What Your Big Kid’s Zodiac Sign Says About Their Personality

by Maressa BrownApril 18, 2024

Parenting tweens and teens comes with its own unique set of challenges—from when to let your kiddo get their ears pierced to ongoing debates about access to smartphones and supporting them as they deal with the highs and lows of adolescent social lives. Because they’re deep in the trenches of figuring out who they are, it can be tough to keep tabs on their ever-evolving interests, friend groups, and behaviors. That’s where natal astrology can come in handy. While their sun sign—aka the zodiac sign that the sun was moving through when they came into the world—is just one piece of the multilayered puzzle that is your child’s birth chart, it can offer you valuable intel into what makes them tick because it speaks to their core identity, self-image, and confidence.

As an astrologer and the author of Raising Baby by the Stars: A New Parent’s Guide to Astrology, I’m passionate about teaching parents how to use astrology to gain more insight into their child’s distinct perspective. This helps you hold space for your adolescent to evolve into their most centered, self-assured selves. So let’s dive in and look at each sun sign to explain how it colors your big kid’s personality and how you can best support them.

Aries (March 21-April 20)

A symbol for Aries, one of the 12 sun signs

The sign of the Ram is ruled by Mars, the planet of action and energy, which means your Aries kid has a surplus of beans to burn through. They tend to be drawn to all kinds of physical activity, so they might be super involved in school or community athletics or eager to do their own thing, whether it’s going for runs or riding bikes with friends. Their competitive nature means they love any pursuit where someone is declared #1. As the cardinal fire sign, they’re innate go-getters who have a big-picture vision of what they want to achieve, from straight As to being voted class president. As driven as they may be, Aries is the first sign or “baby” of the zodiac. In other words, they’ll exhibit a wide-eyed, innocent sense of wonder that lasts well beyond their younger years, so expect to enjoy being playful and laughing a lot with your dynamic Ram. You’ll just need to watch out for the fact that their tendency to move at a face pace can mean they’re apt to be impulsive. Encouraging them to slow down and get grounded before making, well, just about any move will benefit them tremendously now and down the road.

Taurus (April 21-May 20)

A symbol for Taurus, one of the 12 sun signs

Born under the sign of the Bull and ruled by Venus, the planet of luxury, art, and beauty, you’ve probably noticed that your Taurus kid is an unhurried, grounded creature of habit. Sure, that might be another way of saying stubborn, but take heart from the fact that they’re far from the only fixed sign. (The others are Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius.) Their fixed nature does make them obstinate at times; they’ll dig their heels in when it comes to taking the same lunch to school every day or wearing that one pair of jeans over and over again. But try to bear in mind that they do this because they’re extremely protective of anything that brings them a sense of comfort and security. And there is a silver lining to being the fixed earth sign: Your kiddo is truly pragmatic and resolute. Once they’ve made up their mind to try out for the soccer team or learn how to play the clarinet, they’ll stick to it. Taureans are also known for moving at their own often-snail-like pace and nudging them to hurry up may backfire. One of the best ways to bond with your Bull is enjoying a leisurely activity out in nature, like a curated picnic with lots of yummy, gourmet bites or a walk through the botanical garden.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

A symbol for Gemini, one of the 12 sun signs

We’re sure you’ve already noticed just how much your tween or teen adores lively conversation and witty banter, given that this mutable air sign is ruled by Mercury, the planet of communication, transportation, and technology. They’re naturally buzzy, curious, and supersocial. They’re also apt to explore their writing talents and collect and devour a treasure trove of books. Even if they don’t grow up to be a journalist or publicist one day (though they very well may!), your big kid born under the sign of the Twins thrives on taking in and disseminating information. Heads-up: This could mean they are prone to gossiping or getting in trouble for talking too much in class. But their super-communicator skills can also be channeled toward academic and extracurricular success, whether they’re on the yearbook staff or leading the debate team to a state win. When it comes to bonding, you might find that they prefer to connect in a cerebral way, perhaps by talking about the news, watching Jeopardy, or doing a crossword puzzle together. And don’t be surprised if they’re warm and fuzzy one minute, then standoffish the next. Sure, hormones are partly the culprit, but Gemini is also known for its dualistic nature and ability to vacillate between two distinct personality traits.

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

A symbol for Cancer, one of the 12 sun signs

Born under the cardinal water sign ruled by the moon, which influences emotions and intuition, your Crab tween or teen is deeply sentimental, nurturing, and loving—but also perhaps a bit reclusive when they’re in their feelings. Whereas other kids might be eager to fly the coop ASAP and spend lots of time at their friends’ houses or involved in extracurriculars for hours after school, your Cancer kid is likely happiest and most at peace when they’re at home, surrounded by family. This isn’t to say that they won’t get involved at school or hang with close friends—they are the cardinal water sign, after all, which means they’re also initiators and ambitious go-getters at heart. But getting enough quality time with you and other loved ones is integral to their overall well-being, and holding that in mind could make a world of difference for their confidence and sense of self and purpose. It’s also wise to remember that they’re quite sensitive and can be moody (yep, even more so than your average adolescent) because they’re ruled by the changeable moon, which switches signs and sets a different emotional tone every two-ish days. Connecting with them through homey, cozy experiences like baking, caring for a pet, or planning a family reunion together will make their hearts sing.

Leo (July 23-August 22)

A symbol for Leo, one of the 12 sun signs

As the fixed fire sign ruled by the vitality-giving sun, your Lion is vivacious, charismatic, optimistic, self-assured, creative, and lots of fun to be around—but also super ambitious, running the risk of being a bit bossy. A born leader and lover of the spotlight, one of your Leo kid’s greatest lessons in life will be to own their confidence without treading into narcissistic, vain, or domineering territory. You can support this by celebrating their ability to love themselves and empower others while teaching them about humility and empathy. Because they adore a round of applause and are so innately self-expressive, they’ll be quick to sign up for drama club, film or dance classes, or any extracurricular where they can woo an audience or run the show. Like all of the fixed signs, they tend to get super, well, fixated on particular game plans and outcomes, so you might need to talk to them about the benefits of being adaptable and capable of pivoting when a situation simply isn’t working out. You’ll find you can best connect with your Leo through playful, upbeat, fun-loving activities, like impromptu dance parties in the kitchen, trips to the beach (they love to soak up the rays of their ruler, the sun), or writing and performing a funny play together.

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

A symbol for Virgo, one of the 12 sun signs

Born under the mutable earth sign ruled by Mercury, the messenger planet that oversees information-gathering and communication, your tween or teen is thoughtful, detail-oriented, helpful, analytical, sensitive, and an adept storyteller. As a result of their mutability, your Maiden kid is adaptable and eager to try their hand at different activities, whether that’s softball one year or piano lessons the next, but you’ll also find that they struggle with indecisiveness. Empowering them to trust their intuition and inner knowing and lean on practices like mindfulness can be incredibly helpful, especially because—as such a cerebral, Mercury-ruled person—they’re often in their heads, prone to overthinking and second-guessing. They might be quite shy or very outgoing (depending on other placements in their birth chart), but either way, they’ll want to connect with peers who share common interests. These kids are also so intellectually curious that they tend to enjoy school work more than the average adolescent, so you’ll do well to support their academic pursuits—while encouraging them to steer away from perfectionism. You’ll connect with your Virgo by learning something new together, trading factoids about their favorite subjects (be that STEM, history, or sports), and tackling everyday to-dos together (something organization-loving Virgo finds grounding).

Libra (September 23-October 22)

A symbol for Libra, one of the 12 sun signs

Thanks to their planetary ruler, Venus, which oversees relationships, beauty, and art, your Libra kid is a total social butterfly with a keen eye for beauty. They could be drawn to a wide variety of artistic outlets, from dancing to painting, but they’re also bound to be particularly eager to express themselves through their wardrobe and, as they get older, their beauty or grooming routine. Symbolized by the Scales, Libras prize balance and justice above just about anything else, so you’ve probably noticed that your tween or teen is quick to diffuse or steer clear of any arguments that may pop up in the house. They attempt to avoid conflict at all costs. But as lovely as their peacemaking nature can be, they do run the risk of expressing their challenging feelings in a passive-aggressive way, so you’ll do well to teach them that difficult emotions, like anger or aggravation, are healthy to acknowledge and work through. This can be a particularly valuable lesson as they navigate social situations, especially one-on-one relationships, which they put even more value in than your average adolescent (because of their association with the Seventh House of Partnership). For this reason, you could find that some of your sweetest bonding moments come when you’re hanging out just you two, enjoying an aesthetically pleasing experience like checking out an art exhibit or visiting a pretty vacation spot.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

A symbol for Scorpio, one of the 12 sun signs

Born under the sign of the Scorpion—the fixed water sign—your tween or teen is dynamic, magnetic, a bit mysterious, emotionally intelligent, intense, ambitious, sometimes aloof, and brimming with a formidable inner power that can make them utterly fearless and unstoppable. These traits are owed to Scorp’s co-rulers: their traditional ruler is Mars, the planet of action and energy, while their modern ruler is Pluto, the planet of transformation and power. In turn, Scorpio kids may be eager to check out student government, play a high-intensity sport (they could be into competitive swimming, as a water sign, or hockey), or try their hand at writing poetry. As one of the fixed signs, they also tend to be set in their ways, whether that’s hanging out with the same friends they’ve had since toddlerhood (hey, they’re very loyal) or continuing to put their nose to the grindstone to pursue a goal they set when they were in kindergarten. Basically, once they’ve made up their minds, it can be extremely challenging to get them to consider—let alone accept—change, which could be fuel for head-butting. And when they’re working through challenging emotions, you can expect radio silence. In these cases, your best bet is to give them plenty of space to work it out, reminding them that you’re there for them whenever they’re ready to talk. Regularly visiting your nearest body of water to walk, take artistic photos, and chow down on a yummy meal together can be therapeutic for your adolescent Scorp—and set the stage for meaningful bonding.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

A symbol for Sagittarius, one of the 12 sun signs

Born under the mutable fire sign Sagittarius, your tween or teen is free-spirited, unfiltered, philosophical, fun-loving, funny, and full of wanderlust. Ever since they were tiny tots, we’d bet they’ve entertained you with their big, buoyant personality. Now, as an adolescent, your Archer is bound to be even louder and more gregarious, eager to make the most of life and believing that bigger is usually better (thanks to their ruling planet, Jupiter, which is not only the largest planet in the solar system but one that oversees fortune and abundance). This “more, more, more” perspective could translate to your Sag having a lot of fun wearing over-the-top outfits or enjoying pastimes like comedy that involve entertaining others, signing up for a bevy of diverse extracurriculars (at the risk of probably spreading themselves too thin), or opting to get out in the world and see and do as much as possible. This is one kid who needs to explore and break free from their mundane, everyday routine in order to grow and thrive. While this can’t always involve the globe-trotting they likely daydream about, you can nurture their adventurousness by encouraging them to learn another language or try different types of global cuisine. You’ll find you can easily bond by getting out of your comfort zones as a family.

Capricorn (December 22-January 21)

A symbol for Capricorn, one of the 12 sun signs

Born under the cardinal earth sign and ruled by taskmaster Saturn, which oversees commitment and boundaries, your Capricorn tween or teen is serious, goal-oriented, pragmatic, industrious, and jaw-droppingly mature beyond their years. In fact, they might have been talking about college applications and their ideal career trajectory well before their peers. Even if they’re not that laser-focused on their future, it does bear noting that their cardinal quality makes them quite driven and eager to take the initiative to make ambitious aspirations their reality. This trait also sets your Sea Goat kiddo up nicely for being a leader among their friends and peers. They’ll often be the one who proposes starting a new club or entering an academic competition. Unlike fellow cardinal sign Aries, for instance, you’ll notice that your Cap is perfectly fine working toward their goals at a steady, unhurried pace. In fact, they prefer to always have a clear objective and step-by-step game plan or they feel a bit lost. They might also struggle to let loose, move through big emotions, and accept their own mistakes, particularly because they dread the possibility that they may look “foolish.” In turn, you’ll do well to work with them on self-acceptance and embracing “oops” or emotionally intense moments as opportunities to grow and learn. And when it comes to bonding with your Capricorn, you’ll do well to suggest activities that involve working a little bit at a time toward a larger goal, like gardening, tackling an elaborate LEGO project, or learning about investing and saving together.

