It can be easy to tell ourselves all sorts of things about our kids: we were once in their shoes, we’ve been there before, and we know how it feels—all of this is true. It’s also true we didn’t grow up in a tech-driven world, so while we as parents might worry about our kids falling victim to schoolyard taunts and teasing, because of the vast amount of time our children spend connected with digital devices nowadays, our attention needs to shift from in-person bullying to cyberbullying.

What is cyberbullying? Simply defined, cyberbullying is any kind of bullying behavior that’s perpetrated or experienced via digital and Internet-connected devices—smartphones, computers, or tablets. From harassing text messages to manipulation and extortion, kids and teens today are increasingly at risk of being bullied online and because parents and teachers may not overhear or see various types of cyberbullying when it happens, it can be difficult to detect and address.

“For lots of parents who were kids in the 1980s, we think bullying is whatever happened at school translated to online. The reality of cyberbullying is much more complex and the spectrum of abuse more broad than schoolyard bullying,” said Yaron Litwin, Digital Safety Expert & Chief Marketing Officer at Canopy, a leading AI solution to combat harmful online content for kids and teens.

According to a recent survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 46% of teens ages 13 to 17 reported they have experienced some form of online bullying or harassment. The problem is especially acute for girls, who reported marginally higher incidents of online abuse and harassment compared to boys.

And, with children’s increasingly easy access to digital technologies, cyberbullying is taking an enormous toll on their mental, emotional, and physical health, according to Stop Bullying.Gov, an anti-bullying resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. While all U.S. states have laws requiring schools to respond to bullying, the laws in many states are still playing catch up to address the prevalence of cyberbullying. For parents, understanding the different forms of cyberbullying that kids and teens can experience is an important first step to help protect them from online harassment and abuse.

Related: What to Do When Your Kid Wants a Social Media Account

Here are 10 types of cyberbullying kids and teens may experience:

Spamming: As the name suggests, cyberbullying via spam is designed to inundate an intended target with unwanted text messages, e-mails, pictures, or videos—delivered through SMS, e-mail, or app inboxes like Snapchat or Instagram. By overwhelming bullying victims’ inboxes, cyberbullies make their abuse difficult to ignore.

Trolling: Some cyberbullies operate by posting intentionally provocative or offensive comments, images, or videos to elicit reactions from others. An online troll baits others into confrontation or conflict, which prompts the troll’s bullying behavior.

Catfishing: Creating fake social media profiles or accounts allows a catfishing cyberbully to pretend to be someone else. This tactic can be used to lure a bullying victim into a conversation or used to spread rumors or post negative content about someone.

Harassment: This can include sending threatening or intimidating messages, posting hurtful or untruthful comments on social media or online forums, and repeatedly sending unwanted messages or requests as a way to harass or abuse someone.

Exclusion: In the same way that kids and teens can be excluded in real life, exclusion in digital spaces can include being left out of group chats, conversations, or events.

Stalking: This involves repeatedly sending messages, following someone online, or gathering information about them with the intention of making them feel uncomfortable or unsafe.

Outing: Kids and teens may share personal and secret information with friends, but when private information is weaponized by sharing it online without consent and with the intention to embarrass or humiliate, it becomes cyberbullying.

Doxxing: Similar to outing, doxxing involves posting personal information, such as someone’s home address or phone number, without consent and for the expressed purpose of causing or encouraging harm or abuse.

Swatting: Swatting is an extreme form of harassment when a bully makes a false report of a serious crime, such as a hostage or active shooter situation, to send a SWAT team or other law enforcement officers to a targeted location. Swatting is a dangerous and illegal prank that has resulted in injury and even death.

Extortion: Digital extortion is a form of cybercrime where a perpetrator threatens to release sensitive or embarrassing information about the victim unless a ransom is paid. This information can include personal photos or videos, financial information, or even passwords. Digital extortion is a growing problem, especially among kids and teens. This is because young people are more likely to share personal information online and may not be as aware of the risks involved.

Technology continues to evolve rapidly, and cyberbullies have taken advantage, using apps like Snapchat’s disappearing messages to harass without evidence. As applications and tools powered by artificial intelligence make online impersonation easier, here are a few tips that parents can employ to help protect their kids from different types of cyberbullying:

dad talking with his son about types of cyberbullying
iStock

 

Stay engaged: While it’s easy to become overly protective, it’s important to maintain the right balance between giving kids and teens the privacy they deserve and knowing everything about their online activities. Look out for changes in behavior and be proactive about knowing what’s happening with your child’s friend group.

Ask questions: Although it may be uncomfortable for both parent and child, it’s important to ask questions about what’s going on in your kid’s digital life. What kinds of interactions are they having online? What apps, services, and websites are they frequently using?

Use technology: Oftentimes, kids’ facility with technology exceeds that of their parents. It’s important for parents not to relinquish total control of access to digital devices to their children. There are monitoring apps and services that can help protect kids and families from unwanted harassment and abuse online. 

According to Canopy’s Litwin, “Combating cyberbullying requires a mix of AI and PI—artificial intelligence and parental intelligence.”

Related: Having the Tough Talk about Cyberbullying with Your Kids

If it were up to Hollywood, high school would be a place where popular kids never get zits, every student is a professional dancer, and geeks are one makeover away from becoming prom queen. Yeah, not so much. IRL, the halls of high school harbor angst, absurdities, and awkwardness. Oh, and hormones. Gobs of hormones. Luckily, there are those films that do get the experience right. Ahead are 21 high school movies you’ll want to watch with your tweens and teens. And who knows? Maybe they’ll open up about a thing or two.

Looking for other movies to watch with kids? Check out our favorite movies with a father-daughter bond, our favorite movies about friendship, and the best coming-of-age movies that should be required viewing.

Booksmart

Olivia Wilde’s directorial debut perfectly portrays the experience of overcoming misconceptions. Seniors Molly and Amy are closing out high school with Ivy Leagues on the horizon. When they learn the social crowd is also headed to equally esteemed schools, they decide to indulge in a little teenage debauchery the night before graduation. A familiar narrative, maybe, but Wilde’s injection of female friendship and a cast that flies the rainbow flag freely make this high school movie so very special.

Stream it on Tubi

Bottoms

Ayo Edebiri (The Bear) and Rachel Sennott (Bodies Bodies Bodies) team up for a queer comedy about two best friends who start an after-school fight club to attract the attention of their dream girls and lose their virginity before graduation. Warped and exaggerated, yet authentic and relatable, Emma Seligman’s satirical take on the awkward high school experience is grade-A hilarity and exactly the knockout crowd-pleaser we are coming to expect from the darkly comedic director on the rise.

Stream it on Prime Video

CODA

Ruby has a lot on her plate. The only hearing person in her family, she helps run her father’s fishing boat, acts as her family’s interpreter, and haggles with fish buyers—and that’s before she even gets to school. But Ruby, a senior, has a secret: She loves to sing and wants to attend the Berklee College of Music. Cue the clash with her parents. A three-time Oscar winner, Sian Heder’s tearjerker isn’t without its stereotypes, but above all, it’s a genuine, relatable, and thoughtful representation of deaf culture.

Stream it on Apple TV+

The Half of It

Set in the Pacific Northwest, The Half of It unfolds through Ellie Chu, a 17-year-old wordsmith recruited by an athlete to help him write a love letter to the girl they are both crushing on. Sound familiar? That’s because Alice Wu’s near-perfect rom-com is a modern take on Cyrano de Bergerac. Here, Wu subverts teen movie tropes and instead focuses on connections made outside of messy hormonal drama. But where the film really gets it right is right there in its tagline: “Not every love story is a romance.”

