Choosing Your Taylor Swift Eras Party Theme

With 11 albums (plus Taylor’s Versions), where do you even start?! Don’t we love them all! Whether you’re obsessed with one specific era or you can’t help but celebrate them all (because, honestly, same), here’s how to make the perfect choice for your party theme.

A Quick Overview of Taylor’s Album Eras:

• Debut (2006): Country sweetheart vibes and cowboy boots
• Fearless (2008): Fairytale romance, glitter, gold, and tassel dresses.
• Speak Now (2010): Beautiful, enchanting dresses with a dash of purple.
• Red (2012): Bold reds, autumn leaves, and scarves (yes, that one). Oh and black fedora hats.
• 1989 (2014): Bold prints, crop tops, high-waisted skirts, bright colors
• Reputation (2017): Dark colors, metallics, sequins, snake motifs.
• Lover (2019): Pastel daydreams, rainbows, and heart-shaped sunglasses.
• Folklore (2020): Earth tones, lace, cottagecore vibes
• Evermore (2020): Woodsy vibes, deep greens, plaid, and obviously, cardigans.
• Midnights (2022): Sparkly blues and lavender hues–dreamy and elegant
• The Tortured Poets Department (2024): Dark florals,  dramatic white gowns with lyrical scribbles

Tip 1: Go All-In on One Era

If the birthday star is obsessed with 1989 (who doesn’t love bubblegum pop?!), go all out! Blues, silvers, NYC skylines, and neon lights. Matching the food, games, and even outfits to that era creates a super cool party vibe.

Tip 2: Mix and Match Eras for a Unique Twist

What if you can’t pick just one (guilty!). Draw inspiration from all eras–sometimes it’s just too hard to pick one. You could have different sections of the party represent each album, like a Fearless snack table full of glittery treats or a Reputation-inspired dance floor with darker tones. Then you get the best of both worlds (oops wrong pop star).

Tip 3: Era-Specific Color Schemes and Aesthetics

• Debut & Fearless: Think warm golds, soft pinks, and twinkling fairy lights.
• Speak Now & Lover: Dreamy pastel rainbow for Lover, and elegant soft purple for Speak Now.
• Red & Reputation: Deep reds and oranges scream Red vibes, switching to black, gold, and snake details for Reputation.
• 1989: Opt for Neon and pastels for 1989.
• Evermore & Folklore: Go with dark forest greens for Evermore, but shift to muted grays, greens, and browns for Folklore.
• The Tortured Poets Department & Midnights: Moody white and beige for TTPD, and deep blues and purples for Midnights.

Tip 4: Balance New & Classic Taylor Themes

Want to honor both Taylor’s OG fans and her newer Swifties? Blend her eras by creating a timeline party. Start the night with sweet, innocent songs from Fearless or Debut, then transition to the Reputation era for the party’s dance-off, before winding down with the cozy, laid back vibes of Folklore and Evermore. This way, you balance her old-school roots with her modern, boundary-pushing style!

Invitations That Sparkle: Setting the Tone for Your Swiftie Bash

Once you’ve nailed down your theme, it’s time to send out the invites. Whether you go digital or old-school, here are some ideas for creating epic invitations inspired by Taylor’s iconic albums.

Creative Invitation Ideas Inspired by Taylor’s Album Artwork

Find inspiration with Taylor’s creative album covers and let each era influence your party invites. Here are some ideas:

• Fearless: Glitter, gold accents, dreamy fonts—plus a heart-shaped sticker.
• Red: Bold reds, typewriter font, and vintage polaroid-style design.
• 1989: Retro polaroid vibes with clean, pastel aesthetics.
• Lover: Pink, pastel blues, rainbows, and heart cutouts.
• Reputation: Black-and-white newspaper-style invites with edgy fonts.
• Folklore & Evermore: Earthy tones, forest imagery, and soft neutrals.
• Midnights: Deep blues and sparkly accents to mimic starry skies.
• Speak Now: Fancy calligraphy, beautiful purple hues, sparkles, butterflies, and lavender. This is perfect if you want that enchantment vibe.
• TTPD: Black white, typewriters, scroll paper and quills. Anything poetry themed will fit perfectly for the latest album.

Including Taylor Swift Lyrics in Your Eras Birthday Party Invitations

A Taylor party without her lyrics? No way! Spice up your invites with these iconic lines:

• Fearless: “It’s a love story, baby, just say yes.”
• 1989: “Welcome to New York, it’s been waiting for you!”
• Reputation: “Are you ready for it?” (Perfect for getting your guests hyped!)
• Midnights: “Let’s make the whole place shimmer” or “It’s me, hi, I’m the birthday girl, it’s me.”
• TTPD: “All’s Fair in Love and Party”

You can weave these lyrics into your invitation’s design or use them as the opening line. Either way, it’s the perfect way to get your Swiftie squad in the feels before they even show up.

Digital vs. Physical Invitation Options

The big decision—going digital or kicking it old-school. Here’s the breakdown:

Digital: Quick, eco-friendly, and great for last-minute planners. Platforms like Canva, Etsy, and Paperless Post make it easy.

Physical: Create custom-designed invites to make each guest feel like VIP. Add glitter for extra sparkle!

Decking Out Your Space for a Taylor Swift Eras Birthday Party

Whether you’re hosting at home or renting a venue, you’ll want Swiftie-approved decor. Here’s how to transform your space with both DIY and pre-made options.

Wall Decor

If you’re looking to add some swiftie sparkle to your party, there are plenty of places to find Taylor-inspired goodies that will make the whole place shimmer.

Swag

Send your party guests home with a little loot to say thank you for coming to my par-tay.

Food & Bev

DIY Decoration Projects for Budget-Friendly Options

• Lover balloon garland: Create a pastel balloon arch with pink, blue, and lavender. Add string lights for extra magic.
• 1989 Polaroid wall: Let guests fill out polaroid frames with their favorite Taylor lyrics or inside jokes.
• Folklore mason jar lights: Fill mason jars with fairy lights for a cozy, rustic glow.
• Photo booth: Props like red scarves, guitars, and heart-shaped sunglasses will add to the fun.

Party Games and Activities: Keeping Swifties Entertained

The decorations are on point, now, it’s party time! These Swiftie-approved activities will keep everyone entertained.

DIY Friendship Bracelet Making Station

“So make the friendship bracelets…” Set up a table with beads, letter charms, and string, so guests can make their own bracelets. Include charms that reflect Taylor’s eras—mini guitars, hearts, or even snake pendants for that Reputation touch!

Picture Frame Making Station

Set up a DIY frame station for guests to personalize their own picture frames. Use paint, stickers, and gems to represent their favorite era. It also doubles as a great party favor for guests to take home!

Hair and Makeup Station

Let those inner pop stars loose with a hair and makeup station, where gets can get glammed up before the big show.

• Hair: Offer some simple hair styles (half-up, high pony, braids) and fun hair accessories like scrunchies, hair glitter, and butterfly clip hair extensions).

• Makeup: Set out some eye shadow palettes, glitter, and bold lipsticks for guests to channel their favorite Taylor makeup looks. Think red lipstick for Red or glitter eyes for 1989!
• Bonus idea: Have someone on hand for help with hair and makeup. You could even enlist the help of a high school or college student looking for some weekend work.

Nails Station with Nail Colors for Every Era

Let your guests get their nails Taylor Swift eras ready with a DIY nail station featuring colors and designs inspired by each album!

• Set up a table with nail polish colors like gold for Fearless, purple for Speak Now, and blue for 1989.
• Add nail art stickers like snakes (for Reputation), hearts (for Lover), or stars (for Midnights).
• Guests can pick a different color for each nail to rep multiple eras or go full-on Lover pastels with sparkly accents.

Runway Fashion Show: Strut Your Swiftie Style

What better way to show off all the fun Eras looks than with your very own fashion show.

• Set up a mini runway with a fun backdrop (think metallic streamers or a 1989 New York skyline).
• Have guests choose their favorite Taylor song to walk to
• Have a host announce each guest as they make their way down the runway

End your big birthday bash with snacks, cake, and of course, a dance party!

Outfit Ideas for a Taylor Swift Eras Birthday Party

While we love the music, we also never go out of style. And outfits are a huge part of any Swiftie celebration! Let’s just say there’s no shortage of options. You can channel your inner country sweetheart Taylor debut, or go full pop icon with 1989 vibes, or even wear your favorite Junior Jewels pajamas from Fearless.

Some of our most favorite tay tay looks are from Lola and The Boys:

Use our promo code for 20% off Lola and the Boys looks

And you can’t go wrong with Amazon or Etsy. They have looks for every era and every kind of TS fan. Here are just a few to give you some inspo:

The Eras Birthday Party of Your Wildest Dreams

And there you have it, my fellow Swifties! Go ahead, get creative, and create some UNFORGETTABLE memories for the birthday kiddo and their squad. Customize, have fun, and allow the planning to be just as fun as the party! Remember that this is a time to celebrate friendship and good vibes, just as Taylor intended.

What era are you most excited to celebrate?

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The post How to Throw the Ultimate Taylor Swift Eras Birthday Party appeared first on .

1. AI Homework Assistants

These tools can help kids better understand and complete homework assignments. One common misconception is AI will “do the work for them” and they won’t learn anything. The right tools are meant to reach your kiddo at their level and help them understand. They are meant to be complementary.

Benefits of personalized learning

• Instant Support: With AI, kids can get help anytime—no need to wait for a parent or teacher to help out.
• Personalized Learning: AI tools can learn and adapt to kids, customizing practice problems to their level.
• Stress Relief for Parents: You no longer have to feel pressured to be a homework expert (have any of you ever tried to figure out new math? It’s nuts.)
• Improved Engagement: Often interactive to keep learning fun, which in turn helps kids stay motivated.

Popular AI Homework Tools to Try

• Khan Academy: Tailored to current learning level, offers instant feedback and recommendations on new skills to try.
• Photomath: Allows students to scan math problems and see step-by-step solutions.
• Quizlet: Turn your notes into flashcards and receive personalized quizzes

2. Smart Baby Monitors with AI Technology

AI-powered baby monitors offer greater peace of mind for parents. These devices have advanced features that go beyond simple audio and video monitoring.