Aquarius (January 22-February 18)

A symbol for Aquarius, one of the 12 sun signs

Traditionally ruled by taskmaster Saturn, the sign of the Water Bearer is also influenced by game-changing Uranus, its modern ruler, producing a tween or teen that can be both resolute and rebellious. They’re also science-minded, super-social, independent, free-spirited, humanitarian, and fired up to strike out against convention. A born people person, you’ve probably noticed that they’re able to make friends with anyone and everyone, yet, as a fixed sign, they do have certain VIPs who they’re closest to. Their fixed quality can also contribute to a particularly stubborn mindset that they’ll “do what they want.” In other words, if you have a weekend plan for family togetherness and they’d rather play video games or see a movie with their besties, you might have to deal with some fireworks. (Uranus’s influence can cause Aquarians to lose their cool out of the blue, so you’ll need to steel yourself for some of that.) But their fierce devotion to marching to the beat of their own drum can also impress you, as they’ll be the first in their class to sign up for a volunteer opportunity to support a local charity or the kid who’s always educating their peers about climate change. You’ll do well to support their desire to be uniquely themselves by complimenting their power-clashing outfits or interest in an up-and-coming indie band. Bond with your Water Bearer by checking out a science museum or getting involved in a philanthropic community effort.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

A symbol for Pisces, one of the 12 sun signs

Your tween or teen born under the mutable water sign Pisces is deeply empathic, artistic, emotional, eager to help, and in touch with the mystical, spiritual side of life. You could find that your big kid Fish is incredibly intuitive, even a bit psychic, picking up on the emotional subtext of any situation—and then, often, taking on other people’s feelings as their own. This is a case for working with them on recognizing their own feelings and separating them from those of others—and explaining the difference between (and pros and cons of) sympathy versus empathy. As a mutable sign, your Pisces is super adaptable and capable of trying a variety of hobbies and activities, but being ruled by the planet of spirituality and dreams, Neptune, means they’ll be especially eager to dive into fantastical pursuits like theater, filmmaking, or creative writing. They may also love fantasy novels and watching movies that take place in different, ethereal worlds because they have such vivid imaginations and enjoy any chance to step out of their everyday reality. Because they feel so deeply and are so sensitive, they could be easily heartbroken when friendships, or later, romantic relationships don’t work out, so you’ll do well to remind them that you’re there for them and to encourage them to foster self-love, which will serve as a strong foundation for all of their bonds. You can connect with your adolescent Pisces by exploring a wide variety of creative, spiritually fulfilling ways to work through emotions, whether that’s journaling about daydreams, doing yoga, or putting on a whimsical performance.

10 Simple Ways to Raise Kids Who Make Good Decisions

by Kipp Jarecke-ChengApril 17, 2024

Ask any parent what it’s like to raise a kid today, and we’d likely tell you modern childhood seems much more complex—and perilous—than when we were young. Thanks to increased peer pressure, massive technological advances, and on-demand access to virtually anything via click or tap, kids today face a wider array of choices and decision-making opportunities than we did when we were their age.

As parents, we hope we’ve instilled strong values and resilience in our children so they’re always able to make good decisions. But how can we be sure they’ll do the right thing, especially when we’re not around? While there’s no magic formula, here are 10 tips to help your kid make smart decisions—even when you’re not there.

1. Start conversations about smart decision-making early.

The earlier parents initiate conversations about how to make good decisions with their kids, the better. Explaining to your child what it means to make a good decision and why it’s important can set them up for future success. Kevin Zoromski, a psychologist and early childhood development expert says, “Give children choices as part of their day and as part of their typical routine. They will look forward to having some say over what they get to do in the household and you will establish their sense of responsibility as important decision-makers.”

2. Role-model smart decision-making behaviors.

Kids learn through observation and patterning the behaviors of people in their lives, especially their parents. Modeling good decision-making behavior will help reinforce your life lessons. Show your kid that you are honest, responsible, and accountable for your choices. “You are your child’s first and most important role model,” said mental health expert Ketsupa Jirakarn. “[Kids] are always observing and learning from you every day—even when you are unaware of it. So, make sure you practice what you preach.”

3. Set clear expectations and boundaries.

Let your kids know what you expect from them in terms of making smart decisions. For older kids, this could include things like always telling you where they are going, not using illicit substances like drugs and alcohol, and staying away from dangerous situations. “Children are more likely to accept the limits you set and are more likely to want to meet your expectations (i.e., be responsible) when you provide a warm, caring, and supportive relationship that underlies the discipline you impose,” according to a report from The Center for Parenting Education.

4. Practice makes perfect.

Give your child opportunities to practice smart decision-making. This could involve giving them small choices, such as what to wear to school or what to eat for dinner. It also could involve giving them bigger choices, such as whether to join a sports team or what to do with their allowance. By empowering your child to learn about the consequences of their choices through smaller actions, they will feel more empowered when making bigger decisions on their own.

5. Let them learn from their mistakes.

a frustrated girl learning how to make smart decisions — iStock

When your kid makes a mistake, don’t immediately swoop in to fix the problem or resort immediately to punishment. Help them understand why a misstep was a consequence of not making the best decision, and then talk about how they can make a better choice next time. According to a report from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, “Reframing mistakes as opportunities from which we can learn—rather than failures alone—can help us feel like we are capable and in control. Reframing can also help us handle future mistakes more effectively.”

6. Develop their critical thinking skills.

Learning how to think critically and independently requires self-awareness (i.e., knowing strengths, weaknesses, and values) as well as problem-solving skills. Encouraging your child to think through a decision and come up with a solution can further nurture and develop their critical thinking skills. “In childhood and adolescence, the body goes through many physical changes, but there are also many changes in how we think, feel, and behave, and in our motivations,” according to a report from Frontiers for Young Minds. It’s through repeated trial and error that kids develop the necessary skills to thrive into adulthood.

7. Help them understand risks.

Some decisions have few consequences, while other decisions are highly consequential. Teaching your child the difference between big and small choices, and understanding the risks associated with some decisions will mitigate the chances of bad outcomes. For example, teach young kids about the risks of eating too much junk food or overdoing it with screen time, and teach older kids about the risks of cyberbullying and underage drinking.

8. Nurture emotional intelligence.

Talk to your child about the choices they’re facing and help them understand the different options and the potential consequences of each choice. Teaching them how to evaluate information, identify biases, and make informed decisions as well as helping your child understand and manage their emotions and how to make decisions that are in line with their values will serve them well. “Emotional literacy starts at birth when babies can just bond with [their parents] and connect on just that level. And it continues to evolve,” said Dr. Michele Borba, parenting expert and author of Building Moral Intelligence: The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing.

9. Be supportive and consistent.

As parents, being supportive and consistent with our reactions to our children’s choices will help ensure they make smart ones, even when we’re not present. If you sometimes let your child get away with making a bad decision, they will be less likely to take you seriously when you expect them to make good choices without you. Additionally, when your kid makes a good decision, be sure to praise and validate them. “Youth who experience more positive interactions with parents are better adjusted. Indeed, consistency in parenting—primarily consistency in discipline—has been linked to more positive youth outcomes,” according to a report from the National Institutes of Health.

10. Practice patience and understanding.

It takes time for kids to learn how to make smart decisions. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t always and immediately make the right choices. Even when your kids are old enough to make decisions themselves, they still need your patience and understanding. Be there to talk to them, offer advice, and help them deal with the consequences of their decisions.

What to Do When Your Kid Wants a Social Media Account

by Melissa HeckscherAugust 20, 2023

Already, one-third of kids ages seven to nine—and half of all 10- to 12-year-olds—are using sites like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat

We live in a world where our baby’s first steps are just as likely to be posted online as they are to be saved in the baby book, so is it any wonder our kids are clamoring to get on social media? According to this study from the University of Michigan, one-third of kids ages seven to nine and half of all 10- to 12-year-olds are already using sites like TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. And with all the news about how social media may damage kids’ self-esteem, potentially attract sexual predators, and encourage online bullying—exactly how worried should parents be?

“Parents are generally concerned about kids’ safety when it comes to online predators,” says Patrick Quinn, a former teacher and the official parenting expert for Brainly.com, an online homework help site run by teachers and kids. “But the bigger danger is the matter of kids not being able to realize that everything on the internet isn’t exactly true. Everybody wants to put their best foot forward online.”

Consequently, self-esteem can take a hit. According to a 2019 Johns Hopkins study, teens who spent more than three hours a day on social media were likely to see negative mental health impacts. That said, Quinn believes there are plenty of redeeming qualities of social media platforms. Finding connections and community support, for instance, can be important, especially for teens and tweens who feel isolated or different.

So what’s a parent to do? According to experts, best practices include installing good parental controls, setting clear rules, and teaching kids what good “digital hygiene” means. “We recommend sitting down with your child and talking through any new apps they’d like to download,” says Titania Jordan, Chief Parenting Officer for the BARK parental control app and the author of Parenting in a Tech World. “Discuss the pros and cons of each, keeping in mind that ‘because everyone else has it’ isn’t the best of arguments. But be sure to listen to what they have to say. Their research and passion may surprise you.” Now then: What’s a Snap? How do you Twitch? Who can DM your kids? From Facebook and Instagram to Twitch and Discord, here are the pros and cons of social media for kids.

How to Manage Your Kids’ Social Media Usage

Ask your child to sign a social media contract (we love this one from iMom) that lays out the general rules for what kids can and can’t do on social media—and what will happen if they break these rules. If you’re not sure your child can police themselves, parental control apps can help by setting bedtimes, setting screen limits, and blocking apps or sites you don’t want your child to use.

“When you make your expectations clear, your child will have a better understanding of what they can do and when,” Jordan says. Also, when your child signs up with a social site, make sure they add you as a “friend” so that you can see and monitor what they are posting. Kids should also give parents their login information so they can check up on what they’re doing online.

Some things to talk about before letting your kids loose on any social media platform:

Knowing the difference between “real-life” friends and online “friends”
Understanding that pictures posted on social media don’t tell the whole story (and that, despite how it looks, nobody has a perfect life)
The dangers of misinformation
Understanding that strangers who contact them online may not be who they say they are
The importance of never disclosing personal information online
Make sure to make space for “digital downtime” to keep life balanced
Understanding that anything you put online may be seen and shared by others
How parental control and privacy settings within individual apps can keep them safe

Top Tips for Social Media Safety by Platform

Kids on Instagram

pros and cons of social media for kids — dole777 on Unsplash

What is it? An image-sharing site that allows users to view and post pictures and videos.

What do kids do on Instagram? Share their photos and view their friends' feeds, as well as keep tabs on celebrity feeds and follow users (often strangers) with similar interests. Users can also communicate via direct messages (DMs).

What parents should know: Instagram has been under attack for allegedly causing low self-esteem, especially in young girls. To combat this, parents should have a serious conversation with their kids about how what they see on Instagram isn't actually "real life." Show them how filters can make people look different/better/thinner—and how everyone has flaws to hide (this enlightening short video from Ditch The Label explains the "Insta-Lie" perfectly). There is also a "disappearing message" feature that lets kids send timed photo or video messages that users can only view once before they disappear (though screenshots can still be taken), so many kids use this feature to hide things they may not want their parents (or others) to see.

