One of our most popular posts of the past few months has been this list of social distancing birthday ideas for kids during COVID-19. And the more it’s been clear that Covid isn’t just a few-weeks-and-it’s-over-kind of thing, we’re now at the point where we’re seeing each of our kids subsequently deal with birthday loss in different ways.

It’s easy to dismiss it as a “first-world problem,” but it’s important to acknowledge the loss of a celebration, kids’ conflicting feelings, and even our own. And hey, it’s important to celebrate kids’ birthdays in some way, according to psychologists and experts in this op-ed in the Washington Post by Lia Picard.

But that doesn’t mean it has to be big. In fact, it’s the little things that tend to matter the most.

Kids' birthdays in the age of Covid: It's different, but why it's important to celebrate if only in small ways | spawned parenting podcast | cool mom Picks

So this week we’re sharing our own thoughts: What we did with each of our kids’ birthdays (our oldest girls’ turned 15 and 16 last week, eep!), how it differs by age and your own kids’ needs, and even some ideas that will help you as you sort through this with your own kids.

Plus, you get to find out why a “ballinator” is a big birthday thing in Liz’s home. (Don’t worry, it’s safe for all ages)

Listen right now to this week’s podcast episode, then make sure you’re subscribed on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen) so you never miss an episode. (And PS: while you’re there, subscribe to our new podcast Out Tech Your Kids!)

 

About our sponsor: Cisco’s GPS: The Series

The animated online series teaching kids critical thinking skills, teamwork, collaboration, and action for social good | GPS: Global Problem Solvers (sponsor)

If you want to raise kids who are critical thinkers, problem solvers, and team players, you’ll want to check out GPS: The Series, a new animated series from today’s sponsor Cisco. It features a diverse team of teenage superheroes from around the globe (that’s the GPS), each representing a different skill set.

But what’s cool is that they’re not fighting vampires or racing around to other planets. They’re more like regular, relatable smart kids who are taking on real-world social, economic, and environmental problems we face globally, and encouraging your kids to do the same.

It’s more than an animated series, it’s actually part of a complete educational program created by Cisco, and available free online to students, parents and educators. It’s designed especially to help your kid learn to innovate as a technologist in an increasingly digital world, think like an entrepreneur, and act as a social change agent to bring more good to the world.

Click through this link to watch Global Problem Solvers: The Series with your kids today. It’s good!

 

About our sponsor: Breyers CarbSmart

Breyer's CarbSmart frozen treats come in tubs and delicious bars in flavors like almond, mint, and caramel swirl, each with only 3-5 net g carbs per serving! | sponsor

Frozen treats + summer. They’re a match made right in your freezer! If you don’t yet know about Breyers CarbSmart from America’s #1 ice cream brand, you’ll want to. It’s a truly delicious line of sweet frozen treats with just 3 to 5 grams net carbs per serving, all under 150 calories, and they’re even a good source of fiber.

CarbSmart is available in the tubs we love for DIY sundaes which we’re eating a lot of these days, as well as bars in yummy flavors like caramel swirl, chocolate covered almond, vanilla, and peanut butter.  Plus, Breyers has partnered with American farmers to ensure all their treats are made with 100% grade A milk and cream.

Find Breyers CarbSmart at all major retailers, from Target to Kroger, even Amazon Pantry.

 

Our Cool Picks of the Week 

Winky Luxe coffee scented bronzer, now at Target

Kristen – Winky Luxe Coffee Bronzer is now at Target, and is her new affordable cosmetic fave. (It even encouraged Liz to head out to a Target for the first time!)

The original cast of Hamilton, including the Schuyler sisters, will all appear in the filmed version. Here's how to stream it starting in July

Liz – Get dressed up, and throw a Broadway style Hamilton: The Movie watch party at home, with the movie now streaming on Disney Plus. Liz describes just what her family did…and it’s fun! Also, find some cool ideas on Georgette’s Hamilton themed party idea post.

 

Top photo by Isabella and Louisa Fischer on Unsplash