Stream it on Netflix

10 Things I Hate About You

We could list 10 things we love about this 1999 rom-com, but to save time and space, we’ll just say Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith’s screenplay is a feminist take on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, and that’s reason enough to hit play. If you need more, this high school movie about two sisters and the boys trying to court them is also bolstered by strong performances from its core cast (Heath Ledger, Julia Stiles), while offering fresh takes on themes of sibling rivalry, ruined reputations, and self-identity.

Stream it on Disney+

Lady Bird

Lady Bird is a great high school movie
A24 Films

Greta Gerwig takes a drive down her own memory lane (or nightmare alley, depending on how you look at it) for the narrative in Lady Bird. Written and directed by the Sacramento native, the film was inspired by her own coming-of-age, capturing teenage angst like no other. Beyond accurately representing the all-encompassing, overly dramatic flirtatious moments with boys and the spirited bond between two best friends, Gerwig’s depiction of the nuances of the mother/teen-daughter relationship gets an A+.

Stream it on Prime Video

Moxie

Amy Poehler steps behind the lens to direct the film adaptation of Jennifer Mathieu’s same-name novel. Though a work of fiction, Moxie pulls from the author’s own experiences with the Riot Grrrl movement of the ’90s to tell a coming-of-age story about a shy 16-year-old who fights the patriarchy in her school by publishing a feminist zine. Sexism, antiquated traditions, toxic masculinity: Poehler takes care to highlight today’s seemingly benign behaviors and offers a master class on how to dispel them.

Stream it on Netflix

Dope

Shameik Moore will steal your heart as Malcolm, a straight-A student navigating street crime, peer ridicule, and, of course, the SATs. He and his best friends live in a neighborhood of Inglewood called the Bottoms, but if Malcolm and his Harvard aspirations are any indication, he’s headed straight for the top. That is until a run-in with a drug dealer threatens to derail everything. Blending hood drama with teen comedy, Dope is a highly entertaining take on being young, Black, and othered in today’s America.

Stream it on Netflix

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Author Jenny Han’s beloved To All the Boys trilogy got the Netflix treatment, with the streamer adapting each book for the screen over three years. But, it’s the first installment, introducing Lara Jean and Peter, that deserves all the X’s and O’s. A reinvented rom-com that revamps tired tropes, celebrates diversity, and speaks to anyone who’s ever had a crush, TATBILB begins with Lara Jean’s love letters being mysteriously mailed to their recipients and ends by giving rise to one of the best YA couples of all time.

Stream it on Netflix

Prom Pact

Two tropes that often mosey their way into high school comedies? Proms and pacts. Usually, both intertwined with another coming-of-age trope: S-E-X. But director Anya Adams breaks the formulaic mold with Prom Pact, a rom-com about a feminist firebrand in the making, her plucky best friend, and their agreement to go to prom as long there’s no slow dancing. A sleeper hit of 2023, this send-up of seminal ’80s classics like Pretty in Pink subverts expectations, offering instead a thoughtful charmer full of surprises.

Stream it on Disney+

Related: 15 Movies Your Tweens Will Watch without Rolling Their Eyes

The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give
20th Century Fox

Starr Carter is living a double life. During the week, she attends a predominantly white prep school. But on the weekends, she lets loose in Garden Heights, the lower-income neighborhood where she grew up. It’s only after one fateful night, when her best friend is killed by a police officer, that her two paths converge and she finds her singular voice. An important film, George Tillman Jr.’s hefty crime drama might be the conversation starter you need to talk with your kids about race and police brutality.

Stream it on Prime Video

Remember the Titans

Based on the real-life events surrounding Coach Herman Boone and the integration of his high school football team, Remember the Titans is a Disney classic that delivers all the chill bumps. Not only does it offer a glorious sports story, but the film’s depiction of a divided Southern town that eventually unites is inspiration gold. Of course, this is the House of Mouse, where saccharine flourishes always win out, but, hey, when a film recruits Ryan Gosling, Marvin Gaye, and Denzel Washington, it simply can’t lose.

Stream it on Disney+

The Edge of Seventeen

You know those movies that are so easy to watch you don’t want them to end? This is one of those movies. Set during the fall season, this gem from writer/director Kelly Fremon Craig stars Hailee Steinfeld as Nadine, a 17-year-old tortured by her own emotions and hormones. When her best friend, Krista, starts dating her older brother, well, life gets worse. A candid coming-of-age tale told with refreshing wit and charming zing, Seventeen is a welcome addition to the teen drama canon.

Stream it on TBS

Mean Girls

High school: where kids can recite the quadratic equation and evaluate limits, but get stumped when it comes to figuring out girl rules. This is why we can’t forget about Mean Girls, a fun romp about a naive teen (Lindsay Lohan) who upends the social hierarchy at her new school. Though it might be a bit exaggerated, thanks to the hilarious contributions of writer Tina Fey, this Mark Waters classic high school movie tackles the harsh reality of bullying and the consequences of trying to fit in with the wrong crowd.

Stream it on Paramount+

Do Revenge

Sure, Do Revenge takes up residence in the privileged lives of high schoolers who go to tennis camp, throw lavish parties, and frequent ritzy country clubs, but there are elements of this Gen Z prize that ring true. Namely navigating bullies, female friendships, and the consequences of digital living. A contemporary watch, Do Revenge is also an homage to the teen-coms that defined yesteryear (Heathers, Clueless, Easy A). Not to mention, it has a truly stellar soundtrack both parents and their teens will enjoy.

Stream it on Netflix

Related: 14 Coming-of-Age Movies That Should Be Required Viewing

Love & Basketball

Love & Basketball is a great high school movie
40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks

Sex happens. So, thank goodness there are filmmakers like Gina Prince-Bythewood who pay special attention when depicting the act on the screen. Starring Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps, Love & Basketball tracks one couple’s relationship over the decades, with most of their narrative set during high school. Beyond authentically portraying the aforementioned “first time” (with a particularly memorable needle drop, we might add), the movie explores gender equality in sports, celebrating women’s basketball with the shout-out it deserves.

Stream it on Hulu

Chang Can Dunk

It’s the beginning of his sophomore year and Chang, a 16-year-old NBA buff whose other interests include band and the new girl named Christy, has only one goal: Prove to the entire school he can slam dunk. His aspiration to fly through the air like a swag god is the result of some alpha-male rivalry, part of what first-time director Jingyi Shao gets right about the hormone headquarters also called high school. Beyond the courtside machismo, Shao weaves in the immigrant experience and delivers a winning coming-of-ager the whole family will love.

Stream it on Disney+

The Breakfast Club

The quintessential scribe of ’80s teen angst, John Hughes is responsible for several iconic films. Perhaps the most heralded? The Breakfast Club. Capturing the essence of cliques and the pressure to conform, the film spends a Saturday in detention bonding with a group of archetyped students. Although some scenes don’t hold up today (an observation made by Molly Ringwald herself), this cult classic reminds us that no matter how different we may seem on the surface, we are all the same insecure youths on the inside.

Stream it on Prime Video

Superbad

Directed by Greg Mottola and written by real-life best friends Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, Superbad turns the raunch dial way up for an essential high school movie comedy that really nails the teen experience, the idea of the bromance, and the awkwardness that infiltrates the halls of every high school. About two social outcasts who throw a house party to impress some girls, the 2007 film also changed the genre at the time, openly hurling penis jokes and packing its reel with as much coital chatter as its R rating would allow.

