When it comes to household chores, you’ve got plenty of tasks to go around. More importantly, when kids are required to pitch in and help with age-appropriate chores, they’ll learn how to cooperate, gain a sense of independence and feel a sense of accomplishment. If you’re wondering what exactly to put on your chore chart for kids, we’ve broken it down by age, from toddlers up to tweens. From picking up toys to helping with dinner, here is our ultimate chore list for kids.
Age-Appropriate Chores for Ages 2-3
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Pick up the toys.Ask your toddler to help clean up when playtime is over, instead of doing it at the end of the day when you’d rather be watching Netflix instead of cleaning up DUPLO blocks.
Wipe up small spills. This is an easy one and is especially important if they are the ones that made the mess. Don't make a big deal, just let them know they need to clean up after themselves.
Put shoes away. A toddler can easily put his shoes away, especially if there's a special bin or shelf for footwear.
Put dirty clothes in the hamper. Show your little one where clothes go before he chooses his own drop spot.
Match socks. An easy way to let someone else worry about why there's always one sock missing.
Throw away trash. Kids can start putting trash in its proper place at an early age.
Pick up sticks in the yard. What's more fun than collecting sticks?
Sort the groceries. Preschool-aged kids can help you put away things like cereal, snacks, canned goods, and other things that aren't too heavy or breakable.
Chore List for Kids Ages 4-5
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All of the chores listed above.
Put away clean utensils. It’s the little things!
Brush their own teeth. This is an easy self-care chore that any preschooler can tackle.
Fold washcloths or napkins. Something small and square is the perfect first item to have your pre-k kid learn how to fold.
Make their own bed. This is a tough one because busy school mornings can get in the way. Weekends are wide open, however, and there’s nothing like a made bed to give your home a clean, fresh feeling.
Collect the mail. This one doesn't even feel like a chore.
Bring their belongings in from the car. Whether it's their toys or backpack, four-and five-year-olds are old enough to make sure everything gets inside at the end of the day.
Help prep a basic meal. If kids with knives don't sound like a good idea, there are plenty of other things they can do. Think: gather ingredients, measure spices, crack and whisk eggs, grate some cheese, flip pancakes, and more.
Wipe down surfaces. Kids this age are perfectly capable of spraying, wiping, and cleaning down a surface. Especially if they are the ones that made the mess in the first place.
Take control of their school gear. Stop gathering your kids’ stuff every night or morning. These early years are the right time to set up good work habits.
Water the plants. This is a great chore to help develop organizational skills. Have your kid schedule a once-a-week date with a watering can on the calendar.
Help carry in groceries. Unless you're using the multiple trips to and from the car as your cardio for the day.
Set and clear the table. You prepared the meal, so your kids should help to set and clear the plates. Simple as that.
Put away laundry. Imagine a place where the laundry gets put away instead of collecting dust in a basket somewhere. It can be a reality, we promise!
Feed pets. Your grade-school-aged kid loves the dog, the chickens, and the family turtle. Well, no time like the present to teach him how to take care of something smaller than he is.
Chore List for Kids Ages 8-10
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All of the chores listed above.
Basic home maintenance. At around 10, kids can begin to do small tasks around the house that helps with upkeep like putting in new lightbulbs, changing batteries, and hanging small pictures.
Load and unload the dishwasher. Most days, after unloading, the thing fills right back up and needs to be unloaded again. Your early tween is an ideal candidate for helping out with this daily task.
Help with recycling and garbage. Older kids can sort recyclables, empty wastebaskets, and help pull trash cans in from the road. It’s also a good way for them to learn about consumption and to see where waste goes.
Vacuum the rugs. The best part about handing off this task is that your kids will have to keep their rooms picked up in order to fulfill their duty.
Dust shelves, blinds, and furniture. A Swiffer duster makes this chore a breeze.
Clean the mirrors in the bathrooms. Older kids are strong enough, and usually tall enough to reach the top of the mirror by now. Pass the Windex.
Move clothes from the washer to the dryer. Most kids ages eight and up are tall enough (and old enough) to start helping with the laundry. If there are items you don't want in the dryer or if you like to use a certain heat setting, be sure to show the kids the ropes in advance.
Walk the dog. Take pet care to the next level by asking your tween to take on giving Fido his daily workout.
Help with grocery shopping. Give your big kid his own list at the store, and arrange to meet up at the checkout. You'll cut your shopping time in half!
Vacuum out the car. She's already tackled vacuuming the living room and her bedroom. Add on the family car once a month or every other week.
Babysit for siblings or relatives in small increments. Whether it's to take charge at a social or family gathering or leave your tween in charge for 30 minutes while you run a quick errand, this is a good age to test the waters for child care.
Rake leaves. Before you can mow the grass, the leaves need to be raked. Tweens can handle this, plus it's a great way to keep them outside and off tablets.
