ML Interest Tag: sexual-assault

Even More True Crime Docuseries That Moms Can’t Get Enough Of

by Kate Loweth

Is there anything more relaxing after a long day of parenting than settling into the couch, grabbing a cup of tea, and breaking a 30-year-old cold case? When thinking of ways to unwind, grisly murder doesn’t naturally come to mind, yet women consume true crime entertainment—whether by documentary, docuseries, or podcast—at greater rates than men, and moms are among the biggest fans. There are theories as to why.

Some experts believe women are drawn to true crime because the victims are often female. Some think consuming true crime media helps women understand the criminal mindset and acts as a primer on how not to become a victim. Whatever the reason, we’re obsessed. And with so much out there, there’s no shortage of true crime docuseries to dive into. If you’ve already watched everything about the Night Stalker or are yet to join the true-crime-obsessed, here’s a list of series you need to check off immediately.

American Nightmare

American Nightmare true crime documentaries for moms netflix
Netflix

This three-part series explains how a home invasion and kidnapping led to Gone Girl-style accusations lodged against the kidnapped woman when she reappeared two days later. From the filmmakers behind The Tinder Swindler, this docuseries delves into the issue of investigators rushing to judgment and how that ultimately impacted the case and traumatized the victims. We especially loved the badass female detective who eventually broke the case wide open.

Where to stream: Netflix

The Case Against Adnan Syed 

This four-part documentary series explores the 1999 murder of 18-year-old Hae Min Lee and the conviction of her ex-boyfriend Adnan Syed. The hugely popular “Serial” podcast brought the story to worldwide attention, and a few years after the podcast aired, Syed’s murder conviction was vacated, and he was released from prison after serving 20 years. HBO is producing a follow-up episode to the incredible unfolding of the story that will feature exclusive footage of Syed leading up to and following his release from prison. The investigation the filmmakers did in the original series was used as evidence in the hearing to release Syed—which makes this series even more compelling.

Where to stream: Max

The Curious Case of Natalia Grace: Natalia Speaks

In the first season of this fascinating series, we met Kristine and Michael Barnett, a couple who adopted a Ukrainian orphan named Natalia Grace who has a rare dwarfism condition called spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita. The Barnetts claimed that Natalia not only threatened to harm them on numerous occasions but that she was actually an adult attempting to masquerade as a child. They went through the process of having her “re-aged” so that they would no longer be responsible for caring for her.

Season 2 “Natalia Speaks” addresses this story from Natalia’s point of view, specifically how Kristine Barnett formed this narrative because she no longer wanted to care for Natalia. You’ll want to dive into this series full of twists and turns that you won’t see coming (especially the shocking revelation in the series’ final episode). We’re seriously crossing our fingers for a Season 3.

Where to stream: Hulu

Escaping Twin Flames

Who doesn’t want to find their one true love, a soulmate or “twin flame”? Jeff and Shaleia Ayan established the online community of the Twin Flames Universe with just that goal in mind. This three-part docuseries provides interviews with former members who allege heavy coercion and manipulation led them into sometimes dangerous relationships with complete strangers who they were told were their twin flame. Want to learn more about this high-pressure group? Prime Video also released a series on the topic in 2023: Desperately Seeking Soulmate: Escaping Twin Flames Universe.

Where to stream: Netflix 

Evil Genius 

Evil Genius is a true crime docuseries on Netflix
Netflix

“In 2003 in Erie, Pennsylvania, a robbery gone wrong and a terrifying public murder capture the nation’s attention, and a bizarre collection of Midwestern hoarders, outcasts, and lawbreakers play cat-and-mouse with the FBI,” reads the series description on Netflix’s Evil Genius: The True Story of America’s Most Diabolical Bank Heist. But all of that doesn’t even scratch the surface of the twists and turns of this four-part docuseries. Add a small-town beauty queen turned criminal mastermind and the criminal case that came to be known as the “pizza bomber heist”—and you are in for a true crime rabbit hole you’re not ready for.

Where to stream: Netflix 

Inventing Anna 

Inventing Anna investigates the case of Anna Delvey, the Instagram-famous German heiress who quickly befriended key players in New York’s uber-rich social scene—and stole their money, too. The series was inspired by New York Magazine’s expose on the socialite—and poses the question, “Who the heck is Anna Delvey, and why was she able to trick so many people out of so much money?”

Where to stream: Netflix

Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God

This series follows the life of self-proclaimed spiritual leader Amy Carlson, referred to as “Mother God” by those who worshiped her. She leads the Love Has Won group through spiritual enlightenment via live-streaming sessions with the help of a series of male partners she dubs “Father God.” Love Has Won: The Cult of Mother God features interviews with Love Has Won devotees, many of whom appear to still be involved in the cult, and culminates with Carlson’s disturbing death and the police investigation that followed.

Where to stream: Max

Lula Rich 

LuLaRoe founders DeAnne Brady and Mark Stidham convinced thousands of women to buy into their pyramid scheme. They got rich while bankrupting those women they claimed to liberate with their products—predominantly poorly made leggings with questionable patterns. LulaRich is a four-part true crime docuseries that chronicles the unraveling of LuLaRoe; once known for their buttery soft leggings—now known for their terrible manipulation, questionable selling tactics, and ultimate demise.

Where to stream: Prime Video 

Making a Murderer 

Netflix

Making a Murderer tells the story of Steven Avery, a man from Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, who served 18 years in prison after a wrongful conviction for sexual assault and attempted murder of Penny Beerntsen. He was later charged with and convicted of the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach. It also tells the story of Avery’s nephew Brendan Dassey, who was accused and convicted as an accessory in the murder of Halbach. The series follows Avery’s arrest and conviction and his subsequent exoneration and release, then delves into the civil lawsuit he filed against Manitowoc County. There is so much going on here, you have to see it to believe it.

Where to stream: Netflix

Murdaugh Murders – A Southern Scandal 

Alex Murdaugh’s face has been all over the news lately, convicted last week of the murder of his wife and son and sentenced to life in prison. The Murdaughs were at one time considered one of South Carolina’s most prominent families until the death of teenager Mallory Beach in a drunken boating accident started to scrape at the veneer of the family’s facade and reveal the darkness underneath. Paul Murdaugh—the alleged driver of the boat—and his mother Maggie were found brutally murdered in 2021, and “a century of corruption, power, and cover-ups in the Low Country” was brought to light. The three-part series focuses on first-hand accounts from people on the boat and people who have never spoken about the crash or double homicide until now.

Where to stream: Netflix

Our Father 

Netflix

Jacoba Ballard was an only child, conceived via donor sperm. Her dream of having siblings led her to take one of those at-home DNA tests to see if there were any out there. The test led her to discover seven half-brothers and sisters, which raised red flags for all involved. The siblings started investigating their family tree, which landed them on a shocking discovery: the family’s fertility doctor was using his sperm to inseminate his patients—without their knowledge or consent.

