Every school year, parents reach out to their children’s teachers to inquire about any number of things. Sometimes it’s over a concern over their child’s academic performance or a conflict between students. Other times, these questions for teachers can be a bit more invasive, like when a school parent demands to know why certain things are being taught, like in the recent instance of a small faction of parents getting upset over Michaelangelo’s statue of David being shown in the classroom. But for every one of these situations, there are a slew of other questions that teachers would love to hear from the parents of their students. We asked several current and former teachers what questions they would love to hear from parents, and here’s what they said.

“What are my students’ strengths in your classroom?”

Jessica Matoian, an 8th-grade social science teacher at Sequoia Middle School in the Fresno Unified School District, says she would love to hear this question from parents, along with questions about how they can help develop those strengths outside of the classroom. “I believe in a growth mindset in my classroom. If I can work with parents and guardians on developing their students’ strengths, instead of highlighting their weaknesses, I find students are willing to take ownership of their strengths and build on them on their own,” says Matoian.

“Is my child happy? What lights them up?”

Brooklyn-based Christina Soriano, who taught elementary school art, social and emotional wellness, and Kindergarten summer school from 2006 through 2022, says she never heard any parent ask this, but wishes she had. “These questions are important because they are child-centered and strengths-based. It’s sometimes second nature, or sometimes cultural, that we go straight to how to make a child ‘better’ in a subject. Of course, that is a main point of schooling and learning, but it’s equally important to know what makes a child excited and joyful during the school day,” she says.

“How can I help my child succeed in your classroom?”

Victoria Taylor, a teacher with 20 years of experience and founder of BestCaseParenting, says she appreciates when parents take an interest in their children’s work. “Simply asking about ongoing projects and assignments can be extremely helpful to students and teachers alike. I understand it’s a lot for busy parents to stay on top of everything, but small gestures such as sending in student supplies or helping their child stay organized can make a huge difference,” says Taylor.

The same goes for Christina Collura, a full-time kindergarten teacher, autism advocate, and mother of two. “I am a firm believer every child has strengths (and weaknesses), and building and teaching children based on those strengths are vital to forming and building on a successful learning path,” says Collura.

“What supplies or materials do you need restocked/refilled for the classroom?

Amanda Dexter, who has been teaching middle and high school for eight years in Missouri’s St. Joseph School District says she would like parents to inquire about supplies long after the school year has begun. “At the beginning of the year, classroom supplies are usually fully stocked, but come a few months later and we’ve run out of glue sticks, construction paper, whiteboard markers, Kleenex, disinfecting wipes, pencils, etc. You’d be amazed at how quickly a class can burn through what seems like ample supplies in the beginning,” says Dexter. “Usually it is up to the teacher to restock supplies out of their own pockets.”

“Are there any educational activities or resources you recommend?”

“Parents who ask this question are actively seeking ways to enrich their child’s learning experiences. As a teacher, I can suggest educational apps, websites, books, or hands-on activities that align with the curriculum and support their child’s interests and learning style,” says Donna Paul, a Montessori teacher turned blogger at That’s So Montessori.

“How can I help my child develop independence and life skills?”

This might not be a typical question asked by parents, but Paul, who has over 10 years of in-class Montessori elementary teaching experience, says those who do inquire about this recognize the importance of preparing their children for future success. “I can provide suggestions on age-appropriate tasks, organization strategies, and opportunities for problem-solving that empower children to become self-reliant and confident individuals,” she says.

Related: Teacher Shares ‘Secret Code’ Used When Emailing Parents about Their Kids

mom asking a teacher questions
iStock

“How can I support my child’s learning at home?”

While supporting a child’s education in the classroom is essential, Paul feels that parents should also look into how they can extend this into their homes. “By asking this question, parents show their commitment to their child’s education and seek guidance on how to extend learning beyond the classroom. As a teacher, I can provide valuable insights, resources, and strategies for creating a supportive learning environment at home,” she adds.

“What can I do to support my child’s social and emotional well-being?”

Nowadays, more parents and teachers are learning about the importance of social-emotional learning on top of academics. “Parents who ask this question demonstrate their understanding of the vital role social and emotional development plays in a child’s overall success. By seeking advice, parents can gain insights into how to foster healthy relationships, resilience, and emotional intelligence in their child’s everyday life,” says Paul.

