ML Interest Tag: sibling-rivalry

21 High School Movies That Actually Get It Right

by DeAnna Janes

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

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

Booksmart

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

Stream it on Tubi

Bottoms

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

Stream it on Prime Video

CODA

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

Stream it on Apple TV+

The Half of It

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

Stream it on Netflix

10 Things I Hate About You

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

Stream it on Disney+

Lady Bird

Lady Bird is a great high school movie
A24 Films

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

Stream it on Prime Video

Moxie

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

Stream it on Netflix

Dope

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

Stream it on Netflix

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

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

Stream it on Netflix

Prom Pact

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

Stream it on Disney+

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

The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give
20th Century Fox

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

Stream it on Prime Video

Remember the Titans

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

Stream it on Disney+

The Edge of Seventeen

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

Stream it on TBS

Mean Girls

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

Stream it on Paramount+

Do Revenge

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

Stream it on Netflix

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

Love & Basketball

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

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

Stream it on Hulu

Chang Can Dunk

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

Stream it on Disney+

The Breakfast Club

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

Stream it on Prime Video

Superbad

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

Stream it on Prime Video

Dazed and Confused

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

Stream it on Prime Video

 

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

7 Things NOT to Say to Your Toddler When You Have a New Baby

by Kate Daley

The way you speak to your firstborn about their new sibling has a huge impact on how well they handle the transition.

“You’re so lucky to have a new baby sister!”

“You’re going to have to be a big boy now that you’re becoming a big brother.”

“Having a sibling is the best gift.”

These are just some of the things people might say to your toddler after a new baby brother or sister makes their debut. Heck, you’ve probably uttered more than a few of these common phrases to try and get your older child prepared for and excited about the new baby. But experts, like Dr. Michele Locke, a registered clinical psychologist specializing in child, adolescent, and parenting psychology in Toronto, say this kind of language can do more harm than good. So we asked the experts for more productive ways to speak to a toddler who’s suddenly becoming a big sibling, and these simple swaps can make all the difference in easing the transition.

1. Don’t Only Focus on Positives

It’s really important to prepare your toddler for what a new baby is actually like before their new sibling arrives. “We spend a lot of time talking about the exciting parts about having a baby, and we’re lying a little bit,” says Locke. “We say, ‘It’s going to be amazing, you’re going to have this playmate,’ and they picture a toddler coming out ready to run around. Instead, it’s a needy, crying baby that makes mama so tired that she has no patience.”

While newborn life is obviously not all bad, the way you talk about it can set up unrealistic expectations. Kids, especially toddlers, are pretty literal. The more you reinforce that there will be challenges and open up the opportunity for them to express themselves, the more it frees up your kid to find the good parts for themself, explains Locke.

2. Don’t Always Choose the Baby First

Try to temper how often you say “no” to the bigger kid by picking them first when possible, recommends Locke. Saying common phrases like “the baby needs me right now” is a surefire way to enrage your toddler because they probably feel the same way. Babies can be held by anyone, so if you can give your firstborn attention when they ask for it, do it. “It’s a huge loss for your bigger kid,” stresses Locke. Before the baby, they could hug you anytime they wanted, and now there’s a newborn on you all the time and they may feel rejected if they don’t get that same level of affection.

Your toddler is also totally dependent on you, says Dajana Yoakley, a peaceful parenting coach in Little Rock. They trust that you will meet their needs and take care of them. “And all of a sudden, the resources are shared. They used to get 100 percent and now they’re getting 50 percent,” explains Yoakley. This can lead to the well-known dynamic called sibling rivalry.

Toddlers are looking for your physical presence. If you can show up more often than not when the new baby is there, your child will feel safe and that will be reflected in their behavior, says Yoakley. “That responsiveness is really important.” If you leave your toddler waiting for five or ten minutes after they ask for help, they may start to feel like they are not important and that their needs are not going to be met. For example, when your two or three-year-old needs help in the bathroom, try and put the baby down so you can help them, or just come into the bathroom so you are physically there for them. Talk them through what they’re doing with phrases like “I see you’re on the potty, good job!” says Yoakley.

3. Don’t Ignore Their Feelings

Having a new sibling totally changes the family dynamic, so letting your child express themselves is key. If your toddler is starting to share some big feelings through their words or behavior, telling them to “calm down” or saying things like “be a big girl/boy” can make them feel like they’re being dismissed. “Validate and empathize with the yucky parts that they’re feeling,” recommends Locke. When a grandparent says “You’re so lucky,” you can lean down and say “It’s also super hard to be a big sibling.”

Yoakley also recommends flipping the conversation completely by talking to the baby about the toddler. “Tell the baby, ‘You’re so lucky to have the best big sister. She has the best dolls and she makes the best cookies in her play kitchen. When you’re older you’re going to get to play with your big sister,’” she says. During the newborn stage, you want to do your best to cater what you say to the older child, the one who understands what you’re saying.

A mom holding a toddler while a dad, holding their new baby, kisses his head
iStock

4. Don’t Blame the Baby

If your toddler is being demanding and you just need a minute, don’t say “I’m tired because the baby keeps me up all night,” says Locke. Your toddler will react by thinking who is this baby who is ruining my mom? Reframe it. You can say “I was awake a lot so I am feeling tired.”

Yoakley agrees. Try saying something like “My hands are busy right now” so your older child doesn’t see the baby as a threat. If you constantly blame your mood or inability to do things with your toddler on the baby, they may act out more towards their younger sibling, says Locke.

