on engagement at the Boston Children’s Museum. The focus on science, culture, health & fitness and the arts make this an ideal destination when it’s just too cold to be outdoors—a few attempts to make it to the top of The New Balance Foundation Climb, the three-story climbing structure in the center of the museum, will leave your kids tired and happy. Plus, visitors benefit from the scores of programs and activities developed by museum educators.
22. Michigan: Impression 5 Science Center, Lansing In 1972, Impression 5 became one of the first hands-on science centers in the country, and they’ve been a Michigan favorite ever since. With a focus on dynamic, interactive activities that encourage kids of all ages to play, create and challenge their understanding of science, it’s well worth the trip. Learn about oral health with giant dental tools, step into a full-size body bubble, become a naturalist for the day and more.
23. Minnesota: Minnesota Children’s Museum, St. Paul The Minnesota Children’s Museum’s mission is to spark learning through play, and you’ll see what they mean after one visit. Kids will love exploring The Scramble, a four-story vertical adventure with a spiral slide and a netted catwalk. Let them get creative making their own stories at Imaginopolis, and join in on Our World, a mini-city with everything from a post office to a farmers market.
24. Mississippi: Mississippi Children’s Museum, Jackson Kiddos will have a blast playing the day away at this Jackson gem. The 40,000-square-foot museum houses five galleries of educational, interactive exhibits and weekly programs that focus on everything from literacy to science to Mississippi heritage. Learn about healthy eating in a cute kitchen, make a masterpiece in the art studio and find out about the state’s agriculture.
25. Missouri: City Museum, St. Louis We recommend wearing comfy clothes for your day at the City Museum because you’ll definitely be crawling, sliding and climbing. With lots of interesting architectural features like old chimneys and salvaged bridges, it’s captivating for kids and adults alike. Venture through hidden tunnels, monkey around on fun jungle gyms and zoom down indoor slides—your little explorers will love it all.
26. Montana: Children’s Museum of Bozeman, Bozeman Offering hands-on exhibits, summer science camps, after-school activities, and educational programs, the Children’s Museum of Bozeman is a cultural hub. Kids can make slime in the science lab, collect eggs from chickens on the farm, tinker with electric circuits and more. Even your tiniest tots will love their special zone that offers plenty of space for rolling, crawling and climbing.
27. Nebraska: Lincoln Children’s Museum, Lincoln Spend the day exploring the Lincoln Children’s Museum’s three floors and 23,300 square feet of hands-on exhibits and imaginative programs. Check out Cuckoo Construction, the museum’s largest exhibit yet, which gives kids a chance to help build walls and watch foam bricks fall. Chill out in the Grow Zone, an interactive garden perfect for tiny tots. Cruise over to the water exhibit, where you can watch the rain fall from the clouds above and build dams to hold the water back.
28. Nevada: DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, Las Vegas The three-story DISCOVERY Children’s Museum opened in 2013 and is home to nine themed exhibition halls filled with interactive hands-on core exhibits. It’s hard to miss The Summit, a 70-foot tower with 12 levels of engaging, hands-on play. Kids can lift a car with a lever and (if they make it!) take a peek at the amazing roof at the very tippy top. Check out a mini Hoover Dam in Water World or watch your tiny tods wander around Toddler Town—a desert-themed space complete with trains, tunnels, and art zone. If you make it to the third floor, which is dedicated to art, exploration, and curiosity, consider it a successful visit.
29. New Hampshire: Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, Dover The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire is all about hands-on discovery, and you’ll get what they mean when you see their amazing exhibits. Engineer a flying machine and launch it from a 30-foot tower, venture into a cave to read glow-in-the-dark books and find secret paintings, dig for Triceratops fossils and more. Between the exhibits, STEAM Lab drop-in sessions and junior science classes, there’s enough to keep you coming back for more all year long.
30. New Jersey: Liberty Science Center, Jersey City Inspire your budding scientists and engineers with a visit to Liberty Science Center, home to 12 museum exhibition halls, a live animal collection with 110 species, giant aquariums, a 3D theater and lots more. Catch a planetarium show, check out views from the Hubble Space Telescope and meet some of the animals that live in the Hudson River. Train-obsessed kids can even learn, play, and solve problems with Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends.
31. New Mexico: Explora Science Museum & Children’s Museum, Albuquerque Spend the day learning about science, technology, engineering, art, and math through fun hands-on activities at Explora. Experiment with balls and ramps to slow down the effects of gravity, make a masterpiece out of recycled materials and discover the unique characteristics of water. Be sure to check out their events calendar, offering everything from music jams to adults-only evenings.
