Keeping up with middle school slang can be a tad overwhelming—just when you think you’ve got it down, your kid comes home, spouting off new words that seem like utter nonsense. You’re unsure if it’s an insult or a compliment, and if you attempt to ask them to explain, you’ll be laughed out of the room and still have no idea what they’re talking about. We looked to our resident Gen Alpha and Gen Z slang expert, Mr. Lindsay, for intel on the latest phrases middle school kids are using. Some have a positive connotation, and some are most definitely “Ohio,” so keep reading and get informed.
Replying to @laurencella What a great opportunity we have as educators and parent to use one of the words our kids are using and leverage it to teach valuable life skills! Every one would benefit from people young and old who are #standingonbusiness and doing exactly what they say they are going to do! Now that you know what it means, how can you leverage this word to connect with your students and teach them valuable life skills? #teachersoftiktok#teacherfyp#teacher#teach#genalpha#middleschoolslang#genz#slang
This phrase is big with Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids. But unlike other slang words, you can benefit from understanding what it means and trying it out on your kids. According to Mr. Lindsay, it describes doing exactly what you said you would do. “You’re not minding anyone’s business but your own. And you have really clear boundaries and expectations for yourself and others. And if you’re not standing on business, it means you’re all talk. You’re wishy-washy,” he says.
He continues by saying this behavior is what he hopes to see in his classroom and that it’s an opportunity to help kids build the skill set they’ll need later in life. We couldn’t agree more.
I guess I’m just a typical #millenial put here in my LuLuLemon! 😂 Here is a new one. The middle schoolers are using now: “Thats so _________ coded” Have you heard this one yet? What words are they putting in front of coded for you? tteachersoftiktoktteacherfypsslangggenzmmillenialcodedmmiddleschoolmmiddleschoolersm#middleschoolteacher
While this Gen Z slang word isn’t brand-brand new, according to Mr. Lindsay, it’s becoming a more commonplace term for middle schoolers. “My outfit is millennial coded to some of these kids, [which] just means that it’s very typical of a millennial to wear an outfit like this. So they’re using all kinds of things with the word ‘coded’ after to say something insulting in a sly, underhanded, sarcastic way, like, that’s so typical of that group.”
So, parents, if your kid says something like “That’s so soccer mom coded” or “That’s so millennial coded,” it’s an insult, and you have every right to call them on it.
This Gen Z slang word is a way of telling someone they’re so cool. This person has all the rizz. Mr. Lindsay spoke with some of his students to get an accurate definition of the term, and according to them, Sigma is somewhat of a replacement for the term Alpha. So, instead of being the Alpha, you’re now the Sigma. “You’re the baddie, the Alpha, the Sigma, you’re him. You’re all that and a bag of Doritos.” So, if someone tells you that you’re not a Sigma, it means you’re not him, you’re not a baddie, you’re not cool. The kids went on to clarify that while usually used jokingly, it’s also a serious compliment.
This one has been around for a while but only recently made its way into TikTok, live streams, and YouTube. It stems from the song “I Got Motion,” which came out at the beginning of 2023, but in early March 2024, live streamers Jinxi and Sketch took it to a whole new level. In a recent podcast episode, Jinxi asked Sketch how long he’s had motion, and Sketch replied: “Since birth.” Someone merged the clip with the song, and it has gone viral.
What does it mean? According to our Gen Z slang expert, Mr. Lindsay, it’s a versatile and fluid word used for various reasons, and different groups of kids might define it differently. The general idea, however, is that if you’ve got motion, you can make things happen and be productive. Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids use it to describe someone who can make money, has major rizz (can flirt), or is an admirable human. Regardless of the context, the assumption is if someone has motion, they’re a good person and doing good things.
This one is a head-scratcher. We know Ohio as the state of Ohio. But this term came from a meme created around 2021 or 2022. During that time, a lot of wild and weird things were happening in Ohio, and the meme represented the idea that crazy, wacky, or cringy stuff happens “only in Ohio.” Gen Z and Gen Alpha kids pulled the word from the meme and redefined it. Now, calling someone “Ohio” or saying “only in Ohio” refers to something being off the wall or just plain cringe.
Skibidi Ohio Rizz
This one is just… whew. We know Skibidi gained traction with the popular YouTube Skibidi Toilet videos, and the word means “something bad.” We know Ohio = cringe or weird. And we know rizz is charisma. Put them all together, and what do you get? Someone whose attempt or ability to flirt or be charming is terrible.
Ever wonder how your sign and your child’s zodiac sign stack up? Similar to those classic partner astrology compatibility charts, this one takes a look at how you and your progeny likely get on. This particular version is based on sun signs—how you see yourself, the person you are becoming, and your general personality. Of course, nurture has plenty to do with your bond, but the stars have their own way of aligning things. (P.S. If you’re curious how the next year is going to play out for you and your little one, dig a bit deeper into the toddler zodiac).
Note: Chart is read as Child X Parent
The Aries Child
Aries X Aries: Lots of feisty energy in this combo! You can embrace your inner child together, but it is very important to work through aggression and impulsiveness. Be the model for your little one.
Aries X Taurus: Your job is to keep your impulsive Aries kiddo on track. Aries have lots of passionate beginnings, but often burn out their energy before seeing things through. You are the perfect guide to teach them how to do so.
Aries X Gemini: It will always be important for you two to keep an open line of communication. You guys are a fun pair who love to socialize. You will always have lots of friends and events to go to, keeping you busy.
Aries X Cancer: You are here to nurture your Aries kid's inner child (we know how that sounds). Let them play and enjoy life. Don’t forget to get in on the action—they’ll love to have you in the pretend play mix.
Aries X Leo: Such a lively parent and child pair! You guys are the life of the party wherever you go. Your challenge will be managing both of your fiery personalities and learning to keep your cool.