5. Don’t Assume the Worst in your Toddler

When your toddler tries a wrestling move on the newborn, don’t immediately assume they’re trying to murder them (even if it looks like it). In those heated moments, it’s important not to say things like “don’t hurt the baby,” because it can make your older child feel like they were doing something wrong and even more at odds with their new sibling. When they are too rough, make sure the baby is safe, and then talk to your toddler. Say something like “I know how much you love him and want to hug him, but he has a mushy brain,” recommends Locke. Be generous in your interpretation of their actions. When toddlers are too rough it usually comes from excitement and joy, and it’s not typically to harm them, says Locke.

If your toddler has been aggressive with the baby, talk to them to help them process their emotions and set limits on their reactions, says Yoakley. “Say, ‘I see you were upset with the baby. Can you tell me about that in words? We don’t hit the baby.’ And help them with their emotions.” Don’t just allow bad behavior because you feel guilty. It’s important to guide them through what’s appropriate and what’s not, she says, while understanding that their actions are the result of dealing with a major transition.

6. Don’t Compare Your Kids (Or Let Others)

It’s really easy to make your toddler feel like they’re not as cute and wonderful as the baby by the way you talk about them. When you run into other parents or friends, you might want to complain about your slightly deranged toddler but remember that they’re always listening. If they hear you say things like, “The baby is so much easier than my first,” or gush about some (obviously very cute) physical aspect of your newborn, your toddler can internalize the idea that they’re not as good as the baby and it can affect how they act going forward.

And it’s even more obvious when your friends and family gush over the new baby. It can be hard to manage those comments, like how different the baby is from their sibling.

Try Locke’s go-to statement when someone starts comparing your kids: “We have two different kids, and we’re so lucky! We would be bored if they were the same.”

7. Don’t Ignore Your Toddler Time

If your kid constantly hears “Not now,” “Hold on,” or “Wait a minute,” they won’t feel like they’re a priority anymore. When you can, spend some special one-on-one time with your toddler without the baby in the room. “Focus on how the relationship was before the baby,” recommends Yoakley.

It’s important to really pay attention to the new things your older child is doing to ensure you’re filling those attention and connection buckets, says Locke. Offer your toddler a compliment, noticing something they’re doing (or repeating what they said through active listening), and make it specific so they know they’re getting your attention.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

All the New Kids’ Shows & Movies on Netflix in October

by Gabby Cullen

These new Netflix kids’ shows and movies coming in October are perfect for when the kids need downtime

Fall is officially here, which means chillier days and many excuses to relax on the sofa. Netflix’s October lineup is jam-packed with new releases and family favorites. No matter what you like to watch, there are plenty of new Netflix kids’ shows and movies this month. Family favorite Kung Fu Panda is back and there are a few new additions for Halloween, too. All that’s left is to decide what they want to watch first.

New Netflix Kids’ Shows and Movies Coming in October

Oct. 1

The Adventures of Tintin

This animated film is based on the comics of the same name. When young journalist TinTin buys a miniature version of a legendary pirate ship, he is unknowingly thrust into an adventure that involves traveling the world, looking for sunken treasure, and avoiding some nasty pirates. And he does it all with the help of his trusty sidekick Snowy.

The Amazing Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 

While the Andrew Garfield version of New York’s favorite superhero might not be the favorite of the comic book film adaptations, these movies are still action-packed fun for the whole family.

Casper 

This modern take on a classic cartoon character spins the story of an afterlife therapist and his daughter becoming friends with a friendly spirit after they move into a crumbling mansion.

Drake & Josh: Season 1-3 

In this classic Nickelodeon series, two stepbrothers learn to live together and navigate high school even though they’re very different people.

Kung Fu Panda 

Go back to where it all began for Po and his ninja master friends. Enjoy the discovery of the dragon warrior all over again with this animated classic.

The Little Rascals 

Based on the classic “Our Gang” movie shorts from the ’20s and ’30s, Little Rascals follows the adventures of Alfalfa, Darla, Stymie, Spanky, Waldo, and more.

Megamind

This hilarious animated film about an overly smart reformed super-villain alien is back on Netflix. Starring the voice talents of Will Ferrell, Ben Stiller, Tina Fey, Brad Pitt, and many more, this is a perfect choice for family movie night.

Oct. 2

Strawberry Shortcake and the Beast of Berry Bog

In an all-new special, the Berry Scary Fright Night Carnival has arrived in Big Apple City and Strawberry Shortcake must solve the mystery of who is trying to spoil the fun.

Oct. 10

Blippi’s Big Dino Adventure

If you didn’t catch Blippi’s feature film debut this summer, here’s your chance. In this 60-minute length film, Blippi and Meekah set out on their biggest and best dinosaur adventure yet. They’ll meet up with friends like Park Ranger Asher and help to find some missing dino eggs before they hatch.

Oct. 12

LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising: Season 1: Part 2

The key to stopping the MergeQuakes from reaching their tipping point lies in the Dragon Cores. Can the Ninja find all three before it’s too late?

Oct. 13

Spy Kids, Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams, Spy Kids 3: Game Over

Now that you’ve seen the remake, how about going back to the beginning with the original trilogy? Follow Juni and Carmen as they follow in their super spy parents’ footsteps and help save the world with the help of some super cool spy gear.

Oct. 16

Oggy Oggy: Season 3 

Kind and curious kitty Oggy Oggy wants to spread joy to all his friends and neighbors. But sometimes, he gets into playful mischief instead. Miaow!

Oct. 17

I Woke Up A Vampire 

On her 13th birthday, Carmie discovers that she’s half vampire—and she must learn to navigate middle school while learning to control mythical powers like strength, super speed, and power blast. A fun new TV show for tweens.

Oct. 23

Princess Power: Season 2 

When there’s trouble in the Fruitdoms, these princess pals join forces to help each other—because sometimes problems are too big for just one princess!