“Does my child behave at school (and) are they respectful?”

Julie Navitka, a former middle school teacher (from 2008 through 2022) at Robert Andrews School in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, suggests parents ask this question to gain better insight into their child’s behavior. Why? While teachers will generally inform parents when their students are crossing the line with their behavior, it’s a good idea to check in with teachers to see if there are inklings of problematic behavior that can be addressed early on.

“Does my child get their work finished (and on time?)”

Navitka, who briefly taught high school and has since started blogging at Successfully Sustainable, also recommended this question. Questions for teachers like this can not only help prevent any academic slides but also potentially detect a larger issue if the student is having a lot of difficulty staying focused and completing tasks, such as a learning disability or a cognitive disorder like ADHD.

“Does my child distract others from their learning?”

While parents should always ask questions related to helping their own students, it doesn’t hurt to inquire about how they are ensuring the success of the entire classroom. “Teaching can be extremely stressful, and even though it’s not the only (or biggest) factor, dealing with unsupportive parents plays a role in this stress,” says Navitka. Being proactive in addressing issues like these can make difficult conversations about behavior issues smoother.

“How can I help contribute to the classroom?”

While donating supplies is always helpful, Birney Elementary School teacher Robert Garcia wishes parents would ask how they can help contribute to the classroom in other ways. “It could be volunteering, donating special incentives, or just making a guest appearance,” says the 6th-grade teacher who has taught in Fresno Unified School District for 29 years.

“What skills is my child struggling with that may not be covered in class?”

Eddie Maza, an 11th and 12th-grade English teacher at The Idea School, a private school in New Jersey, says it can often be difficult for teachers to address individual students’ needs at the beginning of the school year. “As a high school English teacher, I encountered students who required assistance with fundamental grammar issues. While I would have liked to provide them with additional support, the nature of teaching a large class made it challenging to offer supplementary content. By asking the teacher about specific areas that need improvement and how to develop those skills, you can create a plan to help your child catch up with the class,” says Maza.

“How can I support my child’s work without completing it for them?

According to Maza, “Parents naturally want to assist their children with school work, but it’s important to ensure that working through challenging assignments, collaborating with peers, and communicating with teachers remains part of the learning experience. Involvement from parents is valuable, but asking this question helps ensure that your efforts to support your child’s education do not deprive them of the essential learning experience.” Alternatively, he says parents can ask, “What are the objectives of this assignment?”

Related: 16 Things Parents Don’t Need to Worry About (According to Teachers)

As our kids get older, it can be tough to watch them leave the house, knowing they will sometimes find themselves in uncomfortable situations. While they’re part of growing up, helping our kids navigate these experiences is a natural and oftentimes necessary way to make sure they’re safe. On Reddit, one parent shared a code that they use with their teen in case their child needs help and is feeling uncomfortable about letting anyone else know.

“It’s code for I want to come home, but I want it to be your fault,” they wrote. “Any random emoji when we’re not texting each other will work.”

Secret parenting codes
byu/Limitless_yt89 inMadeMeSmile

“He was supposed to be staying the night with a friend, so I was concerned when I get this text after I’d already gone to bed. I called him and told him ‘you were supposed to unload the dishwasher before you left, and now you’ve lost your privilege of spending the night. I’ll be there in five minutes, have your stuff gathered up.”

Parents jumped in to say they also use codes or other methods, so their kids can get out of tricky situations without fear of any repercussions. The goal is to make it simple, easy to remember, and one that can alert a parent or caregiver that they need to take action immediately:

“Ours was saying things that didn’t make a lot of sense,” another wrote. “‘Don’t forget to feed Shelby.’ Shelby was our long-dead dog.”

“Ours was all in the wording,” one mom shared. “If my kid texted me ‘can I spend the night at Kristin‘s?’ it meant that she genuinely wanted to spend the night at Kristin‘s. If she texted me ‘Kristin wants me to spend the night,’ that [meant] she wanted me to say no. It was very subtle, but this way, if Kristin happened to grab my daughter’s phone, she could read the texts and not suspect [any]thing.”

