These funny jokes will have them belly-laughing for days
Need a good joke when you’re in a pinch? We’ve got you covered with a joke of the day for almost a whole year, and most of them are original! These hilarious jokes for kids require little to no explanation from parents, but you’ll want to get in on the fun, anyway. From cheesy jokes to knock-knock jokes and beyond, many of these have been sent to us by kids themselves. We’ve also got squeaky-clean jokes, spring jokes, and printable lunchbox jokes. And for those looking to take the fun to the next level, we’ve got the best minute to win it games, too.
Why should you share jokes with your kids?
Because it allows kids to learn to laugh at themselves and not take themselves too seriously. It’s an easy way to have quality time that doesn’t include a screen. So go ahead, scroll through our favorite jokes for kids, and spend 15 minutes having a good chuckle with your kiddos.
1. What do you call an ant who fights crime? A vigilante!
80. What did the big flower say to the little flower? Hi, bud!
81. There are two robots sitting on a wall. They are named Pete and Re-Pete. Pete falls off. Who is left? (Re-Pete...so you repeat the whole thing again and again and again.)
—Henrik P., 10
82. What is a pony’s favorite juice? She really likes lemon-neigh’d.
—5-year-old Kerrigan
83. Where do fish keep their money? In the River-Bank!
—Jaxon G., 7 y.o.
84. What do you call an alligator with a vest? An investigator!
—Milo H-R, age 8
85. Why was the computer cold? It left its window open!
312. What do you call a Buffalo that likes beef?
A Beef-alo
313. What does a camel say to a hunter?
Do you need some camel-flage
314. Why does the dinosaur like the bathroom?
Because it’s ex-stink-t
315. Why does the dentist use a computer?
Because it has Bluetooth.
—Jokes 312-315 by Gunner, age 8
316. What’s grey?
A melted penguin.
317. What goes black, white, black, white, black white?
A penguin rolling down a hill.
318. Can a match box?
No, but a tin can!
319. Why was the baby in Egypt?
It was looking for its mummy.
320. Why did the chewing gum cross the road?
It was stuck on the chicken’s foot.
321. What does a cow eat for breakfast?
Mooo-esli.
322. Doctor, doctor, I feel like a dog.
Then go and see a vet!
323. What do girl snakes write at the bottom of their letters?
With love and hisses.
324. Why did the bacteria cross the microscope?
To get to the other slide.
—Jokes 316-324 by Elijah, age 11
325. Knock, knock Who’s there? Lettuce. Lettuce who? Let us in, it’s cold out here!
326. What do you get when you cross a bridge with a car?
To the other side of the river.
327. What do you get when you cross an elephant with a cake?
Crumbs.
328. Doctor, doctor, I keep thinking I’m a dog.
Then sit on the couch and we’ll talk about it, But I’m not allowed on the furniture!
329. Doctor, doctor I feel like a sheep.
That’s baa-aaa-aad.
330. What do you call a bee that buzzes quietly?
A mumble bee.
—Jokes 325-330 by Malachi, age 7 and a half
331. Where do you find a polar bear?
The same place you left her.
—Thomas, age 7
332. What is fast, loud, and crunchy? A rocket chip!
333. How does a vampire start a letter? Tomb it may concern…
334. What has ears but cannot hear? A field of corn…
335. Did you hear the one about the claustrophobic astronaut?
He just needed a little space.
Make sure to capture all the giggles—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
This list includes some of the best movies for kids of all time. How many have you seen with your family?
Looking for the best movies for kids? With the endless array of TV and movie options out there (including free full-length options on YouTube), it’s hard to pick a flick that the whole family will love. Well, bicker no more. From The Karate Kid to The Incredibles, we’ve made the decision easy with a definitive list of must-see childhood movies for children under 12. So grab some fun snacks and get that family movie night started!
1. It's a Wonderful Life (1946) There's a reason people still watch this holiday classic year after year: Parents to tweens will appreciate this timeless tale of a once-hopeless man realizing the value of his own life with the help of a guardian angel.
Not rated.
Recommended for ages 9 and up.
2. E.T. (1982) Still one of the best science fiction movies ever, E.T. is all about friendship and childhood. From Reese’s Pieces to the classic phrase “E.T. phone home,” every moment of this movie will live with your extraterrestrial forever.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
3. Spirited Away (2002) This animated film is a magical adventure and is considered to be one of Hayao Miyazaki's masterpieces. It stars a strong female protagonist but parents of younger kids beware: there are scary creatures, the parents turn into pigs, and in one scene a river dragon lingers on the verge of death.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
4. Coco (2017) Based on the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, Coco tells the tale of 12-year-old Miguel who finds himself in the Land of the Dead and with the help of his musician great-great-grandfather dives deep into his family history (and their generations-old ban on music!). There are strong family vibes in this blockbuster, and your kids will love the whimsically colorful, melodic story!
A note for parents—this movie deals with the concept of mortality and could be slightly upsetting for young kids.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
5. Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019) This Disney classic (and its sequel) is definitely one of the best movies for kids. The films about sisterhood, family, and love will surprisingly warm your hearts, fill your home with song, and should come with a disclaimer: For months afterward, your kids won’t sing anything but Let It Go, Into the Unknown, and Do You Want to Build a Snowman.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
6. Soul This family movie from Pixar and Disney follows jazz musician and teacher Joe as he travels from life to the Great Before (instead of the Great Beyond). He's not ready for his life to be over, so he's determined to make it home. The first-rate cast including Jaime Foxx and Tina Fey, the amazing animation, and the wonderful music are just a few of the reasons to love this movie for kids.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
7. Yes Day Inspired by the beloved children's book by the same name, Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a "Yes Day," where there's no saying no to anything the kids ask for or to do (within reason). Chaos ensues, and it becomes clear that all yes all the time isn't always the best idea.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
8. The Sword in the Stone (1963) From rags to riches, it’s the story of King Arthur in true to Disney style. Your lil’ knight will be giggling, dancing and bopping to the wizarding whimsy of this animated musical.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
9. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) A shrink ray accidentally goes off and sets a group of kids on a journey back home (even though they never leave their backyard) while their parents search high and low for them.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
10. Cool Runnings (1993) Everything seems stacked against these athletes who are completely unprepared for the cold, let alone bobsledding. Loosely based on a true story of the Jamaica national bobsled team, Cool Runnings is a real inspirational film for young dreamers.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
11. Star Wars Series (1977-) Now is as good a time as any to introduce this epic space opera. Your space lover will be on the edge of his or her seat during this story of lightsabers, telepathic powers, space-flight adventures, and the biggest plot twist in cinematic history. Our inner geek is giving this PSA: Please remember to start your Jedi with A New Hope and not The Phantom Menace.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
12. A League of Their Own (1992) If your kids ever ask you why girls don't play Major League Baseball, you can tell them, "They did"—and then show them this film, which tells the real-life story of the 1940s All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Tom Hanks shines as the grumpy coach.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & older
13. Willow (1988) For today's Harry Potter generation, a viewing of Willow will surely be of interest. The adventure is easy to follow and full of school-age humor, and two forest fairies provide comedy with their slapstick, strange voices, and snappy one-liners. Lucas' fantasy has interesting-looking characters and villages, gothic castles and, most of all, magic. Willow is an excellent choice to give young kids a taste of fantasy.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & older
14. Tangled (2010) Get lost in Disney’s retelling of Rapunzel, which is a lot more exciting than the original story. Hint: She gets to leave the tower and goes on a thrilling journey of magic, song, and self-discovery.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
15. Finding Nemo (2003) Laugh until your tummy hurts as this timid clownfish dad searches the great ocean for his son. Every underwater creature has a catchphrase that’ll become your guppy’s new mantra. Just keep swimming … just keep swimming!
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
16. Princess Bride (1987) Part comedy, part romance, part adventure, part fantasy and 100% perfect—Princess Bride is the ultimate family movie for storytime lovers, big, small, boy, or girl. And yes, there is some kissing.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
17. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977) A perfect movie for the littlest film-goers, this endearing film follows A.A. Milne's classic bear as he bumbles about Hundred Acre Wood learning lessons on friendship. There's no offensive or scary content in the film, which makes it great for younger kids.
Rated G
Recommended for ages 3 & up.
18. Shrek (2001) One unforeseeable plot twist on the classic fairytale? Coming right up! An ogre sets out to rescue a princess with a talking donkey—plus all the characters from your cupcake’s bedtime stories.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
19. The Muppet Movie (1979) Way before Jason Segel starred in the 2011 Muppet movie, there was The Muppet Movie, which goes way, way back to before Kermit the Frog was in show business. Fans of those classic fuzzy puppets will love watching this origin story.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
20. The Lion King (1994) Grab a tissue for that one scene (you know which one we’re talking about), but after that, the rest of the movie is all song, dance, and excitement for your lil’ monkey.
