This summer we mixed things up. We took a break from the kids watching videos in the backseat of our drives and opted for family audio books. Along our journey this summer, I've found two fantastic audio books for middle grade students (grades 4-9). Over the years, we've had ...read more
Are you expecting or thinking trying? The new book 9 Months In, 9 Months Out: A Scientist's Tale of Pregnancy and Parenthood is a must-have for parents ready for this journey. This new pregnancy book combines science and experience. Better Pregnancy Books Decades ago, I remember ...read more
It’s been a long summer for this four-year-old girl. Her summer enrichment program wrapped on the first of August; so, while her brother is still off living that big-kid camp life every day from 9 AM to 4 PM, she’s stuck at home stifled by the relentlessly monotonous schedule of ...read more
Anxiety issues are the most common mental health disorders in children. There are an estimated 18 million children and teens who suffer from anxiety. Because the start of a new school year can trigger or worsen anxiety in stressed-out children and teens, we tapped NYC Licensed ...read more
This summer my daughter and I read Trevor Noah's book. I'm sharing this Born a Crime YA book review to inspire more parent/child reading time. His best seller came out in paperback this year and is one of my top picks for teens. Born a Crime YA Book Review If his name seems ...read more
We are getting ready for the school year with Minted’s back to school essentials! Here's the big trend alert: personalized school supplies are what all the kids want this fall. It's all about showing individual taste and personal style. No company embraces this more than Minted. ...read more
As summer winds down and back to school season approaches, parents are gearing up for the challenges that come with packing a lunch for their kids that’s nutritious, easy, and of course, fun! I can attest that slinging lunches at 6 AM is my least favorite part of the morning ...read more
A new school year is right around the corner, and kids are about to exchange their bathing suits and ice cream for textbooks and backpacks. Each new semester inevitably brings new stresses, but this can also be a time to approach your children’s education with fresh eyes and ...read more
I have mixed feelings about being just three weeks away from the start of school. On one hand, I'm eager to get back to a regular routine; to have more hours in the day to get things done, work, and spend some time focusing on myself. On the other hand, I'm really going to miss ...read more
Back-to-school time is creeping up on us here in the suburbs of New York City. Where did July go? How is August almost upon us; and why is it almost time to think about supplies and backpacks and books and lessons and learning? I'm no ready... I need more summer! I guess I should ...read more
My seven year old son has worn glasses for the last few years. Initially, it was a big battle to get him to keep them on; there were tears and fights and meltdowns. But now it's just a part of his routine. In fact, he wants to wear them--they help him see movies better, learn ...read more
Camp time is the best time! My two kiddos have been in day camp for the last three weeks now, and they are loving every moment--from swim lessons to playground sessions to arts and crafts to the high ropes course and the zip line. (It must be good to be a kid!) Despite all the ...read more
My seven year old is obsessed with numbers and computers and science and robotics and engineering. I just may have myself a budding coder, and I'm pretty excited about his unwavering enthusiasm. (I could use my own IT guy and HTML hacker!) Seriously though, according to the ...read more
It can be difficult to figure out how to keep a newborn "entertained." The concept itself sounds slightly absurd; after all, everything should be exciting and new and captivating to an infant. My little one is often totally enraptured staring up at the air conditioning unit on ...read more
It's finally here! Summer break has arrived. I don't know about you, but I'm not sad about saying goodbye to the regimented schedule we have had to live with during the school year. It will feel like such a relief to deal with a more laid-back vibe the next few months. That being ...read more
We have yet to take our young kids on an international adventure. Our travel plans have stayed relatively tame with a 6, 4, and now 1 month old at home. But I have big dreams to take them on many exciting explorations, near and far--and sooner than later! Travel incites curiosity ...read more
Reading books to my children brings me immense joy. But having my little guy read to me, well that's next-level mommy pride. Still, getting him to want to curl up with a book (without my nagging encouragement) isn't always easy. He'd much rather play a video game or watch ...read more
Fluffy slime (or any slime) is not only fun to make and play with, it's also for a great way to pique a child's interest in science. After all, the ingredients work together to actively create a textural reaction! All you need to do is mix up three key ingredients with the ...read more
In our world's current climate, respect is finally starting to get the attention it deserves. Not everyone is exhibiting it, but it's being discussed. And that's a start! As parents, it's important that we keep the conversation going for our children. They deserve to be taught ...read more
Growing up, the Easter Bunny left us two baskets, one filled with candy and one filled with some special surprises. Now that I'm the mama, I understand why the candy basket we received was substantially smaller. Bwah! My kiddos have enough energy without a sugar rush. So, while ...read more
Have you heard of the Finnish brand called Reima? They are a big deal in Europe where they are leading the charge to get kids active and outdoors. Reima makes play clothes for cool kids. I learned about them at a ski show a few years ago. I saw a lot of high-tech, high-function ...read more
One of my favorite parts about Easter is dressing up my kiddos. My daughter loves any excuse to get all dolled up and, thankfully, my son still humors me on special occasions. Bwah! And one of my favorite spots to score seasonal pieces like spring dresses and shorts for both of ...read more
If you like our fashion coverage, you've probably noticed that we've been long time Stitch Fix fans. It's always so much fun to dig into a new box of clothes, shoes and accessories that were carefully curated for us. And now that Stitch Fix has added kids styling to their ...read more
For decades parents have worried about the impact of technology on their children, especially in early childhood. Today, tech insiders are outing software and social media creators for making their products purposely addictive. In 2018, the World Health Organization classified ...read more
It's that time of year! You'll soon be packing your family's bags and headed off on your spring break vacation. But what if your kiddos have schoolwork they have to complete during your vacay? Never fear. Thanks to Brainly, we're here to tell you what to do if your kids have to ...read more
