Latest news with #toddlers
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Parents Are Sharing the Most ‘Unhinged' White Lies They've Told Their Toddlers
Who hasn't told their toddler a white lie or two, to cease a tantrum? 'My daughter doesn't like to eat meat, so I tell her that if she takes a bite of her meat, I'll give her a point toward Disney World,' Molly Brandt, the mother of a toddler, tells Brandt, who is taking her daughter to the theme park for her third birthday, adds that 'points' will be used to purchase souvenirs at the theme park. 'She's obsessed with princesses, so I said she could buy a Rapunzel dress,' says Brandt. In a TikTok video, Brandt called for the 'most unhinged white lie you've told your 2-and-a-half year-old toddler because I'm running out of ideas.' Parents dropped the white lies they've told their own children into the comments section: 'Elmo is napping, the park is napping, the pool is napping, everybody is napping. It works for now.' 'I use Google Translate, English to English, and type something like, 'The park is closed today, due to a fire' and then play the little microphone, so Siri says it out loud when I tell my daughter I'm calling the park to see if it's open.' 'You can only watch cartoons in cars. That's why they're called CAR-toons.' 'I let my daughter try black coffee and of course, she hated it. Now, if I don't want to share my food, I tell her it's coffee-flavored.' ''Blippi and Bluey are sleeping and only Curious George and Daniel Tiger are up. Do you want to watch them?' Less stimulating shows.' ''Every person has their own swear word. So, if you hear a grownup say one, it's theirs and you can't use it. You have to make up your own words' (Makes a nonsense word).' 'We can't watch 'Baby Shark' at bedtime/night because of child labor laws.' 'I told my daughter that spinach tortellini was green cheese and she loves it.' 'I told my daughter our family dog went on vacation to the beach and sent back sand as a gift. He actually died and those are his ashes.' 'When the ice cream truck plays music, it means they're out of ice cream.' 'If she sleeps in my room or I sleep in her room, we will both get smaller. We both want to get big and strong, so we have to sleep in our own beds.' 'Taylor Swift is her grandma. It's easier than explaining who her grandma actually is and it's low-key comical.' 'Sometimes, I explain the truth in so much detail, he just gets confused and forgets what's going on.' Brandt tells the points system tames her daughter's picky eating habits. It's also good enough for Brandt, who admits that lying made her uncomfortable in the beginning. She has since justified the light-hearted fib for a greater good. Telling children white lies is generally innocuous until age 3, Dr. Deborah Gilboa, family doctor and resilience expert, tells 'Very few people have really solid memories before age 3 or 4, excluding severe traumatic events,' says Gilboa, adding that in between the ages of 4 and 6, children start to apply reasoning to their lives. Gilboa says white lies can undermine trust between family members and pave rationalization for kids to lie to their parents. 'We don't want kids to ever wonder whether their parents are telling the truth,' says Gilboa. Instead of telling a white lie, Gilboa recommends these responses when kids ask questions that adults don't want to answer directly: 'I am not going to tell you that.' 'It's not yet a perfect time to talk about this.' 'It's none of your business.' 'The other problem with white lies is, they really only work with first children,' says Gilboa, adding that older kids may tell their little siblings, 'Mom and dad lied to you.' According to Gilboa, there are two times when parents shouldn't tell white lies, even when kids are very young. First: The death of a pet, which is traumatic. 'We want kids to count on their parents to talk about hard things,' says Gilboa. 'The more important the issue, the less valuable it is to use a white lie.' Second: Threatening to leave a child in public, for example, when parents say, 'If you don't get in the car, I'm going to leave you at the park.' The outcome of the threat is always negative: parents likely wouldn't leave — and their kids know it — or, kids might believe their parents will abandon them, says Gilboa, adding, 'Neither is OK.' This article was originally published on
Condé Nast Traveler
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Condé Nast Traveler
