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

by Gabby CullenSeptember 15, 2023

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

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

New Netflix Kids’ Shows and Movies Coming in October

Oct. 1

The Adventures of Tintin

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

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

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

Casper

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

Drake & Josh: Season 1-3

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

Kung Fu Panda

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

The Little Rascals

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

Megamind

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

Oct. 2

Strawberry Shortcake and the Beast of Berry Bog

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

Oct. 10

Blippi’s Big Dino Adventure

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

Oct. 12

LEGO Ninjago: Dragons Rising: Season 1: Part 2

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

Oct. 13

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

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

Oct. 16

Oggy Oggy: Season 3

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

Oct. 17

I Woke Up A Vampire

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

Oct. 23

Princess Power: Season 2

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

Oct. 24

Minions

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

Oct. 25

Life on Our Planet

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

Kids’ Titles Leaving Netflix in October

A League of Their Own

Jumanji

Nanny McPhee

Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Hey Arnold! The Jungle Movie

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

by Melissa HeckscherJuly 20, 2023

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

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

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

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

Related: How to Resolve Sibling Rivalry

What to Do When Kids Fight: Sibling Drama

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

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

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

Here are some scenarios to consider:

what to do when kids fight, like these siblings — *iStock*

When they’re fighting over a toy

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

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

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

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

When they’re fighting over screen time

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

When they’re fighting about privacy

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

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

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

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

When the fight turns physical

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

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

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

**When it seems like they’re always fighting**

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

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

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

Santa Meltdowns, Gift Snafus & More: A Holiday Survival Guide

by Maria ChambersDecember 13, 2022

Here’s what to do when your child gets three of the same toy for Christmas

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone’s holiday resembled a scene depicted in a Norman Rockwell painting? It’s just not realistic—and where’s the fun in that, anyway? Smiles and tantrums, calm and kerfuffles, serenity, and debacles are all the things that make the holidays unpredictable and beautiful. Our holiday survival guide includes a list of possible snafus and tips to help you keep your cool.

Possible Snafu: Meltdowns on Santa’s Lap

holiday survival guide tip: what to do when they meet santa — _drz_via Unsplash

Imagine you’re standing in the line of melting children and anxious parents waiting to overpay for that annual snapshot with the mall Santa. It's your turn and suddenly one of your little angels develops an irrational fear of all things Santa. Mr. Claus props your kid up like a wet noodle as you’re looking for the nearest exit.

Holiday Survival Guide Tip: What's the problem here? A cheesy mall snapshot capturing a Level 4 toddler freakout and an obviously annoyed Santa is Instagram gold. Get the shot, dig out their favorite lovie you’ve stashed in the diaper bag, and smile because this is a picture you’ll treasure.

Possible Snafu: Gift Duplication

An adult who receives a duplicate gift will proclaim their love of the item while discreetly digging through tissue paper in search of a gift receipt, careful to preserve any tags. Children, however, are prone to reactions anywhere on the spectrum of matter-of-a-fact “I already own this” proclamations to window-shattering, rolling-on-the-floor screaming fits.

Survival Tip: Never underestimate the value of role-playing. Prepare them for the possibility this could happen and coach them on ways to respond— "No matter what you receive, just say 'thank you" It's also a great time to remind them it’s the thought, not the gift, that counts. Play a fun role-playing game and simulate opening something they already own, allowing yourselves to get a little silly. Should the situation occur, it’ll be an amusing wink-and-nod secret between you.

Possible Snafu: Toy Surplus

Once the pine-scented dust has settled, post-holidays, you’re left with a mountain of toys and tchotchkes that need to find a resting place in your already-busting-at-the-seams home. Finding space for the 25 spider rings and 16 pencils accumulated at the school Halloween party drove you to tears, and now you need to find space for a life-sized panda bear, Barbie’s Beach House, and Ken’s midlife-crisis cherry red Corvette.

Holiday Survival Guide Tip: Resist the urge to meet the garbage man at the curb come trash collection day and adopt a one-in, one-out rule. A couple of weeks before Christmas, review your kid’s wish list with them and explain in order to receive, they need to give. Be prepared: They’re resourceful little boogers and will try to convince you they can find space for it all—even if it means shoving things under chairs, stacking items precariously, or throwing out their underpants to make room in a drawer. Donate gently loved but no longer wanted toys to a worthy local nonprofit organization.

Possible Snafu: Batteries Not Included

holiday survival guide: make sure you have lots of batteries — Kevin Woblick via Unsplash

Toy manufacturers seem to enjoy the idea of parents wrestling with a mini screwdriver to get battery compartments open. And they usually don’t even throw us a bone by giving us the first round of juice with a starter set of batteries. What do you do if it's Christmas Day, no stores are open and Johnny cleared out his closet to make room for a life-like dinosaur that walks, talks, transforms, and is slated to crush his little sister’s My Little Pony herd?

Survival Tip: Do yourself a favor and buy batteries in bulk before Santa makes his rounds. For the most part, you know what gifts they’re receiving, so research the batteries requirements and be sure to have them on hand. Throw a few extra in the cart for the unexpected gifts from the family. While you're at it, grab a toothpick-sized screwdriver the next time you're at the hardware store— you're going to need it.