Benefits of AI Baby Monitors

• Safety: Improved safety through proactive alerts like cry detection, and breathing and movement tracking
• Sleep Quality: Greater peace of mind means improved sleep quality for both baby and parents
• Data-driven insights: Allows for better parenting choices with features like sleep pattern analysis and temperature monitoring

Top Brands of AI-Powered Baby Monitors

• Nanit Pro Complete Monitoring System: Leverages AI to track breathing and sleep patterns, provides diaper reminders, and personalizes insights into your baby’s development
• Cubo AI Plus Smart Baby Monitor: Covered face and rollover detection, crying alerts, temperature and humidity sensors
• CHILLAX BabyMood Pro: AI-powered sleep posture tracking to provide insights into their sleep patterns, facial expression recognition, and ChillaxCare app to assist parents in establishing healthy sleep routines
• Ellie Baby Plus: Covered face and rollover alerts, AI pan and tilt baby motion tracking, and virtual fence danger zone detection

3. AI-Driven Meal Planning and Nutrition Apps

AI is transforming the way we approach meal planning and nutrition. Smart apps can now offer personalized recommendations, making it easier than ever to introduce healthy habits for our little ones.

Benefits of AI Meal Planning Apps:

• Personalized Recommendations: AI can create custom meal plans based on your family’s dietary preferences, allergies, and health goals.
• Time-Saving: Save time and effort on meal planning and grocery list generation.
• Improved Nutrition: Optimize your nutrient intake to ensure your kids are getting a balanced diet.

Top-rated meal planning apps with AI capabilities

• MyFitnessPal: Offers comprehensive meal planning, calorie tracking, and exercise tracking.
• Mealime: Great for time-crunched parents, this app provides quick and healthy meal options. It will also generate grocery lists to make shopping easier.
• Platejoy: Focuses on personalized meal plans tailored to your health goals and dietary needs. It also offers grocery delivery integration
• AnyList: AI solutions for meal planning, recipe management, and grocery shopping. Allows parents to collaborate on shopping lists in real-time.
• BigOven: Extensive recipe database to help plan meals, use up leftovers, and create grocery lists. It’s great for reducing food waste.
• DishGen: AI-powered app that generates recipes based on the ingredients you have on hand, making it easy to cook with what you already have.
• ChatGPT: Type in what you are looking for and watch the magic happen.

4. Language Learning Apps for Kids Using AI

AI-powered language learning apps are game changers for how kids learn new languages. Many of these apps offer personalized and engaging learning experiences personalized to each child’s needs.

Benefits of early language learning

• Personalized Learning: AI adapts lessons to match the learning pace and style of each kid.
• Engaging Content: Interactive games, quizzes, and activities make learning fun, which in turn keeps kids motivated.
• Progress Tracking: Parents can monitor progress and identify areas that need improvement.

Top Language Learning Apps for Kids:

• Duolingo Kids: Uses AI to personalize the learning experience and adapt to the child’s learning pace. Offers interactive games and activities to teach foreign languages.
• ABCmouse: Creates personalized learning paths for kids, covering various subjects (like language arts), and adapts the content to match each child’s skill level.
• LingoStar: Leverages AI to create interactive dialogues and scenarios, allowing kids to practice speaking and listening skills in a natural setting.
• Rosetta Stone Kids: AI personalizes the learning experience through immersion, offering interactive lessons to help children improve speaking, listening, and writing skills in multiple languages.
• Memrise Kids: Tailors the learning experience and provides interactive lessons and games focused on improving vocabulary and grammar skills for little ones.
• HelloTalk: Connects kids with native speakers for real-time language exchange, providing personalized feedback and cultural insights.

5. Virtual AI Assistants for Family Organization

Virtual AI assistants can change the game for families to stay organized and manage daily routines. There are a variety of AI tools out there that can ensure everyone stays on track.

Benefits of AI Assistants

• Task Management: Help manage to-do lists, set reminders, and assign tasks to family members, so nothing falls through the cracks.
• Calendar Coordination: Manage busy family schedules, coordinating appointments, activities, and reminders. Particularly useful for remembering which activity you have to shuffle the kids to next.
• Communication: Send messages, make calls, and even coordinate with other smart home devices to sync communication within the house.
• Daily Summaries: An easy way to get a daily recap of your appointments and reminders so the next day can be well organized.

Popular AI-Powered Family Assistants

• Google Assistant: Offers a wide range of features, including scheduling, reminders, and smart home integration.
• Amazon Alexa: Maybe you were using Alexa without knowing this is AI. Alexa can manage family calendars, set reminders, create shopping lists, and even help with homework by answering questions and providing educational resources.
• Ohai.ai: Designed particularly for busy families, this app helps manage daily tasks, update calendars, send reminders, and coordinate activities.
• Cozi Family Organizer: Integrates with virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant to provide a full family calendar, to-do lists, and meal planning.
• Siri: Apple’s virtual assistant can help manage tasks, set reminders, and control Apple devices.

6. AI-Powered Educational Games and Apps

When you want your kids to learn new skills and develop a love for learning, make it engaging. By leveraging AI, these tools can adapt to each child’s learning style and pace, providing a personalized experience.

Benefits of AI Educational Games and Apps

• Personalized Learning: AI can tailor the content and difficulty level to each kid’s abilities, keeping them challenged and engaged.
• Engaging Content: Interactive games and activities can make learning enjoyable, and help kids stay motivated.
• Gamification: Many of these apps incorporate elements such as rewards, points, and badges, to motivate kids.
• Progress Tracking: Parents can monitor progress and find areas where kids may need some additional help.

Popular AI-Powered Educational Games and Apps

• BrainPOP: Educational videos, quizzes, and games on a variety of subjects, from science and history to math and English.
• Prodigy Math Game: An engaging math game that can meet your kids at their skill level, offering up personalized challenges and rewards to keep them motivated.
• Osmo: Part physical toy and part digital content to provide hands-on learning experiences.

7. AI Tools for Managing Family Finances

Managing family finances can be challenging, especially for families with kids. AI can simplify this process by providing personalized budgeting, saving, and investment advice. Families looking to make smarter financial decisions and reduce expenses can benefit greatly from many of these tools.

Benefits of AI-Powered Financial Tools

• Personalized Budgeting: Analyze your spending habits and create customized budgets based on your family’s needs.
• Expense Tracking: Keep track of spending habits and identify ways you can save.
• Investment Advice: Receive personalized investment recommendations based on your financial goals and risk tolerance.
• Automation: Automate savings, bill payments, and budgeting to save time.

Popular AI Finance Tools for Parents

• Magnifi: Best for investing. Offering personalized guidance for managing and diversifying investment portfolios.
• Rocket Money: Best for managing recurring payments. Plus, you can easily identify and cancel unwanted subscriptions.
• GridRewards: Best for reducing energy bills. Provides insights and recommendations to lower energy consumption. It’s a win-win!
• PayPal Honey: Best for shopping deals. Finds and applies the best coupon codes for online shopping–automatically.

8. AI-Enhanced Safety and Security Devices for Families

In today’s digital age, how do we keep our kids safe both online and in the physical world? There are many, many tools out there, and AI is just one option. Cutting-edge technology can predict, prevent, and respond to potential threats. Smart tools these days can provide parents with much appreciated peace of mind.

Benefits of AI-Enhanced Safety and Security Devices

• Real-Time Monitoring: AI-powered cameras and sensors provide surveillance and instant alerts.
• Image and Video Detection: Features like facial recognition and motion detection are meant to reduce false alarms and focus on genuine threats.
• Automation: Quick responses to security breaches, such as locking doors or alerting authorities.
• Remote Access: Monitor and control your home security from anywhere using just your phone.

Popular AI-Enhanced Safety and Security Devices

• Nest Doorbell: AI technology can recognize faces and objects, plus real-time alerts and two-way audio.
• Ring Video Doorbell: Offers motion detection and real-time video.
• Arlo Pro 4: Features AI-based object detection to differentiate between animals, people, and vehicles.
• August Smart Lock: Allows remote locking and unlocking, and syncs with AI assistants for voice control.

AI is Here To Stay

It’s like the Wild West out there–parenting. Love them or hate them, AI tools can be your new best friend. From homework hero to planning meals that even the pickiest of eaters will love, these tools are here to make our lives a tad easier. Embracing the latest technology not only helps us stay organized but also opens up new ways to connect with our kids. So give one (or all) of them a try and let us know what you think!

You may also like:

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The post AI for Parents: 8 Types of Game-Changing Tools You Need in 2024 appeared first on .

What causes mom burnout?

Proof this thing is real – the World Health Organization classifies burnout as an official medical diagnosis. Common causes of mom burnout include lack of work-life balance, feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, poor self-care, and lack of control over tasks at work or home. There’s even a phrase “The Second Shift”, which refers to the household and parenting duties at home.

So what are some of the signs of working mom burnout? Well, according to WHO:

1. Feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion. You’re constantly busy. You’re always trying to squeeze just one more thing into your day. And now you feel exhausted. This is burnout.
2. Increased mental distance, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job. If you’re starting to feel apathetic toward your work. Or you bring your frustrations home with you everyday. This is burnout.
3. Reduced professional productivity. You may be putting in the minimum effort required. You may be dragging out your tasks. This is burnout.

There are others, too: feeling on edge, anxiety, depression, yelling more than usual. The decision to classify burnout as a medical diagnosis is an important one. Once you understand what you’re working with and the toll it takes on your mental health, you can find ways to beat your working mom burnout.

How to beat working mom burnout

Burnout will sneak up on you—it’s not something that hits you in the face like a broken arm. And realizing you have it is the first step toward recovery. I know this well because it snuck up on me too. You realize your tank is already on empty when you’ve just crawled out of bed. Or you put off doing anything that requires thought because it feels impossible. It’s a feeling of pure exhaustion – mental or physical (or BOTH).

Once you come face to face with the burnout, the closer you are to ending it. Easier said than done—I know. Especially because everyone has a different cocktail of what works. Metaphorically. And it’s not there one day and magically gone the next. But real moms who have been there and found things that work are sharing their best advice. Things that not only fix the problem, but can keep it from coming back.

1. Delete social media from your phone

At least try it for awhile. Delete Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tik Tok—whatever you tend to scroll the most. If you really want to stay connected, you can use your computer for periodic check-ins. But not having these tied to your phone can give you a little distance. There was one time when someone tried to steal my identity on Facebook and I was locked out for a few days. Not by choice, but it forced me to see what life was like without it. And it was…freeing.