32. New York: The Strong National Museum of Play, Rochester The truth is, a family could spend more than an entire day at The Strong: The National Museum of Play. With items from the Rochesterian Margaret Woodbury Strong’s extensive doll and toy collection, the museum has grown into a massive and impressive 100,000-square-foot destination for interactive fun and learning for kids of all ages. Stellar permanent exhibits include Can You Tell Me How To Get To Sesame Street?; American Comic Book Heroes: The Battle of Good vs. Evil, and Reading Adventureland. The museum is also home to the National Toy Hall of Fame, and when you add on-site restaurants, a carousel and easy-as-pie parking and it’s a destination worthy of a family road trip!
33. North Carolina: Discovery Place Science, Charlotte A visit to Discovery Place is a must for opening little eyes to the wonders of science. From World Alive, where guests can wander through a rainforest and an aquarium, to Think it Up, a “thought studio” of multisensory colors, sights and sounds, and back to Project Build, where anyone can be an architect for a day, every inch of Discovery Place is dedicated to making learning fun and interesting. The tiniest family members have their own special place for discovery, in Kidscience, and the IMAX Dome Theatre screens family-friendly movies and short films perfect for all ages.
34. North Dakota: Dickinson Museum Center, Dickinson Science-loving kiddos will enjoy learning about dinosaurs and more at the Dickinson Museum Center. Check out fossils that were discovered in the area, see their collection of rocks and minerals and pay a visit to Prairie Outpost Park, where you’ll find historic buildings and a coal car. Kids will love playing in the augmented reality sandbox, too.
35. Ohio: COSI: Center of Science and Industry, Columbus With over 300 interactive exhibitions, a seven-story extreme theater and Little Kidspace, created just for kiddos ages 0-5, there’s enough educational fun to keep the entire family entertained for days at COSI. Encounter Poseidon at Ocean, the playground depicting the mysteries of the sea. Check out the Energy Explorers exhibit, which teaches families about energy and making smart choices. Try to lift your own weight in a pulley chair in Gadgets. With the range of traveling exhibits and classic features, every COSI visit can be a different adventure.
36. Oklahoma: Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum, Seminole Since 1993, the Jasmine Moran Children’s Museum has been a favorite destination for Oklahoma families. The museum is based on an imaginary town, where kids can explore many careers, all from a pint-sized vantage point—they can become a judge, doctor, artist, news anchor, meteorologist, actor, pilot, EMT or firefighter for the day. Plus, you can get lost in the 12,000-square-foot Castle Maze, see aquatic life native to the state and take a ride on a miniature train.
37. Oregon: OMSI: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland OMSI is a can’t-miss museum in Portland, where kids and adults alike can immerse themselves in all things science and technology. Use “human power” to take a virtual trip through Portland, craft your own world using an augmented reality sandbox and experience the sights and smells of the world’s only permafrost research tunnel. Be sure to check out their cool camps and classes too, on topics ranging from kitchen chemistry to web design.
38. Pennsylvania: Please Touch Museum, Philadelphia The name says it all. What other place has the singular mission of encouraging young visitors to touch everything? Start a visit at the huge Monument to Play—a 40-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty’s Arm and Torch (made out of toys). Move your kids towards Roadside Attractions, where they can repair cars, collect tolls, create fantasy vehicles and take a trip to the future. Watch fairy tales come to life at the Story Castle and take a spin on the historical, century-old Woodside Park Dentzel Carousel, before dropping down the rabbit hole to visit Wonderland, all in the same afternoon.
39. Rhode Island: Providence Children’s Museum, Providence Kick cabin fever to the curb with a visit to the Providence Children’s Museum, home to hands-on, play-based exhibits and programs that explore culture and all things STEAM. Check out Play Power, where you can send objects soaring through air tubes and construct magnetic mazes; The Climber, a kid-favorite two-story-high climbing maze; and Coming to Rhode Island, an interactive time-traveling adventure that introduces kids to people who immigrated to the state. Their events calendar also has loads more fun in store, including live theater and art sessions.
40. South Carolina: The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Greenville Spark your kiddo’s curiosity with a visit to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. With 19 interactive exhibits, there’s enough to keep any kid entertained for hours. Build dams and learn about water in Reedy River Bend, report the news or weather in the WTCM Studio and monkey around on a multi-story climbing structure. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a tasty meal at Seedlings, the in-house farm-to-table restaurant.