Stream it on Prime Video

Dazed and Confused

Richard Linklater always gets slice-of-life filmmaking right. From Boyhood to Everybody Wants Some to this retro delight, the Texas director is a master of nostalgia, essentially making the viewer feel like a tourist in a series of Polaroids snapped during personal milestones. Set in 1976 on the last day of school, Dazed and Confused does just that as it tags along with a group of teens maneuvering spilled beers, bong clouds, and unruly upperclassmen. Familiar faces include Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck.

Stream it on Prime Video

 

 

If you don’t know how to translate the gorgeous rooms you see on Instagram and Pinterest to real life, design help is on the way. These nursery design services let you create a picture-perfect room for your little one, often for a fraction of the cost of a traditional design team. They’ll take your style and budget into consideration so you’ll come out with a ready-to-buy nursery.

photo: Havenly

Havenly
Havenly is a great first stop on your path to decorating a blank slate. Start with the site’s cost calculator, where you can select items to get an idea of the cost of a completed space. For each category, choose if you want the item to be a budget, moderate, or spendy purchase. These estimates are averages, so don’t be alarmed if you choose a budget crib and see a whopping price tag of $400. Havenly works with a number of reasonably priced retailers, like Wayfair and Target, meaning you can ask your designer to choose a crib that’s under $300. Next, choose between the online or in-person design experience. Both include 1:1 collaboration with an expert. Find out more at havenly.com.

Your Favorite Furniture Store
If you need some hand-holding but don’t have the budget to invest in a 3D rendering, check out the in-house design services offered by the mall-staple furniture companies (think West ElmPottery Barn KidsBallard Design and Restoration Hardware). Most of these services are free and are offered online as well as in-store. Restoration Hardware provides this service free for members (membership costs $100 but includes perks like 25% on full-priced items and 20% off sale items). These companies employ certified designers who will incorporate your existing furniture into a plan that features your brand of choice, so you don’t need to utilize a company that specializes in nurseries. If you’ve picked out the crib, they can do the rest—rugs, curtains, wall color, and more!

Make sure to capture all the sweetest moments of baby in their gorgeous new room—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

Bond with your tweens and teens when you watch these must-see films

Everyone can relate to a good coming-of-age movie. Parents watch them and get nostalgic for the ups and downs of their youth. Tweens and teens look to them for guidance, advice, or at the very least, some sign that they’re not alone in what they’re going through. Better still, they’re great for helping grown-ups and their kids bond over laughs, adolescent cringe, and real-life lessons. Whether you’re looking for a film that might help you broach a difficult topic with your child or simply want to share some of the films that guided you into adulthood, here are 14 coming-of-age movies you’ll definitely want to bring up during the next family movie night.

Turning Red

This Academy Award-nominated animated film about an adolescent girl who suddenly finds herself being magically transformed into a giant red panda has quickly become a family favorite, and it’s a great one to watch, especially with tweens. Tackling the (taboo for some) topic of menstruation head-on through the lens of an Asian American family is refreshing in terms of subject matter and representation. It’s currently streaming on DisneyPlus.

Stand By Me

Rob Reiner’s film based on a Stephen King novella is a major coming-of-age classic. It follows a group of best friends on their journey to find the body of a missing child, and the challenges they face along the way that alter their lives forever. It touches on difficult topics like bullying, grief, and trauma. Starring Wil Wheaton, River Phoenix, Kiefer Sutherland, Corey Feldman, and Jerry O’Connell, watch it now on Paramount+.

Crooklyn

A semi-autobiographical dramedy co-written by Spike Lee and his siblings Joie and Cinqué, Crooklyn is a heartfelt and hilarious look at black girlhood through the eyes of a nine-year-old girl living in Brooklyn’s Bed-Stuy neighborhood one summer in the 1970s. Starring Alfre Woodard, Delroy Lindo, Isaiah Washington, and Zelda Harris, watch it now on Peacock.

Real Women Have Curves

Real Women Have Curves is a coming of age movie for teens
HBO Films

 

Starring Superstore’s America Ferrera, this film about a young Mexican-American woman caught between her desire to move away for college and her sense of obligation to stay home and help provide for her family brings the first-generation, coming-of-age experience to life. Watch it now on HBO Max.

The Edge of Seventeen

When high school junior Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld) finds out her brother is dating her best friend, her life begins to spin out. But when a new friend comes alone, she realizes not all is lost—a great lesson for every teen struggling with unwelcome changes. Also starring Blake Jenner, Woody Harrelson, and Haley Lu Richardson, it’s now streaming on Hulu Premium.

CODA

While the circumstances and details change, many teens understand what it’s like to be caught between your family’s needs and your own desires. In this Academy Award-winning film, 17-year-old Ruby (Emilia Jones) is stuck between helping her deaf family with their fishing business and pursuing her newfound love of singing. Also starring Troy Kotsur (who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor), Marlee Maitlin, and Daniel Durant, you can stream it with your family on Apple TV.

Related: 15 Movies Your Tweens Will Watch without Rolling Their Eyes

A Wrinkle In Time

A Wrinkle in Time is a coming of age movie for kids
Disney

 

Although we remember this as more of a sci-fi story, A Wrinkle In Time is also the coming-of-age story of Meg Murray, who travels through space and time in search of her father while making friends and growing into herself along the way. Directed by Ava DuVernay, this lovely adaptation stars Storm Reid, Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, and Chris Pine, and is available to watch on Disney+.

But I’m A Cheerleader

This black comedy from 1999 stars a young Natasha Lyonne as Megan, a high school cheerleader who gets sent to a conversion camp by her homophobic parents. It’s not as depressing as it sounds—instead, the film highlights why these camps don’t work and helps LGBTQ+ youth feel seen (plus RuPaul is one of the counselors!) Also starring Clea DuVall, it’s now streaming on Paramount Plus and Showtime.

Morris from America

When Morris, a young American teen with dreams of becoming a hip-hop star, moves to Germany with his widowed father, he’s quickly faced with the reality that he’s essentially a fish out of water. It’s a comedy that delicately but still hilariously touches on everything from romance and drug experimentation to racism, grief, and living as an ex-pat. Starring Craig Robinson and Markees Christmas, stream it on HBO Max.

Little Women

Little Women
Sony Pictures

 

Louisa May Alcott’s tale about the trials and tribulations of four sisters growing up during and after the Civil War remains a timeless treasure. Despite being a period piece, the themes of family, love, rejection, loss, and forgiveness continue to make fans hundreds of years later. Starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, and Florence Pugh, stream it with the kids on Starz.

Mean Girls

This hilarious coming-of-age movie is a must-watch for any femme tween or teen dealing with the inevitable mean girl at their own school. When Cady finds herself in a new school dividing her time between the it-crowd and her “nerdier” best friends, she quickly finds out popularity comes with a price. Stream on Paramount+ or Pluto TV.

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

The quintessential movie about skipping school with your best friends and trying to have the best time of your life was one many of us grew up with and can now share with our kiddos. There are art museums, parades, fancy cars, mistakes, regrets, and epic chases throughout this John Hughes classic. Watch it now on Showtime or Paramount+.