Aries X Virgo: You have a little firecracker on your hands, Virgo! You can keep calm and cool in most situations, and it’s your job to help your impulsive Aries child learn to do the same.
Aries X Libra: Your Aries child will be your BFF. While they love to do things independently, your gentle guidance and peace-keeping ability will come in handy when they get hot-tempered.
Aries X Scorpio: Your Aries child is here to remind you of your inner child—you are still a kid at heart, after all! Enjoy these times with them as they won’t stay this little forever.
Aries X Sagittarius: The “dynamic duo” of the parent and child world. Sagittarius loves to learn and teach, and Aries is the eternal child, always seeking some loving guidance. No better person to share your wisdom with!
Aries X Capricorn: Your Aries kid may struggle to complete or stay focused on tasks. Good thing you are skilled at helping them see the bigger picture and encouraging them to not give up to get there.
Aries X Aquarius: Talk about two people who love their freedom! You both need room to explore and be yourselves. You will always have each other to do this with.
Aries X Pisces: This little firecracker kiddie will spark something in you, Pisces! Teach them to get in touch with their creative side and express themselves.
The Taurus Child
Taurus X Taurus: You will fully understand each other but just cannot be rushed. You two can experience life together through your senses: good food, sensory play, nature time and lots of creating art.
Taurus X Gemini: As quick as you are, Gemini, you cannot rush your Taurus little. You have to respect not only their time, but that they truly only want to do things once and do them right. While you like lots of options, they do not. You must learn to work with that.
Taurus X Cancer: A very loving and affectionate duo you two are. You know just how to comfort your Taurus little, something they seek a lot. You are truly their caretaker, and they love every minute of it.
Taurus X Leo: Your Taurus kid will always be teaching you how to take your time and be more grounded. You both enjoy the finer things in life—this will be your foodie BFF for life.
Taurus X Virgo: You are both practical, hard-working and down-to-earth. And you both prefer life to be easygoing and chill. Together you can take adventures to push you out of your comfort zones.
Taurus X Libra: Both of your ruling planets are Venus. You will find your Taurus kid loving all the pretty and shiny things, just like you. Together you will see the world through rose-colored glasses.
Taurus X Scorpio: While the Scorpio parent can be a bit intense, your Taurus little will teach you how to ground your emotions! But be careful, you can both be on the stubborn side. Don’t let it get the best of you.
Taurus X Sagittarius: Your Taurus kid is here to teach you some patience. You will learn they will do everything on their own time and you cannot rush them.
Taurus X Capricorn: You are here to teach your Taurus tot a bit about flexibility as they can be a bit reluctant to move! No better person than you, a sign who can move mountains.
Taurus X Aquarius: Your Taurus kid tends to stay in their comfort zone, but you, the Aquarius parent, like to push limits. Teaching them to try new things (safely) will always be your job.
Taurus X Pisces: Your Taurus kid is very practical, while you are a bit more dreamy. They are meant to show you grounding and stability, things that you probably crave.
Taurus X Aries: Opposites attract: As an Aries parent, you are really good at getting things started, and your Taurus kid has the endurance to help you see things through. Don’t rush your little one, though. We know how fast you can be, Aries.
The Gemini Child
Gemini X Gemini: THE ACTUAL TWINS! You two will be the social host and hostesses with the mostesses. It is important to work through indecisiveness together as well as nurture their sharp wit.
Gemini X Cancer: Your Gemini babe needs to be out and about socializing to thrive, while you are more of a homebody. Always remember to give them choices and let them have lots of fun. It’s okay if they don't want to be at home much—you need to get out, too.
Gemini X Leo: There might be a little bit of drama associated with this duo. Leo is so outstanding, and the Gemini kiddo loves to initiate the fun. You two will never have a dull moment.
Gemini X Virgo: Both signs are ruled by Mercury, meaning you will be one very busy pair! Nobody will ever question your abilities to get stuff done. You live by lists and schedules and always support each other in completing your to-dos.
Gemini X Libra: Talk about a fashionable parent and child pair. You two are always on point in the fashion department and tend to set the trends.
Gemini X Scorpio: Your Gemini kid is going to show you how to be a bit lighter, Scorpio. They have a fun, lighthearted air that will do you some good.
Gemini X Sagittarius: Together you two are meant to explore the world and learn through experience. Your Gemini kid will be your favorite person to go on trips with, meet new people and even try new foods with. You’ll cherish the memories.
Gemini X Capricorn: Your Gemini child will teach you how to communicate in so many ways! Their openness and intelligence will inspire you, and their wit will keep you on your toes.
Gemini X Aquarius: This parent/child combo are the networking masters. They can befriend anyone. Put them on a playground, and they’ll come back with a whole new group of BFFs.
Gemini X Pisces: You two have very different modes of communication. Your Gemini’s quick intelligence and gift of gab will seriously impress you and inspire you to find your inner voice.
Gemini X Aries: The social butterflies! You two will make lots of friends and wow any crowd. Communication will be the foundation of your relationship.
Gemini X Taurus: It will be your job to ground your flighty little Gemini and help them make decisions, as they often struggle with indecisiveness. Always offer them a set of options: Making that choice helps them feel more secure.
The Cancer Child
Cancer X Cancer: The emotions run high with this pair. You are both sensitive and intuitive. It is your task to teach your little—and yourself—not to be scared to face things head on rather than side-stepping through life like the Cancer crab.
Cancer X Leo: The Leo parent is tasked with nurturing their little Moonchild is a very big way. Your child will appreciate you showering them with both attention and affection.
Cancer X Virgo: The Virgo parent will always be the one who helps, and the Cancer kid loves the extra attention and guidance. While the Virgo parent will teach them how to analyze everything, the Cancer child will teach them to feel the feels.
Cancer X Libra: One of the sweetest and most loving duos. Libras nurture in their own very special way, and the Cancer kid eats that up. Libra is probably the best to guide them through all their emotions.