21. The Sandlot (1993) Your short stuff will definitely relate to Scotty as he makes new friends on a ragtag baseball team and goes on grand adventures involving tree houses, rival groups, a legendary ball-eating dog, and all the things that childhood memories are made of.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
22. The Little Mermaid (1989) Ignore the original Hans Christian Andersen (that ending is unfortunately not very happily ever after), and opt for Disney’s The Little Mermaid for a family movie night with the kids. It’s got unforgettable songs, enchanting characters, and, best of all, a happy ending.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
23. Home Alone (1990) This perfect Christmas moviewill give your tots a movie dose of bravery, when it comes to being by themselves, as they watch a smart-aleck eight-year-old defend his home from a pair of bumbling burglars. Note: There is some sibling squabbling that isn't all that nice.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
24. Miracle on 34th Street (1947) No movie portrays the spirit of Christmas better than Miracle on 34th Street. Save this one for the holidays because it’ll definitely make your little helper feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
25. Spider-Man (2002) If you're looking for a good starter superhero movie, this 2002 origin story follows Peter Parker (Toby Maguire) as he gets bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes the witty hero we all know and love. Some explosions and tense Green Goblin moments may frighten sensitive viewers, but most tweens will love every bit of it.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 11 & up.
26. Toy Story 1, 2, 3, 4 (1995 - 2019) Every kid will love the iconic warm-hearted tale of the secret life of toys. From the very first film to the fourth, which hit theaters in 2019, follow the saga of Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and their fellow toys as they navigate the trials and tribulations of being Andy's toys. Each film is special in its own right.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
27. Whale Rider (2003) Before Moana set out on the seas on a quest to save her village, a courageous girl named Pai did it first. The film is set in the Maori community of New Zealand, where modern culture threatens to quell ancient traditions. Twelve-year-old Pai sets out to prove that even though she is not the male heir her father wanted, she has the bravery, wisdom, and skill to lead. There are some adult themes (including a mother and child who die during childbirth, as well as some references to marijuana), but tweens and parents will appreciate the inspiring message.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 11 & up.
28. The Sound of Music (1965) How else is your musical tot going to learn the lyrics to Do-Re-Mi? The Sound of Music is completely captivating with equal parts song, romance, and family bonding.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
29. Wadjda (2013)
The first movie to be directed by a Saudi Arabian woman, this story is of a spunky, independent 11-year-old girl who wants to ride a bike, wears Converse sneakers, and loves to compete against her (male) best friend. Beautifully done, the film explores topics such as religious traditions and laws, but it's also an incredible study of female empowerment. Follow along, and cheer for Wadjda as she fiercely makes a place for herself in the world.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
30. Despicable Me, 2 & 3 (2010, 2013, 2017) Kids and adults alike will love this bad-guy-turns-good-guy fairy tale about a curmudgeonly villain who learns to love an orphaned trio of little girls. The sequels are just as much fun as the original.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
31. Free To Be You And Me (1974) In a compilation of shorts that were edgy at the time of this film's release, Free To Be You And Me explores things like gender roles, working mothers, and racial stereotyping with the help of celebrities including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Marlo Thomas, and a young Michael Jackson.
Not rated.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
32. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone (2001) Your magical creatures won’t be able to get enough of the Harry Potter adventures. Everything from the food to the spells is a unique discovery. Start off with The Sorcerer's Stone, which introduces the wizarding world. The film series is completed, but the rest of the films skew for an older audience.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
33. Bedknobs & Broomsticks (1971) Starring the legendary Angela Landsbury and Mary Poppins alum David Tomlinson, this classic Disney film focuses on three siblings who are evacuated from London during World War II and end up in the care of an apprentice witch. Chaos ensues, and there's a fun animated section where they all end up on the island of Naboombu. While the slow parts may bore young children, and the presence of Nazi invaders might bring up questions, all and all, this is a fun classic film for families.
Rated: G
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
34. Mary Poppins Returns (2018) Julie Andrews fans can rest assured that this remake by Rob Marshall is an ode to the near-perfect original. Emily Blunt charms, Lin-Manuel Mirada shines, and the sequel plot means that viewers will see how Jane and Michael are faring some 20 years after Mary Poppins first came into their lives. Be on the lookout for a very special cameo from the one and only Dick Van Dyke!
35. How to Train Your Dragon(2010) Follow the adventures of the reluctant dragon-slayer Hiccup, who, after capturing the rarest dragon of all—the Night Fury—befriends it instead of killing it. Raucous adventures follow as Hiccup shows his fellow Vikings that not all dragons are dangerous. Note: Sensitive kids may be troubled by the initial scenes of violent dragons attacking the village.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
36. The Karate Kid (2010) This remake of the 1984 classic is geared toward a slightly younger audience with the help of the talented Jaden Smith, who stars as the new kid on the block who struggles to learn karate to fend off bullies and win the girl.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
37. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Tim Burton’s delightful holiday fantasy film redefines Christmas for all our lil’ lovers of spook. Get carried away into a new world that celebrates two holidays in one—candy and presents? Every tot’s dream.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
38. Moana (2016) Girl power is at its best in this modern Disney classic that puts a strong-hearted young girl on a mission to return the "heart of the ocean" to its rightful owner. Besides the memorable songs and moving story, this film stands apart from most Disney flicks in that there are no princes (or romances of any kind) to be found during the whole 113 minutes.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
39. Beauty and the Beast (2017) The "tale as old as time" gets a modern retelling that stays true to its trademark Disney sweetness, with Emma Watson starring as a Belle every little girl will want to be. Note: Because it's live-action, some of the scenes (like the ones with the wolves chasing Belle) can be a little scary.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
40.Walking with Dinosaurs (1999) Excellent BBC six-part series that takes viewers on a journey from the beginning of dinosaurs to their demise. Educational but fun, this is perfect for older dino lovers.
Rated: NR
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
41. Bend it Like Beckham Featuring a diverse cast, this story of a British girl of Indian descent who hides her passion for the game of soccer from her parents is ultimately a wonderful show in strength and determination to go after your dreams.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
42. An American Tail (1986) Long before Nemo and his dad were separated by oceans, a lanky immigrant mouse named Fievel journeyed to find his family "somewhere out there." One of the most classic family movies of the '80s, it's just as sweet today as you might remember.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
43. Spellbound (2003) Kids will be spelling out E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G after watching this fun documentary that follows a group of elementary school students across America as they prepare for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The uplifting film shows the value of hard work and studying (your kids' teachers will approve!).
Rated G
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
44. Freaky Friday (1976) Like mother, like daughter—the hilarity that ensues when this mom and daughter duo switch bodies also gets across the important lesson of family bonding.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
45. The Secret of Nimh (1982) This movie has some scary parts, but kids ages eight and up will love the tale of extraordinary courage. The story centers around a group of super-intelligent rats who escape an animal laboratory and a family of field mice who enlist their help.
Warning: Sensitive children may find some scenes disturbing (including a sword fight that ends in the death of one rat).
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
46. Space Jam (1996) Animation, live action, comedy, and sports—it’s time to introduce your sports fan to the legend that is Michael Jordan and his greatest achievement… Space Jam.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
47. Free Willy (1993) Animal lovers will enjoy seeing this feel-good film about a boy becoming best friends with an orca. Your swimmers will be so engaged, that they might even shed a tear or two for Willy.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
48. Fern Gully (1992) If you were a '90s kid, then you'll know (and probably love) this classic eco-toon. Featuring the voices of some of the most famous actors of the time (Samantha Mathis, Christian Slater, Robin Williams, Tim Curry), join fairy-queen-in-training Cyrsta as she resues surfer-dude Zak from falling trees, and himself. Featuring a strong environmental message, it's a wonderful way to help show kids the value of a strong ecosystem. And, the music rocks, too.
Note: There are a few scary parts, in particular when Hexxus is released from the tree.
49. Spy Kids Adventure-loving kids will love this rollicking action movie about Carmen and Juni, the children of two infamous spies (who have gone undercover as boring parents). When their parents are kidnapped, the resourceful kids must summon their courage and jump into action.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
50. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971) Golden ticket. Chocolate factory. Everything candy. Your sugarplum will remember the zany world of Willy Wonka for the rest of their life, though sensitive kids may be frightened by some scary moments.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
51. Charlotte’s Web (1973) This animated musical about Wilbur, the runt of the litter, and Charlotte, a friendly spider, is as touching as the novel by E.B. White. Prepare a package of tissues for the ending: It’s both sad and happy.
Note: We also love the 2006 remake, which features an adorable Dakota Fanning as Fern.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
52. Lassie (1994) Loyal, brave, and affectionate… your youngest will want a Collie after seeing all the extraordinary feats Lassie can do, from saving his owner from a mountain lion to snuggling with him all night.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
53. Babe (1995) Perseverance, friendship, and making your dreams come true—who knew a pig could teach us all that? Psst … at the start of the film, there is a bit of frightful honesty about animals being used for food, so keep an eye on your tiniest animal lovers.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
54. Enchanted (2007) Fairytale characters are thrown into the modern world in this live-action musical that shows what happens when a young maiden from the fictional "Andalasia" falls in love with a jaded New York City lawyer. Julie Andrews narrates this infectiously-sweet story. Note: There is a scary part at the end featuring a fire-breathing dragon that may rattle sensitive tots.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
55. The NeverEnding Story (1984) For enthusiastic readers with a wild imagination, The Neverending Story will take them for an exciting ride as a young boy tries to save the world of Fantasia.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
56. A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969) This was the first of the Peanuts movies, and it introduces Charlie Brown as the sweet and sensitive little boy who can't seem to get anything right. The film follows him as he works to compete in a national spelling bee with the help of his faithful buds, Linus and Snoopy.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 4 & up.