41. South Dakota: Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Brookings Make a day of it with your whole crew at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota. In the exhibit Our Prairie, kids can learn about the region’s past and role-play the daily tasks of living on the land over one hundred years ago. Head to Sensations to experiment with patterns, textures, shapes, and colors and collaborate on hands-on activities. Then cruise over to KidStreet to pick up your mail, tune up your car and make sandwiches and ice cream sundaes. There’s also a cozy MiniExplorers area that’s perfect for your tiniest tots.
42. Tennessee: Creative Discovery Museum, Chattanooga Located in the heart of downtown Chattanooga, the Creative Discovery Museum is totally worth a visit. Their permanent exhibits include Buzz Alley and Bee Garden (watch real bees hard at work!), Culinary Corner (make healthy snacks using ingredients from the museum’s rooftop garden), Lookout Tower (get a bird’s-eye view of Chattanooga) and Excavation Station (grab a shovel and get digging in the sand). Be sure to check out their events calendar for the latest goings-on, from a snow day celebration to a honey harvest.
43. Texas: Children’s Museum of Houston, Houston With 14 permanent galleries and exhibits, a cafe, a library, and a family learning center, you’ll be bowled over by the 90,000 square feet of play available at the Children’s Museum of Houston. May we suggest starting at Kidtropolis, a city built and run by kids from the ground up on a daily basis, and moving on to How Does It Work? where your budding scientists have access to a ton of hands-on experiments, like creating a roller coaster and sending messages via fiber optics.
44. Utah: Treehouse Children’s Museum, Ogden Since 1992, Treehouse Children’s Museum has been a favorite for kids ages 1-12 (and their families, too). The exhibits encourage playing imaginatively and making new stories—there’s the Big Red Barn where you can “milk” a cow and collect eggs from chickens, and there are areas based on different countries so you can dream up an international journey. There’s even an Oval Office where tots can pretend to be the president.
45. Vermont: Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich Founded in 1974, the Montshire is now one of the busiest museums in northern New England, and for good reason. It’s dedicated to teaching visitors about natural and physical sciences, ecology and technology through its 140 hands-on exhibits. Kids will love getting a look at the inner workings of toys; examining seeds, bones, and plants under a microscope; experimenting with different types of instruments, and playing with different types of bubbles. This one’s sure to be a hit with adults and kids alike.
46. Virginia: Amazement Square, Lynchburg With four floors and nine galleries of hands-on, interactive exhibits, Amazement Square is an amazing place to spend the day. Start off by exploring Amazement Tower, a climbing structure with slides, ladders, tunnels, and a zip-line that spans all four of the museum’s floors. Then get creative in the Kaleidoscope Gallery, where kids can paint on the walls and rock out on stage. Toddlers will also love playing in Shipwreck Cove, a special under-three area with a pirate ship and a coral reef.
47. Washington: Hands On Children’s Museum, Olympia The most visited children’s museum in Washington, it’s our go-to for hands-on science and art learning. With more than 150 exhibits, you’ll never run out of things to do—kids can shop in a mini farmers market, send scarves through a 25-foot AirWays Maze, make and float their own boats and lots more. Be sure to check out their events, too, including free first Friday nights and art studio sessions.
48. Washington, D.C.: National Building Museum, Washington, D.C. Go on an architectural adventure at the National Building Museum. Kiddos can learn about design, construction and engineering through the museum’s two distinct areas. The Building Zone (for ages 2 to 6) lets them stack and balance faux bricks, drive a miniaturized bulldozer and romp around a “green” playhouse, while the other area, Play Work Build, has foam blocks of varying sizes, allowing adults and children alike to build and demolish their own creations. Click here to find out more (plus get the scoop on more of our favorite kid-friendly museums in the DMV).
49. West Virginia: Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, Wheeling Located in beautiful Wheeling, kids of all ages will love exploring the Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum. You’ll find interactive, operating model train layouts, along with toys you’ll remember from your childhood—dolls, dollhouses, toy soldiers, playsets, trains, planes, and ships, just to name a few. Kids will have a blast taking a peek into the past (and seeing how far toys have come!).
50. Wisconsin: The Building for Kids Children’s Museum, Appleton Foster your kids’ curiosity with a visit to The Building for Kids Children’s Museum. They’ll have the chance to climb into a 10-foot human heart, make a masterpiece using blocks, become a firefighter for the day, build boats and lots more. Check out the events calendar for more fun activities, like toddler playtime sessions, STEM workshops and story times.