How to safeguard kids: Common Sense Media rates Instagram as best for ages 15 and up because of its easy access to mature content, as well as access to strangers. When you do decide to let your kids use the site, make sure they add you as a friend (create your own Instagram account if you don't already have one) so you can see what they are posting. You can also make your child's account private, so only their friends can see their posts. To do this, go to Settings, then Privacy, and toggle on the Private mode (You can't lock this setting, so know that your kids can always change it back.).

Instagram.com

Kids on TikTok

kids on social media — Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

What is it? The hottest social media site for teens and tweens, TikTok has racked up more than 3 billion downloads, with youngsters everywhere clamoring to show off their antics or watch short, punchy video clips. The app is supposed to be for kids 13 and up, but younger users can easily skirt this rule by lying about their birthdays when they sign up. Also: Like YouTube, kids don't need an account to view videos, but they do need one to post them.

What do kids do on TikTok? Watch endless video loops of dance routines, makeup tutorials, homemade music videos, cooking demos, physical stunts, and more. Videos can be up to 10 minutes long, though most are only a few seconds. Creative or enterprising kids can make their TikTok videos by uploading videos from their devices or by recording, editing, and adding effects (as well as music and filters) directly in the app—making it a great place for self-expression.

What parents should know: Profanity and sexually suggestive content are commonplace, even with parental controls enabled, according to ProtectYoungEyes.com. The app also has direct messaging features, meaning that kids can easily contact and be contacted by strangers. That said, users ages 13-15 automatically have the following features set:
-No direct messages
-Automatic private accounts
-Comments can be made from only “Friends” or “No One.”
-No videos can be remixed or downloaded.

How to safeguard your kids: TikTok has parental control settings, as well as “Digital Wellbeing." Go to the settings tab in the app on your child’s device and click on “Family Pairing” to set restrictions and screen time allowances. If you are giving your child your phone to use, go to the app, click settings, click on “Digital Wellbeing” to set time limits, and set to “Restricted” mode.

Tiktok.com

Kids on Snapchat

What is it? A camera tool and social messaging app that lets users send "snaps" (messages) to each other, mainly in the form of pictures. Pictures and messages are (supposedly) automatically deleted after they are viewed—but this doesn't stop the receiver from taking a screenshot, so kids should know it's still possible their messages will be shared or reposted.

What do kids do on Snapchat? Younger kids will be all about the camera filters and augmented reality elements that allow them to take fun pics of themselves with glamorous makeup, bunny ears, or a big cat sprawled on top of their heads. Older kids will likely use Snapchat as a messaging tool—sending Snaps to friends and posting photos to their “story," which disappears after 24 hours.

What parents should know: Kids may be exposed to inappropriate content on the Story feed, where they swipe through everything from up-close pimple popping videos to dance tutorials. Also, it may be hard to lull kids away from the app since users are rewarded for "Snapstreaks"—when two users send Snaps to each other at least once within 24 hours for more than three consecutive days. These reward badges are removed when the streak misses a day, so kids are incentivized to keep the conversation going.

How to safeguard kids: Parents can go into the app to prohibit location sharing (go into settings, go to “See My Location,” and set it to “Ghost Mode.”). Parents can also specify who can view or contact their kids. Parents should explain to kids never to send pictures they wouldn’t want their whole school to see (because it doesn't really "disappear"). Also, parents need to explain that kids should never post pictures of friends without similar consent.

Snapchat.com

Kids on Discord

What is it? An online discussion/chat forum, originally designed as a way for gamers to chat while playing a video game. While the site is still mostly geared toward gaming, it has evolved into a forum to explore any subject-specific interests and group audio chats with friends.

What do kids do on Discord? Talk to other users about topics of interest (mainly gaming, anime, or music). Discord offers voice chatting, video chatting, and text messaging (it's Skype mixed with Reddit), and users can either join or create public or private groups (called “servers“) about whatever specific topic they want to talk about.

What parents should know: Being a user-generated site, kids may be exposed to inappropriate content including swearing and graphic language and images (though there are groups with rules against these things).

How to safeguard kids: While there are no parental controls, Discord does have some safety/privacy settings to control who can direct message or add your kids as friends. Its "Safe Direct Messaging" feature is supposed to delete any direct messages with explicit content (although, according to Common Sense Media, this isn't foolproof). To be safe, instruct kids to only accept invitations from and participate in private servers with people they already know.

Discord.com

Kids on Reddit

kids on social media - reddit — Brett Jordan on Unsplash

What is it? An online discussion board where users can post questions, start conversations, and share pictures and videos of things that interest them (its slogan is "Dive into anything"). While the site is designed for adults, it's easy for kids to explore, even without signing up (though they need to be signed up to post questions).

What do kids do on Reddit? Share stories with others who have similar interests or questions, ranging from talks about their favorite video games and TV shows to personal questions about sexuality, friendships, and physical health. Once they register, users can vote, post, or subscribe to “subreddits” that focus on specific topics.

What parents should know: There are no parental controls on Reddit, so kids asking particularly iffy questions may see or be exposed to inappropriate content. Also, given the nature of Reddit as an open discussion forum, kids may go down a rabbit hole of extreme opinions that may reflect racist, sexist, hate-filled, or ignorant points of view on a variety of heated topics. Parents should talk with kids about how to spot misinformation and extremism as well as how to differentiate between fact and hearsay. That said, if kids are looking for a community of people who understand particular issues, Reddit can help kids feel a little less alone in their plight.

How to safeguard kids: Reddit is meant for adults, so it's recommended to use filters to block the app until your child is at least 13 (given the adult nature of some posts). If you'd like to let your kids explore the site, parental control apps such as Bark can send you alerts if your child is exposed to or posting anything concerning (including drugs, sex, violent or suicidal ideation).

Reddit.com

Kids on Facebook

kids on social media - facebook — Brett Jordan on Unsplash

What is it? With 2.74 billion users (and counting), Facebook—now part of Meta—is the most popular social media site out there, offering an easy way to share and view photos, videos, opinions, and thoughts. While the app is meant for users 13 and up, according to the BBC, it's estimated that more than 20 million of its users are younger than this. Also, even if they don't have an account of their own, anyone can view posts on Facebook (you only need an account to post or contact other users).

Note: Facebook is so adamant about its 13+ age limit that there is a page on its site devoted to reporting and deleting accounts believed to be for children (useful if you've banned the app from your house and find that your child set up an account anyway).

What do kids do on Facebook? Share and view photos and videos of themselves and others, keep up with their favorite celebrities, watch videos of interest, and message each other.

What parents should know: Kids can easily be exposed to inappropriate content—as well as be contacted by strangers. Also, like Instagram, users can easily become obsessed with "keeping up" their image and trying to maintain the illusion of a "perfect life." Parents should keep in mind that if their kids are on Facebook, they can easily see all the things you've ever posted (something to think about if you've ever posted exasperated posts about your parenting journey or baby pics that would mortify your kids today).

How to safeguard kids: If you allow your child to have a Facebook account (preferably at 13), make sure it's set up as a private account to limit who can see their posts, photos and profile. To do this, go to the Privacy section of the Settings menu and pull the drop-down options to "Friends," "Only me," or "Close friends" (which requires you to enter specific names).

Facebook Messenger Kids

Kids on social media on a phone — Tim Gouw on Unsplash

What is it? An app for kids that lets users talk via text and video chat. While Facebook itself maintains the 13 and up standard, Messenger Kids skirts this rule because parents set up and manage the account on behalf of their children. Bark calls this setup—where kids use the app, but parents manage every aspect of it — "like training wheels for a child’s first social media experience." This lets parents see who their child chats with, how much time they're spending on the app, and every image they send/receive. Note: This is the only app on the list that was designed for kids under 13.

What do kids do on Facebook Messenger Kids? Talk and video chat with friends.

What parents should know: Parents must have a Facebook account to set up Messenger for their children. And while kids won’t have a public profile, parents can allow their name and profile photo to be visible to others (or not). Another important thing to note is that kids can't send links or YouTube videos through the app, which keeps them safe from iffy content.

How to safeguard kids: If you're worried about excessive use or unwanted friends, you set in-app time limits, approve or deny new friend requests, and remotely log your child out.

Facebook.com

Kids on Twitch

kids on social media - twitch — Kadyn Pierce on Unsplash

What is it? A live-streaming site, primarily for gamers. Any kid who's obsessed with video games will likely be obsessed with watching other kids play video games—which is exactly what they do on Twitch.

What do kids do on Twitch? Watch live streams, most of which are devoted to gaming. If they're logged in, they can talk directly to the streamer and ask questions about the game (which may or not be answered, depending on how many people are watching the stream). For a fee, kids can also broadcast themselves playing.

What parents should know: While the app doesn't technically allow threatening language or sexually explicit content, kids will still likely be exposed to plenty of profanity in the chats, which stream live beside the video. Kids don't have to sign up to watch live streams, but they do to chat. Users can also send "Whispers" (direct messages) to other registered users, though this can be restricted in the app's settings.

How to safeguard kids: Twitch doesn't offer parental controls, but logged-in users can set chat filters to limit discrimination, sexually explicit language, and profanity (though, according to Common Sense Media, these filters aren't foolproof.).

Twitch.tv

8 Pros & Cons to Having Your Kids Share a Room

by Oz SpiesAugust 10, 2023

We’ve even got a few tips and tricks to help you make it work

Sibling room sharing can be great, and it can be… not so great. Putting two people in a room together is always a little complicated, even when, or maybe especially when, they’re related. Whether you’re thinking about having your kids share a room because you desperately need a dedicated home office with a door or you’re expecting a second child and staying put in your two-bedroom apartment, we’ve got wisdom to share. Here’s a list of the pros and cons of siblings sharing a bedroom, complete with advice from seasoned experts.

First, a few benefits of siblings sharing a room

You’ll save money.

When siblings share a room, you can squeeze your family into a smaller space. If you’re squirreling away dollars for a down payment on a house or your budget’s tight, two kids in one bedroom make sense. Many kids–as many as seventy percent in the US alone–share a room. Two of my kids shared for a decade out of necessity in a house with three bedrooms and five people, and we found benefits in addition to practical cost savings and making the most of a small space.

A dedicated space practically guarantees a good night’s sleep.

Some families decide to have their kids share a room so they can have one room set aside for sleep and another room used as a play space. That keeps distracting toys out of the sleep space, which can be especially helpful for younger children who find the siren song of their beloved wooden trains impossible to resist.

Sibling bonding gets a boost.

Whispering and giggling after lights out, knowing your sibling is there in the big dark, shared bedtime stories–sharing a bedroom gives brothers and sisters lots of opportunities to bond. Kids create memories. As one of my sons, who shared a room with his brother for years, said, “We got to hang out all the time in our room, and we talked every night.”

“Room sharing can allow for added closeness between siblings. They often become each other’s confidants. The relationship that develops can be very positive,” says Dr. Tish Taylor, child psychologist and the author of Fostering Connections: Building Social and Emotional Health in Children and Teens.

Kids learn to compromise.

In a shared bedroom, siblings have opportunities for pillow fights with their built-in buddy—if they’re both up for it. When they’re not, a shared room gives kids extra practice navigating disagreements and conflict. They learn what to do if one person wants a pillow fight and the other wants to play UNO. Learning to compromise, understanding someone else’s point of view, and taking turns–kids need these skills as they get older, and when kids share space with siblings, they get extra practice.

Here are the trickier parts of sibling room sharing

two brothers who share a room playing — *iStock*

Kids don’t have their own space.