57. ELF Will Farrell is at his best in this classic holiday film about a boy raised as one of Santa's elves but sets out at age 30 to find his real father in New York City.
58. Up (2008) An upbeat boy and a grumpy old man make an unlikely team… inside a floating house. They go on a journey that has a little bit of danger, a lot of humor, and a grander story of love.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
59. Newsies (1992) This Disney musical inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 follows a group of street-savvy kids who form a union and go on strike against the money-hungry newspaper typhoons of their time. The movie features catchy music and energetic dance numbers—and inspired the 2012-2014 Tony Award-winning Broadway show.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
60. Hook (1991) For all the inspiration that Peter Pan gives a rambunctious child, Hook shows how grown-ups can still have fun. Your Lost Boy (or Girl) will be hugging you tight throughout this movie.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
61. BIG (1988) For every kid who talks about growing up all the time, have them watch BIG because jumping from 12 years old to 30 years old is only a good idea in theory… and on film.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
62. Labyrinth (1986) Set in a bizarre world that’ll delight the most imaginative kiddo, Labyrinth will captivate your imagination with Muppets, riddles, and a lighthearted sense of danger.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
63. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) This animated Spidey film follows a teen who becomes a new Spider-Man and meets a slew of other Spider-people from parallel universes. It's a little less intense than the live-action Spider-Man iterations, making it a better choice for younger viewers. Still, there is a lot of violence, including weapons and two major characters are killed—so be wary if you don't want your kids to be exposed.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
64. Trolls (2016) With an awesome pop-rock soundtrack that you'll want to download, like, asap, this light-hearted flick is about a duo of trolls (Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick) who partner up to rescue their friends from the troll-hungry bad guys.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
65. My Neighbor Totoro (1988) Another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki, this family movie is appropriate for all ages. Two girl protagonists move to the countryside in 1950s Japan and are befriended by the magical creature, Totoro, who helps them when they have a problem related to their mother, who is dealing with a long-term illness.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 4 & up.
66. Alice in Wonderland (1951) Everyone loves this classic tale of a little girl who falls asleep and gets whisked into a nonsense world where "Everyone is mad." Alice grows bigger and smaller and encounters all sorts of wild characters—some of which are mildly inappropriate (like the hookah-smoking caterpillar and a head-chopping queen), but all in all this tale of silliness is fun and engaging.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 4 & up
67. LEGO Movie (2014) An ordinary LEGO minifig must save the universe from a tyrannical business lord. Forget Frozen, your LEGO maniac will be singing Everything is Awesome even before the movie ends.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
68. Mary Poppins (1964) A magical nanny uses her unique brand of lifestyle to bring a family back together. If your munchkins loved Sound of Music, this one is a must-add to their movie list.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
69. The Dark Crystal (1982) Fantasy lovers will jump right into the dark world of The Dark Crystal. Think of it as a more family-friendly version of Lord of the Rings—it’s a hero’s story about an elf-like creature on a quest to restore balance to his world.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
70. The Princess and the Frog (2009) A twist on the classic tale: A beautiful girl kisses a frog (who is actually a prince) and instead of him getting turned back into a human, she gets turned into a frog! With a jazzy New Orleans vibe keeping things cool, this modern fairy tale is also the first Disney movie to feature an African-American heroine, Tiana. Also unlike Disney's long-ago damsels, Tiana is strong and hardworking and doesn't need a man to get by in the world (though she doesn't mind having one as a friend).
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 and up.
71. Ghostbusters (1984) So your tiny Ghostbusters may not be old enough to appreciate Bill Murray, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start now! It’ll be hard to find a “scary” movie that’ll have you crying from laughter like this one.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
72. The Parent Trap (1961/1998) A pair of twins set out to reunite their separated parents. Cue the chaos, humor, and aww moments! We’ll leave it up to you to decide to show the classic 1961 or 1998 one—both are that good.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
73. Aladdin (1992) Disney's retelling of the classic Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, is filled with memorable music and a wise-cracking genie voiced perfectly by the late, great Robin Williams, who will entertain the grown-up viewers almost more than the kiddos.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
74. Cinderella (1950) Bippity bobbity boo! A story of a love so simple that even the smallest slipper wearer can watch this Disney classic in one sitting.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
75. The Wizard of Oz (1939) Ruby red slippers, flying monkeys, catchy songs, and the breathtaking transition from a world of black-and-white to color, The Wizard of Oz is a timeless story that’ll inspire your kiddo for ages.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
76. Big Hero 6 (2014) Disney's adaptation of the Marvel comic about a boy named Hiro and his robot creation, a "personal health companion" named Baymax, will delight little robot fans. But be forewarned: Much of the film deals with the idea of grief since the boy's older brother dies at the beginning of the film. Despite the sad beginnings, this family movie has lots of heart and a sweet ending.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
77. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) In a realm known as Kumandra comes the Oscar-nominated mythical tale of when dragons and humans fought together to fight the Druun. Fast forward hundreds of years, and one girl is determined to find the last dragon to join the fight again. The imagery and strong female protagonists, not to mention a funny water dragon, make this a great movie for kids of all ages.
78. Akeela and the Bee (2006) A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburn stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
79. Matilda (1998) Tiny magic lovers will be entranced by this film, based on the classic Roald Dahl book about a brilliant little girl who uses her special powers to right the wrongs in her school and at home.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 9 and up.
80. Fly Away Home (1998) Anna Paquin stars in this inspiring story of a motherless little girl who learns to fly an ultralight aircraft so she can fly her adopted flock of geese south for the winter. Note: The death of the girl's mother at the beginning of the film may be upsetting for kids.
Rated PG.
Recommended for kids 6 & up.
81. Inside Out (2015) Kids may not understand the big concepts at the heart of the movie (that they're watching the personified emotions inside a little girl's brain), but they'll be entertained just the same. We think the real value is for Mom and Dad, who may actually learn a little something about what's going on in their kids' crazy little heads.
Rated PG.
Recommended for kids 7 & up.
82. Peter Pan (2003) This live-action remake has magic galore and will be a hit with big kids who have graduated from cartoons.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 9 & up.
83. Wall-E. (2008) While there is minimal dialogue throughout the whole movie (not a word is spoken in the first 22 minutes of the film), the lovable little robot who is stranded on a trash-filled future Earth will steal your family's heart and make you think twice about your recycling habits. Messages about environmentalism—as well as our reliance on technology—ring loud and clear, even without words.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
84. The Incredibles (2004) Superhero family. Pixar. What more can we say? This spectacular animated film is simply made for a movie night with mom, dad, sis, brother, and babe.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 7 & up.
85. Ratatouille (2007) Kids will love this cute story about a French rat who wants to be a gourmet chef; grown-ups will appreciate the jokes intended only for them. Overall, this tale about a little rodent defying the odds is fun and inspiring. And, if you're lucky, it'll teach your tot a thing or two about food.
Rated G
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
86. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) Sing-a-long adventures in a flying car! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a comical adventure with a dash of danger. Fun fact: The script was co-written by Roald Dahl.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
87. Chronicles of Narnia (2005) If your reader is devouring the book series, the movies are pretty captivating too. Your Narnian won’t believe that Azlan is made up of special effects and not a real lion.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
88. Cinderella (2015) Disney's remake of its 1950 classic is just as magical with dazzling special effects and a live-action spin. Younger princesses may still prefer the original (this one has no songs), but parents longing to revisit the Cinderella story with their kids will find it to be a faithful and gorgeous retelling.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
89. Monsters Inc. (2001) Middle-of-the-night monsters won't be so scary anymore after kids watch this film and learn that they're the ones who have all the power.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
90. Vivo A fun romp with fantastic music from Lin-Manuel Mirada, this story is about a monkey who travels from Cuba to Miami in the name of love, and "one last song" will have everyone singing from the start.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 5 & up
91. Encanto Another hit collab from Disney and Lin-Manuel Mirada, this movie tells the tale of the magical Madrigal family and their village hidden in the mountains of Columbia. When the magic is in danger, the only member of the family to not receive a magical gift, Mirabel, might be their last hope.
92. The Black Stallion (1979) This Francis Ford Coppola-directed film about a boy stranded on a desert island with a wild stallion who saves his life is a must-see, whether or not you're into horses. The film morphs from a wilderness survival tale to a root-for-the-underdog horse race. Note: The beginning shipwreck scene may be disturbing, even for adults, so feel free to skip to the island and go from there.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
93. Happy Feet (2006) This inspiring story about a penguin who can't find his song—but sure can dance—has a killer soundtrack and an uplifting message. Basically, you be you, penguin. There are also some not-so-subtle messages about environmental stewardship, as the penguins find themselves in a perilous race against a dwindling food source.
Note: Some scenes with a particularly vicious sea lion might scare younger viewers.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
94. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) Three loyal pets escape and journey through the West Coast to find their beloved owners in San Francisco. Your sidekick is going to be asking for a furry family addition after this classic family movie.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 6 & up.
