End-of-summer kiddos may have these personality traits in common
Have you got an August baby in your life? A bun in the oven almost all done? You may be wondering what type of personality traits are common in August-born people. Are they curious? Will they be famous? Are they determined? Maybe all of the above! Here are some interesting facts about people born in August.
They’ll Probably Be The Youngest in Their Class
Since many schools have a Sept. 1st cutoff for kindergarten, your August baby may end up being the youngest kid in her class. This can be good or bad, depending on where your kid is at—socially, physically, and emotionally. Some kids struggle; others do just fine (and almost all end up catching up in the long run).
They’re Confident and Strong-Willed
The stars have a lot to say about August-born babies (though we always take these messages with a grain of salt). The Zodiac sign for people born in August is either Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) or Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22), with both signs being known for confidence, smarts, and a strong will. They’ll never back down from an argument, according to this online astrology site, so get ready to stand your ground, parents.
They’re (Slightly) Less Likely to Go to College
According to findings from the National Bureau of Economic Research, as noted in The Wall Street Journal, august-born kids may be at a disadvantage when it comes to college admissions. This is attributed to the fact that many schools have a Sept. 1 cutoff for kindergarten, so kids with August birthdays are the youngest in the class. The research found that August-born kids were 2.1% less likely than September children to attend college, 3.3% less likely to graduate from college, and 7.2% less likely to graduate from a selective college.
They May Be Misdiagnosed with ADHD
Studies show that kids born in August are more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than those born in other months. But here’s the good news: It doesn’t necessarily mean they actually have ADHD: Research published in 2016 by the Journal of Pediatrics found that summer-born kids are often misdiagnosed with behavior problems when the real issue is simply that they’re younger and not yet ready for the rigor of the school day.
If you think your August babe is always smiling, you may be right. Research from Vanderbilt University found that people with summer birthdays are less likely to be depressed than people born in the cooler months. It could be because of all that vitamin D exposure in the womb. Still, researchers also theorize that a newborn’s “biological clock” may be permanently stamped by the summer’s long light cycle—and that stamp brings a sunnier disposition.
They Tend to Be Bigger
According to this Cambridge University study of more than 450,000 people in the U.K., babies born in August (and June and July) have higher birth weights—and may even grow into taller adults—than babies born in other months. The size difference was attributed to the fact that women who give birth in late summer are exposed to more vitamin D during pregnancy, which is beneficial to the baby’s growth and development. Interestingly, the study also found that girls born in the summer tend to start puberty later (which is linked to lower rates of breast cancer, teen pregnancy, and HPV). Hooray for sunshine!
They May Be More Likely to Get the Flu
A new study from a pair of doctor-dads concluded that summer-born kids are more likely to get the flu, based on the fact that their annual check-ups occur in the summer before the latest flu vaccine is available.
There Are Two Birthstones for the Month of August
Here’s an interesting August birthday fact: there are two birthstones for the eighth month of the year. Peridot is a yellow-gold stone known as the gem of compassion and represents peace and harmony. Spinel can be found in a variety of colors, including pink, purple, red, and blue. The gem is believed to inspire relaxation in those who wear it and is associated with energy and joy.
There Are a Lot of Them!
Your baby won’t be the only summer birthday party on your social calendar. According to the CDC, August is the most common month to be born in the United States (meaning that November and December are the most common months for conception). Blame it on the holiday spirit! Or the cold.
Almost ten years ago, my family made eating dinner together a priority. My life felt crazy busy at the time as I juggled work, two young children, school, and life. I remember wanting to feel less frazzled. I longed to be more grounded and connected with my family. About that time, I stumbled upon research that shared the benefits of eating together. Studies found that families that eat dinner together several times a week experience the following.
Benefits of Family Dinner
Better academic performance
Higher self-esteem
A greater sense of resilience
Lower risk of substance abuse
Lower risk of teen pregnancy
Lower risk of depression
Lower likelihood of developing eating disorders
Lower rates of obesity
So we started. Up until that point, our family dinners were fast and sporadic. The last thing my two toddlers wanted to do was sit down for dinner. But by ages 3 and 5, spending more time at the table was a possibility.
I heard about using “Rose, Bud, Thorn” as a way for families to connect and share. During dinner, everyone shared their “Rose” for the day or something that went well. Their “Bud,” or something they were excited about. And their “Thorn,” a difficult part of their day. My kids enjoyed these interactions, and it gave me a deeper peek into their world.
Soon, we added other topics. One night, I brought four small journals to dinner. With some eye rolls and resistance, we each wrote down something we were grateful for that day. My youngest daughter didn’t feel like writing, so she drew a picture instead.
These gratitude journals are still near our kitchen table today. We pull them out periodically and add to them. My kids love looking back at what they wrote years ago. Writing in these journals seems to shift our focus and remind us of the many good things in our life.
Looking back over the past decade, I see that dinnertime is one of our most meaningful family rituals. Time to stop whatever we are doing and sit down together. Time to listen and learn about each other. Time to connect.
I’ve found that the following ground rules help to set the tone for our dinners:
Make the dinner table a safe space. Practice respectful listening. Do not make fun of or embarrass anyone about what they share. (This rule has grown into a house rule too.)
Turn off and put away devices. Make the dinner table a no phone, tablet, or TV zone.
Make the conversations fun, especially as you get started. (Later, families may delve into more serious topics and discussions.)
Choosing not to respond is okay. Allow family members just to listen if they prefer not to share.
To start, introduce just one topic at each dinner. From there, decide what works best for your family.
Here are a few topics that my family discussed over the years. When my kids were younger, we prioritized fun and engaging topics.
Dinner Topics for Families with Young Children
Rose, Bud, Thorn (Best part of your day? Something you are excited about? Toughest part of your day?)
An act of kindness, big or small, you noticed or experienced today?
What are you most grateful for today?
What is something you are proud of?
Dinner Topics for Families with Tweens and Teens
What are you most excited about? What are you most nervous about?
Most interesting part of your day? Most awkward part of your day?
What inspires you?
What makes you feel loved?
Which emotion is most difficult for you to express?
Over the years, I’ve shared many of my family’s dinner conversations. Here are a few of those posts:
Because of the pandemic and social distancing, my family is spending more time together these days. But our family dinners are still a priority. Over dinner, I’ve learned how difficult the pandemic has been for each of my family members. I’ve come to understand the impact it’s had on my kids’ social and emotional worlds. This knowledge has helped me better support the people I love the most during this stressful time. And helped me stay grounded too.
Jessica Speer is the author of BFF or NRF (Not Really Friends)? Girls Guide to Happy Friendships. Combining humor, the voices of kids, and research-based explanations, Jessica unpacks topics in ways that connect with tweens and teens. She’s the mother of two and has a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences.
Mamma Mia, our holiday is almost here! Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 13, and if your plans include kicking your feet up and watching a movie with your family, we have a few feel-good flicks to put in the queue! Read on for our list of mom-centric movies (like Freaky Friday!) that will make you laugh, make you cry and make you celebrate being a mom.
Freaky Friday
Ever wonder what it would be like to swap places with your teenage daughter? Chaos ensues when mom Tess and daughter Anna wake up to discover they have switched bodies. We especially love the modern-day spin on the 1976 original film, starring Jaime Lee-Curtis and Lindsey Lohan.
Age Range: 8+
Rated: PG
Mamma Mia!
Inspired by the music of the 1970's hit Swedish girl group ABBA, Mamma Mia! follows a mother-daughter duo as they prep for the latter's upcoming wedding, along with the help of two friends. This one will be a crowdpleaser among moms with teenage daughters!
Age Range: 13+
Rated: PG-13
The Blind Side
Thanks to this football film, everyone now knows the story of Michael Oher (a once homeless teen turned Baltimore Ravens player) and his adoptive family, the Tuohys, who both find their lives utterly transformed by having met each other. Sandra Bullock's fierce performance as matriarch Leigh Anne makes this feel-good flick a great pick.
Age Range: 12+
Rated: PG-13
Akeelah and the Bee
Despite her mother's objections, avid speller Akeelah has a goal of making it to the National Spelling Bee, and she'll stop at nothing to get there! With compelling performances by Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, this movie is a crowd pleaser.
Age Range: 8+
Rated: PG
The Odd Life of Timothy Green
Amazon
All Cindy and Jim want is to have a child of their own, but their wish comes true in the most unlikely of scenarios when the box of dreams they bury in the backyard comes to life as their new son, Timothy.
Age Range: 8+
Rated: PG
Brave
YouTube
Not your average princess tale! Skilled archer Merida is determined to blaze her own trail, defying an age-old tradition. Moms and daughters will love the inspiring message as it's ultimately up to her to discover the meaning of courage and stop a curse before it's too late!
Age Range: 6+
Rated: PG
Mars Needs Moms
When Milo gets tired of his mom nagging him to do his homework, clean his room, and eat his vegetables, Martians kidnap her and take her back to their home planet. This touching adventure is all about Milo's mission to get Mom back!
Age Range: 7+
Rated: PG
Now and Then
This classic '90s film is a fun flashback to four friends' memories of the summer of 1970—after they arrive in their hometown to help welcome their pal's new baby.
Age Range: 12+
Rated: PG-13
The Incredibles
Husband and wife superhero duo Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl assume ordinary lives as Bob and Helen Parr after crime-fighting activities are banned. But you can't keep this family down for long—they must spring back into action to save the world!
Age Range: 7+
Rated: PG
Troop Beverly Hills
YouTube
Even though Wildness Girls troop leader Phyllis (Shelley Long) and her pack would rather "rough it" at the Beverly Hills Hotel, they must prove their outdoor skills at the annual jamboree or risk having their group dismantled. A cult-classic '80s film with a lovely message, this one will be fun to share with your own troops!
Age Range: 12+
Rated: PG
Juno
This teen pregnancy comedy follows an expecting Juno who sets out on a quest to find the "perfect" parents (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner) to adopt her unborn child.
Age Range: 14+
Rated: PG-13
Moana
The fate of Moana's people rests on her shoulders, and so she must set out to find demi-god Maui in order to restore the livelihood of the land. The girl power message in this animated flick will stick with you—and so will the songs!
Age Range: 6+
Rated: PG
Wonder
A true tale of compassion and acceptance! Auggie may look different than everyone else, but when he enters a mainstream school for the first time, it is his winding journey that shows everyone it's better to stand out than blend in.
Age Range: 10+
Rated: PG
Mary Poppins
You likely loved this movie as a child, so introduce your kids to the magical world of the nanny who arrived from the sky, her pal Bert, and the lessons (and musical numbers!) she teaches kids Jane and Michael.
Age Range: 6+
Rated: G
The Sound of Music
Your little ones will love the songs in this heart-warming film based on the real-life Von Trapp Family. Studying to become a nun, young Austrian woman Maria arrives at the home of a retired naval captain with seven kids who need a little structure and a lot of love.
Age Range: 6+
Rated: G
The Parent Trap
You can't go wrong with the 1961 original or the remake! The switcharoo these separated-at-birth twins pull on their parents will have your little ones laughing! It's good fun for the whole family.
Age Range: 6+
Rated: G
Mrs. Doubtfire
Determined to spend more time with his kids after a divorce, Daniel Hillard (Robin Williams) morphs into British nanny Mrs. Doubtfire and convinces his ex-wife (Sally Field) to hire him in this funny flick. But what happens when both Daniel and Mrs. Doubtfire must meet different people at the same restaurant? Hilarity.
Age Range: 12+
Rated: PG-13
Terms of Endearment
Shirley MacLaine shares a dynamic relationship with daughter Emma (Debra Winger) in this classic film. It's funny, mildly sappy and a serious emotional rollercoaster that will have you hooked.
Age Range: 15+
Rated: PG
Soul Food
It's all about the family matriarch in this feel-good flick! After she falls ill, the family bands together to continue her tradition of Sunday dinners, sharing memories, and finding a little bit of drama along the way.
Age Range: 16+
Rated: R
The Joy Luck Club
Sharing the rocky relationships of Chinese-American moms and their daughters, this '90s movie will take you across the world and several generations to explore culture, conflict and love.
Age Range: 16+
Rated: R
What movie are you looking forward to watching this Mother’s Day? Tell us about it in a comment below.
The ’80s may have been all about feathered bangs and neon socks, but it was also a great time for TV! Whether you were a Care Bear kid or a Punky peep, now’s the time to get your brood on board with all your childhood favorites. Read on for our roundup of great ’80s shows to watch with your kids.
Besides tuning in to see the Olsen Twins spring into the spotlight, watching an episode or two of this corny but lovable show is still a great choice for family TV night. After all, the Seaver family is a wholesome lot, and the show often wraps up with a Dad-to-kid talk about kindness, honesty, and the importance of family.
This girl power-infused 1985 classic originated as a spinoff of He-Man and the Masters of the Universe and features a heroine named Adora (she's He-Man's twin sister!) who turns into a powerful and magical princess when she raises her sword up to the sky. Featuring elements of magic and fantasy—and with a tad less violence than the He-Man series—Wonder Woman-loving kiddos will love it.
Why not give the kids of today a chance to "Meet George Jetson!"? While it's a tad disappointing to know that more than 50 years after the show was created we're still not flying around in space cars, at least your littles will get a chance to live the dream, too.
Why wouldn't you want to let your kids watch a show about adorable rainbow-colored bears who travel the world in the name of kindness? And don't forget to enter to win a year's worth of bears delivered to your front door!
Recommended age: 3 & up
Where to watch: Some episodes are on Youtube, or buy the complete series on Amazon.
This show debuted in 1983 and features LeVar Burton as he journeys through classic children's books. Books and bigger concepts are told through vignettes, book reviews and talks with real kids about various social issues. It's basically a 30-minute storytime for your kids that, hopefully, will inspire them to be better readers and better people.
Sure, today's kids have Daniel Tiger (which is, FYI, inspired by Mister Roger's Neighborhood) but anyone who hopes to teach their kids Fred Rogers' timeless lessons of caring and kindness should sit their kids in front of the original good neighbor himself. The classic show's slow pace and gentle tone is a reminder that little kids don't need (and probably shouldn't have) a lot of stimulation to learn important things.
First, there were muppets. Then there were Fraggles. Fraggle Rock was created in 1983 by Jim Henson and is, basically, another romp with charming puppets who seek to entertain via silly jokes and musical numbers.
Recommended age: 6 & up
Where to watch:HBO Go (subscription required); or buy single episodes on Google Play
Between 1983 and 1991, a grandfatherly genius named Mr. Wizard performed all sorts of cool science experiments in this fave that was all about STEM before STEM was even a thing. Whether he was teaching us how to make homemade record players (remember those?) or showing how we can condense steam back into water, Mr. Wizard made science fun for everyone.
What kid didn't wish they could run in the giant hamster wheel featured at the end of this Nickelodeon game show? The show put real teams of two kids against each other to answer trivia questions and, ultimately, compete in a messy, whipped-cream and feathers-filled obstacle course that earned them all sorts of prizes. It's like a smart kid's American Ninja Warrior ... and today's little ninjas will love it.
Recommended age: 7 & up
Where to watch: Single episodes are available for purchase Amazon; or find various clips on Youtube.
Move over, Alexa! Today's tiny techies will still get a kick out of this show about a family who adopts a 10-year-old girl named "Vicky" who's actually a robot. Silly antics follow as the family tries to hide Vicky's true nature from prying neighbors.
Recommended age: 6 & up
Where to watch: Watch single (random) episodes on Youtube or buy from Amazon
What happens when a furry and wise-cracking alien crash lands in your garage? He becomes a beloved part of the family, of course! ALF (an acronym for Alien Life Form) debuted in 1986 and ran for four years, during which it won both a People's Choice award and a Kid's Choice award.
Recommended age: 8 & up
Where to watch: Stream the first three episodes for free on Tubi; or buy individual episodes for $.99 on iTunes.
This show may have started in 1976, but we can bet that almost every kid of the '80s knew (and probably loved) Kermit and his charmingly bossy girlfriend, Miss Piggy. The Muppet Show features cute puppets performing with a slew of celebrity guests. Jim Henson originally created the prime-time series to entertain kids and their parents, and we bet today's parents will be just as happy to share the Emmy-award winning show with their littles.
Recommended age: 4 & up
Where to watch: Buy a special edition DVD set on Amazon; or rent DVDs of the show from Netflix.
This show was co-created by Muppets designer Kermit Love and featured a cast of shaggy puppets alongside actors who performed a variety of songs and skits as well as animated vignettes. The (trippy!) premise: Francine, Danny, and Roy, are singers who live on an asteroid called Coasterville with a clown named Baxter who pilots a "space coaster" through space. It'd be creepy if it weren't so cute.
The theme song alone will bring you back! This classic showed debuted in 1982 and ran for seven seasons. It most notably launched the career of actor Michael J. Fox (Admit it: You collected posters of him from Teen Beat!), and chronicled the trials and tribulations of an upper middle-class American family.Watching the Keaton kids wrestle over (wired!) telephone time or fight over who gets to watch the house's one TV will make you realize how simple those times really were. On a more serious note: The show does hold important lessons for tweens and teens, touching on topics including dating, teen pregnancy, sexual harassment, alcoholism, and death.
Long before American Idol whet the appetites of aspiring rock stars everywhere, Kids Incorporated made us all want to tease our hair and get on stage to the beat of Belinda Carlisle orDebbie Gibson. The show featured a gaggle of musically-talented kids who had their own band and a huge following of fans. The hair, fashion and music is reason enough to watch. If you're lucky, your kids will like the tunes as much as you do.
Recommended age: 6 & up
Where to watch: Watch clips on this dedicated Youtube channel
C'mon, you know you want your kids to be able to properly quip, "What you talkin' bout, Willis?" This groundbreaking show (1978-1985) is about a white man who adopts the two black children (Willis and Arnold) of his housekeeper after she dies. Lessons of racial acceptance, bi-racial adoption, and family bonds make it a worthwhile addition to your kids' screen time. Note: While it is a comedy, some shows tackle tough issues including pedophilia, sexual assault, drugs and bulimia.
Recommended age: 11 & up
Where to watch: Available as DVD rental from Netflix
This short-lived series enchanted any kid who loved watching the mighty He-Man defeat the evil Skeletor, again and again. Sure, it was basically a ploy to sell Mattel action figures (you can find these relics today on eBay), but kids who love a classic good-versus-evil romp will be thoroughly entertained.
Recommended age: 6 & up
Where to watch: Netflix (subscription required); or buy single episodes on Google Play
What’s your favorite 80s TV show? Tell us in the comments below!