Change their own bedsheets (and keep the bed made). This is a chore that only takes a few minutes, but it's a game changer when it comes to feeling like you're on top of the mess.
We firmly believe pets are 100% part of the family. These pet gifts will make sure they feel part of it!
They bring us all the joy, are always happy to see us, and convince us to let them on the couch even after we promised we never would. They don’t judge us, even if they have seen us at our worst. And despite the fact that we can’t live at the dog park like they’d prefer us to, they still adore us no matter what. They’re our pets, and our holidays wouldn’t be complete without them! We’re making sure Santa Paws comes to our houses with our guide to pet gifts (and for pet-lovers)!
Are they frisky? Bouncy? Calm? Each pet has their own special personality, which means they also have their own special sets of likes and dislikes, too. From cozy to cute to squeaky to funny (and no, those aren’t the names of four new reindeer), we’ve got the gifts and goodies to make our furry friends purr. Oh, and we made sure to include more than just pet gifts; we remembered their owners, too! Pet owners will always want something that reminds them of their fuzzy babies, so it’s not hard for us to almost guarantee that the pet people on your list will be thrilled with what we found. Most importantly, we’re on a mission to make the ones that love us unconditionally know that the feeling is completely mutual.
Pets Magnetic Scene
Holiday travel coming up? Snag this magnetic scene kit that includes 50 pieces for hours of K9 creativity for your non-fur baby!
You have a thousand pet pics saved on your phone; how about displaying them in a unique and fun way? The Acrylic Photo Blocks from VistaPrint are totally customizable and let your furry friend take center stage wherever you choose to show it off.
Maybe one of our editors has a miniature dachshund. And maybe that dachshund has an affinity for fleece blankets. And maybe she's about to buy this super darling blanket. Several colors to choose from, too!
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Want to give back this holiday season? We rounded up 25 organizations in Chicago where your entire family can volunteer—and make a difference
Let’s face it, most kids probably think of this time of year as the season of “getting”—getting candy, getting gifts, getting visitors. If you are looking for ways to change the narrative to a holiday season of “giving,” and to teach children lessons in gratitude and empathy, there’s no better opportunity than having them witness first-hand the needs of others. Chicago is full of people in need. From supporting kids in the hospital to helping provide food to local shelters to showing love to the city’s furry friends to doing their part to protect the environment, we’ve rounded up some organizations where your entire family can put in some volunteer hours and reap the spiritual rewards. It’s proof that there is no shortness of opportunities to lend a hand.
Common Pantry established a program called Common Kids in 2014 to address the desire of parents to get their kids involved in volunteer work. Common Kids is open to kids ages 5-12. Through special events and projects, kid volunteers are able to fund-raise in an effort to combat hunger and food insecurity.
The Greater Chicago Food Depository supports more than 700 food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, and other programs throughout Cook County. One Saturday per month, the Depository holds a Kids Day, in which families with children between ages 5-11 can help repack donations for Chicago-wide distribution. Groups of up to 8 volunteers are welcome with one adult per every two children. Additional Kids Days are held during winter and summer breaks.
Nourishing Hope, (formerly known as The Lakeview Pantry), delivers the equivalent of four million meals annually to Chicago's food insecure and provides mental wellness counseling and other social services, such as job and housing assistance. They welcome kids ages 9-15 to volunteer with a parent guardian. Kids ages 9-12 may be tasked with online market packing, home delivery prep and packing, or Saturday hub restock and clean. Kids age 13-17 may be involved in food distribution.
The mission of CJE SeniorLife is to enhance the quality of life and facilitate independence of older adults. Kids can volunteer alongside their parents at any age. They may volunteer unaccompanied starting at age 12. In fact, CJE offers B’nai Mitzvah opportunities. The main objective is to spread joy to the CJE residents, whether that be by sharing a talent, bringing in a therapy animal, helping with arts and crafts, or just sitting by their side. There are CJR communities in Deerfield, Evanston, Skokie, and Chicago.
LBFE's main objective is to relieve isolation and loneliness among the eldery. Children are welcomed to volunteer alongside their parents/guardians in visiting senior citizens and giving the gift of companionship. The holidays are a particularly good time to get involved as LBFE needs help in throwing holiday celebrations for its community. You may help in prepping for parties, cooking, attending, transporting seniors to parties, or bringing a piece of a party to the home-bound.
Kids starting at age 12 can volunteer at Lutheran Home to simply spend time with residents. This could mean reading with them, playing games, making a craft, or going for a walk. It may also include transporting them in their wheelchair or helping them with their shopping needs at the General Store. After completing an application and an interview with the Volunteer Manager, volunteer interests are matched with campus needs.
Meals on Wheels provides nutritious meals, safety checks, and human connection to home-bound seniors. Kids can accompany their parents while they drive around making food deliveries. Assigned routes are typically two hours long and include 8-10 stops. The Northern Illinois chapter also has families create greeting cards for seniors.