Finding alone time is tricky when kids share a bedroom. Many older kids and tweens want to put up posters, scribble in their diaries in private, and keep their best stuff off-limits. Some families with kids in a shared bedroom find that letting kids have a say in what their side of the room looks like helps—things like picking out their bedding, hanging favorite pictures, or using a loft bed to make more private space. It’s also a good idea to make sure each child has designated storage that’s just for them, whether it’s a dresser or a closet.

Sibling conflict can be rough.

Often, especially at first, and when kids are tweens or teens, room sharing leads to more fighting, whether over room décor or just plain getting annoyed with each other. The little sister messes with her older sister’s LEGO, or a big brother takes a beloved t-shirt without permission: countless battles start over stuff. To reduce fights, establish ground rules together, or set them yourself if kids are too little to participate. Dr. Taylor suggests parents model and remind their children of their family’s core values: “You might say, ‘We love each other, and we respect each other. Even if it’s challenging and we’re in close quarters, we have to work things out respectfully.’”

Dr. Taylor also notes there may be other considerations depending on individual children. “Most children regulate really well. A small minority have challenges with that and amp up at night, which makes it difficult for the other sibling who wants to wind down, chill out, and go to sleep.” If that’s the case in your house, consider how you can give each child what they need. If one child needs extra time to settle in the bedroom, the other might go on a walk with a parent, do homework at the kitchen table, or relax on the couch with a story. Get creative, and while sibling conflict in a shared bedroom probably won’t disappear, you may be able to keep it to a minimum.

Different gender siblings.

As kids of different genders get older, they may crave more privacy. This often happens in later elementary school, at about age 10. Of course, this can also happen with kids of the same gender. Puberty is always a roller coaster. If older brothers and sisters are sharing a bedroom and space is limited, brainstorm ways to add privacy within a shared bedroom. A privacy wall, like this one with built-in storage, or a room divider can help!

Sleep disruptions will drive everyone bananas.

If a baby isn’t yet sleeping through the night, sharing a bedroom with their sibling will only make things worse. The last thing parents need is less sleep. Cara Dumaplin, a nurse and sleep expert from Taking Cara Babies, offers lots of wisdom for promoting sleep in a shared bedroom. She says, “The biggest mistake I see parents make when setting up a shared sibling room is putting little ones in the same room before they’re sleeping well.”

Luckily, there are ways around room-sharing sleep trouble. If you’re planning to have a baby and an older child share a room, wait to move the baby into the shared bedroom until your child is at least six months old and sleeping through the night. Cara also suggests staggering bedtimes, with the younger child going to bed before the older child, to support good sleep habits. Then, carefully arrange the shared room.

“Once you have two great little sleepers, you’ll want to set the room up for success. Arrange the furniture so that the crib and bed are on opposite sides of the room. Add a sound machine, ideally between the two of them. This can keep the sounds of one child from waking the other,” Dumaplin explains.

If room sharing is right for your family, don’t give up. “Expect that you may see some sleep hiccups right when your little ones move into the same room, especially around stalling at bedtime and early morning wakings. Don’t let that scare you. Be consistent, and remember that it takes time to adjust to any change. However, if you prepare your little ones, yourself, and the room ahead of time, most siblings do really well after a short adjustment period,” says Dumaplin.

Biking with Kids: The 17 Best Family Cargo Bikes

by Tinybeans TeamJuly 1, 2023

Whether you are looking for a longtail, long john, or frontload trike cargo bike, we have the inside scoop on what works best for families

If you’re itching to get back in the saddle post-kids (sorry, SoulCycle doesn’t count), but don’t know where to begin, we have a solution—a cargo bike. Manufacturers around the globe have come up with creative ways to transport your entire clan on two or three wheels, which makes your journey back onto the bike path as easy as well, riding a bicycle. We’re breaking down 17 of the best family cargo bikes out there with the pros and cons of each. It’s time to ride!

What You Need to Know about Cargo Bikes

While there are many ways to bike with kids—from bike seats to trailers to tandem bikes—in this article, we focus on the three styles of the family cargo bike: the Long John or Bakfiets, which has a cargo area in front; the Longtail, which has a room for kids in the back of the driver; and a Front Load Trike or Tadpole trike, which has a front cargo and three wheels for stability. Many of the bikes listed below are electric-assist, which makes biking with heavy loads or uphill much more enjoyable, according to cargo bike enthusiasts.

Let’s Talk Cost

While the high prices for many models are not for the faint of heart, some families justify the expense by using cargo bikes as a car replacement for daily school and grocery runs. If cost is still an issue, consider exploring the robust second-hand market, where cargo bikes can be purchased for a fraction of the cost, so be sure to check out our list of second-hand resources at the end of the article. Also, if you’re wondering if a cargo bike is right for your family, ask yourself these 14 questions.

Best Long John Bikes (also called a Bakfiets)

1. The E-Cargo by Amsterdam Bicycle Company starting at $4,325
This e-cargo bike comes with several different options, including the classic long, the bolted box and the cruiser long with vintage looks. It has the latest model Shimano Steps electric assist system (E6100), a range of 35-75 miles, a two-gear auto gear hub and premium roller brakes that even work well in the rain.

Kids: Up to 2

Electric Assist: Yes

Pros:

It's designed and made by a well-known cargo bike company. It's easy to ride and looks great.

Cons:

Some assembly is required.

What owners say: "Our bikes are handmade to order in the Netherlands. They are engineered, built and checked to the highest standard in safety, durability and comfort, and require low maintenance. After all, our bicycles are made to be used daily, year-round and still last a lifetime, outside in the Dutch rain." Read more.

Where to buy: amsterdam-bicycle.com

2. The Load 75 by Riese & Müller, starting at $7,629
This electric cargo bike from Riese & Müller comes 6% more outer length, but 50% more cargo space—with the same agility and maneuverability. You can customize the cargo space depending on your family's needs—options include High Side Walls, Low Side Walls, Tarpaulin, Single or Double Child seat, Luggage Shelf, Child Rain Cover, Carrier and more.

Kids: up to 3.

Electric assist: Yes

Pros:

This is a bike that both parents can use. There's an angle- and height-adjustable stem and adjustable saddle height, so the seat position can be altered to accommodate body sizes from 1.50 m to 1.95 m and adapted to preferences from sporty to comfortable.

Cons:

It's pricier than other cargo bikes on the market.

What owners say: "With this bike, nothing can stand in the way of your family’s goals of world domination and fun times together! Check out that rain cover with the zip-up sides! Yay!" Read more

Where to buy: r-m.de/en-us

3. Bullitt Cargo Bikes by Larry vs Harry, Starting at $3,300
The Bullitt is considered one of the “most flexible” cargo bikes on the market, designed to be used as a completely customizable system, from colors to components and accessories. Designed in Copenhagen, the Larry vs Harry team has decades of great bike building on their resume.

Kids: 1-3 in box + possible rear seat add-on

Electric Assist: Yes

Pros:

Narrow enough for city streets and bike lanes
Light enough to ride without electric assist
Modern interpretation of an older and tested bike design originating in Denmark

Cons:

Steering can feel wobbly at first (the faster you go, the steadier is gets)

What the Pros Say: “The Bullitt Clockwork is light and nimble, and it is hard to come up with a load that can’t be carried on this bicycle." Read more

Where to buy: larryvsharry.com

4. Family Bike, by Urban Arrow, $5,950
This Dutch company makes high-quality cargo bikes that use the newest technology and state-of-the-art materials to move people and freight through town in the fastest possible way. Their goal? Reduce the use of scooters and cars.

Kids: 1-3 in box, + possible rear seat add-on

Electric Assist: Yes

Pros:

Narrow design perfect for navigating city streets
New technology like Nuvinci hub gear and Bosch pedal assist
Lots of customization options are available

Cons:

It is a really big bike, both width, and length and we’ve heard turning is difficult

What owners say: “The Urban Arrow’s child-hauling and commuting setup is unbelievably swank. Considering all the features packed into it, the Urban Arrow feels shockingly light.” Read more

What the pros say: “With Dutch smarts, this electric motor-assisted cargo bike delivers the goods for a household. This is a bike with enormous potential to take the place of a car.” Read more

Where to buy: Urban Arrow

5. Yuba Bike's Supercargo CL, $5,999

You'll love the easy-to-load front box and the bamboo style that comes with it from this eBike from Yuba. The 20-inch wheels give it a lower center of gravity for easier maneuverability.

Kids: 1-3 in box, + possible rear seat add-on

Electric Assist: Yes

Pros:

Holds the whole crew + cargo too, including the family pet!
Has rider-friendly cable steering design for smooth and easy turning

Cons:

One of the priciest bikes on the market

What owners say: “I can’t say enough good things about this bike! It has changed our lives and enabled us to ditch our second car. The kids (ages 1 and 4) absolutely love cruising around. "

Where to buy: Yuba Bike dealers

Best Long Tail Bikes

1. NEW: Flyer M860 by Radio Flyer starting at $1,699

This beloved red wagon company recently launched a foldable cargo bike that's perfect for families who are looking to save on storage space. It comes with smaller tires than their previous eBike model and 220 lb. max rider weight. With lots of customizable options, you can add on a 5-point harness Thule seat for littler ones or snag the kid carrier for when they get older. There's also a kid and cargo carrier for those who might want the flexibility of porting a kid sometimes and gear at other times. There's even a bike trailer that doubles as a stroller for the ultimate convenience. Don't miss out on adding your AirTag to the specially-designed compartment behind the seat.

Kids: 1

Electric Assist: Yes

Pros:

Easy to store
Affordable
Lots of compatible accessories to make it your own, including a Thule Yepp Maxi Seat and a kid carrier for older kids

Cons:

Single speed

What the pros say: "Whether you're heading to the beach, camping in the mountains, or exploring a new city, this electric bike is the perfect companion for all your adventures." Read more

Where to buy: flyer.radioflyer.com

2. Flyer L885 by Radio Flyer starting at $1,999

This beloved red wagon company recently launched an eBike, cargo bike, and eScooter line and families are thrilled. With lots of customizable options, you can pop two little ones in the back or even add on a 5-point harness Thule seat for even littler ones. The kid and cargo carrier is a great option when you ditch the kids and head out on a solo trip to the farmer's market as it converts from a kid seat to a cargo basket. Or, snag the Flyer Duoflex that transforms from a bike trailer to a double stroller in a flash.

Kids: 1-2

Electric Assist: Yes

Pros:

Affordable
Lots of compatible accessories to make it your own, including a Thule child seat

Cons:

Heavy

What the pros say: "The bike feels light and nimble even on the lightest pedal-assist mode, which is where I felt most comfortable while pedaling." Read more

Where to buy: flyer.radioflyer.com

3. RadWagon, by Rad Power Bikes, starting at $1,899
The Seattle-based start-up is looking to disrupt the electric bike industry with a direct-to-consumer model that is more cost-efficient than competitors. They use Velofix (like a Geek Squad for bicycles) to build, tune and deliver bikes.

Kids: 1-2 on back

Electric assist: yes

Pros:

One of the most affordable e-bikes on the market
Lots of customization options

Cons:

Cheaper components, not having a dealer to rely on (though Velofix seems to have taken some of the pain out of assembly)

What owners say: "Overall, this bike is an amazing deal for the price.” Read more

What the pros say: "Affordable, feature-rich cargo-style electric bike with a stiffer and lighter frame because it's not quite as long as some others." Read more

Where to buy: RadPowerBikes.com

4. Comfort 2 by Charge Bikes, starting at $1899

Charge is a direct-to-consumer bike brand that has delivered a family-friendly cargo bike that's perfect for city dwellers with storage on their mind. The Comfort 2 is an updated version of the best-selling Comfort Bike and is the first new model since the brand’s launch in 2020.