Where to stream: Netflix

Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets

This one is especially for all of you who have been long-time watchers of TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, a series that followed the lives of ultra-religious Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar and their 19 kids. Shiny Happy People delves into some of the scandals that have followed the family, their involvement with the Institute in Basic Life Principles, and what went on behind the scenes of the popular television show. Interviews with daughter Jill (Duggar) Dillard, her husband Derick Dillard, and niece Amy (Duggar) King provided an eye-opening glimpse of the financial manipulation, abuse, and religious indoctrination that went on in the family.

Where to stream: Prime Video

Take Care of Maya

Maya Kowalski and her family are the center of this story that’s every parent’s nightmare. Ten-year-old Maya comes down with some unusual symptoms and her parents, Jack and Beata Kowalski, take her to the ER to find out what is going on. Beata is a nurse and had previously taken Maya to many different medical providers to try and figure out what was going on. One physician diagnosed Maya with complex regional pain syndrome and suggested ketamine as a treatment for her pain. So when Maya is admitted to the hospital from the ER, Beata suggests to the hospital staff that ketamine be given.

Instead of listening to Beata, the hospital finds this request to be suspicious and requests Child Protective Services evaluate Maya for possible child abuse by her mother. Take Care of Maya follows what happened after Maya was taken away from her family.

Where to stream: Netflix

Waco: American Apocalypse

Netflix

In 1993, cult leader David Koresh faced off against the federal government in a 51-day siege that shook the American public. The conflict began with the biggest gunfight on American soil since the Civil War and ended in a fiery inferno—caught on live TV. It was the biggest news story in the world at the time, and viewers were hooked. In line with the 30th anniversary of the tragedy, Netflix is releasing the true crime docuseries on March 22, with unearthed footage and interviews with several people close to the case.

Where to stream: Netflix

The Way Down 

Christian diet guru Gwen Shamblin Lara founded the Remnant Fellowship Church in 1999. She died with her husband and son-in-law in 2021 when her private Cessna crashed into Percy Priest Lake near Smyrna, Tennessee, shortly after takeoff. Four church leaders were with the family and were also killed in the crash. The fellowship taught its members to “turn away from the love of food and toward the love of God”—so it’s essentially a church based on dieting, which is the weirdest thing ever. The series details the truth behind Lara’s very carefully curated image and delves into the controversial practices of the church.

Where to stream: Max 

Web of Death

This series follows the investigations of online sleuths who used digital footprints, DNA databases, and crowdsourcing to solve murder cases. Each episode follows a different case, like the investigation of the disappearance of Abraham Shakespeare who won a $30 million state lottery and was reported missing three years later. We love this one so much because really, we’d all like to be investigating true crime in our spare time from the comfort of our own homes.

Where to stream: Hulu

Additional reporting by Maria Guido

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

‘Firefly Lane’ Season 2, Part 2 Final Trailer Just Dropped

by Julie Scagell

The final half of this ‘supersized season’ of ‘Firefly Lane’ will kick off on April 27

Firefly Lane first hit Netflix in February 2021, taking viewers on an emotional rollercoaster during its ten-episode run. And in just that short time, the show, which follows friends Tully and Kate (Katherine Heigl and Sarah Chalke, respectively) through different chapters of their life and friendship, has garnered millions of fans.

Fans learned late last year that the second season of Firefly Lane will be the series’ last, and we’ve been anxiously awaiting the final episodes ever since. Sensing our impatience, Netflix just released the Season 2, Part 2 trailer—and if you can get through it without crying you just might be dead inside:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uYaOfa0uP6c

The trailer opens with Tully wistfully stating that she hasn’t been the same since she “lost her best friend.” To clarify, she explains that Kate is still alive and “probably great” but that they’ve stopped speaking. However, we soon learn that Kate has been struggling to stay strong after a breast cancer diagnosis and that she might not be doing as well as Tully assumes.

The trailer takes you back in time, and we see the pair in happier times celebrating Tully’s TV show and Kate’s engagement. But it’s not all peaches and cream in the present, where the former friends’ mothers have to step in to bring them back together in Kate’s time of need. “What took you so long?” is what Kate asks Tully when they finally reunite. Cue the tears.

Part 2 will launch on April 27, 2023. The streamer also released some first-look photos of the upcoming season. If you need a refresher on what happened in the first half of season 2, you can check out the Part 1 trailer here:

Based on author Kristin Hannah’s book, Firefly Lane follows the pair from the time they meet as teens in the ’70s to the present day, and touches on some pretty important topics, like love, divorce, sexual assault, miscarriage, and careers.

Tully is the sassy, headstrong character that comes from a broken home, and Kate, the total opposite: a sweet, shy woman who often finds herself in Tully’s shadow. Tully ends up a famous talk show host while Kate enters back into the workforce after having a child.

You have a month to get yourself caught up before the final episodes kick off on April 27.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Brendan Fraser Cries During 6-Minute Standing Ovation for ‘The Whale’

by Julie Scagell

Brendan Fraser is back, baby. A24 just released a first look at Darren Aronofsky’s new drama, The Whale, in which Fraser stars as an English teacher living with obesity who is trying to reconnect with his estranged 17-year-old daughter. The film premiered for the first time at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, which began on Aug. 31.

While the rest of the world waits to view the movie, attendees of the film festival already love what they’ve seen. As the credits rolled, Fraser was met with a standing ovation that ran six minutes long.

If he was doubting his return to the industry after a decade of being out of the limelight, the special moment put all those fears to rest. Overcome with emotion, he tried to leave the theater but was kept at bay by the never-ending applause.

While we’re used to seeing Fraser in films like The Mummy franchise, George of the Jungle, and in the period drama, Gods and Monsters, The Whale is his first in almost a decade. It was his exit at the height of his career that left Fraser fans (of which there are millions) wanting more.

His disappearance from public life came after he’d felt blacklisted from Hollywood after he alleged he was the victim of sexual assault by a former president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. He battled depression thereafter, searching for answers as to what happened and what he should do next.

“I was blaming myself and I was miserable—because I was saying, ‘This is nothing; this guy reached around and he copped a feel,'” he told GQ in 2018. “That summer wore on—and I can’t remember what I went on to work on next.”

Now, Fraser is back and better than ever. Joining him in The Whale, which is based on the play by Samuel D. Hunter, are Sadie Sink (Stranger Things), Hong Chau, Samantha Morton, and Ty Simpkins.

“It’s gonna be like something you haven’t seen before,” Fraser told Unilad last year about the film. “That’s really all I can tell you…The wardrobe and costume was extensive, seamless, cumbersome. This is certainly far removed from anything I’ve ever done but not to be coy…I do know it’s going to make a lasting impression.”

Fraser did have a supporting role in Steven Soderbergh’s No Sudden Move last year, but The Whale marks a major comeback as his first leading role since 2013. But he’s not stopping there. Fraser is also set to star in Martin Scorsese’s western Killers of the Flower Moon and was set to play the villainous Garfield Lynns/Firefly DC’s Batgirl for HBO Max, but that film has since bee shelved.