Oct. 24

Minions

Gru’s sidekicks get their own feature-length film with this spin-off of the Despicable Me franchise. Find out where the minions came from and why they are obsessed with bananas.

Oct. 25

Life on Our Planet

Life as we know it has fought an epic battle to conquer and survive on Planet Earth. There are 20 million species on our planet in 2023, but that number is just a snapshot in time—99% of Earth’s inhabitants are lost to our deep past. The story of what happened to these dynasties—their rise and their fall–is truly remarkable.

Related: New, Original Family Movies You’ll Only Find on Netflix, Disney+ & Apple TV in 2023

Kids’ Titles Leaving Netflix in October

A League of Their Own

Jumanji

Nanny McPhee

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie

 

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Mom Ends Family Vacation After Less Than 24 Hours Due to Bratty Kids—Too Harsh?

by Christina Marfice

The internet is divided after a mom confessed that her kids’ bad behavior prompted her to cut a family vacation short and take everyone home after less than 24 hours

It’s kind of a given that, even on a fun family trip, kids will fight and misbehave. And what parent hasn’t threatened to “turn this car around”? But one mom actually followed through, cutting her family’s vacation short after her kids wouldn’t stop misbehaving, and now the internet is divided over whether she made the right choice.

The mom took to Reddit’s always-entertaining “Am I the A**hole” forum for a verdict.

“My husband and I have 3 kids, 9M, 8M, and 3F. The boys have been driving us crazy. They fight like cats and dogs. We’ve had countless talks with them about respecting each other, to no avail. I understand sibling rivalry but it’s gotten to the point it’s disruptive to us all, every day,” she wrote. “I already told my husband last week I wasn’t sure if the vacation was a good idea. My husband shut me down pretty much immediately and things went ahead as planned.”

AITA for cancelling vacation less than 24 hours in due to my kid’s behavior?
byu/vacationslayer238 inAmItheAsshole

She continued, “First of all, the 3.5 hour car ride was (predictably) hell. Boys fighting and riling each other up the whole time. Husband and I kept trying to reassure each other that things would be better once we got there and they would be too excited to cause trouble. We were wrong. They had so many reminders of what not to do once we got to the rental house…so they do everything wrong from the get go.”

She explained that the boys broke every rule she set: putting their shoes on white furniture, running in the house, throwing chalk in the pool. The 9-year-old even ran away from the family in an unfamiliar place because he didn’t get his way. That’s not just misbehaving; it’s dangerous.

At the end of her rope, mom made a choice.

“We finally go to the beach and they are frankly being brats. Refusing sunscreen. Fighting over toys. Pushing their luck repeatedly going farther and farther out in the water than we told them to. Cursing,” she wrote. “By the time we got back to the house, it was around dinner time and I was fed up. They were totally ruining it for everybody. Nothing had worked and I told my husband we needed to go home, for the reasons mentioned above, mainly that they needed to see a REAL consequence. My husband still insisted it would get better. I put my foot down and told him that I didn’t even want to be there at that point so either I was leaving, or we all were. He got super pissed and told me it was ridiculous and unfair to our daughter. I actually agree with him but saw no other choice at this point. Of course when I tell the kids they immediately burst into tears and are begging to stay, promising they will behave.”

To make things worse, Grandma took the kids’ side.

“My mother, who came with us, was also near tears. She thinks her precious grandbabies do no wrong. She argued with me too, begging me to “just let it go” but I refused to budge. So, we left, less than 24 hours into a 4 day vacation,” Mom wrote. “Half the ride home was spent with them sobbing and my husband pretty much gave me the silent treatment the whole way. My mother decided to stay behind a little longer but then started randomly texting me about 30 minutes in, asking if I was serious (she knew I was) and told me the whole reason she came was to spend time with the kids, so I had now ‘ruined it for everybody’ and ‘they’re only little once.'”

Wow, there’s a lot to unpack here. We all agree that this poor mom was in the right, right? She had no options, with her husband and mom refusing to back her up or help wrangle these nightmare kids. But of course, the internet is quicker to judge.

“YTA. Your kids are as*holes, because they were raised by bad parents… Both you and your husband need to get on the same page with respect, responsibilities, and discipline,” one commenter wrote.

Another added, “you canceled the trip because you are overwhelmed and a bad parent. You have not described any reasonable consequences that your children faced at any point in that day. You have gone from 0 to 100, how will they learn if there is no clear communication and consistent consequences?”

Many commenters took a middle-of-the-road approach, like one who suggested Mom make things up to her youngest, who wasn’t misbehaving on the family vacation.

“Momma, you should take your littlest one for a ‘girl’s night out’, and let the dad and grandma deal with the boys. Or, offer separate trips (sucks, I know, but we’re trying to teach a valuable lesson here lol). Betcha they’ll be talking about implementing discipline by the time you get back,” they wrote.

Another rightfully pointed out that with so many adults along on the trip, it should have been possible to wrangle (and discipline) the kids and find some peace and balance.

“Could have assigned one parent / grandparent per child and taken them on separate activities, rotates every few hours, kept the boys apart and had a little more peace,” they said.

Still, others took Mom’s side.

“Actions have consequences. Your sons are learning a needed lesson,” one person wrote.

Another added, “Don’t forget, punishing the boys is the right message to send to the daughter, also. And not punishing the boys immediately would be sending the exact WRONG message to all the kids, male and female.”

Ultimately, the internet concluded that Mom was in the right. Maybe next vacation, the boys will remember that their actions have consequences.