Social media can be toxic and it may not be the direct cause of your burnout, but it also does nothing to help. You’ve probably seen the Instagram vs. reality posts. There’s so much mom shaming out there it’s ridiculous. Moms that only show their kids eating organic foods. Moms with perfectly clean houses. Moms that look put together at all times. I think we can safely say, that’s not reality. But somehow when we scroll past those posts on Insta, we can’t help put wonder if we should be doing more. And that “more” is what causes burnout.

One mom wrote:

Especially on social media, we tend to think that moms need to be on top of everything all of the time. They need to always look presentable, seem peppy, and be well-rested. But honestly, this isn’t the reality (and shouldn’t be expected!). Being a mother is hard work, and you’re allowed to be tired!

We should be normalizing the real side to motherhood. Showing pictures and sharing stories of the sleep deprivation, exhaustion, and kids that never stop talking. But until that day, it may be helpful to delete these apps at least temporarily. Give yourself a break from the unrealistic expectations laid out for you.

Ok social media rant over—moving on.

2. Say no to things

Figuring out how to say no is hard work (especially when you’re also working full time). We naturally want to say yes to everything so we can be the model parent. And we don’t want to let our kids down by bringing the boring treat to the Halloween party. The comparisons we make to other parents lead us to say yes all the time. Even when we don’t want to.

Instead of saying yes to everything, try saying no to the things you really don’t want to do. Like, do you really need a Pinterest worthy charcuterie board for the playdate? The kids just want to play—they don’t care. And before the days of instagramming, kids were happy with a simple ants on a log.

One mom had this to say about saying no:

I’ve been burnt out lately. After googling how to alleviate burnout on Monday night, the one thing that really stuck with me is to take the time that you have off and use it for rest and rejuvenation. I suck at rest. It makes me tired if I sit still for too long. But it made me remember that my absolute favorite part of being a mom is snuggling with my kids. I’ve snuggled a lot the past few nights and that has rested and rejuvenated my soul this week. I can’t pinpoint what exactly I said no to in order to make the time for snuggling, but I think it’s more of me saying no to the go go go in my head that made space for it.

Remember, every time you say yes to something, that’s less time for something else. If you don’t really love it, say no. There’s no shame in that game.

3. Find the simple thing that boosts your mood

Self care is important. It’s something you hear all the time, but what does that actually mean? The idea sounds good in theory. The problem is many things can fall under the umbrella of self care. So how do you know what to try or how to prioritize? The easiest way is to find something simple that gives you a little mood boost. Which will be different for everybody. According to one mom:

I’ve prioritized getting dressed daily and it feels so good. SO good! The simplest of things can lift your mood in an instant . When I feel put together, I feel a bit more calm and together…more organized and ready for the day. This trickles down to my kids as well.

I don’t get people who get dressed up just to work from home. It doesn’t make sense to me. But that’s why self care is so individualized. Some feel fresh and ready for the day by shedding the sweatpants or actually putting on pants. Some want to prioritize 8 hours of sleep every night. Some make the bed every morning. And some like to end their day with a nice bath. If you need some ideas to get you started, here are 134 self care activities to get the creative juices flowing.

The idea is that these things should be easy and something you can do daily (or close to it). I love to read books and write in this blog. It’s time for myself, which is really what self care is all about. Find the little ways you can carve out a few minutes for yourself.

4. It’s cliche, but get outside

I purposely didn’t put this first because you’ve heard it a thousand times. And it probably sounds like the same old repeat advice. But if the pandemic taught us anything, not getting outside is soul crushing, ya’ll. Just like a cloudy day can instantly change your mood, getting outside for some fresh air can instantly improve it.

I was a non believer, too. But after a bout of severe anxiety and forcing myself to take daily walks, I saw the difference it can make firsthand. And it makes sense. The fresh air is great, but it’s also exhausting to stare at all the housework ahead of you. Getting outside changes your surroundings. Just make sure its an activity you do by yourself—even for 15 minutes. One mom gave it a try in her own way:

I’m sorry to everyone waiting on me for things. I have not finished what I wanted to this week. I’m taking my own advice and I’m going to sit outside in this nice weather and drink this wine.

Maybe you take a walk. Maybe you enjoy an occasional glass of wine.

And while we’re on the subject of cliches and drinking wine, drink more water. It’s stale advice, but it works. Especially as a working mom with the added career exhaustion.

5. Plan a date night

As a working parent, the 9-5 can deplete you. Friday rolls around and date night is the last thing you want to think about. Also, if you’re anything like us, you may not have had a date night in weeks, months, possibly even years. Fun fact: we didn’t spend one night away from our youngest until he was 2 years old. A worldwide pandemic was partially to blame for that, but nonetheless, date night was never something I prioritized.

It takes serious effort to plan and engage in date night. But it’s also really healthy. And I very quickly learned that after my own mom burnout. For us, we always used the inability to find a sitter as an excuse. But really, there’s always someone willing to help out. A neighbor, a friend, the high school student down the street. Try it out—start slow if you need. Go out for appetizers or a trip to the local coffee shop. Having some uninterrupted adult conversation allows for a much needed reset. And it’s healthy for the kids to have a little independence from you too. Just getting away can be working mom burnout’s worst enemy!

One mom recently made time for date night

Sometimes we get caught up with being adults and get stuck in a constant routine. Then, every once in awhile, we get to go out and remember what it’s like to let go a little bit. (Even if we still get home by 10:30)

When it comes to being stuck in a routine, truer words were never spoken. Get up, get the kids ready, work, dinner, bath, bed. Minus some variation, this is the typical routine. Date night can at least help you break out of that a teeny bit. Oh, and date night can mean many things. A date with your spouse, your friends, your mom. As long as the kids aren’t there, you’ve done your job.

6. Find an exercise routine that motivates you

Exercise sounds like a terrible idea when you’re already completely drained. I’m with you there. Every time I thought about going for a run outside, it was like I was preparing myself for a trek up Mount Everest. Until I realized I was forcing myself into the wrong exercise routines. I couldn’t get past the activation energy required to visit a gym. And I get bored running outside.

I’d never understood the appeal of Soul Cycle and all the trendy exercise classes. And when Peloton blew up, I shot it down. At first. After looking into it more, it felt like a good fit. Competing against myself to break my own records is what motivates me. And teachers who push me. Plus, I love how little activation energy it requires to hop on the bike when its steps from my home office. So we got one. And while risky making a large purchase never having taken a cycling class, I LOVE it.

That’s not to say you need to go out and buy a Peloton. But to find what works for you and your schedule as a working parent. Exercise is not only healthy, but great for your mental state as well. This may be one of the few opportunities for peace and quiet. And when you figure out which exercise routine motivates you, it will oddly make you feel more awake.

If the idea of going to a gym doesn’t appeal to you, pop on some YouTube yoga videos. Download the Peloton app for classes that don’t require the bike. Go for a run outside. Invest in a set of dumbbells or resistance bands. Or try everything until you find something that doesn’t feel like a major chore.

I also love this mom’s take on her lunch break:

One key for my mental health — do something non work related at lunch (watch a TV show, do some exercise, call your mom). Every once in a while it’s ok to eat at your desk and work through lunch, but if I do it all the time it leads to burn out.

Your lunch break is a great way to split up the day and find some time to squeeze in a little exercise. Even 15-30 minutes can do the trick!

7. Give yourself permission to let go

This isn’t like one day you have it together and the next you walk around like you just don’t give a damn. This is saying yes to Mcdonald’s because you’re too tired to cook tonight. And giving them have an extra hour of screen time so you can squeeze in a power nap. Or shit—let your kid wear their superhero cape paired with a rainbow tutu and winter boots to avoid a tantrum.

You didn’t survive a pandemic to compete with other parents on whose kid is signed up for more activities. It’s freeing to let go of the pressure and expectations. And probably the single biggest way to kiss working mom burnout goodbye.

I told my son he can’t have chocolate for breakfast. After 5 minutes of crying and screaming, we compromised and both had chocolate for breakfast.

Would I feed my kids chocolate every morning for breakfast? Of course not. But some days it’s easier for your mental state to give in rather than endure 30 minutes of tantrum and negotiation. I’m not sorry.

Invest in yourself

Mom burnout is sneaky. It’s tiring. And its relentless unless you take steps to fight back. It’s not easy to put yourself first. As a mom (or any parent for that matter) you just feel like you need to be “on” at all times. Just this morning my daughter asked me to get her playdoh out. Then asked for a glass of milk at the same time. And then complained because I wasn’t getting the milk fast enough. Oh, and then she followed it up with a 5 minute lecture on Starburst. So I turned the TV on and said “mommy needs to take a shower”. And I was unapologetic about it.

It’s not always as easy as jumping in the shower for a 10 minute reset. But find the little or big ways to invest in yourself. And be ok not being productive for awhile. It’s oddly freeing.

You may also like:

How to Crush Working From Home With a Toddler or a Baby

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The Clever Way to Limit Toddler Screen Time (And Help Them Sleep)

The post 7 Ways to Beat Working Mom Burnout From Moms Who’ve Been There appeared first on .

Why Outdoor Sensory Play Matters

Sensory play is crucial for kid’s growth and learning. It helps them understand the world through touch, hearing, taste, sight, and smell. Engaging in sensory play outdoors not only stimulates their senses but also supports their cognitive development. The fresh air adds even more benefits, making outdoor sensory activities a fantastic choice for healthy play.

Outdoor Climbing Equipment: Building Confidence

Climbing is practically synonymous with childhood, whether it’s trees, slides, or yes, furniture. As parents, we can champion safe climbing with outdoor equipment designed for sensory play. This type of play can reduce indoor climbing antics and boost physical skills. No more couch gymnastics (or maybe, less).

Benefits of Climbing Equipment

• Touch: Climbing involves using your hands and feet to grip surfaces, providing tactile sensations.
• Sight: Kids gain a new perspective from up above, enhancing their observational skills.
• Balance: Climbing involves angles and problem-solving, improving balance and coordination.

Recommended Climbing Equipment

1. Tree Climbing Kits: These can make it a little safer to conquer the heights of trees, which are major kid magnets for obvious reasons. These kits can also help build upper body strength. Plus, tree climbing is one of the best nature-based sensory activities.
2. Climbing domes: These structures offer a sense of enclosure and are great for developing problem-solving skills and spatial awareness.
3. Ninja Line Kits: With ropes and obstacles, these kits provide changing sensations and the thrill of swinging. Various accessories allow for customization according to your child’s preferences.