A24 has not yet announced a release date for The Whale, but we already know Fraser is going to kill it.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Starting the New Year Off with Gratitude

By Carrington Smith

Every January presents an opportunity to reset our lives. Many of us do this by attempting and often failing at New Year’s resolutions. These resolutions are promises we make to ourselves that we will either start or stop a behavior. We “give up” carbs, “restrict” calories, “cut back” on spending, “punish” our bodies with sudden starving or extreme exercise. Why do we often fail at these endeavors?

It All Starts with Having the Right Mindset

It all starts with the story we tell ourselves. Are we engaging in these new behaviors because we previously had been “bad?” Or are we adopting these new habits from a place of self-love? What is our internal dialogue?

I used to be filled with self-loathing. Hypercritical of myself, I would beat myself up. My internal dialogue sucked. If I ate too many carbs, I would tell myself that I was a total failure, and the downward spiral would begin. New Year’s resolutions would be quickly abandoned. But as I shifted my internal dialogue to self-love, my success with adopting new habits increased dramatically. I would tell my body, “Thank you for being healthy. For supporting me. I love you and will take care of you.” Exercise and new dietary habits became about loving and supporting my body, not about punishing myself.

I learned that the most radical thing that I could do to jump start my life was to shift the conversation that I was having with myself to one of love, support, gratitude, and service to others. How did I do that?

The Gratitude Project

About fifteen years ago, I had a friend who had become incredibly negative. In fairness, she had suffered some major speedbumps in her career, but those circumstances had given her a negative outlook on life. I wanted to help her to shift her mindset to a more positive outlook. One day, I had an idea. I said, “For the next thirty days, why don’t we both commit to performing one act of service and one statement of gratitude every day. We will hold one another accountable.” We discussed what constituted an “act of service” and decided that we would count time spent on philanthropic endeavors that we were already involved in, doing things for others, even giving up a parking spot, or opening the door for someone who needed assistance. Part of this exercise taught us to acknowledge what we were already doing, but it also made us raise our game.

We approached our project with a sense of excitement. For the month of January, I volunteered with local philanthropies, did my friend’s dishes, practiced random acts of kindness, and was actively looking for things to do for others. We would report our acts of service to one another, give our statement of gratitude, and offer encouragement and support to one another.

At the end of the month, a miraculous shift had happened. My friend got her dream job, and she became positive and hopeful again. Her life had transformed, and so had mine. My mindset had shifted. Through this daily practice of shifting my mindset from the negative things in my life to gratitude and what I could do for others, my view of the world changed—and so did my internal dialogue. This shift was powerful and dramatic. Not only did it make me feel better, but people began to respond to me differently. The more I gave and expressed gratitude, the more that I received the same in return. My positive daily interactions with others improved my mood. It was like a feedback loop. As I felt more positive and grateful, I began to be kinder to myself. My own internal dialogue began to shift.

Now when I think about diet and exercise, it’s not about restricting, cutting back, or punishing myself. I ask myself, “What is the best, most supportive, loving choice that I can make for my body today?” Suddenly, I am giving myself an act of kindness, not restricting or punishing myself. This shift in mindset dramatically increased my ability to adopt healthy behaviors.

New Year: New Mindset

This year, as you contemplate changes you want to make, or new habits you want to adopt. Consider starting with 30 days of gratitude and acts of service. Start your new year with a new mindset, shift your internal dialogue to one of self-love and support, and then sit back and marvel at how your life is transformed for the better.

Join me in The Gratitude Project 2022 and et me know how it’s going!

 

  

Carrington Smith is a single mom, attorney, business owner, and executive search professional. In her debut memoir, Blooming, Carrington shares her journey into a life bursting with joy, opportunity, and purpose. A graduate of UT Austin and Tulane Law School, Carrington resides in Austin, Texas, with her two teenage boys.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

What My Assault Taught Me about How I Will Speak to My Children About Consent

By Jennifer Storm

Photo: Jennifer Storm

When I was 12 years old, I was assaulted—and I had no idea how to deal with the storm of emotions brewing inside of me.

No one in my family knew how to help or respond. They stayed quiet while I suffered in silence. My parents, both of whom had been abused as children, were never given any tools to help them heal.

With a family history of addiction, it was no surprise that I turned to drugs and alcohol to quell my pain. When children are traumatized and hurting, they tend to act out. They often lack the verbiage to explain what is happening inside. Drugs helped me numb out and forget the pain. But in reality, all they did was prolong the pain—and add to it.

I am often asked and wonder, would it have been different for me if a trauma-informed person had been in my life at that time? Could they have kept me from the 10 years of horror I experienced? I think so. Had someone spoke to me in a way that eliminated shame and did not make me feel guilty and scared, I may have sought help sooner.

A “trauma-informed” approach is one that aims to understand behavior—not label it, blame someone, or accidentally shame them. Telling people that it’s OK to not feel OK, sharing with them that they are not alone, and telling them that you believe them are all powerful ways to offer a young person a safe space to navigate confusion around trauma.

Thankfully, today, we live in a society that has cracked open important conversations around abuse and assault. Victims of sexual violence need not suffer in silence as I once did. That doesn’t mean that conversations about these topics are easy. They are hard—especially when you become a parent, but I’ve already started these discussions with my 5-year-old son.

Our children cannot do better until they are taught better—and neither can we as parents.

Here are tips to have age-appropriate conversations with children about their bodies, consent, emotional regulation, and coping.

Engage at the Right Times

After being raped, I remember it felt like my brain was able to lock those memories away. They only came out in fits and spurs, in flashbacks and nightmares. I could not access feelings and place them next to the events that happened to me. Children are resilient and their brains have an incredible way of protecting them, this can make intervention a challenge.

When asking more probative questions, engage children when they’re playing or during physical activity. A child’s brain development is different and direct questioning does not always work, especially if you’re trying to get them to open up about something fear-inducing or traumatizing.

If a child’s brain is already engaged with coloring or shooting hoops, it can be easier for them to talk about topics that are emotionally overwhelming. Ask questions, let them know you love them, that you are willing to listen, and will never judge or shame them for anything they share.

Normalize Talking about Hard Things

Pepper in prevention education throughout your conversations so your child knows the right terminology for their body, and they understand who is allowed to touch them and who is not. Do this while changing diapers, during potty training, and at the doctor’s office as they grow up. Just make quick, matter-of-fact statements since they might not tolerate or entertain a long conversation.

In our home, we teach our son a song and dance where we sign, “stop” and say, “Don’t touch me there.” We put a handout in a stop sign. “This is my no-no square,” we say, and “draw” a square around their lower body. Then we discuss how his body is his and no one is allowed to touch him without his permission. We tell him that only a doctor or parent should touch his genitals and even then, that is only for a quick cleaning or examination and there should always be another trusting adult in the room.

Provide Resources

One of the hardest jobs as a parent is knowing that often, we are not the ones our children will turn to when they need to talk or want to ask questions. In normalizing the conversations around engaging tough topics be sure to give them plenty of resources and acknowledge that you know it may feel odd for them to speak to you about whatever they need help with. Tell them that this is OK and give them some alternate names, places, and entities who they can speak to, including trusted friends, family, or hotlines.