The original poster said when their son got in the car, he said, “his friend’s grandpa was making him feel uncomfortable, but he didn’t know how to tell the friend he wanted to leave. Then he thanked me for getting him out of there.”

Being a kid can be tough. Not only do they—at least, in their opinion—have people telling them what to do all the time, but situations like living with siblings, navigating school and friendships, and competing in sports regularly test their capacity to control their feelings. So, why are we surprised when kids reach a breaking point? We shouldn’t be—because unless they’re given the tools to cope with their emotions, a meltdown might be the only way they know how to respond to a challenging moment.

Here’s an example of one such tool: Parent coach Destini Ann Davis has implemented a system for her pre-teen daughter to use when she’s about to hit her breaking point. Her daughter has a code word that signals to her mother what she needs at that moment. Davis explains in a recent TikTok:

@destini.ann

♬ original sound – Destini Ann

“I don’t want to teach my kids to catastrophize their anger, but I also don’t want to teach them to ignore it… We actually have a code word. It’s ‘pickles.’ When she says that, that is my cue to give her space from her sister without it hurting her sister’s feelings,” says Davis.

Using a code word isn’t just for dealing with siblings, though. Kids can use their code word just about any time they feel they’re about to lose control. It’s a way for them to express themselves without exploding. For instance, “Instead of telling her sister she’s so annoying, it’s ‘Mom, I need a space break,'” Davis says.

The mom of two also gives her oldest daughter phrases to use that represent the anger she’s feeling without escalating the situation. “All of these statements are about her focusing on one of three things: what’s happening, how she’s feeling about what’s happening, or what she needs to happen,” she explains. It’s all part of what Davis calls angry language for big kids, which helps them avoid catastrophizing events (e.g., “I hate my life) and brings everything back down to Earth (“I really don’t like this moment.”). 

Related: Mom Shares ‘Secret Code’ Idea So Her Kid Always Has a Way Out of a Tough Situation

Viewers loved the idea of having safe ways to express feelings that don’t end in an outburst or breakdown, and using a code word especially resonated with parents who saw the video. One viewer commented, “I like the code word plan! My 8/yo needs to take independent play breaks, and it is hard for others to understand. Thank you for the phrases, too!” An educator agreed with the idea as well. “I’m a head middle school counselor… this is so beneficial and we try to use it in school. My favorite words are ‘peacock’ or ‘bubbles.’”

We think the idea of a code word is pure brilliance and something everyone should have put into action because, every so often, all of us could use a space break.

I hear “I’m fine” a lot throughout my days. If you are a parent of a pre-teen girl, I am sure that you do, too.

“How are you?”

“I’m fine.”

“Do you want any help?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“You seem really upset. Let’s talk.”

“I said, I’m fine.”

It’s hard to be shut out like this and left on the outside of her experiences, helpless and defeated.

One thing I’ve learned and what I know for sure about girls is this: “I’m fine” could mean she’s fine but rarely does. “I’m fine” can mean “I don’t want to talk about it.” “I’m fine” can mean “I’m okay but I could be better.” “I’m fine” can mean “I really want to tell you but I just don’t know how.” And “I’m fine” can mean “I will talk about it but not right now.” Thus, “I’m fine” has become the secret code for what’s really going on for her and a code we must try to crack (carefully and with all the empathy we can muster).

If we imagine being a teen girl (just for a minute), this response makes sense: She wants to be independent of us and figure life out on her own. A pre-teen is all about keeping up her appearance of “I’ve got this.” She also wants to safeguard herself from, well, us: our judgment, our advice, and sometimes our unintentional intrusion. These words are automatic, unrehearsed responses to our queries and they do the job—they keep us at bay from what she’s really feeling and her true inner experience.

What’s a parent to do when your eyes tell you she needs your help and yet her words tell you she is just fine without you? Here are some ideas for you to try to get more from her “I’m fine” and help her to shift to “I feel.”

Be aware of your tone of voice.

Girls are super sensitive to variations in tone of voice. Did you know girls can hear a wider spectrum of emotional tone in another’s voice than boys can? And that their detection becomes even greater with the hormonal changes that accompany adolescence? (You can read more about that in The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine.)