Water-Based Sensory Toys: Splish Splashy Fun

Water toys are a surefire way to capture attention. They are interactive and engage multiple senses, making them perfect for sensory play.

Sensory Benefits of Water Toys

• Touch: Kids experience the coolness and texture of water, which can be refreshing.
• Sight: Observing water flow, bubbles, and rainbow colors can be mesmerizing.
• Balance: Water play often involves moving and balancing, which can enhance coordination.

Recommended Water Toys

1. Water Tables: Versatile and engaging, water tables allow for all kinds of interactive play, including wheels, buckets, and waterfalls.
2. Sprinklers and Splash Pads: Great for active play as kids move in and out of the water.
3. Bubble Machines: They offer visual stimulation and of course, the fun of chasing and popping bubbles.
4. Reusable Water Balloons: Fun to squish and pop, these eco-friendly balloons offer satisfying sensory experiences.

Side Note: While the goal is to minimize screen time, there is a great episode of Bluey involving water play. If you want to blend sensory activities with screen time, it’s worth checking out.

Outdoor Movement Toys: Enhancing Balance and Posture

Movement toys are fantastic for sensory play as they engage multiple senses and promote physical activity.

Sensory Benefits of Movement Toys

• Touch: Movement toys require kids to use various body parts to touch surfaces and adjust their positions.
• Proprioception: This “sixth sense” is like your body’s built-in GPS. It helps you know where your body is and what it’s doing, without looking. Movement toys require your body to understand its position and adjust to maintain balance and coordination.
• Sight: Kids constantly observe their surroundings to maintain balance and plan movements.

Recommended Movement Toys

1. Balance boards and stepping stones: These improve coordination and core strength while enhancing body awareness.
2. Swings: There are all kinds–traditional, sensory, and hammocks. Swings offer soothing movement and help with spatial awareness and balance.
3. Soccer Nets: Playing sports like soccer enhances hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills such as running and kicking. Kids also get a chance to work on aiming and timing.
4. Obstacle Courses: They provide limitless opportunities for crawling, jumping, and climbing, promoting coordination and problem-solving skills.

Tactile Outdoor Toys for Touch Exploration

Outdoor toys lend themselves to exploration through touch. They can provide valuable hands-on experiences that help children understand their environment.

Recommended Tactile Toys

1. Sandboxes: Dig, scoop, pour–kids can feel the texture of the sand and molds. They use and improve their fine motor skills and this one is great for encouraging imaginative play.
2. Mud Kitchens: Kids can mix, stir, and whip up delightful dishes with mud and other natural “ingredients” like sticks. There is a lot of touch and texture as kids mix ingredients to make their dishes. It also helps build creativity.
3. Chalk and Sidewalk Paint: Both offer tactile and visual experiences as kids draw and paint with different textures and colors.
4. Garden Tools: This is a 2-for-1 deal. You get help with your gardening, and kids get to work on their fine motor skills. Much like the others on this list, there is a lot of texture with gardening. Kids can build a sensory garden with dirt, plants, and tools for the full experience.

DIY Outdoor Sensory Toys on a Budget

As a mom of three energetic kiddos, I’ve learned a thing or two about keeping them entertained without filling my Amazon cart. There are many items here that my kids and I both love. And many of these outdoor toys get played with WAY more than many of their indoor toys. But, you don’t always have to go out and buy something for it to be effective. Some of the best sensory toys can be made at home. Here are a few DIY ideas:

• Sensory scavenger hunt: Create a list of textures for kids to find or draw what they see. You can even create a theme behind it.
• Outdoor sensory bin: Fill a bin with items like kinetic sand, birdseed, or soil. Change the theme regularly for new sensory experiences.
• Water Table: Use a large tub with buckets, sponges, and cups. Add PVC piping for extra fun.
• Construction Site: Round up some gravel and toy trucks to simulate a construction site. Great for texture exploration.

Feel free to get creative and don’t worry about perfection. Your kids will be too engaged to notice minor imperfections.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Sensory Toys

With so many options available, consider the following when selecting sensory toys:

Age and Developmental Stage

Toddlers will need different toys than preschoolers and preschoolers will need different toys than school-aged children. Quite simply, kids are all at different developmental stages and will have unique areas to focus. As a general rule, you can take into account the following:

• Babies: Choose toys with high contrast colors, sounds, and textures–offering an introduction to the sensory experience
• Toddlers (2-3): Opt for sensory bins, water play, and sandboxes.
• Preschoolers (3-5): Introduce messier play and more active toys like mud kitchens and obstacle courses.
• School-Aged (5+): Focus on team games, balance boards, and problem-solving toys like ninja lines.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Outdoor toys need to withstand elements like rain, snow, and harsh sun. Look for durable and weather-resistant options to ensure longevity.

Durable: This is where reading reviews can pay off. If you come across a cheaper alternative, look for specific comments around durability. Look for people who have used the product for a bit and can confirm its ability to last. The key here is not necessarily brand, but to ensure your outdoor toys are going to hold up outside.

Weather Resistant: If you plan to bring your toys inside after every playtime, this may not be so important. But how realistic is that? Most of the time, our toys will be left outside–rain or shine. Opt for toys that are resistant to harsh elements. Waterproof options are great. You don’t want toys that retain moisture and attract mold.

Balancing structured toys with open-ended play opportunities

Incorporate both structured and open-ended toys to provide a well-rounded sensory experience. Structured toys have specific play instructions, while open-ended toys encourage creativity and imagination.

Choosing the Best Outdoor Sensory Toys to Get Kids Excited and Away from Screens

Phew! We’ve looked at a variety of outdoor sensory toys, from splashy water tables to thrilling ninja kits. Most of these are tried-and-true favorites with my own kids, carefully picked for their success in pulling them away from screens and into the great outdoors. Remember, every kid is unique, so pick outdoor toys and sensory activities that match your kiddo’s personality. The goal is to find toys that spark excitement and encourage active play!

Have you experimented with any of these outdoor sensory toys? Which have you liked/disliked so far?

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The post Outdoor Sensory Toys: Fun Picks to Keep Kids Engaged Outside appeared first on .

Gymnastics Center

For our kiddo’s 3rd birthday, we rented out a gymnastics center for a couple hours. It was fantastic! There is minimal prep work and it’s an easy way to keep kids busy for as long as you need. The kids were running all over the place and looked exhausted at the end (which also meant happy parents). Gymnastics Centers will often allow you to use everything in the facility – ball pits, trampolines, balance beams, bars, you name it. And many will offer you a time slot for a private party.

This is also a great idea if you have a range of ages because there’s something for kids of all ages to do. We had 1 year olds all the way up to 6 year olds.

Pros

• Affordable: we paid $200 for the gymnastics facility rental and the party room. Not bad for the Chicago area.
• Widespread: The Little Gym or My Gym are two popular locations that are found all over. You can also check your local park district.
• Well-liked by everyone: it’s one of the few ideas we found that could accommodate 1-year-olds and 2-year-olds along with the older kids. Girls, boys, babies, toddlers, big kids. Who doesn’t love gymnastics?

Fun party favor idea: Ribbon Wands

Skating Rink

Another venue for a kids birthday is the local ice skating rink. An outdoor rink may be seasonal, but an indoor rink can be used year round. Most skating rinks will allow an hour or two for skating and then additional time in a party room. Typically you would pay for the rink rental, party room rental, and rental skates for all the guests. When I looked around at pricing, it was lower than anticipated. This may be a better option for slightly older kids, but most ice rinks will have skates for littles, too.

Pros

• Year round activity: you can rent an indoor rink anytime throughout the year.
• Unique: it’s not something every kid does, so it’s something new for kids to experience
• Low prep: doesn’t require much set up

Fun party favor idea: Instant snow powder

Local Park

This is a popular birthday party option for a lot of families due to its low cost. Most park field houses are incredibly affordable to rent. Our local park district charges $63 for 3 hours. Some places are even less – not bad! You have a lot of options here too. If it’s nice out and there’s a playground nearby, that could provide entertainment. You could also use the space and come up with your own theme. Bring some outdoor games and have a sports party. Rent a projector and go with a movie theme. Gather up some art supplies and host an art themed party. The options are kind of endless here and can be personalized to your child’s favorite activities.

Pros

• Party size: most park buildings can fit a lot of kids, so you won’t be as restricted to limit guests as you might with a different venue
• Bring in what you want: Within reason, you’ll likely be allowed to bring in whatever food, decorations, activities you want without the constraints of other venues
• Affordable: One of the least expensive options

Fun party favor idea: Jump ropes

Pool Party

Pool parties aren’t just for summer. You can also rent an indoor pool and have a splash party anytime throughout the year. This is a good option as it is generally well liked by all kids. You don’t need much as pools can entertain kids for hours. Just keep in mind, if you are renting through a local facility, the costs can add up. And if you are having trouble locating an indoor pool, check local swim schools. Most host birthday parties. Also note that reservations fill up way in advance for pool parties, so decide early if you want to go this route!

Pros

• Safe pick for all ages: no matter what ages kids will be attending, pools are popular amongst all age groups
• Can accommodate large groups: If you want to invite the whole class, this is another option that can hold a large group of people
• Entertaining: you don’t need to worry about kids getting bored

Fun party favor idea: Reusable summer straws

Indoor playground or bounce house

If you are looking for unique places where you can have a children’s birthday party, this is a good option. Indoor playgrounds are exactly that: a playground under a roof. We have several of these near where we live. And everytime our kids go to one of these parties, they have a blast. Especially for younger kids, you can’t go wrong with climbing, slides, jumping, etc. It’ll always be a hit. The costs on these can be a bit higher, which is the one drawback. For older kids, check out an indoor trampoline park.

Pros

• Very likeable: kids go crazy for it
• Convenient: parents can drop off or stay and join
• Easy to plan: show up and let the kids run loose without all the planning mess

Fun party favor idea: Superhero capes with masks

Art Party

When you think of painting venues, you’re probably thinking of those wine and paint nights for adults. But it’s actually a good activity for kids too. Just substitute the wine for juice. Find a local art center and arrange a party. You can paint canvas, make clay sculptures, bead jewelry, or whatever else your venue offers. If your child is the creative type, this is a great choice for them.

Pros

• Kids take something home: one of the biggest perks is guests will have something nice to keep
• Good for smaller groups: If you want to keep the party smaller with just a few close friends, this one is perfect
• Unique: You haven’t been to a billion art parties like some of the others

Fun party favor idea: Wikki Stix

Mini golf

When the weather is warm, plan an outing to the local mini golf course. You have to be careful of weather, so proceed with caution. But as long as you aren’t planning during rainy season, this is a great party idea. It’s especially nice for older kids when you’re struggling to come up with something. It’s generally very affordable – maybe $5-10 per guest, which isn’t bad when compared with other places.

Pros

• Budget friendly: it won’t cost you a fortune, especially if you have a smaller group
• Easy to get reservations: typically you don’t need to make reservations as far in advance, so it’s a nice last minute idea
• Some include food: a lot of these mini golf places have packages with food, so it truly is an all inclusive birthday party experience

Fun party favor idea: Foam golf balls

Batting Cage/Golf

For older kids and teens, choose a sports themed party. Many of the venues on this list are geared toward a younger group, but this one will please the older crew. Rent out a batting cage or a nearby Topgolf. You could even look for a local gym and let the kids play basketball, soccer, or any kind of favorite sport. Plus a lot of these have shelter so you aren’t governed by the weather.

Pros

• Perfect for older kids: you won’t have to worry if it’s too babyish
• Easy: Parents can drop off their kids, which makes it super convenient
• Length: there’s a set start and end time. Let’s be honest, that’s so much easier than a sleepover.

Fun party favor idea: Wrist ball

Bowling

When you are looking for where to host a children’s birthday party, you’ll probably always stumble on this one. It’s a popular choice because it’s a year round activity and kids just gravitate to it. Even my 3-year-old participated in his first bowling party recently. And he loved it as much as my 5-year-old. But older kids and teens can also find a bowling party entertaining. Places like Pinstripes or Bowlero host some awesome parties!

Pros

• One stop shop: most bowling alleys have food in house, which lessens your planning.
• Liked by all: no matter what size, age, personality, bowling is something every kid can get behind
• Year round: no weather conditions to worry about

Fun party favor idea: Neon punch balloons

Hair Salon

Transform all your child’s friends into rockstars. Instead of bringing someone to your house to do hair and nails, skip the mess and head to a local salon. You could probably ask just about any hair salon or spa if they do birthday parties, but there are some special kid salons that go extra. Snip-its and Pigtails & Crewcuts are two national chains that specialize in birthday parties.

Pros

• Every kid feels special: every child gets to be treated like a prince or princess
• Unique: You probably haven’t been to a dozen of spa/salon birthday parties
• Interactive: each child can pick out their own colors/styles

Fun party favor idea: Fleece spa headbands

Pizza Party

I can’t live in Chicago and not put this one on the list. Even if you don’t live in the city with America’s greatest pizza, you can still host a special pizza party for your child. Kids love pizza, so this is an easy win. Some pizza places have arcade games, but you can also bring in your own activities. Check around to see what kind of packages are offered. If you want some entertainment with your pizza, you may have to do a little work and bring in some activities. Some places like California Pizza Kitchen allow kids to make their own pizzas and tour the kitchen. Ask around because your local pizza shop may plan around your preferences.

If you prefer to go the dessert route, you could also sub in a local ice cream or frozen yogurt store

Pros

• Kid-friendly: I’m not sure I’ve ever met a kid that doesn’t love pizza
• No planning food: Some of these venues require you to supply the food, but this is another one stop shop
• Convenience: Pizza shops are everywhere so it often isn’t hard to find a place to book

Fun party favor idea: Mini Pizza Boxes (fill with cookies or another tasty dessert)

Zoo

For smaller kids, head to the local zoo. You’ll get access to the zoo for guests and some type of party space for your group. This is a good option if you want to invite the whole daycare or school class. Zoos are always a hit with kids and it’s a bit more flexible letting kids explore at their own pace.

Pros

Good for large groups: Given that zoos cover a large area, this is a good activity if you plan on inviting a lot of guests

Popular with kids: You can be confident that it will be well liked by all guests (even parents!)

Easy planning: There’s not much to it. The zoo provides all the entertainment you need. You’ll just need to bring the food/cake.

Fun party favor idea: Animal Felt Masks

Home

Not exactly an offsite venue, but a viable option if you want something affordable. You won’t have to pay a venue fee, but you will have to plan entertainment. Let your kiddo come up with a theme that suits them and plan some games. If you prefer someone else run the entertainment, you can hire an entertainer to come to your home. No longer are clowns the only option for children’s entertainment. There are people who will come and host a science party or a spa party. You can hire a character to come visit. There are even bubble entertainers, mobile arcades, and roaming zoos. The possibilities are endless.

Pros

Affordable: You are in complete control of costs. If you are looking for budget ideas, you can DIY much of the party entertainment

No guest limits: most venues will have a limit to how many guests you can invite (and some are quite small). If you host a party in your home, you can invite as many guests and you want.

Easy set-up: Since the party is coming to you, the set-up can start as early as you want. You’ll feel less of a rush to get things ready. Most venues will only let you set up a half hour or an hour before party time.

Fun party favor idea: Pre-made slime with mix-ins

The options are endless. If you’re researching where to have a children’s birthday party, this is just the tip of the iceberg. These are some of the more popular options you can find in almost any town. And this list covers a wide age range. But don’t forget to check out local options, too. You may come across something totally unique!

What are your favorite venues to host a children’s birthday party? Let us know in the comments!

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The post Top Kids Birthday Party Venue Ideas You’ll Love appeared first on .

1. Let them participate in school supply shopping

Shopping for school supplies is traditionally the best part about starting a new school year. Just ask any school aged kid. Ok, maybe seeing their friends again once they get to know their classmates. But for kindergarteners this experience is even more exciting because they’ve never done it before. So take them along and let them decide what color scissors to get. It makes the whole experience more real for them. And they get to replace all their broken crayons, which is always enjoyable for a 5 or 6-year old.

You can even take this a step further and let them pick out a special outfit to wear on their first day. I did this with my daughter and she felt special getting to choose her own outfit. And don’t forget the backpack!

2. Start a kindergarten workbook

Workbooks are a good way to ease kids into the types of things they’ll be learning. One of our favorites is this dry erase workbook that can be easily wiped clean and used over and over. Learning to write numbers and letters is a big focus of kindergarten, so this workbook can give them a head start.

We also love this massive pre-k workbook with a variety of skill areas. There’s lots of kid friendly pictures and stickers, so it’s a nice way to introduce the concepts they’ll be learning in school.

You can also have them do a page a day for a couple weeks to begin the concept of homework. Yes, even in kindergarten they have homework. This is one of the best activities to prepare for kindergarten because you’ll be teaching them responsibility.

3. Download an educational app

Wherever you fall on screen time, schools are more frequently utilizing tablets. Even our kindergarten has one she takes home with her every day. Every school may be different, but most experts agree it’s the content, rather than time spent, that really matters. Apps like ABCMouse.com or Epic! are great educational tools in moderation.

If you are struggling to get your little one engaged in learning activities, these educational apps can be a good resource as they are very interactive. Our 5 year old loves playing ABC Mouse for fun!

4. Practice writing their name

One of the first things your son or daughter will learn in school is name writing. They’ll do it a ton and it can be helpful to get ahead of the game a bit. Practice writing out their name before their first day of school. This one is quick so you can even practice for a few minutes every day. Plus there’s nothing quite like a kindergartener proudly showcasing their work.

5. Start a before and after school routine

Kindergarten is already a major adjustment for kids. And your routines may change as a result. It’s best to start practicing your morning and evening routines in advance. This way your kids aren’t thrown into a new routine along with all the other changes.

Talk to your kindergartener about how their day will look. If they will take the bus, you can practice walking to the bus stop. If you’ll drop them off, you can drive by the school. Start eating breakfast at the same time every morning. And if you aren’t already, establish a school night routine, including a set bedtime. You can even describe how time at school will be sent. Young kids especially love hearing about all the special activities – music, gym, art, library, etc.

6. Make a calendar

This one is two fold. Your child has the opportunity to be crafty. And they can use it to count down the days until their first day of school. My 5-year-old makes a new calendar every month in her kindergarten class. And it’s always the best part of her day. She loves crossing out the days at home every night.

Here’s are a couple easy calendar ideas from PBS. You can use it to show them school days vs. weekends. And how to keep up with special dates.

If you want to go next level with it, opt for a magnetic calendar where your kiddo can switch out things like the weather, day of the week, and mood every day. It’s a nice way to teach useful concepts that they will likely learn in school.

7. Watch a show together

There are plenty of shows out there that talk about the first day of school. And it could be beneficial to your child as it gives them a visual. If you have an Amazon Prime account, Bubble Guppies is included in your membership. It’s an educational show that has a lot of school related episodes. Your kindergartener will especially love the “Get ready for school!” episode.

We ditched the cringey Youtube videos and instead opted for educational content. There are some shows that teach valuable lessons and are better suited to young minds. Even shows like Sofia the First, Daniel Tiger, or Doc McStuffins are better than most because they teach social skills, confidence, and empathy.

8. Sign them up for a class with other kids

Practicing social skills is one of the best ways you can prepare for kindergarten. Maybe your child already goes to a preschool or daycare. Or maybe they haven’t had quite as much interaction with other kids. In that case, check your local park district. Most offer classes you can sign up for so your child can interact with other kids the same age. Find an activity of interest – dance, tball, swimming, gymnastics. There are all kinds of options out there. And even if you already have a preschool or daycare, signing up for a class gives even more opportunity to teach your kiddo about listening and following direction.

9. Call daycare “school”

We’ve been calling our daycare “school” since our kids were 3 months old. This way, kids are introduced to the concept of school at a young age. Sure, at 3 months they aren’t many school oriented activities. But it helps with the transition. Instead of going from daycare to school, which can be scary for some kids, they are going from one school to another. If your kindergartener has siblings, now is great time to make the switch and start referring to daycare as school.

Even if your kiddo stays home, you can start using the term school when you do educational activities together. It helps with the adjustment if they have an idea of what school means for them.

10. Practice making friends at the park

Teach your kids how to make friends. It can be intimidating for a 5 or 6-year old to meet a bunch of new kids all at once. But it’s also fun making new friends. The park is a great place to practice because it’s ALWAYS packed.

Teach them how to introduce themselves “Hi, my name is _____. What’s your name?”. How to play kind. And how to ask questions. That last one will at least give you a little break from all the question asking.

Practicing how to make and be a good friend will give your kindergartener confidence for their first day.

11. Read a book

If you have a kiddo that loves reading, this is an easy way to help with the first day of school jitters. Kindergarten, Here I Come is a good (and super affordable) option. It’s a nice one because it illustrates what a day at kindergarten looks like. The Night Before Kindergarten is another great choice.

You can also get some books to help with social skills. Our daughter LOVES The World Needs More Purple People. There’s so many great books out there, it would be impossible to even list them all here.

Now would be a good time to help your kindergarten practice their reading skills. They may not have any words mastered yet, but they’ll start learning sight words pretty quickly. The Step Into Reading books are a great way to start teaching them different words, so one day they can read it back to you. And you can get them for all kinds of different themes or characters. You’ll definitely find something your child is into.

12. Play a game together

When your child enters kindergarten, you will quickly be introduced to the world of sight words. And will likely be asked to help practice. There are hundreds of games you can create on your own. Like these outdoor ideas from Coffee Cups and Crayons. Or if your child is into board games, Zingo is a popular choice. There are all kinds of games you can play that are a bit more engaging than traditional flash cards. And the fact that you’re doing it together is another huge perk in your child’s eyes.

13. Practice independence

One of the activities to prepare for kindergarten you may not immediately think of. Tying shoes, helping to zip the coat, assisting in the bathroom. These may be things you do for your little one without thinking. But teachers will want kindergarteners to have some basic skills down. Make sure to double knot those shoe laces and teach your kindergartener how to put on their shoes themselves. They will also need to use the bathroom alone so teach unbuttoning, pulling down pants. And how to turn on the sink and wash hands. How to zip up their coat. These all may seem super basic, but it may be surprising how many tasks you do without thinking.

14. Teach scissor skills

Why do kids like scissors so much? I don’t know, but they use them all the time in kindergarten. This was one of the things they taught our kids in daycare, so we didn’t have to do a ton of teaching, but its a fun activity for kids to practice. We use the safety scissors, give the kids some construction paper, and let them go at it. Melissa and Doug also has these really cool scissor skills workbooks. I’ve always thought about getting them, but they are a bit pricey unless you find them when they’re on sale.

Create excitement

This is certainly not an exhaustive list. Luckily there is no shortage of ideas to introduce your kindergartener to school life. No matter what you do, do it with excitement. Make kindergarten a big deal. They are such a big kid now (even if you’re crying a bit on the inside). That will really help excitement win over nerves.

And don’t forget the first day celebrations. Make sure you get that traditional first day of school picture. And prepare a special dinner where you talk about all the exciting events of the day. No matter which of these activities you choose to prepare for kindergarten, above all, make sure you are celebrating a huge milestone.

What are you most excited or nervous about preparing for kindergarten?

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Why is 10,000 steps the goal?

There’s a lot of debate whether 10,000 steps is too little or too much. The number is somewhat arbitrary, but the important thing is that it gives you a goal to work toward. 10,000 is a popular benchmark because it equates to roughly 5 miles and some studies have shown links to lowered risk of diabetes and heart disease (when combined with other healthy behaviors). The 10k number was actually popularized in the 1960’s by the Japanese.

And while the 10,000 step goal isn’t a one-size-fits all approach, it’s a good place to start. The CDC recommends 30 minutes of exercise each day, which may impact the amount of steps you get. And you may decide to alter your goal if you’re working toward weight loss.

Counting daily steps is an easy way to stay active and counteract fatigue from sitting at a desk all day. It’s important to keep your mind and body alert when you spend time at home behind a computer screen. Otherwise, it could take a toll on your mental and physical health.

What is the best way to count steps?

There are several different ways to count steps (including some manual options).

• Use a pedometer or activity tracker. Some of the most popular options include the Apple Watch, Fitbit, and Garmin. If you’re on a budget, the Omron Alvita is simple and accurate.
• Manually calculate your steps. Find a route that is 1 mile long. As a general rule, 1 mile equates to about 2,000 steps. So if you walk 5 miles, you’ll reach your 10,000 step goal. This won’t be 100% accurate, but you’ll get a rough estimate. You can download a phone app like MapMyRun to track the distance you walk. Or route it out on Google Maps.
• Use your phone. Many phone models have built in pedometers. There’s a good chance your phone has been counting your steps without you realizing it. On the iphone, you can find it in the health app (which comes standard on iphones). The catch – you need to be carrying your phone around to count the steps.

So how do you reach your step goal when you’re stuck at home?

1. Pick up the house

This is efficiency at its finest. You’ll probably need to organize and pick up the house at some point, so do it while collecting steps. It’s not exactly motivating to aimlessly pace around your house. But if you feel like you’re accomplishing something else at the same time, It provides you with that extra push. Walk around and put things away – you’ll knock both tasks out at once. And you’d be surprised at how many steps you can gain by simply doing the laundry.

2. Walk around every time you have a work call

Many of the popular video conferencing platforms have a corresponding app. And often you’ll have meetings that only require audio. Instead of plugging into your computer for your call, download the app and walk around with your phone. It’s a simple and productive way to pick up a lot of steps. Here are some common meeting platforms that also have apps:

• Zoom
• Skype
• Microsoft Teams
• BlueJeans
• GoToMeeting
• Slack
• Google Hangouts

Once you adopt this strategy it has the potential to be a gamechanger. Plus, you’ll likely need ideas that allow you to get work done at the same time. It may not work the best for your video calls, but it’s an easy habit to change for all your phone calls.

3. Listen to Podcasts or YouTube videos

Podcasts and Youtube videos aren’t just about the entertainment. There is so much educational content out there. Find one relevant to your job or a skill you want to sharpen. When I walk around, I listen to SEO and marketing videos. There’s a podcast or YouTube channel out there for every subject. Find one of interest to you and listen as you walk around. This is another strategy that motivates you to walk because you’re staying productive by educating yourself.

4. Chase kids (or dogs) around

If you have young kids or an active pet, you already know how much energy they consume. This can be an advantage when trying to meet a step goal. Play the “try to catch me” (creative title, right?) game and chase your little ones around for a bit. They get exercise, you get steps. It’s really a win-win. Plus, they get more of your uninterrupted attention, which is never a bad thing.

Related: 17 Real Ways to Make Money as a Stay-at-Home Mom or Dad

If you have a dog, the same rules apply. Play tug of war or run around in the backyard.

This one could even be worth breaking the “no ball in the house” rule.

5. Get a treadmill desk

This is probably the best way to get a lot of steps in a short amount of time. And to do all of your work tasks at the same time. A standing desk will help your posture (and it’s a great habit to get into). But a treadmill desk will kick things up a notch.

One affordable, yet high quality option is this treadmill that fits under a desk. When you’re done it folds up and slides under the couch. Or if you already have a treadmill, all you need is this desk attachment.

And if you’re looking to go all in, this treadmill comes equipped with a desk and the ability to fold up to store neatly under the couch.

6. Respond to emails and other communications

Designate your walk time as a time to send and respond to emails. It’ll require you to have email on your phone, but it’s an easy way to get steps while working. If you send emails back and forth throughout the day, just get up and start walking every time you need to send an email.

Messaging with co-workers on an app like Slack is another productive way to get 10,000 steps while still working. Most jobs have some type of communication aspect, so use walking time for these tasks.

7. Yard Work

Similar to picking up the house, do the yard work you’ve been putting off. Rake leaves, mow, clean up toys, pick up after the dog. Whatever you have on your list, use your step goal as motivation to get it done. It may not be the most fun way to gain steps, but you’ll accomplish two things at once – leaving time for more enjoyable things later.

8. Use it as a brainstorming period

Strategizing for an important meeting. Coming up with a creative solution for work. Planning what you’re going to eat for dinner. Deciding what you’re going to get your mom for her birthday. All things you can brainstorm among a seemingly endless list of things.

When do you ever really set aside time to just think. Because you already have too much to do, it probably gets deprioritized as the last item on your to do list. But use your step goal as a motivating factor for some uninterrupted brainstorming. It’s much more productive than multi-tasking with all the other things on your list.

9. Suggest a walking work meeting

These are growing in popularity as more people work from home. Engage your coworkers in getting more active by organizing a walking meeting. Essentially everyone dials in and agrees to walk during your scheduled meeting time. Simple, yet effective. And a great way to encourage healthy habits company-wide.

10. Use your lunch break to take a walk outside

A major benefit to working from home is that you have easy access to exercise. Use your lunch break to go for a walk or run around your neighborhood. No gym required. Plus, you’ll get the added value of fresh air. Which, from personal experience, is not always easy when you’re stuck behind a desk all day.

Other ways to stay active all day at home

While step goals are a great way to keep yourself active when you’re working from home, there are some other approaches you can take. If you want to supplement your step goal or you just need a little extra oomph to keep your mind sharp, try one of these:

• Do some Youtube yoga in your living room (Yoga with Adrienne is a personal favorite)
• Set a timer and every hour do some simple desk stretches
• Block off your calendar each day for exercise. Do some easy at home exercises like push-ups, squats, or lunges.
• Buy some workout gear – think resistance bands or a stability ball (or an indoor cycling bike if you’re really looking to invest in your home exercise)

Spending even a small amount of time each day to exercise at home can improve not only your physical health, but also mental health. Working from home can lead to burnout just as easily as working from an office. By getting up and moving around, you can maintain a health work from home lifestyle.

What strategies do you currently use to get 10,000 steps while working from home?

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Can you save money buying groceries on Amazon?

Yes, using Amazon Fresh can save you money on your normal grocery expenses. Amazon offers their own Happy Belly brand to keep prices low (in addition to all the standard brands). And by searching through Amazon Fresh deals, you’ll be able to save even more. That said, there are factors that can alter how much or how little you can save.

After some digging, I’ve identified which items can save you the most and which to skip. Plus, some of the pros and cons of using Amazon Fresh.