Possibly Snafu: Understocked Pantry

Holiday euphoria has fueled a sudden burst of energy and you have an inexplicable urge to bake 15 different types of cookies and a fruit cake. After a quick ingredient review, you realize you're a ¼ tsp. of vanilla away from your destiny, but your little one is napping. Even if he wasn’t, you risk getting stuck in line behind the people clearing out the bottled water supply preparing for snowmageddon because they spotted a flake.

Holiday Survival Guide Tip: Stock up on baking essentials. Most ingredients required for baking have a long shelf life, so if it takes you until Easter to use them all, no biggie. You can also get simple ingredients and lots of staples delivered to your home fast by using a food delivery service such as Instacart.

Possible Snafu: There Is Noise ... Lots of It

holiday survival guide: how to deal with loud toys — Kelli McClintock via Unsplash

Maybe before you were a parent it brought you great joy to buy the most annoying gift you could possibly find for a sibling's kids. Why not? You didn’t have to live with it and plus, when you were little your brother teased you relentlessly, so he totally deserved to lose partial hearing because you gifted his two-year-old cymbals. The day of reckoning is upon you—the gifts your kid receives will be big, they will be loud and they’re going to have more pieces than stars in the sky.

Survival Tip: We can't help you here. If you fired the first shots, you have no choice but to accept an annoying gift or two. After the scores have been settled, initiate a peace treaty so no one needs to live in fear of what might be under the tree. Discuss parameters for gifts and work together to complete wish lists. If they break the treaty, you are well within your rights to unleash a wrath that can only be calmed by buying your niece or nephew a rambunctious puppy or a matching drum set for those cymbals.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide for New Moms & Moms-to-Be

by Oz SpiesApril 6, 2022

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

Not sure what to buy for your favorite new moms (or moms-to-be!) this Mother’s Day? These Mother’s Day gift ideas top our lists. You’ll find something just right for all the awesome mamas in your life, from sentimental gifts like jewelry and decor to practical items that simplify their lives.

New Baby Picture Frame

$21 BUY NOW

Customize this handmade picture frame by changing the text and choosing one of the 54 background designs. Clip on a favorite photo and update it whenever you like.

$150 BUY NOW

Give a new mom or mom-to-be a gift that makes a difference. With a "Spread the Love" gift card to Welcome Baby USA, a low-income pregnant woman or family will receive a gift box of essentials necessary for baby's first four weeks of life, such as diapers and wipes, clothing, a baby carrier and hygienic items. The mom you honor will receive a beautiful gift card (above) explaining the valuable gift you've given in her name.

Deliberately Minimal Diaper Bag

$89 BUY NOW

Pack smarter, not bigger. Leave the big, bulky diaper bag at home and head out with this minimalist's dream. A detachable changing pad folds out from the back flap, and a built-in waterproof pocket holds wipes or soiled clothing. Put credit cards and dollars in built-in slots, and attach your keys (or a pacifier!) to the key hook. There's also room for extra diapers and your phone. Wear the bag around your waist or over your shoulder. Either way, it will look great and won't slow you down.

Motherhood Wellness Package

$50 BUY NOW

The delicious tea varieties from Rae's Roots are designed specifically for new moms and pregnant women to improve mood, focus and energy. Expecting Mama Tea boosts immunity during pregnancy; Calming Adaptogen Tea helps reduce stress; Belly Soothing Adaptogen Tea calms an anxious stomach and boosts digestive health; and Milk Flow Lactation + Breastfeeding Tea contains ingredients effective in increasing breast milk production. Buy them individually, in gift sets with a candle and mug, or in the Motherhood Wellness Package, which features packs of all four teas.

Mommy & Me Outfits

$16 BUY NOW

Make people smile and win Instagram with this sassy mommy & me outfit combo. Both tops are made from organic cotton and hand-printed to order in Florida. The mom top comes in a t-shirt or tank (small to 2XL), and the kid top comes in a bodysuit (0-3 months to 12-18 months) or t-shirt (18-24 months to youth XL).

The Little Book of Support for New Moms by Beccy Hands & Alexis Stickland

$18 BUY NOW

This is the survival guide all new moms need. The tips are short and sweet and full of self-care, so you can get the advice you need, along with a confidence boost, and get back to your baby. Written by a doula and midwife, it shares tools and advice to help you heal your body, adjust to your new mama role while retaining your pre-mom identity, and enjoy your time with your little one.

Customized Name Origin Print Art

$25+ BUY NOW

Help a mom celebrate the name she chose for her little one with this unique customized art print that describes the name origin, history, usage and nine adjectives that embody the name. You select the size ((8x10 or 11x14), background color and can add custom text at the top.

Cozy Poncho

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These loose and flowy ponchos look chic while feeling soft and super comfortable, and they'll dress up leggings and jeans as well as a skirt. And at "one size fits most," you don't have to worry about how it will fit on a post-baby body. Plus, if breastfeeding, there's no more convenient nursing cover.

Self-Care Subscription Boxes

$31+ per box BUY NOW

Founded by a therapist, this subscription box of self-care goodies contains 6-8 full-size wellness products to nourish mind, body and soul. Expect to unbox items for aromatherapy, baths, body, skincare and other lifestyle luxurious. Plans range from one month to a year. For pregnant mamas-to-be, the Oh Baby Boxes ($36+) deliver 6-8 goodies (wellness, skincare, maternity essentials and fashion) tailored to the trimester. Post-baby, the boxes shift to postpartum self-care essentials.