So if we come to her with anything but genuine sincerity and care, she will feel it and not want to talk. Try to use warm words of kindness with phrases such as, “This must be hard for you…” and “It seems like there is something on your mind. I’d really love to hear about it and simply listen to you.”

Change your questions to get different answers.

We all fall into the trap of asking these two expected questions: “How are you today?” and “How was your day?” which set us up for the inevitable responses of “fine” and “good.” Think about asking more creative, out-of-the-box questions, such as “What was the best part of your day?, “What are you most proud of accomplishing,” or “If you had a chance to redo any part of your day, which part would you choose to do over?”

Give her space.

Her worry is our worry—this is called parenting. I know many parents who want to force conversations and answers because they care so much. But pushing her to talk about our timing when she’s not ready can be damaging to the relationship and may just lock the door on future conversations.

If she wants to take her time and decompress after a busy day, allow her to do just that. Reassure her you want to talk and let her know when you’ll be around. If you can, even plant the seed of connection by conveying to her you are up for a walk to get ice cream or you’d love to watch a movie on Netflix with her for some relaxation (and who knows, maybe the conversation will emerge naturally).

Help her find her words.

When she’s ready to talk, help her tell her story by giving her the words she needs. It’s hard for her to articulate what’s happening internally, and she may benefit from your suggestions. “Today, I noticed…” “This made me feel…” “I feel this way because…” and “This is what I need…” These prompts may just get her talking to you, and in the future, she may be able to find these words on her own.

We know it’s not always easy to be a growing girl, and “I’m fine” is a quick way to cover up the challenges of her day. Yet, when we help her move beyond that phrase to truly express herself, we are emboldening her with the confidence and competence that comes with self-expression. At the same time, we are learning to better understand what’s really on her mind.

Originally published April 2020.

I am a girl advocate and girls champion; the founder of Bold New Girls, teaching and coaching for girls and their parents. As well, I am the author Growing Strong Girls and Rooted, Resilient, and Ready (available on Amazon and Audible). I am an international speaker and an instructor with Udemy. 

This teacher is going viral for sharing the “secret code” she uses to talk about kids in her class when emailing their parents

We’ve all been guilty of, shall we say, sugarcoating things about kids. You know when you need to describe a kid’s personality and you just look for the most positive possible way to frame it? That’s the inspiration behind this hilarious, viral TikTok video where one teacher shares her “secret code” she uses when emailing parents of kids in her class.

Posted to the TikTok account @bored_teacher, the video shows a teacher sharing each “code,” followed by what it actually means.

@bored_teachers

Have you used our secret Teacher Code when talking with parents?? 🤫 #teachersoftiktok #teacherlife #secret #teacher #parents

♬ original sound – Bored Teachers

“When we use phrases like, ‘Your child is very social,’ that means they won’t stop talking,” she shared. “‘Their excitement in the classroom is contagious.’ It means they will not calm down.”

She ends the video with this one: “If they’re a natural born leader, your child is super bossy.”

The comments quickly filled up with teachers who found a lot of truth in the video.

“100% can confirm,” one wrote. Another added, “So so accurate 😂😂”

One commenter added their own code: “‘Your son is going to make a great lawyer’ which is code for: your kid won’t stop arguing with me.”

Not everyone in the comments was impressed, though. There were definitely some comments from parents who wish teachers would stop using “secret codes” and give it to them straight.

“I take things literally,” one wrote. “I would not know this is code. just tell me like it is.”

But considering all the crap teachers deal with (especially from overbearing parents), we can’t exactly say we’re surprised to find out that these codes exist. At the end of the day, teachers care deeply for their students—and that’s probably at least part of the reason they’re putting such a positive spin on some of their more disruptive traits.

How much Harry Potter trivia can you and your little muggles answer correctly?

Whether you’re a Ravenclaw or a Gryffindor, the wizarding world is filled with fun facts that keep the excitement going even after you’ve read every last page of the epic Potter series. We’ve rounded up some of the most magical Harry Potter trivia from the books and the movies that are sure to mystify everyone in the entire house—even your wisest wizards.