95. Cars (2006) Every kid who loves going "vroom vroom" with his toy cars will love this fast-paced film about a smooth-talking race car who learns the meaning of true friendship and the joy of the open road when he gets stuck in the small town of Radiator Springs.
Rated G.
Recommended for ages 5 & up.
96. The Absent-Minded Professor (1961) A classic family-friendly film that features a befuddled professor who, at the expense of his own wedding, manages to create an amazing compound he calls flubber. You'll root for the Professor to outwit the greedy Alonzo Hawk, and the silly stunts (like basketball players that can jump to crazy heights) will make the whole family laugh.
97. The Mighty Ducks (1992) If your budding athlete loves the sports-movie formula of losers becoming winners, then she'll love this movie that follows a ragtag hockey team as they shape up and learn the value of teamwork and friendship.
Rated PG.
Recommended for ages 10 & up.
98. Zootopia (2016) After an otter goes missing, it's up to bunny cop Judy Hopps and her fox-with-a-criminal-record sidekick Nick Wilde to solve the crime. Along the way, the duo meets some of the unique citizens that make up Zootopia and learn to appreciate (love, actually) each other's differences.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
99.The Incredibles 2 (2018) The nearly 20-year-long wait for the sequel to one of Pixar's most popular movies was worth the wait. Watch Mrs. Incredible (aka Elastagirl) go back to work and leave Bob (Mr. Incredible) at home with a moody tween, homework, and a baby with multiple powers. Look for the return of fan-favorite Edna, and fellow superhero Fro-Zone. Some violence might be scary for younger kids, but the all-around message of teamwork is a home run for families.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8 & up.
100. The Kid Who Would Be King(2019) This modern retelling of the legend of King Arthur has been described as a mixture of "Goonies" and "Lord of the Rings." The story follows a schoolboy who is chosen to save the world with the help of the mystical sword. There are some scary moments—including tense battle scenes and the destruction of a school—but older tweens will love it.
Free kids’ movies like March of the Dinosaurs and Quest for Camelot will be instant pleasers
If your Netflix queue is looking a little stale, you might want to think about the treasure trove of free kids’ movies on YouTube. (we also happen to love these YouTube channels just for kids). You don’t need a subscription to watch, and even though you’ll have to sit through a few commercials before your movie, don’t let the ads turn you off. These free movies on YouTube are well worth your time. If you’re on the hunt for even more classics, scan through the best movies every kid should see before they grow up—and don’t forget some creative movie night snacks!
1. Thunder and the House of Magic
When Thunder, an adorable orange cat, is abandoned, he wanders the unfamiliar neighborhood looking for shelter. When chased by a big Dobermann, he finds himself in the local "haunted house," the home of an old magician named Mr. Lawrence. Thunder meets a terrified mouse named Maggie and her friend, Jack the Rabbit. When Mr. Lawrence is injured and his sly nephew tries to sell the home from under him, Thunder must join forces with Maggie and Jack to save the day.
Before there was Frozen, there was Snow Queen. A more direct take on Hans Cristian Andersen's iconic tale, a young girl named Greta must battle the evil queen and rescue her friend in this free movie for kids on YouTube.
Follow 10-year-old Arthur as he tries to find a way to save his grandmother's house from being destroyed. He enters into a world of tiny creatures, who live in harmony with nature in search of treasure and, along the way, makes many discoveries.
Train lovers will love this live-action version of the iconic engine and friends. Mr. Conductor's (Alec Baldwin) supply of gold dust is critically low, and he needs the help of Lily, the granddaughter of a caretaker in charge of a magical steam engine, and Thomas the Train. They leave the imaginary island of Sodor and head to the real world to find more and meet the trouble-making Deisel Engine 10 along the way.
In this sweet free kids' movie on YouTube, a young fish named Pi loses everything and heads to the Reef and his family. There he meets a beautiful fish trying to ward off the affections of a bully shark. Will Pi save the day?
Older kids will appreciate this gorgeous film about a young African boy who befriends a white lion cub before embarking on an epic adventure. The film uses beautiful real-life nature footage to tell its story. Consequently, expect sad scenes depicting the cruelty that the infamous "circle of life" imparts.
This free movie for kids on YouTube is about a frog who doesn't enjoy water or jumping and wishes he could be like other animals in the rainforest. So, he sets off with his best friend, a flying squirrel, to discover his true self.
Calling all budding paleontologists! This animated docu/drama is set in North America during the Cretaceous Period and follows a young Edmontosaurus named Scar as he and his herd migrate south for the winter, as well as a Trodon, who stays put in the frigid North. Dinosaur enthusiasts will love the action, although young kids might be scared when mega meat eaters Gorgosaurus and Albertosaurus make their entrance.
What do you get when an adventurous girl, a blind hermit, and a silly two-headed dragon team up to find the sword Excalibur in hopes of saving King Arthur and Camelot? A journey through the Enchanted Forest filled with danger, bravery, and laughs. Will they get the sword to King Arthur in time to foil evil Sir Ruber's plan?
This South African-made film is about a zebra prince born without all of his stripes who is cast out from the herd. Khumba isn't quite The Lion King, but there are a few similarities, namely the trio of goofy animal outcasts (here it's a wildebeest and an ostrich) that team up with the misfit zebra and help him learn to love himself—half-stripes and all—before returning to the herd.
Raoul and Emile release a monster from a scientist's greenhouse by accident and begin to track it down. As they do so, they realize it may not be as scary as they once thought.
While on a visit to their grandparents, two young kids, Travis and Whitney, discover a greedy land developer's sinister plot for a Minnesota town. When Travis falls through a magic portal, he meets the mythical Paul Bunyan and his blue ox, Babe. The unlikely team faces minor peril, and has plenty of unforgettable adventures, but will they be able to save the town in time?
Anime fans will love watching this feature-length free kids' movie on YouTube! Based on the Sailor Moon manga series by Naoko Takeuchi, kids all over the world are being hypnotized by fairies and taken to a dark energy field called the Black Dream Hole.Why is this happening? Queen Badiane wants them to stay asleep permanently in Dream Coffins, where she'll be able to harness the energy from their dreams and eventually absorb Earth. Sailor Moon, Perle, and the Sailor Guardians must hurry to save the children before they go to sleep forever.
Starring Selena Gomez, this is a sequel to A Cinderella Story. Mary lives with her adopted mom and sisters, and she's the one stuck doing all the chores. When pop star Joey Parker returns to school for his senior year and hopes to reconnect with his love of dance. During the school's masquerade ball, Mary and Joey wow the crowd with their moves, but when Mary notices the time, she leaves quickly, leaving behind her iPod-like device. With catchy tunes and a heartwarming modern plot, this is a fun free kids' movie on YouTube for tweens.
Fairy tale-loving tots will want to sing along with this 1965 version of the classic story. With minimalist sets and tons of musical numbers, this Cinderella feels more like watching a stage show than a movie—so don't go in expecting special effects. But anyone who loves the story of the cinder girl who finds her prince will be all in.
When some important machinery belonging to an oil company is lost in Canada, a man and his son have to cancel their trip to Disney to find the missing machinery. But they find an adventure they couldn't have expected when they discover a legendary sea creature.
In the sequel to the classic '80s film about intelligent rats living on a farm, this is the story of Timmy, the young son of Mrs. Frisbee. After growing into a strong rodent, Timmy sets out on a journey that will challenge him.
A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburn stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.
These back-to-school school jokes are clean enough for the classroom
Back-to-school season means saying goodbye to summer and getting ready for the next adventure, which typically includes a lot of gear like cool kids’ backpacks and new playground-ready shoes. But don’t forget to pack some funny school jokes in your kids’ back pockets, too! Our collection is filled with hilarious but cute kids’ jokes about school that will bring on belly laughs. Looking for even more giggles? Check out these extra squeaky clean jokes, printable lunchbox jokes, and math jokes. Get ready to LOL.
School Jokes about School Supplies
1. What does your computer do for lunch?
Has a byte!
2. Why do math books always look so sad?
They are full of problems.
3.Where do pencils go on vacation?
Pencil-vania.
4. What does a book do in the winter?
Puts on a jacket.
5. What did the paper say to the pencil?
Write on!
6. What did one pencil say to the other on the first day of school?
Looking sharp!
7. Knock, knock!
Who’s there?
Pencil.
Pencil who?
Never mind, this is pointless.
8. Why do calculators make great friends?
You can always count on them!
9. Where did the pencil go for vacation?
To Pennsylvania.
10. What dinosaur had the best vocabulary?
The thesaurus.
11. Who is the leader of the school supplies?
The ruler.
12. Did you know all books in the school library are the same color?
With virtual assistants becoming integrated into our daily lives more and more, it’s no surprise that for some kids, their first word might be “Alexa.” The best part is that there are plenty of Amazon Alexa games and skills that were made just for kids; so they can get in on the voice-activated action, too. Want to launch some serious fun with your home assistant? Here’s our ultimate list of the best Alexa games and skills for kids.
"Alexa, let's make a story."
With this new feature, kids can create a story on an Echo Story device. They'll follow a few prompts, and AI will create a story based on answers—the story is different every time; they might befriend an alien or take a magical journey to find powerful gems. There are also illustrations, sound effects, and background music, making this new skill fun at any time of the day.