Comparing Amazon Fresh prices to a grocery store

Our sample includes a variety of commonly purchased items, which will give us a more well rounded picture. Here’s how the prices stack up:

From this chart, Amazon Fresh seems to have consistently better prices than its competitors (with Trader Joes close behind). Some things to keep in mind:

• These prices reflect any current sales (for all stores). Prices may vary depending on deals running at the time of ordering.
• Majority of the Amazon Fresh items come from Amazon grocery brands. And the same applies to grocery store, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s pricing. These prices primarily reflect store brands. If you want to shop name brands, prices will be higher in most cases.
• While Amazon Fresh and Trader Joes are close, Amazon Fresh has a much wider selection of items offered.

Also, in today’s shocking news: Whole Foods did not have the cheapest price for any single item on our list. Whole Paycheck, anyone?

From these results, it seems Amazon Fresh wins (or is even) in most places. And yes, Amazon Fresh is cheaper than a grocery store when you compare a lot of these categories (with the exception of chicken). The prices and convenience are hard to beat as an alternative to in-store grocery shopping.

Extra costs associated with Amazon Fresh

As with anything else in life, there are extra costs associated with the Amazon Fresh service. And it could impact whether you decide to use it or not.

If you’re familiar with purchasing on Amazon, you may already know how their Prime membership can save you on shipping. If you already have an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll likely be able to get all your grocery deliveries free through Amazon Fresh.

What qualifies for free delivery through Amazon Fresh?

According to Amazon, free grocery delivery is available to Prime members in select regions on Amazon Fresh orders that meet the local free delivery threshold. To check your eligibility, all you have to do is sign in to your Amazon account and enter your zip code. Keep in mind – both Prime members and free trial members qualify for the free shipping.

When it comes to the delivery threshold, the typical minimum is $35. We’ve never had a problem reaching this amount when purchasing our regular weekly groceries. If you don’t get to the minimum for free delivery, you’ll be charged a delivery fee, which is typically around $4.99.

The Costs:

If you already have a Prime membership, Amazon Fresh is the cheapest delivery option. When adding in the cost of a Prime membership, the fees become more comparable.

Is an Amazon Prime membership required to shop Amazon Fresh?

Yes, if you don’t currently have an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll be required to purchase one before shopping on Amazon Fresh. This is an important consideration when debating if Amazon Fresh is cheaper than shopping at a grocery store for you personally. If you already have a membership, there are no extra costs when calculating if Amazon Fresh is good value. If you don’t have an Amazon Prime membership, you’ll need to factor the membership cost into your price comparison.

A typical Amazon Prime membership costs $12.99 per month (or a cheaper annual price of $119).

One benefit to using Amazon Fresh is you’ll be able to pick a 2-hour window with your free delivery. Often, you can even have your groceries delivered same day.

How much do you tip on Amazon Fresh deliveries?

Amazon will automatically add a $5 tip to your cart when you check out. This is the recommended amount, but you have flexibility. You can manually update the amount to apply a lower or higher tip to your purchase. The good news: Amazon Fresh delivery drivers get 100% of tips left for them. It makes a big difference in how much they earn from Amazon Fresh.

Will Amazon Fresh drivers see how much you tipped?

No, Amazon Fresh delivery drivers do not see individual tip breakdowns. They will see a total amount at the end of their shift, but it is not displayed for each household. This is due, in part, to ensure customer privacy. And while tips are very much appreciated by drivers, they will not see the exact amount you leave for them.

If you’re simply walking into a grocery store, these are not things you have to account for. But if you choose to conduct your online grocery shopping elsewhere, tips and delivery charges are common among all online grocery services.

How to save money on Amazon Fresh

Aside from simply browsing for the most affordable items on Amazon Fresh, there are some other ways you can save money. When you visit the Amazon Fresh website, you’ll find a deals section. This feature makes it easy to find all the best deals in one place. You will find coupons, bundle deals, and clearance items. And deals are organized in a manner that makes searching for specific items efficient. If say, you only want deals for deli products, you can scroll to just look at deli products. This is actually how we fell in love with Dietz & Watson’s New York Style Pastrami.

Filter your search by items offering coupons

To find the best deals on Amazon Fresh, click on the deals link and you’ll see all kinds of coupons. It’s broken down by category, so you don’t have to scroll through items not relevant to you (like birthday party essentials). The cool thing is that some items will already be discounted and you’ll get the coupon discount on top of that.

Adding coupons are easy – you just add the item to your cart and the coupon is automatically applied. No clipping required!

Check the deal of the week

Amazon Fresh always offers a deal of the week. And it’s always a really good discount. Be on the lookout for this item every time you shop to see if it’s of interest to you.

Shop the clearance section

Not only does Amazon Fresh offer coupons, but they also have a clearance section. A lot of the items here are pretty large discounts, so it’s always worth it to swing by and check out some of the products featured in this section.

Shop Happy Belly brand products

Happy Belly is Amazon’s grocery brand. It’s similar to buying the store brand at your local grocery store. In addition to Happy Belly, they also have the Fresh brand. In the deals section, you’ll find an area labeled “Our brands”. From here you can sort by Happy Belly, Fresh, or look at everything.

There are truly some great deals with these two lines. In fact, when purchasing our groceries, majority of our items come from these two brands. You can really score some great prices compared to other stores.

What are the pros and cons of Amazon Fresh?

Online grocery shopping has its benefits over shopping in store. It also comes with drawbacks. Where you land with Amazon Fresh will depend entirely on what’s most important to you when grocery shopping.

Benefits of using Amazon Fresh

You can find things much quicker.

In the grocery store, you have to hunt around to find specific items. And that can often involve perusing several aisles until you finally find it. With Amazon Fresh, you type it in the search bar and can find it in seconds. It makes the entire grocery shopping experience much quicker.

You don’t have to leave home.

One of the biggest benefits to grocery shopping online – you can do it all from behind a computer screen in your pajamas. And then you wait for it, in your pajamas. The convenience factor cannot be overstated.

You end up buying less.

How many items do you intend to buy vs. how many end up in your cart? Unless you have an above average level of self-control, you probably walk out with more than you wanted. When searching for items online, it’s less likely you’ll add a bunch of unnecessary items to your cart. Grocery stores are designed with impulse buying in mind. There are literal jobs that revolve around it.

It’s easier to price compare.

When you’re at the store, some items are up high, some are low. It takes more work to compare brands and prices. You can save with Amazon Fresh simply due to the ease with which you can price compare.

Drawbacks to using Amazon Fresh

It’s not great for items you need in the moment.

If you’re out of milk and need a gallon right now, Amazon Fresh probably isn’t your go to option. While you can order same-day, it’s not best for items you need urgently.

You don’t have a Prime membership or only plan on using it for groceries.

If you don’t already have a Prime membership or you don’t plan on taking advantage of the other benefits, it may not be worth it for you. The monthly or annual cost probably tips the scale to make Amazon Fresh more expensive than a grocery store. It’s worth the membership cost if you’re taking full advantage.

You can’t pick out items yourself.

Probably the biggest consideration – you can’t see the actual product you’re buying. In our experience, items from Amazon Fresh have been good quality (better than other online grocery services we tried). But of course experiences will vary. If you want to pick out your own avocados and bananas, this is one of the drawbacks.

Is Amazon Fresh worth it?

Yes, for the convenience alone, Amazon Fresh is absolutely worth it. When you factor in the competitive (and often lower) prices, there is a strong advantage to using Amazon Fresh over driving to the grocery store. We’ve never had any issues with quality. In fact, if anything they sent underripe foods rather than overripe to ensure optimal quality. And for anyone who dreads going to the store, it makes the meal planning process so much easier.

In my opinion, the benefits far outweigh the costs. It’s especially beneficial if you already have a Prime membership or you plan on getting one. Try it out and see how it compares

And if you aren’t already a Prime member, sign up for a free trial. Amazon Fresh is included with free trials, so you can try it before you invest in the full membership.

Alternatives to Amazon Fresh

If you want to compare some of the different online grocery services, here are a few others to consider:

Instacart

Target Grocery with Shipt

Walmart Grocery

Peapod

Direct with your local Grocery store

Have you ever tried online grocery shopping? What was your experience?

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The post Is Amazon Fresh Cheaper Than a Grocery Store? The Surprising Results appeared first on .

Why does my child talk constantly?

It’s normal for toddlers and preschoolers to talk nonstop – from sun up to sun down. And it’s not a bad thing. There are several reasons why it happens:

Young kids are showing off their new skill.

When your child first learns to talk, they want to show the world (and this takes the form of talking all the time). They are proud of their new skill – just like when they first learn to walk, they flat out refuse to ever sit down again

They are really excited about something.

Kids get excited about a lot of things. They tend to talk fast and share every possible detail with you. It’s their way of showing how much the particular topic means to them. But they don’t have the self-regulation to know when to stop. So they keep on talkin’.

They are scared about something.

The opposite of being passionate about something, they may be scared. They may be having trouble calming down. They may need reassurance from you. And they probably won’t stop until they feel a little more relaxed.

Being talkative is learned and then reinforced with attention.

Your kids see you talking or other people talking, so they try it out. If they are rewarded with attention or help with their needs, the behavior is then reinforced and they keep doing it more often.

Having a talkative kid on your hands may seem exhausting at times, but there are many advantages. Chatty kids have better communication skills, which makes sense when it’s a skill they constantly practice. They tend to be more curious; asking questions and problem solving. They learn to use their voice at an early age. They develop better social skills. And they learn to be better negotiators (so prepare yourself).

So how do you keep yourself from going nuts when your little one is chatting up a storm?

1. Turn questions back on them

You’re driving along in the car and BAM! Hundreds of questions come at you at once.

“Why is the car moving so fast?”

“Can I have a snack?”

“How do bees make honey?”

“Can I have a snack?”

It’s frustrating to answer question after question with no end in sight. And it’s just your kid’s way of learning. They are curious. Though at the time, it feels more like they want you to slowly rip all your hair out. So here’s a good tip: turn the questioning back on them. When they ask “why is the sky dark at night?”, you respond with “That’s a good question, why do you think?”.

And then their little brains start churning. They start thinking of creative answers. And this thinking time results in seconds, or in some cases, minutes of quiet. And that’s all you need.

Plus, it’s always a good idea to balance out the conversation. You ask questions, your kids ask questions. That way, they know you are engaged.

2. Give your full attention at least part of the time

You pick your little one up from daycare and they just unload. A minute-by-minute replay of their entire day. And you respond with the typical “mhmm”, “wow, that’s cool”, “yeah”. We all do it and any parent who claims they don’t is most definitely lying to you. It’s impossible to be fully committed to the conversation 24/7 when your child talks nonstop. But you should give them your full attention at least part of the time.