Rae Tian via Unsplash

1. Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling share the same birthday. The magical date? July 31.

2. The Harry Potter book series has been translated into 80 different languages with over 500 million books sold worldwide.

3. Hermione is pronounced, “her-my-oh-knee.” Despite the fan debate, Rowling herself confirmed it. 

4. What’s in a name? A lot. Rowling carefully chose 40 Hogwarts students' names, including the golden three, before she even began writing the first novel. Not every name made it to the books, however. An early iteration of Luna Lovegood, for example, was Lily Moon.

5. Many magical phrases in the book are inspired by Rowling’s academic background in classical languages, including the Hogwarts' motto, "Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus" which in Latin means, “Never tickle a sleeping dragon.”

6. Dumbledore’s Patronus, though never actually seen in the movies, takes the shape of a phoenix, much like his beloved Fawkes.

7. Rowling has admitted that her favorite chapter from the first book and the entire series is “The Mirror of Erised.”

8. In the movies, seven different owls played the part of Harry’s beloved pet Hedwig. Their names were Gizmo, Kasper, Oops, Swoops, Oh Oh, Elmo and Bandit. Dozens of rats helped bring to life Scabbers, Ron’s not-so-favorite rodent.

9. A secret character is hidden in the movies. Look carefully at the magical newspapers featured in the original films, as well as The Fantastic Beasts series, and you’ll spot the Ginger Witch, a crafty criminal who often graces the cover of The Daily Prophet.

10. To prevent Deathly Hallows from leaking early, Potter publisher Bloomsbury gave the seventh book several secret code titles, including The Life and Times of Clara Rose Lovett: An epic novel covering many generations and Edinburgh Potmakers.

11. Hogwarts' Headmaster is known for his ever-flowing beard and robes, but did you know Albus Dumbledore’s full name also goes on forever? The professor’s full name is Albus Wulfric Percival Brian Dumbledore. Speaking of Dumbledore, the name means “bumblebee.”

Harry Potter Trivia
Artem Maltsev via Unsplash

12. Hogwarts has 142 staircases throughout the massive school.

13. All the plants that make herbology class so entertaining, like Furbish Lousewort and Sneezeweed, are based on real-world plants. While they may not have the same magical properties, the names are certainly enchanting.

14. Ginny Weasly's Pygmy Puff's name was Arnold. 

15. He Who Must Not Be Named has a very meaningful name. In French, the phrase “vol de mort” means “flight of death.”

16. Rupert Grint never did any professional acting before playing the part of Ron Weasley. For his audition he filmed himself performing a rap he had written about why he was perfect for the part.

17. J.K. Rowling revealed that when she took a Sorting Hat quiz, it placed her in House Hufflepuff.

18. Fred and George Weasely were aptly born on April Fool’s Day.

19. Hermoine's Patronus is an otter. 

20. There are 1,100,086 words in the entire Harry Potter series. Harry Potter’s name is mentioned 18,956 times.

21. Merlin, the legendary wizard of King Arthur’s court is also a member of the Potter wizarding world. Merlin is mentioned many times in the book series, but what you might not know is that, surprisingly, he hails from House Slytherin.

22. While Harry, Hermione and Ron appeared to be diligently studying spells and potions, the actors portraying them on screen—Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint—were completing their real-life homework.

Related: If Your Kids Love ‘Harry Potter,’ Read These Books Next

Harry Potter trivia about Hogwarts
Jules Eguilos via Unsplash

23. Muggles can’t see Hogwarts. Anyone lucky enough to stumble upon the enchanted school grounds would simply see a ruin with a sign reading “Keep Out.”

24. Dumbledore’s elder wand isn’t the only rare wand in the Potter-verse. Hermione Granger’s wand is also an uncommon specimen made of vine wood, which is said to be used by wizards who seek a greater purpose. Hermione’s wand is also the only one of the golden trios that remains unharmed till the end of the series.

25. When Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was first released in the UK, the publisher requested that bookstores not sell the books until after the end of the school day to prevent kids from being absent.

26. Although Snape’s true allegiance was not revealed to fans until the end, J.K. Rowling let actor Alan Rickman in on his character’s secrets from the very beginning to help his on-screen portrayal.