51. Wyoming: Jackson Hole Children’s Museum, Jackson The Jackson Hole Children’s Museum is all about fostering a love of learning through collaborative play and creative problem solving, and with their interactive exhibits and exciting programs, the littles will definitely be on board. Become a pilot for the day, go shopping in the Mountain Market, build a cool creation on the Magnet Wall and snuggle up for some quiet time in the Book Nook.
Experts recommend 6-8 well-baby visits during the first year. If you’re thinking, what’s up, doc, you’re not alone. Read on to find out what to expect from each doctor’s appointment, what you should bring and how to get the most out of your visit.
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What to Bring with You
Reference documents: driver’s license, insurance card, hospital documents from baby’s birth, information about family members’ health history and allergies
Baby necessities: burp cloths, extra diapers and wipes (the doctor will remove baby’s diaper), hand wipes, baby bottle, a blanket in case baby gets cold, a lovey or favorite stuffed animal, a pacifier if you use them
Mom necessities: an extra shirt in case of spit-up, water and a snack in case you have to wait for the doctor. Once your baby is eating solids, bring snacks for them too.
Questions: Keep a list on your phone or in a small notebook so you can jot down questions when you think of them. Bring a printed version of the questions to your appointment so you don’t forget anything and can write down your doctor’s answers.
What Happens at a Well-Baby Pediatrician Appointment
Each appointment will vary depending on baby’s age, but here's what you can expect:
○ Measurement of your baby’s height, weight and head circumference to monitor your child’s growth curve; plus a discussion of that curve
○ A head-to-toe physical exam, including eyes, ears (and hearing), mouth, neck, skin, heart, lungs, abdomen, hips, genitalia and legs
○ A discussion of your child’s physical and cognitive development
○ Vaccinations, at most visits, if you’ve chosen them
○ Time for you to ask questions and bring up concerns
Read on for specifics of each visit.
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Day 3-5 Well-Baby Visit
In the first week of your child’s life, pediatricians will do a physical exam; measure baby’s height, weight and head circumference; and observe baby’s behavior, reactions and reflexes.
Don’t sweat it: It’s common for babies to lose some body weight after birth. They typically gain it back by the time they hit two weeks old. As your doctor tracks your child's physical growth and tells you which percentile they're in, remember that the actual numbers and percentages are usually less important than whether your child is growing steadily along their curve.
Topics to discuss:
○ SIDS and creating a safe sleep environment
○ How often and how much your child eats
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movement look like
○ Your child’s growth curve
1-Month Well-Baby Visit
At this visit, in addition to taking measurements, doing a physical exam and checking development, your doctor may give your child a second hepatitis B shot (they typically received the first right after birth).
Don’t sweat it: It’s normal for your child (and you!) to cry when they get shots. Shots are typically done at the end of the visit so you can comfort your child with cuddles and nursing or a bottle before you leave.
Topics to discuss:
○ What to do if your child is inconsolable in the evenings (aka the witching hours)
○ If your child is dealing with diaper rashes, baby acne or cradle cap, the doctor can give you advice on how to treat these conditions
○ How often you're doing tummy time
○ Whether your child needs vitamin D drops
○ How your baby is sleeping
○ How often and how much your child feeds
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like. Hard, dry poop could indicate constipation, and mucousy, soft stools can signal a food intolerance.
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2-Month Well-Baby Visit
Your child will likely receive immunizations at this visit, if you've chosen them. The doctor will also check your baby’s head control and posture.
Don’t sweat it: Some babies feel discomfort in the day or two after shots, so be prepared to notice a change in your child’s behavior and energy level. Offer extra cuddles and comfort, and clear your schedule if you can.
Topics to discuss:
○ If your child is dealing with colic, constipation, diaper rashes, baby acne, reflux, sleep or feeding issues, the doctor can give you advice
○ Whether your child needs vitamin D drops
○ How your baby is sleeping
○ How often and how much your child feeds
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like
○ Whether your baby smiles yet
○ How you characterize your baby’s temperament. If your child seems weepy, restless or uncomfortable, your doctor can explore possible causes
○ How you’re feeling. If you’re experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, you should bring it up to your child’s doctor and your own.
4-Month Well-Baby Visit
Your child will receive more immunizations, if you've chosen them, and may receive a hemoglobin screening to test for anemia. The doctor will also begin looking for, and discussing with you, age-appropriate milestones for your child.
Don’t sweat it: Babies develop at their own pace, so don’t assume the worst if your child hasn’t reached a certain milestone. Tell your doctor if your child is losing skills they once had or if you’re concerned about any aspect of their development (like crawling, talking, hearing, eyesight).