Kids: 1 on back

Electric assist: yes, five levels

Pros:

Super easy assembly (you don't even have to remember to thread the pedals on in the opposite directions as they just fold down)
Space-saving storage with fold-down pedals and rotating handlebars
Wider tires for a more stable ride with battery weight in the rear
Available in candy red, white, and midnight blue

Cons:

This bike has a thumb throttle so if you are used to the twist throttle, you'll want to take note.

What owners say: "The Comfort 2 now also comes with enough rear-rack weight capacity for a child seat, making it perfect for families.” Read more

What the pros say: "The slim storage profile is what really sets the Charge Comfort 2 apart for me, and if you have an apartment or garage with limited room, you will greatly appreciate the folding handlebars and flip-down pedals." Read more

Where to buy: chargebikes.com

5. Spicy Curry by Yuba starting, $5,199
This Northern California-based company has upgraded its popular e-bike with a Bosch CX Performance motor for hills and traction. A lightweight and stylish cargo bike that lets kids sit on the back of the bike while Mom or Dad pedals. The rear cargo seat can fit two kids in Yepp seats or up to three kids sans seats.

Kids: 1-3 on back

Electric assist: yes

Pros:

Lightweight (about 60 lbs)
a low rear deck over a 20” wheel for greater stability

Cons:

The side-loaders (where kids place their feet) can scrape up against curbs and other objects.

What owners say: “The Spicy Curry was built from the ground up as an assisted cargo bike for hills. It is very different from their other models, from my perspective in a good way.” Read more

What the pros say: “The Spicy Curry is a mid-drive powered electric cargo bike from Yuba! The primary benefit is efficiency and power because the drive system leverages the same eight-speed drivetrain that you do as a rider!” Read more

Where to buy: Yuba Bike dealers

6. Xtracycle Edgerunner eSwoop, starting at $4,999

The Bosch Performance motor lets you zip from work to school to soccer practice without breaking a sweat. It comes fully ready to carry kids and lots of cargo, right out of the box.

Kids: 1-3

Electrical assist: Yes

Pros:

The Hooptie child enclosure is included in the original purchase price.
Bosch electric-assist Performance motor has a top pedal-assist speed of 20 mph.
Other cool features like battery integrated lights, a dual battery system for longer rides and a centered weight approach.

Cons:

Not easy to transport somewhere else (plane or car).
Visibility can be a problem depending on what accessories you have installed.

What owners say: "The Edgerunner feels the most 'like a bike:' it is zippy, peppy, and smooth." Read more.

What pros say: Electric Bike Review chose the eSwoop as one of it’s coveted "Best Electric Cargo Bikes" for 2018/2019.

Where to buy: xtracycle.com

7. Big Fat Dummy, by Surly Bikes, starting at $3,175
This popular cargo bike allows passengers to be carried on the back with the use of the Dummy Rail Collars or the Thule Yepp Maxi Seat. It's got fat tires for a sturdier ride, which is key when you're hauling precious cargo!

Kids: 1-2

Electrical Assist: No

Pros:

The extra-wide tires mean you might be able to do some trail riding with the kids in tow.

Cons:

There are added costs (extra gear) if you want to tow passengers.

What owners say: "The BFD has exceeded my already high expectations for its stability, comfort, utility, versatility, and design. My daughter loves riding on the back and typically requests that we ride to school rather than take the bus. Even without a passenger, I love riding the BFD and leaving the car in the garage while I get both a workout and my jobs done." Read more

Where to buy: surlybikes.com

8. Stretch, by Pedego, starting at $3,595
Founded in 2008, Pedego is one of the largest electric bike brands in America. They have their own dealers, as well as distribution through many bike shops and on Amazon. This makes it easy to purchase and service the bike. The Stretch has many cool features, like the powered USB port for your phone and audio.

Kids: 1-3

Pros:

Pedego has a great reputation and many shops are familiar with the brand for service and repair
The Stretch has can be accessorized with products from the Pedego line

Cons:

We’ve been told the frame is stiff, so may not be as comfortable as other rides

What owners say: “It is a powerful, beautiful, cruiser style and is not only fun to ride but I get to choose how much I exert myself.” Read more

What the pros say: “ Pedego hit the price point well and make a bike that is as smooth as silk. The way E-bike control systems work is a big deal for me and I am happy to report this one is spot on.” Read more

Where to buy: a dealer near you.

Best Front Load Trike (also called a Tadpole)

1. Ferla Family Cargo Bike, starting at $2,999

Kids: 1-2

Electric Assist: Yes

Pros:

The Samsung battery gives you a range of up to 45 miles.
4 x3 Harness belts and 2 roll cage bars are included in the price.
It's got comfy toddler seats.
There's a rear cargo rack.

Cons:

It costs more to have a fully assembled bike delivered.

What the owners say: "Ferla Bikes has been manufacturing innovative commercial tricycles since 2013. A pure expression of passion for Cargo Bikes, Ferla Family Bike was the perfect project for us. As a world leader in this niche, Ferla Bikes have always believed in the power of quality & design. Ferla Family is in safe hands."

What the pros are saying: "The bike is very spacious, there are no more problems with taking all our staff with us, it can be easily stored inside the cargo box, so we can go a long distance and have everything we need with us. The bike is also very reliable, the battery lasts us very long, it is very easy to steer, the brakes are really powerful and the bike itself is stable." See another review on YouTube here.

Where to buy: Ferla Family Bikes

2. Family Cargo Bike by Bunch Bikes, starting at $3,999
Gather your tribe and get ready to explore your community in this three-wheeled cargo bike—electric motor optional! Easy-release levers make changing the seat and handlebar height a breeze, so adults of all sizes can hop on and pedal away (good luck with those hills).

Kids: 1-5. This cargo box comes equipped with two benches and four child seat belts, and a standard bike child seat can be installed on the rear rack to squeeze in one more passenger.

Electric Assist: Yes

Pros:

Arrives at your doorstep fully assembled and ready to ride!
There's a full line of accessories for the bike: Seat cushions, front door, sunshade, rain cover, infant/toddler seats, and brand-new vinyl graphics.

Cons:

It’s heavy and that may add to shipping costs.

What owners say: "I cannot say enough good things about our new Bunch Bikes! The kids love this thing y'all - it's so much fun to ride ♥️ It's a game-changer to have that e-assist for the hills 👍” Read more

Where to buy: bunchbike.com

3. The School Bus by Virtue Cycles, starting at $2,149
This made-in-San Diego cargo bike lets kids sit in a big cargo box and go for a ride. The Virtue Schoolbus put parents at ease with the front. It also allows them to have good quality time chatting without having to keep looking back.

Kids: 1-3 in box, + possible rear seat add-on

Electric Assist: Yes

Pros:

Stability of three wheels
Being able to see the kids
Only an extra $800 to have the battery, motor, and control system added to the standard Schoolbus

Cons:

Steering is different than many other cargo bikes
It’s heavy and that may add to the shipping cost

What owners say: “There's a lot to recommend about the Schoolbus. I wanted to see the kids while I was riding. I can pull over if my toddler drops something, I never have to worry if a car is getting too close to the trailer - I know right where everyone is.” Read more

What the pros say: “Designed to be stable for loading his kids, positioning them out front where you could keep an eye on them and have conversations during rides. “ Read more

Where to buy: Virtue Cycles Dealers

4. Family, by Nihola, starting at $4,799
For 18-years, this Danish company has developed, produced, sold these proprietary tricycles for families, as well as for rehab/handicap-, institutional- and commercial use. There are over 10,000 Nihola bikes in Copenhagen alone, so this bike is tried and tested.

Kids: 1-3 in box, + possible rear seat add-on

Electric assist: yes

Pros:

The solid frame design built to withstand impact
The front door opens for easily onboarding kids and pets
The Nihola Flex version can transport a wheelchair

Cons:

Few US distributors may increase the delivery cost

What owners say: “Nihola Electric Family Cargo Bike is an excellent bike for leisurely strolls around town when you are not in a rush. It’s very handy for transporting heavy goods and also more than one child on the bike.” Read more

What the Pros Say: “The Nihola is a better value and lower cost, it’s really the best three-wheel solution available.” Read more

Where to buy: Nihola dealers

5. Butchers & Bicycles MK-1E, Starting at $5,999
If Apple designed an electric bicycle, it would be the MK-1E. From beautiful design to performance and state-of-the-art utility (a tricycle the leans), the MK-1E has taken the biking world by storm since it launched in 2015.

Kids: 1-3 in box, + possible rear seat add-on

Electric assist: yes

Pros:

Tilt steering makes it really fun to ride
Beautiful design attracts attention
Attention to details, like a lockable glove box

Cons:

One of the most expensive e cargo bikes on the market
It’s wide, so can be difficult to maneuver on narrow city streets

What owners say: “When I saw the Butcher, I was blown away. It was fast. It was sexy. It hauled a ton of cargo. It handled like a two-wheeler. It was the coolest cargo bike I had ever seen.” Read more

What the pros say: “Unlike any other trike I’ve ridden, this tilting machine is beautiful to ride. It’s as fun to ride as a two-wheeled bike, providing—and in fact encouraging—the full-body experience of steering through the hips and leaning into the turns.” Read more

Where to buy: Butchers & Bicycles dealers

Where to Find Second-Hand Family Cargo Bikes

From DC to Nashville, Chicago and Portland, there are Facebook Family Biking Groups that share local tips, trails as well as buy and sell used gear. Search for “Family Biking” on Facebook under “Groups.”

In bigger biking communities, like San Francisco and Seattle, there are also “Family Bike Swap” Facebook Groups focused exclusively on selling gear online and at swap events.

Our Favorite Electric Bikes

We've also done the research on the best electric bikes for families, and you can get all the details by clicking here!

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Your Child’s Roblox Obsession, Explained

by Kipp Jarecke-ChengFebruary 20, 2023

If you’re a parent with a gaming kid under the age of 16, chances are good that you’re already familiar with Roblox, the hugely popular multiplayer online gaming platform that seemingly came out of nowhere to capture the attention (and obsession) of kids all across the globe.

While you also may know about Robux, Roblox’s in-game virtual currency, which consistently ranks among the most-requested gaming gift cards for kids, you may not be aware of many other details about the game itself and have lots of questions about safety, security and excessive screen time related to Roblox gameplay.

Worry no more: Our guide to Roblox for kids will hopefully answer many of the questions that you might have but are too afraid to ask! Read on to learn more about the seemingly ubiquitous gaming phenomenon.

What Exactly Is Roblox?

Simply put, Roblox is a persistent (meaning, it’s online all of the time, 24/7), multiplayer gaming platform that lets millions of users around the world create, share and play 3-D games and virtual experiences with one another—all in real-time.

Roblox can be played on a variety of devices and operating systems, ranging from smartphones and tablets to laptops and gaming consoles—even VR headsets. Because of Roblox’s wide accessibility, relative ease of gameplay and freemium cost model, young gamers (especially those under age 13) have latched on and propelled its popularity in recent years, making it the most popular entertainment app for that age group.

After creating and logging into free-to-play (more on costs later) personalized accounts, players choose from more than 40 million games and experiences, in which they virtually interact with other players using customizable avatars, audio chat or text chat.

Many games are freeform and immersive explorations in virtual environments. Some popular ones focus on building homes and tending to pets and babies, while others are more action-oriented, including first-person shooter and racing games. Ranked by the number of visits, Adopt Me!, where players—you guessed it—adopt, raise and collect various pets, is currently number one. Other top entries include Tower of Hell, MeepCity and Brookhaven.

how to figure out roblox for kids and what kids see

What Do Players See and Do on Roblox?