Cancer X Scorpio: You two ride emotional waves as water signs. You are both empathic and sensitive and can pick up on each other's moods nonverbally. You have a very special, almost psychic connection.
Cancer X Sagittarius: The Sag parent will have to teach the Cancer child that it’s safe to leave home and explore. The Cancer child will show the Sag parent that being home is necessary, too, and can even be fun.
Cancer X Capricorn: The Capricorn parent is tasked with balancing both their career and home life, as Cap is associated with work life. No better kiddo than the family-oriented Cancer kid to show you how to be the CEO Soccer Mom/Dad.
Cancer X Aquarius: Your Cancer kid is sweet, kind and emotional, and it will melt your heart, Aquarius. You will be singing the tune: “I never knew there was a love like this before”.
Cancer X Pisces: You are both on the more sensitive side and enjoy the comfort of your home. Create a home that is like your castle, so you will both always feel safe and secure.
Cancer X Aries: You have a sensitive and emotional little one on your hands. Family is of the utmost importance to them. With your noble spirit, you provide them that comfort and safety they so crave.
Cancer X Taurus: You two thrive at home. Lots of family time, honoring your inner nurturers and snuggling up together. There isn’t a sweeter pair.
Cancer X Gemini: While you might like to be the social butterfly, your Cancer little is a bit more of a homebody. You two can balance each other out and find harmony in this. Make sure you get your Moonchild out of the house and they will make sure you enjoy restorative time at home.
Leo X Leo: Another feisty and fiery pair! Together you two know how to bring the sass and the fun—you’re always a good time to be around.
Leo X Virgo: You two will always motivate and encourage each other to be your very best. You are each other's biggest fans.
Leo X Libra: You two are a pair that catches the eye no matter where you go. The Leo child will always shine bright, and the Libra parent is always so put-together. We see you.
Leo X Scorpio: This is a pair that knows how to bring the intensity! Scorpio is quite fiery for a water sign, so the emotions and dramatics can run a bit high. Be wary of mood swings and work on staying level-headed together.
Leo X Sagittarius: Your Leo will be your loving little lion cub, Sag. They will always respect and admire your wisdom and want to learn from you. They are the best little protege.
Leo X Capricorn: While the Capricorn parent may seem on the conservative or classic side, the Leo kid is going to break that chain with their sass and golden auras. They are something else, and you will love it.
Leo X Aquarius: You both exude bravery and confidence. You will be okay with your Leo little testing limits because you were once that person, too. You’ve got this, Aquarius.
Leo X Pisces: Having a child that isn't scared of the limelight is kind of inditimating to you, Pisces. You can learn a thing or two from their fearlessness. Let them show you how to be brave.
Leo X Aries: Talk about a passionate pair! Your Leo child will love the spotlight, especially with your encouraging nature. Just watch the dramatics—two fire signs can be quite extra.
Leo X Taurus: Oh Taurus, your little Leo is going to give you a run for your money. You just gotta love ‘em, though—they will always be bold, brave and outstanding. Always try to nurture their inner performer and they will thrive.
Leo X Gemini: Your little Leo wants alllll of your attention. It is important you take the time to stop the millions of things you do and give them some undivided time. They thrive when they know they have their parents all to themselves.
Leo X Cancer: Your Leo child is going to get you out of your shell. You can learn a thing or two from them by watching them own the spotlight.
The Virgo Child
Virgo X Virgo: You two appear to be quiet and reserved, but you're both just taking in your environment and other people. You are here to remind one another that perfection does not exist and to take it easy once in a while.
Virgo X Libra: Both the Libra parent and the Virgo kid thrive when their spaces are clean, uncluttered and harmonious. It suits you both to be on the minimal and organized side as chaos is neither of your jams.
Virgo X Scorpio: You both really love learning and have a laser focus. (I see lots of time spent watching documentaries and going to museums in your future.) Your Virgo’s ability to break down information to better understand it will truly impress you.
Virgo X Sagittarius: While your Virgo kid is excellent at mastering the details and breaking down everything to understand it, you can show them the bigger picture so they aren't so fussy. Teach them to be more easygoing, as they can be a little uptight.
Virgo X Capricorn: A more serious pair, you two are here to learn how to have some fun together! Life needs to have some play mixed in with all the work, after all. Learn to let go.
Virgo X Aquarius: Your Virgo kid's mind works quite differently than yours, Aquarius. Observe them, guide them and ask yourself what you can learn from them.
Virgo X Pisces: The Pisces brain is imaginative, while the Virgo brain is analytical. You are the best person to teach them to see beyond the facts, as well as not to beat themselves up over perfection.
Virgo X Aries: You two have a knack for getting stuff done. You really know how to take initiative and your little Virgo loves to take things apart, analyze and perfect. The last thing anyone would call you two is lazy.
Virgo X Taurus: You are a pair of two very grounded, down-to-earth Earth signs. Teach your little Virgo not to be so hard on themselves and remember not to set unattainable standards or goals for them—they really beat themselves up.
Virgo X Gemini: Two Mercurial planets aligned. While the Gemini parent is one busy bee, having a solid schedule is what will help your Virgo little thrive. Setting routines and sticking to them (yes, Gemini) will be best for you both.
Virgo X Cancer: While you are very into your feelings, your Virgo kid is more analytical. You feel; they think. You can each teach each other something about one another.
Virgo X Leo: You two are both ambitious go-getters. While the Leo parent is here to teach the Virgo child not to be so hard on themselves, the Virgo kid will actually teach the Leo parent all about minimalism and structure.
The Libra Child
Libra X Libra: The Libra parent and Libra child are another pair of besties. Libra thrives in partnerships, and there is no bond stronger than that of parent and child.
Libra X Scorpio: The Scorpio parent can be a little impatient, but your Libra child’s even and peaceful temperament will help you learn to be more mindful. They will show you how to handle things with grace.