Kids are intuitive and they know when you are dismissing them. Spend some time making eye contact, asking them about their day, and giving thoughtful responses. When they have your full attention, they are less likely to keep talking because they are more satisfied with the discussion.

If you are only giving them half your attention all the time, they are going to notice. And the result: “I better keep talking until mom or dad hears me”.

3. Arrange a quiet time

The days of afternoon naps may be long gone, but you’re not out of the game. Designate an hour or two every day for quiet time. Your little one can read quietly in their room, watch a movie, listen to music, or whatever you choose as the quiet time activity. This gives you a little time each day to recharge your batteries and get ready for the evening chatter.

We recently discovered a screen free audio device called the Yoto Player. You can choose stories and music for kids to listen to during quiet time. But the coolest feature is that you can record your own voice – telling a story (or singing if you’re brave). It’s not a substitute for 1-1 conversation, but it’ll encourage your little one to stay in their room during quiet time if they can play your voice.

4. Take a shower every day

This has absolutely nothing to do with getting clean, and everything to do with peace and quiet. I work from home and don’t particularly care about showering every morning. Except that it’s an excellent way to hit the mental reset button. It’s the one place where you have quiet time to yourself. It’s amazing what one simple shower can do when you’re feeling burned out and totally exhausted.

5. Use distraction to your advantage

If you allow your kids screen time, this is an excellent time for you to reset. Mostly because kids turn in to zombies. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time to one hour a day for kids ages 2 to 5. A lot of quiet time can happen in this hour.

If screens aren’t your thing, keep other distraction methods in your arsenal. Blocks, puzzles, crayons, playdough, obstacle courses, and my personal favorite – building a fort.

6. Be the first one up in the morning

Waking up early can seem like the worst kind of torture when you’re in the throes of parenthood. Particularly if you aren’t getting enough quality sleep to begin with. But imagine two scenarios:

1. Your kids serve as your alarm clock. They wake you up every morning and you are immediately in a flurry of morning routine.
2. You wake up before your kids. The first hour of your morning is filled with peace and quiet. Sip your coffee, watch the news, read a book. You do you.

Out of the two options, which seems like the more relaxing way to start your day? If you’ve been waking up with your kids, try waking up before them. It’s not the easiest habit to start, but it can set the stage for your day.

7. Chit chat over FaceTime

When your child talks nonstop, FaceTime is like taking a vacation. Dial up a friend or family member, hand your little one the phone, and enjoy a nice break. So what if the phone is pointed at the ceiling? The key here is that someone else is taking the brunt of the talking, while you are enjoying a little time off.

It’s a great way to hit the reset button when you are feeling particularly drained.

8. Use helpful phrases

Using filler words or passively responding when your toddler or preschooler talks constantly will only maintain the conversation. When responding with “yep” and “cool”, their little detectors go off and they know you aren’t listening.

Instead, explain to them that you are doing something and will talk in a minute. Saying something like “Wow, that sounds like a fun story. I’m making dinner right now, but let’s talk about it when I’m finished”.

And then follow through and actually be present when they tell their story. Using helpful phrases will let your little one feel heard, but also provide an explanation why you can’t be fully engaged.

This is also a good time to teach good habits. If your child is constantly interrupting, offer some helpful feedback.

I’ll be with you in a minute. Next time, try ‘excuse me’ so I know when you’re waiting to talk

A few final thoughts

Hitting the reset button is different from survival mode. It’s about allowing for self-care in the moments you need it most. Have you ever become so overwhelmed by the chattiness that you lose it? You break and angrily shout at your little one to stop talking. And then you feel guilty for the rest of the day.

Those moments are preventable if you take time for yourself before getting to the point of no return. And you’ll be better for it.

Remember, you are the coach. And when your child talks nonstop there are things you can do to guide them. Try out some of these approaches to teach them that you need breaks too. And that’s perfectly okay.

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The post How to Hit the Reset Button When Your Child Talks Nonstop appeared first on .

Is screen time bad for toddlers?

If you’re looking at limiting screen time for your toddler, let’s first get a baseline of how much screen time is recommended. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children older than 2 years should be limited to 1 hour or less per day of high-quality programming. Avoid screen time during meals and 1 hour before bedtime. Many of us parents are guilty of scrolling our phones before bed, so it may seem hypocritical. But you’ll very likely see improvements in sleep if you remove the blue light before bed.

The AAP also recommends parents interact with kids while screens are being used, as that’s how toddlers learn best.

What can your toddler do instead of screen time?

Step 1: don’t panic and throw the ipad away. The key is not avoiding, but rather, limiting screen time to less than an hour per day for toddlers. A lot of the advice out there suggests redirection to other activities like books or board games to limit toddler screen time. Perfectly good advice and this has been mildly effective in our own experience. But what if you were to find an alternative that aligns with why toddlers like screens in the first place.

Why do kids like screens?

To decide on a good substitute, it’s important to understand why kids like ipads and other tablets in the first place. Screens have flashy colors and noise (things kids are drawn to). Screens can often be interacted with. And at this age, kids are all about experimenting with what they can do. This explains why your kids can be captivated for hours. But there’s another aspect of toddler screen use. Storytelling.

Toddler aged kids love hearing stories. Imaginative play begins between 18-24 months and only grows from there. Kids at this age love make-believe scenarios because it’s a new developmental skill for them. They are starting to play independently. And storytelling is part of that. It’s the reason why your toddler can be entertained by a tablet without even looking at it. Toddlers love to use their growing imaginations to guess what comes next in the story.

To limit toddler screen time, replace it with something similar – just without the screen.

Related: How to organize a playroom as a non-organized person

A screen free storyteller designed for kids

After doing a ton of research and trying multiple brands, I have to say – the Yoto Player is the real deal when it comes to screen free audio devices. We’ll get in to some of the features, but first, what is Yoto and why is a good substitute for toddler screen time?

What is the Yoto Player?

Yoto Player is a screen-free audio device for kids. It’s a smart speaker – and then some. Yoto comes with a bluetooth speaker cube and a starter pack of story cards. Insert the story cards into the Yoto device and your toddler will be instantly treated to stories and songs. The cards are easy to use (our 2-year-old and 4-year-old can both pop them into the device just fine). And the card content is high-quality.

Why is Yoto a good substitute for screen time?

With Yoto, you’ll get the storytelling without the actual screen. Kids have the freedom to choose their story. They pick a card, insert it in the player, and it automatically starts playing. It’s very easy for toddlers to control. And it’s a great way to provide an experience similar to a tablet – when you’ve maxed out your screen time. With screen-free audio players like Yoto, kids get the sound, the stories, the interaction, and the imagination.

The cool thing about Yoto is that it does have a visual display. It will display a clock when no card is inserted. The clock will show daytime vs. nighttime (more later on how this can help with toddler sleep). And when there is a card playing, Yoto will display a picture. So your toddler can get the visual aspect they enjoy from screens, without all the blue light.

What are the features of the Yoto Player?

The Yoto Player uses content cards that your toddler can collect and listen to over and over again. Some examples of card content:

• Winnie the Pooh
• Zog
• The Gruffalo
• Llama Llama
• Paw Patrol
• Daniel Tiger

I mean there’s really so many, but you can check the full list over on the Yoto website.

One note – Yoto is based in the UK, so if you’re from the U.S., check out the Yoto U.S.

And for all the techies out there, here are some of the other features for the Yoto Player:

• Large knobs (easy for toddlers to interact with) to skip forward/backward as well as change the volume
• Input for headphones
• Portable with a rechargeable battery
• No wifi needed
• Parental controls from an app
• New, free content daily from the Yoto podcast and radio
• Portable – so you can take it on-the-go

How storytelling can help toddler sleep

Two birds, one stone, as they say. Story readers not only help with limiting toddler screen time, but they can actually help at bedtime, too. The AAP encourages parents to limit screen time 1 hour before bed for toddlers. The blue light can interfere with sleep (for both kids and adults). By moving kids away from screens and toward a screen free device like Yoto, it can help relax their little brains before bedtime.

The typical routine we follow in our house is:

• Mom/dad reads stories
• Lights out
• Kids listen to Yoto as they drift off to sleep

It’s important not to use Yoto as a complete replacement for parent reading time. This is one of the biggest benefits that books have on kids. They love the one-on-one time. Instead – read a book together before lights out and then let your toddler listen to their story reader after you’ve left. Or listen to the story reader together.

How Yoto can help keep toddlers in bed?

I can’t begin to describe the struggles of keeping a toddler in bed. There’s the water. And the bathroom trips. I’m too hot. I’m too cold. I drank all my water. We tried everything. And maybe you struggle with this, too. We had some success with a sleep training clock – which the Yoto player took to a new level.

When you set up your Yoto Player, there’s an option to set sleep and wake times. If for instance you choose a bedtime of 7:30 PM, Yoto will switch to a moon picture as a signal to your child that it’s time for bed. And if you set a wake time of 7 AM, Yoto will switch over to a sun image at that time. You then teach (or sleep train) your toddler that when the moon picture shows, it’s still sleep time. But when they see a sun picture, they can get up.

In addition to the sun/moon pictures, Yoto also serves as a nightlight, which is helpful for nighttime anxiety. You can set different colors for day vs. night, which may be easier for teaching sleep training. If your child sees purple, it’s still nighttime. But if they see yellow, they can get up.

Of all the things we tried (and there were a lot of them), sleep training clocks proved the most effective.

How you can be a storyteller

Adults aren’t the only ones with thoughts running through their minds at bedtime. By letting your kiddo listen to a story while going to sleep (or using it as a sound machine), they can wind down. Take this a step further.

Yoto comes with a blank content card. It’s essentially space for you to create your own stories. Parents can record their own voices telling a story or singing a song (if you’re brave) and kids can play it after parents have left the room. It’s added comfort for toddlers who may be afraid to be alone in their room.

If you’re struggling to find screen free activities…

Give Yoto a try. We’ve had success limiting toddler screen time with it (along with a lot of other parents). It has great benefits for toddlers without the overwhelm. Our toddlers love that they can operate it on their own. It’s more engaging and imaginative than a lot of the other toys out there. And when you’ve tried everything else, this one may be a game changer for you.

What strategies have you tried to limit toddler screen time?

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