This Alexa skill for kids from Nickelodeon will blow your kids' minds as Alexa tests your kid's knowledge about wacky, wild, and just plain weird facts and trivia.
"Alexa, open Story Blanks."
This (noun) will keep your (plural noun) (adjective) for (period of time) on end!
"Alexa, play Headspace, Bedtime Story."
From the makers of Headspace, Headspace Bedtime Story will send your kiddos off to a peaceful dreamland with these guided meditations crafted especially for kids.
"Alexa, open Good Vibes."
Need a pick-me-up? Open the Good Vibes skill to hear three different motivational and inspirational quotes from popular authors and books.
Once the holiday season rolls around, your kiddo can track Santa with the help of the NORAD Santa Tracker skill for Alexa.
"Alexa, open Amazon Storytime."
Amazon now offers professionally narrated stories for kids ages 5 to 12. Super helpful if you just need the kids to sit still and chill for a few minutes.
"Alexa, start Kids Court."
Have a sibling or family argument you need to settle right now? The Kids Court Alexa skill takes the kids to court, where they can duke it out within the structure of the U.S. judicial system in a surprisingly fair manner.
"Alexa, ask Silly Things to tell me to do something silly."
If your kid won't listen to you, maybe they'll listen to Alexa. This Alexa skill for kids is certainly worth the entertainment value alone.
"Alexa, moo like a cow."
If you can't get your kid to calm down, maybe the bark of a dog, the squeal of a dolphin, or the roar of a lion will do it. According to the Animal Sounds Alexa skill creator, users can ask to hear the sounds of a "baboon, bear, bobcat, cat, cow, coyote, hippopotamus, lemur, lion, spider, monkey, spider monkey, rooster—and more."
"Alexa, hum something."
Turns out Alexa can hum—and can actually carry a tune.
"Alexa, open Curiosity."
This cool Alexa skill for kids gives users a choice between two topics, asking, "Are you curious about X or Y?" and gives a great overview of the topic in easy-to-understand language. After each topic Alexa will ask if you want to learn more about the topic or learn about something else, keeping those ever-curious young minds satisfied.
"Alexa, play Head's Up!"
Now you can play the popular game from The Ellen DeGeneres Show with your Alexa-enabled app. As Alexa gives you clues, try your best to guess from superstars, celebrities, movies, fictional characters, and more.
"Alexa, play Would You Rather for Family."
Ah, the game of impossible choices—now in a totally family-friendly version.
"Alexa, ask Pikachu to talk."
Pokémon fans will love chatting it up with this adorable Electric-type Pokémon. Pika pika!
"Alexa, play Beat the Intro."
It's "Name That Tune" in a whole new format. How quickly can you guess these popular songs—and their artists?
"Alexa, open Lemonade Stand."
The classic simulation game of our childhoods becomes a voice adventure as you try to successfully run your very own lemonade stand. In this never-ending game, you can earn experience badges as you hit milestones pretending to be your very own lemonade stand tycoon.
"Alexa, open Chompers."
If your kid isn't listening to the Chompers podcast every time they brush their teeth, they are missing out!
"Alexa, play Justice League Adventures."
Team up with Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and more as you work your way through this choose-your-own-adventure style game and save the day!
"Alexa, open Animal Workout."
Ever wanted to do jumping jacks with a kangaroo? Push-ups with an alligator? This fun workout skill gets kids up and moving.
"Alexa, open Sesame Street."
Your Alexa-enabled device becomes a direct line to Elmo!
"Alexa, start SpongeBob Challenge."
This voice-activated memory game tests your wits as you try to take meal orders at the Krusty Krab from the residents of Bikini Bottom.
"Alexa, start Freeze Dance."
The classic game is an instant way for kids and parents to bond, plus it'll get those bodies moving!
“Alexa, begin my Jedi lessons.”
Kiddos can get nine Jedi lessons from the comfort of their own home.
“Alexa, use the Force”
Starting May 4th and going until May 31st, young Jedis can experience fun interactions from the Star Wars galaxy.
“Alexa, tell me a Baby Yoda joke.”
Learn all you can about Grogu with questions like “Alexa, talk like Baby Yoda” or “Alexa, how cute is Baby Yoda?”
“Alexa, show me Star Wars movies.”
Alexa is ready to queue up your fave film. You can also ask "Alexa, open Disney+” to watch the new Bad Batch series starting May 4th.
"Alexa," open/launch/start Jurassic World."
In this interactive audio story, listeners will join podcaster Janet Best as she tries to report on the fate of the Isla Nublar dinosaurs before a volcano erupts. Listeners will have to use their survival skills to make the right choices to uncover the story!
"Alexa, print a coloring page/a math worksheet/etc. "
Kids can request Alexa print all kinds of things ranging from coloring pages to math worksheets, thanks to a collaboration between JumpStart Games and Amazon.
"Alexa, play the podcast [name of podcast]."
The family can enjoy plenty of tales and kid-friendly news by asking Alexa to play a podcast. Echo devices use the built-in radio app, TuneIn to play the most recent episodes of your favorite podcasts, and if you want to play a specific episode, all you need to do is use your Alexa app or add a skill such as Stitcher or AnyPod.
"Alexa, start Tricky Genie"
Can you outsmart the genie? Players will be given a short story about someone with a problem; the genie has three sacks, and the solution is in one of them! You get two chances to pick the right one.
It's time for all your Potterheads to test their knowledge with this trivia skill on Alexa! Five questions will be asked, how many will they get right?
"Alexa, what's the weather?"
Not sure if they need to put on galoshes or snow boots? Alexa's weather skill has your back. You can also ask about the weather in cities around the world, too.
"Alexa, open the box of cats."
Obviously, no actual box of cats materializes, but you'll hear what happens. Usually, it's cats. But sometimes users will get a surprise...
"Alexa, tell me a knock-knock joke."
Lighten the mood with a joke! Your kids will love interacting with Alexa, and she'll wait for them to say "Who's there?" before spilling the silly punchline. You can also ask "Alexa, tell me a joke," but be prepared for some pretty terrible puns.
"Alexa, launch Guess the Number."
Alexa will "think" of a number between 1 and 100, and your kids have to guess it while she directs them "higher" or "lower."
"Alexa, flip a coin."
Need to quickly settle an argument or a bet? You don't even need to dig for loose change in the couch for this Alexa skill.
"Alexa, how far away is the Moon?"
You can ask Alexa all kinds of scientific facts, from how big the Earth is, to the order of the planets, to how deep the ocean is. You can also ask geographic questions, such as state and world capitals. This is great for when your kids stump you by asking for a random factoid.
"Alexa, play Twenty Questions."
This one is just as much fun for parents as it is for the kiddos. See how smart Alexa really is as she figures out what you're thinking. It's uncanny.
"Alexa, start the spelling game."
Your future Scripps Spelling Bee champion can brush up his or her spelling skills with this fun spelling bee Alexa skill.
"Alexa, open Laugh Box."
Alexa's Laugh Box will play all sorts of giggles, but we think the baby laugh is the best one to get kids laughing, too.
"Alexa, start Zoo Walk."
Not only will Alexa make cool animal noises, but she also invites your curious kiddo to try and guess the animal that makes each sound.
"Alexa, do you want to build a snowman?"
Young Frozen fans will love hearing how Alexa answers this one.
"Alexa, open Daily Dinosaur"
Kids with a love for prehistoric beasts will love this Alexa skill for kids; they can opt for a Dinosaur of the Day or opt to select from over 1000 dinos.
"Alexa, play Jeopardy."
What is, "How to keep my kid occupied while I cook?" for 100, Alexa? You can also ask, "Alexa, play Teen Jeopardy" for your teenage aspiring game show stars.
This command will cue the eerie sound of a door creaking, which will launch Alexa straight into a choose-your-own-adventure-style story. Your kid will need to keep quiet to hear the story and make quick decisions to keep it going the right way. Note: This one takes about 10 minutes, which makes it a nice wind-down tool after dinner and before bed.
"Alexa, sing 'Happy Birthday.'"
Yes, Alexa can sing you "Happy Birthday" 365 days of the year—366 if your kid is a Leap Year baby. Be warned—once your kids know they can ask this, you might hear Alexa's slightly creepy rendition of birthday greetings when you least expect it.
"Alexa, Flatter Me."
Does your little one need an ego boost? Perfect for tough days, the Flatter Me Alexa skill gives you a little pick-me-up for the awesome job you're doing.
"Alexa, open Bedtime Story."
Alexa will tell a quick (about a minute long!) bedtime story with your child's name in it. Fun fact: It usually ends with something like, "Now it's time for you to go to bed. No, you can't have any more water." Oh, Alexa, you know us!
"Alexa, ask Magic 8-Ball if [insert yes or no question here]."
Did you know Alexa has her very own Magic 8-Ball? No shaking is required.
"Alexa, call [person's name]."
Yes, you can make calls with Alexa—but only to other Alexa users (including users who have Alexa installed on their smartphones). You can also leave messages on other Echos, Dots, or Spots to which you're connected. The Alexa device flashes yellow when there's a message. This is great for saying a quick hello to grandparents if your kiddo has already wrestled your phone away from you.