Libra X Sagittarius: Your Libra tot loves to do everything with you. While a Sagittarius prides themself on their independence, having your Libra along for the ride brightens your world.
Libra X Capricorn: Your Libra kid is literally going to show you the beauty of life. Because of them, you will find yourself noticing every flower, sparkle, seashell and color that you were probably letting pass by before. Soak it in.
Libra X Aquarius: A pair that enjoys intelligent conversation and are equally as charming. That little Libra will win your heart and be the best baby date you’ll ever have!
Libra X Pisces: This pair is another undercover super combo! You are two of the kindest and most loving of the signs—you will just get along famously.
Libra X Aries: This combo of sister signs is like yin and yang. Where you will always be teaching your Libra independence, they will teach you the importance of relying on others, too. You two will always balance each other out.
Libra X Taurus: Two Venus-ruled signs with a love of beautiful things. Whether it’s fashion, art, interior design or jewelry. . . together you two will make this world a more aesthetically pleasing place.
Libra X Gemini: Your Libra little is your BFF, your road dog, the child who will care for you when you are sick and not put you in a home when you are old. You’ve got each other for life.
Libra X Cancer: Such an ideal pair! Libra kids love nothing more than being with their parents, and there is nothing more that a Cancer parent loves than being a parent.
Libra X Leo: Both of these signs have a certain love for love. Your Libra offspring will be very attached to you the more you shower them with love. And let’s face it, you both love the attention.
Libra X Virgo: Virgo, you are being tasked with encouraging your Libra little to be a bit more independent. Show them by example—let them know they can do hard things alone.
The Scorpio Child
Scorpio X Scorpio: Whenever we see the same sign, we know you are meant to be each other’s mirror: the good, the bad, the ups, the downs and all that comes with it. You will always be this to each other.
Scorpio X Sagittarius: You both share a deep love of learning. You are tasked with showing them how to lighten up and let go a little. These little ones are intense, but your optimism is contagious.
Scorpio X Capricorn: The Capricorn parent can be very calm, which is something your intense Scorpio child will need from you. Show them how to manage their emotions, leading by example with your cool, collected ways.
Scorpio X Aquarius: Aquarius and Scorpio are two who will fight to the death for a good cause. There is no better parent than Aquarius to teach a Scorpio kid humanitarianism at such a young age.
Scorpio X Pisces: The funny thing about this combo is you both need a lot of rest! You pick up on each other’s emotions very easily, so it is important to conserve (and restore) your energy.
Scorpio X Aries: Now this is a case of true opposites, but both sprinkled with sass. While Aries is bold and outgoing; Scorpio is much more secretive and introverted. Learning to respect each other’s way of being will be to your highest good.
Scorpio X Taurus: Where you are grounded and stable, your Scorpio little is a bit of a mystery to you. Teaching them trust is the biggest thing you can do for them. Embrace their love for learning and they will teach you in return.
Scorpio X Gemini: The intensity of a Scorpio little might be a bit much for you as such an easygoing Gem, but you guys are meant to be each other’s mirror. You will show them how to be lighthearted, and they will teach you to have some depth.
Scorpio X Cancer: While you are both quite empathic and emotional, you must nurture their deep little souls and show them what love truly is. You earn love with these littles.
Scorpio X Leo: You two will be each other’s greatest lessons. The Leo parent will help the Scorpio child to be more extroverted, and the Scorpio little can teach the Leo parent a few things about privacy and spending time alone.
Scorpio X Virgo: Nothing gets by either one of you! A kid will NOT put up with white lies or bribes, a Virgo parent can analyze anything you say to them. We wouldn’t mess with this team.
Scorpio X Libra: Fairness will always be very important to you both. Keep that in mind when parenting your Scorpio kid, who might have a tendency to be a bit extreme.
The Sagittarius Child
Sagittarius X Sagittarius: You and your little Sag will want to have the spotlight so get ready to share. Teach them the wisdom of your years and get re-invigorated with their zest for life.
Sagittarius X Capricorn: You have a fun-loving and joyful little kiddo on your hands, though they can sometimes be a wild one. Where they are spirited, you are peaceful. Where they are extra, you are grounded. No better parent to teach them boundaries in these situations.
Sagittarius X Aquarius: You two are so similar yet so different. Your Sagittarius little will teach you how to enjoy life a bit more and not take everything so seriously.
Sagittarius X Pisces: The ideas are just endless with the Pisces parent and Sag child. Your Sag kid's ability to focus on the big picture will inspire your imagination. No limit to what you can create together.
Sagittarius X Aries: While both are fire signs, Sagittarius has that free spirit streak that might make a controlling Aries a little crazy. Encourage them to be who they are and let them be free.
Sagittarius X Taurus: Your little Sag is probably always on the go. They want to explore and, in the future, travel. While you are more of a homebody, it is important they always get to spread their wings with a loving home to return to.
Sagittarius X Gemini: Another profound set of sister signs. Together you will explore the world, learn about different cultures, be fearless in trying new things and grow through experience. You have a beautiful journey ahead.
Sagittarius X Cancer: While your Sag kid is the happiest baby on the block, they might not be as affectionate as you are. Doesn’t mean they don’t love you. They just need to be free to express their love in their own way.
Sagittarius X Leo: Meet your match, Leo! Your Sag kid will out-spunk you, outwit you and out-drama you. But you’ll have the best time together, as they are a tough kid to stay mad at.
Sagittarius X Virgo: Your Sagittarius little one will teach you to see the bigger picture, while it will always be your job to teach them to slow down and not overlook the details.
Sagittarius X Libra: You two are both such good-natured souls. Libra, you like to operate in a pair or partnership, while your Sag kiddo is quite independent. You have to give them that space they need to grow.
Sagittarius X Scorpio: You are the pair who is ready for an adventure. Your Sagittarius tot will happily lead you places you always wanted to go, but now you get to share these magical experiences through their joyous hearts.