Topics to discuss:
○ Whether your child needs vitamin D drops
○ How your baby is sleeping
○ How often and how much your child feeds
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like
○ Age-appropriate milestones, such as whether your child can roll over, sit up with support, push up from their belly, grab items and kick with both legs.
○ Whether your baby communicates by babbling, squealing, laughing, copying caregivers’ facial expressions and sounds
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6-Month Well-Baby Visit
More standard tests and (sorry) immunizations. Your doctor may also do a lead screening, as older homes can have lead paint, which, in high doses, can be harmful to babies. Your child may also receive a tuberculosis test and, if any teeth have popped through, your doctor will want to see them. Since babies are likely to crawl soon, it’s a good time to talk to your doctor about ways to childproof your home.
Don’t sweat it: Childproofing your home doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money. Here are 14 DIY babyproofing tricks to make your home safe as your baby gets more mobile.
Topics to discuss:
○ If it’s time to start your child on solid food. And, if so, which foods your doctor recommends
○ If your child has teeth, how you should care for them
○ Age-appropriate milestones, such as whether your child is rolling over in both directions, sitting up without support, showing interest in their environment, babbling and imitating sounds and expressions
○ Whether your baby needs vitamin D drops
○ How your baby is sleeping
○ How often and how much your child feeds
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and how bowel movements change after introducing solid foods
9-Month Well-Baby Visit
In addition to the standard tests, a review of baby’s oral health and perhaps immunizations, your doctor will look more closely at your baby’s development. The doctor will likely ask you questions about how your child moves and interacts with you.
Don’t sweat it: If your child has any developmental delays, your pediatrician can give you valuable resources. Early intervention in the form of physical therapy or speech therapy can help your child develop new skills.
Topics to discuss:
○ Age-appropriate milestones, such as crawling, saying words, responding to their name, pointing, using the pincer grip, feeding themselves, playing games with you or others
○ If your child is experiencing separation anxiety or fear of strangers
○ How you should care for your child’s teeth
○ Whether your baby needs vitamin D drops or gets enough from solid foods
○ How your baby is sleeping
○ How often and how much your child eats (breastmilk/formula and solids)
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like
12-Month Well-Baby Visit
You’re a pro at this point and know what to expect at these doctor visits. But as you've learned with babies, they're always learning new things and changing their routines, so you'll have lots to discuss at this and future appointments.
Don’t sweat it: You’ve almost made it through year one, with all the big changes and sleeplessness that goes along with it. You can handle whatever year two throws at you.
Topics to discuss:
○ Age-appropriate milestones, such as whether your child is pulling themselves up, cruising along furniture, walking, pointing, saying words, responding to what you say, playing games with you or others
○ How you should care for your child’s teeth
○ Whether you should introduce cow's milk into baby's diet
○ Whether your baby needs vitamin D drops or gets enough from solid foods
○ How your baby is sleeping
○ How often and how much your child eats (breastmilk/formula and solids)
○ Frequency of wet diapers and bowel movements, and what bowel movements look like
If your toddlers are like mine, they want to snack constantly yet getting them to eat something convenient andnutritious is a challenge. Rather than take the easy way out and feed my toddlers a steady diet of mac n’ cheese I asked MamaDoc Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson, a pediatrician, mother to two, and Chief Medical Officer at SpoonfulONE for some advice.
Dr. Swanson shared some of her favorite, nutritious, high-protein toddler snacks that your little one will love. You can feel confident about as a parent because they are the same snacks Dr. Swanson fed her own toddlers.
In general, there’s a lack of diverse foods in baby and toddler foods on the market, so finding a variety of healthy snacks is your toddler likes is important. When thinking about offering a snack, Dr. Swanson advises parents to do their best to keep the sugars low and the protein levels high. She suggests offering lots of diverse colors and textures. According to Dr. Swanson, offering a diverse diet doesn’t just ensure your toddler gets the nutrients they need, it also lowers the risk of developing a food allergy.
Here are Dr. Swanson’s top 10 snacks for toddlers:
Hummus and veggies are a great source of fiber and protein. Try carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes for variety.
Make a smoothie packed with fruits and maybe even a handful of spinach for vitamin K. This is a great way to introduce foods with new colors and flavors that are easy to love.
Cube up some turkey meat and cheddar cheese. Turkey meat and cubed cheese are also known to be great snacks for toddlers’ oral health. This is a great alternative to cracker-like snacks (think Goldfish) that get stuck in toddlers’ teeth and can lead to tooth decay.