27. Dumbledore tells Harry that he sees “thick woolen socks” in the Mirror of Erised, but Rowling has revealed that he sees himself with his family, all alive and happy.

28. Mary GrandPré, the illustrator of the original book covers, said that her Saint Bernard, Chopper, was the inspiration for her drawings of Hagrid.

29. The different translations of the book series have some hilarious alternative phrases. For example, to make Tom Marvolo Riddle successfully change into “I am Voldemort” in the French version, his name is Tom Elvis (as in the King) Riddle. Another great example is the Scottish version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, in which the first chapter is titled, “The Laddie Wha Lived.”

Harry Potter trivia about Diagon's Alley
Rithika Gopalakrishnan via Unsplash

30. I see… Dementors? Actor Haley Joel Osment was originally pegged for the role of Harry by director Steven Spielberg before he left the film over creative differences.

31. October 31, 1991, marks the day Harry, Hermione, and Ron became friends after defeating the troll in the girl’s bathroom. It is also the 10th anniversary of the deaths of Lily and James Potter.

32. The original Harry Potter manuscript was turned down by 12 publishers before being accepted by Bloomsbury.

33. If all the Harry Potter books ever sold were placed end to end, they would circle the equator 16 times.

34. An enchanted music box is what keeps the three-headed dog asleep.

35. The half-blooded prince is Professor Snape.  

Related: Your iPhone Has Harry Potter Spells That Turn It Into a Magical Wand

 

When you’re craving a family movie night or just need some downtime from mom duty, nothing could be simpler than turning on Netflix. The streaming service is perfect for quality time on the couch, but you can make the experience even better with a few secret tricks. We’ve rounded up some of the best Netflix hacks and codes to make streaming simpler.

1. Manage your profiles.
Although each paid Netflix account allows subscribers to create up to five distinct profiles, many families will create profiles based on individuals. Unless you and your spouse watch radically different programs on Netflix or your kids have completely divergent tastes, a better approach to profile management would be to create profiles based on groups or interests. For example, “Grown Ups,” “Tweens,” and “Young Kids” or “Kids Movie Night,” “Documentaries,” and “TV Favorites.” Since Netflix’s personalization algorithm is based on what people actually watch (or like and rate), clustering profiles by groups or interests will yield better personalization and more specific recommendations in the long run.

2. Know your subscription plan.
Netflix caused a stir when it announced pricing increases earlier this year. Knowing your subscription plan makes you aware of how many devices can use Netflix at the same time with a shared account. Netflix’s basic plan allows for just a single stream per subscription at $8.99/monthly. The middle (and most popular) plan offers two HD streams for $13.99/monthly and the premium plan allows four simultaneous 4K streams for $17.99/monthly.

3. Tune in during off-peak hours for better video quality.
Studies have shown that streaming video quality diminishes during peak hours, so to get the most out of your Netflix viewing, try tuning in during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or late at night. With less internet traffic, your video stream will be stronger and suffer from less buffering and interruptions.

4. Dump the freeloaders.
If you’ve ever shared your Netflix login credentials with friends or you’ve logged onto Netflix on a non-personal device, there’s a good chance there are unauthorized users messing up your recommendations—or worse. In addition to changing your password, you can eliminate unwanted logins and start with a clean slate by going to My Account > Sign out of all devices.

5. Clean up your viewing history.
Do your kids have a show they absolutely love that you can’t stand? Every time you fire up Netflix it will remind your pint-sized viewers to keep watching that same series, that is unless you happen to “accidentally” clear the “Continue Watching” queue. Simply go to your Account menu and select the profile you’d like to adjust. Select “Viewing Activity” and you’ll be given a list of all the recently watched shows (this is also a handy way to check in on what your kids are actually watching). To remove a show from the list, click the small circle on the right-hand side.

6. Download programs for offline viewing.
When Netflix offered subscribers the ability to download select movies and TV shows on their mobile devices a few years ago, it was a game changer for the streaming service. Without needing to worry about a strong and stable wifi signal (for example, on a long flight with kids), downloaded programs make watching Netflix on the go a dream. All you need is the Netflix mobile app, and make sure your device has enough storage space for large media files.