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

How to Handle Sibling Fights (& When to Do Nothing at All)

by Melissa Heckscher

Here’s something they don’t tell you about being a parent: Someday you’ll be in the front seat of your car spitting out idle threats while your kids scuffle over something as small as a one-and-a-half calorie breath mint. But there I was, with my boys in full melee mode while I unsuccessfully tried to quell the conflict between siblings.

According to this ABC News report, young siblings argue an average of 3.5 times an hour—up to ten minutes every hour.  In addition, siblings make 700 percent more negative and controlling statements to each other than they do to friends, the report said.

Parent coach Abigail Wald, who has helped more than 10,000 families through her nontraditional parent coaching program, says, “Essentially, all of these experiences are good training wheel dramas for everything that our children are going to have to deal with throughout their lives.”

Whether you’re trying to referee your toddlers or help tweens learn how to be patient with younger siblings, there are a lot of times we as parents have to step in—and other times we need to sit back and let our kids handle things on their own. But how do you know when to do what? We talked with experts to find out what parents should do when kids fight. Here’s what we found out:

Related: How to Resolve Sibling Rivalry

What to Do When Kids Fight: Sibling Drama

Let’s face it: If your kids are actual human children, they’re bound to argue. So should you make like a hockey ump and squeeze yourself between them? Or should you step back and let them work it out on their own?

The answer might be somewhere in between, said California psychologist Dawn Huebner.

You see, it’s not always about ending the fight; it’s about giving them the skills—like listening, taking turns, and compromising—they need to solve the problem. According to Huebner, who is the author of several books, including The Sibling Survival Guide: Surefire Ways to Solve Conflicts, Reduce Rivalry, and Have More Fun with your Brothers and Sisters, “A lot of parents think either you get involved as a referee or you just leave them alone to sort things out. But there’s actually a middle ground that’s the most effective: Getting involved, not to solve the problem but to coach your kids to solve the problem.”

Related: 6 Ways to Build Unbreakable Sibling Bonds

Here are some scenarios to consider: 

what to do when kids fight, like these siblings
iStock

 

When they’re fighting over a toy

When you see your kids fighting over a particular thing (because face it: they’ll always want the same toy, right?), try to help them figure out how to take turns  (Hint: Always do this when you’re standing in front of them, not yelling from the kitchen across the room.)

For younger kids, you can try a “toy timer” that lets them know when to take turns. This can be as simple as watching the clock or setting a timer on your phone. For older kids, you can ask them to suggest solutions that would work for both sides.

“It’s not so much that you’re proposing negotiations, but you want to be asking questions that help them figure out how to work it out. The goal is to help them learn how to listen to one another and how to make compromises among themselves,” Huebner said.

And while it may seem like getting rid of the toy in question is the easiest solution—especially when you are tired of trying to intervene—Wald said that’s the worst thing a parent can do. “Because then everybody is pissy and blames everybody else.”

When they’re fighting over screen time

Before you start watching TV or online games, do the pre-work. Talk to your kids about what they think is fair: Could they take turns with their TV shows? Could they have a timer set and trade when it goes off? Younger kids may need more involvement in sticking to these rules, but no matter the age, it’s best to set the parameters before kids start watching TV or playing video games.

When they’re fighting about privacy

If your older child loses his cool every time his younger siblings barge into his room, find a time to have a discussion about how to give the younger sib a 10-minute “time slot” that both kids are OK with—or, make door signs that can tell outsiders when it is OK and NOT OK to come into the room (or bathroom).

When they’re fighting about the same thing (again)

Do your kids fight every time they get into the car? Is there a brawl every time it’s family movie night? It’s time for some pre-work! For instance, decide on a “seat schedule” to dictate who gets to sit in a particular seat/row in the car, or set a schedule for who chooses the family movie every week.

“When something happens over and over again, that tells you that you need to help your kids come up with some plan about it when it’s not happening. You need to talk to them in advance and come up with a solution together that you can both live with,” Huebner said.

When the fight turns physical

If you sense an argument is headed for blows (or if it already has), step in between your children and physically separate them. According to Huebner, the best course of action is to “Say something like, ‘Whoa, whoa, whoa—Things are getting really heated here,”  “You want your initial comment to be about the situation; not the child. You’re not blaming anyone.”

Then, explain to your kids that they need to calm down before they can talk (this usually means keeping them physically apart for a few minutes). And don’t try to decode the issue until that happens.

“When kids are in a heightened state—when they’re yelling at each other—it literally means they don’t have access to their prefrontal cortex, the thinking part of the brain.”

When it seems like they’re always fighting 

If you feel like your kids are constantly at each other, try to rewrite the narrative by focusing on the positive. In this article by the Child Mind Institute, psychologist Stephanie Lee proposed a genius way to do this: by encouraging kids to “Tootle” instead of tattle.

Tootling, the article explains, is calling out positive behavior. So, have your kids tell you when a sibling does something nice, like sharing. You can even put a coin in a “Tootle Jar” to celebrate these moments; that way your kids are noticing (and, hopefully, striving for) the positive moments rather than brewing in the bad times.

“For every time you catch them fighting, you want to catch them playing nicely together three to five more times. “We want to encourage that in order to really change their behavior,” Lee said in the article.

Related: This Mom’s Hilarious Viral Video About Sibling Fights is On Point

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

What Not to Say to a Pissed Off Toddler

by Melissa Heckscher

Trust us, you do not want to poke that bear

Now you did it. You gave your 2-year-old the Elmo cup instead of the Star Wars cup. The battle lines have been drawn. The meltdown seems inevitable. But is it? “Sometimes it can feel like when our kids are tantruming we have to ride it through,” said Abigail Wald, who has helped tens of thousands of parents through her Mother Flipping Awesome parent coaching program as well as her viral videos and podcasts. “But what we do immediately preceding a tantrum can often make the difference between the tantrum happening at all or not.” Saying things like, “It’s okay” or “It’s not a big deal”—those are big no-nos. Trying to smooth things over with a reward? Not a good idea, either.