Related: The Best Family Movies to Stream for Your Next Movie Night

The Half of It

The Half if It
Netflix

 

Loosely based on Cyrano de Bergerac, this story about a quiet Chinese-American girl—who helps a local jock write the love letters she wishes she were brave enough to write for a girl named Aster—is chock full of heart. It’s a wonderful film that can be especially helpful for young tweens and teens starting to navigate the world of unrequited love. Watch now on Netflix.

Almost Famous

Directed by Cameron Crowe, this film follows a 15-year-old aspiring music journalist named William (Patrick Fugit) who lands a dream assignment profiling a rising rock band Stillwater for Rolling Stone Magazine. While his mother reluctantly allows him to go on tour with them, it’s William who eventually recognizes he’s got a lot more growing up to do. A solid coming-of-age movie with a stellar ’70s rock soundtrack, this one is best left for teens. Catch it on Paramount+.

These coloring pages, color-by-number printables, mad libs, printable mazes, and activity pages for kids are all free

Our best remedy for long winter days? A healthy supply of printable activity pages for kids—because when it’s too chilly to go outside, exercising their brains is the next best thing. We’ve rounded up the coolest printables with a timely winter theme, from mad libs to paper snowflakes, free coloring pages, color-by-number printables, and more. Fire up the printer!

North Pole Elf Application

This elf application is a fun Christmas activity page for kids
Elf for Christmas

In what might be the cutest winter-themed activity page for kids we've seen, have your little ones 'apply' to be an elf at the North Pole. They'll have to answer questions like "Can you make a snowball?" and "Do you like candy canes?" and there's a spot for them to pick their preferred job in Santa's Village. Download it here

Education.com

Try out this fun matching game activity page from Education.com! It'll keep the kids busy for hours.

Education.com

Whether your kiddo loves skiing or not, they'll love coloring this cool skier from Education.com!

Count the Snowmen

activity sheets
MomDot

Get counting practice in with this printable from MomDot. Once they’ve counted up all the snowmen, they can decorate them all too!

Trace the Winter Hat

Twisty Noodle

This printable activity page for kids from Twisty Noodle is perfect for chilly days. Kids can flex their tracing skills, and then color in the hat however they like.

Ice Skating Tangle

Tim’s Printables

Here’s a good challenge for your little ones: can they untangle the twisty ice skating path created by Tim’s Printables?

Trace, Color & Cut

activity sheets
Woo! Jr.

Wintertime calls for a nice cup of hot cocoa, as Woo! Jr. knows. Whip up a batch while the kids work on tracing with this cute (and free!) printable.

I Spy, Winter Edition

Live Laugh Rowe

If your little one is just learning how to count, this I Spy printable from Live Laugh Rowe will help them practice their skills.

Winter Mad Libs

activity sheets
Woo! Jr.

Create a silly story with these fun winter-themed Mad Libs. Get the printables (including ones about a snowstorm, ice skates, and winter facts) from Woo! Jr. 

Related: 42 Things Every Family Should Do Together This Winter

Winter Secret Message

All Kids Network

Kids can decode a secret message with this simple but fun printable from All Kids Network.

Cone Paper Dolls

activity sheets
Mr. Printables

Thanks to Mr. Printables, it’s ridiculously easy to make your own paper dolls. Just print out the doll printables and winter-themed clothes, then roll them up and glue your creations together.

Gingerbread Hunt

KCEdventures

This activity from KCEdventures requires a bit of pre-planning, but it’s totally worth the effort. Print out the gingerbread people and hide them around the house, then let the kids hunt for them all!

Paper Snowflakes

activity sheets
First Palette

Remember cutting out paper snowflakes as a kid? Now your little ones can do the same, thanks to First Palette.

Winter Color by Number

Itsy Bitsy Fun

Perfect for preschool or kindergarten-aged kids, these color-by-number printables from Itsy Bitsy Fun will be the perfect snow day activity.

Wintry Scene Coloring Page

Dover Publications

Keep your little ones entertained with this intricate winter scene coloring page from Dover Publications.

Snowflakes

activity sheets
First Palette

Let your budding artist unleash their creativity on these snowflakes from First Palette. Available in different sizes and designs, they can color them, cut them out, and even use them to make a garland or another craft.

Snowman Playdough Mats

Itsy Bitsy Fun

The kiddos can practice counting and work on their fine motor skills with this genius printable from Itsy Bitsy Fun. Plus, they’re always lured in by playdough!

Winter Dot Painting

The Resourceful Mama

This cute activity sheet for kids from The Resourceful Mama is sure to be a hit with your little ones. If you’ve got dot markers, they can fill them in with those, or you can use pom poms or regular markers.

Winter I Spy

activity sheets
Simple Play Ideas

Stuck inside during a snowstorm? This I Spy game from Simple Play Ideas will be a lifesaver. It’ll put your kids’ finding and counting skills to the test.

Related: 10 Genius Ways to Keep the Kids Busy (Batteries Not Required!)

Winter Color-by-Letter

Trail of Colors

Little ones can practice their alphabet while coloring wintry pictures with these fun color-by-letter worksheets from Trail of Colors.

Winter Pattern Mats

activity sheets
Life Over C’s

We love this winter printable from Life Over C’s that’s sure to keep the kids occupied for an afternoon. Once you’ve printed out the pieces, encourage your littles to create different patterns on their mats.

Winter Word Search

Angie Kauffman via Real Life at Home

If your kiddo’s got a handle on reading, you’ve got to use this word search printable from Real Life at Home. Hunker down by the fire while looking for words like reindeer and blizzard.

Winter Lacing Cards

Living Life and Learning

Let the tots work on their fine motor skills with these cute lacing cards from Living Life and Learning. The set includes a snowflake, reindeer, and gingerbread man.

Snowman Bingo Game

activity sheets
Crazy Little Projects

We love this print-and-play bingo game from Crazy Little Projects. You can use mini marshmallows as markers to fit the snowman theme.

Winter Coloring Page

Trail of Colors

Keep it simple by printing out this fun coloring page from Trail of Colors. Kids will love decorating the mittens, hat, and scarf whether or not it’s snowing where you live.

Snowman Shape Matching

activity sheets
Totschooling

Even if it doesn’t snow where you live, kids can still build a snowman thanks to this clever worksheet from Totschooling. Plus, they’ll get to practice matching shapes while they’re at it.

Fine Motor Skills Builder

You Clever Monkey

Print out this page from You Clever Monkey to help your kids build fine motor skills. Have them decorate the tree with playdough, buttons, or small beads. You can even make it into a counting or alphabet game.

Winter Scene Playdough Mats

Living Well Mom

To keep the kiddos occupied for an afternoon, print out and laminate this winter scene from Living Well Mom. Then they can get creative building and decorating snowballs and snowmen.

Christmas Counting Picture

activity sheets
Education.com

Your kid will sharpen their math skills while also having fun with this Christmas math worksheet! Find it on Education.com

Related: 15 Easy Ways to Keep the Kids Busy After School

Winter Gross Motor Movement Game

Gift of Curiosity

If you’re stuck inside on a cold day, this cool printable game from Gift of Curiosity will keep the boredom at bay. Print out the cards and place them on a cube (or just shuffle them in a stack)—each card directs kids to do a different action.

Winter Cutting Practice Symmetry Worksheets

Itsy Bitsy Fun

Kids can sharpen their scissor skills and learn about symmetry with these cool activity pages from Itsy Bitsy Fun. Once they’re done cutting out the shapes, they can decorate them with markers or crayons too.