Peanut butter or any nut butter with apples is a great choice. We know that babies and toddlers need to be introduced to nuts early and often to reduce food allergy risk. This yummy option makes it easy.
Black bean quesadillas are easy to make and can be served warm or cold. What kid doesn’t love a quesadilla? Build on the food they already love and add black beans for protein and fiber.
Plain, full-fat yogurt with berries makes a great toddler snack. Yogurt is one of the best sources of probiotics and live cultures, which are friendly bacteria. Top with some berries and maybe even a bit of honey once Baby has reached 1 year. (Honey before age 1 is not recommended due to botulism risk.)
Protein-filled pancakes are a great way to sneak in an extra nutritional punch to this staple of toddler diets. Kodiak Cakes are a great choice because their mixes are packed with extra protein and can be combined with an egg and milk to add in even more, but you can also make protein-packed pancakes yourself by using ground-up oats in your mixture.
Banana slices with peanut butter on top is always a hit because it is a more sweet snack or treat. It also helps toddlers work on their pincer grasp skills.
Eggs are a safe go-to for a toddler snack. Kids definitely can have a preference when it comes to eggs. Try cooking them in a variety of ways: scrambled, hard-boiled, or poached until you find one they love. Eggs are a great protein source and most children love them.
Sweet potato fries are a great alternative to regular fries and the perfect finger food for kids of all ages. No salt needed!
Mom life can cause a lot of stress. Between being the amazing carer you are for your kids every hour of the day and making time to care for your own needs, things can get a little more than hectic. Just like any job or role in life, being a mom can come with some serious stress. In fact, moms tend to be more stressed than dads or other parents on average—though dad stress is totally real, too. While there are many reasons why this might be, getting to the root of the stress is what really makes a difference to many stressed-out moms.
It’s no secret that stress can have a negative impact on your health and happiness. People with high-stress careers tend to have higher rates of related health complications and even lower quality of life in some cases. By eliminating stress — or working to get it in check at the very least — you can cultivate a longer, happier, healthier life for you to enjoy with your family. Here are just a few reasons why it’s important to keep your stress in check as a mom.
1. For Your Heart
Your heart is directly related to your stress levels. Issues like high blood pressure and heart complications occur much more often in those with issues related to stress. Especially if heart problems run in your family, keeping your stress at bay can be a literal lifesaver.
2. For Your Immune System
Stress can wear down your immunity, which not only means that you’re more likely to get sick, but it also means that you’re more likely to bring something home to your partner, parents, or kiddos. Infections, colds, illnesses, and even injuries taking longer to heal are all a result of weakened immunity, and stress can be a large contributor to that.
3. For Your Oral Health
Being stressed out can have an impact on your teeth and gums! To start, stress can impact your gut microbiome, which is connected to your mouth. But additionally, stress can cause you to grind your teeth both at night and during the day, which can cause jaw pain and other oral health complications. Releasing your muscles and being mindful of physical manifestations of stress can help keep this at bay, especially if you know yourself to be a grinder.
4. For Your Happiness
While this one might be obvious, it’s always worth the reminder that you deserve to be happy and live a happy life. When you reduce stress, you leave more room for enjoyment and happiness to come into your existence, and that’s something worth making the effort for.
5. For Your Kids
Of course, you already do so much for your kids, and all of that deserves abundant appreciation! But one thing you may want to think about is the example you’re setting when they see you getting stressed out. De-stressing is a great way to lead by example and show your kids that life isn’t stressful. That way, you can all lead calmer, more peaceful lives in your household.
6. For Your Friends
Well, this one might be for you, too, but it certainly involves your friends and loved ones. Those who care about you want to see you happy, which is a given. Therefore, making time for friends and acquaintances that bring you joy can not only work to reduce your stress, but it works the other way around, too. Reducing your stress allows you to be there for your friends and have more fulfilling relationships with those you care about.
7. For Your Mental Wellness
While it’s true that everyone experiences stress, excessive or prolonged stress can cause—or contribute to—conditions like anxiety and depression. If you tend to notice yourself feeling anxious and depressed, or you already struggle with those conditions, keeping your stress in check is especially important.
8. For Your Life Goals
When you’re under daily stress, your long term goals, projects, and ambitions can sometimes feel overwhelming and even no longer worthwhile. By keeping your stress levels in check, you can keep your own goals in mind and do what is best for you no matter what’s going on around you.