“Sometimes I like parents to think about it like this: At what point did you stop having meltdowns about little things in life?” Wald said. “Now answer that question and then wonder if it was by the age of 3 or 4. Then look at your child and be like—ah… okay.”

Whether you’ve got a headstrong one-year-old or a testy two-nager, these sprouting little people are all about their emotions.  It doesn’t matter whether they’re raging because you turned off The Wiggles or because you told them 7 p.m. is too late to go to the playground—those big feelings are real.  And how you respond to them can make all the difference. So the next time your child is about to lose it, handle the situation with care, and definitely don’t utter these phrases.

an angry toddler in a pink shirt clutches a bedsheet and a parent is nearby
Alexander Dummer via Unsplash

1. “It’s not a big deal” or It’s OK.”

Um, it’s clearly not okay. At least, not in your toddler’s growing brain—where whatever she’s upset about most certainly is a big deal. You telling your child otherwise will only make things worse. “Your child might not feel okay, and the process of your child getting from ‘I’m not OK’ to feeling like, ‘I am OK’—and figuring out how they get there—is the active parenting,” said Wald, who has two teenage sons of her own.

“Telling a child they’re OK when they’re feeling anything but is just ‘gaslighting somebody that you love,'” Wald said. Instead, try to meet your child where they are and acknowledging their disappointment without rushing to make it better.

“Let’s say you just got off a call with a client that you’ve been nurturing for a really long time and they just decided to give their business to another company. Your kid might look at you and say, ‘It’s not a big deal, because we get to go to the zoo today,’ but for you, it might be a big deal. Everybody’s big deal is different.”

Related: 8 Phrases to Bring a Toddler Back From the Brink

2. “Big boys or girls don’t [cry, whine, etc.].”

Not only have you just insulted your child by telling them they’re not a big boy or girl, but you’ve also set them up for a future where their feelings aren’t okay. Big girls and boys can cry. And we want to make sure our kids know that’s natural and normal.

“It can be very disorienting for a child to think that they’re not going to be able to have their feelings when they grow up, Wald said. “Letting kids have the feelings they’re having in that moment and have good coping skills for whatever age they’re in.” In most cases, telling your kids not to cry (or whine) only makes them cry more. Instead, try to understand why they’re so upset, and tell them you’d love to talk to them about it when they are calm.

3. “If you’re good, you can have [insert reward here].”

We get it. Sometimes it’s easier to pop in a little bribery in order to get out the door, have an easy trip to the grocery store, or enjoy a (somewhat) quiet car ride. But when you offer rewards for “being good,” what you’re telling your kids is that they’re not already good. “Children are always good; that doesn’t mean they’re always making good choices,” Wald said.

Here’s an example: Let’s say you’re looking for your toddler to pick up all the crayons when he’s finished drawing. Wald recommends saying something like,‘Hey, I’m looking for you to be able to pick up all the crayons, and that’s what I’m waiting for so we can go to the park.’”

Related: 5 Ways to Deal with Toddler Tantrums without Losing Your Cool

4. “Your sibling knows how to do this. Why don’t you?”

Sibling rivalry is a real thing, and comparing one child to another just sets the stage for more of it. Every kid has their own timeline, so it doesn’t really matter when or how one child can do something if another is having trouble. Bringing up a sibling will only make your child feel worse about their behavior.

That said, you can use another child’s experience to help when one of your kids is struggling. Wald suggested saying something like, “Your sister struggled with this, too, and then she learned. Maybe we can ask her what helped.” This way, you’re creating a support system instead of a rivalry, while helping solve the problem. Win-win.

Related: 6 Phrases to Avoid Saying to Your Toddler

5. “You’re my easy child.”

You might think it would make your child happy to know you think of them as “easier” than their siblings, but it doesn’t necessarily work that way. “Setting up a child as, ‘Oh, thank goodness you’re easy, you’re less difficult, you’re more compliant’ starts to put a child in a box. They feel like they have to be that way to keep the balance of the family. And that’s not really what we want,” says Wald. Got a favorite? An “easy” child? Keep it to yourself.

6. “What’s wrong with you?”

All your child hears when you say this is: “There’s something wrong with you.” And this proclamation can become a self-fulfilling prophecy—the child feels like the “bad kid,” so starts behaving badly. This can start to set up an identity that’s really unhealthy “as opposed to focusing on choices that have been made in the moment,” says Wald.

Instead of focusing on the child (i.e., “What’s wrong with you?”), focus on the behavior you’re trying to change (i.e., “You just hit your sister and it looks like she’s hurt. What can you do to make things better?”).

7. “You always” or “You never.”

Never say never. These sorts of blanket statements only tell the child who you think they are—which could lead to who they become. You tell your kid, “You never clean your room,” they’ll become a kid who never cleans the room. “You’re coding their brain for who they are and it starts to create, “Ok I guess you’re telling me who I am.'”

Instead of saying, “You never clean your room,” say something like, “Let’s work on cleaning your room today” or  “We can watch a show once your room is clean.”

Related: The Most Important Things to Say to a Toddler (That Aren’t ‘I Love You’)

8. “Because I said so.”

This one usually sneaks out of our parenting toolbox when we’re tired or just don’t have a better answer. But let’s be real. You know your kids are just going to keep asking “Why?” anyway, so why not just answer them honestly? They want to know why they have to go to bed at 8 p.m. Tell them how important sleep is for their bodies and how many hours they need to sleep so they can grow. If they ask why they can’t watch TV all night long, you tell them it’s because, while TV is fun, there are lots of other things in life that are fun, too, and it’s important to have balance.

