Read Books About School. An easy way to get the transition conversation started is reading your children books about preschool and kindergarten in the weeks before they begin. Maas suggests The Night Before Preschool (“It really helped them find the humor versus fear in the tears mom or dad may shed on the first day,” she says). Also, Pete The Cat: Rocking In My School Shoes. “The day after reading this book, I let my boys chose new shoes for school,” says Maas. “After getting the shoes home, we made a silly song about how the boys would use their new school shoes.” You can also scoop up books that show your kids’ favorite characters making their way to the classroom. Our picks: Bubble Guppies Time For School, Peppa Pig And The Busy Day At School, Elmo Goes To School, Curious George’s First Day Of School, Daniel Tiger Goes To School, Clifford’s First Day Of School, The Berenstain Bears Go To School, and the like.

Saying Goodbye To Old Friends: For children transitioning from preschool to kindergarten, think about creating a special treat for him or her to give their preschool buddies to say goodbye. This one found on Pinterest is a cute idea. It says “I’m so lucky to have had you in my class,” and inside it is filled with Lucky Charms. On the back, you can write something like “Good luck in kindergarten. Please give me a call if you’d like to play sometime,” along with contact info. Preparing and handing out these parting gifts to their old friends will help your child have a sense of closure. In Maas’ case, the recipient’s parents sent videos of their children saying thank you for the treats and telling her son a little about their first day of school. This also helped him soak in the fact that all of his friends were moving on to a new school, and he wasn’t the only one.

Get Them Excited About School Gear: Let your kid pick out a few new pieces of clothing, a backpack, lunchbox, and bento box to put into his or her lunchbox to get them excited about the perks of heading to school. For any specific supplies intended for the entire class, have a discussion with your child about how they might share and use the supplies when it’s their turn, so they don’t get too attached.

Get Them Excited About School Grub: The night before the big day, take your child to the grocery store to pick out their choice of healthy fruits and veggies, sandwich supplies, drink, and snack. Let them know that they get to gobble down the yummy stuff the next day at school. When you’re packing their first-day lunch, have both parents sneak a note inside. A simple “I Love You” or funny illustration will do the trick.

Let Them Get Comfy With Their New Stuff: If your preschooler will be sleeping on a mat for the first time (PS: we like this version by Olive Kids), try to buy the mat a few weeks early and set it up in the living room for fun snuggle sessions and to get them excited about their new sleepy time area. Same goes for new backpacks and shoes. Try to have your kids try the gear on before the big first day, so they can get comfortable wearing the items.

Visit The School Ahead Of Time: If your kindergarten or preschool allows visits with your child before the school year starts, take them up on it! It’s a great way for kids to get acquainted with the environment and teachers with mom and dad nearby before they are there all alone.

Curb The “School” Talk If Needed: If you notice your child getting anxious or rebellious when you mention the idea of “school,” try to nix the word altogether, and instead refer to the place as its proper name (ex: Children’s Day) and the teachers as their first names (“let’s go visit your new friend Miriam, she’s so nice”). This might help the transition seem like less of a big deal and the new space seem more like a fun play center.

The Drop-Off: Confidence is key. It’s important to say goodbye (don’t sneak out of the room) and actually leave. Don’t ask “Are you okay if mom leaves now?” It will not be ok with them. Instead, walk away confidently even if your child is crying—don’t linger, come back, or keep turning around, as that will make them feel like they do actually have something to be scared of, as they’ll sense a lack of confidence. It’ll also reinforce that crying gets you to come back. Also, keep your promises. If you say you will be back right after recess/snack, be there. Remember that separation anxiety is a natural part of development, how parents respond to it is vital in order for kids to make healthy transitions and develop trust with parents and teachers.

Create A Drop-Off Ritual: Think of a special send-off between you and your child, like a special handshake, a kiss blown in their hand (especially great if you have read The Kissing Hand), a short finger play, or a goodbye from all of you senses (“After school, my ears will hear all the fun things you did, my eyes will see your brave face, my nose will smell your stinky sweat…”). Let your child take a small transitional object to school. Plan something you can give him out of your pocket or off your body to leave with him if he is struggling, such as a soft hair band from mom, a small photo, or a splash of cologne from dad (just remind him it may need to stay in his backpack or cubby if the teacher says so).

Practice Self Care: After you drop your child off, try to let the guilt go and do something for yourself, such as a stroll, a phone call to a friend, or a cry in the car. Your child will stop crying a lot sooner than you think. Have faith in your kid’s inner strength and positive coping techniques.

Expect Regression. Your child might whine, cry, have bathroom accidents, or be extremely clingy while she makes this big transition. She needs more nurture and reassurance, so don’t punish her for using a baby voice at this time, but instead give extra cuddle time. And when she expresses negative feelings, make sure you don’t put words in her mouth. Don’t say, “I know you hate school.” Reflect instead: “I hear you saying you feel scared/sad/mad?..the teacher and I are here to help.” Also, remind your child that she has fought her fear before and felt brave. Say something like, “Remember how afraid you were of swimming? Now you love it!”

Discussing Their School Day: “It’s a pretty universal kid response to say ‘good’ and nothing else when describing their day at school,” says Maas. To encourage your kids to open up and give some more details, grab their favorite dolls and superheroes and play like they’re at school, recreating moments from the day. At dinner, try to get your kids to talk about the best and worst parts of their day, and you can do the same with your work day. “As a therapist, I see the importance of validation. Kids need to know their parents hear them, are connected to them, and can offer support to help them,” says Maas. “It is easy to get in to a trap of trying to minimize any negative emotion or thought our kids have because we just want them to be happy, but by doing that they do not feel understood. It’s very important to show them we care by validating even their sadness, confusion, and frustration. I do this by making sure I am focused (looking at their eyes and putting away all electronics), hearing their words, and repeating them back in a simple way. If they see I heard them and I didn’t get details wrong, then I ask, ‘Is there anything else you want to share about that?’ before I make any comments. Next, I say something along the lines of, ‘What do you think would make you feel better?’ Most of the time they have a much easier and better solution than I could ever imagine. Other times the solution involves something totally unrealistic. If the solution is doable, I ask how I can help. If it isn’t, I acknowledge why flying out of preschool on a rocket might not be the only option!” May the force be with you, mamas!