Ring Set

$79 for two BUY NOW

These Treehut rings let moms keep their kids wrapped around their little fingers. Each set comes with one birthstone ring and one ring engraved with a name. They look great on their own or stacked on top of one another. Pro tip: Rings are a great gift option for moms of little ones, since they're tougher for babies to grip in their tiny fists than necklaces or earrings.

Handprint & Footprint Ornaments

$15 BUY NOW

Order this kit from Baby Mushroom and give your fave mama a set of five tiny fingers and five tiny toes preserved in clay for Mother's Day. We love this affordable keepsake set because it includes enough air-dry clay for two prints, hand and foot. In 20 years, we guarantee she'll still oooh and awww over this gift.

Instant Pot

$99 BUY NOW

An Instant Pot makes a fantastic multi-purpose Mother's Day gift. This seven-in-one Instant Pot Duo lets families whip up dinner, baby food, rice and even yogurt in one single handy appliance. For a personal touch, wrap it up with a few of your fave Instant Pot recipes.

Leather Tote

BUY NOW

The luxe leather of ABLE's totes will look better with age and baby-inflicted scratches. Plus, socially conscious ABLE pays its workers a livable wage, so all their purses and totes make stylish gifts that moms feel good about receiving.

Locket Necklace

$79.50+ BUY NOW

Look no further for a perfect first Mother's Day gift. With this necklace, she'll have a gorgeous place to put two adorable baby pictures. Plus, the smooth sterling-silver surfaces can be custom-engraved with a little one's birthdate. Then, Etsy seller Tyra's Handmade Jewelry adds a touch of sparkle with a birthstone of your choice and a first initial charm.

Toddler Not Sharing? Follow These 6 Steps

by Whitney C. HarrisMarch 25, 2022

Toddler parents, it’s time to prepare for the delicate dance that is sharing. One truck. Two kids. And only three seconds before you hear the dreaded shriek of impassioned possession: “Miiiine!” Ok, sure, you were prepared for this development. But what should seemingly be a passing “phase” seems to be taking forever. Your once loving child has become a toy-hoarding tot who plays takeaway and refuses to share anything within a 15-foot radius. When, if ever, will it end? And is all of this normal?!

Sharing Is Super Important

Sharing is an important life skill beginning in childhood and continuing into adulthood. It’s part of holding a conversation with another person, playing games with others and a way to be a good friend, says Eileen Kennedy-Moore, Ph.D., author of Growing Friendships: A Kids’ Guide to Making and Keeping Friends. “Sharing is a sign that we’re able to think beyond what I want to consider somebody else’s perspective and feelings,” she adds.

Whether it’s among siblings, classmates, neighbors or friends, sharing helps build connections and fuel relationships. And wrapped up in sharing are skills and insights, such as kindness, justice and patience.

But That Doesn’t Mean Sharing Is Easy

According to Dr. Kennedy-Moore, kids generally start looking around and thinking about what belongs to them at age two. And, as anyone who has seen the familiar scene unfold among preschoolers in a playroom, they almost all come to love the delicious power of declaring something, “Mine!” This impulse to call toys and other objects for themselves usually eases around age three or four, but children can still remain very attached to their stuff for years to come, Kennedy-Moore says.

What’s happening is that kids can view objects as an extension of themselves. Handing over their favorite doll to a friend can feel like a part of them is being taken away. “They’re worried that if they give something to someone else, they’ll never get it back,” Kennedy-Moore says. And as tough as sharing can be, it can be especially difficult for some kids. While certain children are naturally easygoing, others are more rigid and less tolerant of intrusions in their play.

Here’s What to Do If Your Toddler Won’t Share

Feel empathy.
Even mature adults can have a hard time sharing. Think about it. Would you hand over your expensive jewelry to your preschooler? Or split your sandwich with someone you just met? It’s important to empathize with the impulse to defend your stuff, say Joanna Faber and Julie King, co-authors of the best-selling How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7. Once you do this, you can better teach your child about sharing without it being coercive.

Praise sharing.
Adorably, littlest ones will share freely and openly. Think about your baby passing a gloppy handful of oatmeal across their high chair or a small ball for you to catch. Say “thank you” and praise them, Kennedy-Moore says. Point out how your child makes the recipient of their sharing feel. “Oh, you gave Jeffrey one of the dinosaurs to play with! Look how happy he is. Now two of you can play with dinosaurs.”

Talk frequently about fairness.
Introduce the idea of fairness to the sharing conversation when children are four or five years old. Kennedy-Moore notes that kids are acutely sensitive to what is fair, which can make it easier for them to handle sharing. Consider rituals, like one person cuts the brownie, and the other person picks their piece, to help encourage equality. And comment on what you observe: “I see two girls and four markers. What would be fair to everyone?” Also, try modeling lots of sharing and gratitude. “I have a cookie and I’m going to share it with Daddy.” Then Daddy says, “Thank you very much for sharing!”

Practice taking turns.
Asking a child to share may be a tall and somewhat vague request. How do you share a single toy? Taking turns is a much easier concept to grasp. My turn, your turn. Try giving the child who is waiting for their turn something else to do. Sing a song, play hand games, offer another toy or go get a snack. In Kennedy-Moore’s house, there was a highly sought-after (and fought-after!) bouncy horse. Her kids learned to count to 40 until it was time to swap spaces with the rider.