Snowman Number Match

activity sheets
A Dab of Glue Will Do

How cute is this matching activity from A Dab of Glue Will Do? It’s a great way to get some extra math time in this winter.

Snow Day Bingo

All Free Kids Crafts

Keep the cabin fever away on your next snow day by trying out this genius twist on bingo from All Free Kids Crafts. Kids can cross out a bingo square for each activity they do, from drinking hot cocoa to having a dance party.

Snowflake Fine Motor Activity

Early Learning Ideas

If your littles like playing with hole punches, this activity from Early Learning Ideas will definitely be a winner. They can go to town punching the holes, and then they can decorate their snowflakes with crayons or glitter glue.

Winter Spelling Activity

activity sheets
The Measured Mom

You don’t have to let winter break brain drain set in thanks to this awesome activity from The Measured Mom. Similar to a board game, it can be adapted to any word list.

Christmas Spot the Difference

Education.com

Look and see if you can find all of the differences in this worksheet! Find this exciting worksheet on Education.com.

Winter Bucket List

activity sheets
3 Dinosaurs

Make your game plan for the rest of the season with this cool idea from 3Dinosaurs. There are versions available for kids to write their wishes down or to draw them out if they’re not writing yet.

Related: 9 Mermaid Coloring Pages Your Kid Will Love

Winter Mazes

BrainyMaze

Perfect for preschoolers and kindergarteners, these wintry mazes from BrainyMaze are super fun. Each page includes a maze and a counting and writing activity.

Build a Snowman Worksheet

Education.com

Here’s a fun activity from Education.com to help combat cabin fever—kids can color their own snowman, then cut out the pieces and glue them all together.

Gingerbread Matching Game

activity sheets
Squishy-Cute Designs

Challenge your tot to find the two matching gingerbread men in this printable from Squishy-Cute Designs.

Gingerbread Man Color By Number

activity sheets
Education.com

This fun worksheet will have you and your kid wanting to bake gingerbread cookies! Find this cute color by number worksheet at Education.com.

 

Toddlers are in that special (mostly exciting) stage between babyhood and preschool that can leave parents wondering… what in the world is happening here?! How did we go from zero to 60 over the state of a banana? They’re called the terrible twos for a reason, right? Sometimes they lose it over the color of a sippy cup or because the dog looked at them funny. Whatever the reason your kid is about to pass the point of no return, you’ve got precious moments to spare. But there’s hope on the horizon—simple calming phrases that have the power to avert tantrums and bring kids back to center.

The next time you see it coming, take one of these phrases out for a spin. There are even a few great tips from Dr. Candice Jones, a board-certified pediatrician practicing in Orlando, Florida, to help you put your best parent-foot forward.

1. “You have a choice.”

When it comes to calming phrases, this is a gimme for any toddler parent. Once children have some vocabulary down, you can start giving them options. This doesn’t mean your home becomes a toddler free-for-all. Instead, offer your kiddo reasonable choices that empower them and encourage problem-solving skills to head off predictable tantrums looming on the horizon.

For example, when you’re rushed to get out the door in the morning, ask your toddler if they’d like to wear their tennis shoes or rain boots. When it’s time to get ready for bed, let them choose between the car pajamas and the star pajamas. Limiting their choices, while still giving them control, “satisfies the need for some independence,” according to Dr. Jones. She also suggests following it up with an affirmation such as, “Rain boots? Smart choice, because today, it’s raining!”

2. “Please stop, because…”

If your toddler is making a poor choice (which, yep, is going to happen a lot), of course, you want to stop the behavior, especially if it’s dangerous to themselves or someone else. However, it’s ok to offer a short explanation of why. You’re treating your child as the human they are, not a robot who should obey your every command without understanding your reasoning, especially as they get older. For example, “Please don’t hit your brother. Hitting hurts.” Use short phrases and specific, toddler-understandable language. Dr. Jones shares that giving your child a reason to stop a behavior can help them make better choices in the future.

3. “I understand you feel…”

When your child makes a poor choice, remember that it’s more than likely a typical toddler behavior. Tantrums, physical responses (throwing, hitting, etc.), and big emotions that result in zero-to-60 emotional reactions are very normal. Offer empathy for their feelings, first and foremost, even if your child was in the wrong. Empathy goes a long way in building a connection with your child so that they’re best able to then receive whatever correction is necessary. Your child will likely not develop empathy until they are closer to four, but you can model it now. Plus, correction is more effective when you offer it with “a spoonful of connection,” Dr. Jones shares.

4. “I’m listening…”

There’s something to be said about the Dr. Frasier Crane approach to parenting. Offering an empathetic ear to your toddler is an effective way to connect and give them space to work through those big feelings before they escalate. It’s especially effective when you get down on their level, name their feeling (as suggested above), and prompt them to tell you about it. It may take a minute, but it’s crazy cool to see the way anger transforms into sadness with this simple phrase.

5. “Let’s play together.”

It’s one thing to tell kids of any age any sort of directions, but it’s another to practice it. Role-play with your toddler to help them figure out frustrating or confusing situations that can cause meltdowns. Use dolls, action figures, or even family members to act out a familiar scenario—and then act out the wrong way (with sad faces) and then the right way (happy faces, high-fives, etc.). When you’re done, tell your child, “We worked together to solve a problem! Yay!”

Always do this when your child is regulated; don’t try to teach a lesson in the heat of the moment. If you missed that before-the-storm window, you can always tack this one on at the end when your kiddo has reached the other side.

6. “Can I give you a hug?”

When we see our little one getting ready to erupt, it’s only natural to want to run the other way. But sometimes when you lean in and offer comfort rather than a disappointed look, it’s just what kids need to regulate those overwhelming emotions and calm down. Just remember, it’s important to model consent, even when diffusing your ticking time bomb. And don’t be surprised if you get turned down; not all kids want comfort when they’re working through things. But the moment you get the green light, go for it.

7. “I’m here when you need me.”

What could be more reassuring to your overwhelmed toddler than this simple phrase? Letting them know you’re here for them is an easy way to support them and model that their feelings are not only valid, but they’re also pretty typical. Plus, there are variations of this one you can pull out depending on the situation. “How can I help?” and “Can I show you another way?” both fall into this category.

8. “Let’s take a deep breath.”

Of all the calming phrases on our list, this one comes with its own song, thanks to Daniel Tiger. Sure, they’ve heard this one a time or two, but kids can always count on deep breathing to turn a not-so-great situation around. Trust us, it’s science. Taking a deep breath activates the parasympathetic nervous system, increases oxygen in your bloodstream, and stimulates relaxation. In short, it helps kids find equilibrium. The next time your toddler’s train is about the derail, help them “take a deep breath and count to four.” You can also encourage them to blow out a candle (where your finger is the candle) if they need something to focus on.

All of these phrases that help toddlers calm down show your kiddo that you love them and that you’re here for them, no matter what they’re feeling (remember, tantrums are a typical and important stage of their development). A present, responsive parent is a loving parent. By showing up, you’re establishing an expectation that you’ll always be there for them, through thick and thin.

This may be true every year, but this time, we really mean it: 2024 is THE year of the sequel. It appears nearly every film-favorite character—from Michael Keaton’s nostalgic bio-exorcist to Jack Black’s kung fu-fighting panda, to Disney’s Kings of the Pride Lands—is furthering their storyline on the big screen. No bother to us, though—we are here for it!