Teach Healthy Coping Strategies

If we can build resiliency in our children and teach them to feel feelings while normalizing trauma in a way that gives them space to talk, feel, heal, and deal, they are less likely to reach for negative coping mechanisms. Negative coping comes from a lack of effective coping strategies.

We encourage our son to use his words and give him permission to be mad or sad by being there for him when he cries. We also teach him to use tools such as mediation, deep breathing, and walking away when he is overwhelmed. We normalize common emotions by making him feel supported instead of isolated and we teach him how to process emotions in a way that makes him feel better.

By giving children healthy coping tools, you are building a foundation for them when they have hard feelings. You are giving them ways to process emotions without them wanting to escape.

Offer Support through the Ups and Downs

These strategies, while well-intended, may not always work. Children and young people may still turn to drugs, alcohol, or other negative coping mechanisms. If they do, let them know that you are there for them, that you support them, and stress the resources that are available to them.

This way, your child will grow up with options—and options are huge when dealing with trauma and addiction.

 

 

This post originally appeared on Parents Magazine. Jennifer’s book, “Blackout Girl: Tracing My Scars from Addiction and Sexual Assault; With New and Updated Content for the #MeToo Era‘ can be found on Amazon and at your local bookstore.

Survivor. Author. Advocate. Victim’s Rights Expert. After a childhood rape turned her life upside down, Storm turned to drug and alcohol to cope with the trauma. This ten-year battle with addiction culminated in a brutal suicide attempt which she survived.  She has over 20 years experience in victim’s rights.   

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

23 Influential SoCal Moms Who Inspire Us

by Leah R. Singer

In honor of Mother’s Day, we’re putting the spotlight on 23 influential women/working moms in SoCal who inspire us with their vision, missions, products, service to the community, work ethic, imagination, strength, fortitude and more. From Vanessa Bryant to the mother at the helm of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and the founder of Baby Tula to the founder of The Honest Kitchen, read on to be wowed by local moms who are changing the world for the better.

Vanessa Bryant

Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation

Vanessa Bryant recently experienced an unimaginable tragedy––yet she’s continuing a legacy to help others. Her husband, Lakers basketball legend Kobe Bryant, and daughter Gianna, died in a helicopter crash in January 2020. In the wake of their death, she has renamed Kobe Bryant's charity organization the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, honoring 13 year-old Gianna, whose nickname was Mambacita. The Foundation is focused on creating a positive impact through sports and aims to help kids in underprivileged communities develop learning skills, enhance character traits and expand personal values that empower and inspire self-confidence. 

Susan Brandt, President of Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.

Susan Brandt

Working alongside the visions of Dr. Seuss is something that would inspire any parent. For Susan Brandt, it’s all about sharing the wonder of Dr. Seuss’ world and making kids and their families happy. She loves bringing joy to kids, whether by introducing a new generation to Ted Geisel’s (Dr. Seuss's) wonderful stories and characters with books or by bringing families together to enjoy his films and television shows. Brandt is also the mother of two sons: Liam James, 19, and Aidan Patrick, 17. She enjoys spending time with her kids playing games and exercising together. She’s proud of having raised two boys as wonderful, caring and compassionate young adults.

Kathryn Cloward, Founder and CEO of Kandon Unlimited, Inc. 

Kathryn Cloward

Kathryn Cloward, also known as “Kathryn the Grape," wears many hats. Cloward is an award-winning book series author, performing songwriter, media publisher and producer, director, entrepreneur and mother. She founded her award-winning media company, Kandon Unlimited, Inc., in 2010 to independently publish the series of children’s books she wrote featuring “Kathryn the Grape®.” Since then, Kandon Unlimited has expanded to become a full spectrum media publishing and production company. Cloward admits that she is inspired daily by her 13 year-old son, Landon, as well as ordinary, everyday moments. As a parent, she tries to be mindful about not over-scheduling, and enjoying spending time simply being together. Aside from Landon being her greatest pride and joy, Cloward is extremely proud of the positive impact she has made through her books and songs. 

Shanna Nelson, President, Jazzercise, Inc.

Shanna Nelson

Shanna Nelson is inspired that the work Jazzercise does helps people lead healthier and happier lives, and she witnesses this in every class they teach. As president of the company, Nelson loves that Jazzercise has provided thousands of opportunities for women business owners through their franchises. “I feel really lucky that I get to not only oversee the business and programming side, but also teach the program myself as I’ve been an instructor since I was 18!” said Nelson. She is also a mother of two daughters: Skyla, 17 and Sienna, 14. Now that her daughters are older, she can see how they value education, being kind to people, their strong values and morals, and she takes a deep breath and thinks all the hard work, sitting through homework, conversations and “being there” for them has paid off.

Ula Tuszewicka, Founder and President, Baby Tula

Baby Tula

Baby Tula was born out of a practical need. After Ula Tuszewicka’s daughter, Amelia, was born, she and her husband, Mike, wore her predominantly in a sling and loved how convenient babywearing was for both parents. When their son was born a few years later, they discovered the ease of ergonomic carriers. After trying several that didn’t quite work, they asked a family member to sew one for their specifications and it was perfect. Ula and Mike continued to make baby carriers for family and friends. They eventually turned the passion project into a business and created Baby Tula in order to fulfill their mission to promote babywearing worldwide. Ula oversees the company, while also being a mom to three kids!

Lucy Postins, Founder and President of The Honest Kitchen

Lucy Postins

Although she's the founder and president of The Honest Kitchen, Lucy Postins didn’t start with the goal of creating a pet food company. In 2002, in an effort to help her Rhodesian Ridgeback, Mosi, with ear infections and skin problems, Postins started mixing up fresh ingredients in her kitchen to create a raw food diet. When she saw how much Mosi’s health improved on the new recipes, Postins realized she could help other pets as well, and The Honest Kitchen was born. All the ingredients are human grade, minimally processed, organic when possible, sustainable and the end product is a labor of love. She oversees company operations while still making time to be a mother to her children.

Lynne Banach, Founder and Creative Director, Sakura Bloom

Sakura Bloom

Lynne Banach is proud of being a small business owner that makes her products right in their San Diego studio. The mission of Sakura Bloom is to simplify and beautify modern parenting through the use of baby carriers made out of exquisite natural fibers, including organic Irish linens, Indian dupioni silks and southeast Asian wild silks. The hand-crafted artisan baby slings are designed for infants all the way up to 45-pound toddlers. Banach partners with local artisans and family run businesses like hers that share the same values and goals. When she’s not brainstorming new ideas and implementing them, she spends her time as mom to her two children, Teja and Jai.

Judy Forrester, CEO of The New Children's Museum

Judy Forrester

Judy Forrester joined The New Children’s Museum in 2015 to lead one of San Diego’s most unique educational and artistic institutions, while establishing a sustainable business model for the museum. She will be leaving her position this summer after significant accomplishments to the downtown mainstay. Museum attendance has grown more than 40 percent on her watch. They’ve also grown their program and exhibition space, increased the budget, and because of a community outreach expansion program, 25 percent of attendees visit the museum for free or significantly reduced cost. Forrester achieved all this while also being a mother to three children.