Capricorn X Capricorn: A sure set of old souls who found each other. You will always be your Capricorn child's teacher, and they, the consummate overachievers—yep, even as little ones. They will continue to make you proud as they grow.
Capricorn X Aquarius: This duo will be each other’s greatest lesson. Your Capricorn child will teach you hard work and discipline and you will teach them how to let go and have fun.
Capricorn X Pisces: It might surprise you to have a child who seems like a little adult. Encourage them to play and be a kid through creative activities.
Capricorn X Aries: Strong-willed is the theme for you both. You’re hard workers and goal-oriented individuals—together you can take over the world.
Capricorn X Taurus: You are both extremely hard-working, so it’s important you remember to play and enjoy life. You share similar qualities of patience, calmness and loyalty. This babe will be your best friend for life.
Capricorn X Gemini: You are here to help your little old soul Cappy be less serious and somber and to have some fun. In return, they will teach you how to focus on your goals, see the bigger picture and be a bit less flaky.
Capricorn X Cancer: You are here to love on these little old souls. While they teach you the importance of hard work, you teach them how to love and nurture.
Capricorn X Leo: The Leo parent loves their role as the leader of the pack, and their Capricorn child is the perfect little cub. They appreciate a parent that will always protect and guide them.
Capricorn X Virgo: This is a pair that has success written all over them. Your Capricorn little is always the first to reach their milestones, and you couldn’t be prouder.
Capricorn X Libra: These two signs may seem quite different, but you’re both Cardinal signs, which means you are the pioneers. You’re the first to get things started and spark ideas. You are both natural-born leaders, and others will always turn to you.
Capricorn X Scorpio: The two old souls of the Zodiac! It must feel like you’ve known each other for lifetimes, and you probably do. You two are one of the most unlikely peas in a pod, but that you are.
Capricorn X Sagittarius: You two are another ambitious and motivated duo. No one can stop you guys from achieving your dreams. You both think big, but your Capricorn kid will help you keep things a little more realistic.
The Aquarius Child
Aquarius X Aquarius: A double Aquarius, you are meant to be innovative leaders. Together you will show the world a better way and to be more open-minded and kindhearted.
Aquarius X Pisces: Your Aquarius kid is a love, but it probably amazes you they aren't as emotional as you are. Aquarius are known to have a good grip on this. Perhaps they are here to teach you the same.
Aquarius X Aries: The Aquarius child is truly an individual. They have a secret superpower of staying calm in the tensest of situations, and this will come in handy with the passionate and impulsive Aries parent.
Aquarius X Taurus: Your Aquarius kid loves freedom—and loves to test you. Stay cool, Taurus. They do it because they love you. Patience is a virtue, especially in this duo.
Aquarius X Gemini: “Let’s get weird” should be this pairing's motto. The weirder, the better and certainly, the more fun. Embrace the odd and silly side of life together. You’ll have way more fun than conforming to the norm.
Aquarius X Cancer: Cancer parents, you have to love having an unconventional kiddo. You want to love all over them, but they just want to do their thing. Give them space—they’ll still always need your support.
Aquarius X Leo: A pair of rebels! You both love doing your own thing and not being told what to do. You two show the world it’s okay to march to the beat of your own drum.
Aquarius X Virgo: Your Aquarius kid is here to shake up your routine. While the Virgo parent likes schedules and order, the Aquarius child learns differently. Let them do their own thing.
Aquarius X Libra: The Libra parent is tasked with teaching the freedom-seeking Aquarius child some boundaries. It may seem the Aquarius little is fearless; encourage them to be brave while being cautious.
Aquarius X Scorpio: The Scorpio parent and Aquarius kid weren’t born to fit in. They were born to break molds and shock everyone. You are both humanitarians at heart, and we can’t wait to watch you make waves.
Aquarius X Sagittarius: Meet your mini-me, Sagittarius. Your Aquarius kid will walk your walk and talk your talk! It will always be a trip to see how much they remind you of yourself.
Aquarius X Capricorn: Your Aquarius kid may be quite the rebel. Where you relish control and order, they love to have their freedom. You two will always be figuring out this balance.
The Pisces Child
Pisces X Pisces: We can only imagine the creativity coming out of this Pisces/Pisces pair. You two inspire others and are the muses of this world.
Pisces X Aries: Encourage your dreamy Pisces babe through their creative streak. Show them to have courage and always stand tall. They will always lean on you for this kind of support.
Pisces X Taurus: What a creative pair you two are. It will be your job to help your emotional Pisces babe get a handle on those feelings and express them through art, music and other creative outlets.
Pisces X Gemini: Together you two will need to discover grounding. You’re both big dreamers, but you often drift from reality. Learn to use your imaginations but also come back to the real world.
Pisces X Cancer: You are the perfect parent to nurture the emotional needs of the Pisces little one. They crave your love, caring and attention. Lots of hugs and snuggles with this duo.
Pisces X Leo: You two share common ground in needing to express yourself through your creative side. Encourage your Pisces kid to explore the arts and watch them flourish.
Pisces X Virgo: You two are here to balance each other out. A Pisces kid will teach the structured, analytical Virgo parent how to go with the flow and be more creative.
Pisces X Libra: You will always be your Pisces kid’s safe space because you provide fairness and harmony in every environment. Pisces kiddos need lots of security and reassurance, and you are the perfect parent for that.
Pisces X Scorpio: Your Pisces little one is certainly a sweetheart. They will warm your heart with their loving and tender ways. You’ll be butter to their charm.
Pisces X Sagittarius: Your Pisces child will teach you how to express your creative side. While they may seem more geared toward the arts and you toward wisdom, you still love to learn, especially from them.
Pisces X Capricorn: You two may seem like the odd couple—the business-orientated Capricorn parent and the dreamy, imaginative Pisces child. But you are each here to teach the other your ways.