“Our kids are in a really hungry learning stage at this age. They’re at a stage where they really want to understand the world. So it’s way better to say something like, ‘Well, the reason that the park closes is because there’s someone who keeps the gate open, and that person has to get home,” Wald said. “Everything is a learning opportunity to teach them how the world works is so much more powerful than, ‘because I said so.’ That builds the growth mindset that they need and the cognitive flexibility that we want them to have. ‘Because I said so’ doesn’t build any of those things.”

9. “Say you’re sorry.”

Your toddler just whacked her big brother in the face with her Barbie doll and won’t budge on the apology. Can you force it? Well, you can try. But they either won’t mean it, or they’ll stubbornly refuse, and then you’ve got your toddler mad at you and her brother. Now what?

Let’s backtrack a bit. Before you rush to apologies, it’s important to find out why a child did something wrong in the first place. “A lot of times they do something wrong because they feel something wrong was done to them,” Wald said. “You have to figure out why they did the thing they need to apologize for first, then help them understand why they felt the way they did and why maybe the way they handled it was wrong.” Once you have that talk with your child, and they’re at a place where they understand, you can have them “apologize for how they handled it without apologizing for the feeling.”

And, rather than just focusing on a “sorry,” it’s better to call it what it really is—a “repair.” To do this, narrate how the other person looks (“Look at your brother’s sad face; I bet that hurt.” or “Your brother is really upset that you hit him.”), then come up with a way to “repair” the situation (with a hug, an ice pack, etc.). This way, it’s not just about the words, it’s about the actions.

10. “Hurry up and make a choice.”

We get it. Your kid has been perusing the prize box at the doctor’s office for longer than the actual doctor’s visit, and you’re getting impatient. But—as you’ve probably noticed—telling your kid to, “Hurry up” only makes the choice-making take even longer. “When you say ‘hurry up,’ you’re creating stress,” Wald said. “For some people, stress creates action, for many, stress creates a freeze response. Their brain is now just hearing ‘Hurry up’ and now they can’t choose specifically because you just told them to hurry.”

So what’s a harried parent to do? Just take a deep breath and let your kid linger. Any parent who’s waited for their toddler to “do it themselves” when it comes to buckling their own seat belt knows how long those minutes can be. But sit tight. Play a Wordle. They’ll get there. And whatever you do, don’t tell them “It’s not a big deal.”

Related: 8 Ways to Say ‘No’ to Your Kid (Without Actually Saying It)

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

The Best New Preschool Books of 2022

by Karly Wood

Raising a reader starts with a love of books at a young age. Whether your kiddo likes action-packed stories or feel-good tales, 2022 is dropping a story for everyone. Our curated list of the best preschool books the year has to offer (so far) will open up a whole new world for your little one.

When Your Daddy's a Soldier

$18 BUY NOW

This sweet story is as moving as watching soldier return videos. Capturing the life of children while their father is deployed, Gretchen Brandenburg McLellan's tale shows the raw emotions and challenge military families face. Ages: 3-7

Dragonboy and the Wonderful Night

$14 BUY NOW

Dragonboy, Yellow Kitty, Darwin, Drako, and Simon are back in this follow-up tale. This time, the gang is headed out on a nighttime adventure. While some noises might be scary, the friends learn they can be brave so long as they have each other. Ages: 4-6

Good night little bookstore is a preschool book

Good Night, Little Bookstore

$15 BUY NOW

Goodnight bookshelves, goodnight stacks. Perfect for bedtime, get ready to lay down and say goodnight to everything and everyone in the Little Bookstore. Ages: 2-5

All Are Neighbors

$15 BUY NOW

Being the new kid is hard, but when you live in a community where everyone is a neighbor, what a happy place to be! Everyone knows they belong, but it's up to everyone to take care of their space and love each other in this all-inclusive story by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman. Ages: 4-6

Nervous Nigel

$19 BUY NOW

Nigel is one in a big family of competitors. While he loves swimming, he has no interest in racing or going head to head with anyone. When his family signs him up for a competition, Nigel tries his best to go along. But when he gets too nervous, will he be able to tell his family? Ages: 3-7

My Day In The Park

$18 BUY NOW

Packed with 14 destinations, Marta Orzel's picture book about a day in the park is fantastic fun. Each spot boasts a colorful scene and adjacent people, animals and objects to help boost your young reader's vocab. Ages: 3-6

Bearplane!

$17 BUY NOW

Pack your bags, we're headed to the Bearport! This adorable book is perfect for little travelers taking flight for the first time. It's told with rhythmic prose and sweet illustrations by Deborah Underwood and Same Wedelich. Ages: 2-5

Pineapple Princess

$19 BUY NOW

Perfect for little readers with big emotions, our main character knows she's meant for more. So she does what every princess would do: finds a crown and wears it proudly. But when her loyal subjects start to defect, her reign and her pineapple quickly follow. Ages: 4-8

Hot Dog

$17 BUY NOW

It's just too hot for this little pup. Too loud, too many feet and no space to run. Luckily, his owner is here to save the day and head to the shore. Perfect for taking a break from your own day, Doug Salati's book is quick and delightful read, especially for Doxie lovers. Ages: 4-8

Everywhere with You

$17 BUY NOW

Based on a true story, Carlie Sorosiak's new book is a sweet tale on a special relationship between a girl and dog. Through flights of imagination and stunning illustrations by Devon Holzwarth, everyone will get lost in this moving story. Ages: 4-8

Tisha and the Blossoms

$18 BUY NOW

Tisha loves to explore but she's always being rushed. One day, she can't take it anymore and just wants to slow down to smell the flowers, count the birds and enjoy a picnic. Written by Wendy Meddour and illustrated by Daniel Egnéus, this beautifully written tale of mindfulness is a breath of fresh air. Ages: 2-5

This Book Is Not for You!