Cards for Hospitalized Kids delivers handmade cards to Children's Hospitals and Ronald McDonald houses all across the country. Kids of any age can create a card that will lift up the spirits of another child who has been hospitalized. General cards are delivered monthly, and of course, holiday cards are delivered for major holidays. This is the easiest way for a kid to show compassion for others. Chicago children in 7th grade and up can even volunteer to help with card-sorting and card-distribution operations in their Chicago office. These volunteer sessions occur twice a month on Saturday mornings.
Chicago Challenger League is a division of Little League for kids with physical or mental challenges. Volunteers act as "buddies" to the athletes (ages 4-18), helping them to run the bases or field the ball. It is a great way for kids to not only volunteer, but get outdoors, get some exercise, and make new friends too!
KEEN's mission is to "empower youth with disabilities and impact volunteer coaches through participation in free, non-competitive, one-on-one programs of physical activity and fun, supporting the overall health and well-being of all participants." High school students at least 15 years old can volunteer as a "Coach" at KEEN. Coaches are paired with one "athlete" with limited capabilities, and are responsible for assisting that athlete in whatever sport activity they choose. Coaches are given a detailed profile of their athlete's abilities with suggestions for how to best support them.
Volunteering in Chicago: Assist the Less Fortunate
American Red Cross
Your community doesn't have to have suffered a disaster for there to be opportunities to volunteer with the American Red Cross. High school students can get involved in service and educational projects that directly impact their school or community. It's a great way to develop skills in leadership and learn how to mobilize resources.
The aptly named Cradles to Crayons collects all sorts of items disadvantaged children desperately need. Donations are sorted and re-packaged for distribution at The Giving Factory®. This is where volunteering comes in. Kids age 5 and up can accompany their parents or guardians to The Giving Factory®and assist in the donation processing. The best part of volunteering for Cradles to Crayons is that you learn who the specific children you are helping are, and at the end of the day you get to know exactly how many local children and families you have impacted. What could be more rewarding than that? Teens in 9th-12th grade can join the Teen Leadership Corps., which is a structured leadership program where they may coordinate events and/or collection drives in additional to working in The Giving Factory®.
Habitat for Humanity exists in over 70 countries, with the goal of ensuring all citizens have access to safe and affordable housing through a number of different programs. There are volunteering opportunities for ages 5 to 40. Being able to impact lives in such a tangible and rewarding way can lead to a lifetime of community service.
1100 W. Cermak Rd., Ste. 404 Pilsen Online:habitat.org
Made By Mary
Made By Mary is a perfect example of how far-reaching and contagious small acts of kindness can be. Made By Mary was started by a woman and her two daughters to provide baked goods and handwritten messages to neighbors in need of comfort. Soon enough more volunteers joined in servicing the Mt. Prospect and Arlington Heights area by baking, and/or making cards, and helping with deliveries. It's work the whole family can do together.
A ministry project of Samaritan's Purse, Operation Christmas Child engages churches around the world to deliver shoe boxes filled with small gifts to children in need. Anyone, anywhere, can put together a shoe box that could include small toys, hygiene items, or school supplies. Instructions on how to pack a shoe box are listed on their website. A $10 donation is suggested to accompany each box to cover processing and shipping costs. Kids at least 13 years old can also assist at during National Collection Week (Nov 14-21) at the processing center in Aurora.
Share Our Spare was founded in 2011 by 10 local Chicago women determined to help families in need. They collect new and gently-used infant and toddler items from families with extra to “spare” and store them in their "Sharehouse." Volunteers, as young as 6 years old, help sort through the donations and assemble kits of items on Open Volunteer Days. Children can even add a personal note to the kits they assemble. Partner organizations visit the Sharehouse and select the kits they need for their communities and redistribute them.
Can you believe the United State Post Office has been responding to kids' letters to Santa since 1912? At first it was just employees, but in the 1940s the program opened up to the public and ever since thousands of kids each year have been receiving gifts from "Santa", many who may not have otherwise gotten any holiday gifts. Truly get into the holiday spirit by adopting letters to Santa. Together, the whole family can read through letters online, select the ones to adopt, and then shop for & ship an item (or items) on the letter writer's wish list. With younger kids, you can position it as "helping Santa".
The Anti-Cruelty Society is more than a pet adoption center. They also provide spay/neuter services, end of life services, micro-chipping, various low income services, and so many educational programs. The Kids Who Care program invites families, with kids ages 2 and up, to join on the first Saturday of the month from 10-11:30 am to help prepare snacks for the animals, create pet toys, or decorate adoption posters. The program teaches kids the basics of pet care and animal safety. The Youth Who Care program gives tweens (ages 10-12), the opportunity to work in the shelter with the animals. Kids of any age can be a Reading Buddy. The Reading Buddy program is a drop-in volunteer program where kids read aloud to the animals to help them relax in a busy shelter environment. The Anti-Cruelty Society also has a Teens Who Care program.