Juliana Flores, Owner of Pachis Art Studio

Juliana Flores

Juliana Flores started Pachis Art Studio as a brick-and-mortar store with a single mission: to support the healthy development of art in kids. Unlike other art programs, Pachis is focused on teaching kids life skills through art making and exploration, with curriculum designed with important elements for a little one’s personal development. Recently, she transitioned to an online forum and sells art kits to foster creativity. Juliana and her husband, Cesar, moved to San Diego from Tijuana, Baja California in 2009. They now live in Linda Vista with their 3 year-old and newborn daughters. Juliana believes having a business geared towards kids has helped her tremendously to create a balance between being a business owner and mom. When she’s not working, she enjoys going to the beach and picnics, doing art and having deep conversations with her little one.

Christy Heiskala, Victim Advocate

Christy Heiskala

Christy Heiskala gave up a long and lucrative career to start anew, teaching child sexual abuse prevention and advocating for victims. As a victim advocate, this La Mesa mom helps parents navigate the very complicated process if their child has been a victim of negligence or abuse. She is also a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for kids whose parents are going through dependency court. Her passion grew out of advocating for the conviction of a local teacher who was molesting his second and third grade students for seven years. Christy worked tirelessly to assure the instructor had his teaching credential revoked, ensuring countless kids be spared. Christy lives in La Mesa with her husband, biological daughter (Jaiden); step-daughter (Kaya); and step-son (Lee).

Shannon Higgins, Founder of Studio Barre

Shannon Higgins

Shannon Higgins, a South Carlsbad mom of three, is a true warrior. She merged her passion of fitness and business to create Studio Barre, a national ballet barre-based workout studio and franchise. She’s also extremely proud to be a breast cancer survivor after undergoing chemotherapy and two surgeries. While Shannon credits the doctors for treating her, she is happy she never let the disease get her down and that she was able to keep her family life as normal as possible. She also started a blog to educate and share her journey. Shannon opened her first Studio Barre studio when her youngest son, Joey, started kindergarten with the vision of creating a “happy place” for women to not only workout, but also hang out.

Carly Garrett, Teacher and Girl Scout Troop Leader

Carly Garrett

Carly Garrett wears many hats. This Western La Mesa/Rolando mom of two (Ethan and Maddie) is a teacher of a continuation high school. She spends her days helping students in danger of being high school dropouts, a job in which she was named District Teacher of the Year. She also started the Palomar Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to kids from her high school who are often the first in their families to go to college. However, her proudest “hat” is serving as the leader of Girl Scout Troop 6190 of La Mesa for nine years and counting. Carly admits being a part of the 17 Girl Scouts’ lives is one of the greatest honors of her life. They do thousands of hours of community service and five of her troop members earned the Presidential Volunteer Service Medal from President Obama in the past two years. Carly likes to remind people to buy cookies from the older girls (other than the younger girls) because “big girls” have big dreams and goals too.

Cathy Nguyen, Health Educator at California State University, San Marcos

Cathy Nguyen

For more than 20 years, Cathy Nguyen has been educating, advocating and empowering college students to lead healthy lifestyles and make responsible choices through various health promotion programs. She also volunteers as a sexual assault response team (SART) advocate for Center for Community Solutions, a non-profit that operates the only rape crisis center in the city of San Diego along with a countywide 24-hour bilingual crisis helpline. This San Marcos mom has two kids: Tristan and Kaitlyn, both of whom are budding entrepreneurs. In addition to working full time, volunteering and being a mom and wife, Cathy is the co-founder of several online businesses that distribute to Amazon. She and her family are big Disney fans and are working on their goal of visiting all the Disneyland parks in the world. So far, they’ve visited four out of six parks, and are already planning their trips to the Shanghai and Hong Kong parks.

Michelle Lomelin, Founder of Sweet Petite Confections

Michelle Lomelin

Michelle Lomelin launched Sweet Petite Confections after leaving a two-decade career in fashion design. In her role as chocolatier and shop owner, Michelle creates and sells bonbons, meltaways, barks, salted caramels, custom chocolate business cards and ice cream, and teaches candy-making classes to families. Michelle lives in Bay Park with her two sons, Santiago and Kaleo, and started Sweet Petite Confections so she could make her own schedule, while being a mom and business owner at the same time. After overcoming the fear of “What if …” she’s launched a successful business, and at the same time, can attend field trips and teach art in her kids’ classrooms.

Jennifer Tandy, Owner/Founder of Nightingale Music Studios

Jennifer Tandy

Nightingale Music School was born out of Jennifer Tandy’s strengths in music and a love of kids. This former professional musical theater actress started with a small "mommy and me" music class out of her home, which turned into a successful business in the Bird Rock community that has served thousands of families in San Diego over the last 14 years. Jennifer also successfully launched satellite locations in South Park and La Mesa. Aside from her love of music, Jennifer is a strong advocate for public education and has advocated for her cluster of local schools. As a result of her advocacy, many schools have the strongest academic and enrichment programs in San Diego County. In turn, her work reshaping public schools has changed the community as well, and was recognized by being named the Honorary Mayor of Pacific Beach for the year 2014. When she’s not teaching music and running Nightingale, Jennifer enjoys camping trips or a National Park visits with her husband and three children. She credits her three children as her creative, musical inspiration.

Music Watson, Chief Communications Officer, San Diego County Office of Education

Music Watson

This Del Cerro mom is responsible for bringing classrooms into living rooms. As the Chief Communications Officer for San Diego County Office of Education, Music Watson is passionate about the power of public education to change the lives of individuals and whole families. She describes her job as using different media vehicles to help connect two audiences. The first is the 70 percent of California's voters who don't have kids in K-12 public schools, and the second are parents like Music whose daughter, Michaela, is in public school. Music credits her parents for helping her be successful in her career. “Until they retired, my dad was a blue collar worker and my mom was a school secretary,” said Music. “Neither of them earned a four-year college degree. I'm really proud of the hard work I put in––with their encouragement and support––that saw me through college and graduate school, and now to a successful career. I owe them a debt of gratitude for the decisions they made that led me to have access to high-quality education, and I'm proud of the fact that I pay that forward through my job.”

Salina Yoon, Author and Illustrator

Salina Yoon

Salina Yoon is an award-winning and bestselling author and illustrator of more than 160 books for kids. She travels to book festivals, conferences, bookstores, and schools all around the country to share her books and inspire the love of reading and writing and literacy. While her “Penguin” picture book series has been the most popular, she is most proud of the book “Be A Friend,” which celebrates individuality, encourages self-acceptance and promotes kindness and friendship. One of Salina’s proudest accomplishments is something that many moms can relate to. As a work-at-home mom, Salina was always sharing her creative space with family. So one day, she claimed a room and made it her own personal reading and writing space. She encourages all moms to claim a space of their own in their home. Salina lives in the San Elijo Hills community of San Marcos with her husband Chris Polentz (also an artist), and their two sons, Max and Mason. She has yet to outgrow her love of reading to her sons before bedtime.