$19 BUY NOW

Stanley loves the bookmobile. That is, until the old man won't lend him a book because it's about a girl, or a robot or a boat. New York Times Bestselling author Shannon Hale teams up with illustrator Tracy Subisak on a story about expanding your horizons through reading and letting your imagination run wild. Ages: 3-7

Joy Ride

$19 BUY NOW

Joy is the embodiment of the word: she finds the good in most every situation. After a fun summer project with her granddad repairing an old bike, she sets off on the ultimate joy ride––only to be made fun of. Then Joy isn't so joyful. Author Sherry Rinker and Illustrator Ana Gonzalez come together for a story that is all about big emotions and resilience. Ages: 4-8

Sometimes, All I Need Is Me

$16 BUY NOW

Juliana Perdomo's debut as author-illustrator brings a story of a young girl's mindfulness and resilience. Our young protagonist loves being outside and trying new things, but when it becomes scary or difficult, she doesn't hesitate to practice self-care to feel better. Ages: 2-5

Bailey and Blanket

$18 BUY NOW

A child and a blanket have a special relationship, and that's especially true for little Bailey. They do everything together, until one day a dog tears Blanket to pieces. A sweet story about growing up, Emily House's tale is one of resilience and love. Ages: 3-7

I Really Want to Be First!

$13 BUY NOW

Waiting your turn, or always being last, is hard. That's why Really Bird has decided he really wants to be first today. As he takes on the role, author Harriet Ziefert explores the ideas of problem-solving and friendship, watching Really Bird learn that being a leader isn't just about being first. Ages: 3+

A Good Place

$18 BUY NOW

Four insect pals want to find a new home to live together, but it's hard to find a good place! Told with vibrant illustrations and simple prose, Lucy Cousins' new book is great for little learners who have a passion for bugs and the environment. Ages: 3-7

Good Job, George!

$16 BUY NOW

George is a big boy. He takes care of his dog Pogo, shares at the playground and puts on his own socks and shoes. One day, George even gets to help his parents paint! But then Pogo gets both of them in a little bit of trouble––will his parents still think he did a good job? Written by bestselling author Jane O'Connor, this fun story is all about growing up. Ages: 3-6

Everything Will Be Ok

$19 BUY NOW

Beloved children's author Ana Dewdney's words emanate in this beautifully illustrated book by friend, Judy Schachner. Whether it's navigating the pandemic or just a bad day, everything will be ok, as little Bunny learns. Ages: 2-5

The Monster in the Bathhouse

$18 BUY NOW

Everyone is getting ready to celebrate Nowruz (Persian New Year), but is a monster trying to ruin it all? Someone has broken the pumices, torn the loofahs and is making a ton of noise! Sina Merabian's fun take on a Div is not so scary in this cute picture book. Ages:5+

MINA

$15 BUY NOW

Mina and her father lead a quiet life. That is, until he brings home a CAT and as a mouse, Mina isn't sure this is the best idea. Matthew Forsythe's beautifully written and illustrated tale addresses worry, loyalty and trust in this emotional book. Ages: 4-8

Love is for Roaring

$18 BUY NOW

Everyone needs love but we all don't enjoy hugs and kisses. Mike Kerr's sweet tale shares how there are many different ways to show love, paired with New York Times bestselling illustrator Renata Liwska. Ages: 4-5

Roto and Roy: Helicopter Heroes

$15 BUY NOW

Sherri Duskey Rinker, author of "Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site" is bringing a new batch of lovable characters. Roto is Roy's trusty helicopter side kick who is ready to swoop in at a moment's notice. Join their adventures when the two head out to fight a huge fire in this inspiring tale illustrated by Don Tate. Ages: 4-5

The Think-Ups

$16 BUY NOW

No one likes to be bored and that's why sisters Anna and Kiki need to come up with something to keep them entertained on a rainy day. Written and illustrated by Claire Alexander, follow along as the girls use the power of their imagination and tap into their inner love of animals. Ages: 3-7

Ear Worm!

$15 BUY NOW

It's happened to all of us: a song that we just can't get out of our heads! When Little Worm finds that he can't stop singing "shimmy shimmy, no sashay" he sets off to find out who put the song in his noggin. Fun typesetting and vintage looking illustrations by Galia Bernstein make this story by Jo Knowles fun for the whole family. Ages: 2-5

Ready for the Spotlight

$15 BUY NOW

Tessie has been doing ballet for a WHOLE month, so why is her big sister Maya getting all the credit? Jamie King's true and hilarious story touches on sibling rivalry, sharing and how important it is to support one another. Ages: 4-8

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation.

 

 

RELATED STORIES
12 Beautiful Books for Curious Kids
10 Incredible Books That Feature Kids with Disabilities
Books That Inspire Fresh Beginnings & Positive Habits 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

All the Baby & Toddler Books You Need in Your Library

by Eva Ingvarson Cerise

Reading with your child is not only snuggly bonding time for you both, it builds your baby’s brain power, helps develop language and exposes your child to the world around them. There are books out there to engage every baby, and we’ll help you in your hunt by compiling baby-tested favorites in all the big categories, including touch-and-feel books, stories about animals, funny reads and classics every baby will treasure. Read on for the next additions to your bookshelves.