[Editor’s note: This article was originally published August 17, 2015.]

The post Tips For Transitioning To Preschool And Kindergarten appeared first on MOTHER.

Research The Summer Solstice.
There are plenty of resources out there—from YouTube videos to children’s books—that explain the unique movements of our sun and Earth that make the longest day of the year occur. You can start with this YouTube read-aloud of The Longest Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice (by Wendy Pfeffer) to get a great kid-sized overview of the Earth’s movements and many traditions around the world. Since the star of the day (quite literally) is the sun, you can also read up on facts about the sun, as well as flip through kids’ books that celebrate nature and the wonder of Mother Earth more generally.

Soak Up The Sun.
Depending on if your family is made up of early birds or night owls—think about watching the sun rise together or the sun set together. And/or—in between those hours—devote some time to heading outside and enjoying nature and the official kick-off to the summer season. Pack a picnic, a ball, a deck of cards, and other outdoor activities, and enjoy the simplicity of it all. The Summer Solstice means the sun will rise earlier and set later than any other day of the year, which also makes it a special opportunity to let your kiddos stay up late and not get ready for bed until the last rays of sunshine have disappeared.

Do A Sun-Inspired Art Project.
Put your “Pinterest Mom” hat on and search for the best age-appropriate, sun-inspired crafts that you know your children will enjoy. We especially love these tissue paper sun catchers and using SunPrint Paper to create unique art with objects found in nature. KiwiCo also has a great solar system activity kit that allow your kids to DIY their own system of planets that rotate around the sun.

Eat Sun-Tastic Treats.
Hungry? Make a fun Summer Solstice spread that features fruits and veggies and baked goods in the blazing colors of the sun. Create a sun-shaped cake or cookies. Or, talk to your kiddos about the delicious bounty of summer and choose some of your favorite in-season treats for a special meal at home or outdoors. Whatever tickles your tastebuds.

Dress Like The Sun.
Think orange, red, yellow, and glittering metallic gold. Try out a gold glitter makeup tutorial. Apply sparkling, kid-friendly body glitter and sunny-hued nail polish. Put flowers in your hair. Have fun with it!

Get Creative!
After learning about the many sun-worshipping traditions around the world, brainstorm creative ways your family can ring in the Summer Solstice at home. Perhaps it’s making your own sundial with rocks, hosting a beach bonfire, or decorating and dancing around a Maypole. Research your family’s roots and ruminate on what your ancestors might have done to mark the Solstice and go from there. The sky—and sun!—is the limit.

Photo by Eloisa Ramos

How would one celebrate the shortest day of the year? Check out our guide to how to celebrate the Winter Solstice for kid-friendly ideas!

The post How To Celebrate The Summer Solstice With Kids appeared first on MOTHER.

(Want to keep reflecting all year long? Check out these 25+ guided journals for 2025!)

10 Questions for a New Year’s Reflection Exercise:

What 2024 accomplishments am I most proud of?

In which areas did I struggle most in 2024?

Which friends supported me most this year? And which friendships shifted?

Name 3-5 (or more!) positive memory-making experiences from 2024.

Name a few negative memory-making experiences.

In which areas did I see the most personal growth and change?

What am I most grateful for in 2024?

What do I want more of in 2025?

What do I want less of in 2025?

What are my 2025 goals and/or intentions? (Feel free to add a “word of the year”).

The post A New Year Reflection Exercise appeared first on MOTHER.

How to celebrate New Years Eve with kids:

Dress Up. On New Year’s Eve, give your sweats a break and try dusting off a favorite festive dress or jumpsuit instead. Ask the whole family to do the same! If you want to go the traditional NYE route, try something with a little shine, feathers, sequins (we love these affordable sparkly dresses for littles), or mini-tuxedos, suits, and lush velvet options.

Accessorize Head-to-Toe. No need to stop at a NYE outfit upgrade! If you’ve got a little one who loves playing dress-up and “salon,” go to town with your accessories, too. Pull out all of your favorite add-ons (sparkly tiaras, velvet bows, capes, wigs, you name it!), paint your nails, do something fun with your hair, and maybe even try out one of those trendy rhinestone or neon eyeliner tutorials.

DIY Your Party Supplies. Try getting resourceful and creative (and more eco!) when it comes to your NYE party supplies. There are plenty of 2025-themed printables online that you can spruce up with paint and glitter, and we love the idea of using all of your leftover balloons, horns, confetti, sparklers, etc. from past birthday or holiday parties, even if they are in a variety of hodgepodge hues. If you’re really ambitious, check out this DIY Balloon Drop idea, which is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. (While you’re at it, read up on our tips for throwing a more Earth-friendly party).

Festive Food & Bubbly Drinks. Keep it simple, but festive! Think about ordering in from your favorite local spot, make a favorite appetizer or two, and don’t forget dessert! Chocolate anything will often do. As for beverages, while the adults indulge in bubbly, let your kiddos feel fancy by giving them a flute filled with sparkling apple cider or their favorite flavored fizzy water.

Have A Game Night. Mark the last night of 2024 with a family game night, which could include classic interactive games like charades, Pictionary, Twister, or CatchPhrase, new favorites like the hilarious Pencil Nose, creating your own family-friendly “Minute To Win It” obstacles, or plugging in your karaoke mic and belting out your favorite tunes! You can also create a fun scavenger hunt for the kids to find small treasures around your home.

Reflect & Set Goals. 2024 was a big one in so many ways. Take some time to reflect individually and as a family on how you experienced 2024 (the highs and lows) and the lessons you are taking with you into the year ahead. Be sure to write down the goals, hopes, intentions, or thoughts you have for yourself and your family for 2025. (Here are some prompts to get you started). If you have lost a loved one this year, think about incorporating their memory into your night.

Rally Your Family & Friends. If the pandemic-era has taught us anything, it’s that friends and family are of the utmost importance. If you won’t be able to ring in the New Year with all of your loved ones IRL (nor in the same timezone), you can schedule Zoom calls and FaceTimes to mark the occasion together and share your hopes for 2025.