"Alexa, play [insert child's favorite song here]."
Alexa is, at its heart, a speaker made for music. So let her blast out the Doc McStuffins' theme song if it helps cheer things up. Or, if it's just you who needs the cheering, just make your pick and rock it out, mama! Alexa can play pretty much anything you ask of her, especially if you're an Amazon Prime or Amazon Music Unlimited member, which gives you access to Amazon's expansive music library.
"Alexa, ask for a fart."
This is the Amazon Alexa Skill of Ultimate Last Resort. We recommend you only pull out this one when you're really, really desperate. Because once your kids know that Alexa can fart (in multiple ways), they'll be asking for it. All. The. Time.
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Diversity is a beautiful thing, and lucky for us, these days, more family movies are celebrating race and cultures from all over the world
Great family movies with diverse casts used to be few and far between. Lucky for kids (and parents) these days, there’s an increasing amount of quality films that star strong, plucky kids that might not look like you, live where you live, or experience things the way you do, but feel the same and love the same. From a determined speller to an unlikely superhero, keep reading to discover a collection of family movies with diverse characters that are perfect for your next movie night.
Coco Based on the Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos (or Day of the Dead), Coco tells the tale of 12-year-old Miguel who finds himself in the Land of the Dead, and with the help of his musician great-great-grandfather dives deep into his family history (and their generations-old ban on music!). There are strong family vibes in this blockbuster, as well as a strong celebration of Mexican culture.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 7+.
A note for parents—this movie deals with the concept of mortality and could be slightly upsetting for young kids.
Akeela and the Bee A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburne stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8+.
The Tale of the Princess Kaguya This animated film is the re-telling of a 10th-century Japanese fable about a princess who sprouts from a bamboo stalk. Not only does it give kids a glimpse of traditional Japanese culture, but it also has strong messages about the importance of love and encouragement.
PG
Recommended for ages 9+.
Wadjda The first movie to be directed by a Saudi Arabian woman, this story is of a spunky, independent 11-year-old girl who wants to ride a bike, wears Converse sneakers, and loves to compete against her (male) best friend. Beautifully done, the film explores topics such as religious traditions and laws, but it's also an incredible study of female empowerment. Follow along, and cheer for Wadjda as she fiercely makes a place for herself in the world.
Rated PG
Recommended for ages 8+.
Moana One of Disney's best works in recent years, this wonderful movie stars Moana, the chief's headstrong daughter, who has an affinity for the ocean. Kids will hear Hawaiian folk tales and myths and will see what life on the island was like years before western civilization arrived, and for girls especially, they'll see a strong female protagonist, zero love interests, and an incredible score and soundtrack. Every family should own this movie.
PG
Recommended for ages 6+.
Ponyo One of Hayao Miyazaki's films, this animated film introduces us to Sosuke who finds and saves a goldfish in the sea. He names the goldfish Ponyo and spends lots of time with her. After spending lots of time with Sosuke, Ponyo decides she wants to become human, meanwhile, her father comes to take her back to the sea, but she resists. Your kids will definitely enjoy this Hayao Miyazaki film.
G
Recommended for ages 6+.
Common Sense Media
A Ballerina’s Tale This is the story of Misty Copeland, the first Black principal dancer at the American Ballet Theater. Not only is Copeland a powerful role model for young aspiring dancers, but she shines a light on the very white world of classical ballet and how people of color like her are breaking the glass ceiling.
Not Rated
Recommended for ages 9+.
Free To Be You And Me In a compilation of shorts that were edgy at the time of this film's release, Free To Be You And Me explores things like gender roles, working mothers, and racial stereotyping with the help of celebrities including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Marlo Thomas, and a young Michael Jackson.
Not rated.
Recommended for ages 5+.
Spelling the Dream This Netflix documentary follows four first-generation Indian American kids practicing for the prestigious Scripps Spelling Bee. All four kids shine with strong personalities and incredible levels of perseverance.
G
Recommended for ages 8+.
Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse This Oscar-winning animated film is not just a thrilling superhero movie but also places a young Brooklyn teen named Miles Morales in the starring role. There is some violence, including the death of two important characters, but this movie is also a wonderfully vivid look at the cultural diversity in America today.
PG
Recommended for ages 9+.
The Revolutionary Optimists This documentary is about Indian slum kids who stand up for their rights. Viewers will see abject poverty that’s hard to believe exists and will be faced with discussions on topics such as hunger, education, and child labor.
Not Rated
Recommended ages: 11+.
Raya and the Last Dragon on Disney
Raya and the Last Dragon When monsters threaten the fantasy world of Kumandra after hundreds of years of peace, Raya must hunt down the last dragon to help save her world and stop the monsters for good. You'll find themes of teamwork, courage, and perseverance are strongly woven into the movie plot.
PG
Recommended for ages 8+.
Black Panther This inspiring movie broke box office records in more ways than one. It was the first movie in the Marvel Universe to focus on a superhero of color. It was directed by a Black director, includes a cast consisting almost entirely of people of color, and introduces viewers to Wakanda: a fictional African nation that is the most advanced nation on earth. Filled with set and costume designs that celebrate the rich cultures of Africa, this is a must-see film for older kids who love superheroes and action.
PG-13
Recommended for ages 12+.
Hidden Figures The inspiring true-life story of three brilliant African-American women who worked at NASA during the '50s and ‘60s and played a key role in the first manned spaceflight program. The film offers a stark but important view of the Civil Rights Era and segregation, strong female role models, and positive messaging.
PG
Recommended for ages 10+.
Liyana This award-winning documentary is like two stories in one. It centers on a group of Swazi orphans who create the story of a girl named Liyana as a form of therapy, and from there, the film goes back and forth between real footage and the animated story of Liyana. Parents should know that the movie includes topics such as abusive parents, child kidnappers, and AIDS, but is an excellent opportunity to show kids other perspectives and how to build empathy for others.
Not Rated
Recommended for ages 11+.
Soul on Disney
Soul Soul is focused on a jazz musician named Joe who lands the biggest gig of his career, but after he nearly dies and finds himself trapped somewhere between Earth and the afterlife, he befriends an old soul who needs him as much as he needs her. The inspiring soundtrack and heartfelt characters make this a diverse movie perfect for family time.
PG
Recommended for ages 8+.
42 This biopic about Jackie Robinson focuses on the two years (1946 and 1947) in which he broke the racial barrier in baseball. Parents need to know that offensive language is used, but it’s a good opportunity for kids to see exactly what life was like for Black Americans at that point in history. Chadwick Boseman gives a powerful performance as Robinson.
PG-13
Recommended for ages 11+.
Smoke Signals A rare film starring an almost entirely Native American cast, Smoke Signals follows the story of two completely different boys raised on a reservation together. One wears glasses and won’t stop talking. The other is stoic and a strong defender of his culture and tribe. When tragedy strikes, the boys set out on an epic road trip, where they’ll learn more about themselves, what it means to be a true friend, and how important it is to honor their culture. A wonderful peek into modern Native American culture.
PG-13
Recommended for ages 13+.
Encanto Encanto is the story of a girl named Mirabel living in Encanto, a magical place hidden in the mountains of Colombia. Mirabel struggles to find her place in her family when every child born gets magical powers except herself. She finds a way to help when the magic of the Encanto becomes endangered. This movie also has very catchy music!
PG
Recommended for ages 6+.
Wonder Based on the New York Times bestseller, this story is about Auggie Pullman, a boy with facial differences who begins fifth grade at a mainstream elementary school. This story is a journey of compassion and acceptance.
PG
Recommended for ages 10+.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind Based on a true story, a thirteen-year-old boy from Malawi discovers an abnormal way to save his village from famine and drought.
PG
Recommended for ages 11+.
Over the Moon Inspired by memories of her mother, Fei Fei builds a rocket so that she can fly to the moon and meet a legendary moon goddess.
Ready to head back to the theater? There are lots of live kids shows in NYC ready to entertain with family-friendly fare. Broadway favorites like Wicked and The Lion King are going strong, puppet shows are playing, and new takes on kid classics are taking to the stage. Plus: The Story Pirates, Dogman and so many bubbles. (A gazillion, in fact.) For more spring fun, check out our Must-Do in NYC for the season, the new free and fun events around town and where to head out on a spring day trip when it’s time for an adventure. (And if you’re headed to a show, don’t forget to check the theater’s vaccine and mask requirements, as policies vary.)
92Y
Goldilocks and the Three Bears
For a new take on a children’s classic, check out this show at 92Y. The setup: It’s the first day at Camp Yomi and Goldilocks finds herself in quite a porridge with three of the nicest tap-dancing bears you could ever hope to meet. It’s part of the Theater for Young Audiences series, which features modern shows for families with kids ages 2-11. Masks must be worn by all 2 ages and older and proof of vaccination is required.
Tickets: $20
May 1 & May 8, 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Buttenweiser Hall
92Y
1395 Lexington Ave.
Upper East Side
212-415-5500
Online: 92y.org
New York City Opera
The Barber of Seville
New York City Opera presents a family-friendly version of The Barber of Seville. Gioachino Rossini’s sparkling music animates the hijinks of Figaro, opera’s most famous barber. The performance is 75 minutes, sung in Italian, and is appropriate for all ages. New York City Opera’s Opera for Kids! program is a popular series of hour-long, family-friendly adaptations of classic operas narrated by General Director Michael Capasso. These performances, followed by a Q&A with the cast, have given thousands of elementary and preschool-aged children their first taste of live opera.