Put your child in charge.
Do some advanced planning before your next play date and allow your little one to be in the driver’s seat. Faber and King recommend having a conversation about what will be shared with visiting friends. “Becky and Sam are coming over today. They’ll be excited to play with your toys. What should we put out for them?” Then ask which toys your child wants to put away so they’re not out for the taking. This could be a favorite doll or stuffed animal, a brand new toy, something that can easily break or anything cherished or personalized, Faber and King say.

Don’t force it.
“We notice that kids who are forced to share their toys can be more possessive and less willing to share than kids whose property rights are clearly defended in the face of grabby siblings or friends,” Faber and King say. Simply put, don’t force your kid to share. It will get easier!

Even if your two- or three-year-old is a total toy hoarder, by the time it’s your child’s fourth birthday, they should have had plenty of sharing practice and a much better understanding of other people’s needs and feelings. They should care about friends and will know firsthand that sharing is a key way to make and keep pals.

11 Cities That You Have to Visit in the Winter

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyOctober 25, 2021

If you’re ready to get out there and explore a new city this winter, don’t let cold weather slow you down. Instead, pack a few bags and hit the road (or rails, or air) for a trip to one of these cities that are perfect for a winter vacation. Whether you want to escape the cold or hit the bunny slopes, these easy-to-get-to U.S. destinations have something for everyone. Check out our favorite spots below!

Winter in Bend, OR

Outdoor adventures rule the roost in this family-friendly town. There are plenty of skiing and snowboarding spots, like Mt. Bachelor, where kids ski free with the purchase of an adult ticket. Be sure to make time for a visit to the uber-popular High Desert Museum. Set on 135 acres, you’ll get an up-close look at wild animals in natural-like habitats. For built-in entertainment, make sure you’re in town for WinterFest (Feb. 17-19) where you’ll find ice sculptures, a fire pit competition, a family play zone, and more.

Winter in Charleston, SC

If you’re fiending for a tropical getaway but don’t want to leave the U.S., consider a vacay in South Carolina’s port city where winters are mild with high temperatures averaging about 60 degrees. Combine that with family-friendly activities (South Carolina Aquarium and The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry) and restaurants like Poe’s Tavern, and you’ve found the formula for a perfect winter getaway. After the daily explorations, lay your head at one of the peninsula’s charming boutique hotels, like Francis Marion Hotel and Zero George, offering seasonal deals.

Winter in St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

Sure, most people would cringe at the low temps that rule during winter months, but Minnesotans know that the Twin Cities offer winter magic that is rare, indeed. The St. Paul Winter Carnival has ice palaces, parades, a huge snow park for play, plus fun quirky events like the annual Snowplow Competition. Plus, if the freezing temps become too much, you can hit up the biggest indoor mall in the country, and ride a roller coaster or two.

Winter in Vero Beach, FL

A beach that’s equally cool in the winter as it is in the summer? Yep! The family arts scene is alive and well here and peaks during the winter. And if it’s your troupes’ thing, Vero Beach also has its very own opera ensemble and professional ballet that both have performances happening throughout the winter months. For a pre- or post-show meal, take growling bellies to Citrus Grillhouse for simple—and yummy—Italian and Mediterranean dishes.

6. Chicago, Illinois

The best part about a Chicago winter, which averages 20 degrees, is that the city just keeps going. Chicagoans are hearty people who don’t shy away from outdoor activities just because it’s a bit chilly. If you think you and your kids can hang, pack your parkas and head here where you'll run into many only-in-winter outdoor activities. There's an ice-skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park that's super fun for all involved. If a brisk stroll down Chi-town's shopping mecca Michigan Avenue is on your to-do list, bundle up (we can't emphasize it enough) and make a pit stop at one of the city's top picks for cocoa.

7. Galveston, Texas

Less than an hour away from Houston, this Lone Star state locale is often referred to as the Winter Wonder Island. It's no surprise, as there is a slew of things to do during the first part of the year. Galveston's ginormous Mardi Gras celebration (Feb. 18-Mar. 1) features a Family Gras (Feb. 27) with multiple kid-friendly parades. Typically packed in the summer, you can hop on a free ferry ride around Galveston in seconds and look for ships coming to port, rare birds and ... wait for it...DOLPHINS! P.S. Don’t ignore the beach! Temps can get up to '80s, which is great for dipping tiny toes into sea water.

8. Park City, Utah

Once home to the 2002 Winter Olympics, snow activities abound here for speed-seeking kids and adults alike. The largest spot, Canyon Resort, comes with a Little Adventures Children’s Center that offers childcare for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. If you're looking for something a little toastier, Park City also has a nearby natural hot spring that cuts the chill of any day. Geothermically heated, the Homestead Crater at Homestead Resort is 35 feet deep (life jackets are required), and the water is 96 degrees ... year-round(!!). Bonus: Park City is also home to a pretty awesome history museum. Check it out!

9. Los Angeles, California

You get the best of winter in Los Angeles without the hassle of the cold (and all those annoying layers). Hike the hills and take in the views thanks to the clearer air, go to the beaches since it's less crowded, and take advantage of local kiddos being in school and head to Disneyland or Universal Studios, which is usually slammed during the summer. And this is just the tip of the iceberg in L.A. You'll find museum exhibits, seasonal festivals, and plenty more events to do on your family vacay!

10. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Many think of the Smoky Mountains in the winter and immediately think of skiing and snowboarding. It's an accurate but limiting thought because this part of the country has many other things going on for families when temps dip. From mini-coach tours of the Great Smoky Mountains (no driving duty for you ... yay!) and the imaginative light displays of WinterFest (through Nov. 11-Feb. 15) to ziplining at Anakeesta and riding the iconic Great Smoky Mountain Wheel, there's something for every traveler in your caravan.

11. Sun Valley, Idaho

Sun Valley is well known for its skiing and snow adventures, but hidden gems can be found in other hot spots. Check out a movie at Magic Lantern Cinema, which has been standing for nearly 40 years and has undergone renovations to include digital projection and memory foam rockers. At the nostalgic bowling alley and game room in Sun Valley Lodge you can nosh on Idaho potato skins, and for bigger kids and grownups there's an indoor archery arena on Main Street. So much quirky fun!

—Kate Loweth & Ayren Jackson-Cannady

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From the Mouths of Babes: 13 Books by Child Authors to Read This Year

by Christine LaiAugust 26, 2021

“Kids say the darndest things.” How many times have we thought that and wanted to permanently capture our kids’ words? With the help of their adults, these young authors published and captured their best thoughts and words . . . and then some! Find a few of our favorite books by child writers and make sure to check out the options below to self-publish your mini’s best sayings. If the future belongs to our children, it is certain to be a bright and brilliant one with these young writers leading the charge.

Once "a Pun" a Time

At six years of age, Chloe’s world turned upside down with a global pandemic and COVID-19. Feeling sad that so many people were getting sick, Chloe decided to work on something she was good at: bring smiles to faces and thus, the Once a Pun a Time joke book and later, art-ivity book was born. Chloe’s gift for family-friendly jokes and colorful art is delightful and a sure bet to have in every home.

Recommended for readers ages 5-10
Available on Amazon: Joke Book and Art-ivity Book

The Magic of Dragons: A Book About Dragons

The origins of dragons through a compilation of short stories is explained by Lazarus Q. Boutwell who, at age seven, wrote The Magic of Dragons: A Book About Dragons. He followed this up with The Monster Survival Guide in a valiant effort to ensure that all who come across shape-shifting goo or giant monsters that freeze kids have the best chance for survival against these ghastly beasts.

Recommended for readers ages 6-8
Available on Amazon: The Magic of Dragons: A Book About Dragons and The Monster Survival Guide

Swordbird

Becoming a New York Times best-selling author is a distinguished achievement but imagine doing that at age 11! Nancy Yi Fan accomplished that very feat with her debut novel, Swordbird, which was written in response to a world at war then followed it with Sword Quest and Sword Mountain. Young readers will love soaring into Nancy’s fantasy bird world in which avian friends and enemies alike search for peace while displaying loyalty, heroism and courage.

My Book for Kids with Cansur: A Child’s Autobiography of Hope

Seven-year-old Jason offers a glimpse of life with “cansur” and how he coped with the treatments, operations and hospitalizations. Along with the illustration help of his twin brother, My Book for Kids with Cansur: A Child’s Autobiography of Hope is heartwarming and candid and aims to help both those afflicted with cancer and those without (Jason’s tip: don’t laugh at the baldness). Cured of lymphoma, Jason ends the book with his phone number for anyone to call for support and advice.

Recommended for readers age 6-9
Available on Amazon: My Book for Kids with Cansur: A Child’s Autobiography of Hope

Lena Carls and the Power of Friendship

Enioluwanimi Solaru, also known as Eni, wrote Lena Carls and the Power of Friendship this past year about a girl who moves and deals with making and keeping new friends. From Silver Springs, MD, Eni plans on writing an entire series based on the main character, Lena, so be sure to be on the lookout for future books to complete the series!

Recommended readers ages 6-11
Available on Amazon: Lena Carls and the Power of Friendship

Heartsongs

Mattie Stepanek lived with a rare, debilitating disease similar to muscular dystrophy that ultimately took his life but not before he wrote five best-selling books of poetry and two books. He regularly appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America and Larry King and lobbied for people with disabilities on Capitol Hill. His first poetry book, Heartsongs, was written at the age of 10 and rings distinctly with a message of hope and peace in words wise beyond his years—indeed, his legacy lives on.

Recommended for readers ages 8 & up
Available on Amazon: Heartsongs

Kylo Finds A Friend

10-year-old Juliana Villarreal’s book, Kylo Finds A Friend, is about overcoming shyness and making new friends. Based on her own dog, Kylo Finds A Friend is a lovely rhyming story that aims to encourage reading in reluctant readers like herself. In the book, Kylo stops by a dog park and attempts to make new friends. Who will be his friend? Kids will laugh along with Kylo’s adventures and love the bright illustrations of adorable dogs by Juliana’s mom. Talk about a team!

Recommended for readers ages 0-8
Available on Amazon: Kylo Finds A Friend

The Magnificent King of Pasta

An enthralling world of fantasy will sweep readers into 10-year-old Jacob Shaw’s Pastaland, where wizardry and magic reign. In The Magnificent King of Pasta, King William and his son, Prince Daniel fight with valor to save their kingdom from the evil Salastro. Beyond just magic potions and spells, this is a story of integrity and courage when faced with adversity and readers will not be able to put this one down!