Countdown Early. If you have little ones whom you need to keep on a schedule, Netflix created a countdown (just type “countdowns” in the search area) for this very reason. You can turn it on right before bed time or any time you gauge the kids are getting tired and ready for bed. Meanwhile, some parents opt to have a “Noon Year’s Party” with the littles, rather than trying to make it a late night.

Kiss At Midnight. Whether it’s an actual smooch or handing your child a Hershey’s Kiss surprise, seal the New Year with this sweet tradition and start 2025 off with lots of love.

For more New Year-themed things to do, check out these great reflection questions for the year ahead and the best guided journals for 2025.

The post How To Celebrate New Years Eve With Kids appeared first on MOTHER.

Decorate an Outdoor Edible Tree for the Animals
As an alternative (or in addition to) a traditional indoor holiday tree, decorating a live outdoor tree with biodegradable, edible ornaments for local birds and other creatures makes for a fun project with kids. We love all these edible ornament ideas from around the web, such as citrus bird feeders, peanut butter pinecones, seed ornaments, and classic popcorn and cranberry garlands. Trim the tree and watch the critters come by and enjoy their treats!

Make Happy Winter Solstice Art + Lanterns
Our favorite winter solstice art project is making lanterns—one of the most popular winter solstice symbols of adding light to the darkest day of the year. There are dozens of DIY-lantern projects out there, and it’s really about finding one that works with what you already have at home. We tend to have an abundance of glass Mason jars, so we use colored tissue paper, cut-out sun, moon, and star shapes, and foraged leaves, and adhere them to the outside of a jar using modpodge or white school glue and paint brushes. Once the final decorations are in place, apply one last thin coat of glue on the outside of the lantern, and let it dry for about an hour. Remember to only decorate the outside of the jar, as once it’s all dry you drop a tea light into it and enjoy the warm glow!

Read Winter Solstice Books
What better time to snuggle up under a blanket and read through a stack of wintery-themed books than the shortest (and likely one of the chilliest) days of the year? The winter solstice book The Shortest Day, written by Newbury Medal–winner Susan Cooper and illustrated by one of our favorite mamas, Carson Ellis, is at the top of our family reading list these days. It moves through times to show how the winter solstice traditions and celebrations have carried on and evolved over centuries—from the earliest pagan traditions. It includes the most beautiful winter solstice images and pictures that you’ll want to pour over again and again.

Recite Winter Solstice Quotes, Poems, or Blessings
The book The Shortest Day utilizes the beautiful 1977 winter solstice poem by Susan Cooper of the same name. Take turns reciting different parts of this beloved winter solstice quote or another winter solstice blessing and spiritual winter solstice quotes found online—including the winter solstice poem Mary Oliver wrote, Snowy Night, and pagan winter solstice quotes—with your children. Our favorite is listed below:

The Shortest Day, by Susan Cooper
And so the Shortest Day came and the year died
And everywhere down the centuries of the snow-white world
Came people singing, dancing,
To drive the dark away.
They lighted candles in the winter trees;
They hung their homes with evergreen;
They burned beseeching fires all night long
To keep the year alive.
And when the new year’s sunshine blazed awake
They shouted, reveling.
Through all the frosty ages you can hear them
Echoing behind us—listen!
All the long echoes, sing the same delight,
This Shortest Day,
As promise wakens in the sleeping land:
They carol, feast, give thanks,
And dearly love their friends,
And hope for peace.
And now so do we, here, now,
This year and every year.
Welcome, Yule!

Incorporate Celtic and Pagan Symbols Of Yule Time
Do some research with your little ones on specific pagan yule time and celtic winter solstice traditions. This might include incorporating a pagan winter solstice symbol—like Candles (Winter Sun), Pine (Healing), Holly (The God), Mistletoe (The Goddess) and the Yule Tree (Renewal)—into your home.

Make A Winter Solstice Food or Craft, Such As Orange Pomanders
This is a simple winter solstice food craft that’s easy to do with kids and one that you will actually want to keep around the house afterwards. Start with firm oranges and a jar of whole cloves. Use a citrus zester to create patterns in the fruit peel and a small toothpick or skinny nail to make holes where you want the cloves to go (the pre-poked holes make it easier for kids to stick in the cloves). Stick the cloves in the fruit and you’re all set. Place a few in a bowl as a fragrant solstice centerpiece, or hang smaller fruit as ornaments on the tree. They also make sweet winter solstice gifts!

Spend The Night By Spiritual Candlelight
Switching off all the electric lights and doing dinner, homework, bath, story time, and more by the light of flickering candles and warm lantern light makes even mundane activities extra special and spiritual, and also makes the long, dark night more real. It also helps everyone appreciate the modern conveniences we take for granted!

Strike Some Winter Solstice Yoga Moves
Welcome the shortest day of the year with a graceful winter solstice yoga sequence. Here is one great 12-step yoga winter solstice practice to get started.

Experience Winter Solstice At Stonehenge (Virtually)
Stonehenge was specifically created to align with the sun on the winter solstice and summer solstice. On the morning of December 22 (not December 21), the 2022 winter solstice sunrise at Stonehenge  will be live-streamed via Stonehenge Winter Solstice on YouTube.

Make Some Wassail
This traditional warming drink is perfect for sipping during a  solstice celebration (and it makes the house smell incredible). For this traditional winter solstice drink, simply combine 2 quarts apple cider, 1 1/2 cups orange juice, 3/4 cup pineapple juice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, 2 cinnamon sticks, a dash of ground cinnamon, and a dash of ground cloves in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes. Discard the cinnamon sticks, pour into mugs, and serve. And for the grown-ups, a splash of rum or cinnamon whisky doesn’t hurt. Combine with other winter solstice food for an over-the-top spread. (For an easy hack, just heat up some pre-mixed Trader Joe’s Wassail!)

Share Funny Winter Solstice Greetings Or Meme
Search the web for winter solstice jokes, winter solstice greetings, and winter solstice funny memes to share with loved ones. (Here’s one to get them started: Knock, knock! // Who’s there? // Yule log. // Yule log who? // Yule log the door after you let me in, won’t you?)