Teens ages 16 and older can bring in their own dogs to provide animal-assisted therapy to over 5,000 clients across Chicago, from hospital patients to veterans, and children with autism. If they do not have an eligible dog, they may volunteer on their own by helping with certification testing on Saturday mornings and weeknight evenings.
Equestrian Connection has helped thousands of special needs adults and children through equine-assisted and other therapies. Volunteers can begin at age 13 walking by the side of a horse and its rider providing added comfort and security. As volunteers become more acquainted with the facility and clients, they may grow their responsibilities.
PAWS Chicago is committed to providing any and all homeless animals with refuge. All the animals that come to PAWS Chicago are guaranteed life. Volunteers ages 12 and up may join with their parents in cleaning areas of the medical or adoption centers, assist with laundry and dishes, help socialize animals, and other special projects or administrative tasks.
The Treehouse Humane Society is a cageless shelter for homeless cats. While on-site volunteers must be 18 years old, children are encouraged to volunteer by crafting homemade toys and enrichment supplies.
Volunteers can learn some very useful skills while volunteering at The Recyclery Collective. Volunteers starting at age 11 can bring in their bikes and learn how to fix them. They can then help recycle donated bikes which are distributed to refugees, low income families, and the homeless. As volunteers become more experienced, they in turn teach newcomers bicycle mechanics.
Families can volunteer with The Forest Preserve District of Cook County by helping remove invasive plants or harvesting native seed on Ecological Stewardship Days, or by initiating a Litter Obliterators Group Cleanup. Tools, gloves, bags, onsite safety training, and supervision are provided where necessary. Families can even Adopt-A-Site. Have a favorite grove, river, or trail you visit often? You may adopt that site by committing to visiting the site eight times between April and November to clean litter. You can visit on your own schedule. What's really fun about it, is that once you have visited three time, you may have a sign installed recognizing your family as having adopted the site. The kids are sure to get a kick out of that!
Kids age 12 and up can become Centennial Volunteers with The Friends of the Chicago River. Spend time outdoors together while clearing the brush, and picking up litter alongside the Chicago and Calumet Rivers, ultimately leading to the improved ecological health of these two important river habitats.
Although volunteer hours are no longer a CPS high school graduation requirement, students should still keep track of their hours. Once verified by a school counselor, the hours will be added to their school records for use on college applications.
Whether you’re looking for a babysitter, major dinner help, or a monthly surprise, subscription services cover it all! We love leaning on subscription services for exclusive deals, brands, and content, and we’ve put together a few that we swear by. These are just a few of our favorites, but we’re pretty sure you’ll find one you can’t live without!
From homeschooling families to traditional classrooms, parents, teachers, and caregivers rely on ABCmouse! ABCmouse is an online learning academy that's been around since before pandemic learning was the norm, so they're really a leader in the field. For kiddos 2-8 years old, ABCmouse offers over 850 lessons and 10,000+ activities covering reading, math, science and more, and the fully online platform means little learners can access activities from their devices! You'll have access to your child's progress, and ABCmouse's books, games, and puzzle activities will keep kids coming back for more!
If sustainability and convenience sound like a match made in heaven, Dyper is going to be your new BFF! Running out of diapers is bad enough without having to go to specialty stores to find ones that are free of chlorine, latex, lotions, TBT, or Phthalates, and use responsibly sourced and plant-based materials! Dyper also uses technology to adjust to the number of diapers you'll need per delivery, and if they happen to be off the mark, they'll correct it within 4 hours!
KiwiCo was designed by a mom and engineer who wanted to create a way to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and explorers. With 9 lines (that's right: 9!), everyone from infants to young adults can create projects and conduct experiments while learning about geography, art, science, cooking, and so much more. Since 2011, over 40 million KiwiCo Crates have shipped worldwide, and we can't get enough of them!
Child care, senior care, tutoring, housekeeping, daycare, and pet care; Care.com is a one-stop-shop for all things care-related! Login and post a job, everything from needing a sitter for date night to daily-care for senior loved ones, review applications, and connect with care providers. All caregivers undergo a background check and screening process, and care seekers are also screened to make sure the whole community stays as safe as possible!
For little chefs, Raddish was created to arm kids with the confidence to create amazing food while learning about science, math, art, history, and beyond. Pick from Cooking Club, Baking Club, and Global Eats Club; each monthly box includes a recipe, a kitchen tool, skill lessons, and collectible apron patches. Raddish even emails you a complete grocery list prior to your box shipping so your kitchen with be fully stocked with everything your kids need to tap into their culinary capabilities!
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Summer brings lazy days, looser schedules and oftentimes, more people hanging out at home. Your pet is probably enjoying this low-key time (not to mention the extra snuggles!) just as much as you! With school on the horizon, it’s important to help your pet reacclimate to “normal” life along with your kiddos. Here are some simple ways to ensure the daily routine is up to sniff (pun intended).
