Words. They matter.

I spent the better part of my post-high school academic career studying the written and spoken word and how those words matter.

I also have three children who struggled to find their voices. They have worked through intensive speech therapy to be able to find and use words.

The power of a word is not lost on me.

I teach my kids to think before they speak. Is it kind? Is it truthful? Is it necessary? If they can’t answer all of those questions with a yes then maybe they should think about saying whatever it is before they do.

This is why it bothers me so much when people say, “They are only words.”

Words have power.

The way we talk to people isn’t a reflection of them as much as it is a reflection of ourselves. The way we talk to and about our children becomes their inner voice.

I’ve had this on my mind a lot for a few months now. It seems like in our current culture it has become a social norm to be a “keyboard warrior” online and to excuse really, really awful behavior because “they are only words.”

I really got to thinking about this last night after what turned into a heated social media discussion, if we can call it that, with someone I respected. I generally try not to engage and avoid hot button issues—especially when I know the other parties aren’t particularly receptive to different points of view. I know it was 100% it was my fault for kicking the proverbial bee’s nest, but it was most certainly not a respectful discussion on either side. I am not too proud to admit it wasn’t a good look for either of us.

Follow me as I dig a little deeper.

It isn’t just the written word that matters. It isn’t just what we see each other write online that matters. It’s true that social media has empowered a lot of us to say things that we wouldn’t necessarily say to someone’s face and we should think before we type, but we also need to think before we speak.

The power of a word.

There have been moments in my life where words have been really influential on me: The words contained in the acceptance letter to my dream college. My husband asking me to marry him. My Grandmother’s marriage advice. My Dad’s wedding toast to my husband and me. The first time my children told me they loved me. Any time someone told me “You can’t.”

I also can think of moments where words didn’t just have an impact on me, but also on my view of the world or someone in it.

Once, after the birth of a new baby, some relatives came to visit and meet him. One of them had been wanting a baby of her own and working their way through the options. She mentioned how she was slightly discouraged because another family they knew had received another foster placement while she was still longing for her first. Her husband responded with a remark about how that child had autism and that family was able to get another child because they were willing to “take whatever garbage was thrown at them.”

Now, it was a passing conversation and the people involved probably don’t remember it, but I do. Six months later as my oldest son received an autism diagnosis, it resurfaced in my mind. It took up space and it lives there. Every interaction this person has with my child, his words come to mind.

A few summers back a new family moved into our neighborhood. My girls were thrilled to have more kids their age to play with. It was great at first. They played frequently and I was all for it until I started to hear the way these children were speaking. They were being mean to my girls and thinking they were funny.

Their words weren’t welcome and it was tough to navigate, but my girls learned they needed to speak up for themselves, but also to believe in themselves and they were worthy and capable of great things.

Around the time of my first son’s ASD diagnosis I reached out to the few mamas I knew with children on the spectrum. I was lost and looking for guidance. Out of them, most were encouraging, offered support, and gave some advice. One, however, told me to get over it and not make it about myself. She had nothing to offer and I would figure it out just as she had.

That stung and put a wall in our friendship. I often think about her words when I am sharing my perspective on our life with the spectrum. I hope should another mama ever come to me looking for a lifeline as I had been that I remember her counsel and offer better.

These are only a few examples of the power of words, but they were impactful enough to bear mention. They were said in passing and have an echo that remains.

Lately, this world doesn’t seem built for kindness. To have a soft heart or to admit your hurt almost instantly is met with more insult or a suggestion to “toughen up.” I don’t agree with that, but I am also not saying that we should all walk around in bubble wrap with fragile egos and tiptoe around people. But maybe, speak less and think more before you do.

Is it kind? Is it truthful? Is it necessary? If our answer is no to any of these questions, then maybe we need to rethink our words.

The old childhood rhyme “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” comes to mind. Maybe words can’t break a bone or cause visible damage, but words do in fact matter. Words can break and words can damage.

Words have power.

It’s up to you whether or not you use your words for good.

Choose your words wisely.

 

This post originally appeared on How Many Monkeys Are Jumping On the Bed?.

Marisa McLeod lives in Waterville, Ohio, with her husband and four kids. She's a Golden Girls, Disney, and organizational junkie. She can usually be found sipping coffee (or wine), watching reality television, or Pinterest-dreaming her next adventure. You can follow along with her on her blog How Many Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, Facebook, or on Instagram.