Reflect, Release, Let Go, and Set Intentions For The New Season
The winter solstice is considered the seasonal dark night of the soul. Spiritually, it’s a time to honor both the light and the darkness that resides within each of us. Take small scraps of paper and write down the things that you would like to let go of. When everyone has finished, throw them in the yule log fire, transforming darkness into light. After “letting go,” set intentions for the new season ahead—speak aloud a thing, idea, habit, or practice that you would like to bring into your life.

Happy Winter Solstice!

For more winter family activity ideas, read all about the Danish concept of Hygge, otherwise known as cozy together time!

The post How To Celebrate The Winter Solstice appeared first on MOTHER.

When it comes to raising creative kids (a goal of many parents), many child psychologists agree that the home environment is critical to the development of creativity. What we do as parents establishes a necessary foundation for a creative lifestyle. Below are 6 simple practices you can easily incorporate into family activities—practices that can positively impact your children’s creative spirit. (Check out more tips here!)

In the same vein, invite your children to invent their own toys. What could they create with a several blocks of wood, a bucket of sand, a small shovel, and a hose? When kids have opportunities to create their own playthings, their creative spirit is both
enhanced and celebrated. In short, don’t always buy toys, invite children to create toys.

Equally important: resist the current movement to reduce or eliminate recess in your child’s elementary school. The consequences of a school day with no recess will have lasting effects on their creativity for years to come. As has been proven in study after study, a day without play can have serious repercussions for children’s evolving sense of creativity both now and well into the future.

In short, take your child to an art gallery, a musical concert, a woodworking exhibit, or a tap dance recital to see what creative people do or create. Provide opportunities for your children to talk with creative people: carpenters, landscape architects, commercial artists, professional authors, glass blowers, guitar players, weavers, craftspeople, or even the next-door neighbor who knits caps for newborns at the local hospital. Offering your child numerous opportunities to view and discuss creative endeavors is a powerful stimulant for their own creative development.

Anthony D. Fredericks, Ed.D. is the author of From Fizzle to Sizzle: The Hidden Forces Crushing Your Creativity and How You Can Overcome Them from which this article is excerpted.

This article was originally published on July 27, 2022

The post 6 Simple Ways to Enhance Your Child’s Creative Spirit appeared first on MOTHER.

As an Obstetrician-Gynecologist who has worked mostly in urban, Black female-dominated practices, there are certain hurdles that I have personally walked patients over. I am sharing some of those here. While they may seem scary, being empowered with information is the best prevention, so I urge you to take heed and also share with the Black women in your lives.

Preconception:
Find The Right Healthcare Provider.
One of the best things you can do before you get pregnant, besides prenatal vitamins, is making sure you select a healthcare provider team you trust. It does not have to be one person, but different providers with different expertise. You want to have conversations with them telling them your goals and desires for childbearing. With all of the talk about Black maternal mortality, I always encourage Black women to at least have one Black provider on their team. Black doctors have been proven to improve outcomes for Black patients, but if you cannot find one of those, it is also great to have a Black doula or midwife, which can be found through a simple Google search. Doulas are great because they also transition you into motherhood beyond the delivery room and into the postpartum period. Doulas can help you find popular midwives or physicians and can help you navigate birth centers vs. hospital vs. home births. Should you choose to deliver in the hospital, it is okay to ask directly about what the providers know about U.S. health care disparities and what their organization is doing to combat this. If we do not demand more from our providers, no one will grow.

Conception:
The World Health Organization deems fertility every woman’s right. This means that no matter who you are or how many children you have or how old you are, you have a right to try. Never let anyone discourage you about bringing life into this world. Black women typically do have higher rates of infertility in the United States and are more likely to have damaged fallopian tubes causing their infertility. This means that if you try to get pregnant consistently for 12 months and do not succeed, you should seek help. If you are over the age of 35 and try to conceive consistently for 6 months and do not succeed, you should seek help. Black women typically take longer to seek infertility treatment, so hopefully this empowers you to know when is the right time to get the help you need.

Pregnancy:
There are so many phases of pregnancy, so I will discuss some key things that affect different trimesters.
First Trimester: Ectopic Pregnancy.
The same damaged fallopian tubes that I discussed in the conception portion can also cause a complication called ectopic pregnancy, which is also more common among Black women. This is when fertilization of the egg occurs in the fallopian tube, which is normal, but does not make it back to the uterus to develop. A tubal pregnancy can be dangerous and life threatening. That is why it is important to have early prenatal care. As soon as you miss a period and have a positive pregnancy test, you should schedule a visit with a provider so that you can confirm that the pregnancy is in the right place. If you have severe pain and you have not had an ultrasound, that is a reason to go to the doctor or emergency room, because tubal pregnancies can rupture and cause internal bleeding. The good news is that if you seek help early, you can take medications to fix the pregnancy and prevent surgery. (Editor’s Note: For a first-hand account of an ectopic pregnancy, read our profile on Kai Avent-deLeon). 

Second Trimester: Preeclampsia.
After 20 weeks of pregnancy, women can develop elevated blood pressures and abnormalities in labs and symptoms like headache or vision changes that point to a diagnosis called preeclampsia. This is a very common diagnosis among Black women. Sometimes when preeclampsia happens before 24 weeks, it may require termination of the pregnancy to save the mom. Many moms deliver early, before 37 weeks, because of this diagnosis and it is a leading cause of preterm birth among Black women. For this reason, I encourage most Black women to discuss with their providers if a baby Aspirin, which can prevent preterm preeclampsia, should be prescribed for them. Often times, other risk factors like obesity, a history of preeclampsia in a prior pregnancy, and diabetes could be reasons to take baby Aspirin as they are associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia.

Third Trimester: Delivery.
This is when all of the work that was advised in the preconception portion comes together. If you have a good team around you, although things can go unexpectedly, you will still have a great experience. The decisions and choices you make in preconception and first trimester set you up for a safe delivery. Be sure to determine early on who you want in your delivery room beyond your birth worker team. That will help you exercise boundaries that are necessary for motherhood.