Recommended for readers ages 9 & up, perfect for reading aloud
Available on Amazon: The Magnificent King of Pasta

I Am Not

Inspired by her preacher stating that God can use kids to change the world, eight-year-old Kamille Mohler decided to write a book to address bullying. I Am Not is a 24-page poem form book that addresses who people are and are not—for instance, in an interview, she says, “I’m not my hair. My hair’s not too curly, my hair’s not too coarse. I am me!” She is currently working on a second book, If You Want to Be My Friend, also centered on anti-bullying.

Recommended for readers ages 8-12
Available on Amazon: I Am Not

How to Talk to Girls

It is not often that an eight-year-old can call himself a New York Times best-selling self-help author but Alec Grevan can! As the youngest author ever to have a book on the distinguished list, How to Talk to Girls is a practical guide for any male, eight to 80, looking to impress and win over their girl of interest. Tips like: comb your hair, don’t wear sweats and control your hyperness (cut down on the sugar if you have to) will almost guarantee successful results according to Alec. His other books are: How to Talk to Moms, How to Talk to Dads and How to Talk to Santa.

Recommended for readers ages 6-10
Available on Amazon: How to Talk to Girls

One Morning I Looked in the Mirror and Saw...

Third-grader Alexandra Maria Proca was only eight years old when she both wrote and illustrated her first book, One Morning I Looked in the Mirror and Saw... Young readers will be drawn to the colorful illustrations and eagerly follow the author along in her unusual day which starts the moment she looks in the mirror and ends with an unexpected surprise.

Recommended for readers ages 5-8
Available on Amazon: One Morning I Looked in the Mirror and Saw..

How to Talk to an Autistic Kid

Why does an autistic kid stand so close? Why won’t he look at me? Why does she talk about the same topic over and over? 14-year-old autistic teen Daniel Stefanski answers these questions and more in his candid book, How to Talk to an Autistic Kid. An insightful look on autism, Daniel uses humor and gives advice on how to understand and befriend autistic kids. Daniel’s book will equip kids of all ages with the tools to confidently include their autistic friends who are not different, just special.

Recommended for readers ages 9 & up but great to read aloud
Available on Amazon: How to Talk to an Autistic Kid

Raise Your Hand

As we head back to school, 11-year-old Alice Paul Tapper’s Raise Your Hand is the perfect empowering book to read! While in class, Alice noticed that girls were less likely to raise their hands to answer questions and wanted to do something about it. She wrote this book and also created a Girl Scouts badge to encourage and help girls feel more confident in speaking up in class. While geared towards girls, boys will also benefit from the confidence-boosting and empowering message of this book.

Recommended for readers age 6-9
Available on Amazon: Raise Your Hand

Self-publishing platforms

Kindle Direct Publishing
Offered by Amazon, KDP offers first-time publishers an easy and seamless approach to self-publishing of both eBooks and paperback for free while earning up to 70% in royalty fees.

Online: kdp.amazon.com

BookBaby
Despite its name, BookBaby is a giant in the self-publishing world and also capable of printing small quantities of books, including one single copy of your pint-sized penman’s very best words and thoughts for $49.

Online: bookbaby.com

—Christine Lai

featured photo: Pixabay

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4 Ways to Be a Planet Saving Superhero Even during a Pandemic!

By Sandra Ann Harris

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

April 22, 2021

Photo: ECOlunchbox

During the pandemic, single-use items reigned supreme as families doubled down on sanitation to protect themselves from the virus. With a little planning, we can still be planet superheroes while keeping ourselves safe and protecting our planet against the massive deluge of pollution stemming from the needless use of disposable masks, gloves, wipes and other trashy plastic items.

Small things we do every day can make the planet a greener and cleaner place for people and animals today and for future generations. Check out these 4 easy actions to give a KA-POW! to plastic pollution during a pandemic.

1. Villain: Pitiful Plastic Polluter / Superhero Action: Pick it up
If you see a face mask fluttering by in a park, washed up in a gutter or lost in a parking lot, you can safely help dispose of it so it doesn’t wash into our waterways and pollute our planet. Blue face masks and many other face coverings are made from plastic textiles like polyester. They don’t biodegrade. Don’t touch the waste with your bare hands to protect yourself from potential viral contamination. Instead have on hand a reusable garden glove, kitchen glove, trash picking stick or something else to take it safely to the trash for disposal. Follow the same steps for any other trash you see lost in the environment! Plastic trash isn’t just ugly, it’s also dangerous to wildlife who commonly mistake garbage for food.

2. Villain: Gross Garbage Gyre / Superhero Action: Pack a litter-less lunch
It’s time to reboot your lunch! For many of us, school and work have been happening at home, so we’ve fallen out of the habit of packing food to go. Remember to prevent plastic pollution in the first place by reducing or eliminating it from your daily routine. A perfect place to start is lunchtime. Pack reusable containers that are designed to be easy to use and easy on the environment. Packing your own containers to school every day can prevent more than a thousand pieces of trash.