7 Most Toddler-Friendly Destinations in the US
When I documented the 88-day, 14-country trip around the world that I took with my 2.5-year-old son for Traveler's limited-edition family travel newsletter, I was asked two things on an endless loop. The first was some variation of 'Are you nuts?!' The second, from justifiably intimidated parents, was usually, 'Is there anywhere closer to home you recommend for toddlers?' Jury's still out on that first question but on the second I say, 'Yes! So many.' I couldn't have pulled off such an ambitious global trip if not for having plenty of practice in the US first. Though Julian's first big vacation—San Diego at 10.5 months old—was mildly disastrous, I kept pushing us. If I've learned anything from traveling extensively with a tiny, irrational human, it's to try, try again. Nothing with kids lasts forever. What follows are seven of my favorite U.S. getaways for toddlers. They offer vastly different experiences (Giraffes! Submarines! Fry Bread!) but have one thing in common: These destinations are as much fun for us parents as the kids we're so desperate to entertain. San Antonio, Texas Years before our son was born, my husband and I made a 16-month, 40-state, 229-city road trip across the US to uncover our next hometown. We kept a spreadsheet ranking our top picks and ultimately settled on Minneapolis. Coming in second was San Antonio, so naturally I was stoked to experience it anew with my toddler last summer. Merciless heat aside, it was every bit as vibrant as I had remembered and still boasts the tastiest food and friendliest locals. The 15-mile-long river walk with its riverside paths lined with beautiful trees is a popular attraction is San Antonio. Anna Breaux/Unsplash What to eat, see, and do The San Antonio Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the country, housing more than 750 species, but it has newer attractions as well. Of special note is Kronkosky's Tiny Tot Nature Spot, a 1.5-acre space designed for the 5-and-under set that includes a butterfly rainforest and interactive play area with faux fishing ponds and a mud kitchen. Spring for a giraffe feeding or kangaroo meet-and-greet, or join the drive-through safari at Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, a sprawling park with upward of 500 animals (zebras, bongos, and ostriches—oh my!) on the outskirts of town. Creature features aside, we had a blast exploring the sensory-friendly rides and attractions at Morgan's Wonderland, the world's first 'ultra-accessible' theme park; romping through a black-lit, artist-designed ball pit and more than a dozen other installations at immersive art gallery Hopscotch; and sipping micheladas from Künstler Tap Haus while Julian explored the toddler play area and splash pad at Hemisfair, the redeveloped site of the 1968 World's Fair. From the succulent Flinstonian beef rib at Pinkerton's Barbecue to the mushroom shawarma at Ladino, eating our faces off was another favorite pastime. The fluffy conchas at La Panadería and breakfast tacos at Con Huevos Tacos are both essential eating. Where to stay
Times
20-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Times
My 9 top summer style icons, from Tom Cruise to Arthur Ashe
Summer is almost here, which is troubling, particularly if you're a man who wears clothes. As the days lengthen and the temperature rises, we — men — are required to cast aside the easy comfort of coats, jumpers and trousers and transition into our summer wardrobe. It's a testing time with nowhere to hide. And while there is always the option of 'shorts and T-shirt', there's a real risk that you just end up looking like a toddler with gigantism, particularly if you're into Velcro sandals and ice lollies. Which unfortunately I am. So what's the solution? It's mostly a question of inspiration — past or present. Look around you. Who looks good in hot weather? Whom can you copy? Because once you've identified your
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Polite tot wonders why pigeons don't say 'thank you' after being fed
A polite toddler feeding pigeons in a London park was baffled when they didn't say 'thank you.' Two-year-old Saoirse O'Brien turned to her mum, Slaney, and asked why the birds weren't grateful. Slaney, 35, has been teaching her twins to be kind and respectful through play and everyday actions. She shared the sweet moment online, where the video went viral, earning over 3.9 million views and praise from viewers worldwide.