Postpartum:
Mental Health & Support.
Support is the key to your mental health. Just like I advised you to decide who will be in your delivery room, you need to decide who will support you postpartum. Ask for help. Lactation specialist extraordinaire Jabina Coleman coined the phrase, “Everybody wants to hold the baby, but who will hold the mother?” That is the mindset you should use to build your support team. The people who will help you sleep and mind the baby when you need to run errands are the really supportive friends. It is not just about taking selfies with a newborn; it is about supporting your needs and concerns. A doula can also help with supporting you, along with a lactation specialist. The more people you can strategically surround yourself with, the better your mental health will be. If you feel like you cannot concentrate or sleep even when the baby is asleep, you may need medical attention to rule out postpartum depression. Lastly, exercise! You can always walk with your baby; it helps them sleep.

Find Community With Other Black Mothers.
Some hospitals are offering centering groups for pregnant patients and some even offer Black centering groups. This is an excellent way to do prenatal care, that has been proven to have great outcomes for moms. It is also a way to have a tribe of moms after you deliver. Also be sure to look at online forums for Black mothers to look for ideas about motherhood essentials—you may also find your community online.

If You’re Pregnant or Not:
Advocate For Yourself!
Whether you are pregnant or not, the most important thing that any Black woman can do for herself is advocate for herself when interacting with the healthcare system. The best tips I have are below:

1. Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.
Come to every visit prepared. Have notes written on paper or on your phone.
Providers pay better attention when they know you are serious about your care.

2. Call for backup.
If you are feeling sick, bring someone with you who can advocate for you if you are too weak.
I always think Black women should show someone cares about them, so that they are not easily dismissed.
If you know someone in the healthcare field who can talk to the team, use them.

3. Switch!
If you do not like how a provider is treating you, switch to someone else. This is your body and your health. Don’t settle!
Only do this if it is safe to do so. If you are in the hospital, it may be difficult to switch to another hospital and unsafe. You can always ask for another provider or nurse.

Happy Black Maternal Health Week! I hope this motivates you to live your best life whether you are a current or future mother or not. Share this knowledge with your friends and family. That is how we will keep each other safe!

Dr. Joy Cooper (right) with her Daughters of the Diaspora co-founder.

For more on Dr. Joy Cooper, be sure to follow her on Instagram, and check out her two inspiring companies that give vital support to Black women and girls—Culture Care and Daughters of the Diaspora. 

For more on the topic of maternal health, check out Latham Thomas’ essay on The Birth Of My Son + The Birth Of A Doula, our Q&A with Christy Turlington of Every Mother Counts, a preview the EMC film Giving Birth In America, and a guide to Preparing For Postpartum Depression.

The post What Black Women Should Know About Their Maternal Health appeared first on MOTHER.

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At-Home Art Class. The folks at the de Young Museum have put together 5 amazing art tutorials that will keep littles busy and utilize common supplies you likely already have at home. From creating paint out of egg yolk and spices to using paper to make sculptures—these “deYoungsters” lessons are just the thing to spark creativity on a ho-hum day. Feel free to watch the simple YouTube tutorials (which include kid-sized bits of art history) with your child. Or, if you want an unplugged experience, print out the “lesson plans” that are linked in each video.

Wash Windows Together. This may sound like a chore to adults, but toddlers love to clean! Take advantage of it and get some sparkling windows in the process. Using a small spray bottle containing non-toxic soap and water and a towel, enjoy this household chore together. Washing windows can be an indoor activity, too!

Act Out A Book. Which book are your kids obsessed with these days? Dig into the dress-up box and have them try to act out a live action version.

Make Potions. Dole out a few little cups of water, flour, corn starch, jam, or whatever else your little scientists would love mixing up, and let them start creating.

Dance Party! There’s no better way to burn off some excess energy than by turning up the music and having a dance party in the living room. It’s also a great way to shake things up when your little one is feeling grumpy. Pick a favorite album or playlist. You can even set a timer so when the music goes on, it’s time to drop everything and dance!

Make Crayon-Scrap Candles. Follow these simple steps to turn worn down crayon nubs into colorful candles.

Water Activities. Fill a plastic tub with some water and LEGO Duplos, and give your little one a strainer to fish them out. Only put in as much water as you’re willing to clean up!

Make a Fort. Whether using cardboard boxes, pillows and blankets, or an endless supply of “building” materials, a fort can provide your child with hours of entertainment. Bring a basket of books inside, along with supportive pillows and a favorite blanket. Your little one can relax in this cozy spot to read and re-read favorite books. Your child can also use the fort to simply recharge and have some time to themselves…while you get some work done! The thought of a “secret” spot is both exciting and empowering, and offers children a safe, peaceful place to hide and hangout (even if you know exactly where they are).

Origami. Looking for something new and crafty to try? Origami is always a fun, unique activity to introduce to kids. And if all else fails, attempt some no-fail paper airplanes and try to see who can fly them the farthest.

Make And Sculpt. As a mom, you probably already know what salt dough is and why it’s amazing, but if not, get ready to meet one of your new favorite kid pastimes. Why? Salt dough is a simple modeling dough made from ingredients you already have in your home. It’s great because it engages kids, is easy to make, and requires no glazes or kilns.

Learn a New Language. Check out some Pimsleur or Rosetta Stone programs via your library’s website, and listen to them while you color or work on a puzzle. Or if one person in the family is fluent, chose an hour a day where they only speak in their second language to everyone else.

Gluing Project. Artwork is an excellent fine motor activity for your little one at home. In the spirit of spring/summer, you can cut some colorful butterflies or flowers out of construction paper, and then show your child how to glue the pieces onto a larger piece of paper. Give them just a few choices, or it may overwhelm them and prevent them from settling into the work. Older children can help cut out the shapes for the gluing, and may choose to create a scene on their paper with cut-outs, and possibly even some mixed media.

Pranks. With April Fools day coming up, there is no better time to start brainstorming some good-natured pranks to pull on each other. We love stuffing dad’s shoes with cotton balls, serving someone a cup of blue milk (thanks food coloring!), or making up the bed backwards.

Be A Florist. Collect branches, ferns, and a few blooms and arrange them in a pretty jar.

Go for a Drive. If all else fails, it’s still safe to go for a drive. Consider your child’s interests. Do they love animals? Maybe you have a grassy area nearby with cows they can count as you drive by. Maybe they love cars? Take a spin past the police and fire stations as you discuss the different emergency vehicles you come across.