3. Villain: Trashy Takeout / Superhero Action: Refuse Single Use Takeout Items
When you purchase takeout, make sure you leave a note in the online ordering portal or with the telephone order taker specifying that you do not want any single-use extras packed with your meal. Say goodbye to making single-use plastic cutlery, single-serving ketchup and other condiment packets, and disposable napkins the new normal. You can go even further and ask restaurant managers to stop automatically including these single-use throw-aways with orders and provide them only upon customer request. Recommend biodegradable birch or bamboo utensils in lieu of throw-away plastic cutlery.

4. Villain: Ugly Online Orders / Superhero Action: Choose Plastic-Free Shipments
When shopping online, choose companies with planet-centric shipping practices that carbon offset shipments by packing all orders plastic-free (kraft tape instead of plastic, recycled dunnage paper instead of peanuts and plastic pillows, recyclable cardboard boxes instead of trashy padded plastic envelopes).

Insider Tip: If you’re buying from Amazon, go to amazon.com main search bar and enter keywords “Amazon Customer Service,” select chat, and request that you want your account flagged to receive plastic-free shipments. (Note: Requesting may or may not result in plastic-free shipments depending on your service area, but at least you’re sending a message to Amazon that you don’t want plastic waste in your shipments.) For other stores, add a customer note at checkout requesting a plastic-free, carbon offset shipment or send an email to the company.

For more tips, check out “Say Goodbye To Plastic: A Survival Guide For Plastic-Free Living” and help make plastic-free living a reality in your home.

Sandra Ann Harris

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Sandra Ann Harris is the author of "Say Goodbye To Plastic: A Survival Guide For Plastic-Free Living" and the founder of ECOlunchbox, a mission-based consumer products company. Her passion is protecting the oceans by reducing people's dependence on plastics. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.

8 Easy Ways to Make Your Halloween Plastic-Free

By Sandra Ann Harris

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

April 22, 2021

Photo: Haley Phelps

Halloween celebrations during the pandemic will look different this year (who knew masks would become a new everyday fashion?) but there are still plenty of ways families can have eco-friendly fun while avoiding the scare of being exposed to or spreading the virus. Sandra Ann Harris, the author of the new book “Say Goodbye To Plastic: A Survival Guide For Plastic-Free Living” has loads of tips for celebrating Halloween—plastic-free.

We all like the fun of experiencing a fright on Halloween, but if you start to think about all that pre-packed foods wrapped in plastic, decorating our bodies with plastic glitter and costumes as well as breathing fumes from plastic-based candles, it becomes kind of spooky—even scarier to see how plastic is infiltrating our every move, especially on Halloween! Check out these easy-to-do tips that can make your Halloween just as scary, just less plastic-y.

1. Choose a Costume That Looks Best with a Reusable Mask
This way your child will get some fun and reuse out of what’s usually a one-time fashion item! Skip the blue disposable masks made from polypropylene, a plastic fabric that’s not recyclable or compostable. Instead, make sure your child’s costume has a mask that fits their mouth and nose snugly and is made with multiple layers of breathable fabric to ward off inhalation of the virus.

2. Say Goodbye Plastick-y Glitter Face Paints
Did you know glitter is packed with microplastics that are terrible for the environment? When washed down the drain, its tiny polyester bits flow through sanitation systems into our oceans where they contaminate the environment and poison animals.

Skip conventional face paints and choose bioglitter products that are either made from plant starches or mica minerals. Don’t be fooled by PLA (polylactic acid) plastic glitter made from plant plastic polymers claiming to be biodegradable.

Same thing goes for face paints—stick to natural pigments and ingredients. Resist the urge to buy mass-produced face paint and makeup. Though most face paints say they’re nontoxic, the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics reported that 10 out of 10 face paints tested contained lead, a powerful neurotoxin, and other hard metals. Plus, petroleum-based dyes, preservatives, parabens and phthalates, and other scary toxins.

3. Don’t Burn Plasticky Candles
Candles are everywhere at Halloween. They light up pumpkins and give an eery, flickering glow to rooms. But when burned, common paraffin candles emit toxic chemicals like toluene and benzene that are truly frightening!

Paraffin is a petroleum-derived product, like plastic. Combine the off-gassing of the burning petroleum wax with synthetic fragrances and you’ve got a spooky combination. Especially this Halloween during the pandemic when we’re taking extra care to safeguard our health, choose safe, clean-burning candles made of soy or beeswax.

4. Create Covid-Friendly Traditions
Trick-or-treating in many communities is discouraged or forbidden this year. So plan something new like a family scavenger hunt for treats in your home, yard, or neighborhood. For eco-friendly bonus points, hide treats in reusable plastic-free containers.

However, if trick-or-treating is allowed, beware of large groups and maintain social distance at doorsteps. Bring hand sanitizer with you for the whole family and touch up as you go. Purchase sanitizer gel in bulk and refill little vials as needed between stops so you don’t create so much plastic waste.

If you’re handing out treats, keep a reusable mask on at all times and wear reusable gloves instead of single-use disposable plastic gloves. Garden gloves, dish gloves, or white cotton gloves sold in fine art stores all work well. To avoid Covid droplets entering the home, provide treats outside your home at a distance instead of having the children ring your bell.

5. Fill Tummies—Not Trash Cans
Every kid deserves treats—especially this Halloween. The pandemic has already thrown a big wrench in things, so skip the tricks and plan a smorgasbord of fun treats that are healthy for people and our planet.