Ahead, we break down the new family movies in 2024 that you and your littles can enjoy together. They start early next year and continue through the ball drop, so no matter when the kids utter those dreaded two words, “We’re bored,” there’s a family-friendly title just waiting to whisk them away to another time and place. Plus, we all know there’s nothing a bucket of buttered popcorn and a great story can’t resolve.

"Kung Fu Panda 4"

A screenshot of Kung Fu Panda 4, a new family movie 2024
Universal Studios

Everyone's favorite kung fu master panda, Po, returns to the screen after nearly a decade for another adventure—this time with a clever corsac fox as his sidekick. On the cusp of becoming the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, Po must train someone to take his place as the Dragon Warrior, priming the two floofs for a knockout action comedy the whole family will love. 

Starring: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: March 8, 2024

"Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire"

A screenshot of one of the new family movies 2024, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Sony Pictures

Fans of The Real Ghostbusters animated series are in for a treat with the latest installment of the Ghostbusters franchise. According to one of its stars, Kumail Nanjiani, the action comedy will play out like a feature-length episode of the cartoon. The gist? It's summertime, but a massive cold spell is threatening another Ice Age. So, who they gonna call? You got it.

Starring: Carrie Coon, Mckenna Grace, Annie Potts, Paul Rudd, Bill Murray, Celeste O'Conner, Dan Aykroyd, Finn Wolfhard, Kumail Nanjiani

Rated: TBC

Theatrical release: March 29, 2024

"The Ark and the Aardvark"

Unified Pictures

A silly animated affair with a religious bent, The Ark and the Aardvark follows the dictionary's leading animal on a quest to get a ragtag group of mammals onto an ark. His name is Gilbert, and he's an outcast among the animal kingdom, but his reluctant mission to save his buddies from impending doom leads the ant-eating cutie to believe in himself and the power of one. 

Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Miles Teller, Jenny Slate, Rob Riggle, Craig Robinson, Stephen Merchant, and Charlie Tom

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: April 30, 2024

"IF"

If is a new family movie coming in 2024
Paramount Pictures

Hey, moms, remember Drop Dead Fred? Think of this new family movie as its cuter, more ingenious modern offering for your kids. The title of the movie is an acronym that stands for Imaginary Friends, and it's the latest from writer/director/The Office alum John Krasinski. About a dad and daughter who discover a world of pretend playmates left behind by their grown-up companions, this family movie coming in 2024 is a wealth of talent wrapped into a brilliant family-friendly fantasy.

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Awkwafina, Steve Carell, Maya Rudolph

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: May 17, 2024

"The Garfield Movie"

The Garfield Movie is a new release family movie for 2024
Columbia Pictures

The Garfield canon is bursting at the seams with specials, remakes, and reboots, but the latest in the fat-cat anthology takes a new approach, providing origin stories for both how toon town's OG orange feline met his hooman, John Arbuckle, and who his father is, a gray cool cat named Vic. Of course, you don't have to be a cat person to enjoy this animated addition—just a fan of whimsical charm and hilarious hijinks.

Starring: Chris Pratt, Samuel L. Jackson, Hannah Waddingham, Nicholas Hoult, Cecily Strong, Brett Goldstein, and Bowen Yang

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: May 24, 2024

"Inside Out 2"

A screenshot of Inside Out 2, one of the new family movies 2024
Pixar Studios

Pixar rarely misses, and the studio's original Inside Out managed to leave all the uppity Cannes Film Festival buffs in fits of tears. Now that's an accomplishment! With the second iteration, protag Riley has entered teen-dom, and Joy, the bright-eyed leader of her inner spectrum of feels, faces a new era, as a demolition team makes room in their headquarters for new, more complex emotions—like the dreaded anxiety. Oh, and Riley is barreling toward puberty.

Starring: Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, Maya Hawke, and Lewis Black

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: June 14, 2024

"Despicable Me 4"

A screenshot of Despicable Me 4, a new family movie coming in 2024
Illumination Studios

Gru and his adorable family are back for another vibrant animated escapade on the big screen. Though the fourth film's premise remains locked behind tight lips at the moment, you can almost definitely expect the introduction of a new super-villain, plenty of Minions mockery, and a world-saving toon-venture that only Gru and his kiddos can take care of.

Starring: Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Miranda Cosgrove, Steve Coogan, and Pierre Coffin

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: July 3, 2024

 

Related: All the New, Original Kids’ Movies Streaming in 2024

"Harold and the Purple Crayon"

The children's picture book on which this film is based was published in 1955. Written and illustrated by Crockett Johnson, it's a wonderfully magical story about a little boy who goes on a nightlong odyssey through the woods, over the sea, and past dragons—all imagined with his singular purple coloring stick. Here's hoping the newest adaptation is just as imaginative. 

Starring: Zachary Levi, Zooey Deschanel, Lil Rel Howery, Camille Guaty, Tanya Reynolds, Ravi Patel, and Caleb Black

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: August 2, 2024

"Beetlejuice 2"

Beetlejuice 2 is a new release family movie coming in 2024
Plan B Entertainment

It's finally showtime! After years of rewrites and delays caused by the pandemic and writers' strikes, the sequel to Tim Burton's 1989 hit afterlife comedy is just months away from possessing the big screen. And a lot has changed: Beetlejuice is now married, Lydia has a daughter, and there's a new detective in the Netherworld—one who might be able to tell us more about how the freelance bio-exorcist bit the big one.

Starring: Catherine O'Hara, Jenna Ortega, Monica Bellucci, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Willem Dafoe, Justin Theroux, and Juliana Yazbeck

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: September 6, 2024

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever"

An adaptation of the 1972 best-selling family book by Barbara Robinson, this humorous holiday film is sure to bring the necessary cheer and laughter this next season. It's about the Herdman siblings, a group of misbehaving misfits who take over their church's annual pageant and, to everyone's surprise, deliver a show about the true meaning of Christmas. 

Starring: Judy Greer, Pete Holmes, Molly Belle Wright, Elizabeth Tabish, and Vanessa Benavente with more to come.

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: November 15, 2024

"Paddington in Peru"

a picture of Paddington in Peru, a new release family movie coming in 2024
Studio Canal

The lovable, marmalade-crazed bear whose iconic blue duffle coat, impeccable manners, and twee English accent win over hearts every time he makes an appearance, is getting another chapter in his self-titled film franchise. Always rife with adventure, the Paddington movies are as charming as they are fun to look at, and this Brown family addition is no different, as the P-bear and his humans head to his native Peru to visit his Aunt Lucy, unaware of the mystery that awaits them.

Starring: Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, Imelda Staunton, Jim Broadbent, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw, Julie Walters, and Hugh Bonneville

Rated: PG

Theatrical release: November 8, 2024

"Wicked Part 1"

Universal Pictures

When news that Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande were starring as Elphaba and Glinda in the movie version of the award-winning Broadway play Wicked, mics dropped the world over. Thankfully, we don't have long to wait to see what these tonsil powerhouses can do with the musical that spills the details about how two friends became adversaries in the Land of Oz. The tale will be stretched over two parts, with the first hitting theaters late next year.

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, and Bowen Yang.

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: November 27, 2024

"The Karate Kid 2"

In 2010, producers resurrected the beloved, butt-kicking '80s franchise with a modern retelling of a fish out of water who embraces the teachings of a kung fu master. Fourteen years later, the dōjō is again open for big-screen business. Fans of the martial arts franchise are probably familiar with Netflix's Cobra Kai, which has continued the Karate Kid-verse with aplomb, so it will be interesting to see how the new movie ties into those events—if at all.   