Through their customizable avatars, Roblox players are immersed in colorful and dynamic virtual 3-D worlds and experiences that they can explore and move through via touch screens, gaming controllers or keyboard strokes and mouse clicks—much like any other video game.

As a platform to reach consumers, Roblox has become a big business: Major brands, such as Gucci, have partnered with Roblox to create virtual boutiques that sell exclusive virtual merchandise for avatars, like sunglasses and beanies. Meanwhile, musicians such as Lil Nas X and Twenty One Pilots have hosted virtual concerts that have attracted millions of viewers.

While some parents may find navigating Roblox’s game interface confusing, most kids will find controlling and customizing their avatars to be fairly intuitive. Experts say the concept of crafting a virtual character and interacting using avatars in virtual spaces—what’s been coined as playing in the Metaverse—“is not novel to kids that are playing Roblox because they grew up in the metaverse, that’s all they know,” says Colin Rosenblum, a tech writer and YouTuber who covers content creators with Samir Chaudry on the Colin and Samir YouTube Channel.

What sets Roblox apart from other digital video games—such as Minecraft or Fortnite, for example—is the unique creator system that’s built into its gameplay. The vast majority of content and games available on Roblox are user-created and supported, versus created and developed by professional gaming studios. By comparison, while most other digital video games have prescribed rules for playing and specific pathways to winning, Roblox’s gameplay is fluid and collaborative by design. Social interactivity is essential to Roblox’s gameplay and popularity.

“Roblox games reflect the sort of imaginative play you often find in the playground,” says Andy Robertson, a U.K.-based family technology expert, author of Taming Gaming and creator of the Family Gaming Database. “One child has an idea about a game to play, others join him or her, and the rules slowly change as the group decides how to have fun together. Roblox creators can quickly update and adjust their games to match the demands of the huge playing community.”

When Did Roblox-Mania Begin?

Despite parents noticing Roblox-mania among their kids and their kids’ peers only over the past few years, Roblox has been around for nearly two decades. An early iteration of the game was first introduced in 2004 by San Mateo, CA-based game developers David Baszucki and Erik Cassel, followed by the 2006 release of Roblox’s online gaming platform and game creation system.

Today, Baszucki is CEO of Roblox Corporation, the parent company of Roblox, and his username, “builderman,” is still the first welcome message that new players receive when they register new accounts.

Although Roblox’s popularity grew steadily in the 2010s, the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown helped to further accelerate Roblox’s popularity, especially among younger gamers. By 2021, Roblox achieved a milestone of 202 million monthly active users globally, an increase from 146 million in the previous year. Today, Roblox has more than 43 million daily active users, with a whopping 67% of Roblox users under age 16.

Many parents have stories of how when their kids were attending remote school and unable to have in-person playdates, Roblox was a lifeline between their kids and their friends. For many, meeting and playing together in Roblox’s virtual environment became a welcomed antidote to social distancing rules for both kids and parents alike.

“[During lockdown] my sons would set up playdates with their friends and say, ‘we’ll meet you in a specific game on Roblox,’ ” says Angeline Yeo, a Bay Area mom of 11-year-old twin boys Reece and Logan, who both started playing Roblox about a year ago. “It was the only way for them to connect with friends because San Francisco was pretty locked down then.”

As word of mouth among elementary school gamers spreads, Roblox continues to amass more players, who spend an average of 2.6 hours per day on the platform.

Roblox for Kids: Is It Safe?

Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB), the non-profit, self-regulatory body for the video game industry, gives Roblox an ESRB rating of E10+, meaning it’s suitable for all players ages 10 and older, although it’s a game that’s popular with even younger players. Consequently, Roblox’s strict Community Standards focus on fostering a safe and secure environment for players of all ages.

Roblox has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to child endangerment, violence, bullying and harassment, among other key safety tenets. The platform utilizes both software and 1,600 human moderators to filter and block inappropriate content, but offensive communications or inappropriate user-generated content can sometimes slip through the cracks.

“It’s important for parents to familiarize themselves with the robust parental controls that Roblox provides to ensure their children are shielded from inappropriate content or communications,” says Patricia Vance, president of the ESRB.

First and foremost, Vance insists that parents make sure their kid’s Roblox account is registered with an accurate birthdate, which enables automatic filtering and other protections that are designed to safeguard children under age 13. Additionally, kids and parents alike should familiarize themselves with how to block and report bullying or disruptive players. Last and most importantly, parents should teach their children never to share personal information online, including real names, addresses or passwords.

“Roblox’s parental controls give parents the ability to curate the content their kids may encounter when playing, including options to restrict voice chat only to approved friends or turn it off entirely, create a white list of age-appropriate games for your kids, and more,” Vance says.

Start here to find out how to activate Roblox’s safety tools.

Is Roblox Free to Play?

While Roblox is ostensibly free-to-play, there are plenty of in-game purchases. Many Roblox players say gameplay is hindered by not making in-game purchases, which include buying everything from virtual gear and clothing for avatars to virtual food to feed pets to virtual furniture as well as the ability to unlock levels and skills.

Roblox’s in-game virtual currency is called Robux and it costs real dollars to acquire. The more real money spent, the better the exchange rate: For example, 800 Robux cost $10, 4,500 Robux cost $50 and 10,000 Robux cost $100. There also are three tiers of Roblox Premium memberships, which have recurring monthly charges.

Parents with Roblox players are all too familiar with requests for more Robux, which can easily get out of hand. Yeo has a simple solution: “I don’t give the boys money [for Robux]; they are responsible for funding their own Robux through birthday money and red envelope cash gifts.”

How to Manage Screen Time?

Increasing screen time for kids is an ongoing concern for many parents, especially when kids already spend so much time on screens at school and at play. The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages media use by children younger than age two and recommends limiting older children’s screen time to no more than one or two hours a day.

But managing screen time for kids is often easier said than done, especially when online games like Roblox can easily become addictive. The Mayo Clinic offers three simple suggestions for helping to reduce screen time for kids:

Eliminate background TV
Keep TVs, smartphones and computers out of bedrooms
Don’t eat in front of screens.

When kids are using screens, experts encourage parents to be proactive about monitoring what, when and how much media they consume. When it comes to gaming, it’s easy to lose track of time, so parents of gaming kids should be especially vigilant, experts say.

“Kids have become so accustomed to screens,” says Mike Chung, a Redondo Beach, Calif.-based marketing technology strategist whose six-year-old son Teddy recently started dipping his toes into Roblox. Chung says Teddy’s access to apps on his iPad currently is limited to YouTube Kids, Khan Academy, Roblox and a few other pre-approved gaming apps. And while it’s easy to manage his son’s screen time at this age (“he’s six, as parents, we can just turn off his iPad”), Chung recognizes that managing screen time for kids will get more difficult as they grow older.

The good news for parents is that Roblox provides numerous settings to help moderate young gamers’ activities on the platform, including restrictions on how much time and money your child can spend. Parents also should take advantage of parental monitoring tools such as Microsoft’s Family Settings, Apple’s Screen Time and Google’s Family Link to manage precisely when and for how long your child is permitted to play games.

Still, many parents continue to be concerned about the excessive amount of time their kids are spending online playing games like Roblox. While these concerns are warranted, there is growing evidence that supports the creative and social value of playing video games.

“The social benefits of playing video games, both off- and online, have been grossly under-addressed in the media,” says Dr. Rachel Kowert, a research psychologist and the research director of Take This, a non-profit mental health organization that supports the diverse cultures and issues of the gaming community. “Rather than video games having created a generation of addicted and antisocial youths (as the stereotype would suggest), research indicates that the highly social nature of video games, both off- and online, helps to build and maintain friendships, both with pre-existing ‘offline’ friends and online friends.”

As one parent put it, there are pros and cons to Roblox for kids:

On the con side, some games on Roblox can be violent, and some bad players may want to take advantage of kids through scams or inappropriate conversations. Parents must be vigilant and proactive about implementing Roblox’s numerous age-appropriate safety and security tools.

On the pro side, the creative aspects of Roblox gameplay can spark a child’s imagination and further her interests in design and building. Plus, staying in touch with friends and family virtually when they’re unable to be together in person is a bonus.

When Is the Right Time to Pierce a Baby’s Ears?

by Teresa DouglasJanuary 15, 2023

From cultural norms and parent preference to the question of consent, there are a lot of factors that go into deciding the right time to pierce a child’s ears. We asked pediatricians and other experts for their perspectives on the ideal age (and potential pros and cons of infant ear piercing), as well as the best places to take kids to get their ears pierced, and what parents should know and consider ahead of time.

What Experts Say About Infant Ear Piercing

Parent holding a baby with pierced ears who had infant ear piercing — iStock

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends postponing piercing “until your child is mature enough to care for the site herself.” However, they also say that if a piercing is performed carefully and cared for conscientiously, there is little risk, no matter the child’s age.

Nivedita More, MD, a pediatrician at Bayside Medical Group at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, echoes this advice. While she recommends waiting until kids are older, she says that “if the parents desire to get their child’s ears pierced when they are younger, I recommend they get it 1-2 weeks after the second set of their primary vaccines, after four months of age, so they are protected against tetanus.”

As a general rule, hospitals in North America aren’t equipped to pierce the ears of newborns. “It is best for parents to check with their pediatrician regarding when and where this procedure can be performed safely by a pediatrician or a nurse or a trained technician under sterile precautions if desired,” More says.

You can also visit the Association of Professional Piercers’ (APP) website to find a reputable piercer in your area.

Should You Wait for Consent?

one question about ear piercing for kids is usually "what is the right age?" — iStock

When it comes to the question of ear piercing for kids, some parents want to hold off modifying their child’s body until they’re old enough to decide for themselves. And if you feel this way, then waiting is the right choice. That being said, many parents do make non-medical choices without their child’s consent. Haircuts come to mind. Hair grows back. And skin does, too, if a child later refuses to wear earrings. No peer-reviewed studies link baby ear piercing with long-term mental or emotional trauma. But there are physical pitfalls to avoid when piercing your kiddo’s ears.

Always check with your pediatrician if your little has a chronic health condition. And remember that those tiny lobes will need weeks of aftercare. If you can’t commit to an additional cleaning routine, consider waiting until your kid can handle the chore themselves.

Be aware that the younger the child, the harder it might be to find someone to pierce their ears. “ Many piercers prefer to wait until the child is old enough to request the piercing,” says Jef Saunders, past President of the Association of Professional Piercers and co-owner of Gamma Piercing. “I have several piercers who work for me, and none of them feel comfortable working with babies at this time. It is a personal decision for everyone involved, parent and piercer, so it may take some time to find the right fit.”

What to Look for When Taking Kids to Get Their Ears Pierced

ear piercing age is older for this little girl — iStock

As a general rule, find a business that makes the majority of its money piercing instead of selling jewelry. The expertise of the workers will reflect that focus.

Run, do not walk, away from any place that says “extensive experience” and refuses to give you a specific number. “Most quality shops will be happy to explain their training and continuing education, as well as their health and safety practices,” says Saunders. “If the store has a website, look for a commitment to jewelry quality, service, and safety over cheap price claims.” Do they use needles or an ear-piercing gun to pierce ears? The APP does not recommend using ear-piercing guns as “most…can’t be sterilized, and anyone being pierced by them is at risk. A reputable professional won’t use a gun for piercing–even for ear lobes.”

Saunders recommends looking “for a clean, well-lit facility. Attitude tells you a lot about a piercing shop. Look for folks interested in helping you, and seem enthusiastic about performing the piercing you are requesting. Trust your instincts! If you get a bad feeling about a situation or a facility, it is best to go home and sleep on it rather than push forward.”

The studio should also offer jewelry that is appropriate for new piercings. Ask for Titanium, Niobium, or 14k Gold that is nickel- and cadmium-free and alloyed for biocompatibility. Gold-plated or gold-overlay earrings aren’t acceptable. The metal below the coating can leach into baby’s skin, potentially causing contact allergies.

