This year, around 175 million Americans will celebrate Halloween. On a Tuesday. As a parent of two children, I can tell you that a weekday Halloween is very tough for families with young kids. As a CEO in the celebrations industry, I can also tell you that when October 31 falls on a weeknight, fewer people celebrate the holiday.

Sometimes I like to ask obvious questions and challenge the way things are done. When people say, “That’s the way we’ve always done it,” I perk up and question their assumptions. I want to know “Is there a better way?” and “Will more people be served with a different solution?”

When it comes to Halloween, I believe there is a better way. The time is long overdue for a cultural change that will benefit society: the official observance of Halloween should be on the last Saturday of October.

Why does Halloween have to be on the 31st of every year? There are many other holidays that aren’t tied to a specific date. Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday in November. The same is true for Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) and Labor Day (the first Monday in September).

Related: Let the Teens Trick-or-Treat

Halloween is mostly a kids’ and family holiday, and it should fall on a day that is best for kids and families! Not convinced about #SaturdayHalloween? Here are five reasons Halloween should be observed on the last Saturday of October.

It’s healthier for kids (and parents)

Halloween is arguably the most kid-focused holiday of the entire year, and we observe it on a school night eight out of every 10 years. Who wants to get home from work, stress about dinner, try to wrangle kids into costumes, and then be out trick-or-treating way past normal bedtime? It’s all too chaotic for most families.

The next day is a mess, too. Kids wake up the next morning overtired, and parents drag themselves to work. When Halloween is observed on a Saturday, not only will it be better for kids, but it will also be better for the sanity of parents.

It’s better for schools and teachers

When October 31 falls on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, students lose not just one, but two days of productivity. Halloween itself is full of distractions, but the next day is even more challenging.

Teachers have to manage a classroom of kids who have been out all night trick-or-treating and eating candy for lunch. The combination of lack of sleep and dealing with sugar-infused children is difficult. Halloween on a Saturday solves all of this. Plus, schools can schedule their Halloween parades and events on a Friday afternoon, which will help teachers better manage their class schedules. Saturday Halloween is the right thing to do for schools and teachers.

It’s safer

Halloween is a family holiday. Its most important cultural ritual is trick-or-treating. In my own neighborhood in Massachusetts, hundreds of families flock to the most popular streets downtown that are full of cars returning home from work.

If we observe Halloween on a Saturday, trick-or-treating could begin earlier in the evening before nightfall. Local authorities could block roads to protect the busiest neighborhoods. Accidents and fatalities would be reduced. It’s time we reduce possible danger and celebrate Halloween on a Saturday.

Families can celebrate together

The majority of parents work outside the home, and a weekday Halloween makes it difficult for families to celebrate together. A weekend holiday would suit working families and enable celebrations for the whole family. Extended family could gather as they do for other major holidays, and special memories can be made.

At Punchbowl, we have the data: there are more Halloween parties on Saturday than on any other day of the week. Let’s enable even more get-togethers and family celebrations on this important, memorable holiday.

Related: Halloween Brings Us Together Like No Other Holiday Can

It benefits the economy

When Halloween falls on a Saturday, it generates more revenue for the economy than weekday Halloweens. More costumes are purchased, more parties are planned, and more food and beverages are consumed. This means more jobs and higher wages, too.

Party City reported $22 million less in sales when comparing 2016 (a Saturday Halloween) to 2017 (a Monday Halloween). The impact extends to local businesses as well. If we move the official observance of Halloween to the last Saturday of October, it would not only bolster local business, but it would also provide predictability from year to year.

There are many more reasons that Halloween should be moved to the last Saturday in October and very few we should continue the old tradition of October 31. The time has come to move our national celebration of Halloween.

This post originally appeared on MattDouglas.com.

I’m an entrepreneur, investor and startup advisor with 20+ years of experience in product management, marketing and software development. Currently, I’m the founder and CEO of Punchbowl.com.

Little Tikes red and yellow Cozy Coupe is one of the most iconic toys of all time. Now your kiddos don’t have to stay tied to the concrete, they can take the fun to the pool (which is great because trying to grab a screaming toddler out of the classic red and yellow car can be a JOB).

Leslie’s Pool offers the funnest float of the summer: an inflatable Cozy Coupe! The makers of Pool Candy created this easy-to-inflate float that comes with a canopy, a moving steering wheel and a horn that really beeps.

The toddler-sized float also comes with leg holes so your littles feel secure while cruising around the pool. And more importantly, mama can snag a little relaxation while floating next to her babe in the pool.

If you need to keep the bigger kids happy too, there are tons of classic pool games that require no props so everyone is happy. Or better yet, snag a few inflatables for them, too!

You can find the Little Tikes Cozy Coupe at lesliespool.com for just $30.

––Karly Wood

 

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Once upon a time, kiddos practiced tying their shoes well before starting kindergarten. But then came Velcro. And kids swapped tying their shoes for pulling their Velcro straps. Easy. Right? Well, at some point kids need to tie their shoes. That is, unless your little one wants to head off to college in Velcro sneakers (hint: they don’t).

One five-year-old boy gained internet fame with his super-simple shoe-tying trick. If your child isn’t taking to tying like a pro, you need to check this out.

To start with, shoe-tying isn’t easy. It may seem like second nature to you. But to your child, it’s a totally foreign idea. Add in still-immature fine motor skills, and you can see how this seemingly simple activity can feel like an Olympic-level challenge to a young child.

When Ashley Lillard posted a video on Facebook of her son Colton tying his shoes, it quickly went viral. Even though there are plenty of people praising the easy-to-follow tutorial, Colton admits that it wasn’t exactly his idea. The little boy credits his friend River for coming up with the shoe-tying trick!

––Erica Loop

photo: iStock

 

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Celebrate all that dad has done this year by ordering something special to give him this Father’s Day. We picked out a few of our favorite Etsy Father’s Day gifts that we know he will love whether he’d rather be fishing or he’s a major Star Wars fan. There’s a gift for every dad on this list, we just know it!

Love Letter Blanket

Etsy

Won't dad love snuggling up by the fire under this too-cute blanket? We know he will! Get the kids to hand-write all their favorite things about dad and he'll have this keepsake well into the challenging teen years. 

Buy it here, $159+

Personalized Grill Board

Etsy

This is a great gift option for grillers as they'll love serving up the meal on their own personalized wood board. 

Buy it here, $33.60+

The Dadalorian & The Child

Etsy

Got a Star Wars fan in your fam? This daddy-and-me set is definitely going to be a favorite Father's Day gift and you can get it in whatever sizes your crew needs from infant to 2XL. 

Buy it here, $13.45+

New Dad Gift Set

Etsy

This gift box will give the new dad in your family a nice laugh with a book of dad jokes, baby owner's manual, #dadlife travel cup and more. 

Buy it here, $64.99+

Leather Keychain

Etsy

We love this leather key fob as it is sophisticated but also contains a sentimental favorite photo that he can look at whenever he wishes. 

Buy it here, $24.50+

Mountain Art Wall Hanging Tapestry

Etsy

We love this unique design and we think that your mountain-loving pops will too! Choose the size that fits his wall or opt for a gift card so he can choose his own!

Buy it here, $89.26+

 

Leather Grilling Gloves

Etsy

Safety and design are at the forefront of these personalized grilling gloves that are a great option for those who can't stand the heat. 

Buy it here, $29.99+. 

Waxed Canvas Dopp Kit

Etsy

Is he even a dad if he doesn't have his own dopp kit? We think not. This one is extra classy and made with great details that make it last for years. 

Buy it here, $46.40

Hand-Tied Flies

Etsy

If your dad is one who likes to get up early to try for the next big catch, order up this set of hand-tied flies. It comes with a unique assortment that none of his fishing buddies will have, that's for sure!

Buy it here, $17+

Yardzee Wooden Dice

Etsy

Take your family game night to another level with this well-made set of lawn dice. Play your favorite games like Yatzee and Farkle. 

Buy it here, $54.99

Travel Poster from His Favorite Photo

Etsy

Dad will love being able to remember that special vacation with this custom travel poster made from his favorite travel photo. 

Buy it here, $29.51+

 

Personalized Divot Tool Set

Etsy

If your father figure loves to spend the day at the golf course, this is a great option for him. Get this personalized set in your choice of metal and he'll remember you when he plays his favorite game. 

Buy it here, $34.99.

Personalized Tin Box

Etsy

Fill this box with tools, snacks or his favorite beer and he'll love using again year after year. 

Buy it here, $39.99+. 

Dad Docking Station

Etsy

Help dad get organized with this docking station where he can charge his devices when he gets home from work.

Buy it here, $27.50. 

Grill Father Apron

Etsy

He'll have all his necessary grill gear right at hand when he's wearing this fun and useful grilling apron. 

Buy it here, $24.20. 

—Kate Loweth

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Summer vacation or summer staycation? The latter is cheaper, easier and often more convenient for families everywhere. WalletHub just released a new study on the best places for a staycation across the U.S. and cities all around the country made up the top 10. Read on for the full list!

Using 46 key metrics, WalletHub compared more than 180 cities to come up with the best spots to staycation. Recreation (including pools per capita, playgrounds per capita and bike score), food and entertainment (including zoos per capita, movies costs and and museums per capita) and rest and relaxation (including public beaches per capita and idealness of summer weather) all factored into the final scores. The top 10 cities:

  1. Honolulu, HI (65.80 total score)
  2. Orlando, FL (60.87)
  3. San Francisco, CA (59.41)
  4. Charleston, SC (57.40)
  5. Las Vegas, NV (57.13)
  6. Portland, ME (57.11)
  7. Chicago, IL (57.03)
  8. Seattle, WA (56.54)
  9. San Diego, CA (56.53)
  10. Cincinnati, OH (56.33)

Some of the individual scores might surprise you! Cleveland and Philadelphia tied for number of swimming pools per capita. Salt Lake City had the most coffee and tea shops per capita. And Tacoma tied for first in the number of zoos and aquariums per capita.

For the full list of staycation spots, you can read the WalletHub study here. If you need extra ideas for your upcoming break (or rainy day distractions) we’ve got you covered!

––Sarah Shebek

Feature image courtesy of Pixabay

 

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Your candy bar might look a little different over the next two months and you might want to stock up! CRUNCH, Butterfinger and Baby Ruth have released limited-edition bars with art supporting the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and a percentage of proceeds will go straight to CMN Hospitals.

The colorful artwork is designed by CMNH child ambassadors and there’s a different design for each brand. Ciarlo has Spina Bfida and designed the T-rex on crutches for CRUNCH. Audrey had surgery to correct scoliosis and created the serene scene for Butterfinger. Logan has muscular dystrophy and his art features an astronaut in space. All children were treated at CMN Hospitals and their art is inspired by memorable or imaginative moments in their lives.

“We’re very excited to partner with this great non-profit organization and invite our customers to join us in our journey to support all the futures made possible by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” said Mark Wakefield, Senior Vice President Marketing, Ferrero Mainstream Chocolate & Nutella. “Just like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, CRUNCH, Butterfinger and Baby Ruth aim to create moments that bring people together every day.”

To learn more about the campaign, you can visit a new online site with more info on the kids, their stories and their artwork. Butterfinger is also collaborating with Extra Life, a program affiliated with CMNH that is tied to the gaming community. On June 3, the two companies will host a fundraising stream for gamers to play Final Fantasy XIV.

—Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of Ferrero USA

 

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Royally good news today: Queen Elizabeth’s granddaughter is pregnant! Princess Beatrice and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi will welcome their first child together, after tying the knot ten months ago.

Buckingham Palace’s statement reads: “Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting a baby in autumn of this year. The Queen has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.”

This will be the Queen’s 12th great-grandchild—Beatrice’s sister, Princess Eugenie, had her own first child in February. Princess Beatrice is already a step-mom to Christopher Woolf (Wolfie), her husband’s son from his first marriage. She’s the first grandchild of the monarch to have a step-child and no doubt it prepared her well for a new addition!

The new parent’s families had been friends for many years, before the couple began a relationship and announced their engagement in 2019. Their low-key wedding ceremony in 2020 included a very small group of loved ones, with Wolfie serving as the pageboy. Congratulations to the Royal Family!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of BAKOUNINE / Shutterstock.com

 

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wonder woman mug

Photo: Ali flynn

Today I’m going to tackle the world like Wonder Woman.

I may not have the gold bracelets and lasso like when I was younger and watched my idol fight on TV while wearing the same outfit, but friends, I have my Wonder Woman mug to fill me up with the strength to take on today.

I may not fight off any of the bad guys, jumping over burning cars and tying up a bank robber today, but I will be strong.

Because yesterday was a hard day.

I felt defeated. I felt a bit lost. I felt sad.

I miss my friends.

I miss long walks, meeting for coffee in town, and sharing the depths of my soul with my beloved friends. I miss hearing every little bit and piece of their life. Those pieces that forge trust and unbreakable bonds and right now texting is not cutting it.

I felt sad. I miss my girls being young.

And now I’m in the countdown mode for a departure for college and all of them growing up rapidly in front of me each day. I knew it was going to be hard, but I didn’t expect all of the air to be sucked out of my lungs while thinking about it.

I felt sad. I miss the freedom my girls once had.

The freedom to go to school, knowing they are safe and not ever have to worry about quarantining. The freedom to walk into a store without a mask on and not worry about the potential danger. The freedom to not worry if their grandparents will be able to find a vaccine anytime soon.

I felt sad. I miss being a part of things.

I miss volleyball games, dance recitals, and reunions with old friends. Heck, I miss every single activity I used to complain about and how we were overscheduled and running around all over with barely enough time to think or let alone breathe. But today, I miss the busyness.

I felt sad.

I felt sad for those struggling each day, with their child at home who is beyond frustrated and giving it their all, but still not succeeding.

I felt sad for those who make a promise each night, that tomorrow will be a new day…a better attitude, more patience, and gratitude but by mid-day, they are worn out and feeling depleted.

I felt sad for our little ones who don’t recall what being in school feels like. The bustling hallways, walking into the art room and breathing in the subtle smell of paint, and the excitement of the new science experiment.

I felt sad for the middle schoolers who rely on their friends, as their life support, navigating the murky waters of adolescence and not being able to see them daily.

I felt sad for the high schoolers who have been patiently waiting for the rites of passage for each grade level and now sit at home behind a screen for class, behind a screen for FaceTime, and silently sit there alone, not really engaging and missing the vibrance of the building.

I felt sad for the college kids who haven’t even stepped foot on campus, attempting to bond with the best friends of their life, but can’t even enter another dorm room.

Friends, some days are just hard. Really hard…and yesterday was one of those days.

But today, I am prepared.

I have my Wonder Woman mug providing me with the armor I need to tackle today.

If I could only find my old Wonder Woman bracelets, I could maybe, just maybe, feel as if I could take on the entire world.

This post originally appeared on Hang in there mama by Ali Flynn.

 

 

Ali Flynn Is excited to share with you the joys and hardships of motherhood with an open heart, laughter and some tears. Ali is a monthly guest contributor for Westchester County Mom  and has been seen on Filter Free Parents, Grown and Flown, Today Parents and Her View From Home.

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up and you’re looking for a little “luck of the Irish.” If you’re not feeling particularly lucky, it’s possible you just don’t live in the right place.

Zippia recently released its list of the luckiest states in the country. From the highest lottery winnings to the places where people live longer lives, some states are luckier than others.

photo courtesy of Zippia

Along with lotto winners and overall life expectancy, Zippia measured median income, weather-related fatalities, unemployment rates,and car accident fatalities per 100,000 people to determine the luckiest states in America. And the winners are:

  1. Minnesota
  2. New Jersey
  3. New Hampshire
  4. Massachusetts
  5. New York
  6. Utah
  7. Washington
  8. Rhode Island
  9. Connecticut
  10. Hawaii

As the luckiest U.S. state, Minnesota had an impressive 22 lotto winners and a life expectancy of 81. New Jersey residents had even more lotto winners—with an annual total of 33, but life expectancy was one year lower, however. Number three on the luckiest states list, New Hampshire, also had a life expectancy of 80 (the same as New Jersey)—but only had 12 big lotto winners.

The fourth luckiest state, Massachusetts, was tied as one of the lowest extreme weather areas. It also had a high life expectancy of 81. Rounding out the top five, New York had an awesomely impressive 50 big lotto wins and a life expectancy of 81-years!

Could it be time for a move?

—Erica Loop

Feature photo: Anna Shvets via Pexels

 

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Last night, as I went in to tuck my girl in after a whirlwind of a day—four airports, and four flights in 18 hours.

I was reminded of how precious time really is.

Time…it’s basic and taken for granted and always looming over us.

Time…we know it passes but often doesn’t slow down to relish in the passing.

But time right now my friends is precious.

This trip yesterday was planned so my sweet girl could ease her mind about college decisions.

And when I think about that right there, I wonder how is that possible?

College?

Wasn’t it just the first day of pre-school drop off as she giggled with excitement as a tear also trickled down her cheek?

Time.

It doesn’t slow down for anyone as much as we desperately try to hold on.

It doesn’t stop for the dying.

It doesn’t pause for children growing.

Time is forever moving forward, guiding all of us and reminding us daily to hold on tight but still go along for the ride and not fight it.

But seriously, how was I just holding this sweet girl, right after being born still connected to me, and now she will be living on her own?

How was I just rocking her quietly to sleep singing lullabies and soon she will be tucking herself in each night?

How was I just tying her shoes that repeatedly wouldn’t stay tied and now I’m looking eye to eye at a beautiful woman who now borrows my shoes?

But this girl here, she has some decisions to make.

Tough decisions.

The hardest decision she has been faced with.

And we all know that decisions aren’t easy.

Decisions…sometimes suck the life out of you.

Decisions…open you up to thoughts you didn’t know you had.

Decisions…make you grow.

And this is what I see happening in front of me.

Growth.

My girl is strong-willed and perseverant while maintaining a kind heart.

She knows what she wants, who she wants to draw into her life, and the kind of life she can see herself carry with pride.

But at the same time, she doesn’t know.

Her mind is racing and she is trying to quiet her beating heart down a bit.

The excitement is rushing but she knows it is important to remain calm and not let impulsivity take over.

And I just watch with wonder.

I watch with pride.

So as I gazed at her sleeping soundly on the plane, a deep joy entered my soul.

A peace washed over me.

Time may move on and we will both continue to grow but our hearts will always be intertwined…peace washed over me.

And just as we were connected so long along, a cut of a cord or a new phase of life does not mean a loss of a connection…peace washed over me.

Maybe now, the deeper, richer, and more fulfilling connections begin…peace washed over me.

A new phase about to begin…peace washed over me.

This post originally appeared on Hang in there mama by Ali Flynn.

 

 

Ali Flynn Is excited to share with you the joys and hardships of motherhood with an open heart, laughter and some tears. Ali is a monthly guest contributor for Westchester County Mom  and has been seen on Filter Free Parents, Grown and Flown, Today Parents and Her View From Home.