Just like humans, furry family members like the security and comfort of a routine they can count on. During the summer, your pet may have had extra playtime or been in the backyard more than usual. As the school year begins, make sure walks and meals are predictable and consistent so your pet can anticipate them at the same time of day. If you put your pet in a crate when you leave, make sure to re-introduce that routine so they remember that they go in when you go out.
Delegate Pet Chores
Assigning your kids pet-related jobs will lighten your load while also giving them a sense of responsibility. Preschoolers can be in charge of making sure there’s fresh water in the dish. Older kids can learn to scoop dog food and/or poop outside! If you have a fenced-in yard, little ones can safely let the dog out, too. Pro tip: make an easily accessible sign that family members can use to check off if they’ve completed their daily feeding/walking tasks. This helps to avoid confusion over whether the dog’s still waiting to go out or chow down!
Enlist the Experts!
Hire a dog walker or sign up for doggy daycare if your pet needs caretaking when no one’s home. Many pets enjoy the social interaction of human and furry friends! You can often get great recommendations on sitters, groomers and pet care from neighbors.
Get Some Me-Time (with Your Pup!)
Over the summer months, your dog’s walk schedule was probably… less scheduled. Start getting back to regular walk times a bit before regular life resumes. For starters, some like to wake up earlier than their kids to take their dog on a peaceful morning walk. You both will enjoy the exercise and quiet time before the morning frenzy begins!
Give Lots of Love
No matter what busy days may bring, make sure you always take some time for belly rubs, games of fetch, and couch snuggles. Pet bonding will be the easiest, most lovable thing on your to-do list.
Is it that time yet? Have your kids finally convinced you to adopt that kitten, puppy or goldfish?
If so, congratulations! You are about to have the adventure of a lifetime.
Whether or not you have owned dogs or cats yourself before (or goldfish, for that matter), it will be quite different now that you also have kids. After all, you want to teach them how to take care of an animal, you want to allow them to develop empathy and responsibility, and ensure the animal comes out unscathed too.
All jokes aside though, by ensuring you introduce your child to their first pet in the right way, you can pave the way for a dynamic and irreplaceable relationship they will cherish for the rest of their lives. Here’s my advice on how to combat this challenge:
Choose Your Pet Carefully
For starters, you want to choose your pet very carefully, depending on, of course, your child’s wishes, but your lifestyle too. Guinea pigs, hamsters and fish will usually be able to fit into any kind of family dynamic, but if you want a cat or a dog, you’ll need to take their breed into consideration as well.
Are your kids small or are they in elementary school? Some pets do well with small, curious children, some do not. Do you have the outdoor space to accommodate a large dog? Will a high-energy dog fit in with your family’s always-on-the-go lifestyle or is your family more chill and would do better with a cat that doesn’t require so much playtime and daily exercise?
Ensure a Calm Environment
When you do choose a pet, make sure the introduction between child and animal takes place when they are both calm. The dog or cat may be scared and confused when arriving at your home, so it may take a day or two for them to adjust. If they appear curious and playful then you probably don’t have to wait as long. After a meal might be a good time to introduce them.
Prepare your child for what they can expect. The animal may sniff them, they may want to play or they may be afraid. Talk about the importance of gentle touches and letting the animal adjust to its new home.
Don’t Negate, Offer Alternatives
If you spot your child doing something the dog or cat definitely doesn’t seem to be enjoying, don’t just rush in and scream no. Neither your kids nor the animal will take kindly to it.
Instead, offer an alternative. Tell your child why what they are doing is not okay and how it makes their new friend feel. They might be in pain, uncomfortable, or they may be looking for an escape route. Show them what they should be doing instead. Demonstrate the correct petting and snuggling technique, show them how to offer treats, and so on.
Talk about Boundaries & Responsibilities
Even before your new pet arrives, but especially once they get there and spirits are high, reinforce the basic rules. For starters, you want your child to be as involved in pet care as much as possible. Let them provide the meals or clean the food bowls. Take them on every dog walk. Involve them in the training and teach the dog that they need to obey your child too, even though they are not likely to be the pack leader.
Explain to your child that if they don’t want to share in the responsibility they can’t enjoy the benefits of having a pet. You need to be able to set and manage and set expectations for your child and their involvement.
Never Leave Kids & Pets Unsupervised
Both your child and your new pet will need some time to get used to each other. And while you may trust the cat or dog would never intentionally hurt your child, or that your child would never hurt them, a bit of roughhousing can quickly turn into tears.
Make sure you are always there to supervise their interactions, at least until your pet grows into a well-behaved adult. Once you get to fully know their temperament and they get used to your home as their home, you can leave them in the same room. However, if your kids are still toddlers, you might still prefer to always keep a watchful eye over them, just to be on the safe side.