Sun., May 8, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Theater at St. Jean’s
150 E. 76th St.
Upper East Side NYC
Online: nycopera.com
iStock
New Victory Theater Online & In-Person
One of the premier producers of children’s theater in New York City, the New Victory Theater is currently offering Stono from Step Afrika! on demand for $15 through May 22. A story of resistance, resilience and reclamation, Stono fills the screen with music and dance to honor the artistry and activism borne out of the body as a percussive instrument. From traditions of the ring shout to contemporary stepping, Step Afrika! reveals the hidden histories and resounding rhythms that transformed America.
From June 4-26 the theater will present Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster, featuring a story by children’s author Mo Willems. Leonardo tries so hard to be scary. But… he just isn’t. When he searches far and wide for a friend to frighten, he discovers Sam, who is scared of anything and everything! With puppets, projections and live music, this performance will surprise you with its cinema-sized story about fright, feelings and friendship. It’s recommended for kids ages 4-7. Tickets are $25.
New Victory Theater
209 W. 42nd St.
Times Square
646-223-3010
Online: newvictory.org
CityParks Puppetmobile
CityParks PuppetMobile’s Little Red’s Hood
The CityParks PuppetMobile is the oldest continually operating company of its kind in the country and you can enjoy its shows for free. From May to October, you can catch an updated version of Little Red Riding Hood, “Little Red’s Hood.” (She’s a city dweller who is obsessed with her smartphone.) Performances are held in parks in every borough, in English, Spanish and Mandarin.
The Omnium Circus is part of the Forward Festival of the Arts, the Queens Theatre’s national festival highlighting the artistry of Deaf/Disabled performers. Its diverse cast from all over the globe is multitalented, multi-racial and multi-abled. The show “I’Mpossible,” tells the story of a young boy who dreams of joining the circus. Join Johny as he enters a world of beautiful aerial artistry, flying hula hoops, the daring art of free-standing ladder, Cyr wheel, contortion, and more. Along the way, he encounters the antics of the King Charles Unicycle basketball troupe and the hilarious comedy of Rob and Miss Jane.
Tickets: $25 – $35
Sat., May 14, 2 & 8 p.m.
14 United Nations Ave S.
The Claire Shulman Theater at Queens Theatre
718-760-0064
Online: queenstheatre.org
Neil Dent
Full Radius Dance
Full Radius Dance, a professional physically integrated modern dance company based in Atlanta, GA, is also performing as part of the Queens Theatre’s Forward Festival of the Arts. During Alice, Peter, and Dorothy, the company examines the fantasy novels Alice in Wonderland, Peter and Wendy, and The Wizard of Oz through a disability-centric lens, asking, “How does disability inform the authors’ work? What rhetoric in the novels minimalizes and/or normalizes the visual or invisible mark of disability?” In Undercurrents, dancers flow on and off the stage in currents of movement, pulling the dance in unexpected directions. Partnerships are created and washed away, subtle shifts create dramatic effects, and hidden feelings and impulses run below the surface.
Tickets: $25
Sun., May 15, 3 p.m.
14 United Nations Ave S.
The Claire Shulman Theater at Queens Theatre
718-760-0064
Online: queenstheatre.org
The Story Pirates: Cats Sit On You
Love The Story Pirates? (Who doesn’t?) Now’s your chance to see The Story Pirates live on stage, featuring Lee and Peter from the popular Story Pirates Podcast. If you’ve never seen them live, you’ll be amazed (and very entertained) as the Pirates bring ideas suggested by kids in the audience to life on the spot with inspired improvisation. Plus: fun and silly songs. This performance is a benefit for Story Pirates Changemakers, The Story Pirates’ non-profit arm that is committed to making Story Pirates programs accessible to under-resourced kids and families. It’s a win-win all around.
Tickets: General admission/$35; VIP tickets/$100 (VIP Tickets include seating in priority section and a post-show meet and greet on stage with the cast.)
Sun., May 15, 5 p.m.
The Manhattan Center’s Grand Ballroom
311 West 34th St.
Midtown West
Online: one.bidpal.net
Feld Entertainment
Sesame Street Live! Let’s Party!
If you missed the Sesame Street gang at MSG this spring, take heart. Those who need to see Elmo and crew can head to the UBS Area in Belmont Park, NY. This is an all-new, interactive show that unfolds on one of the world’s most famous streets at the funniest, furriest party in the neighborhood. Learn new songs and sing along to familiar favorites with Oscar and Cookie Monster; build a snowman with Elmo; flap your wings with Big Bird; marvel at Abby’s magic; be amazed when Super Grover flies, and move to the rhythm with Rosita. You can see it a few times throughout the day, with doors opening at 9:30 a.m. for the earliest!
May 14 & 15, multiple showtimes
Tickets: $25 and up
UBS Arena
2150 Hempstead Tpke.
Belmont Park, NY Online: ticketmaster.com
Dog Man: The Musical
Dog Man: The Musical, based on the popular book series by Dav Pilkey (who also created the beloved character Captain Underpants) is a new production that follows the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, he must save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings. It’s an epic musical adventure with lots of laughs and lots of heart. Recommended for ages 6-10.
Tickets: $15; $55/four tickets
Sun., May 29, 1 & 3 p.m.
Queens Theatre
14 United Nations Ave. South
Flushing Meadows-Corona Park
718-760-0064
Online: queenstheatre.org
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The George Balanchine ballet that opened the New York City Ballet’s first season in 1964 returns to close the 2022 season. Shakespeare’s tale of love and romance, forest fairies, intrigue and mischief is set to Felix Mendelssohn’s score. The final performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Sunday, May 29 at 3 p.m. will also be the farewell performance for Principal Dancer Amar Ramasar, who joined he ballet in 2001.
Tickets: $38-$205
May 21-29
David H. Koch Theater
Lincoln Center
Upper West Side
1-877-
Online: nycballet.com
The Gazillion Bubble Show
The Gazillion Bubble Show is back at New World Stages. The hour-long bubble spectacle features bubble magic, bubble sculptures, lasers, lighting effects and more. You may even find yourself in a giant bubble (if you’re lucky).
Tickets: $59-$100
New World Stages
Stage 2
340 W. 50th St.
Midtown
212-239-6200
Online: gazillionbubbleshow.com
Wicked
Wicked has been rocking it at the Gershwin Theatre since 2003, and you can still drop into Oz today. The musical tells the tale of what happened before Dorothy Gale arrived, when Glinda the “good” witch and Elphaba (AKA the green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West) were first rivals, and then friends. You get big show-stopping numbers, incredible costumes and sets, and a story about how relationships, romantic and otherwise, are often complicated. (Plus, for fans of the original movie, some cool “origin stories.”) The show is recommended for ages eight and up, and no one under five is admitted. It runs two hours and 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermission. (Added bonus: the Gershwin Theatre is filled with Broadway memorabilia and photos of the many, many stage legends who have performed there over the decades.)
Tickets: $89 and up
Ongoing
222 W. 51st St.
Times Square
212-586-6510
Online: wickedthemusical.com
Matthew Murphy
The Lion King
Based on the 1994 Disney movie, The Lion King is another longtime Broadway favorite. (It opened in 1997 and more than 100 million people have seen the show.) There’s a reason: between Julie Taymor’s incredible vision, transforming performers into the animals of Africa’s grassy plains and Elton John’s stirring music, it’s a one-of-a-kind spectacle. Insider tip: for maximum “wow” factor, grab an aisle seat to get close-up views of performers entering the theater in all their glory. The Lion King is recommended for kids ages six and up; no children under two are admitted and all audience members must have a ticket. It runs two hours and 30 minutes.
Tickets: $109 and up
Minskoff Theatre
200 W. 45th St.
866-870-2717
Online: lionking.com
If you can sneak a little learning into your kids’ afternoon while avoiding the dreaded flashcard drill, it’s a total parenting win. We’ve rounded up 10 awesome, entertaining word games that boost vocabulary, encourage sight word recognition and exercise literacy skills. You’ll find word games for on-the-go adventures, rainy days and even outdoor play. Scroll down to check out our favorite word games for kids, and find one you and your future spelling bee champion can play today!
Printable bingo cards from Growing Book by Book give us a chance to use one of our favorite words: free! Plus, these bingo cards are picture based, making them great for kids who aren't quite reading yet, or who might be a little reluctant. Playing rounds of bingo will boost kids' rhyming muscles and help them exercise the pre-literacy skills that are super-important for early reading. Download the rhyming bingo cards, plus find loads of other word games and tips for young readers, at Growing Book by Book.
We love The Ankle Biter's Sight Word Bowling game because it makes sight word practice ten times more fun than flashcards. Plus, it's active and great for kids who are always on the move. It's easy to make your own set with a plastic bowling set or even, as blogger Britney smartly suggests, with paper towel rolls. Get your bowling shoes on and slide down to The Ankle Biters to find out how you can make your own set and get tips on sight word games.