Starring: Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, with more cast members to be named later

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: December 13, 2024

"Sonic the Hedgehog 3"

Paramount Pictures

He's blue, he's fast, he's full of one-liners as quick-witted as his feet, and he's back for another blazing romp. In this new family movie for 2024, Sega's iconic hero, along with his pals, Tails and Knuckles, embark on an adventure that picks up where the second film left off. Word is conflict will come in the form of Shadow the Hedgehog, who appeared in the last movie's mid-credits stinger. 

Starring: Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, and Colleen O'Shaughnessey

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: December 20, 2024

Mufasa: The Lion King

Mufasa is a new family movie 2024 from Walt Disney Studios
Walt Disney Studios via Instagram

The story of Mufasa picks up after the events of the original, with Simba parenting a cub of his own. It also serves as a prequel, as it looks back on the legend of Mufasa, the original king of the Pride Lands. Another of Disney's live-action films, this one will also be styled with photorealistic, computer-generated animals, like the 2019 version starring the voice of Beyoncé. Fingers crossed Queen Bey is on the marquee for this soon-to-be hit, too.

Starring: Seth Rogen, Billy Eichner, Aaron Pierre, Kelvin Harrison Jr., and John Kani, with more to come.

Rated: TBD

Theatrical release: December 20, 2024

Gabby’s Cat Friend Ship is a hot gift for three-year-olds this holiday season

The holidays for three-year-olds are pure magic. For parents, the festive season can also be a whirlwind of commitments and to-dos. So, if you’re looking for help to narrow down your gift list or need some inspiration for presents that encourage the little ones in your life to explore, stretch their imagination, and discover their own way to have fun, keep reading. From indoor forts to Paw Patrol playsets, these gifts for three-year-olds will keep things merry and bright. Wondering what to get the other kiddos in your life? Check out our guides for two-year-olds, preschoolers, and grade school kids!

Barbie Dreamhouse Playset

Barbie 2023 Dreamhouse is a good gift for a three year old

There's no Mojo Dojo Casa here! The 2023 version of the iconic dollhouse is the perfect mix of iconic and modern.

Barbie Dreamhouse Playset ($179)—Buy it here.

Matchbox Recycling Truck

Here’s to the hardworking everyday heroes! Kids will love pulling the lever to empty the bin, and the sounds make this fun toy more realistic.

Matchbox Recycling Truck ($32)—Buy it here.

Little Tikes Story Dream Machine Starter Set

Little Tikes Story Dream Machine

Kids can watch classic Little Golden Books like The Pokey Little Puppy on this nostalgic projector that’s easy to use, plays music, and can also be used as a night light and white noise machine. 

Little Tikes Story Dream Machine Starter Set ($90)—Buy it here.

Large Barn with Animals and Accessories

Future veterinarians can put their animal care-taking skills to the test with this barnyard play set from schleich®. Loaded with realistic farm accessories and animal figurines (like a cow, calf, piglet, cat, and dove), toddlers will love feeding the flock and fetching hay with a working winch.

Large Barn with Animals and Accessories ($99)—Buy it here.

Hape Little Chef Cooking & Steam Playset

Little ones can chop, dice, and saute with this pretend Dutch oven that makes real cooking noises, and with the help of a little water, steams up their “dinner.” 

Hape Little Chef Cooking & Steam Playset ($30)—Buy it here.

VTech Race and Discover Driver

VTech Racer

Speed-loving tots will get thrills behind the wheel of this interactive dashboard that lets them make phone calls, drive around different tracks, listen to traffic reports, and even head to the gas station to count how many gallons are needed to fill up.

VTech Race and Discover Driver ($38)—Buy it here. 

Melissa & Doug Barber Shop Playset

Fancy a shave and a haircut? Kids can get and give styling services, and there’s even an adjustable beard! 

Melissa & Doug Barber Shop Playset ($27)—Buy it here. 

LEGO Duplo 3-in-1 Treehouse

DUPLO Treehouse is a good gift for three year olds

Introducing young kids to the world of LEGO is always a good idea, and this new set is filled with pets, kids, grandparents, and lots of accessories for pretend play. 

LEGO Duplo 3-in-1 Treehouse ($90)—Buy it here. 

The Noggin Learning App

Noggin

Make screen time smarter with a kid-safe, ad-free app for ages 2-7. The Noggin Learning app is so easy, and it's the gift that keeps on giving. Build math, reading, wellness, social & emotional skills with 1000+ educational games, videos, and books starring your little one's favorite characters.

Get 50% Off an Annual Noggin Subscription or 60 Day FREE Trial—Get it Here.

Reel Big Catch Game

Reel Big Catch game

This simple but engaging beginner game helps toddlers learn about size measurement and turn-taking. 

Reel Big Catch Game ($25)—Buy it here.

Gabby's Dollhouse: Gabby Cat Friend Ship

The newest addition to the Gabby's Dollhouse world is this cute cruise ship that will attach to the original dollhouse. It comes with furniture and two friends! 

Gabby's Dollhouse: Gabby Cat Friend Ship ($41)—Buy it here.

Learning Resources Sorting Snacks Mini Fridge

Learning Resources Mini Fridge is a good gift for a three year old

With 30 mini snacks and activity cards, kids can learn about counting, matching, and other skills with this adorable set that also encourages creative play. 

Learning Resources Sorting Snacks Mini Fridge ($19)—Buy it here.

PlasmaCar

The PlasmaCar is a good gift for a three year old

Start them out young with this classic active toy that can be used inside or out.

PlasmaCar ($89)—Buy it here

Land of Dough Creativity Workshop

The glittery dough in this set is soft and smells sweet, and the birchwood tools included are designed with tiny hands in mind. 

Land of Dough Creativity Workshop ($25)—Buy it here.

Gonge River Stones

River stones are a good gift for a three year old

These can be anything from pretend river stones to an obstacle course, and the non-slip grip will leave parents at ease. 

Gonge River Stones ($68)—Buy them here. 

Lakeshore Learning Number Bots

Numberbots are a good gift for three year olds

With the turn of a wrist, these numbers turn into robots, adding an aspect of play to learning time. 

Lakeshore Learning Number Bots ($17)—Buy them here

DJECO Fox's Party Tea Set

They’re at the age where setting up high tea for their beloved stuffies is always fun. This adorable set has a cake too, and comes daintly arranged on a cheerful tray. 

DJECO Fox's Party Tea Set ($50)—Buy it here

Nailmatic Hollywood Polishes

Your glamour tot can have manicures galore with this kid-safe set of nail polish in sparkly colors. 

Nailmatic Hollywood Polishes ($34)—Buy it here

Rubble & Crew Backyard Construction Bark Yard Play Set

Kids will build to their heart’s content with their own version of Rubble’s construction crane tower. It also includes a bulldozer and molding sand to make bricks. 

Rubble & Crew Backyard Construction Bark Yard Play Set ($80)—Buy it here. 

VTech Storytime with Sunny

Sunny the talking lamp

This cheerful storyteller has over 300 activities and four different story cards that promise hours of interactive fun for little ones. 

VTech Storytime with Sunny ($45)—Buy it here

B.Toys Kitchen Sink Play Set

This real working sink includes dishes that turn color in warm water and other fun accessories.  

B.Toys Kitchen Sink Play Set ($20)—Buy it here.