Steve Irwin would have turned 60 today, and his daughter, Bindi Irwin, 23, is paying tribute to him In a special way. She’ll spend the day with her daughter, whose middle names “Warrior Irwin” are a tribute to her father, and she’s posted memorable family photos on her personal Instagram.

“Today I’ll watch ‘The Crocodile Hunter’ with Grace Warrior and share stories about her incredible Grandpa Crocodile,” she wrote.She also posted a photo of her dad holding up a snake with her by his side. The late conservationist loved to explore nature with his family.

Bindi wrote “I love you with all my heart. Your legacy lives on,” to end her memorial post to her dad, captioning the photo she shared “Happy Birthday to the greatest dad and Wildlife Warrior.”

Steve Irwin, a wildlife expert known for his vibrant personality and love of nature, was 44 when he died in 2006 after a stingray stung him in the chest while he was filming a TV show.

His son, 18, also posted about his father, writing “My earliest memories are my fondest, thanks to you. Hanging on tight to the handlebars of the motorbike, when you’d take Bindi and I on your morning lap of the zoo — before going to get ice cream for breakfast. Every minute spent with you was a blessing,” he wrote. “I’m gonna ride that lap on your old motorbike this afternoon. ❤️”

Big sister Bindi commented on her brother’s post “Love you. So proud of you. Dad is always with us. ❤️”

—Shelley Massey

 

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Rams wide receiver Van Jefferson was pretty busy last week. In addition to winning the Super Bowl, he also welcomed his second child into the world: on the same night!

Jefferson and his wife Samaria knew that picking a name for their new baby boy was going to be a big task, as they shared in an interview on TODAY. At the time, Samaria shared that Van walked into the hospital room saying “I have a great idea for a name: Wynn Jefferson…We’re torn between Wynn and Miles Jefferson.”

But that was back on Feb. 16, just three days after Samaria left the Super Bowl at half time to head to the hospital, and the couple continued to mull over names before finally finding the perfect one. A few days later, Van told People that the winning moniker would be Champ Jefferson.

“It’s very fitting. That’s very fitting for the type of situation we just had…Champ has a meaning of warrior, and I’m all about having meaning [in] a name, so I think that’s a perfect fitting for him,” he tells People.

The Jefferson’s are continuing to settle in as a family of four, especially big sister, Bella. Samaria shares, “She loves it. She was talking about her baby brother for days leading up. ‘When is he going to be here?’ ‘When is he going to be here?’ She absolutely loves him.”

––Karly Wood

 

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Like the times we live in, baby names in 2022 will be wildly unpredictable. Socially conscious, inspired by pop culture, or in homage to your ancestors? Everything is fair game. Here are our predictions for baby name trends in 2022, which are all predictably out of the ordinary.


Image via iStock

Literary Baby Names
The past few years have many of us reading up a storm and that’s clear when we see how many people are naming their newborns after literary characters and authors. Whether you’ve fallen for Atticus from Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird or you’re digging the name Zora in honor of anthropologist, filmmaker and author Zora Neale Hurston, these literary baby names are for you.

Nature-Inspired Baby Names
After the past two years, who isn’t grateful for nature? From flower and tree names (Hyacinth and Ash, anyone?) to seasons and stunning landscape features, these names cover the most beautiful and unique baby names inspired by natural elements.

Baby Names Based on Astrology & the Solar System
These names are out of this world (literally!). Influenced by astrology, constellations and our solar system, names like Leo, Aurora and Stella are topping the list.

Baby Names Inspired by Travel & Geography
If you’ve got travel on your mind and a baby in your belly, these travel-inspired baby names are just what the (name) doctor ordered. From Everest to Cyprus to Austin and Georgia, baby names inspired by our favorite places are trending this year when wanderlust is at an all-time high. These beautiful names—many of which are unisex—will show you why.

Classic Baby Names
Traditional baby names are always a good standby and we know they’ll continue to be popular in 2022. Think you’ll have a strong-willed warrior on your hands? Better put William on the top of your list. Or if you’re getting princess vibes already, Sarah is a solid choice.

—Shelley Massey

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Jump on it! Skyzone, the creator of the world’s first indoor trampoline park is celebrating 17 years with a fun freebie. All locations will offer complimentary 30 minute jump tickets to guests this Friday!

The offer is valid for specific times at each location, so you can look up your closest Skyzone and get more details online. The deal is for walk-in customers only and the pass can only be used on September 17. If your kids have ever wanted to try a trampoline park, the time is now.

With more than 170 locations nationally and internationally, Sky Zone offers fun for the whole family, including Ninja Warrior Courses, Sky Slam and the Foam Zone. The company also offers special birthday party packages and corporate gatherings, if you need a little office break. And if your free jump time leaves you ready for more, you can buy a membership for daily jumps and discounts.

Don’t have a Skyzone close by? How about one of these backyard trampoline picks that are perfect for kids? Whatever you decide, it’s a guarantee that you’ll burn off a little extra energy before bedtime!

—Sarah Shebek

Featured image courtesy of Skyzone

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These names aren’t old-fashioned; they’re classics! These traditional baby names are the most popular names for girls and boys in the past 100 years, according to the Social Security Administration. We’ll also tell you where each name comes from and what it means.

Top 10 Classic Baby Names for Girls

iStock

Mary
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Beloved

Patricia
Origin: Latin
Meaning: Noble

Jennifer
Origin: English
Meaning: White wave

Linda
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Pretty

Elizabeth
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: My God is an oath

iStock

Barbara
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Stranger, foreigner

Susan
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Lily

Jessica
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God beholds

Sarah
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Princess

Karen
Origin: Scandinavian
Meaning: Pure

Top 10 Classic Baby Names for Boys

A daughter touches her mother's pregnant belly as they discuss how to tell the gender of the baby
iStock

James
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Supplanter

John
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God is gracious

Robert
Origin: English
Meaning: Bright fame

Michael
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Who is like God?

William
Origin: German
Meaning: Strong-willed warrior

iStock

David
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Beloved

Richard
Origin: German
Meaning: Strong ruler

Joseph
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: God will increase

Thomas
Origin: Greek
Meaning: Twin

Charles
Origin: English
Meaning: Free man

—Eva Ingvarson Cerise

featured photo: iStock

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If you’ve put long bike rides on hold because your kids are too young to bike alongside you or big trailers are too clunky to tote on a major ride, you’ll dig this cool bike trailer that makes family bike outings a cinch. Called a Weehoo, this trailer is great for kids of all ages and biking abilities and is easy to set-up and pull along. Now, go find those bike shorts and rediscover your inner weekend warrior.

Weehooo

What it Does
Weehoo is a bike trailer that lets kids pedal, sleep, eat, drink, enjoy the scenery and, most importantly, be with you, while you ride. While traditional bike trailers leave kids looking like ancient Pharoahs, being toted in an enclosed litter, the Weehoo is designed to look and act just like a real bike, so kids can get some exercise and be out in nature, all while safe and secure.

weehoo side by side

Why You’ll Love it
One of the things we really love about the Weehoo is its versatility. Its appropriate for any size, age and riding ability. For most biking families, baby quickly outgrows the child seat on your bike, then they graduated to the trailer, but soon outgrew that too. Then you’re stuck in no-mans land since they’re too big to tote and too small to bike alongside. With a sigh, you resign yourself to 10 minute bikes around the neighborhood for the next half dozen years. Or… attach the Weehoo to your own bike and you’ve got someone to share the load (they pedal) and the ride.

weehoo rose

How it Works
So, how long can they ride along? The Weehoo has an adjustable seat that fit your 2 year-old and your 9 year-old (because big little legs get tired, too). And with a weight limit of 80 pounds, you just might find they fit even longer.

What makes the Weehoo different from other trailers that turn your mountain bike or beach cruiser into a bicycle built for two is that the seat isn’t a regular bicycle seat: it’s a bucket seat that your kids are strapped into, so just in case they nod off around mile 40, your riders strapped in and perfectly safe.

weehoo snow

One last thing that really stood out to us with this bike trailer is that it’s a great tool for all types of kids. It teaches balance to your little one who still needs training wheels, but is raring to go. It’s a perfect segue into biking with the family for those big kids who you’re starting to worry may be stuck on their training wheels until college – they learn peddling and to enjoy (not fear) going fast. And since the Weehoo accommodates the bigger kids, it’s wonderful for kids with special needs who are too big for the tot trailers, but aren’t ready to bike solo.

Not that we’re ever advocating you ditch your beloved tricycle, but we do think this is a spectacular way to Ride On!

The Weehoo iGo Turbo retails for $475.

Buy it here

 

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If your little ones are swinging from the rafters these days, going to the park might not be enough to burn off all that energy. Check out these obstacle and rope courses around DC, where your wild adventurers can get their wiggles out in the air or on the ground. Whether they’re traipsing on bridges, swinging free through the air, or climbing walls (literally!), these courses have something for everyone and plenty of adrenaline to go around.

Adventure Park USA

Adventure Park USA

Make it a full day of adventure by heading to Adventure Park USA’s Hang ‘Em High Ropes Course. Hang out 13 feet above the ground to navigate this fun and challenging mid-air adventure perfect for anyone at least 40-inches tall. After you’ve had your fill of aerial adventures, take off your safety harness and enjoy some of their other adventures, like the go-karts or the rock wall.

Cost: $8 for the ropes course only; $25-100 for a fun pass that gives you the rope course and other adventures
Where: 11113 W. Baldwin Rd, Monrovia, MD
Online: adventureparkusa.com

The St. James

The St. James

This Springfield-based gym has a health club with fitness classes, racquetball courts, indoor sports fields and courts, ice rinks, an Olympic-size pool, a water park – and so on. But this is focusing on obstacle courses, so we’ll put on blinders here and head straight for the 30,000-square-foot area that has trampolines, a Nerf battle zone, a ropes course, colorful climbing structures and, of course, a Ninja Warrior Course. The biggest challenge may be tearing yourself away.

Cost: $13/one hour for nonmembers, $23/two hours
Where: 6805 Industrial Rd., Springfield, VA
Online: superawesomeandamazing.com

Summit Ropes

Summit Ropes

The largest indoor ropes course in the United States boasts 16,550 square feet of courses split into a Kids Course for ages 4-9 and the Main Course for ages 7 & up. Guests wear a full-body harness and use a smart belay system so climbers can go it alone or with a partner. The course uses via ferrata, a steel cable that runs along the route and is attached to the rock every 3.3-32.8 feet.

Insider tip: Reservations are required at this time. If you make a reservation and are a no-show, you will be charged the full amount for the booking.

Cost: Ages 7 & up - $29.50 (1hr), $48 (2hr)
Ages 4-6 (combo with adult) - $47 (1hr), $65 (2hr)

Where: 44810 Old Ox Rd., Sterling, VA
Online: summitropes.com

SkyZone

SkyZone

Children and adults can test their skills on a variety of equipment, such as the Ninja Warrior Course (open to ages 6 and up), which tests balance, strength and speed; rock walls, warp walls of varying height and difficulty; trampolines (open to anyone who can walk); and dodgeball. A main attraction is the Ropes Course (for anyone 48 inches and taller), which is suspended above the facility’s floor and requires a harness to use. Check the website for special events like Glow ($25/person ages 6 and up) on Friday and Saturday from 8-11 p.m. and Toddler Time ($10/child 5 and younger) on Tuesday-Thursday, 9:30-11 a.m.

Cost: Prices vary by location
Where: 21070 Southbank St. Sterling, VA; 5325 Port Royal Rd., Springfield, VA; 7807 Sudley Rd., Manassas, VA; 15813 Gaither Dr., Gaithersburg, MD
Online: skyzone.com

ZavaZone

ZavaZone

With three adventure zones to choose from, there’s something for every goal, whether it’s scaling a warp wall, reaching new heights on a giant trampoline, winning a balance battle or swinging through the challenges of the high ropes course set about 20 feet off the floor. And if you’re tired from all that obstacle-crushing, take the 40-foot zip line from one high platform to another. The height requirement for the high ropes course and zip line is 52 inches, and the overall age recommendation is at least 5 years.

Cost: $19.50/one-hour ticket to $34/two-hour ticket
Where: 40 Southlawn Ct., Rockville, MD (reopening June 11, 2021); 45685 Oakbrook Ct., Sterling, VA
Online: zavazone.com

NOVA Ninja

Situated at CrossFit Loudoun, which is owned by a former “American Ninja Warrior” contestant, this gym has classes and drop-ins to suit every schedule. New is a weekly Family Ninja Night on Saturdays from 6:15-7:15 p.m. ($20/family). Youth programs are available for children as young as 5. The Ninja 101 class takes kids through seven obstacles, including rope swings, balance tanks and a ring row.

Cost: Contact for pricing
Where: 21531 Blackwood Ct., Sterling, VA
Online: novaninja.com

Go Ape!

Go Ape

When the kids start bouncing off the walls, it may be time to take to the trees. These obstacle courses in Springfield and Rockville take climbers to new heights. The Go Ape Treetop Journey is a good way to whet your appetite for high-ropes courses. During the hourlong trek, you’ll conquer 20 obstacles and two zip lines. For the more daring – and slightly older set – try Go Ape Treetop Adventure, which takes two-three hours to complete and sits higher in the tree canopy. The minimum height for either is 4 feet 7 inches. Note that these are open seasonally. Both locations reopen March 28.

Insider tip: They’ve discontinued the use of cash and only accept card payments due to Covid.

Cost: $37.95/ages (1hr); $64.95/16 & up or $54.95/15 & under (3hr)
Where: 7550 Reservation Dr., Springfield, VA; 6129 Needwood Lake Dr., Derwood, MD
Online: goape.com

Terrapin Adventures

With several options to choose from, it’s pretty tough to not find something challenging – in a good way. The ultimate is the Terrapin Challenge (open to kiddos 8 & up who are at least 4 feet tall and 70 pounds). It covers all 34 obstacles, including the Zip Line, Giant Swing, 43-foot Climbing Tower, Terrapin Flier and High Ropes Challenge Course. Or tackle just one or two of those. The 450-foot Zip Line starts 30 feet above ground and riders can reach speeds of 20 mph as they sail down. Take a ride on the Giant Swing – after you scale a 4-foot-high scaffolding. The company’s patented winch system pulls guests back and up almost 40 feet in the air before they release the swing and enjoy 2 G’s of force as they swing back and forth. The Climbing Tower – a rock wall – has 12 routes to the top with varying degrees of difficulty. Ever want to free fall 40 feet? You can here – safely. And no obstacle course would be complete without a high ropes course. This one has 18 challenges and reaches 40 feet into the treetops. Cost: $69/person for the High Ropes Course, Climbing Tower and Giant Swing; $29/person for the Giant Swing and Zip Line; $29/person for the Kid’s for Terrapin Explorer Ropes Course Where: 8600 Foundry St., Savage, MD Online: terrapinadventures.com

Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School

Open to ages 5 & up, this location offers 13 aerial forest trails of varying difficulty. Each has a zip line but they primarily have bridges between tree platforms made of rope, cable and wood. It’s possible to create 190 unique challenges, although there are restrictions on which trails the youngest climbers can tackle.

Cost: Mon.-Fri.: $60/ages 12-adult, $50/ages 7-11, $16/ages 5-6; Sat. & Sun: $64/ages 12-adult, $54/ages 7-11, $20/ages 5-6
Where: 16701 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring, MD
Online: sandyspringadventurepark.org

—Wendy Miller, Meghan Yudes Meyers and Stephanie Kanowitz

 

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Kid’s yoga is a great idea in theory, but in practice it can be a predicament. Maneuvering your own body into Warrior Two is an adjustment, let alone expecting a squirmy three-year-old to pull it off. That’s where the Chi Universe Yoga mat comes in!

This ingenious mat is designed with universal symbols that help kids move their body into the correct poses: rain drops, hearts, stars, triangles and a couple fun twists. Each product comes with a game poster, free videos, a yoga game app and colorful style. It’s currently available in a kid’s size, as well as an adult size for family yoga sessions.

Better yet, the mats are recyclable, easy to clean and pass the prop 65 test for children’s health and safety. You can buy them on Amazon for $36.97 for the kid’s mat and $38.97 for the tween/adult size.

Chi Yoga makes yoga more playful, using the symbol system as a universal language. The company also plans to offer a free class on June 12 at 11 a.m. PT, in celebration of Global Wellness Day. Get your kids excited about moving their bodies all summer long!

—Sarah Shebek

Images courtesy of Chi Yoga

 

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Bindi Irwin and husband Chandler Powell are parents! The Crikey! It’s the Irwins star (and daughter of famed “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin) welcomed daughter Grace Warrior Irwin Powell on Mar. 25.

March has a whole new meaning for Irwin and Powell now. Not only is it the couple’s anniversary, but it’s also their first child’s birth month. Irwin posted a sweet family Instagram pic and a caption celebrating both awesome occasions.

Irwin wrote on IG, “March 25, 2021. Celebrating the two loves of my life. Happy first wedding anniversary to my sweetheart husband and day of birth to our beautiful daughter.”

She continued, explaining her new daughter’s special name, “Grace Warrior Irwin Powell. Our graceful warrior is the most beautiful light. Grace is named after my great-grandmother, and relatives in Chandler’s family dating back to the 1700s. Her middle names, Warrior Irwin, are a tribute to my dad and his legacy as the most incredible Wildlife Warrior. Her last name is Powell and she already has such a kind soul just like her dad.”

Irwin also posted an adorable onesie pic with her newborn’s name and birth stats. According to the post, baby Grace Warrior Irwin Powell was born at 5:52 p.m., weighs seven pounds and seven ounces and is 20 inches long!

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Shutterstock

 

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