The joy of watching your kids play with their new pet, snuggle with them in front of the TV, and nap with them on the sofa won’t compare to any other parental joys you have experienced so far.
As long as you are careful about your choice of pet and take the appropriate steps, you should be privy to the blossoming of an amazing relationship in the years to come.
Who’s ready for a vacation? Yep… we all can use a change of scenery these days. Aside from the packing and prep that goes into traveling with children, you also have to figure out a plan for your fur baby if they’re not coming along. Here’s your guide to finding the perfect pet sitter:
First, What Do You (and Your Pet!) Need?
The type of pet sitter you hire depends on what type of care is required.
Is your pet used to someone being around all day?
How often does your pet need to be let outside or taken on walks?
Do you require overnight care? If you have a cat, you may just need someone to check in daily on their food/water, provide some cuddles and handle the litter box.
Are you comfortable having someone sleep in your home or would you rather have your pet go to someone else’s house?
Does your pet have special dietary requirements or medical issues?
When It Comes to Finding a Pet Sitter, Comfort Is Key.
You want to ensure you’ve found someone who is:
Knowledgeable—ask about their previous experiences and what they would do in an emergency.
Reliable—this is where good references come in handy!
Comfortable with your pet’s temperament and unique needs—they know when it’s time for playful tug-of-war or a relaxing belly rub.
Communicative—if there’s an issue, it’s important to know ASAP. And cute photos are excellent texts to receive when you’re missing your fur baby!
Trustworthy—you’ve handed your house keys over to this person, so trust is crucial!
Loving—they should treat your pet like their own!
Trying to Avoid the Expense? Rely On Friends and Family.
Before booking a professional sitter, many people ask close family/friends to care for their cat or dog. This is an easy arrangement because you already trust this person, your pet probably knows them well and they’re often familiar with your pet’s routine.
Get a Referral.
If you know someone with a pet, chances are they know a great sitter. Word of mouth is a good route, especially since this is someone you’re giving access to your home when you’re not there. Many people post pet sitting recommendations on local list servs, so be sure to search those for great referrals. Your veterinarian, breeder, and groomer may have a lot of names to pass along.
Use a Professional Service.
There are many services that help you find the right match for your pet (it’s almost like online dating between pet parents and pet sitters!). The Rover app offers boarding, house sitting, dog walking, doggy day care, drop-in visits and even grooming. Review detailed profiles, set up interviews, do meet and greets and then select a sitter. It’s easy to search for specific needs, like if your dog has mobility issues or requires a certain diet. Sitters are approved by Rover’s team of sitter specialists and have passed a basic background check. And perhaps you’ve used Care.com for babysitting? They can connect you with pet care, too! No matter what service you choose, make sure the providers have been vetted and that there are insurance policies in place.
Get Set Up for Success.
Before you head on your way, be clear about the fee and your expectations—and be specific!
Outline food, exercise, and any household/cleaning requirements. For example, you’ll want someone who is okay with cleaning up after your pet if they have an accident or tears up a roll of toilet paper!
Discuss disciple/reward methods.
Provide emergency contact information for yourself, a local friend/neighbor, and the veterinarian.
Make sure they know favorite walking routes… and where the leash and poop bags are!
Explain anything that’s off limits like being off-leash, trying to play with your neighbor’s cranky pooch, eating unlimited treats…
It may provide peace of mind to do a test run before your trip. Give your pet and the pet sitter some time to bond while you’re nearby. This way you can answer questions as they arise and see just how happy your pup or kitty is with her new BFF!
When you have a baby or toddler at home, the thought of adding a pet to the mix might seem overwhelming. After all, owning a pet means having another living creature to feed and clean up after. But, trust us on this one, the responsibilities associated with having a pet will dim in comparison to the joy of watching your little one grow up alongside a furry best friend. Read on for a list of light-hearted benefits you can expect from welcoming a pet into your home.
As a parent, you know that having your little one give you a hug, cling tight to your leg, or sit on your lap can be the sweetest feeling in the world…but it can also lead to feeling touched out. You know, that cringe-y feeling you get when you’ve been cuddled with, laid on, stepped on or whacked by your toddler 389,752 times in the last 60 seconds. Well, good news! If you’re suffering from touched-too-much syndrome, there is an antidote. The right family pet—a particularly affable dog or unflappable cat or guinea pig—will not only take over a fair share of cuddles from your little one, they will love every minute of it. And, bonus: Your brain will get a blast of feel-good dopamine from watching the two cutest creatures in your house snuggle together.
2. Pets Provide Entertainment
It’s no secret we all love watching cute animals. There’s a reason why cat videos rule the internet! But while observing animals online is fun for a while, getting a dose of the warm and fuzzies from the real thing is even better—especially for babies and toddlers, who are supposed to avoid screens until after age 2, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. If not yet mobile, your little one will enjoy watching the movements of your pet from the safety of a bouncy seat or exersaucer. Once crawling and walking, your mini-me will squeal at the fun of chasing (and catching!) their four-legged family member. Plus, with all of the adorable entertainment in real life, you’ll be less likely to get sucked into an endless loop of Internet cat videos the next time you log on to "check email really quick."