Leng Caloh, Former Technology and Innovation Manager at KPBS

Leng Caloh

Aside from spending time with PBS characters like Daniel Tiger, Leng Caloh’s career can be described as bringing technology and people together in ways that educate and inspire — whether it’s technology for public use, or technology to help KPBS public broadcast staff better serve the public. Leng made an unexpected name for herself in 2007 when she led the KPBS web team in covering the October 2007 wildfires online, using Twitter (back when hardly anyone knew what it was) and Google MyMaps (which was just a few months old at the time). While that was a challenging week for everyone in San Diego, both professionally and personally (Leng hardly saw her toddler daughter), it changed the course of her career, and started KPBS on the path towards converging its radio, television and web news coverage. Personally, this Bonita mom is proud of her decision to have a home birth VBAC with her second daughter, after her first was born breech in a planned caesarian. Leng and her wife are proud parents of three kids: Siddha, Ananda and Treonte.

Amy Cullinan, Scientist, STEM Advocate and Communications Professional

Amy Cullinan

Originally from the Midwest, Amy Cullinan describes herself as a scientist, turned communications professional, work-at-home mechanical engineer, who has been married ten years to a San Diego native. This Rancho San Diego mom has one daughter, Samantha, who is in the first grade. She currently manages social media for Illumina, a global biotechnology company headquartered in San Diego, and was previously a science and technical writer. Before that, she was a research scientist investigating viruses and the human immune system. Amy is moved by helping the next generation discover what they want to do, and is proud that she built the social media program from the ground up, for one of the smartest companies in the world. She loves spending time with her daughter, inspiring her to learn about science through “Science Sundays,” which Amy team-teaches through a group of like-minded friends.

Kristen Elgo, National Events Manager for PIRCH

Kristen Elgo

Kristen Elgo’s mom hat touches every aspect of her life. She’s a full-time working mom, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts mom, soccer mom, running mom, and volunteers at her kids’ elementary school. This Mira Mesa mom is coming up on 14 years of marriage to her college sweetheart, Mike, and has two kiddos: Branden and Kaileigh, and two mini daschunds, Sumo and Geisha. She has what many consider a dream job: creating fun executive events in PIRCH showrooms designed to show off all the amazing products and features at the company. One of her proudest personal accomplishments has been running over the last four years, and competing in 12 half marathons and the full Rock and Roll Marathon. While waking up at 5 a.m. for a regular running group meet-up is early, she always feels fulfilled after the hour.

Amanda Bonds, Senior Program Manager at Words Alive

Amanda Bonds

Amanda Bond’s mission is simple: to bring reading and books to all kids. She is the Program Manager for Words Alive, a literacy non-profit leading a movement to make reading matter in San Diego. This Hillcrest mom to 2 year-old Starling is most proud of starting the organization’s Family Literacy Program that empowers parents from under-served communities with confidence, techniques and materials to feel confident reading with their kiddos. On a personal level, Amanda and her husband, Tony (both transplants from Austin, TX), have had Sunday dinner with the same group of friends nearly every week for more than five years. She has worked hard to establish her “framily” (friend-family) and truly believes in the importance of connection and developing a support-system for each other as parents. And they love coming up with new recipes and eating delicious dinners once a week for five years.

Amanda Allen, Attorney

Amanda Allen

Amanda Allen is a business and real estate attorney (with a specialty in working with breweries and wineries), and she launched Enrich, a co-working space for lawyers. This mom to 3 year-old Jasmine Jane has been practicing law for eight years and started her solo practice when Jas was only one. Amanda is extremely proud of launching Enrich. While it felt outside of her comfort zone to do, she’s happier about that professional accomplishment than any award she’s received. While Amanda is a successful attorney, business owner and mom, she’s committed to living a healthy lifestyle. She loves doing crossfit, and says working out has been her therapy and her rock. Amanda’s favorite thing to do with Jasmine is dance, and they can be seen busting moves in the car, bagel shop, gym and in the living room.

Maggie Unzueta, Chef and Writer, Mama Maggie's Kitchen

Maggie Unzueta

Maggie Unzeta is passionate about authentic Mexican food, and about preserving and promoting the richness of her culture through cuisine. She shares the true flavors of Mexico to the United States and the world through her blog, Mama Maggie’s Kitchen. Throughout her life, she’s lived in different parts of Mexico and has traveled to 22 of the 31 states in Mexico and sampled the unique foods of each region. She’s also mom to a 12 year-old son. With Mama Maggie's Kitchen turning 10 this year, she has been a work-from-home mother since he was a small kiddo. She’s extremely proud of her blog and how its grown and flourished over the years, and believes her son and family are her biggest accomplishments.

—Leah R. Singer

RELATED STORIES:

13 San Diego Mom Blogs You Should Be Reading

9 SoCal Moms with the Best Instagram Accounts

Celeb Chef & Mom Melissa d’Arabian Dishes on Her Fave Local Eats

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Sorry, Not Sorry: Why Girls Need to Stop Apologizing

By Lindsay Sealey

Photo: Shutterstock.com

You may have heard of a “little” best seller called, Girl, Stop Apologizing (2019) by multi-media company founder, Rachel Hollis. I don’t’ know about you but I’ve read it three times now, going on four. Hollis, speaker, author, and inspiring human being, calls us to action when she says, “It’s time to be yourself, unapologetically, and to show the world what happens when a woman challenges herself for greatness. It’s time to stop apologizing for who you are.” (p. 210).

I took her message to heart and started making changes in my own life, busting through some limiting beliefs and deciding to further design my dreams. Then, I considered how her compelling message could be brought to young girls and their parents. Here it is: our girls need to stop saying, “I’m sorry” so they can start embracing all they are meant to be.

Spend any amount of time with a growing girl and you’ll know this: they apologize all the time. “Sorry, I corrected you”, “Sorry, I made a mistake”, or “Sorry I just offered a creative idea.” No! Girls need to stop the insanity of excessively apologizing for who they are and all they offer. I asked girls why they apologize so much and they explained that sometimes it’s habit, or to fill awkward pauses in conversation. Yet, a lot of the time it’s because they are afraid of hurting someone’s feelings, disappointing people, or coming across as conceited.

Girls instinctively apologize for their voice, presence, ideas, opinions and dreams and this is troubling. Why? Because for every instant she says, “I am sorry” she is eroding her self-confidence and self-belief. Think about it: with each apology, she shrinks into herself and shies away from the power of her contribution. She is missing the opportunity to feel good about what she brings to the table.

Research tells us social media is damaging girls’ self-esteem. I’m not going to argue. Girls are constantly checking their feeds and feeling “not good enough” as they compare perfectly polished pictures with their own bodies and lives. Yet, I am going to argue that they are also damaging their own self-worth with their apologies. Can we all agree that’s it’s time to trade in her “I’m sorry’s” for some confidence boosters. Explain to her that when she apologizes and she hasn’t done anything wrong, she loses her inner strength and power. Conversely, when she apologizes when she is in the wrong, she gains power and feels empowered. When girls learn to withhold unnecessary apologies, they become more bold and brave. Isn’t this what all want? Here are three ways to do this:

Check yourself. I know I may sound like a broken record, but if you want your daughter to change in any way, you will need to ask yourself what you are modeling. If “I’m sorry” is your catch phrase, even when you have done nothing wrong, start by noticing. Ask yourself, “How often do I say I am sorry in a given day?” You may be shocked by your new awareness of how many times you utter these three words. Then, start to replace “I’m sorry…for asking for a favour” to a more assertive, “I have a favour to ask”. She is listening and she is learning and needs to see what “no apologizing” and “no limits” living looks like. 