Platinum is also safe for little ears but is expensive. The first set of earrings will have longer-than-average posts to accommodate the initial swelling from the procedure. If you want to gift your child with heirloom-quality jewelry, consider saving your dollars for the second set of earrings. They're more likely to wear them after their ears heal up.

What to Know Before Getting Kids' Ears Pierced

“You can spare yourself an extra visit to the piercing studio by reading their ID and age requirements thoroughly before visiting,” advises Saunders. “Many states will require professional piercers to have photo ID for the parent, as well as birth certificates for the child being pierced. Some states even require a notarized copy of the paperwork! Reviewing paperwork requests, aftercare, and giving a little extra time to choose jewelry can really help the piercing experience go smoothly!”

Getting your baby’s ears pierced is a family decision. Take time to discuss the right timing for your cultural context. And do your homework before you go. You’ll set your child up for a smooth, safe experience at any age.

The Cultural Context Behind Infant Ear Piercing

little girl with her ears pierced — Michael Mims via Unsplash

For many families, piercing baby ears at one month or as a pre-teen boils down to culture. If your mother pierced your ears as a baby, and her mother pierced her ears as a baby, then piercing your baby’s ears is more than vanity—it links them to family history. It’s a rite of passage for both the child and the parent. For Hindus in India, it’s also an important part of religious tradition. The Karna Vedha Zanskar requires piercing a baby’s ears (of both genders) in either the first or third year of life.

Even for the non-religious, piercing your small fry’s ears early is viewed as a service. According to statista.com, over 80% of women have pierced ears. If you assume that your child will follow the trend, then getting an infant's ears pierced at three months, for example, means they won’t remember the pain of the procedure.

The best course of action is to decide on the right timing as a family. Your child’s other parent might have a strong opinion different from yours. Or you may discover that you aren’t as attached to this particular tradition as you thought. “In Chile, many baby girls are pierced after a couple of days of being born,” says Claudia Diaz, mother of one. “At that moment [of my daughter’s birth], I didn't put so much thought into it, and I followed the tradition. When I came to Canada, I felt I should not have done it because it was unnecessary. Now [that my daughter is a teen], I don't regret it because she has several piercings in her ears and one in her nose.”

How to Get Picky Eaters to Eat, According to a Food Blogger

by Sheri SilverAugust 24, 2022

As a professional recipe developer and mom of 3, now ages 30, 25, and 12, I’ve been working with food and parenting for a LONG time. I also have a unique perspective of parenting on both sides of the internet—and there were pros and cons to both experiences. For example, with my older two, I didn’t have the vast resources of food blogs, Facebook groups, and Google to turn to for #allthequestions. All I had were some books, friends and family, and my pediatrician. But at the same time, I didn’t have endless feeds in my face—at any hour of the day or night—flaunting image after image of perfect moms, with their perfect children, in their perfectly curated homes, eating their perfectly balanced meals.

Again, pros and cons.

And while a lot of things changed in the world between kid #2 and kid #3, the one thing that didn’t change in the decade-plus between my 2nd child and my 3rd child? The struggle to feed a picky eater. Three. Times. A day. (Plus snacks).

And—weirdly—neither did the “tried and true” tips for dealing with a picky eater. This was a major bummer, as all three of my kids were “selective” eaters. So, when I turned to the internet with my 3rd—convinced I’d be handed a shiny new collection of modern, innovative, “tried and true” tips—I found myself with the same suggestions as the first time around:

Cut food into cute shapes (so many cookie cutters!)
Let your kid help grow/shop for/prepare the food—they’ll be SO much more invested (no. just no.)
Sneak zucchini/beans/carrots/whatever into brownies/cookies/cake/whatever (the baker in me took MAJOR offense to this one)
Offer choices (did someone say, “short order cook”?)
Lead by example (takes to eating Oreos in the closet)
Limit junk food (takes to eating Oreos in the closet)
Have regular mealtimes (seriously?)

Like I said, MAJOR BUMMER.

Even before I started blogging, I considered myself a foodie, and a serious home cook and baker. There was nothing I wouldn’t have bought, prepared, sculpted, you name it, to get my daughter to eat a well-rounded meal. And yet it was clear early on that she simply had a (very) limited palate. Fortunately, I had a low-key and supportive pediatrician, who finally sat me down at her 4-year well visit (where I once again bemoaned my lack of success at getting her to eat better) and told me 2 things:

1. Stop looking at the meal-by-meal, or even the day-by-day, but look at what she eats over a whole week.

2. Stop fighting this battle. She was in excellent health, and this would not last forever.

And so I did. And all of a sudden things didn’t look so dire. Did she eat a variety of vegetables? No. She ate ONE (sliced red peppers), and I noticed she would eat a LOT if I served it up during her allotted afternoon TV time. So, I did.

Did she eat a variety of proteins? No. She ate ONE (my tuna salad, and always for lunch). But she never tired of it and so I always made sure I had a batch on hand (and stopped focusing on her non-negotiable “pasta with butter and cheese” dinner).

She always ate a wide range of fruits, so I put that at the top of the list of things to feel good about her diet, and when I’d reflect at the end of each week (as opposed to the meal-by-meal), things looked a LOT better.

And she grew up to be a beautiful eater, who is a pleasure to go out for a meal with as well as to cook for.

My point?

The answer to the question, “How do you raise food-loving kids?” is that you can’t. Whether it’s a control issue, a sensory challenge, or simply (in my kid’s case) a limited palate, you cannot force a kid to eat.

This isn’t to say that you should toss your hands up and stop trying. I NEVER stopped trying. But I did stop stressing. I had a good friend whose daughter ate a strictly “white food” diet, refusing to eat a single fruit, vegetable, or protein. And another whose kid was dining on oysters, escargot, and sushi from the time he sprouted teeth. And still another whose son was side-by-side in the kitchen with her, measuring, whisking, and sautéing dinners for the family by age three.

And they all grew up to be fine, healthy adults.

So, serve those cut-up veggies in front of the iPad/in the car/while watching TV. Have that “one protein” always at the ready (yes, even on vacation). Modify dinners IF you can (but don’t worry if you can’t or don’t want to—that’s why they invented mac and cheese). And look at the week, not the day.

And use those cookie cutters for making cookies. As nature intended.

Saved by a Dog Named Stormy

by Kurstin ChristieFebruary 28, 2022

Like so many children, my son’s interest in dogs started when he was young. The excitement he felt when he saw a dog resulted in squeals of delight and eventually evolved into begging, pleading and being the number one present on his wish list. As animal lovers ourselves, my husband, Eric, and I started seriously weighing the pros and cons of getting a dog. Eric was all for it, but juggling a career, family and everyday responsibilities already had my head spinning. Adding a dog into the mix seemed like it would push our family into further chaos.

On September 7, my husband died unexpectedly. Nothing could have prepared me for the heartbreak, fear and grief that followed. My loss wasn’t the worst of it. The most gut-wrenching pain comes from seeing my son experiencing the same feelings. In a day, our world was turned upside down, and there was nothing I could do about it.

Suddenly, our once vibrant home was too quiet. The void left by my husband’s absence was immeasurable and undeniable. My son buried himself in his iPad and me in my phone. He played Roblox, while I mindlessly scrolled through Instagram.

One day, four months later, my son said, “You know, dad promised me a dog when I turned 9.” Gulp. This was a pivotal moment. What do I do with that information? I was just learning how to navigate life as a newly single parent. That alone was overwhelming. And to adopt a dog in the mix? I was at a fork in the road, and I didn’t know what to do. My son had been so closed off since he lost his father. I closed my eyes, took a breath and told my son we were adopting a dog.

He beamed with excitement as we drove to pick up our new pet while I tried to manage the self-doubt and panic running through my head. It all happened so fast. We pulled up to the house, I signed the paperwork, put the dog in the carrier and was back on the 405-freeway heading home. In less than 30 minutes, Stormy joined our family.

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I was so focused on the added responsibility of owning a dog that I never considered the precious moments Stormy would bring. I didn’t realize how much she would help us emotionally. My son and I traded screen time for playing on the floor. We attended training classes together. We were so proud when Stormy learned her name. We laughed to tears when she stole chicken off the kitchen table. We feel so much love for her when she shows us she misses us by pulling our clothes downstairs to a certain spot.

I’ve watched my son become more confident because of Stormy. He’s more comfortable talking to people who want to pet her and has learned it’s important to think about someone other than yourself. For me, her snuggles calm me, and her daily walks get me outside, no matter how low I’m feeling. What can I say? I’m happy I threw caution to the wind and listened to my son. We needed Stormy. I’m a convert: and 100% certain that dogs are worth it.

Stormy celebrated her 2nd birthday this month.

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These Are the Best Cell Phones for Kids (Really!)

by Melissa HeckscherJanuary 24, 2022

If you think you have to choose between never caving on the topic of a cell phone or letting your child tumble freely into the tech abyss—think again. Turns out, not all phones will turn your kid into social media junkies or video game addicts. Some cell phones will do just what they’re supposed to do, i.e., help you communicate with your child.

According to a report from Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital, the average age at which most kids get a cell phone is 10, with most parents reporting they got their kids a device to connect with them and keep them safe (especially when they’re away from home). The report also said that while many parents worried beforehand about a phone having negative effects, it usually did not live up to those fears (especially when the phones were filtered and supervised).

But before you hand over the keys to the cellular kingdom, consider what sort of freedom you want your kids to have: Do you want them to have a phone only for calling and texting, or are you OK with a few games and apps? Do you want to be able to control the phone’s every feature—or do you just want a remote view of the action? We tried out the top options on the market in order to bring you the pros and cons of each one.

Best Phones for Little Kids: Watches

Phone watches are great because of the obvious—they’re physically strapped onto your child’s body. That means you don’t have to worry (as much) about whether the phone will be left at school or dropped onto the ground. They’re also usually limited in features, so your kid won’t be glued to the screen all day long. And while you could shell out nearly $500 for an Apple watch, there are less expensive options that are designed for younger wearers.

Gizmo Watch (Verizon)

Verizon's sleek little smartwatch is designed specifically for kids. It's waterproof, durable and easy to navigate—plus kids will love fun (but limited) features like a step counter, exercise games and a voice changer.

Pros:

Parents can set up to 10 contacts that kids can call or text (and nobody outside of that list can contact your child or be contacted by your child)
Has GPS location tracking and geofencing that can alert you if your child leaves a predetermined area
No apps or internet access
Has a few simple games—including a jumping game and a voice changer—but not so much that your child will be occupied with the screen for too long
Parent app can track child, see step count and view battery level
Check-In button lets kids ping parents with their location
Disney edition has video calling, a camera, and a game that lets kids "interact" with their favorite Disney characters
To-Do list helps kids stay organized and accomplish tasks

Cons:

Must open Gizmo app to text or view texts from child (you can't just text from your phone's messaging screen)
10 contact limit will be frustrating as child gets older and wants to call or text friends
No keypad for texting, so child must use preset messages or send voice recordings to communicate via text
Camera and video calling are only available on the Disney edition version of the watch
When making or taking a call, the small speaker on the watch makes it hard to hear in crowded/noisy places
May be distracting in class (since it's strapped to your child's arm instead of in a backpack)

Cost: $100 for basic watch; $200 for Disney edition—plus $10 a month for data/ cellular coverage.

Online: Verizon.com (or here for Disney edition)

Gabb Watch (Gabb Wireless)

Makers of the Gabb watch promise to offer "tech solutions without distractions." That means a phone watch that lets your kid call or text 10 pre-determined contacts, plus GPS tracking to keep your child on a digital leash while they're out in the world.