Pisces X Aquarius: A Pisces child views the world through rose-colored glasses, while the Aquarius parent is a bit more of a realist. They will teach you to use your imagination more than ever before.
Try these holiday paper crafts to keep your kiddo busy
Are you looking for some holiday paper crafts to carry your crew through the pre-holiday season? These easy ideas will keep the kids active and busy when it’s too cold to play outside, and as a bonus, you can use your little artist’s paper craft to decorate the house or as handmade holiday cards.
Who doesn't love this polar bear? Your kiddo can use their creativity to make such cute cards out of their hand shape. They can even make the polar bear the bard itself (with no dark blue background).
Instead of spending on the real deal on the red and green leaves of a holiday flower only to see it fade away, help your child make a paper version that'll last year after year. Start with red and green cardstock paper, drawing a cloud-like spiral form with a pencil. Cut along the lines, fold the paper, and follow these directions by Mini Monets & Mommies to make pretty poinsettias.
Paper plus paint plus prints equals this fabulously festive bunting from Creative Jewish Mom. Hang this homemade Hanukkah decor during your eight-night celebration or send your child's cute creation to family and friends as a sweet holiday gift.
Homemade gift wrap is sooooooo welcome at this time of the year. Your always-crating kid can make their own paper to cover presents with this easy how-to from Tori Avey.
What better way to use your child's pics than as part of a creative craft? Forget about keeping your child's precious photos on a cloud somewhere. Print them out and follow The Soccer Mom Blog's step-by-step instructions to make this picture-perfect pop-up!
Are you looking for a holiday paper craft that doesn't go overboard on a Christmas theme? These sweet snowmen are easy for kiddos to create and perfect as non-religious holiday cards. Get the full how-to from Fireflies and Mud Pies.
Paper art doesn't always have to start at the craft store. Chances are you have plenty of reusable paper sources at home. Before buying brand-new supplies, take a look around the house. Upcycle cardboard tubes, turning each one into an artsy candle for a make-believe menorah by Mini Monets & Mommies. Add finger paints and tissue paper to make this cute craft complete.
Your child can magically transform a piece of paper into ornament awesomeness. Okay, okay, so technically they aren't 'magically transforming' the piece of paper. Instead, they can follow Mama.Papa.Bubba's instructions and learn how to make these adorable little letters.
Up your kiddo's artsy recycling game with this paper takeout container project. Whether you use washed and dried upcycled containers or new ones (you can buy new foldable takeout boxes at most craft stores), all your child needs is a cardboard tube, some tissue, paper, glue, and glitter paint to create these handmade gift boxes.
Recycle last year's holiday cards, turning them into this year's crafty presents! Follow the directions from Hands On As We Grow and learn how to make these artfully amazing bookmarks. Keep a few of your kiddo's creations for yourself or give them out as holiday gifts.
Halloween is the time of year when we can bust out all of our creativity and that goes for school lunches as well. Up your bento box game with these easy-to-pull-off pumpkin oranges, mummy cheese balls, watermelon bats and hot dog fingers. We’ve got all the ideas here, and scroll to the bottom to find all the gear you can order from Amazon to make these Halloween lunches over the top! Don’t forget to drop in a Halloween lunchbox joke while you’re at it.
We’ve all been there. You need a caffeine jolt, but you’ve got a sleeping baby in the backseat. Or you’re in a rush and don’t have time for an all out stop at a coffee shop with the kids. Or maybe you just want your cappuccino quick and contactless. Fret not, because we’ve got your fix at these drive-thru coffee shops. Read on for where to get your motor runnin’.
Grab a latte, cold brew, blended mocha, blended caramel and more delicious coffee drinks at this favorite coffee stop among locals. Add a bagel with spread and make it a meal. We like the Smokey Jo Latte, which is made with creme brulee syrup and smoked sea salt. The perfect blend of sweet and salty.
6606 Mission Gorge Rd. San Diego, CA 92120 619-852-4959 Online: cuppacuppacoffee.com
With several locations all over San Diego, you can pull into a nearby Better Buzz drive-thru no matter where your local travels take you. When we swing by the Miramar location, we get the Rose Water Latte prepared with espresso, rose water, and steamed milk topped with creamy foam and dried rose petals. They also serve plenty of other coffee drinks, smoothies and teas as well as sandwiches and an acai bowl.
Click here for multiple drive-thru locations including Miramar, Escondido, Pacific Beach, Point Loma and San Marcos.
Treat yourself to a handcrafted golden chai or a white mocha or a Vietnamese cold brew to really perk you up. Grab a portobello mushroom flatbread and some S3 coffee beans to go. They offer homemade almond milk, oat milk, soy and coconut milk alternatives too. Pictured here is their Blue Island latte. Also on the menu: a detox cider as well as seasonal drinks and drink specials to keep your rotation fresh and unique.
6225 Mission Gorge Rd., San Diego, CA 92120 619-693-5333 Online: s3coffeebar.com
Say aloha to this seriously 'bad ass' coffee: 100% Kona Coffee from the Kona region in Big Island, Hawaii. You'll be spoiled for choice between the Lava Java Mocha, Haole's Menehune and Onolicious Mocha and more creatively named drinks that are as delicious as they are fun to order. On particularly drowsy days, opt for the Jitter Juice which boasts a Lungo shot of their packed-with-flavor signature espresso and steamed milk paired with dark chocolate and Irish cream flavors. Bottoms-up!
9878 Carmel Mountain Rd.Ste C. San Diego, CA 92129 858-240-7077 Online: badasscoffee.com
Hit up this favorite Ocean Beach hot spot for gourmet coffee, a large selection of reasonably priced acai bowls, bagels and fresh pastries (they even have gluten-free pastries). People rave about their drip coffee, but they also sell a wide array of espresso drinks, teas, healthy smoothies and ice blended drinks. If you really need some pep in your step, order the hammerhead which pairs espresso and coffee.