Notice her “I’m sorry’s”. Any time your daughter says she is sorry without reason, challenge her. Girls apologize to me all the time when I offer them treats. “I’m sorry, I took a cookie” to which I respond, “Why are you apologizing?” or “No need to apologize, how about we try again with something like – thank you for the cookie.” If she proffers an apology for her opinion, which, let’s face it, will inevitably be different from yours, respond with, “I appreciate your unique taste in music which we simply don’t share, but you do you.” This is not to say girls don’t need to apologize sometimes and be accountable for their words and actions such as when: they are late, forget to clean their room, or give us a sassy response. Notice when her apology is not warranted and help her see why.

Practice replacement phrases to cultivate her self-worth and replacement role models. I have three prompts I use a lot with girls to help them feel empowered: “I am…” (followed by a quality or value), “I can…” (followed by a talent or skill), and “I will…”(followed by a goal or commitment). These phrases subvert the apology and build her inner strength, from the inside out. At the same time, I am convinced that by giving girls positive examples of young women who are offering no apologies for who they are and the difference they want to make, we can reduce the negative impact of some of the social media influencers they are following. Point her towards powerhouses such as: Bethany Hamilton, Ally Raisman, Malala Yousafsai, Brie Larson, or Kharis Rogers who have overcome a shart attack, sexual assault, terrorism, and sexism, and racism.

Rachel Hollis offers no apologies for her hard work, passion and purpose, and success. I think that girls today and those supporting girls need to take a page out of Hollis’ book and stop apologizing to start believing and then becoming greater and greater every day.

 

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. 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Why Your Kid Should Read and Celebrate Banned Books

By Common Sense Media

Photo: Common Sense Media

What do The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Catcher in the Rye, The Great Gatsby, Native Son, To Kill a Mockingbird, Fahrenheit 451, and The Adventures of Captain Underpants have in common? At one time or other, someone has tried to ban these books from classrooms and public or school libraries.

The American Library Association (ALA)—champions of free access to books and information—launched Banned Books Week in 1982 to celebrate the freedom to read. Libraries, bookstores, publishers, and teachers across the country use the week—this year it’s September 22-28—to highlight great books that people have banned and to spark a discussion about censorship. At Common Sense Media, we think reading banned books offers families a chance to celebrate reading and promote open access to ideas, both of which are keys to raising a lifelong reader.

Why do people ban books? Often it’s for religious or political reasons: An idea, a scene, or a character in the book offends their religion, sense of morality, or political view. Some folks feel they need to protect children from the cursing, morally offensive behavior, or racially insensitive language in a book. Or they think a book’s content is too violent or too sexual.

The Civil War novel The Red Badge of Courage has been banned for its graphic depictions of war. The edgy teen best-seller The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Stephen Chbosky) has been banned for its descriptions of sexual behavior and alcohol and drug use. Profanity and an explicit scene featuring oral sex got Looking for Alaska (John Green) on the banned list.

Who’s challenging these books? Parents, school board members, individuals, groups—yet what’s considered offensive may depend on the era or specific community. As the ALA argues, these challenges pose a threat to freedom of speech and choice—freedoms that Americans hold dear and are worth standing up for.

Here are five good reasons for kids to read banned books:

Today’s edgy is tomorrow’s classic. Original work pushes boundaries in topic, theme, plot, and structure. What’s shocking today may be assigned in English class five or 10 years from now if it has true literary merit. The Great Gatsby is high school staple today but was shocking when its gin-soaked pages were published in 1925.

There’s more to a book than the swear words in it. Many books have been banned for language that your kid has encountered before or will soon. Even potty humor (like in Captain Underpants) has caused people to call for a ban. A character’s language may add realism to the story, or it may seem gratuitous or distracting — your kid can evaluate.

Kids crave relatable books. Banned books often deal with subjects that are realistic, timely, and topical. Young people may find a character going through exactly what they are, which makes it a powerful reading experience and helps the reader sort out thorny issues like grief, divorce, sexual assault, bullying, prejudice, and sexual identity. The compelling teen rebels story The Outsiders has been banned, yet many middle schoolers cite it as the book that turned them into a reader.

Controversial books are a type of virtual reality. Exploring complex topics like sexuality, violence, substance abuse, suicide, and racism through well-drawn characters lets kids contemplate morality and vast aspects of the human condition, build empathy for people unlike themselves, and possibly discover a mirror of their own experience. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is an eye-opening story of an African American family facing racism in 1930s Mississippi, yet it’s been banned for having racial slurs.

They’ll kick off a conversation. What did people find so disturbing in a book that they wanted to ban it, and to what extent was it a product of its time or did it defy social norms of its era? For example, Harry Potter was banned by people who felt it promoted magic. Reading a challenged book is a learning experience and can help your kids define their own values and opinions of its content.

By Regan McMahon, Common Sense Media 

Common Sense Media
Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Common Sense Media is an independent nonprofit organization offering unbiased ratings and trusted advice to help families make smart media and technology choices. Check out our ratings and recommendations at www.commonsense.org.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Classic ’80s TV Shows That Are Still Totally Cool

by Melissa Heckscher

The ’80s may have been all about feathered bangs and neon socks, but it was also a great time for TV! Whether you were a Care Bear kid or a Punky peep, now’s the time to get your brood on board with all your childhood favorites. Read on for our roundup of great ’80s shows to watch with your kids.

Full House

Common Sense Media

Besides tuning in to see the Olsen Twins spring into the spotlight, watching an episode or two of this corny but lovable show is still a great choice for family TV night. After all, the Seaver family is a wholesome lot, and the show often wraps up with a Dad-to-kid talk about kindness, honesty, and the importance of family.

Recommended age: 7 & up

Where to watch: Nick at Night

She-Ra Princess of Power

Youtube screenshot

This girl power-infused 1985 classic originated as a spinoff of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and features a heroine named Adora (she's He-Man's twin sister!) who turns into a powerful and magical princess when she raises her sword up to the sky. Featuring elements of magic and fantasy—and with a tad less violence than the He-Man series—Wonder Woman-loving kiddos will love it. 

Recommended age: 7 & up

Where to watch: Amazon and Netflix

The Jetsons

Youtube screenshot

Why not give the kids of today a chance to "Meet George Jetson!"? While it's a tad disappointing to know that more than 50 years after the show was created we're still not flying around in space cars, at least your littles will get a chance to live the dream, too. 

Pssst: Rumor has it ABC is working on a live-action version of the show.  

Recommended age: 5 & up

Where to watch: Stream on Amazon (included in $4.99 Boomerang for Amazon subscription) or buy individual episodes for $1.99. 