9. For Those Aches & Pains
There are a million things in this world that can make you feel achy and creaky, and unfortunately, stress is one of them. Stress can exacerbate neck and back pain, joint pain, muscle soreness, and even headaches and migraines. The body and mind are connected, which means allowing yourself to relax can have a direct impact on how you feel in your body.
Mom stress is the real deal and can take a serious toll, that’s why it’s important to remember your needs and check-in with yourself. Stressing out can have a bigger impact than you may realize on your body, mind, and family. While everyone experiences stress in different ways, excessive stress isn’t good for you and should be avoided, especially if you notice it starting to impact your life negatively. What’s your favorite way to de-stress?
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
February is a busy month for the Tooth Fairy. Not only is she keeping up with all those lost teeth, but she’s celebrating Children’s Dental Health Month and Feb. 28––National Tooth Fairy Day!
In honor of this special time of month, Hold the Magic wants to give parents a way to provide a more meaningful experience beyond finding a few coins under the pillow. The website has everything you need to bring your family’s tooth fairy to life!
Hold The Magic wants to make losing teeth and an encounter with the tooth fairy more than just about money, and more about keeping childhood wonder alive with tiny gifts and stories that deliver lots of memories and a little bit of magic.
Each set is imported directly from Fairyland with gifts for three Tooth Fairy visits in each set. You’ll find a gold bag that holds a miniature treasure, a tiny Tooth Fairy letter in a sparkly envelope with a positive life lesson and of course, Fairy Dust to sprinkle lightly.
You can shop the entire selection of gifts at holdthemagic.com for $29 each. Overnight shipping is always an option, because you never know when your little might lose a tooth!
How does your family celebrate a lost tooth? Placing your little one’s tooth under their pillow to wait for a visit from the Tooth Fairy cam help promote good oral hygiene. This National Tooth Fairy Day, Delta Dental reminds families of the role the Tooth Fairy can play in teaching children about oral health.
A new survey from Delta Dental reveals that 80% of households with children receive visits from the Tooth Fairy, and these visits are motivated by a desire to give children something to be excited about, according to more than half of caregivers polled. In addition, 45% of caregivers report that having the Tooth Fairy visit gives them a reason to celebrate and 42% said it makes their child feel special.
Beyond celebrating a lost tooth, a visit from the Tooth Fairy instills good oral health habits in a positive way according to one third of respondents. Delta Dental has created a trove of oral health education materials centered on the Tooth Fairy. We encourage families to enjoy the resources, activities, and games together to learn more about oral health.
According to the Original Tooth Fairy Poll, the Tooth Fairy’s average cash gift increased 30 cents for a lost tooth, for a total of $4.03 per tooth.
Delta Dental has been analyzing the Tooth Fairy’s U.S. annual giving trends since 1998. The newly disclosed value of a lost tooth has more than tripled since its inception when the value of a lost tooth was $1.30, and now reaches its fourth highest payout in the history of the survey.
The Original Tooth Fairy Poll has typically mirrored the economy’s overall direction, tracking with the trends of Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) for 15 of the past 18 years. Last year, a single lost tooth was valued at $3.70 and this year’s survey shows upward growth to $4.03, an increase of nearly 9%. Over the same time period, the S&P 500 also experienced growth, with a 22% increase, reaching its highest average since the inception of the Original Tooth Fairy survey.
“The Tooth Fairy is one of health care’s most powerful tools for teaching children about their oral health,” said Jennifer Elliott, Chief Marketing Officer, Delta Dental Plans Association. “By celebrating a lost tooth, children begin to learn the importance of their oral health in an engaging and fun way. At Delta Dental, we continue to provide tools for parents, families and communities to educate young Americans about the importance of their oral health and our 22nd year of this survey shows our dedication to keeping the Tooth Fairy an active part of oral health education.”
The Original Tooth Fairy Poll was conducted between December 30, 2019, and January 11, 2020, among a nationally representative sample of 1,000 parents of children ages 6-12.
For more information about the Delta Dental-sponsored survey and oral health tips for infants to pre-teen, visit Original Tooth Fairy Poll.
Your children look to you to set an example. And the habits you instill when they’re young will last a lifetime. If you want them to enjoy a healthy, happy existence, you need to practice early.
What should you teach your children? Begin with the good habits you follow yourself and when you do certain activities together, you bond and create a closer relationship.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Do you use food as a reward? While it’s okay to do this every once in a while, regularly promising children a sugary treat for good behavior teaches unhealthy coping skills. This practice can lead to obesity as they eat not to nourish their bodies, but as a response to emotional stimuli.