4984 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107 Online: cafebellaob.com
The decadent donuts made from scratch every thirty minutes are the icing on the cake at this drive-thru coffee shop. Add The Cooper Top donut to your drink order. It's sure to please with its salted caramel espresso glaze, maple frosting and espresso grinds. The cute drink menu is divided into categories like: soccer moms, coffee snobs and health nut jobs, so you can order accordingly by opting for drinks like a copper rose latte, a red eye or a some kombucha. If the afternoons have got you in a slump, don't miss their $2.50 Happy Hour on all coffee drinks Mon.-Thurs. from 2-6 p.m. Swing by!
You'll surely be 'glad' you drove to Gladly Coffee for a premium espresso drink. They also serve blended cold brews, hand scooped shakes, smoothies and tea. Grab one of their classic breakfast sandwiches too, to start the day right. Tastebuds up for an adventure? Try the Dirty Harry latte which is made with real butter, brown sugar and sea salt.
Hawaiian coffee and acai bowls are a combo that will keep you going. We love the Coconut Waimea bowl for an added energy boost. But it's the SHAKA Thai Mocha latte that puts the wind in our sails. Order up the POG Hawaiian smoothie to please your pint-sized passengers.
6137 Balboa Ave. San Diego, CA 92111 858-541-2444 Online: coffee-hawaii.com
Coffee Corner whips up classic espresso drinks like mochas, lattes and macchiatos, drip coffee, cold brew, chai tea lattes and matcha lattes, hot chocolate, as well as signature drinks with a twist served hot, iced or blended. The Genieva boasts Heath and English toffee, the California features white chocolate and caramel, and that's just the beginning. They have an array of caffeine-free blended frappes and real fruit smoothies for the little ones too. People rave about their acai bowls that you can customize by adding seasonal fruits and toppings like bee pollen and cacao nibs. Careful, you may get addicted to coffee runs to Coffee Corner.
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 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, andThe 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.
Soccer super-star Hope Solo is pregnant—with twins! The former U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team goalkeeper recently revealed her baby news (times two) while co-hosting the beIN SPORTS Weekend Winners show.
According to Solo, she and husband former NFL player Jerramy Stevens, will have a boy and a girl. During the announcement, Solo told fans, “Miniature soccer team on the way.”
The couple’s sweet baby news comes months after Solo suffered a miscarriage, also with twins. Last February Solo miscarried what she thought was a single pregnancy. Still in pain a week later, the soccer star went to the doctor only to find out that she had a second, ectopic pregnancy.
In an interview with Elle, Solo said, “The doctor said I was hours from dying. They ended up having to remove my fallopian tube.” Despite the devastating setback Solo and Stevens kept trying, via IVF. Now it looks like the couple’s determination has paid off—and Solo will soon become a true soccer mom.
When you’re sick of packing lunches and making the morning dash to school, summer break sounds pretty enticing. But it doesn’t take long for the endless, long hot days to start taking their toll––and these hilarious tweets on summer break prove it. Keep reading to catch up on how our favorite Twitter parents are surviving the summer season.
1. ::regrets trip the beach::
[Day at the beach]
*Puts suits on kids, slathers them with sunscreen, makes sandwiches, packs cooler, packs beach bags, lugs 50 lbs or crap to beach, trudges over sand, lays out blanket, puts up umbrella, sets up beach chairs, *
Let’s get married and have kids so instead of relaxing on the beach you can keep sand out of their mouth while I blow up a raft and they ask if there is a pool.
Vacation memories before kids: Remember? That was the time we ate at that really great French restaurant and then sat on the beach as we watched the sunset.
Vacation memories after kids: Remember? That was the time everyone threw up and no one slept for like 96 hours.
It’s a DMX kind of summer. And by DMX kind of summer I mean these kids are gonna make me lose my mind, up in here, up in here.
— The Real American Dadass (@R_A_Dadass) June 18, 2019
12. ALLLL summer.
The best part about taking kids to the beach is that you bring enough sand back with you to have your own beach on the floors of your home all summer long.
Working on our summer math skills like “How many times did you try to slap each of your brothers? Cool, now add those together and multiply by 9, then go to timeout and count to that number.
— MacgyveringMom22🍉 (@MacgyveringM22) July 2, 2019
As our children grow from infant to toddler to school age, so much takes place in each of these young stages of life. Same goes for us Moms. From Newborn Mom, to Preggo Mom, to Two under Two Mom, here are some of the many stages of a young mom.
The Newborn Mom: A new mom, brand new, with big eyes of excitement and a little (or a lot) of fear of the unknown. This stage is so beautiful, and one of the greatest transitions of your life. You try so hard to do it all perfectly and sometimes it can feel like you are failing. Just working on the basics, sleeping, eating and changing diapers can be overwhelming. This is unchartered territory. You are constantly searching for the right answers and struggle to find them between our instincts, and input from others and what a book or website says. It can take a while to find your groove and get into a routine. As new mothers, you strive for perfection. You aim high and hold yourself accountable.
The Amazon Mom: When I discovered Amazon, I felt like I hit the jackpot! At the time, Amazon Mom was a new thing and I happily paid my annual subscription to have 2-day delivery and diapers and wipes on my doorstep. I was on maternity leave and my baby slept a lot, to my surprise. After the first few weeks home, I then had time to research and look for all of the things that could possibly help me and my baby. And of course, I didn’t want to leave the house very often with a newborn. All of the things I thought we needed were at my fingertips, right there on Amazon: pumping accessories, lanolin, muslins, pacifiers, diaper cream, teething toys and even nursing bras. A new humidifier, why not? The baby things in our house really began to accumulate.