Care Bears

Youtube screenshot

Why wouldn't you want to let your kids watch a show about adorable rainbow-colored bears who travel the world in the name of kindness? And don't forget to enter to win a year's worth of bears delivered to your front door! 

Recommended age: 3 & up

Where to watch: Some episodes are on Youtube, or buy the complete series on Amazon. 

Reading Rainbow

Common Sense Media

This show debuted in 1983 and features LeVar Burton as he journeys through classic children's books. Books and bigger concepts are told through vignettes, book reviews and talks with real kids about various social issues. It's basically a 30-minute storytime for your kids that, hopefully, will inspire them to be better readers and better people.

Recommended ages: 4 & up

Where to watch: Amazon Prime 

Mister Roger's Neighborhood

Common Sense Media

Sure, today's kids have Daniel Tiger (which is, FYI, inspired by Mister Roger's Neighborhood) but anyone who hopes to teach their kids Fred Rogers' timeless lessons of caring and kindness should sit their kids in front of the original good neighbor himself. The classic show's slow pace and gentle tone is a reminder that little kids don't need (and probably shouldn't have) a lot of stimulation to learn important things. 

Recommended age: 2 & up

Where to watch: pbskids.org

Fraggle Rock

Common Sense Media

First, there were muppets. Then there were Fraggles. Fraggle Rock was created in 1983 by Jim Henson and is, basically, another romp with charming puppets who seek to entertain via silly jokes and musical numbers. 

Recommended age: 6 & up

Where to watch: HBO Go (subscription required); or buy single episodes on Google Play

Punky Brewster

Amazon

This show about a tough little orphan with a positive attitude (and a funky fashion sense) will inspire kids to stay true and stand up for themselves. 

Recommended age: 7 & up

Where to watch: Available as a DVD rental from Netfli,; or buy on Amazon.

Mr. Wizard's World

Youtube screenshot

Between 1983 and 1991, a grandfatherly genius named Mr. Wizard performed all sorts of cool science experiments in this fave that was all about STEM before STEM was even a thing. Whether he was teaching us how to make homemade record players (remember those?) or showing how we can condense steam back into water, Mr. Wizard made science fun for everyone. 

Recommended age: 6 & up

Where to watch: This dedicated Mr. Wizard’s World Youtube Channel

Double Dare

Youtube screenshot

What kid didn't wish they could run in the giant hamster wheel featured at the end of this Nickelodeon game show? The show put real teams of two kids against each other to answer trivia questions and, ultimately, compete in a messy, whipped-cream and feathers-filled obstacle course that earned them all sorts of prizes. It's like a smart kid's American Ninja Warrior ... and today's little ninjas will love it. 

Recommended age: 7 & up

Where to watch: Single episodes are available for purchase Amazon; or find various clips on Youtube. 

Small Wonder

Amazon

Move over, Alexa! Today's tiny techies will still get a kick out of this show about a family who adopts a 10-year-old girl named "Vicky" who's actually a robot. Silly antics follow as the family tries to hide Vicky's true nature from prying neighbors. 

Recommended age: 6 & up

Where to watch: Watch single (random) episodes on Youtube or buy from Amazon

Alf

Amazon Prime Video screenshot

What happens when a furry and wise-cracking alien crash lands in your garage? He becomes a beloved part of the family, of course! ALF (an acronym for Alien Life Form) debuted in 1986 and ran for four years, during which it won both a People's Choice award and a Kid's Choice award.  

Recommended age: 8 & up

Where to watch: Stream the first three episodes for free on Tubi; or buy individual episodes for $.99 on iTunes. 

The Muppet Show

Common Sense Media

This show may have started in 1976, but we can bet that almost every kid of the '80s knew (and probably loved) Kermit and his charmingly bossy girlfriend, Miss Piggy. The Muppet Show features cute puppets performing with a slew of celebrity guests. Jim Henson originally created the prime-time series to entertain kids and their parents, and we bet today's parents will be just as happy to share the Emmy-award winning show with their littles.

Recommended age: 4 & up

Where to watch: Buy a special edition DVD set on Amazon; or rent DVDs of the show from Netflix. 

The Great Space Coaster

Youtube screenshot

This show was co-created by Muppets designer Kermit Love and featured a cast of shaggy puppets alongside actors who performed a variety of songs and skits as well as animated vignettes. The (trippy!) premise: Francine, Danny, and Roy, are singers who live on an asteroid called Coasterville with a clown named Baxter who pilots a "space coaster" through space.  It'd be creepy if it weren't so cute.

Recommended age: 4 & up.

Where to watch: Find random episodes on YouTube

Family Ties

Amazon

The theme song alone will bring you back! This classic showed debuted in 1982 and ran for seven seasons. It most notably launched the career of actor Michael J. Fox (Admit it: You collected posters of him from Teen Beat!), and chronicled the trials and tribulations of an upper middle-class American family. Watching the Keaton kids wrestle over (wired!) telephone time or fight over who gets to watch the house's one TV will make you realize how simple those times really were. On a more serious note: The show does hold important lessons for tweens and teens, touching on topics including dating, teen pregnancy, sexual harassment, alcoholism, and death. 

Recommended age: 8 & up

Where to watch: CBS.com (subscription required) or Amazon Prime Video. 

Kids Incorporated

Youtube screenshot

Long before American Idol whet the appetites of aspiring rock stars everywhere, Kids Incorporated made us all want to tease our hair and get on stage to the beat of Belinda Carlisle or Debbie Gibson. The show featured a gaggle of musically-talented kids who had their own band and a huge following of fans. The hair, fashion and music is reason enough to watch. If you're lucky, your kids will like the tunes as much as you do. 

Recommended age: 6 & up

Where to watch: Watch clips on this dedicated Youtube channel

Diff’Rent Strokes

TV Guide

C'mon, you know you want your kids to be able to properly quip, "What you talkin' bout, Willis?" This groundbreaking show (1978-1985) is about a white man who adopts the two black children (Willis and Arnold) of his housekeeper after she dies. Lessons of racial acceptance, bi-racial adoption, and family bonds make it a worthwhile addition to your kids' screen time. Note: While it is a comedy, some shows tackle tough issues including pedophilia, sexual assault, drugs and bulimia.  

Recommended age: 11 & up

Where to watch: Available as DVD rental from Netflix

He-Man and The Masters of the Universe

redondoself via flickr

This short-lived series enchanted any kid who loved watching the mighty He-Man defeat the evil Skeletor, again and again. Sure, it was basically a ploy to sell Mattel action figures (you can find these relics today on eBay), but kids who love a classic good-versus-evil romp will be thoroughly entertained.   

Recommended age: 6 & up

Where to watch: Netflix (subscription required); or buy single episodes on Google Play 


What’s your favorite 80s TV show? Tell us in the comments below!

—Melissa Heckscher

RELATED STORIES:

9 Classic Cartoons You Can Stream Online

75 Movies Your Kids MUST See Before They’re 10

Oldschool Toys from Your ’90s Childhood

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement