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Is raising unplugged kids a terrible idea? Spawned Ep 146
Let's face it, parents: screens are here to stay. So why are we still so ambivalent about them? Maybe being unplugged isn't actually the best way to help our kids thrive in this digital world. On this week's Spawned podcast, we're chatting with speaker and author...
Completely mind-shifting tips for treasuring the teen years instead of “surviving” them | Spawned Ep 145
Did you know that when you Google "how to talk to my teen" the number one word that comes up with it is "survive?" Have you ever thought about how that language is impacting your kids as they grow into teens? What if, as a society, we were able to reframe our mindset...
What the heck is a Spinal CSF Leak? with author Andi Buchanan | Spawned Episode 144
So, imagine this: You've had the flu but you're feeling much better, so you leave your house to go grab some food, but suddenly start coughing. You think nothing of it until you suddenly get the worst headache you've ever had in your life, one that will take over nine...
The AMA (aka Ask Me Anything) Spawned Episode: Random things about Kristen and Liz
Curious about Kristen's pet peeves? Or the last time Liz was in the ER? (Trust us, this story is incredible!) Well, you're in for a treat because on this week's episode of Spawned with Kristen and Liz, we use a random question generator to fuel our very own...
How to raise creative, imaginative kids in a digital world with Peter McNerney and Beth Newell | Spawned Ep 142
We're always looking for ways to foster imagination and creativity in our kids, and who better than to help us with that than Peter McNerney from Story Pirates, and his wife Beth Newell, co-host of the We Knows Parenting podcast, both of whom are popular improvisers...
So much coolness. Where to start…
The new Wonder Park movie is launching this week, starring Jennifer Garner, Matthew Broderick, Ken Jeong, Kenan Thompson, John Oliver…and we can’t wait
This post was created in partnership with Paramount Pictures Ever since the Wonder Park movie trailer debuted, our kids have been asking, "can we go? Can we go?" And now that the movie is coming out this Friday, March 15, they don't have to wait much longer. A fantasy...
Be Kind: The message we need more of, everywhere.
As a parent who's trying to motivate my young son to be kind and behave well without the promise of copious amounts of sugar, I was so pleased to find these truly wonderful Be Kind stickers at Star Salts Etsy shop. CMP is an rstyle affiliate They caught my eye partly...
Why the new drug for postpartum depression won’t just treat it, it could destigmatize it.
When I heard that the FDA had approved the first-ever drug to treat postpartum depression, I was thrilled. Given how commonplace this serious mental health condition is, and how severe the impact can be on the entire family, I've always wished for a greater arsenal to...
Save vs Splurge: My favorite spring 2019 fashion trends to fit any budget
Spring is always my favorite season for fashion (despite the whole realizing I'm going to have to show my triceps again part) and this year's 2019 spring fashion trends are so incredibly wearable! It's so refreshing to see fun fabrics, pretty florals, shapes that...
15 great kinds of videos to watch with your kids besides toy unboxing
Video is the new TV for this generation of kids, if you hadn't quite noticed. (Ha.) When we say to our kids, "let's watch a show!' their inclination is to turn their favorite video app or video platform on their little screens, and click play. But the truth is, when...
The adorable, custom Easter cookie cutters you need this spring.
In my family, we love incorporating traditions into our holiday celebrations whenever we can. True to my style, one of the easiest traditions to put in place is a cookie decorating day, so I was excited to find these adorable, custom custom Easter cookie cutters at...
Completely mind-shifting tips for treasuring the teen years instead of “surviving” them | Spawned Ep 145
Did you know that when you Google "how to talk to my teen" the number one word that comes up with it is "survive?" Have you ever thought about how that language is impacting your kids as they grow into teens? What if, as a society, we were able to reframe our mindset...
How do you know if you owe nanny taxes? This company can help, big time | Sponsored Message
This is a sponsored message from GTM Tax time is stressful enough for families, let alone trying to figure out the deal with nanny taxes you might owe for your regular childcare. In a nutshell: if you pay your nanny or caregiver more than $2100 each year -- that's...