Fisher-Price Blaze and the Monster Machines 4-Pack

Blaze and the Monster Machines toys are a good gift for a three year old

Get Blaze, Zeg, Crusher, and Stripes in this entire set of big trucks from the popular series on Nick. Jr. 

(Fisher-Price Blaze and the Monster Machines 4 Pack ($18) —Buy it here!

Meri Meri Heart Hair Slides

These shiny hair baubles are perfect for your diva kiddo. 

Meri Meri Heart Hair Slides ($15)—Buy them here

Crate & Kids Rocket Ship Playhouse

Send your kid on a mission for fun with this chic rocket ship playhouse. 

Crate & Kids Rocket Ship Playhouse ($200)—Buy it here

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations

Kids get five different Play-Doh colors and the "cake" actually rises in the oven. Kids will know when it's done when the timer rings. 

Play-Doh Kitchen Creations ($13)—Buy it here.

Tender Leaf Toys Wild Pine Train Set

Kids can send mini engines down the track past a fishing grizzly bear, a cozy cabin, and of course, a forest. 

 

Tender Leaf Toys Wild Pine Train Set ($120)—Buy it here. 

Ooly Happy Triangle Jumbo Crayons

The shape makes it easy for little hands to hold and the vibrant colors are enough to make anyone smile.

Ooly Happy Triangle Jumbo Crayons ($12)—Buy them here.

Little Adventures Alpine Coronation Costume

If your budding thespian doesn’t want to hang with Sven, Elsa, and Olaf, there are plenty of other characters to choose from. 

Little Adventures Alpine Coronation Costume ($40)—Buy it here. 

eeBoo Trucks and a Bus Memory Matching Game

Not only is this game a work of art, but it’s a fun game for young kids. Match up the different trucks including an ice cream truck, a robot supplies truck, and even a school bus. 

eeBoo Trucks and a Bus Memory Matching Game ($9)—Buy it here. 

3-in-1 Outdoor Convertible Wood Table 

This combo sand/water activity table has sunny-day vibes, and the chic striped umbrella offers extra protection for sensitive skin. 

3-in-1 Outdoor Convertible Wood Table ($124)—Buy it here. 

Pete the Cat: 5-Minute Bedtime Stories

Pet the Cat 5 minute stories is a good gift for three year olds

These 12 stories about the ever-popular feline protagonist are just long enough to capture the attention of busy toddlers.

Pete the Cat: 5-Minute Bedtime Stories ($3)—Buy it here.

Race Around the World Tracks Floor Puzzle

This 48-piece puzzle creates a race track around some of the world’s most iconic landmarks. 

Race Around the World Tracks Floor Puzzle ($23)—Buy it here.

LCD Writing Board

Portable and lightweight, this doodling board comes with its own stylus, kids can create and erase with the push of a button, and it comes in a wide variety of colors. 

LCD Writing Board ($19)—Buy it here.

Wild Ones Bean Bag Toss

A mini version of everyone’s favorite lawn game, kids get six bags to toss through a lion's and bear’s mouth. 

Wild Ones Bean Bag Toss ($55)—Buy it here.

Franklin Sports Foam Football

The soft material and the spiral grip make this a perfect beginner ball for little ones. 

Franklin Sports Foam Football ($10) —Buy it here.

Our Generation Lisa Doll

A perfect introduction to the world of 18-inch dolls, this one comes with cute sunglasses and removable slippers. 

Our Generation Lisa Doll ($26)—Buy it here.

VERBO Motorized Fire Truck

With siren sounds, a working water pump, lights, and a ladder, kids can save the day just like their local heroes. 

VERBO Motorized Fire Truck ($40)—Buy it here.

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In the sleep-deprived trenches of early parenthood, babies seem like enough to establish a deep connection

Something changed when I popped out a tiny human. Well, many things changed, like my sleep schedule, my boob size, and my ability to laugh without peeing (everyone knows that when you have a kid, you say goodbye to decent bladder control). But in this case, I’m talking about my friends. When I up and procreated, I became a leaky woman attached to a tiny, occasionally screamy, leaky baby.

My friends from graduate school grew wide-eyed and slowly backed away. I might leak on them. Worse, the baby might leak on them. Possibly, he could scream. In fact, he could scream, and I could leak, and they might see a nipple. They fled.

So I made The New Mom Rounds. I went to La Leche League. I started a babywearing group. I got really into that whole attachment parenting/breastfeeding thing because I met some other moms who were into it, so like, besties! Very few of those moms remain my friends years later. Most of them? They were not really friends.

Real talk: children are people you parent. They are not the basis for lasting friendship. In the sleep-deprived trenches of early parenthood, babies seem like enough to establish a deep connection. But in these relationships, you’re not exactly yourself—I know I wasn’t.
.
I was no longer Eliza, who liked The Velvet Underground some times and pop punk at others; I no longer had a political agenda; and no one knew that in the before times, I had been a successful writer. No one cared. When I became a successful writer again and had mom friends, it was a cute side-note to my life, much like my musical tastes, my David Bowie obsession, my sexuality—everything that made me me.

Related: You Don’t Need to Be Friends with the Other Parents

My mom friends and I were bound together by two things: children, and how to properly parent them. That’s it. We talked about co-sleeping hacks and the best methods for removing spit-up from a sofa cushion, but not real-life issues, like “I had an eating disorder in high school. Now I’m on a restrictive diet so I can breastfeed a baby with protein intolerances, and it’s sort of messing with me.”

In the very early days of my children’s lives, these stifled friendships seemed like enough—and I truly did have a real friend or two. Sadly, they moved. Then, not long before Covid hit, I found myself sitting on a bench at the playground watching my three sons, while women traded Instant Pot recipes over my head. I asked them about TV. They changed the subject. I tried to talk about music. The same blank faces stared back.

Everyone’s not super into rock, but I’d expected more than “Who’s David Bowie?” I knew better than to touch politics.

“So my kid’s having trouble sleeping alone,” I said. The conversation began to burble.

It hit me: these women, who were so different from me—one rescued cats, one was an Evangelical Christian, one was hardcore into Disney—didn’t care about my life. Our differences didn’t matter because they were not relevant to our friendship. I was simply another mom at the table.

And after so many years of mom friends, I was ready to be Eliza again. But when I reached for her, she wasn’t there. I’d spent so long thinking about kids, writing about kids, making slime with kids, doing school with kids, and bonding over kids that I couldn’t remember who I was. I was floundering—I racked up quality time with my Kindle. I played games on my phone. Finally, I forced myself to make a list: what activities did I actually enjoy in the past? What did I do for fun before kids?

Then I tried those things on again to see what still fit. Some of those hobbies? Big old blah. Crocheting took too long, I realized. Paper maché and rando crafts, on the other hand, I was startlingly good at it.

I rediscovered teaching when my homeschool collective asked for help (I was good at teaching other people’s kids before I had my own, and I still am). I sought out like-minded friends who shared my interests rather than my sore boobs. We talk about writing sci-fi and Drunk History, not whose kid kicked who on the swing set.

Even the ones who do have kids know me as Eliza: they can tell you I like punk music and poetry and that I’m usually wearing Doc Martens, no matter the occasion. Some of them can’t remember my kids’ names. Some of them are my kids’ best friends’ moms. What matters: we talk about more important things than wake windows and baby-led weaning.

I’m forever grateful to those other women for giving me a place when I was a scared, new mom. But they only saw a scared, new mom; they didn’t see me. That went on for a long, long time—so long that I lost myself.

I’m glad I’m me again.