We’re all ready to bid 2020 adieu and Pinterest is here to help everyone get up to speed on all the good that’s coming in 2021. The company just released its trends report for parenting, and there’s a lot to look forward to.
From a new take on homeschooling to slimy pets, here are the hottest trend for 2021.
Heart Schooling is the New Homeschooling
iStock
If there's one thing 2020 taught us, it's that we're all teachers––and darn good ones! The new year will continue our new professions, but with a focus on moral lessons, mindfulness and real world lessons. Parents in the U.S. searched a ton this past year for topics that include moral and government lessons and mindfulness activities.
Pinning parents are continuing teaching their kiddos about the planet in unique ways for 2021. Education will focus on projects and art that use products they already have. In 2020, huge increases could be seen in topics that include cardboard toys, banana peel fertilizer, pencil shaving art for kids, outdoor education and art education projects.
High maintenance pets are a thing of the past for 2021. Next year families are growing by adding non-hairy pets that include lizards, snails and frogs, as evidenced by the growth in searches for things like pet frog, tortoise food, pet snails and pet lizards.
Raising a child on the spectrum is not easy. It comes with higher demands of care and time than other children. Believe me, I know! I have four children ranging in ages from eight to 17. My youngest daughter has PDD, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, a moderate form of Autism.
She is higher functioning and very smart. She also lacks impulse control, and with that comes language that has no filters or boundaries. My daughter has taught me an incredible amount of patience and also to laugh at the silly things that happen. Laughing and finding humor in some of the awkward comments helps balance life when things get too stressful and unmanageable at times. I have spoken with other families who have children on the spectrum and we all have agreed you just have to laugh sometimes.
My daughter was taking her nightly bath one evening. Of course, I’m always right next to her in the bathroom. She asked me why I never take a bath with her. I explained to her that I am a grownup and much too big to get into the bathtub with her. I told her that if I got into the bathtub, there would be no room for her.
She had a very serious face and replied very calmly, “Oh yeah. I keep forgetting you are the size of an elephant.” I laughed. She was not trying to be mean. She was not trying to make me feel bad about myself. She was just being her. I was thankful for the laugh, although I was remorseful for the Kit Kat bar I had eaten earlier that day.
My daughter is so smart; sometimes she asks questions I just don’t know how to answer. Thank goodness for Google, as every question ends up with me having to search the internet. My other children used to ask questions of curiosity like what my favorite color was growing up, or what television shows I used to watch when I was little, or the names of my best friends from grade school. My daughter with autism does not have an interest in any of those topics.
She wants to know what scientific family a slug is in. I had no idea—I had to look it up. She wanted to know how many species are in the gastropod family. I had no idea—I had to look it up. Then she wanted to see pictures of each species. I told her I don’t have that information either and that I would have to look it up. She told me very calmly, and in all seriousness, “I used to think you were smart.” Again, I laughed. I have been outsmarted by an eight-year-old!
Playdates at the park are no different. I always enjoy seeing how she reacts and how she perceives others. Each time we go is different, even when nothing around us is different. We have our good days and bad days like everyone else. I was talking to another parent and watching the kids play. One of the kids came up to me to tell me that my daughter was eating snails.
I went over to investigate what was going on. She saw me and right away told me, “I am not eating the snails. I was just tasting them. I have spit all of them out.” I laughed and told the other parent we needed to go before she fills up too much before dinner.
If laughter is truly good for the soul, I get a good daily dose from my daughter each day. I am thankful for her witty comments and the humor she brings into our life. Life is not easy having a child on the spectrum, but having a positive attitude and learning to laugh at the little things certainly makes it better. Wishing joy and laughter to all the autism parents out there!
This article was originally written by Carol Tatom.
Autism Parenting Magazine is the leading magazine for parents of autistic children as well as professionals seeking to work with children on the spectrum. Established in 2012, our focus remains on objectively publishing autism-related topics, events, developments, treatments, news stories as well as a variety of inspiring real-life stories.
Your pool noodle is your trusty summer sidekick, but it has far more uses than taking a dip in the pool, river, lake or ocean. Did you know it also makes a great hobbyhorse or bubble blower? We’ve rounded up some uber fun ways you can transform this dollar store classic into your tot’s favorite new toy. Keep reading to get your noodle craft on.
Boo! These anything-but-scary monsters are the perfect way to use up that old pool noodle. Cut into small pieces, then unleash your inner artist using googly eyes, pipe cleaners, feathers and whatever else you have stashed in your art kit. Get all the details over at Clumsy Crafter.
Get the littles outside and learning to count with this simple DIY pool noodle abacus. The simple to create project uses rope, pool noodles and a knife to cut, then is simply strung up in the backyard. You can find all the details over at Happy Hooligans.
This activity is so fun, the littles won't even realizing their learning! Pool noodles are cut into C shapes, then a popsicle stick with a letter is added. Say the letter, roll a ball and see if you can knock it down! For all the details, be sure to head to Toddler Approved.
Summer STEM just got a whole lot more fun. This easy to pull off activity uses an inexpensive pool noodle and toothpicks––that's it! Let your little builder develop their building, design, math, fine motor and problem-solving skills with this simple activity from Little Bins for Little Hands.
Go the distance with a pool noodle shooter. Get the need-to-know details to make your own from Jaime over at Frogs Snails and Puppy Dog Tails. Then, set up a target shooting range in the backyard for hours of outdoor play. Take aim!
Whether you upcycle your own star or flower-shaped noodles or buy them pre-cut from the craft store, your kidlet will love blowing bubbles through them. And the best part? That you can make wands for the whole neighborhood. Skip to My Lou is where you’ll find out how to make this cute summer supply.
The race is on down this simple marble run dreamed up by Jen over at Mama Papa Bubba. Set it up on a sunny day and kick back while your little ones play, play, play. Psst…cars race well on this track too.
After sprinkler dashes and plenty of time wading in the kiddie pool, your mini-me can change it up but still keep cool on a sunny day playing at her pool noodle water wall. We love the idea of mounting one on a moveable pegboard like Claire from Casual Claire does. But, if you don’t have pegboard on hand a fence works just as well. Splash away, all!
Indoors or out, these quick-to-assemble basketball hoops are just the right size for your sidekick to practice lay-ups and three-pointers, or to play a quick game of H-O-R-S-E with a sibling. Ever Never Again is where you’ll get the tips you need to set them up at your place. She shoots, she scores!
Giddy-up, little pardner! Saddle up this cute hobbyhorse for hours of outdoor imaginative play. Find out how to make one yourself at Molly Moon Crafts. Trust us, it’s easier than you think! Hi ho, away!
Turn your pool noodle into the best kiddie pool accessory in town, by converting it into an overhead sprinkler. Ondria at Mommy’s Block Party can walk you through the process. It’s like a trip to the splash pad, without leaving the house. Sounds like the perfect summer pace to us!
Our family has always had a lot of pets. At first, we had only one child and felt guilty about him not having anyone to play with. My son also seemed to really enjoy being around pets. We’ve had two rabbits, two guinea pigs, a bearded dragon, two dogs, plenty of fish, snails, two geckos, and four tortoises.
Over the years we really did not have to deal with death. We’ve have had fish die of course. (We’ve had “The Cosby Show” Rudy Huxtable funeral. Poor poor Lamont. Ha!). However, when one of the rabbits died, I was sure my eldest son Andre would be devastated, even though we really had not had it long. I called my parents over to help me explain the circle of life to him. When my Father finished his speech, my son took it in stride. My Dad took care of the body.
Yesterday, Andre didn’t lock the gate properly and one of our large tortoises got out of the fence. Upon returning home from taking my youngest to acting class, I turned into the driveway and heard a thump. I was confused because I didn’t see anything in the street. When I got out the car, I was horrified when I saw Pinky. I had run over her with my car. I didn’t see her—she was the same color of the street and a car was parked right close to my driveaway—the perfect condition for something like this to happen.
She was alive, but she was clearly very injured, and her shell had a big split in it. I picked her up, took her to the backyard and then googled what to do. She was still alive but couldn’t help but come to terms with what I knew was going to happen: I had killed Pinky! Meanwhile, inside the house, my son is losing it. Mad at me, like probably he has never been before. We’ve had her since she was a baby. My son was devastated by it all and blamed me. And I blamed myself.
My parents came over and got her. After watching videos of what to do, they tried to help her. My mother even told me that turtles are very resilient, but unfortunately, even though she fought for 24 hours, Pinky died from her injuries.
While I am heartbroken and keep wondering the “why’s,” this ordeal has taught me a very important lesson. Beforehand, I didn’t understand when a dog or cat died, friends and family spoke about how heartbroken they were on Facebook. I have more empathy now. When it comes to pets, even though some may not be able to show affection, we still care for it, considered its welfare, even spoke to, washed it, petted it. I also think when animals die by natural causes, it might be a little easier to handle.
Some immediate takeaways for me as a parent. I now understand how much pets play in our lives and I’ve had the privilege to love and care for them. Secondly, I’ve raised two kids who love nature and animals. They are thoughtful, loving kids. Pinky was always trying to explore and escape. It’s not the first time she’s gotten out, such an adventurer, such a hardheaded kid. RIP Pinky. You’ll be missed. :(
I'm a 53-year old single Mom living in Arizona. I enjoy reading, cooking, community involvement, watching Lifetime Movies, and uncovering amazing information and products to help my family live our best lives. I have two amazing sons an 18-year-old (elite basketball player) and a six-year-old who is the Great Entertainer.
Got a reluctant bather or maybe your kiddos are a little bored with the soap and water routine? We figured out 10 epic ways to makeover the ordinary bath into something that rivals scenes from Jurassic Park. And the best part? It’s safe, creative and easy to pull off. Well, actually, the best part is your kids get clean but the fun-factor is cool too! Scroll down to get inspired.
photo: Asia Citro
1. Dinosaur Bath Bombs
Bombs Away!!! Make a few dinosaur bath bombs with a DIY recipe from Asia at Fun at Home with Kids. Kids will get a kick out of watching their mini-dino “hatch.” This activity works great in the tub or just in a pan of water. Find out how Asia perfected her recipe by checking out the entire tutorial at Fun at Home with Kids.
photo: Asia Citro
2. Glow-in-the-Dark Bath
Add this one to the list of things your kids will want to do over and over again. While they might not get exactly clean, the fun factor is off the charts. Curious to know what makes this water glow? Skip over to Fun at Home with Kids for the secret (and safe!) ingredients for this brilliant bath.
Photo: Crystal Underwood
3. Make a Water Wall
Plastic bottles are so much more than drinking vessels. In this case, they are the materials for creating a killer water wall. Crystal of Growing a Jeweled Rose, a.k.a. the queen of bathtime, offers up an easy-peasy project designed to help kids master the perfect pour. Find out how it’s done by hopping over to Growing a Jeweled Rose.
photo: Kristin Gentry
4. Homemade Bath Paint
Paint your way to cleaner fingers and toes with homemade bath paint. We absolutely love the recipe from creative mama Kristin at Kojo Designs. Mix up stuff we know you’ve got lying around, pour and paint! Find out what to use and how to get the texture just right by grabbing the how-to over at Kojo Designs.
Photo: Kylie Gardner
5. Easy Soap Crayons
Kids will always jump at the chance to scribble on something that isn’t paper. Give your approval and better yet, provide the tools! Make a batch of soap crayons with just three ingredients, mold into favorite shapes and leave out to dry before taking them into the tub. For tips and tricks from craft creator Kylie, visit Childhood 101.
photo: Chrystal Underwood
6. Host a Beach Bath
Jonesing for sun, surf and sand? Throw your own beach bash right in the tub. Shells, beach balls, blue water and bathing beauties make for one sunshine filled afternoon. We love how Chrystal whipped up a batch of bath sensory sand. Get the low-down on this easy themed bath over at Bath Activities for Kids. Surfs up!
Photo: What We Do All Day
7. Ice Fishing
There’s nothing fishy about this neat-o way to liven up bath time. Erica of What We Do All Day froze large cubes of play fish and other sea creatures, tossed them into the tub and watched her two boys dive and dump the melting ice. We love the easy (and cool) aspect of this activity—all you need is a freezer! Head over to What We Do All Day for the tutorial.
Photo: Samantha Soper-Caetano
8. Things That Go Vroom Bath
Start your engines and gear up for a swift and speedy trip around the racetrack (we like to call it the tub!) Blogger mom Samantha offers up her own clever take on baths with a kid-friendly car theme. Find out why the best part is those color coordinated road signs by tripping over to Stir the Wonder.
Photo: Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails
9. Lemon Scented Bath Ice
This sensory bath looks and smells delicious. The color is vivid and with a few yellow colored bath toys, this is a color lesson kids will be begging to take. Find out how to get the color just right on those cubes and for more ideas about colored baths, head over to Frogs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails.
photo: In Lieu of Preschool
10. Hot Lava Paint
It’s an explosion of creativity and wonder in the bath with a volcano themed bath like the one Genny of In Lieu of Preschool set up for her two kids. Shaving cream is a go-to tool for kicking bath time up a notch—it smells great and cleans up in a flash—-so this easy red lava paint is a winner in our book. Add tiny dinos for fantasy play and be on your way. Find out how to make the perfect volcano shape by checking out the entire post over at In Lieu of Preschool.
photo: Ashley Kagan
11. Water Balloon Bath
If you think water balloons are just for hot summer days, think again. Throw a few in the tub with your kiddo and suddenly, the bath just got interesting. Fill a few with water, fill a few with air. For more on this simple but totally awesome bath idea, head over to Play at Home Mom LLC.
Editor’s Note: We at Red Tricycle encourage cool ways to play. That being said, please supervise kids in and around water and materials at all times. Cheers!
What’s your favorite way to give bath time a boost? Shout about it in the comments below!
Add a silly case of the heebie jeebies to your kiddo’s afternoon with 11 snack ideas we’ve dug up for Halloween. Inspired by some of nature’s creepiest creatures—from spiders to snails, worms and more—these sweet and savory treats are squirmy, slimy and simply yummy. Dish em’ out and your hungry ghouls and boos will be bugging.
Spider Cake Pops
One bite of these creepy crawly cake pops and you might understand why the old lady swallowed the spider. Wriggle over to Bakerella to learn to make these eerily delicious arachnids. Hint: The placement is all about timing!
Jello Worms Mel’s Kitchen Cafe used straws and a package of gelatin to make this squirmy Halloween treat. While they might gross out older ghosts, these squiggly creatures are sure to be a hit with your little goblins. Super easy to make, worm your way over to the blog for instructions.
Chocolate Bugs
These chocolate bugs from Cute Food for Kids easily transform any meal into Halloween fare. From spiders to centipedes, add these insects to everything from Rice Krispies Treats to toast.
Parmesan Snake Breadsticks
Since no meal is complete without the sides, Tori from Fraiche Nutrition created these serpent breadsticks as part of Jillian Harris’ Halloween menu. Store-bought dough will do the trick, but if you’re feeling ambitious try making your own. Slither over to the blog for the recipe and how-to.
Dirt and Worms Pudding Cups
We dig this easy-to-make dessert from Like Mother Like Daughter. Great for serving the kids at your Halloween party, find the supplies and how-to here.
Mini Donut Spiders It’s Always Autumn created this fun food craft to get her little arachnids into the Halloween spirit. All you’ll need is pretzels, mini donuts and colorful candies to recreate this squiggly snack. The hardest part is not eating the supplies before assembly! Find the how-to here.
Spooky Bat Sugar Cookies
Jenny Hobick of Everyday Occasions promises this spooky Halloween treat only looks complicated! Fly over to her site to check out the recipe and how-to video, and enlist the help of your little pups to decorate these adorable nocturnal cookies.
Cinnamon Rolls Snails
If the kid’s aren’t fans of escargot, try serving these sweet snails with breakfast Halloween morning instead. Pick up your favorite store-bought cinnamon rolls, and slither over to Curry and Comfort to learn to make this adorable pastry.
Spiders on a Log Chelsea’s Messy Apron put a Halloween twist on the classic ants on a log. Shockingly healthy, it’s the perfect pre trick-or-treating snack to keep your little monsters energized. Crawl over to the super-easy how-to here.
This squeaky dessert created by Brooklyn Limestone for her “Carnevil” Halloween party doubles as delicious decor. Check out the rest of the haunted spread at Hostess with the Mostess.
Creepy Corn Dog Centipedes Hungry Happenings transformed ordinary mini corn dogs into a creepy centipede for Halloween. Complete with ketchup eyes, head over the blog for the full tutorial.
What creepy, crawly treats will you be serving this Halloween? Share with us in the comments below.
Your little monkey loves to climb, climb, climb. When he or she gets tired of scurrying up the ladders at the playground, head to an indoor tree house. You’ll find big, faux trees made just for kids at special spots around town, and they’re well worth the trip. Click through our album to see where you can make like Tarzan and Jane — swinging, climbing, sliding and playing the day away.
Treetop Canopy Climbing Adventure at Lincoln Park Zoo
The next time you say "hello" to the wild animals, make a pit stop at the Treetop Canopy inside the Children's Zoo. Nearly sweeping the ceiling with a maze of sturdy ropes and tunnels, this oasis looks like something out of Swiss Family Robinson. Climbers go in one side and climber higher to the middle and back down to the other side, and the fun is figuring out which opening will lead them the way that they want to go. It's a great spot to let active kids blow off some steam, and escape the cold or rain. Stick around inside to check out the small animal exhibits; there are turtles, snails and otters ready to meet you.
Entrance to Zoo at Fullerton Pkwy. & Cannon Dr.
Lincoln Park
312-742-2000
Online: lpzoo.org
Admission is free
What is your favorite indoor play space? Let us know in the Comments!