The Organic Mom: You reach a point where you are ready to begin introducing solid foods and swear you will never feed our baby McDonalds or processed food ever. You strive to make our baby only organic, homemade fruits and veggies and later grains, and chia seeds and then document and chart all of the new foods weekly. If your baby is in daycare, you may provide the most specific and lengthy instructions about the feeding of your baby to their caregiver. You stress and worry if they are getting enough nutrition and healthy balance of fruit, veggies, protein and Omega-3s. If their dirty diaper looks weird, after eating said fruit and veggies, you Google it.
The Pregnant Again Mom: Pregnant Mom, aka tired as hell mom. Now you have a toddler and are afraid of introducing your first baby to a new baby almost as if you are cheating on them. You fear for the full 9 months of pregnancy about how they are possibly going to handle not being an only child and how you will divide your attention. The worry is so intense you forget that you yourself actually have a sibling, you are fine (mostly), and in fact realize your sibling may have been the greatest gift in your childhood life. (I know my brother is.) You need someone to remind you that giving your baby a sibling is a beautiful thing, a friend for life. But regardless, you are a tired, pregnant Mom and begin, for the first time in your motherhood, to let things slip a little. You consider dozing off on the couch while watching Saturday morning cartoons. You might skip bath night here or there because you are simply exhausted. You also worry about the costs of another baby and naturally, your mind starts thinking about efficiency in your budget, time and life. Can we reuse these clothes, the crib, car seat and stroller? Yes, you definitely can.
The Two Under Two Mom: Hello second baby and that amazing sensation, all over again. The incredible smelling head, teeny tiny feet, sweet yawns and the newborn size diapers. How much you have already forgotten! Things really start getting into perspective here. And then there’s guilt. Your first cries because you are holding your second. Your second cries because, well, babies cry. And then you cry too. So much transition has to take place for months to come. But eventually #1 warms up to #2 and actually likes their new baby. You see them interact for the first time and it warms your heart like nothing ever has before in your entire life, ever. And you cry again. Happy tears, sad tears, this stage is the fullest of emotions.
The Mom of Multiple Kids: A few months pass and once again you have found your groove. You learn that you can reuse all of those blankets, the car-seats, bottles, stroller, etc. But you upgrade your diaper bag from your old designer one to a new handy, extra-large duffle bag to handle your size 1 and size 6 diapers, bottle and sippy cups, wipes, snacks, and change of clothes for two. And you couldn’t be happier! Yes, you are running off coffee and fumes but you feel like a million bucks when you get everyone dressed and out the door in the morning as if you have conquered the world. Now two lives depend on you and Dad and you realize THIS is the time of your life. Who needs sleep anyway?
If It Isn’t Broken Mom: Your new routine becomes normal, you match their clothes for fun and your oldest can talk now, is potty training and can be a sweet little helper. You can start bathing them together and maybe, just maybe, things are getting easier. You feel yourself relax a little and you don’t worry so much about the small stuff. You are a pro by now! A fly on the wall might say, “Aren’t you going to do something about that?” when the kids are in disarray. But no one is getting hurt, or in danger and for goodness sake, you just sat down. You might even rip tags off clothes and put them right on your kids without even washing them! (Ha! Newborn Mom would have never done this.) This may also be the stage where you realize your social life is nonexistent (unless you count meet-ups at the park) and your clothes may be going out of style. Have you bought any new clothes since you purchased your maternity wardrobe? When is the last time you and your husband had a date night?
The Soccer Mom: This is the season for mini-vans, huge SUVs and soccer, baseball, ballet, piano, gymnastics and karate. It is all about efficiency and running from one extracurricular to the next. How do you run kids in different directions when both parents have extraordinarily busy and demanding jobs? I do not know because I am not here yet. But I know plenty of parents who do it and juggle everything else on their plate. I know this stage will certainly be busy but I am prepared, with a three row vehicle and all, for when the time comes.
The Light at the End of the Tunnel: Whether existent or not, this is the stage that we all aspire to. The days get easier. They have to, right? You lean on your Mom tribe to give you insights and to tell you that it does get easier. One day they will be wiping their own butt, reading a book, doing homework and maybe even caring about their grades. This transition may hard to accept when they don’t need us for every little thing.It may be freeing and equally saddening. But as strong, amazing mothers to littles, who feel as though we have already lived a lifetime at this point, we will reflect fondly. We have to cling to and remember all of the beautiful stages we lived through with our babies, when they were young.
Located in Bloomington, Indiana I am a wife, full-time working Mom to 3 boys, a part-time graduate student & a writer. I am also an optimist, problem solver, peacemaker, gardener, runner and a crazy-busy mom just trying to enjoy each moment. I truly value my friends, family and my mommy tribe.
If the lovey-dovey ballads and single girl shout-outs of pop music seem totally un-relatable now that you’re a mom, you’re not alone. Leeann Dearing and Michelle Fortin, both moms and a comedy duo, made a Momz Bop parody that’s a musical mash-up every mother will totally understand.
We’ve all heard the lyrically-modified versions of top 40 music that is Kidz Bop. Dearing and Fortin took the word-switcheroo model to a new level, penning mama-friendly songs that have hilariously hit the proverbial parenting nail on the head.
What can you expect from this too funny pop song splendor? The pair begins their clip with a take on Imagine Dragons “Thunder” singing, “I’m a roller. Like a chauffeur. Soccer mom, then some. I’m a Starbucks soldier. Don’t hit your brother. I’m a stay at home mother.”
Along with the too-funny take on the Imagine Dragons hit, the duo also treats us to their “Sweater Now” version of Post Malone’s “Better Now,” a “Kids Like You” rendition of Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You,” George Ezra’s “Shotgun” as their own “Grandson/On the Run,” a boy mom fave “Gotta Pee” (spoofing Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be”) and an anthem for any mama who’s littles suddenly ditched their most-loved food, “Banana” (Camilla Cabello’s “Havana”).
So turn off the radio, turn on this video and get ready for a mid-day laugh!