Daria Shevtsova via Pexels

19 Classic Books All Babies and Toddlers Should Have
A bookshelf packed with a mix of classics and new faves is the first step to raising a reader. Here, we’ve rounded up 19 storybooks that have mesmerized little ones for years, from tales about ravenous caterpillars to mischievous bunnies. You’ll probably remember a few from your own childhood.

Best STEM Books for Babies & Toddlers
STEM—an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math—is one of the biggest buzzwords in education these days. With good reason, as learning these subjects can help students become better thinkers and problem-solvers. Here are our top picks for books that introduce STEM concepts to your future Einsteins.

14 Touch-and-Feel Books to Fill Baby’s Bookshelf
The classic Pat the Bunny by Dorothy Kunhardt has introduced generations of children to the world of touch-and-feel books. Now these books are more interactive and fun than ever. They mix the traditional elements of reading a picture book with touching, listening and even chewing! 

Brina Blum via Unsplash

11 Kids Books That Encourage Diversity & Inclusion
There’s no shortage of good reading material out there, especially when it comes to promoting important values like kindness and acceptance. Fill your child’s library with books that encourage diversity and inclusion. Your baby’s first literary lesson can be that differences are okay. In fact, they’re what make us special.

10 Books All About Becoming a Big Sibling
Looking to head off any early sibling rivalry? Introduce your child to the concept of a sibling with some of these books all about bringing a new baby home. They make becoming a big brother or sister seem like your family’s next big adventure.

Woof! Roar! Oink! 11 Animal-Themed Books Your Baby Will Love
Your little one will love learning animal sounds while flipping through these stories packed with pictures of cute and cuddly animals. Here are 11 fantastic animal-themed books, from old favorites to soon-to-be classics, that will turn your animal lover into a bookworm.

2081571 via Pixabay

Top Funny Books for Babies and Toddlers
We’ve gathered up 16 funny tales guaranteed to make kids crack up, from stories that feature mixed-up animals to tales about the power of undies and magical poo (yes, poo). A few of these books also offer jokes to entertain parents reading the story. 

Build Your Library! 25 Board Books Every Baby Needs
Want to inspire your little sidekick to enjoy a lifetime of reading? Start building the library now. Discover 25 worth-reading beginner books, from gotta-have-’em classics like Goodnight Moon to newer, need-to-know titles like Hello, Bugs.

Best Holiday Books for Babies & Toddlers
The build-up to the holidays is one of the best things about the season, and it feels even more exciting when you have little ones. A simple and fun way to get into the spirit with your kids is by reading holiday books with them. Whether you want to relive a classic or start a new tradition, here are some of our favorite Christmas and Hanukkah books for babies and toddlers.

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

featured photo: StockSnap via Pixabay

RELATED STORIES:

Never Too Young: Tips & Tricks for Reading to Your Newborn

16 Baby Games for Every Age from Newborn to Their First Birthday

Playing With Your Newborn: 26 Games to Help You Bond

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood” Is Coming Back with a Special and New Episodes

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Hop on the trolley and ride along with Daniel Tiger. Get ready for a new season of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood complete with new episodes and a special created in response to COVID-19. PBS KIDS announced Season 5 of the popular preschool show will premiere Mon., Aug. 17.

Daniel Tiger

The new season of the hit show kicks off with Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Won’t You Sing Along with Me?, a timely, music-filled special that helps address some of the challenges and disappointments “little tigers” and their families may be experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the special, when Daniel learns he can’t gather with all of his neighbors at the Neighborhood Carnival this year, it leads to a lot of big feelings and questions, including what to do when he misses the people he loves, how to keep himself and others healthy, and how to find ways to enjoy the extra time at home with his family. Mom and Dad Tiger use new and fan-favorite songs from the series to help reassure him – as well as young viewers and their parents at home, who are encouraged to sing along! The special was created with major funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

“As COVID-19 continues to pose challenges to families across the country, PBS KIDS is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of children, parents, and caregivers,” said Lesli Rotenberg, Chief Programming Executive and General Manager, Children’s Media and Education, PBS. “Learning lies at the heart of our mission, and we’ve been proud to be able to step in and offer at-home learning solutions, content and resources, like this timely special from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, that reach kids where they are with age-appropriate lessons, especially in areas where families may have limited or no access to broadband internet.”

In addition, five new episodes, including a 22-minute special, “Daniel’s Substitute Teacher,” will premiere throughout the week. A new digital game from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will be available later this summer on pbskids.org and the PBS KIDS Games app. In “Dance Party,” kids can dance along with Daniel and his friends, follow their dance moves, or simply listen to the music and dance in their own way. To further support families and educators as school time approaches, whether it be at-home learning or an adjusted back-to-school schedule, new Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood activities and resources will be available on PBS KIDS for Parents and PBS LearningMedia.

“Season 5 of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will showcase even more relatable storylines and fresh musical strategies to help keep preschoolers learning, growing, and navigating the world around them,” said Paul Siefken, President and CEO of Fred Rogers Productions. “In addition to the upcoming special, the season will include episodes about sudden changes at school, separation from family members, staying safe, hospital stays, respecting one’s personal space, disappointment, generosity, and grown-ups taking care of you.”

Throughout 20 new Season 5 episodes, Daniel and his friends will learn gentle lessons about managing sibling rivalry, missing people when they’re far away, being “big enough” to do things alone, coping with accidents, the importance of listening and following rules, and much more. New friends will also join the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: PBS KIDS

RELATED STORIES

CNN & Sesame Street Host Town Hall on Racism 

Study Shows Kids Who Watch Sesame Street Do Better in School 

Sesame Street ‘Stepbrother’ Helps Kids Understand Blended Families

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement