Imagine if every time you took the garbage out or loaded the dishwasher someone offered helpful tips on how to do it more efficiently. Now imagine if, after every meal, someone in your family gave a critique of the food and made suggestions for the next meal.

How would you feel? Well, I know how I would feel: deflated, frustrated, and unmotivated.

Without realizing it, this is basically what some parents are doing to their children after every practice or game. As soon as the child leaves the field, Mom or Dad starts in.

Sometimes, it’s friendly tips that are meant to be helpful. Sometimes, it’s more commanding advice, like “Swing with more power” or “Pay more attention to the ball.” Other times, parents just ask so many questions they exhaust their children (who are already tired from the game).

I can tell you with confidence that all children—and I mean all children—hate the questions and constructive criticism. Young athletes start to dread the car ride home because they know they are held captive with nowhere to exit. The analysis of the game and the helpful hints completely suck the fun out of the game.

What’s worse, that fleeting car ride can have a lasting, if unintended, effect.

In my practice as a family coach, I see it time and time again. A child has loved sports for many years. Then all of a sudden, poof, he or she has no interest in ever playing again—and the parents are left scratching their heads.

It’s all too common. Up to 70 percent of youth athletes stop playing the game by age 13, according to a survey conducted by The National Alliance for Youth Sports. The reason? Heartbreakingly, because the game is no longer fun.

Even the most well-intentioned parent can ruin the fun by being overly invested in the outcome of a game or the growth of their player. (And it’s a shame because, besides being fun, playing a sport is shown to improve academic outcomes, lower the risk of alcohol and drug use, reduce unexpected pregnancies, and improve social relationships.)

I know it’s hard not to share what you see from the sidelines. I know parents are just trying to connect with their children. But, more often than not, it’s not working.

The good news? There’s an easy fix. Greet your player when the game is over in one of two ways, and you will revolutionize the way your child feels about being on the team.

Option 1: “I love to watch you play.”

Option 2: “Where should we go for ice cream?”

By telling your child how much you enjoy seeing their effort, win or lose, you are conveying support and reinforcing the joy of the game. I see so many young players immediately looking into the stands to see a parent’s reaction to a goal or a great defensive move. They want—no, they crave—the positive affirmations from their parents.

So, give it to them.

(This also goes for those parents glued to their phones on the sidelines. Look up! You want to be there to catch their eye.)

The more you focus on the joy of watching them—not winning, not technique, not strategy—the more they’ll actually enjoy playing (and, not incidentally, the more likely they’ll actually improve).

Now, ice cream after a game isn’t always necessary. But, win or lose, it sure is nice.

Catherine Pearlman, Ph.D., LCSW, is a therapist, avid youth sports parent, and founder of The Family Coach. This post originally appeared on MOJO.

MOJO is on a mission to make youth sports more fun for everyone — one kid, one coach, one family at a time. 

Looking to add some big fun to your backyard bash? Look no further than these giant lawn games! These larger-than-life versions of classic games are perfect for all ages and add a playful twist to any outdoor gathering. Whether you’re looking for a game to keep the kids entertained or a way to liven up your next BBQ, jumbo yard games are the way to go. From giant Jenga to oversized bowling, there are so many options to choose from. But where do you start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

We’re sharing our top picks for giant lawn games that you can purchase right now. In fact, most of them are from Amazon, so you can get them almost right now. It’s never too early to start planning your spring and summer get-togethers, and these are also perfect for spring break. Plus, we made sure to consider kiddos of all ages so no one gets left out. Get ready to supersize your next backyard game night!

Oversized Yardzee

giant wooden dice set lawn game
SWOOC

This oversized Yahtzee (Yardzee—get it?) game is so much fun for everyone! And this set isn't just limited to Yahtzee. Farkle, Bowling, Pig, and more (20+ games) are packed into this one, weather-resistant set. 

Oversized Yardzee ($39.99)—Buy Here!

Giant Yard Pong

giant yard pong lawn game
Juegoal

This jumbo yard pong game is perfect for all ages. This set includes 12 oversized red cups, four balls, and a carrying case so you can take easily bring the fun with you to the beach or your next family gathering. Available in red, black, or teal/glow in the dark options!

Giant Yard Pong ($39.99)—Buy Here!

28 Piece Large Wooden Dominoes

giant dominoes lawn game
Triumph Sports

Color-coded and varnish-finished, these giant dominoes are ideal for the the whole family!

28 Piece Large Wooden Dominoes ($44.63)—Buy Here!

2-in-1 Vintage Giant Checkers & Tic Tac Toe

giant checkers board
SWOOC

Did someone say 'washable'? The board—a durable and reversible canvas—can be machine-washed, so grass stains and drink spills are no problem at all. This set comes with everything you need for Checkers and Tic Tac Toe.

2-in-1 Vintage Giant Checkers & Tic Tac Toe ($39.99)—Buy Here!

Jumbo Ring Toss

Amazon

This giant ring toss game is simply a backyard must-have. A tried-and-true favorite activity through the spring, summer, and fall, ring toss has a way of bringing people (of all ages) together. This particular set has almost 12K glowing Amazon reviews, too, so they're clearly doing something right.

Jumbo Ring Toss ($24.99)—Buy Here!

GoSports Ladder Toss

set of two ladder toss games
GoSports

This ladder toss is a great game for all ages to play. Set up is easy and you'll be having a blast in no time.

GoSports Ladder Toss ($49.99)—Buy Here!

MegaChess

giant game of chess
MegaChess

Just as the name implies, this is indeed a mega game of chess. With a 25 in. tall king (should give you a good idea of the size we're talking about here), this is such a charming set for mega chess fans.

MegaChess ($450.00)—Buy Here!

Giant Playing Cards

hand holding giant playing cards for lawn games
Yuanhe

Who among us doesn't need a full (all 52 cards) deck of enormous playing cards?

Giant Playing Cards ($13.69)—Buy Here!

Kick Croquet Game Set

giant kick croquet game
Franklin Sports

Kids will have a ball with this fun, outdoor, giant kick croquet game! Kick Croquet combines the fun of running and kicking a ball with the extra added attraction of guiding it through a course of wickets. You can make the course as hard or easy as you want. We're talking soccer vibes in a huge croquet set.

Kick Croquet Game Set ($34.18)—Buy Here!

Giant Connect 4

giant connect 4 game and bag
Giantville

If this isn't the most fun game for families, we aren't sure what is. Set up this jumbo version of Connect Four in your backyard and the kids will be dueling it out all summer long (but, you know, like in a healthy, friendly competition way). Don't believe us? Read the reviews!

Giant Connect 4 ($208.21)—Buy Here!

Giant Jenga

jumbo jenga game
Jenga

Don't you just love this extra-huge version of Jenga? The kids might need your help setting it up every time they knock it over, but other than that this is certainly one of the best jumbo lawn games you can bring home.

Giant Jenga ($118.50)—Buy Here!

Giant Kick Darts

SWOOC

Sure, this huge inflatable game could go one of two ways depending on the kind of neighbors you have and the aim your family has, but it's still wildly fun.

Giant Kick Darts ($149.99)—Buy Here!

Giant Inflatable Dice 6-Pack

Amazon

This inflatable dice set comes with six dice so that you can teach the kids one of these fun games or even use them to make match concepts fun. We love that they are easy to transport so that you can bring them with you camping or on your next family vacation.

Giant Inflatable Dice 6-Pack ($17.29)—Buy Here!

Giant Inflatable Bowling Set

Etna

This is a super fun option for little ones since there's very little risk of them getting hurt. Have the kids kick the bowling ball or mix it up and have them kick it backward—there are tons of ways this can be a fun and active game.

Giant Inflatable Bowling Set ($24.99)—Buy Here!

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

Minute to win it games for kids make for instant fun

If you’re looking for a great way to spend the evening at home with the family or you’ve got a big party to plan, there’s a good chance you’re searching for fun games for kids. That’s where minute to win it games come in. (You can also try out some of the best jokes for kids, DIY magic potions, ultimate trivia questions, and amazing movie night ideas.) These completely creative games will make all the difference during your next rainy weekend afternoon, family game night, or birthday party.

What’s a minute to win it game?

Simply put, it’s a 60-second game using items typically found around the house. Participants attempt to see who can finish a challenge first or who can complete a task the most times in under a minute. You can even add a theme, like Halloween minute to win it games or holiday minute to win it games!

How to play minute to win it games

These quick, exciting games are good for parties, of course, but you can also do them with just one or two players! There are three basic ways you can play Minute to Win It Games.

  • Player vs. timer: In this style, a player races against the clock. They still have just one minute to complete the game and if they do win, you can move on to another game. If they don’t, you can choose to let them try until they do beat the clock or move on to another player.
  • Player vs. Player: In this version, which works great for small groups, have two people compete against each other (for a minute), and whoever completes the challenge first, wins! This way, you can rotate through your crew at a reasonable pace.
  • Group Minute to Win It Play: Here’s where you’ll split your group into two teams. Each team decides who goes first, and then those players compete against each other to win! This is fun for teammates too because they’ll be cheering on competitors in each round.
minute to win it dice game
Paging Fun Mums

1. Dice Balance
The kids over at Paging Fun Mums try to see how many dice they can get on the stick in one minute (the most dice win!). It's a little tricky and super fun to watch!

2. Sticky Situation
This popular game requires players to bounce a ping pong ball just right, to land it on a piece of bread slathered in peanut butter. See the full instructions here.

3. Cup to Cup
Have your players sit outside in a single file line (have the last player sit back to back with the second to last player). Put one bucket at the front of the line and one bucket at the end of the line. From there, players must fill a small plastic cup from the first bucket and pass it over their heads to the last bucket. The first team to reach the designated mark on the bucket wins!

4. Sock the Block
Build several LEGO block towers and place them around the room. Players must use balled-up socks to knock over all five towers.

5. Nose Dive
The secret weapon in this game? Petroleum jelly dabbed on the nose. Using their noses (no hands allowed), players must move five cotton balls from one bowl to another, before the minute is up.

minute to win it games are fun activities for kids
iStock

6. Defying Gravity
Up and away! Using one hand, kids keep their balloons in the air for one minute. If this is too easy, for the half-pints you can add two balloons (or more!). Remember, no resting a balloon on a body part.

7. Wrap It Up
A two-player game that involves wrapping one player up with streamers, ribbon, or toilet paper.

8. Ball Drop
Have your player stand on a chair. Set a plastic cup on the ground in front of them and give them three ping pong balls. The object is to get all three balls in the cup without missing or having any bounce out.

9. Cereal Scramble
Cut the front of a cereal box into equal pieces. Stack the pieces into a flat tower and set a timer for one minute. Each child has a minute to piece the cereal box together.

10. Movin' On Up
Stack up 25 plastic cups of one color and add one cup of a different color at the bottom. Half-pints move the top cup to the bottom and see how far they can move the single-colored cup to the top in one minute.

girl playing the stacking cup minute to win it game
iStock

11. Stack Attack
This one might not be as tasty as cookie face, but it's still pretty popular. Give the kids one single stack of 36 plastic cups. Each child gets one minute to stack all of the cups into a pyramid and then unstack them, making a single column again.

12. Johnny Applestack
How about them apples? Another fun stacking game for kids using fruit from the kitchen—apples. Little ones have one minute to stack five apples (or three for younger kids) on top of each other and stay for three seconds.

13. Rubber Band Shooting Gallery
Get some rubber bands and aluminum cans and have players stand 10 feet away. Start the clock and see how many they can knock over in a minute!

14. Junk in the Trunk
Each player will need a tissue box, pantyhose and ten ping pong balls. Put the ping pong balls in each tissue box. Then, tie the boxes around each player. Kids have one minute to shake out (no hands) as many balls as they can.

15. Doughnut Chew
A piece of cake! Of all the minute to win it games, kids will eat this one up. First, tie a string around a doughnut, then hang it between two chairs. Littles need to eat the doughnut within a minute without it falling to the floor.

 

girl with balloon
iStock

16. This Blows
If you’re looking for a minute to win it game that your tween or teen will still get a kick out of, this is it. Each player has one minute to blow up a balloon and then use the air that’s inside of it to knock over as many plastic cups as they can. If they still have time on the clock, they can repeat the steps to blow down any leftover cups.

17. Chandelier
Light up the fun! You'll need 15 empty soda cans and four paper plates. Kids have one minute to stack cans with paper plates in between to see how high they can go.

18. Sponge Run
Place a kiddie pool or a bucket full of water on one side of the yard, and place an empty bucket on the other side. Players must soak up as much water in their sponge as possible and carry the sponge on top of their heads to the empty bucket. Once they arrive, players must squeeze as much water as possible into the empty bucket and head back to their teammates. The first team to fill their bucket to the line wins.

19. Noodling Around
Start this minute to win it game with one strand of uncooked spaghetti. The player puts the end of the dry noodle in their mouth; they have 60 seconds to pick up six uncooked pieces of penne pasta—with the spaghetti. Oh, and without using their hands!

20. Scoop It Up
Move six ping pong balls from one bowl to another, using only a spoon. Again, like some of the other minute to win it games, the kids can’t use their hands. Instead, each child will use a spoon—in their mouth.

Chica Circle

21. Card Ninja
Tweens and teens will get a giggle out of this minute to win it game. Slice a watermelon in half, securing it on a table or other flat surface. Give the kids cards to throw (kind of like throwing stars). Whoever gets the most cards into the melon in one-minute wins. Chica Circle has more details

22. Puddle Jumper
Set up a series of plastic cups. Fill them to the top with water and set a ping pong ball on the first in the row. The kids need to blow the ball from the first cup to the second. Keep going with more balls, racing to see who moves the most in one minute.

23. Penny Hose
Players have to retrieve two pennies from the bottom of a pair of pantyhose. It's hard than it looks!

24. Nut Stacker
It’s almost like the penny game, just slightly more difficult. Instead of stacking coins with one hand, each child has one minute to stack hex nuts onto a wooden stick or dowel.

25. Leaning Tower of LEGO
Fill two bins/buckets with LEGO (the number depends on the age of the players). Players must stack all the bricks in the container. If the tower breaks, continue to stack. The first person to stack all their bricks wins!

Sunflower Mom

26. Peep Face Game
Got extra peeps? We love this twist on the cookie minute to win it that's a fun game for kids at Easter. Sunflower Mom gives her little chicks one minute to stick as many peeps as they can to their face! Little bunnies think this game is funny.

27. Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Toss
Have players stand back from the table with mugs on it. Give players a designated number of marshmallows and see how many the team can throw into the mug in one minute.

28. Penny Tower
How many pennies can your child stack in one minute? If they just guessed a million, they’re not exactly right. The trick to this game is that the child can only use one hand. And believe us, that makes it oh-so-challenging.

29. Cookie Face
This is by far one of the favorites of kids just about everywhere. Not only do they get to play a super-silly game, but it’s all done with cookies. Cookies! Place a regular ol’ sandwich cookie on the child’s forehead. They’ll need to use their facial muscles to move it down their face and into their mouth—without using their hands.

30. Keep it Up
As light as a feather! Little players keep two feathers in the air for one minute (or as long as they can). The catch is they can just use their breath. To make it easier for younger kids, they can use a straw.

goldfish games are minute to win it games
Ginger Snap Crafts

31. Go Fish!
Whether it's crackers or mini marshmallows, this fun game for kids is easy! You'll need straws and two plates. Little gamers have one minute (to win it!) to see how many fish they can transfer from one plate to another with the suction from the straw and no hands. See more Goldfish Minute to Win It Games over at Gingersnap Crafts.

32. Ping Pong Toss
Players have one minute to try and toss ping pong balls in a container down the table. Three in a row wins, or, at the end of the minute, whoever has the most balls in their container.

33. Spin Doctor
As far as a minute to win it games go, tweens find this a ton of fun. A player spins a coin on the table. A second player stops the coin with one finger on its edge (upright!). Either player can spin the coin, and it's a win when you stop the coin for three seconds within a minute.

34. State of Fun
This minute to win it game uses brainpower! Get a sheet of paper and pencils for players, then have them write down as many state capitals as they can before the timer goes off. The player with the most correct state capitals wins the round.

35. Gummy Worm Search
This minute to win it game is messy, so save it for warm weather or a summer birthday party! Fill aluminum pie pans with gummy worms and cover them with whipped cream. Players have to find the gummy worms using their mouths, no hands! The player who finds the most gummy worms at the end of the round wins. 

Make sure to capture all the giggles—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

 

Contact your state elections office or just ask a friendly poll worker about rules and limitations on bringing your children along with you to the voting booth

Election Day is almost here and…well, maybe you have a preschooler, toddler, or newborn in tow. Now what? Um, go ahead and bring your kid with you to vote! Yep, that’s right. Take your pint-sized politician (in the future sense, of course) into the booth.

Many parents wonder if they’re legally allowed to bring their children with them into the voting booth. Even though this civic duty is a highly private one, the government allows minor children to accompany their voting parents in every state. That said, some states have their own laws setting maximum ages for kids who can come into the voting booth.

can you take your kids into the voting booth
iStock

Related: How to Steer Kids Through a Divisive Political Season

Don’t worry, your kindergarten kiddo can still go with you. States that do have age restrictions have set limits that are well into the teenage years. But keep in mind that each state has different rules, so ask questions and be prepared. In Virginia, for example, only children 15 years old and younger are allowed in the booths, according to NBC News. The same goes for Connecticut. But in California and other states, parents can bring along any minor under the age of 18.

If you’re not sure what the legal maximum age for a child accompanying a parent into a voting booth is, just ask. Call your state’s elections office before you go, or just ask the helpful friendly faces at your local polling place when you arrive. Go in knowing that every. single. state. in the country allows parents to bring their minor children into the voting booth with them, so if a poll worker turns you and your child away, remind them of their state’s laws not only dictating voting booth rules, but also voter suppression.

Along with age restrictions, some states also have total child maximums. Depending on your state, the law may limit the number of kids you bring into the booth to one or two. Again, always ask ahead of time. If you have three kids and your state only allows two, consider setting up an Election Day babysitting collective in your community or bring a friend with you to vote.

Related: Rock the Vote! Election Day Games for the Kids

Related: Things to Do with Your Family Instead of Talking Politics

Okay, so what happens if your toddler throws a tantrum while you’re waiting in line to vote? Disrupting the voting process is a no-no. If your child’s not-so-pleasant behavior is impeding others from voting, distracting them, or causing problems for the other voters, polling place helpers could ask you to leave. Hey, you can go back to vote later on—after the babysitter comes.

So here’s the big question, “Why should you bring your kids with you to vote?” Taking your kids into the voting booth gives them a chance to see democracy in action and encourages them to think critically about what’s in the news. According to a study by the University of Chicago, nearly half of young people aged 15 to 25 get news at least once a week from family and friends via Twitter or Facebook. And it can be difficult to tell fact from fiction. One of the study’s conclusions is: “Youth must learn how to judge the credibility of online information and how to find divergent views on varied issues.”

There’s no reason to wait until they’re 18 (and of legal voting age) to start talking about their civic rights and responsibilities. Going into the voting booth with mom or dad makes our country’s political process concrete and tangible for them, helping your young child to better understand it.

There you go—kids plus voting is a win-win situation. Happy voting!

with additional reporting from Erica Loop

Your gender-neutral nursery will be anything but boring

Gender-neutral baby gear, clothes, and accessories have become very accessible, and nurseries are no exception. Whether you’re going the neutral route because you’re skipping the ‘gender reveal‘, you want to be able to plan for hand-me-downs for future babies, or just because you like the hues, there are lots of options for a gender-neutral nursery. It can be a bit of a challenge to keep things neutral and cohesive. These decorating options are easy to mix and match, plus, it’s all absolutely adorable. Oh, and boho-loving moms? There are a ton of earthy colors in this collection that you’ll love. You can’t go wrong with these.

Pick bold patterns or muted prints, or pair a little of both for a unique and darling room your babe will be able to grow into. Another major plus to neutral spaces, right? Of course, you’ll want to add baby and family photos, plus their own touches as their personalities start to show. Here are a few of our favorite choices.

Passport 20" Kids Pendant Ceiling Light by Leanne Ford

Crate & Barrel

This fun ceiling light is an adorable addition to any kiddo's room. Who wouldn't want a hot air balloon floating through their space? We know we do.

Passport 20" Kids Pendant Ceiling Light by Leanne Ford ($199.00)—Buy Here!

The Moon's Birthday Crib Sheets

Rookie Humans

100% cotton sateen, this illustrated crib sheet from Rookie Humans is like creating a storybook in their nursery. If the moon isn't quite your style, check out their full collection of stunning crib sheets, too.

The Moon's Birthday Crib Sheets ($42.00)—Buy Here!

Birch 3-Tier Shelf

Pottery Barn Kids

A little rustic and a lot cute, this woodsy, whimsical shelf holds their favorite toys, keepsakes, books, or baby supplies to keep them within reach. 

Birch 3-Tier Shelf ($189.00)—Buy Here!

Acrylic & Metallic Nursery Storage

West Elm Kids

Aside from being so cool-looking, clear storage helps you find what you're looking for fast and fits into any decor (including your gender-neutral nursery) because, again, clear.

Acrylic & Metallic Nursery Storage ($41.65)—Buy Here!

Goodnight Moon 3-Piece Celestial Nursery Crib Bedding Set

Lambs & Ivy

This sweet crib bedding set includes a quilt, fitted crib sheet, and a crib skirt. "You are my sun my moon and all of my stars" is embroidered on the soft moon. That covers every parents' sentiment, doesn't it?

Goodnight Moon 3-Piece Celestial Nursery Crib Bedding Set ($159.99)—Buy Here!

Wood & Felt Mobile

Amazon

Each piece of this charming mobile is made of environmentally-friendly materials, including the lightweight felt pom poms. 

Wood & Felt Mobile ($22.98)—Buy Here!

Boho Two-Toned Blackout Curtain

Society6

We have a feeling you're going to want blackout curtains in the nursery. Afterall, between being able to darken the whole room on your terms, and keeping the temperature regulated, there's a good chance your little one will sleep better with them.

Boho Two-Toned Blackout Curtain ($62.00+)—Buy Here!

'Welcome to My Crib' Wooden Sign

Etsy

A super cute decorative nursery sign that's laser cut and engraved from birch and white eucalyptus wood. They're available in 3 different sizes, with 12 different frame finishes to choose from.'

'Welcome to My Crib' Wooden Sign ($18.00+)—Buy Here!

Giraffe Plush Head Wall Decor

Target

Handmade details, cotton fleece, and yarn combine to create an artisanal feel that's totally gender-neutral, too. Stick with the giraffe, or add the antelope and lion, too.

Giraffe Plush Head Wall Decor ($34.99)—Buy Here!

Smokey the Owl Pendulum Clock

Birch Robot

We're actually very in love with all the clocks from Birch Lane, but Smokey the Owl is an easy fave. Made from baltic birch plywood that's ethically sourced & printed with non-toxic, water-based inks, too.

Smokey the Owl Pendulum Clock ($99.00)—Buy Here!

2

Ava Neutral Wallpaper

WallpaperMural.com

WallpaperMural.com makes absolutely beautiful wallpaper, and the Ava Neutral design warms up any nursery or kids room. It's comfy, cozy, and has just the right about of whimsy, too. That's right, we said whimsy.

Ava Neutral Wallpaper ($34.64/m sq.+)—Buy Here!

Modern Teepee Nursery Prints

Nellie Jade

The soft colors with a little extra punch make these prints a great way to add neutral hues to your little one's gender-neutral nursery. (Note: these are a digital download.)

Modern Teepee Nursery Prints ($12.95)—Buy Here!

Grey Chenille Blanket

Mud Pie

A soft chenille blanket with darling detail in a neutral hue is exactly what a nursery needs.

Grey Chenille Blanket ($27.92)—Buy Here!

Muslin Organic Cotton & Bamboo Receiving Blankets

Fern & Avery

This set of 3 receiving blankets in the 'Forest Theme' palette is not only pretty, it's hard to go wrong with soft and breathable organic cotton and bamboo fabrication. Plus, you can never have enough receiving blankets, right?

Muslin Organic Cotton & Bamboo Receiving Blankets ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Macrame-Inspired Play Mat

Little Dove

From the cactus to the alpaca, this little play mat is not only a fun focal point, it'll get a ton of use, too.

Macrame-Inspired Play Mat ($49.99)—Buy Here!

Easysleep White Noise Machine

Easysleep

This sound machine has 30 looping white noise sounds and 12 nightlight colors, and although it comes in black and white, this wood finish makes it part of the decor.

Easysleep White Noise Machine ($24.99)—Buy Here!

Stuffed Animal Storage Hammock

Dahey

Babies aren't always terribly interested in stuffed animals until they're a bit older, but we know you already have quite the collection. Store them in style with this macrame storage hammock, featuring a string of LED lights for a soft glow in a gender-neutral nursery.

Stuffed Animal Storage Hammock ($13.99)—Buy Here!

Teddy Upholstered Glider Rocking Chair

NIOIIKIT

A chair style that comes in multiple colors, the soft and fuzzy teddy upholstered options have won our hearts, especially for a nursery.

Teddy Upholstered Glider Rocking Chair ($158.98)—Buy Here!

 

 

All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.

If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.

All images courtesy of retailers.

These should all make an appearance in future father-son talks

From simple, everyday interactions to more serious, big-picture issues, there are important life lessons we dads can—and should—share to help a young boy grow into a courageous, honorable, and kind adult. That said, we realize that not all families include fathers, so these words of wisdom for a father-son talk apply to any parent figure who wants to help their child stand a little taller and do good in the world.

I’ll always be here for you.
Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad. Reminding your son that you always are available to him and mindful of his needs will go a long way in establishing and building trust over time. Mindful parenting means being present in the moment and aware of what’s happening. Modeling positive, supportive behavior while your son is young will show him that good men are reliable and responsible.

Treat others with compassion and empathy.
The Golden Rule may be a simple principle to follow, but teaching empathy can provide a deeper framework for how people should behave regardless of circumstance. Fostering empathy can help young boys to find commonalities between themselves and others who are seemingly different—and encourages them to positively and proactively think about and care for others.

Related: Daughters (Who’ll Conquer the World) Need to Hear These 8 Things

father-son-talk-playing-basketball
iStock

Winning is great, but losing with grace and humility is just as important.
Good sportsmanship is a beneficial trait that goes well beyond what happens on the playing field. By teaching our sons how to win and lose with dignity, we’re giving them strong interpersonal relationship skills that will serve them well in many other aspects of their lives besides sports. Telling them that the main point of competition is to have fun will alleviate the feeling of needing to win at any cost, and allows them to enjoy themselves.

Surround yourself with people you admire.
Dads can’t always pick our son’s friends, but we can encourage them to choose their friendships wisely. Find out who your son admires and who his heroes are, and you’ll quickly discover the kinds of people he wants to emulate. Real friendships are fundamental in early childhood development, so teaching our sons how to find good friends and be good friends will help guide them in the right direction.

I can teach you how to throw a punch, but never start a fight… and always know when to walk away.
A parent should teach their son when to stand their ground and when to walk away. Establishing a baseline that it’s never appropriate to hurt others for no reason is a critical, essential first step.

Never make an important decision on an empty stomach.
Over the course of a young boy’s life, he’ll have to make many important decisions. These are just warm-ups to the big ones that he’ll have to make as an adult, and every dad knows that important decisions should never be made on an empty stomach. There’s a science to explain why people become grumpy or have poorer judgment when they are hungry. Remind your kid to have a full belly before making any major decisions.

It’s OK to play with dolls.
Or dress up as Beyoncé. Or sing like Beyoncé. Or dance like Beyoncé. By the time most boys are five years old, they’ve already learned lots of things that perpetuate toxic masculinity. Break the cycle by letting your son know that there are no such things as “girls-only toys” or “girls-only behaviors.” Instead, teach your son that there’s more than one way to be a man.

Honesty matters.
Whether it’s telling the truth about a broken window/bike/toy or speaking up against bullies, honestly is always the best policy.

What was the best part of your day?
At the end of a long day of work and school, many dads will simply ask their sons, “How was your day?” And the typical response is a bluntly delivered, “Fine.” Rather than try to start a conversation with a generic question, be specific. Avoid questions that can be answered with a single word. As our kids get older—particularly as they enter their tween and teen years—they may be less inclined to volunteer information about what’s happening in their lives. Asking pointed questions will help tease out what’s really going on and what’s really on their minds.

Let’s talk about sex, drugs, and rock and roll.
Because if you’re not the person who’s initiating conversations with your son about topics as important as these, then someone else inevitably will, and that someone else may not always have your kid’s best interests in mind. There are plenty of resources to help parents talk to their kids about sensitive and sometimes awkward topics. At the very least, make sure your son has a handle on the basics from the school of rock.

I’m so lucky that I get to be your dad.
And while you’re at it, tell your son that you love him every day, and give him lots of hugs and kisses, especially while he’s still young so that he gets used to receiving affection from (and giving it to) his old man.

To me, there are things more important than just having a good day

A lot of parents say, “Have a good day!” to their kids as either party leaves the house. But I don’t just want my children to have a good day—even though that is important to me. There are other things I want them to also achieve and remember throughout their day. So, I started utilizing a short catchphrase I came across that embodies my hopes for my children’s day:

“Be good. Learn lots. Do your best. Have fun.”

It may seem silly, but it has actually worked for my family. I had always wanted to find a simple way to not only improve communication with my kids but also help them internalize what I say. Using this catchphrase ensures that they’ll remember my message as they go about their day and hopefully act on it.

While the catchphrase is simple enough, there’s a wealth of meaning behind it.

Be Good

When I tell my kids this, it’s partly a reminder for them to follow the rules and guidance of their teacher. However, it’s also a reminder to do good by others and to be kind, respectful and caring towards those they run into. I want to motivate them to do the right thing as they go through their day.

Learn Lots

Kids are naturally curious. They ask hundreds of questions every day as they seek to learn how things work and why things are the way they are. By telling my kids to learn lots, I’m encouraging them to hold onto their curiosity and to find all the answers that they can.

I want them to embrace learning as part of their lives and to increase both their academic prowess and their social competence. Every situation provides an opportunity to learn something new, and when they hear this phrase, I hope they remember to remain open to discovering new things.

Related: 22 Things to Say to Your Kids This School Year

Do Your Best

I tell my kids that I’ll always be proud of them as long as they do their best in whatever they’re doing, regardless of the outcome. I want them to focus on putting their best foot forward rather than focusing on winning or just getting something done for the sake of it. I encourage them to learn from failure and remind them that doing their best is always good enough.

Have Fun

I want my kids to be kids and enjoy their childhood, and this part of the catchphrase reminds them to do just that. It’s also a reminder to me not to let my expectations of my kids get in the way of their enjoyment of particular activities. Parents have a way of putting undue pressure on kids to perform, and this can do more harm than good. So this phrase reminds me to let go of my expectations and let my kids just have fun.

My kids know these words by heart, and I hope the message behind them sinks in to help guide their thoughts, decisions, and behavior even when I’m not around.

Related: 20 Empowering Things to Say to Your Daughter Every Day

Tyler Jacobson is a happy husband, father of three, writer and outreach specialist with experience with organizations that help troubled teens and parents. His areas of focus include: parenting, social media, addiction, mental illness, and issues facing teenagers today.

 

Ahhhh….summer.  It sounds amazing.

Lots of time outside; the kids all splashing happily in whatever water-filled container you have.

Lots of unscheduled time, with no particular places to be or things to do.

Your kids get to just be kids for a while.

But here’s what’s also part of summer:

The crying and whining.

The endless repetitions of “I’m booooooored…” interspersed with refusals to help around the house.

And your triggered feelings.

What Happens When You Have a Big Reaction to Your Kid’s Feelings

When your kids don’t cooperate (which happens a lot when you’re together a lot), you probably go into one of four ‘modes’:

1. Fight Mode: You get combative! Your child might as well be an attacking bear that you’re fighting for your life. You will dominate them…through words (you can probably out-logic them), through your physical presence (towering over them) and/or through swatting or spanking them.

2. Flight Mode: You’ve got to get out of here! Your child might as well be an attacking bear that you’re running away from, and quickly. You check out mentally, or you physically leave the room—and when your child follows you it makes everything ten times worse.

3. Freeze Mode: The bear’s attacking, and you can’t figure out what to do. You’re mentally and physically frozen: should you counterattack? Should you run and hide? It is simply not possible for you to make a decision—about anything—at this moment.

4. Fawn Mode: Most common among people who have experienced abuse, this involves getting the difficult behavior to stop at all costs. You placate the child; reassure them; say they can have the thing they want…anything to make the crying/screaming/whining stop.

It doesn’t seem like any of these things should be part of any parent’s summer plans…and yet, here they are.

Summer isn’t over yet.

Are you gonna make it?

Here are 5 tips to help you not just survive but actually enjoy the time you’re spending with your kids this summer:

1. Don’t Multitask.
Whenever your attention is split, there’s a good chance you’re going to get frustrated. Have designated times to play with your kids—and put the phone away. Focus on nothing but being with them. At other times, tell them you’re not available now but you will be in 30 minutes/after lunch/when the timer goes off.

2. Slow Down & Simplify.
Do you need to go to every birthday party? Must you take something homemade to every gathering, or would a bowl of cherries be just as welcome?  Could you eat take-out one more night a week, or cook twice as much on the nights you do cook, and eat leftovers every other night? Can you plan just a little further ahead so you don’t have to go shopping as often? The more you can slow down and simplify, the less overall stress you’ll feel, which will leave more gas in the tank to deal with the children’s meltdowns.

3. Be Realistic about What Your Child Can Do. 
We hear a lot about having ‘developmentally appropriate’ expectations, but many parents expect their children to be able to do way more than they really can.  A survey by respected organization Zero to Three found that over half of parents think that children under three can reliably resist the desire to do something forbidden when actually this starts to develop between ages 3.5-4. And 42% of parents think that children should be able to control their emotions—like not having a tantrum when they’re frustrated—by age 2 when again this develops between the ages of 3.4-4. If you’re expecting too much too soon, you’ll get frustrated when they can’t meet your expectations.

4. Embrace the Drop-off (Outdoor) Playdate.
If you have any access to the outdoors, and there are other families in your ‘pod,’ take turns hosting outdoor playdates. If you have a garden, the other child could bring a lunch and then you just turf them outdoors for the day—they can collect rocks, make ‘houses’ for imaginary friends; build things out of cardboard…Even traditionally indoor-based toys like LEGO and Magnatiles that they’re bored with using indoors can be fun again outdoors. Chances are having another child around will actually keep yours occupied for longer…and then your child goes to the friend’s house another time, giving you several hours off. Even if you go to the playground or park instead of your house, you could work for the life of your laptop battery, or hang out with a book. Win-win!

5. Pay Attention to What’s Going on in Your Body.  
In our culture, we have an idea that everything worth paying attention to happens in our brains. But very often our bodies tell us when something’s up—like when we’re getting resentful because our child has been asking us to do things for them all day. We might feel a tightness in our shoulders, heat across our chest, nausea, or a headache long before we yell at our child, walk away from them, freeze, or fawn. We can learn to pay attention to these signals and act on them early in the day rather than letting the frustration build until we explode.

Navigating kids’ big feelings is challenging for every parent. It can be doubly challenging when you can’t stay calm in these moments, perhaps partly because you are remembering difficult events from your childhood. But just because you’ve responded with frustration up to now doesn’t mean it always has to be that way. You might think that your child needs to change their behavior but none of the ideas here involve doing that. When you change the way you show up with them, they most likely won’t do as much of the behavior you find so difficult.

And so you will make it through the summer.

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Jen Lumanlan fills the gaps in her parenting intuition through research, via a Master’s in Psychology (Child Development) and another in Education.  Her podcast, Your Parenting Mojo, provides rigorous yet accessible information on parenting and child development to help parents tame the overwhelm and raise resilient, thriving children.

“Please don’t jump on the couch.”

“I told you not to jump on the couch.”

“STOP JUMPING ON THE COUCH! HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU?!”

We set limits, and our children test them.

Conventional parenting advice says that it’s a children’s job to test our limits and that they’ll do this to find out how we’ll react. They want to find holes in our patience or our logic, and to check that we’re going to hold our limit. They are trying to establish a hierarchy of power in the relationship, and gain control of the situation.

And they are. If we view our relationship with our child as a zero-sum game, one person’s win has to be balanced by another person’s loss.  And if we aren’t the winner, then the alternative—that our child might have the upper hand—is too difficult to even imagine.

And if our goal is to make sure your children don’t get the upper hand, then we’ll always be in this struggle to make sure we’re on top.

We Feel Like We Need Control

At the root of these struggles is what feels like a need for control. And I say “feels like,” because any illusion that we have control over anything in our lives is exactly that: an illusion.

We feel like we control our schedules, our children’s activities, our finances. But if we think about it, actually very little of those things are under our control.  (Don’t think about it too long—it can be scary!)

Society tells us that it’s our job to be in control—we learned this from our parents (as well as school), and now we’re teaching it to our children by setting limits on their behavior.

But what if it didn’t have to be like this? What if we could not be in an antagonistic relationship with our children and also not have them constantly test us?

Most parents assume that the solution to children not listening (or deliberately ignoring) limits is, you guessed it, more limits. And stronger enforcement of limits. That when our children listen to us, we might be able to back off a little. Maybe.

The Solution Is Fewer Limits

Yes, I know it seems counterintuitive. If our children aren’t listening to us now, how could setting fewer limits possibly be the answer?

Because setting limits sets the tone of our relationship. And if our relationship is based on power, antagonism, and control, then our children will always try to get the upper hand. How could they not? They are learning from us that someone needs to have it, and the person who doesn’t have it gets walked all over, so they’d better at least give it a shot.

But if we set fewer limits, we set an entirely different tone.

A collaborative tone. A communicative tone. A tone that says: “Our relationship is the most important thing to me.”

So how do we set fewer limits without letting our kids walk all over us?

The key is to set limits that are grounded in your values. When you do this, your child hears in your voice that you’re serious. (You’ve noticed this before, right? When you say something that you believe in, and your child doesn’t protest?)

So you set limits on issues that are important to you—and the rest of them—you let go.

It’s not easy.

It’s a huge mindset shift, so I run a free workshop to help parents do it.

The strangest part about it all is that it doesn’t require us to get our children to do anything. We aren’t trying to change their behavior. We aren’t trying to control them, or win a battle over them. We’re finding a new way to be in a relationship with them that’s so much more peaceful and joyful and just plain fun!

And also, it’s easier than the other way. Because everyone could use some more easy in their life right now.

 

Feature photo: Pixel-Shot via Shutterstock

Jen Lumanlan fills the gaps in her parenting intuition through research, via a Master’s in Psychology (Child Development) and another in Education.  Her podcast, Your Parenting Mojo, provides rigorous yet accessible information on parenting and child development to help parents tame the overwhelm and raise resilient, thriving children.

Planning classroom lessons for Women’s History Month activities? Why limit them to quizzes and poster-making, when they can live these winning stories of the rainbow of symphony.

Every moment, the earth is blessed with amazing & wonderful women. To celebrate them, the month of March is recognized as Women’s history Week. Let’s peek into the past for 8 inspiring stories of women’s achievements which our nation has witnessed for years. Let’s celebrate this women’s history month by teaching our kids about these shining women, who made a difference in the world and letting them hone those skills because trust us there are many more stories yet to come.

8 Women’s History Month Activities For Kids:

Georgia O’Keefe

She was the first artist to introduce modernism to America through her paintings of enlarged flowers and New Mexico landscapes. Her paintings of New York skyscrapers took the art of America to new heights.

So, instead of making them write an essay about her, why not take your kids this March, to art sessions and let them dip their thoughts in colors.

Billie Holiday

America is still dancing on the tunes of Holiday’s Jazz music. She has been one of the best vocalists of her times and her distinct st‌yle has left innumerable fans behind. From “Lover man” to “Don’t Explain” nothing has changed.

Don’t just play her songs to celebrate her contribution to American Music industry, take your kids for the music sessions as a part of Women’s history month activities for kids and give them a glance of her uniqueness.

Simone Biles

She is one of the most decorated American gymnasts, who won four gold medals at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Do you think her story is inspiring enough? Or you have another Olympic gold-medallist in making at your home? Take your kids for the gymnastic session as a part of this Women’s history week activities and share the winning st‌yle of Simone Biles with them.

Sally Kristen Ride

This American beauty with brains was born to go beyond the sky. She was the first American woman physicist and astronaut who went to space in 1983 and left a mark in America’s Women’s History.

So as a part of this Women’s history month activities make your kids do beyond reading her biography, and let them be a part of experiments she did in her labs.

Serena Williams

She made her passion her profession. And today after winning 23 Grand Slams, she has bagged global fame with no. 1 positions in tennis.

Let’s take our kids for tennis sessions, to tell them about the struggles of the life of Serena Williams. There can be no better women’s history month activities than giving them the essence of the profession of these beautiful ladies.

Marie Curie

A legendary name in history, Marie Curie was the first woman to win Nobel Prize and the first person to win two Nobel Prizes. Her contribution in the field of Physics and Chemistry was acknowledged with awards in multiple sciences. There would be hardly any person in generations after her, who would not be aware of her achievements.

If you want to introduce your kids to discoveries of Marie Curie, then there is no better women’s history week activity than taking them for STEM sessions. Don’t forget there is a lot yet to be discovered by our coming generations.

Yvonne Chouteau

Considered as one of the “Five Moons”, this Texas-born beauty won the hearts of Americans by fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a ballerina. Her words “As long as I was on stage, I want to be happy” has always been the inspiration of all the artists from all walks of life.

As a part of this Women’s history month activities, make your kids dance on the tunes of her songs and let them start their journey of their dreams.

Ruth Handler

This list would be incomplete without this American businesswoman and inventor who gave Barbie dolls to the world and made them a symbol of both empowerment and unrealistic beauty standards.

One amazing fact about the debut of first Barbie Doll is, it was launched on 9th March 1959, after the celebration of 50th Women’s Day to project the future dreams of adult women.

Women have come a long way. Let’s celebrate these women pioneers, who have brought us where we are today after facing the number of challenges of gender inequality. This women’s history month, let’s focus on the advancements brought by these women of past, to inspire those who may one day help shape our future.

I believe that family bonding plays vital role in child's formative years. In the hustle-bustle of life, the best way to build amazingly-beautiful moments with the family is doing activities together while exploring the city. Currently, I am spreading this love with Xoxoday.com, guiding parents in discovering and booking kid activities in-and-around Big D.