Raid Your Closet for Tactile Fabrics. Create a collection of like-objects from scarves of various fabrics. Let your child explore the textures. Show your little one how to wave them overhead and twirl around. Place the items in a basket within easy reach so your child can keep this activity in rotation in the coming weeks.

Throw A Bath Party. Turn off the lights, toss in the glow sticks and bubble wands, and crank the music.

Craft Collages from Family Photos And Old Magazines. Kids love cutting stuff up, so hand ’em a not-too-sharp pair of scissors and a stack of paper headed for the recycling bin and let them snip away. Add glue sticks and a sheet of cardboard and prompt them to create something new!

Play Hide-and-Seek. Before you say the house is too small and there are no places to hide, let us just say: that’s the best part! After a few rounds the kids’ creativity will kick in, and they will find spots you would have never thought of!

Sudoko. These brain boosting puzzles can be designed for all ages and skills (as long as you know your numbers and how to count 1-9). There’s even alphabet and color Sudoko!

Learn Some Magic Tricks. Whether you buy a few trick coins or cards from a magic shop, or simply practice your own slight of hand, mastering a few magic tricks is a great way to spend an afternoon and impress the friends once everyone is back together!

Rotate in Old Favorite Toys. You’ll want to make sure your child has an engaging play space. You don’t need a lot of room, often a small shelf in your family room can be the perfect spot since children thrive on being part of the community. In Montessori, it’s recommended to put out 6-8 toys or collections (which can be a tray or basket of like items) at once. This helps support your little one’s sense of order, and allows them to focus on their work and play as they build new skills. ⁣⁣⁣Maybe your child has some old favorite toys and activities in storage. Now could be the perfect time to rotate them back in, as your child will engage with the materials with fresh eyes.

Go Outside. If there is a park or wooded area nearby, just walk over and let them run free. You could also set up pinecones, sticks, and rocks as an obstacle course, choosing different body movements for them to do (jumping, hopping, crab walk, sideways slide, etc.).

Make a Toliet Paper Roll Craft. Because we know you’ve got plenty.  Here are a few fun ideas!

Tic Tac Toe. Spice up this classic play-anywhere game by making a custom board (wood+paint?) and hunting for objects to serve as x’s and o’s. Rocks? Pinecones?

Rummage the Closets for an Impromptu Fashion Show. It’s not like you will be wearing those fancy dresses and heels to a party anytime soon. Let the kids catwalk it up in the sparkly numbers they always dreamed of sporting.

Rock a Family Band. No instruments? Grab spoons and pots!

Host a High Tea and Wear Fancy Outfits and Funny Hats. Let them get gussied up in their holiday best and serve tea out of a proper pot (and let them pour—it’s their favorite part). Cut the crusts off of some cucumber sandwiches and you’re in business.

Make A Yogurt Sundae Buffet. Make a spread of all the classic ice cream toppings like sprinkles, chocolate sauce, nuts, dried coconut, and anything else you have on hand. Let them top their creamy greek yogurt and dig in!

Let Them Flip Through Cookbooks and Pick A Recipe To Make Together. A great way to get kids to try new foods is to let them look through all those mouthwatering pictures and pick their own new dish to try!

Decopage. It’s no secret that kids love to do “big kid stuff” like using knives and scissors (cringe!), not to mention, they love glueing anything and everything together. Let them be big kids, while learning decoupage with scrap newspaper, magazines, safety scissors, and washable glue sticks. Turn the project into a mixed media piece with some buttons, colored paint, glitter, stamps, and more.

Play a Board Game. Put away the iPads, iPhones, and other gadgets, and go old school with a classic board game. From Candy Land to Sorry and Operation to Uno, there are tons of classic games to play with children of all ages and these games make for hours of good old fashioned fun.

Karaoke Competition. Most children love to sing along with their favorite tunes. Clear the living room, make a “stage,” and have the kids take turns singing their favorite songs. Don’t have a mic? Just grab a hairbrush and let loose.

Put On A Puppet Show. Another creative way to get the kids involved in a fun activity is by putting on a puppet show at home. Create a script, make a cardboard box theater, grab some old socks or brown bags (or use dolls) for characters, and put on a show!

Indoor Garden. Bring some miniature clay pots, mulch, and seeds indoors on a non-carpet floor to make an indoor garden. Make it personal by letting the kiddos paint their own pots, choose their seeds, and make some labeled plant markers for each flower and herb.

DIY Bowling. Make bowling pins out of a few leftover water bottles (or whatever tall plastic containers you have on hand), set them up in a long hallway, and use a ball of your choice. This will keep the tots entertained for a while and since the bowling set is lightweight, it’s safe activity to do indoors.

Spread Some Love. Do your relatives live far away? Have the kids write cards, make gifts, or draw pictures to their grandma, aunt, cousin, and friends just because! Or call a nearby retirement center and ask if your kids can make and mail over some cards and crafts for the residents.

Take A Family Bike Ride. It’s a safe way to be outside when social distancing. It may even be OK to ask friends or neighbors to join. Just stay on your bike and keep pedaling!

Make Your Own Puzzles. They draw a colorful picture on an entire page and then cut it into large pieces with scissors. Then you have to try to put the puzzle together once you are off your work call.

Play Simon Says. It’s a great way to get moving on days when it’s not ideal to go outside.

Do a Riddle Scavenger Hunt. Hide a collection of objects around the house and write a list of clues as to where your kiddos can find them. A rock hidden in the laundry basket? “This is where your stinky socks snuggle up and go to sleep at the end of the day.” Take turns and give the kids a shot to hide items and write clues, too. That’s the best part!

Start a Pen Pal. Pick a grandma, friend, aunt, uncle, or cousin whom you can’t see right now and write them a letter. Can’t write yet? Draw a picture. This could be expanded for older kids: how to address an envelope properly, what is your address, how to write a letter with “Dear Friend,” “Sincerely,” etc.

Yoga. Put all those solo mom classes to use and teach the littles some simple poses. You don’t need a yoga mat to do this, and starting each day with a good, peaceful stretch sets the right tone. Check out these 15 great yoga poses for kids to get started!

Spring Cleaning. Pick a cluttered corner of the house/their room and have them take everything out and go through it. Maybe they find toys they want to play with or are done with. Only put the things back that still belong after your purge.