Pros:

No internet or apps to distract little communicators
Step-counter helps encourage your kid to be active
Parent app lets you designate "safe zones" and notifies you if child has left a zone
Can text child from outside of the parent app, meaning a designated contact doesn't have to download the app to use texting features
Lock mode lets you lock the phone during school hours (though the emergency contact is always available)
Gabb Go feature lets kids set goals (for doing chores, step count goals, etc.) and earn digital "coins" to redeem for preset rewards (which are set by parents in the app)
"Digital pet" feature lets kids take care of a watch-sized "pet" in exchange for digital coins; new pets are added as kids achieve their goals

Cons:

10 contact limit will be frustrating as child gets older and wants to call or text friends
No camera (though this could be seen as a pro)
No keypad for texting, so child must use preset messages or send voice recordings to communicate via text
Small speaker on the watch makes it hard to take calls in crowded/noisy places
For some kids, it may be distracting in the classroom (since it's on their wrist and not in a backpack)

Cost: $100; Wireless contracts start at $10 monthly

Online: Gabbwireless.com

Best Internet-Free Cell Phones for Kids

Remember the days when a phone was just a phone? Some phone-makers want to bring that era back, so you can give your child a simple phone without all the distractions. With these phones, your kid won’t be able to load TikTok if they tried.

Gabb Phone (Gabb Wireless)

Gabb phone is a good cell phone for kids — Gabb Wireless

The Gabb phone is the perfect "first phone" for kids who can handle having a phone instead of a watch (I.e., they're not going to leave it at school or a playground the first week of using it). Sleek and straightforward, Gabb uses a modified ZTE touchscreen smartphone to give kids calling and texting capabilities without internet, gaming or social media features. Kids will love the way it looks and feels (you'd never know it wasn't a "real phone," says our tester); parents will love that their kids can't do much more than use it to communicate.

Pros:

The simple interface offers only a few options: Calling, texting, music (you have to load it onto the phone from your computer or by texting the phone music files), FM radio, camera, calculator, voice recorder, calendar and clock (with stopwatch/ timer)
Battery lasts a long time (reportedly 16 hours of talk time or 18 days on standby!)
GPS location tracking with location updates
Locate Phone function plays a sound on the phone to help your child find the phone when it's lost in your home
No Internet, streaming video or app store
The 8-megapixel camera is good for a $100 phone (though low-light photos are unimpressive)
Comes pre-activated; you can start using it as soon as you turn it on

Cons:

Parents can't set contacts or control who calls the phone (though parents can block certain callers or calls from unidentified numbers)
Parents can't see who kids are messaging and what is being said in messages (unless they look at the call/messaging history on the phone itself)
Parents can't block the use of the phone at certain hours
Kids (especially tweens and teens) may balk at the idea of a phone that doesn't do much more than call or text

Cost: $100 (plus monthly cellular contract, which starts at $18 a month)

Online: Gabbwireless.com

Daisy F1 Flip Phone (Sunbeam Wireless)

2001 called and wants its phone back. If you can get your kids on board with the retro vibe of this old-fashioned flip phone, the Daisy is a great way to give your kids a phone for the sole purpose of keeping in touch. That means, they can talk and text—but that's about it (Note: Don't bank on long texting conversations as the small touch screen makes it tough.). If zero-distractions is what you're going for, it doesn't get more basic than this.

Pros:

Sole talk and text features keep distractions to a minimum
No Internet access, e-mail or app store
SOS button on the back of the phone can be useful in emergencies
Works with most major carriers
Small and easy to fit in even a small pocket
Folding design keeps the screen a bit more protected

Cons:

Your kid may flat-out refuse it because it looks like a "Grandma phone" (though watching the new Matrix movie might help)
A small touch screen keyboard makes texting more difficult
The 2-megapixel camera is unimpressive
Expensive for such a basic phone

Cost: $195 (plus whatever your carrier charges for adding a phone line)

Online: Sunbeamwireless.com

Best Phone for Giving Your Kids Apps… but Not “Those Apps”

Pinwheel Phone

Billing itself as a "phone that grows up with your child," the Pinwheel may be the best of both worlds for your little techie: It has tons of apps for your kid to peruse—but they're only apps deemed educational or enriching by Pinwheel's team of curators. "Using a phone as entertainment doesn’t set kids up well for success," said Pinwheel's "Chief Mom" Shelley Delayne. "Using it as a tool to help manage their life, using it for communication, using it to learn new skills — those benefit a kid."

That means YES to Kindle, Chess and Scratch, and NO to TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. Parents are given the control to pick and choose from the more than 250 curated apps and decide which—if any—should be available on their child's device.

Pros:

Parents can add Pinwheel's therapist-approved apps to their child's phone as they deem appropriate (or have no apps at all!)
No access to the Internet, social media or an app store
Parents can monitor text and call history
Parents can set time limits for phone use (such as turning it off during school hours or at bedtime)
Kids will agree that the sleek design makes Pinwheel look like a "real phone"
Parents must approve all contacts
GPS tracking and geofencing can keep digital tabs on your child
Partnered with Bark to monitor messages and e-mails for dangerous, predatory or suicidal behaviors

Cons:

The parental control app is a bit confusing, making it hard to quickly see what apps have been put on the device
More expensive than some other options (up to $329 for the phone, plus a $15 a month Pinwheel subscription in addition to your carrier's data/cellular fee)
Older kids may still resent the fact they can't use social media or games of their choosing
Some loopholes may allow kids to get onto the internet (via links sent in e-mail, for instance)

Cost: $149-$329 depending on the model you choose (plus $15 a month for a Pinwheel subscription and whatever your carrier charges for an added phone line)

Online: Pinwheel.com

Best Phone for Older Kids Who Deserve a Little Online Freedom

Aqua One

Are you ready to give your kids a no-holds-barred phone but still nervous about what they may say or do with that freedom? The makers of the Aqua One phone by Cyber Dive believe kids (mostly older) should be allowed to do what they want on their phones—as long as their parents have complete oversight. That means, on the Aqua One, that while parents can't block messages or apps, they can see exactly what kids are doing on their phones at all times.

"Parental control software is a band-aid solution to a massive wound. It creates a facade of safety," said Cyber Dive CTO and co-founder Derek Jackson. "It results in children exploring on their own, figuring out ways to circumvent the controls, and being exposed to new things that they don't know how to interpret or understand. They aren't as ready for the firehose of information that the internet provides because of parental controls."

Jackson said that instead of controlling kids, it's better to give parents access and teach kids mindfulness. "When a schoolmate sends your child a nude photo on Snapchat, you no longer have to worry about never finding out," he said. "Instead, you can be the one to start the conversation with your child; not from a place of judgment, but a place of understanding and acceptance."

Pros:

Parents can see all the child's activity on the phone, including social media posts, text messages across various platforms, call history, etc.
Parents can keep track of every app the child downloads
Kids are given daily "mental health checks" (such as showing them emojis and asking which describes their feelings) which parents can see
Parents will receive alerts regarding concerning activity (sexual content, suicidal ideation, predatory behavior, etc.)
Parents are given a list of frequently-used words, which can help in better understanding their kids
GPS location tracking
Parents can be armed with information to have honest discussions with their kids
Kids may be less likely to post offensive or questionable content since they know Mom or Dad is watching
The phone—and future phone replacements—are free

Cons:

While the phone is free, the $69 subscription is expensive
May not prevent online addition or help develop healthy phone habits
Parents may be torn as to how to handle what they see—and still allow the unlimited phone access
Kids may feel like they're being "spied on" when parents see private messages or content (though this should be understood and discussed from the beginning)
Parents can't pause internet or set time limits/ bedtime etc.

Cost: The phone is free; $69 per month subscription

Online: Cyberdive.co/aqua-one

Troomi Wireless

Troomi is a good cell phone for kids — Troomi Wirless

Parents have control with this phone that is perfect for kids dipping their toes in for the first time. Troomie uses real phones with locked-down features that include the pre-loaded KidSmart OS that can be controlled through the Troomi Parent Portal.

Geared towards nine to 12-year-olds, the Samsung phones are meant to grow with your budding tween and prepare them to responsibly use them as they mature. They offer military-grade security, and no social media apps or addictive games.

Pros:

Use Troomi SafeListing™ to eliminate unwanted calls and texts
Opt for text-only messages or enable picture texting and group chats
No app store on the phone, but parents can add through the Parent Portal
Completely remove the internet, or introduce it using the KidSmart browser
Most apps only work on Wifi

Cons:

Purchasing the phone is expensive
Older kids may not like the fact that they cannot use traditional apps
The phones can be large and bulky

Cost: $180 for the phone, with monthly plans starting at $15

Online: troomi.com

If You Want to Give Your Kid Your Old Phone

Using Parental Control Apps

Bark is a good parental control app when considering a cell phone for kids — Bark

Do you have an old phone your kid is dying to inherit? Ready to upgrade your iPhone and want to give your child your current device? You don't have to buy a new phone to keep your kid safe online. There is a multitude of phone/message filtering apps and devices to choose from—whether you want to block particular apps, read your kids' text messages, or pause the internet when your kid wants to play Roblox after school instead of doing homework. Here are our favorite apps and devices:

Bark - Bark monitors texts, emails, YouTube and 24+ different social media platforms for signs of potential issues like cyberbullying, adult content, online predators, drug use, self-harm, depression, and suicidal ideation—and will notify you immediately if any of these are detected. It also allows you to block apps that you don't want your child using or set particular times they can use them.

Available at bark.us for $9 per month.

Circle Home Plus - An external device that attaches to your router and lets you set screen time limits, pause the Internet, and filter content across every device in your home. You can also set a "Safe Search" and "YouTube restricted" mode that keeps explicit content off your child's devices. Want to reward your child with screen time? There's a “By Reward Only” feature that'll give your child more time or app play when you deem it as "earned."

Available for $129 (purchase includes 1 year, then $9.99/month after the first year) at meetcircle.com

Screentime for iPhone - Available on all iPhones, Screentime can block apps or websites you don't want your child to visit and set bedtimes or "downtime" hours. You have to do this from the device itself, but it's password-protected, so kids won't be able to change the settings unless they see you tapping the code.

Google Family Link - For Android or Google phones, Family Link lets you view app activity, set screen time limits, filter specific websites, and get reports showing how much time kids are spending on their favorite apps (and what time of day they're doing it). You can also block apps your child wants to download from the Google Play Store, as well as block in-app purchases.

Available on all Android devices for free. For more information, click here.

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1. Start conversations about smart decision-making early.

2. Role-model smart decision-making behaviors.

3. Set clear expectations and boundaries.

4. Practice makes perfect.

5. Let them learn from their mistakes.

6. Develop their critical thinking skills.

7. Help them understand risks.

8. Nurture emotional intelligence.

9. Be supportive and consistent.

10. Practice patience and understanding.

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Kids on Instagram

Kids on TikTok

Kids on Snapchat

Kids on Discord

Kids on Reddit

Kids on Facebook

Facebook Messenger Kids

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We’ve even got a few tips and tricks to help you make it work

First, a few benefits of siblings sharing a room

You’ll save money.

A dedicated space practically guarantees a good night’s sleep.

Sibling bonding gets a boost.

Kids learn to compromise.

Here are the trickier parts of sibling room sharing

Kids don’t have their own space.

Sibling conflict can be rough.

Different gender siblings.

Sleep disruptions will drive everyone bananas.

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Again, pros and cons.

Like I said, MAJOR BUMMER.

My point?

And they all grew up to be fine, healthy adults.

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Best Phones for Little Kids: Watches

Gizmo Watch (Verizon)

Gabb Watch (Gabb Wireless)

Best Internet-Free Cell Phones for Kids