3. Pets Teach Responsibility
While your child may not be old enough to solely manage pet care, even the youngest toddlers can contribute. Young children love to deliver treats to thankful pets, brush their fur (also develops fine motor skills!), and toss a toy or ball for a game of fetch. Bonus: They don’t even seem to mind the slobbery ball, probably a result of recently having been prone to drool themselves.
4. Pets Are Good for Your Health
If you need another reason to welcome an animal into the fam, consider this: Household pets can have a real, measurable impact on your child’s health. Studies show that playing with a dog releases oxytocin, which lowers cortisol, the stress hormone. As a result, children who live with a dog are less likely to suffer from anxiety. In addition, children who are exposed to a dog in the first year of life have reduced rates of asthma and allergies.
5. Pets Make Great BFFs
We've all heard the story of the little boy who, when asked by his parents whether he wanted a baby brother or a baby sister, responds with, “I want a puppy.” Well, it looks like he was on to something, after all. A University of Cambridge study found that children reported having higher levels of satisfaction and lower levels of conflict in their relationships with their pets than with their siblings. They may say “a dog is a man’s best friend,” but as it turns out, a pet really is a child’s best friend.
We spent a few days scouting out the 117th Annual Toy Fair in New York City, and we’ve got plenty to share! This year’s toy trends range from H20 fun to kid-powered play, and it looks like collectibles aren’t going anywhere just yet. From The Child in LEGO Brickheadz form to a scarily-fun new Hocus Pocus board game, scroll down to see our top picks for the hottest new toys for kids in 2020.
Minecraft Earth Boost Minis
Mattel
Not only are these all-new mini-figures Minecraft figurines collectible, but with the help of a free app, kids can use the figures to unlock in-game perks (called boosts). Each Boost Mini is themed for a specific boost, and at launch time, there will be 20 different figures and 10 different in-game boosts to choose from.
Available Fall 2020
Disney Hocus Pocus: The Game
Ravensburger
Fans of the Halloween classic flick Hocus Pocus will recognize favorite spells, enjoy appearances by characters like Binx the cat and Billy Butcherson, and will appreciate that the game box is designed to look like none other than “Book.” The game includes plenty of other creepy details, but the fantastical illustrations are tame enough for even your youngest gamers.
Available August 2020
American Girl VW Surf Bus
American Girl
Created in collaboration with Volkswagen for 2020 Girl of the Year, Joss Kendrick, the all-new surf bus measures in at 35” W x 22” H x 21” D, has over 50 pieces and features all sorts of cool features like working windshield blades, ignition and horn sounds and a pop-out stove that's perfect for "cooking" on the beach. There's even a screen and projector for movie nights!
LEGO is releasing The Child and the Mandalorian as a set of Brickheadz collectibles, and we're here for it.
Available Aug. 1, pre-order yours now from Amazon, $19.99.
The Feel Better Box
Open the Joy
This mom-invented activity kit comes in different sizes: bag, box and kit. Made in collaboration with child life specialists, art therapists and other pediatric experts, these collections of activities are designed to nurture and cheer young parents and their caregivers. Not only do we love the idea behind bringing cheer to kids in the hospital, but they're also ideal for when your kid has a sick day at home.
The third in a series of throwbacks by Schwinn, this limited edition Predator is like the one Lucas rides in Season 3 of Netflix's Stranger Things. It even comes with the flashlight and carry pouch, so your kid will be ready for anything.
The Dancing DJ plays five fun Baby Shark songs and popular remixes, including the viral Baby Shark song. With dance detection technology, Baby Shark dances when your child dances. This toy also features two dance games to get your kids up off their feet: Baby Shark Dance Off and Freeze Dance.
Available Fall 2020.
Playmobil Back to the Future Play Set
Playmobil
In honor of the 35th Anniversary of Back to the Future, Playmobil will release two sets in May 2020. One includes Marty and Doc wearing their '50s clothes, and the other is the DeLorean, complete with opening doors and Doc and Marty sporting their '80s gear.
Available May 2020
Go Go Bird
Zing
This drone-tech toy from Zing is perfect for outside fun in the spring and summer. Using drone capabilities, sensors and remote control, kids can "fly" their bird up, down, around, through hula hoops and more. Choose from orange, pink or blue.
Available Fall 2020 ($25-$40).
Bluey Mini Figures & Playsets
Gabby Cullen
Could the insanely popular Australian show Bluey be the next Peppa Pig-like obsession in the states? The show was released in America in late 2019, and these adorable mini-figures and playsets from Moose Toys are a pretty good indication that the answer is "YES."