Make Up a Song. Have them tell a story but put them into lyrics of a song. How will the tune go?

Hand Sew Something. Don’t have fabric? Maybe you have an old baby blanket or t-shirt or something that you wouldn’t mind turning into something else. Our favorite beginner project is a felt heart.

Jump On The Bed. I mean, if we are stuck inside for a while…it can be fun to make exceptions to everyday rules.

Read a Longer Chapter Book to Them. Spend 30 minutes a day on a longer story. We love Ronia The Robbers Daughter, the Little House On The Prairie series, anything by Roald Dahl, and The Neverending Story.

Make Paper Flowers. Cut them out of paper and put them in vases all over the house.

Write a Poem. Rhyming and telling silly stories are instinctual for kids. Start by creating short poems and let them fill in the rhyming blanks, Mad-Libs style, then challenge them to create their own!

Get Baking. What kid doesn’t love dessert? What kid doesn’t love to help in the kitchen? Sweeten your day with a mom-and-kid baking extravaganza. Better yet, make a themed dessert with another activity planned—pirate-themed cookies for a treasure hunt or make homemade candy for the movie later. Don’t forget the aprons and baker hats!

Write Letters to Grandma and Grandpa. Many of our favorite relatives are isolating themselves to stay safe. Your child can take pride in drawing some heartfelt pictures for your loved ones, both near and far. Your little one could also make cards for neighbors and drop them off on their doorstep during neighborhood walks. Dropping off the artwork on the same day will give a younger child more immediate gratification as they learn a lesson in compassion.

Create a Treasure Hunt. You know that candy you’ve been stashing away since October? Time to use it to your advantage. Create a fun treasure hunt for the kids throughout the house. This takes a little bit of work on your part, but like a scavenger hunt, it’s really thrilling for littles. Hide objects, prizes, and miniature candy bars throughout the house and make a map to all of the findings. Bonus points if you make an eye patch and telescope from toilet paper rolls for the kiddy pirates!

Plant Something. Snap peas are great because they grow fast and are yummy.

Turn Those Amazon Boxes Into Something Cool. Have them piece together a long maze, a race track, a skyscraper—the options are limitless. Give them tape, glue, scissors, and paper and see what they create.

Play Hair Salon. A water spray bottle, a brush, and a handful of hair elastics, clips, and headbands will keep little hands busy. Plus, the end results will bring on the giggles.

Make Up A Play. Have them create characters and a storyline and practice acting it out. If they have a sibling they could do this together or with puppets and stuffed animals. Have them act it out for you when you are done returning emails.

Zone Out To Music. Let them listen to music, and not just kids’ music—share your favorite songs with them.

Start A Chore Chart. But maybe don’t call them chores. Regular time at home is a great time to give kids a few responsibilities that they will tackle every day.

Become an Activist. What are your kids passionate about? Saving the planet? Being kind to animals? Dig into ways they can actively get involved, on a kid scale. Introduce your little activist to other young people making a difference, like Greta.

Create Chalk Art. Hopscotch on the sidewalk is a classic, but remember, chalk washes off almost all surfaces easily, including wood fences and benches. So let them go nuts!

Make A Milk Carton Craft. Usually where there are kids, there is milk. Lots and lots of milk, which means lots and lots of empty milk cartons. We say: Recycle those bad boys by rinsing them out with hot soapy water, allow them to air dry, and use them for craft time! Here are two super cute ideas to get started.

Make a List. Give them a topic: movies they want to watch, books they want to read, cities they want to visit, things to update in their rooms, friends to call, foods to try, every Fortnite skin ranked—and they’ll spend the afternoon debating and brainstorming in their journals.

Paint Little Finger and Toe Nails. Non-toxic kiddie polish is easy to clean up, so go ahead and let them take a crack at gussying up their own nails (or each others, if they have siblings).

Write a Book With Them. Have them tell you a story and you write it down. Then think about which words would be on a page together and which pictures you would draw to go with the pages. They can draw the pictures for the pages.

Armchair Travel. Was everyone excited for a trip that ended up getting cancelled? Do an art project on the locale and have them draw the things you were expecting to see or do. Research the buildings, plants, and animals that are different and write about it. Build a scene with recycled materials.

Make A Rock and Stick Garden. Do you already have a collection of rocks and sticks at home? If not, on your next nature walk collect some (responsibly) to make one.

Make A DIY Animal Charades Game. They draw pictures of as many animals as they can think of and cut them out into little squares (you can show them pictures of animals to help or have them look in one of their animal books for inspiration). Fold them, put them in a bowl and play charades. This works well for younger kids who can’t read yet, but can act out a “bear” like you’ve never seen before!

Practice With a Rubix Cube. Once kids’ get hooked on this old-school puzzle, they can spin for hours on end. The key is getting a book (or printing out instructions) on how to actually learn to solve it. We know kids as young as 5 or 6 who get the hang of it with knowledgable guidance!

Browse Some Books. Take out a stack of 10-15 books, have them look through them all independently and quietly. It sounds so simple, but kids need this quiet down time, too. If they can read, pick a few books they can read to themselves.

Create Your Own Coloring Pages. Print out simple photographs of friends, family members, or favorite memories in black and white and let the kids color them in.

Make Friendship Bracelets. Learn a few basic weaves and knotting techniques, then let them pick out their own colored string.

Draw or Paint a Self Portrait. Set up in front of a mirror and let them paint their own likeness!

Do a Selfless Act. Start a free mini library, walk an elderly neighbor’s dog, bring in a neighbor’s trash can, or simply help out a sibling or a parent. Aim to have them do one selfless act a day!

Jump Rope. This physical activity takes a lot of energy and can be done in a relatively small space. Come up with songs or movements to try. Got a big living room and a couple siblings? Double Dutch!

Teach Them a Hand Clapping Game From your Childhood. From Miss Mary Mack to Patty Cake, there is a ditty for every age group. Have them practice with a sibling or stuffed animal or wall.

Stickers. Need we say more?

Start a Collection. Speaking of stickers, starting and maintaining a collection is such a throw-back, old school tradition, but even our modern tech-loving kids seem to get into it. If you had a collection as a kid, pass it down to your kids and let them continue it. Or, just find something they like and let them add to it—rubber stamps, coins, unicorns, stickers, cool enamel pins, seashells, painted rocks, you name it.