Happy Spring. The big day has arrived: the Vernal Equinox. Time to celebrate longer days, sunshine, fresh florals, and chirping birds. Suffice to say, I am excited to rign in a new season. (Oh, and I'm having a baby today!... Hello, new beginnings.) Yes, while we usher in spring, ...read more
Do you have a go-to gift for new babies? Buying baby stuff is fun, but there are so many adorable little options out there that it can be overwhelming. When a friend of mine has a baby, I always want to give something that’s either going to be really useful, or unique and ...read more
Tomorrow is Pi Day! We're big believers in hands-on math learning here at Momtrends, and want to encourage our kids to study hard and dream big. That's why we're sharing how you can help preschoolers become “pi”nt-size mathematicians with a few fun anad easy-to-do activities ...read more
My six year old came home from school yesterday excitedly, happily, frantically ranting and raving about catching a leprechaun. He had a master plan that involved trap doors, security cameras, and flashing lights. Clearly, Imma have to rein in his ambitions, hopefully without ...read more
My baby Buckley is almost three months old, and it’s incredible to see how quickly he grows and changes. One big change since those early weeks: he does more than eat and sleep now. He wants to play! Which is so much fun, but also a little more challenging. Because, although ...read more
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” Albert Einstein once said that; and as a mom, I couldn't agree more. I am amazed when my children break free from the chains of screens and technology and start building, crafting, dreaming, and creating--when I see their active ...read more
February is dragging on. And, baby, it's still cold outside! A plummeting temperature paired with windy conditions has left our skin dry, sensitive, and eczema prone. Your baby’s skin is even more vulnerable than your own, Eczema typically appears as an ill-defined red, scaly ...read more
Obesity is a rising epidemic today and more and more children are considered more than "just overweight" than ever before. What can parents do to help their kids beat obesity and stay healthy? We went straight to the source: Dr. Vinay Saranga M.D., a child psychiatrist and ...read more
Heart-shaped cookies and crafting... That's what the after-school hour is going to look like around here on Thursday. I love celebrating Valentine's Day with the littles and I especially enjoy keeping them engaged and entertained with fun and festive activities. These adorable ...read more
Museums are full of history, treasures, and stories. Every museum has a story to tell and history to teach each person that walks through its door. They offer so much to the public yet get so little in return. If you’ve ever taken a kid to a museum or on a field trip with ...read more
It's the middle of the winter, and let's be honest, we're all suffering from some cabin fever. It's hard to be trapped in the house all day with kids. Rather than sitting them in front of a TV or tablet, now might be a great time to introduce a musical instrument. Playing a ...read more
When I was invited to an experiential press day with my son to celebrate the adventure-packed film The Kid Who Would Be King, I happily accepted--mainly because the email promised swordsmanship lessons, falconry classes, and magic tutorials. I knew my little knight in shining ...read more
For most people, breathing is automatic – the air goes in, the air goes out, and we don’t even think about it. But for those who have airway problems, it is never that simple – especially for children. Sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing a ...read more
For many kids, organized sports aren’t much fun anymore. Overbearing parents, over-the-top coaches and overzealous competition are frequent images associated with youth-athletic leagues today. Though playing ball often used to embody the enjoyment of being a kid, the experience ...read more
Could your kids use some more activity in their lives? Well, never fear. I have some fun fitness ideas for kids to share with you today. I'm of the firm belief that the best thing we can do for our kids is live by example. And that's why I try to fit in some form of activity ...read more
A week into our holiday break and it really hit me why kids need to spend more time outside. Let's talk about bike rides together! When I leave mine to their own devices inside, they get bored...and they get bored fast. That is unless they have screens in front of their faces. ...read more
Parents may be tempted to dial back outdoor activities for kids when cold temperatures arrive, but playing outside is good for children, even in the wintertime--even in the snow! We're obviously big fans of the white stuff here at MT HQ. Nicole champions families getting out on ...read more
I recently learned that a friend who had been patiently awaiting a child became a parent practically overnight. When I heard about this loving couple bringing home their first baby, it really got me thinking about how to celebrate adoptive parents. We have experience with ...read more
The most elusive notion to most parents is the concept of a good night's rest. Left on our own, we would probably get a glorious eight hours of sleep on the regular, but when there are little people involved, the idea of sleeping is nothing but a pipe dream. When we became ...read more
3... 2... 1... The countdown is on. New Year's Eve is quickly approaching, and if you're anything like me you're scrambling to figure out some sort of family-friendly plan to ring in 2019. I'm not a big NYE fan; I tend to find the holiday anticlimactic, so I shy away from ...read more
New Year's Eve has taken on a whole new meaning now that I am a momma to three littles. Long gone are the all night celebrations. Bring on the intimate family gatherings that let us spend time doing what we love best, being together. Although we still get dressed up and plan for ...read more
Let's talk about how to throw a kids cookie decorating party shall we? This is different from the annual holiday bake sesh you probably have with your mom. This is all about no stress fun for the kiddos! I don't know about you mamas, but I've been running around like a chicken ...read more
Every holiday I battle with my siblings about the amount of STUFF they get my kids. They mean well--they have the best of intentions and just want to shower my wee ones with goodies and treats and gifts, but I tend to think it's over the top. It's like major stimulus overload for ...read more
Do you have holiday fatigue? It's hard sprinkling about all the holiday magic we've been working so hard on for our families. We get it. Trust us. We totally get it. Well, mamas it's time to take a break and let us give you another hot holiday toy idea! No research required. ...read more
Tis the season to be browsing and shopping and spending... all in the name of holly jolly fun and festivities. And while we love hunting down the season's must-have gifts, we also know that it can be stressful and time-consuming. That's why we invited a crew of NYC blogger and ...read more