Available Aug. 1, 2020
LEGO DOTS
LEGO
So what exactly are LEGO DOTS? Instead of 3D bricks, dots are a tile-based play option that gives kiddos the chance to create and craft in limitless ways through functional and wearable products. Get more details here.
Available Mar. 1, $3.99 to $19.99.
PAW Patrol Dino Patroller
SPINMASTER
This new patroller is the very first motorized PAW Patrol vehicle. It has oversized wheels for tough terrain, a large activation button for little hands and enough room for all six pups (Only Chase and the T-Rex are included.).
Available Fall 2020, preorder for $14.99 each at GameStop.
The Child
Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Disney
The Child also made a big splash over at Hasbro. This animatronic version can blink his eyes, move his ears, and even take a “Force nap.” is set to hit shelves this fall.
Educational Insights Design and Drill Bolt Buddies Race Car
Educational Insights
The Bolt Buddies use the packaging to extend playtime, which fits perfectly into the sustainability trend that is picking up speed within the toy industry. Choose from a race car, a space rocket, a pick-it-up truck and a flower garden.
Flamingos are the hot animal of 2020! Kids can feed this new Little Live Pet, listen to him eat his food, dispose of said food, and then when it dries, they can do it all over again.
Available Fall 2020, $29.99
Little Tikes Wooden Critters
Little Tikes
Little Tikes has just launched a line of sustainable wooden toys, and the designs are adorable. Choose from rolling dinos to rocking llamacorns, shape stackers, balancing toys and more.
Toys are getting smarter and smarter, and these new Ninja Bots are no exception. Using an IR sensor, bi-directional communication, over 100+ sound effects and other skills, your ninja bot can progress from a white belt to a black belt: The more you play with the Ninja Bot, the more skilled he will become. There's a choice between a one-or two-pack, and each option comes with plenty of weapons for epic battles.
Available Fall 2020, $29.99 - $49.99
Scribble Scrubbie Pets Grooming Truck
Crayola
"Water is safe to use, and it's easy to clean up," says Toy Association Toy Trend Expert Akshata Hase. This new Pets Grooming Truck from Crayola takes advantage of both that and the pet care trend that's still going strong. The set includes two pets, three ultra-clean washable markers, spray pump, scrub brush and tub.
Available Fall 2020, $19.99
Squeakee
Moose Toys
This robotic dog looks like the iconic balloon dog and has over 50 sounds and interactions. Kids can train Squeakee to do tricks; he'll listen and respond to commands.
Available October 2020, $59.99
Wild Republic Ecokins
Wild Republic
Sustainability is a trend we're happy to see on the uprise, and we especially loved these stuffies from Wild Republic. Each one is made from 100% recycled materials—it takes seven water bottles to make one 8 inch Ecokins! The new line includes an assortment of animals in two sizes (12 in. and 8 in.) including an African elephant, hippo, koala, snow leopard, panda, penguin, raccoon, red panda, sea turtle, wolf and tiger.
This little buddy has over 190 songs, tunes and phrases at his disposal, which means little learners will enjoy interacting with this smart toy for hours on end. He can even roll a ball back and forth with baby!
Available Fall 2020
Snap Ships
Play Monster
These building sets are actually cube pieces that snap together with ease. There's a mix of heroes and villains, and there are mystical powers to unlock in order to save the universe! The pieces are interchangeable, and kids can build more than one model. There's also a free app that allows kids to interact with the characters. AR capabilities allow ships to be assembled and fly through the digital universe as well. The animated series will launch on YouTube.
The moment your kids start asking for a pet you can immediately envision who will be the one doing all the work. (Hint: it’s not them!) One 12-year-old has come up with an ingenious solution to this problem with a pet responsibility reward chart system for kids.
Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters every year; experts attribute these high numbers as a result of kids being gifted pets without recognizing the level of responsibility involved. When Ava Bertelli learned this, she wanted to do something about it.
Ava invented a system based on Kenson Kids’ popular “I Can Do It” reward chart to help kids keep track of everything that goes into caring for their pet. The charts feature colorful cards and plastic stars with a hook-and-loop fasteners, which provide both visual and tactile stimulation while encouraging pre-reading skills.
“Owning a pet is a lot of responsibility,” says Ava. “Sometimes, kids don’t realize how much time and work it takes to care for a new pet and they give up. I hope this system helps reduce the number of animals who are taken to shelters.”
Kenson Kids has now turned Ava’s invention into its newest products, including customizable pet care checklists, which feature dog care and cat care task cards illustrated by Ava, along with useful tips on caring for pets. The task cards are also available as a supplemental pack that can be used with Kenson Kids’ “I Can Do It!” reward chart and includes the tasks involved to care for dogs, cats or birds. (You can also download Ava’s handy bird care printable here.)
The charts are available at Kenson Kids for $12.95 each and the company is donating a portion of the proceeds to a charity of Ava’s choice that supports animal welfare.