How to talk to your children about mass shootings, bombings, and other tragedies in the news: Helpful resources
Another day, another mass shooting. And I'm not being flip. Today it's the unfathomably awful Christchurch, New Zealand mosque shootings. In the recent past, it's been Las Vegas, Orlando, Parkland, Sandy Hook, Nice, London, Boston, Pittsburgh...and soon it will be...
8 of the best book subscription boxes for kids of all ages, in honor of National Reading Month
One way to get kids excited about reading? Sign up for one of the awesome book subscription boxes that deliver hand-curated titles to your doorstep each month. The options for book subscriptions for kids have grown exponentially over the last few years and it's...
The big college fraud scandal: One thing we need to fix that we’re not talking about enough
Surely by now you've heard the news about the $25 million Operation Varsity Blues bust, in which dozens of wealthy parents and coaches have been arrested for scamming the private university entrance system in the most egregious ways. If not...welcome to the internet!...
The one thing all kids should be learning in school that they’re not.
We talk so much about the need for STEM education. Kids need computer skills, engineering skills, science of all kinds. We mourn the disappearance of cursive from the curriculum. We discuss which books our kids should be reading, and whether new math is genius -- or a...
The soccer balls that let kids show off their skills and their style
It's amazing how few companies are making sports equipment targeted to girls -- unless it's pink or purple or covered in glitter. So I loved discovering KAOS Soccer, a company that blends serious soccer credit with edgy modern design. Not that there's anything wrong...
The parental leave pledge that’s long overdue: How to help make it happen
We all write so much about work-life-parenting balance... and what a tough balance it is. If it even exists. So I was thrilled to find out about the Pledge Parental Leave initiative that's coming to an employer near you. Well, hopefully. Pledge Parental Leave is a...
What the heck is a Spinal CSF Leak? with author Andi Buchanan | Spawned Episode 144
So, imagine this: You've had the flu but you're feeling much better, so you leave your house to go grab some food, but suddenly start coughing. You think nothing of it until you suddenly get the worst headache you've ever had in your life, one that will take over nine...
My favorite new women’s t-shirt is from Soma. Yes, the bra place!
I was perusing my local Soma last week to pick up a few new bras when I spotted a women's t-shirt that looked pretty awesome. And well, it turns out that I was indeed correct. Related: The best white t-shirts for women Their Essential Short Sleeve Tee, which I...
6 new biographies of great American women you don’t want to miss this Women’s History Month
Okay, ladies, let's get in formation -- because it's time to celebrate Women's History Month. While there are lots of things we can do, one is to read up on those incredible women, who have paved the way for so many of us. So we've put together 6 new books featuring...
March Madness Bracket Printable: 90’s Movies Edition!
It's March Madness time, and here's to all of you basketball-loving fans and your brackets and illegal but highly enjoyable betting pools! For those of you however who'd like the fun of a bracket competition without the basketball, we've put together your very own...
The AMA (aka Ask Me Anything) Spawned Episode: Random things about Kristen and Liz
Curious about Kristen's pet peeves? Or the last time Liz was in the ER? (Trust us, this story is incredible!) Well, you're in for a treat because on this week's episode of Spawned with Kristen and Liz, we use a random question generator to fuel our very own...
Parents: Toss your kids’ cheap Claire’s cosmetics. It’s got asbestos in it.
According to a new FDA report, Claire's brand cosmetic products have tested positive for tremolite asbestos. That means those eye shadows, compact powders, or contour palette that your kids may own need to be tossed, stat. Especially because this is the kind of stuff...
8 of the cutest St. Patricks Day rainbow crafts for preschoolers and little kids. Pot of gold not included.
I've been busy rounding up the cutest rainbow crafts for St. Patrick's Day for preschoolers and our little kids, since the holiday is coming up fast! And I'm finding that these sweet and simple crafts for kids are helping to brighten our home, too, since it's still a...
7 DIY face mask recipes for every skin care woe that ails you
While I'm not personally a huge makeup buff, I do enjoy a good skincare product to clean and brighten my skin...and hopefully reduce some fine lines. And when it comes to face masks, they're just plain fun. In fact, it's become one of my favorite spontaneous ways to...