There’s no need to fill our trash cans with plastic packaging and our children’s bellies with high fructose corn syrup, dyes, and chemical preservatives. Plus traditionally grown cacao, the main ingredient in chocolate, is frequently grown with lots of pesticides.

Considering making your own zero-waste candy or baked goods at home as a fun DIY activity. If you’re determined to purchase candy, buy in bulk to avoid wasteful plastic packaging and look for organic products without dyes or chemical preservatives.

6. Up the Fun with Upcycled Costumes
Say goodbye to fast fashion costumes made for mass distribution. Many manufacturers use non-recyclable, petrochemical-based plastic, and synthetic fibers that can’t be recycled and end up in the landfill. Instead, make your own costume from items you have kicking around the garage.

7. Party like a Zero Waste Rockstar!
Whether you’re having a few friends over or doing a virtual gathering, consider using made-by-nature items, like pumpkins and fall leaves. Skip plastic mylar Halloween balloons, fake plastic spiderwebs as a street display, plastic tablecloths, disposable pumpkin carving tools, and other disposable decorations.

Use reusable plates, cutlery, and napkins instead of single-use paper or plastic plates, plastic cups, and single-use utensils, all of which are not recyclable. Who knew that “paper” plates are actually coated with a thin layer of plastic, rendering them unrecyclable?

8. Hit the Streets with a Reusable Bag!
Grocery stores aren’t allowing BYO bags, but if your family is lucky enough to go trick-or-treating, be sure to skip plastic bags, plastic pumpkins with handles, and other single-use totes. Grab a reusable bag (if you’ve got one that’s orange or black, even better) and go in plastic-free st‌yle!

Sandra Ann Harris

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

Self-Care & Survival Strategies: 3 Books All New Moms Should Read

by Eva Ingvarson CeriseJune 20, 2020

As a new mom, you may feel like you don’t have time to read a book, but self-care is important and a good book is a great way to get some me-time and feel like yourself again. These three books change the parenting game for new moms, with answers to all your new-mom questions, genius self-care strategies, plus support and laughs along the way.

Self-Care for Moms by Sara Robinson, MA

Yes, you can (and should!) be making time to take care of yourself as a new mom. This book shows you exactly how with ways to find fulfillment even when you're super short on time. If you can carve out just 3-5 minutes in your day, there are nearly 30 suggestions for how to make them meaningful to you! There are also ideas for how to fill larger chunks of time, from 15 minutes to a few hours to even a day (or more) to yourself, as well as techniques to help you find this time for yourself in your busy routine. Written by a mental skills coach trained in helping people change the way they think to create positive behavioral changes, this book truly can change your life, one self-care step at a time.

Available at amazon.com, $10.69.

The Little Book of Support for New Moms by Beccy Hands & Alexis Stickland

Specifically written for new moms, this is a survival guide to help you adjust to the "fourth trimester" (the 12 weeks after your child is born) and your new life, both physically and emotionally. Written by a doula and a midwife, it shares tools and advice on healing your body post-childbirth, adjusting to your exciting but challenging new role as a mom, maintaining your relationship with your partner, and retaining your identity amid all your new duties. From questions you were too embarrassed to ask to advice you didn't know you needed, it contains short and sweet tips on everything you're dealing with, in an easy-to-find format. Perhaps most importantly, these valuable tips can build your confidence and give you the tools and perspective to more fully enjoy all aspects of your life post-baby.

Available at wwnorton.com, $17.95.

Mom Babble: The Messy Truth About Motherhood by Mary Katherine Backstrom

If you aren't familiar with Mom Babble or Christian mom blogger Mary Katherine (MK) Backstrom, check out her Facebook page, which includes the super funny viral video that got her on The Ellen Degeneres Show. Her new book features 40 hopeful and hilarious essays about motherhood and family. As MK herself says, “My hope for this book is that it can serve as a collection of winks and nods, from one mother to another. That my honest, messy stories of motherhood might encourage your spirit, the same way so many of you have inspired and encouraged mine over the years. I hope that when you hear my voice in these stories, you hear the voice of a friend who is waving at you from within the pages."

Available at amazon.com, $17.49.

featured photo: Oleg Sergeichik via Unsplash

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

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

New Netflix Kids’ Shows and Movies Coming in October

Oct. 1

Oct. 2

Oct. 10

Oct. 12

Oct. 13

Oct. 16

Oct. 17

Oct. 23

Oct. 24

Oct. 25

Kids’ Titles Leaving Netflix in October

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What to Do When Kids Fight: Sibling Drama

Here are some scenarios to consider:

When they’re fighting over a toy

When they’re fighting over screen time

When they’re fighting about privacy

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

When the fight turns physical

When it seems like they’re always fighting

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Winter in Bend, OR

Winter in Charleston, SC

Winter in St. Paul & Minneapolis, MN

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6. Chicago, Illinois

7. Galveston, Texas

8. Park City, Utah

9. Los Angeles, California

10. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

11. Sun Valley, Idaho

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Once "a Pun" a Time

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Swordbird

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The Magnificent King of Pasta

I Am Not

How to Talk to Girls

One Morning I Looked in the Mirror and Saw...

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Raise Your Hand

Self-publishing platforms

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Sandra Ann Harris

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Sandra Ann Harris

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Self-Care for Moms by Sara Robinson, MA

**When it seems like they’re always fighting**