7. Find better ways to search.
Once you’ve binged through your favorites, Netflix can seem like a vast wasteland of scrolling through programs and content that you don’t care about. One Reddit user was so tired of Netflix’s seemingly endless scroll that he created a search engine called Flixable that’s entirely devoted to making it easier to browse what’s available on Netflix and to see what’s new and what's leaving. There’s also a Canadian version.

8. Get in on secret codes.
If you’re the kind of user who views Netflix on a laptop browser (versus using the Netflix app on a device or smart TV), you’re likely already aware of the various “secret code” lists that help you better zero in on programs and categories that don’t appear on Netflix’s main interface. There are plenty of lists out there, providing shortcuts to different genres and categories as well as tons of hidden movies and shows.

9. Play Netflix Roulette.
Are you feeling lucky? Instead of endless scrolling to find the perfect movie or TV show to watch on Netflix, streaming service directory ReelGood offers Netflix Roulette. Simply select a genre (or keep it open), then take a spin. The randomizer will make a recommendation for your next Netflix and chill.

10. Discover what’s coming up.
While it’s not officially sanctioned by Netflix, What’s Next on Netflix is a super-handy program guide that showcases the latest and greatest streaming on Netflix. An overview snapshot shows the number of new releases and total number of currently available titles. There are links to directories for guides in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

11. Remember a few computer shortcuts.
For viewers who use Netflix on their laptops, there are a few keyboard shortcuts that’ll make laptop-viewing easier: 

  • Press F for full screen; ESC to get out of full screen
  • Page Down pauses and Page Up plays
  • Space bar pauses and plays
  • Shift + Right Arrow to fast forward; shift + left arrow to rewind

12. Just ask Netflix.
If all else fails, Netflix’s own website provides plenty of up-to-date information about all of the new and upcoming programming on the service.

13. Be the first to know.
One of the easiest ways to get a jump on the latest Netflix features is by signing up to become a tester. In your Netflix account menu you’ll see a link for Test Participation, click the link and you’ll arrive at a page asking if you’d like to participate in the testing of new Netflix features. Set the toggle switch to “On” and you’ll get access to features not yet available to all users.

—Kipp Jarecke-Cheng & Shahrzad Warkentin

 

 

RELATED STORIES:

These Secret Netflix Codes Will Help You Search for Kids’ Movies

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There are numerous behavior systems and methods of parenting out there—just take a peek at Pinterest under “Parenting.” While these long-term systems and techniques generally provide some manner of relief in the long-run, sometimes you just need an in-the-trenches, how-the-heck-do-I-handle-this-right-now solution. Here are five tried-and-true methods for stopping that behavior in its tracks.

1. The Whisper. Tired of yelling, especially when nobody is listening?

How it works: Instead of yelling your next instruction or correction, try whispering it. You’ll have to get in their space and on their level to make this one work—which is part of the reason why it works so well. That momentary connection is sometimes all it takes.

Remind them that if they want to say something back, they’re in a whisper-only zone. Before you know it, those grumps will change right into giggles.

2. The Secret Code. The no-nag, embarrassment-proof method to calm.

How it works: When everyone is in a good mood, have a discussion about a secret word that you can say when a behavior needs to be changed. This way, instead of nagging, all you have to do is say the secret code word when behavior is starting to go astray.

This works especially well for kids who don’t do well with being called out in front of peers (#everyone), anxious kiddos, and for behaviors that aren’t necessarily on purpose (maybe you notice someone has hurt feelings, but nobody else has noticed). It also teaches kids self-reflection, as they are the ones who have to identify the behavior that needs stopping.

3. The Show Them Where You Need Them. This works best for visual learners.

How it works: Kids are in loud, hyped-up scenarios all.the.time. Telling a kid they are being loud doesn’t necessarily mean anything to them. Try showing them with your hands. Raising your hands above your head, say “you are up here,” then lower your hands to shoulder, chest or hip level and say “and I need you down here.” This is a visual reminder of exactly how loud they are being, and how much quieter you need them.

Full disclosure: I stole this one from our foster care case manager/trainer. Thanks, Aaron!