Cover a baking sheet with shaving cream for lots of tactile literacy-boosting fun. Your little reader can practice writing her name, sight words, or the ABCs and XYZs. It's super easy and, if you'd like, you can even add a drop of food coloring in his fave shade to the shaving cream for an extra colorful boost. Don't have any shaving cream? You can also use play sand for sensory word game fun, or take it to the next level by putting shaving cream in squeeze bottles that your kiddos can use to write out their favorite words on contact paper. Check out Fantastic Fun and Learning's shaving cream tips.
Take your family game night to the next level by giving Jenga a dose of sight word power. Simply write sight words or vocabulary words on each block in a Jenga set. Then, take turns removing the blocks one by one, reading the word written on the block you grab out loud, and stacking them back on the top of the tower. The game is over when the tower collapses! To get more tips and tricks for Sight Word Jenga, check out the expert teacher advice at The First Grade Diaries.
Gather up the leftover plastic Easter eggs and give them new life as a word game. Bright-eyed and bushy-tailed bloggers have loads of egg-centric ideas for you: You can write the same sight word on the two halves of each egg, take all of your sight word eggs apart, and challenge your little bunny to make matches. Or, you can use this free printable packed with pictures and beginning consonant-vowel-consonant words. Cut up the letters and pictures, and pack them inside of an egg. Your kiddo can then crack open each egg and rearrange the letters in the right order. It's word game F-U-N!
You'll be the parent of the year when you make your kid a custom word search. Discovery Education's Puzzlemaker is an easy-to-use free word search building site. You can fill your word search with words connected to your upcoming vacation—beach, starfish, and swimsuit—or with your kiddo's spelling words. Hop on over to Discovery Education and make your own!
What kid doesn't love a treasure hunt? With uKloo, you can send your early readers out to find a treasure of their own easier than you can say yo, ho, ho. The game comes equipped with a stack of cards, each one written with a clue like, "Look in the sock drawer!" Simply pick a few clues, set them up around your house, and send your mini out to read their way to treasure hunt victory. The early reader edition is equipped with a picture-covered poster to help kids decipher any tricky words, and a few blank cards so you can write custom clues. Word game fun ahoy!
My First Bananagrams is the perfect beginning word game for future spelling bee champions. The lowercase tiles include double letters like sh, making it a snap for beginning readers to flex their word knowledge. The handy green bag is easy to take on the go, and when you're done playing a full game, you can use the tiles to practicing spelling words and sight words.
Your (ADJECTIVE) childhood word game, (NOUN), is still EXCLAMATION! Introduce your kids to the crazy world of Mad Libs and get ready for endless giggles. Mad Libs Junior books are great for younger readers and writers, with simple stories, large print, and a list of suggested words kiddos can use to fill in the blanks. Older kids will get a kick out of the themed books, whether they love dogs, Frozen, or even Diary of a Wimpy Kid. There's a Mad Libs for practically everything! Bonus: if you're not sure your kids will catch the Mad Libs bug, you can download one of the free printables to give your kids a little taste before shelling out the cash for a full book.
What happens when a bumblebee meets the moon? We're not sure, but we know it'll make for an interesting tale! Rory's Story Cubes is a set of nine six-sided cubes with a different image on each side. Roll the cubes, and take turns with your kiddo making up imaginative stories based on the images you get. These cubes boost creativity, build vocabulary, and encourage kids to take charge. Because it's so open-ended, Story Cubes is a word game adults love, too! The magnet box holding the cubes snaps shut, keeping the magical die safely stored for your next storytelling adventure.
There’s no one right way to raise a child—but research and science shows that there are indeed steps you can take as a parent to encourage a positive outcome. Want to help your children to succeed? Here are six things you can do—and the studies to back it up.
1. Value hard work and effort over winning (or avoiding failure) .
Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck, author of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, talks in her book about the power of beliefs and how slight differences can have a big impact on how much people achieve. Over decades of research, Dweck has discovered that children (and adults) think about success in one of two ways.
A fixed mindset assumes that a person’s character, intelligence, and creative ability are set in stone—that we can’t change them in any meaningful way, so success (or lack thereof) is based on inherent intelligence and abilities.
With this mindset, failure is seen as, well, just that. If you fail, it means you’re not smart or capable enough. It also means that talent alone creates success—not effort.
A growth mindset, on the other hand, says that when a person believes they can get smarter, more creative, more empathetic—that their abilities and brain are, in fact, capable of changing—they understand that effort makes them stronger. So, they’ll be more motivated to try harder, which leads to higher achievement, less of a fear of failure, and a higher willingness to take risks.
For your kids, you want to teach them a growth mindset. Dweck found that a growth mindset creates a passion for learning rather than a hunger for approval. Kids with a growth mindset are less likely to be discouraged by failure, and instead see it as a challenge and opportunity to learn.
Want to set your girl up for success? Reward and praise effort and hard work, regardless of her level of achievement.
2. Teach grit.
In 2013, University of Pennsylvania psychologist Angela Duckworth won a MacArthur Genius Grant for her uncovering of a powerful personality trait called grit. Duckworth defined grit as “perseverance and passion for long-term goals,” and claimed that grit is a better indicator of future earnings and happiness than either IQ or talent.
Through extensive research, she and her team showed that the common denominator among spelling bee finalists, successful West Point cadets, salespeople, and teachers who improve their performance over the long haul is grit. And according to study after study, people who are smart, capable and raised in stable, loving homes don’t generally succeed if they don’t know how to work hard, commit to their goals, and persevere even in the face of failure.
What you can do to teach grit: Help your daughter discover a passion. Model or encourage risk-taking. Teach that failure is not the end.
3. Teach her social skills.
It might seem like common sense that good social skills can lead to greater success, but in case you’re wondering, research has proven it to be true. Researchers from Pennsylvania State University and Duke University tracked more than 700 U.S. children between kindergarten and age 25 and found a noteworthy correlation between their social skills as kindergartners and their success as adults two decades later.
The 20-year study showed that socially competent children who could cooperate, be helpful to others, understand their feelings, and resolve problems were far more likely to graduate from college and have a full-time job by age 25 than those with limited social skills. On the contrary, those with limited social skills had a higher chance of getting arrested, binge-drinking, and applying for public housing.
4. Give her chores.
“If kids aren’t doing the dishes, it means someone else is doing that for them,” said Julie Lythcott-Haims, former Dean of Freshmen at Stanford University and author of How to Raise an Adult, in her TED Talk. “And so, they’re absolved of not only the work, but of learning that work has to be done and that each one of us must contribute for the betterment of the whole,” she said.
She’s right. A 20-year study by the University of Minnesota found that doing chores at an early age (as early as three, in fact) is the best predictor for growing up into an adult with a completed education, a successful career, and healthy personal relationships. Why are chores so important? They teach a strong work ethic. Responsibility. The value of contributing. Time management. And discipline.
5. Have high educational expectations.
“Parents who saw college in their child’s future seemed to manage their child toward that goal irrespective of their income and other assets,” according to UCLA professor Neal Halfon, who studied data from 6,600 kids born in 2001. According to this study by researchers from UCLA (including Halfon) and the American Academy of Pediatrics, whether or not parents expected their children to attend college was a key factor in the children’s success.
Of the children with the lowest test scores, 57 percent were expected by their parents to attend college. Of those who scored the highest, 96 percent were expected to attend college.
6. Get her excited about math—and start early.
You’ve probably heard that reading to young children is important, but it turns out teaching them math skills is crucial, as well. In one study of 35,000 young children, early math skills translated into not only “future math achievement,” according to the study’s co-author, Greg Duncan of Northwestern University, but also “future reading achievement.”
If your daughter isn’t into math in school or tends to struggle, finding ways at home to tie math concepts and skills into things she’s passionate about may encourage her to get excited about math in a way the classroom can’t.
If she’s interested in starting a business—even if it’s simply running a lemonade stand for a day—you can also use that opportunity to foster an interest in the numbers part of entrepreneurship. When math skills are tied to money, that’s typically a great motivator for kids to learn.
When we set our daughters up for success, we all succeed.
I've always built businesses, from a childhood gummy bear business to adult gigs at IMAX and Coupons.com. I founded The Startup Squad to help girls reach their potential and my book series, The Startup Squad, is published by Macmillan. I live in Silicon Valley with my wife and two daughters.
Can you spell erysipelas? Or even define it? Eight kids under age 15 can and they all took home the title of Champion in the 2019 Scripps Spelling Bee.
After 20 nail-biting rounds the judges of the 92nd Scripps Spelling Bee declared not one, but eight champions. Three hours into the competition and the voice of the Scripps Bee, Jacques Bailly, announced that they were running out of words to challenge the competitors. Then for the first time in history more than two winnners were announced.
— Scripps National Spelling Bee (@ScrippsBee) May 31, 2019
The champs were Rishik Gandhasri, 13; Erin Howard, 14; Saketh Sundar, 13; Shruthika Padhy, 13; Sohum Sukhatankar, 13; Abhijay Kodali, 12; Christopher Serrao, 13; and Rohan Raja, 13
Each winner went five perfect rounds, spelling the final 47 words with precision. They will all take home the $50,000 prize, trophies and will enjoy an appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Kimmel.