Children need to consume a balance of carbohydrates, protein and healthy fats to thrive. Teach kids to fill half their plate with fruits and veggies at each meal. Let them help you prepare family dinners and teach them about the nutritional properties of what you cook. When you go to the grocery store, have your little ones select foods, and discuss the merits of each choice.
Exercise Regularly
Many children fail to get the full hour of daily exercise recommended by experts. Kids need movement to develop their muscles and coordination. Additionally, those who develop a love of fitness at an early age go on to become active adults, which helps prevent obesity.
Whenever the weather permits, take your children to the park or playground and let them run and jump. When it’s frightful outside, put on your favorite songs and dance around your living room. If your children are old enough to go to school, walk or bike instead of idling in the parent drop-off area. End the day with a game of catch after dinner.
Wash Your Hands
Proper hand-washing helps prevent colds and flu. Many children bring every little germ home with them from school or daycare. While you can’t prevent every bug, proper hygiene helps prevent many infections.
Teach children to lather well and scrub their hands for 20 seconds before rinsing. Have them sing Happy Birthday twice through to measure time—make it a game and do it together.
Label Your Feelings
Children often act out when they feel frustrated or tired. If they can’t express in words how they feel, they demonstrate it through behavior.
Teach your children to identify their emotions by using picture books. When they begin misbehaving, ask them how they’re feeling. If they can’t find the right word, help them. If they need time to calm down, allow them to. Then regroup and discuss what happened.
Treat Others Kindly
Many parents mistakenly believe empathy is an inherent trait. In reality, you can foster care and concern for others in your little one.
Teach children about how people are different and how they’re similar. Ask them how they know if another child is upset. Brainstorm things you can do to make someone feel better when they’re down.
Take Time Outs
Even adults get overwhelmed and flustered. Imagine how children must feel sometimes. Foster emotional intelligence in your children by teaching them to take time out and practice mindfulness.
Sit with your child and have them close their eyes. Have them focus on their breathing and find a quiet space within themselves where they can think clearly. Explain this space is always with them, and they can summon it by focusing on their breath and observing their thoughts.
Read Every Day
It’s essential to instill a lifelong love of reading in your child. Doing so helps them excel in school and opens a world of information to them. Take time every night to sit and read together for 15 to 20 minutes.
Take your children to the library and let them select the books they enjoy. Make sure they see you enjoying reading, too.
Brush and Floss
Taking care of your children’s teeth isn’t only a matter of aesthetics or preventing cavities. Experts link poor oral health to other illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, though there’s no definitive proof.
Teach children to brush twice daily for two minutes at a time. Remind them to reach all areas, especially along the gumline. Help them to floss once per day. If they complain that the string hurts, opt for the softer, tape-style variety.
Get Adequate Sleep
Blue lights from electronic devices interrupt melatonin production, making it harder to get adequate rest. Make it a habit to power down all electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
Install a family charging station in the kitchen or living area to cell phones out of bedrooms. Try to put your children to bed and wake them up at the same time daily.
Jennifer Landis is a mom, wife, freelance writer, and blogger. She enjoys long naps on the couch, sneaking spoonfuls of peanut butter when her kid's not looking, and binge watching Doctor Who while her kid's asleep. She really does like her kid, though, she promises. Find her on Twitter @JenniferELandis.
What’s the going rate for a lost tooth? Delta Dental has tracked Tooth Fairy statistics for decades, giving parents a peek into what the national averages look like.
According to Delta Dental’s Original Tooth Fairy Poll, the magical creature is paying out less this year than last. The current average cash gift for a lost tooth is $3.70—which is 43 cents lower than what the Tooth Fairy brought a year ago.
photo: Courtesy of Delta Dental
Even though the national average is $3.70, two out of every five parents pay more. Thirty-seven percent of moms and dads admit to giving at least $5 per lost tooth. When it comes to how parents calculate the per-tooth value, the Original Tooth Fairy Poll uncovered a few trends.
Forty-six percent of parents choose the Tooth Fairy’s rate based on spare cash they have on hand, 31 percent use their children’s ages to set the price and 20 percent use their kiddo’s recent behaviors.
Jennifer Elliott, chief marketing officer for Delta Dental Plans Association, said in a press release, “Most parents say that the Tooth Fairy is bringing excitement and joy to their children, with more than one-third of caregivers sharing that the Tooth Fairy instills good oral health habits.” If this isn’t a good enough reason for the Fairy to fork over some cash, we don’t know what is!