Forbes
16-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
The 7 Best Pack And Plays That Are Sleep, Travel And Play Ready
With a pack and play on hand, you'll always have a place to set them down around the house or during travel—and a safe spot for them to sleep or nap in. The very best pack and plays also include additional features like built-in changing stations or extra portability. The Chicco Lullaby Zip All-In-One Portable Playard is our pick for the best pack and play, because it's a safe sleep space for babies and includes extra features like a changing insert, parent organizer and built-in bassinet. Wheels make it easier to move, too. The best pack and plays have an abundance of features to make life with babies easier. Not all pack and plays are safe for infant sleep. Some baby play yards, for example, don't have a flat, firm mattress, making them unsafe for sleep. On our list of the best, we chose to only include options that are deemed safe for sleep. Ahead, the seven best pack and plays for babies and toddlers, including one that's best for true travel, the Guava Lotus and its backpack carrying case. Amazon Dimensions: 45 x 31 x 46 inches | Weight: 35 pounds | Child capacity limit: 30 pounds or 35 inches, whichever comes first | Special features: Bassinet, toy bar, changing pad, detachable organizer As opposed to a dedicated travel crib that's just for sleep, a pack and play should have extra features that make life with babies and toddlers easier. The Chicco Lullaby Zip All-In-One Portable Playard includes a changing table, a bassinet, a toy bar and an organizer that you can detach. I often used pack and plays like this one when my kids were babies as a dedicated changing area. The organizer keeps everything in one spot, and the toy bar keeps them entertained while they're getting their diaper changed. This Chicco one also includes a carry bag and a machine-washable mattress cover. When your baby is sleeping, you can rest easier knowing the mesh sides help with airflow. The fold is simple with a push button. There are wheels on two of the legs, making it easy to move around your house so you always have somewhere safe to place your baby. If you're planning on packing it up to travel with it, it's worth noting that it's rather heavy at 35 pounds, so this is definitely more pack and play than travel crib. The brand makes a similar Lullaby All-In-One model that doesn't include the toy bar and has a slightly smaller parent organizer that's $220. Amazon Dimensions: 39.5 x 28.3 x 29 inches | Weight: 19 pounds | Child capacity limit: 30 pounds or 35 inches, whichever comes first | Special features: Mesh storage bag It's where the pack and play got its name: the Graco Pack 'N Play Portable Playard. And although it doesn't have as many features as some others on our list, this classic provides a safe space for your baby to sleep or play. It's the No. 1 bestseller on Amazon in play yards, sides provide airflow, and it's safe for babies and toddlers up to 30 pounds. This basic model has a push button fold, and the mattress can wrap around the body when it's folded up to act as a carrying case. Wheels on two legs allow you to move it around your home without folding it up, and it's much more lightweight than our top pick at 19 pounds. It doesn't include a changing pad, but it does have a small mesh storage area where you can place wipes, diapers or other essentials—and you can select other models of the Graco Pack 'N Play if you'd prefer to have a built-in bassinet, changing table or both and are willing to spend a touch more.I've used quite a few Graco Pack 'N Plays over the years, and they're a consistently solid and reliable option—one that generations have likely stocked at Grandma's house for quick overnights. Nordstrom Dimensions: 40.5 x 26 x 28.5 inches | Weight: 20 pounds | Child capacity limit: 35 inches | Special features: Bassinet, side-zip entry When you're looking for a pack and play for newborns, the most convenient feature is a bassinet. This gives your baby a cozier sleeping space, and it keeps them higher up, so you don't have to bend down so far to set them down or pick them up. Forbes Vetted baby and kids gear editor Margaret Badore named this the best travel crib for infants after testing it thanks to its Greenguard Gold certification, organic mattress cover and side zip opening. The included bassinet is safe for babies up to 20 pounds, whereas some other pack and play bassinets are only safe for babies up to 15 pounds. Though this pack and play doesn't come with as many add-ons as some of the others on our list, you can purchase extras like a canopy, a changing station and a changing station organizer. At 20 pounds, it's pretty lightweight, and it's definitely something that you could consider traveling with. Many parents also like the mattress, which is machine washable and made of air mesh. Amazon Dimensions: 45.5 x 31.5 x 25.5 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Child capacity limit: None; safe until your child can climb out | Special features: Backpack travel bag Badore named the Guava Lotus Travel Crib the best travel crib, and it's my favorite as well. It doesn't have all of the typical pack and play features, but that makes it more portable, lighter (15 pounds) and easier to transport on your travels. It folds easily and comes with a backpack travel bag that frees up your hands. It's also safe for sleep and play. You can opt to add-on some accessories like a shade to this travel crib or a bassinet conversion kit, too. My kids found it really comfortable, too. One of my twins slept in it for months after finding it more comfortable than his crib. I like that it has a side zip entry, because you can squat down to get your baby in or out, while older kids can crawl in or out themselves once you unzip it. Because the mattress sits on the ground, it doesn't have a weight limit, and it's safe to use until your child is able to climb out. I also