Make Flarp. Making Flarp (a.k.a. slime) from scratch is an ooey-gooey activity that the whole family can enjoy. Plus it creates a sensory material that offers hours of ongoing play! You can find a great recipe right here.

Play Jacks. This low-tech game is fun for kids of all ages, and helps them perfect their fine motor skills.

Camp In. If you’re not up for a backyard campout yet, then try camping in. Bring your sleeping bags to the living room, tell silly stories with a flashlight in the dark, and make s’mores in the fireplace (or microwave).

Take Photographs. Do you have an old camera sitting around that got forgotten after the iPhone moved in? Teach the kids the basics then set them loose. You can even print out the images and make a book.

Learn Solitaire. Remember when our own parents used to say “play solitaire!” when we were bored? Time to teach your kids how to play. There are more than 150 variations of solitaire to choose from!

Have A Puzzle Marathon. See how many puzzles you can complete and leave them all out on the floor.

Host a Soup Party. Fact: Kids love helping out in the kitchen. And while there are endless simple recipes you can try out together, when it’s cold outside, we immediately think of soup. Why not throw a soup party for the kids? Set up a toppings station complete with Annie’s bunny crackers, croutons, bacon bits, shredded cheese, and more to take it up a notch. The kids will have a blast and warm their bellies at the same time.

For more at-home entertainment ideas, check out our piece on 10 Screen-Free Activities To Try Now, 4 Fun Art Projects Using Natural, Foraged Materials, and 10 Principles For Having A More Playful Family Life.

This article was originally published on March 19, 2020.

The post 100 Screen-Free Things To Do With Kids At Home appeared first on MOTHER.

Dragging out each holiday for weeks and months hasn’t helped us savor them anymore, either. It’s just added more days to be bogged down by parades, concerts, and parties. We are hit doubly hard in my household as most of my family’s birthdays fall in December. It’s overwhelming to try and keep up with it all. But as much as I want to gesture around and blame “them” for making my life so hectic, I have some equally good and bad news for us all: We are the only ones responsible for our internal peace.

Let’s first acknowledge that there are many global challenges that we cannot control, like systemic oppression, war, and injustice. I can’t control things under my own roof at times! Focusing on everything that is happening outside of ourselves is overwhelming. But we can always control where we are focusing our attention and how we show up in the world. This is when I’m grateful to practices like yoga and meditation, which offer myriad tools to connect to the present moment. Presence is the ultimate antidote to overwhelm.

With all of this in mind, here are my top seven tips for staying grounded this holiday season.

Watch the Sunset. There is a beautiful benefit to those shorter, winter nights, and we’re not just referring to kid’s earlier bedtimes. The northern hemisphere experiences some of its most colorful sunsets during late fall and winter. This is because of lower humidity and less air pollution, says the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Make it a nightly ritual to step outside and admire the sky. This will offer you and your kids a bookmark at the end of that day. If weather doesn’t permit, consider marking sundown by changing the atmosphere in your home through lighting or a moment of pause to acknowledge the passing day.

Touch and Texture. One of my favorite things about the holidays are the fabrics. From sequins to velvet, ‘tis the most texture-full time of the year. Beyond looking sparkly and soft, we can use these sartorial substances as grounding tools. For example, when you are feeling socially drained at your third holiday party that weekend, try rubbing the silk lining of your coat or stroking the velvet of your sleeve. Focusing on the act of touch is a mindfulness practice and self-soothing.

Light all the Candles. In the yoga tradition, there is an ancient candle-gazing meditation called Trataka. There are many science-backed benefits to this practice, including sustained attention and improved cognitive function. In addition to setting the mood, candles also settle our mood. According to a 2016 study, which measured people’s responses to fragrances through electroencephalograph (EEG), the smell of candles positively influences our emotions, behavior, and mood.

Handmade Over Store-Bought. It’s ironic that we outsource everything hoping to lower our stress levels, when the physical act of making and creating is a well-researched stress-reliever. Slow yourself down by DIY-ing whatever you have time for. Cook something from scratch instead of dealing with the packed market. Hand wrap presents with recycled paper, rather than tossing them into a gift bag. Write out the menu and seating arrangements for your family dinner. Keep things simple, and even consider involving your kids. It will keep them occupied and it’s an opportunity for connection.

Indoor Flora. The last thing you may want right now is another mouth to feed, or in this case another pot to water, but indoor plants, even the tiniest ones, have enormous benefits on our physiology and mental health. Studies show that having plants in your home can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Bringing in flora and fauna specific to the winter season can be especially grounding as it acts like a timestamp.

Warm Beverages. I’m the sort of person who still orders hot lattes during summer, but for most people, winter means welcoming toasty beverages. Whether you are drinking tea, cocoa, apple cider, or a hot toddy, savoring a warm drink is an opportunity to slow down and get present. Turn the drink preparation into a meditation, by mindfully moving through every step. I love pausing to watch the water change color when making tea and taking deep breaths of the steam. Continue that practice of mindfulness by being present for every slow sip.

Movement. As a yoga teacher, I would be remiss if I didn’t share movement as one of my top tools for grounding, but I want to be clear about something. You don’t need to attend an hour-long fitness class. You don’t even need to unroll a yoga mat. Moving your body can be as dynamic as a dance party in the kitchen or pillow fighting with your kids. It can also be as mellow as a long stroll around the neighborhood to admire the lights or just stretching after a long dinner.

Your presence is the best present. We wrap ourselves into not-so-neat-bows trying to make the holidays “special and memorable” for our families, but it’s often the stress of the preparations that lead us to miss out on core moments and connection opportunities. Try to remind yourself that at the end of the day/this season/your life, presence with your family will be way more impactful than any party you throw, dish you cook, or present you can ever purchase.

Sarah Ezrin is the award-winning author of The Yoga of Parenting. Be sure to read her debut article for MOTHER, How I Use The Lessons Of Yoga To Be A Better Parent.

The post 7 (Not So Obvious) Tips For Managing Overwhelm This Holiday Season appeared first on MOTHER.