4. The Interrogation. So many needs, so little time.

How it works: Remember that last time you were hangry in a work meeting, and every idea seemed awful, or every comment seemed critical? That happens to kids on the regular. The next time they are acting up, try asking a series of rapid-fire questions.

“Are you hungry? Are you thirsty? Are you tired? Do you need something?”

Usually they get annoyed and say no to everything…until they stop themselves and say “yes! I AM hungry.” Talk about that poor behavior over a snack, once everyone is feeling a little less monstrous.

5. The Countdown. This isn’t your Grandma’s counting to three.

How it works: Start at twenty and count down toward zero. If they get to zero, they get a consequence.

Counting is a cue that an unwanted behavior needs to stop. But it puts kids in control in a small, simple way. They decide when to stop. It’s a tiny risk-reward scenario (i.e. Can I stop before mom gets to zero? What if I don’t?) that happens each and every time you count. Even more importantly, it gives the counter something to focus on other than the behavior. Remember that technique of counting to ten when you’re mad? It’s built-in!

Note: if hours have passed since the last countdown, go ahead and start back at twenty. But if it is a series of events in rapid succession, pick up right where you left off, whether 13, 9 or 2. They have less than twenty seconds, but it signals to them that the behavior is continuing, and they aren’t doing a good job addressing it.

Eileen Manes is a writer for kids, a five-going-on-fifteen-year-old wrangler, a reader, a Lego aficionado and a fuzzy puppy lover. If she's not reading, writing or revising, you'll find her procrastinating by redesigning her blog (or living room), hiking or Zumba-ing. But definitely not doing laundry. 

What happens when you combine the fun of unraveling a mystery with the reward of chocolatey treats? You get the first-ever speakeasy for kids.

Families staying at Club Med Michés Playa Esmeralda are in for an extra special treat thanks to the new Secret Chocolate Room. When guests dine at the family-friendly restaurant Cacao & Co, the kids at the table will receive clues to crack the code needed to enter the hidden room. Once they discover the location of the door, they can enter the secret code which opens the door with a fanfare of sounds and light, giving them access to a chocolate dream come true.

photo: Courtesy of Club Med Michés Playa Esmeralda

The Secret Chocolate Room features wall-to-wall, unlimited sweets. The choices include three different chocolate fountains, as well as candy, cakes, ice cream and more. The room was designed in partnership with Xocolat and all of the sweets are made with locally-sourced, premium cocoa.

In addition to this incredible dessert extravaganza, Cacao & Co offers a dining experience tailor-made for families with colorful interior design, collaborative dishes, like hands-on guacamole preparation, and fun-sized dishes made to be shared. Club Med Michés Playa Esmeralda opens Nov. 23, 2019 in the Dominican Republic.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

 

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Today’s the day––Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is finally open! After months of anticipation, the galactic outpost of Black Spire is accepting visitors at the Disneyland Resort. If you weren’t lucky enough to snag reservations to visit from now until June 23, fear not––we have the first look at the best of the best. From the fantastically-themed food and merch, to the committed characters, get ready to step into the new galaxy far, far away.

The Rides

The scope of the structures is mind-blowing and nowhere is that more apparent than the life-sized Millennium Falcon at the heart of it all.

Your official peek at the cockpit!

 

From the enormous down to the tiniest details, like the mysterious code on this trash can. Do you recognize it?

The Food

Even Coca-Cola gets the Star Wars galaxy treatment.

 

Get your daily dose of calcium with a cup of blue milk.

The Characters

When Disney promised this new land would be fully-immersive, they weren’t kidding. Instead of photo-ops and autographs, you might find yourself in a battle of words with Kylo Ren.

 

And it will be no surprise you’ll see your fave Wookie making his way around the outpost.

 

Every cast member from characters to food vendors is intertwined with the Star Wars galaxy.

The Merch

You can’t visit without bringing home a souvenir, perhaps a droid of your very own?

You can build your own at the Droid Depot!

 

Or Jedi robes.

R2-D2 salad bowl anyone? You’ll be the hit of the summer BBQ.

The rumor is, if you want to bring one of these beauties home, you’ll need to know the secret code.

––Karly Wood & Sher Warkentin

Featured photo: Todd Wawrychuk/Disney Parks

 

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