appreciated the slits in the sheet that allow the straps that hold the mattress down to pass through, because it created a flat sleep surface without any bumps in the sheet. Amazon Dimensions: 38 x 29.5 x 38.6 inches | Weight: 32.5 pounds | Child capacity limit: 30 pounds or 35 inches, whichever comes first | Special features: Portable bassinet, changing pad, removable storage console, infant floor seat Like our top pick, the Graco Pack 'N Play Sit 'N Grow Playard comes with plenty of features and accessories that make taking care of your baby easier. In fact, it bundles in several other useful baby gear items that can be used separately, like a floor seat for baby and a removable and portable bassinet, plus an infant insert bassinet. It also comes with a changing station and removable storage console—for under $350. The pack and play itself can then be used as a diaper changing station, play area or safe sleep area. The mesh sides help with airflow whether your little one is playing or napping and there are two wheels that make it easier to move. At 32.5 pounds, it's on the heavier side, so this probably isn't the best option if you travel often. However, if you're looking for a versatile baby item that reduces the amount of baby gear you need to purchase, this is a great pick. Amazon Dimensions: 43 x 30 x 29 inches | Weight: 28.5 pounds | Child capacity limit: 30 pounds or 35 inches (for play yard) | Special features: Flip changer, bassinet, travel bag I always like having a dedicated diaper changing station, and it's what I use pack and plays for the most. The 4moms Breeze Plus has a flip changer that you can move out of the way when you don't need it, making this a handy pick. You can transition from changing table to sleep space seamlessly. Though it doesn't come with any storage, you can purchase a diaper storage caddy separately. The included bassinet makes it a good option for newborns, and the mesh sides are great for airflow. This option is middle of the road when it comes to weight, but it does come with a travel bag, so traveling with it is feasible. It weighs 23 pounds without the bassinet and changer. You can set it up and break it down one-handed, which can simplify travels. Amazon Dimensions: 51 x 34.5 x 28.5 inches | Weight: 17 pounds | Child capacity limit: Up to 35 inches | Special features: Large play area, side zip opening What I like most about the Newton Travel Crib And Play Yard as a spacious option is that the mattress is on the floor, so there isn't a weight limit. If you're looking for an extra large play yard, you're probably looking for something for a bigger kid or to use with more than one kid, making this option ideal. Just make sure only one baby sleeps in it at a time. The mattress in the pack and play is made using the Wovenaire technology that Newton is known for, and the sides are mesh to help with breathability. The fabric surrounding the frame is machine washable, and it has a zip-open side panel. This makes it easier for you to get baby in and out and for older babies and toddlers to crawl in and out on their own. It's one of the most lightweight options on our list at 17 pounds, which helps make up for the fact that it doesn't have extra features. You can add on a bassinet insert for $100. The play yard sheets are also sold separately. As parents ourselves, the baby and kids gear team at Forbes Vetted knows how important it is to buy the best products for your baby that also keep them safe. We've spent countless hours testing and researching products, including the sleep items like the best crib mattresses and the best bassinets. Think about your needs when choosing a pack and play. Some families want something more portable and easier to fold away with fewer features, while others want something that has features galore. Whether your child is sleeping or playing, you want to ensure they're safe in their pack and play. If you're going to use your pack and play for sleep, ensure it meets CPSC standards for sleep products. They should have a firm, flat sleep surface that is free from toys, bumpers or other additional items. 'The most important feature for babies or toddlers who fall asleep in a pack and play is not to have any loose blankets, pillows or objects in the pack n play. Also, only one child asleep at a time and, although this seems intuitive, no pets,' says Walker. When setting up and using your pack and play, be sure to follow all instructions and safety guidelines. Many pack and plays have a weight limit of 30 pounds and a height limit of 35 inches, though some have unlimited weight limits. Regardless of child capacity limits, you should stop using a pack and play when your child is able to climb out. Pack and plays are designed to be portable. Some have wheels so you can move them around your home, and many come with carrying bags for travel. Consider whether you'll be packing it up a lot or if you'll mostly leave it set up in your home. Additional features are what really sets pack and plays apart from travel cribs. Common features include hanging toys or mobiles, storage, changing pads and bassinets. Think about what you want to use your pack and play for and what features you'll need to make that happen. The best pack and play is the Chicco Lullaby Zip All-in-One Portable Playard, because it's versatile with lots of add-ons that make life with babies and toddlers easier. It has a toy to entertain them, a changing pad and extra storage. All of the pack and plays in our guide are safe for sleep. However 'pack and play' is not a regulated term, and you can't assume that every play yard is safe for sleep. A crib or bassinet needs to meet CPSC standards to be considered safe for sleep. Typically, pack and plays with a mattress on the ground don't have a weight limit. Instead, they have a height or skill limit, typically 35 inches or when your child can climb out. Our favorite unlimited weight pack and play is the Guava Lotus Travel Crib.
