columns Archives | Cool Mom Picks

5 deschooling tips for new homeschooling parents, and how it will keep you from feeling like a total failure.

I know a lot of parents have jumped right into homeschooling their kids (or, schooling-from-home might be more accurate) so that they won’t get too far behind in their studies. But with news that Virginia has canceled school for the rest of the academic year due...

A homeschool mom’s tips on homeschooling your kids during school closures. You can do this!

by Kate Etue | Thinking : Parent, Tips + Tricks

So, school’s been cancelled for the indefinite future and you’re about to become a homeschooling parent, maybe for the first time. Now that you’re stuck at home with the kids for the next two, four…ten weeks, what in the world are you going to...

The shirt you need for every girl you know

by Liz Gumbinner | Doing Good, Kid Fashion, Thinking : Parent

When my friend Dara sent me the link to the Electable kids’ shirts, dresses and baby rompers at our friends from Free to Be Kids, I was like YES YES YES. Seconds later, I was holding back tears. The fact that we even need to remind people that yes, women are...

Our kids are sharing memes about WWIII. Here’s how to talk to kids about the fear of war.

by Liz Gumbinner | Thinking : Parent, Tips + Tricks

In light of this week’s rapid increase in tension between the US, Iran, and Iraq, my social feeds are packed with parents sharing similar sentiments as Asha Dornfest did on Twitter: My children and their friends are sharing WW3 memes to cope with their fear and...

Happy whatever you celebrate. Because we need more happiness in the world.

by Liz Gumbinner | Holiday Picks, Thinking : Parent

There have been years that I received kind Christmas cards from family and friends that blessed me and my Atheist-slash-Secular Jewish family, wishing Our Heavenly Father’s blessings upon us. They expressed hope that we have found peace with The Lord Jesus Christ....

8 thoughtful tips if you’re hosting kids with special needs for the holidays

by Kate Etue | Thinking : Parent, Tips + Tricks

Nothing gets me emotional quite like the Folger’s coffee holiday commercial, with the sentimental mother-son reunion at 5:30 AM over a cup of coffee. (I’m not joking, I cry every time.) But that’s not quite most people’s reality when we travel...

Yes, real Christmas trees are better for the environment than artificial trees. Here are the facts.

by Liz Gumbinner | Health, Fitness + Wellbeing, Thinking : Parent, Tips + Tricks

Lately, I’ve seen a lot of well-meaning posts from people around my social networks, with comments like, “well I want to protect the environment….that’s why we’re getting a fake Christmas tree this year.” Suddenly I was like crap,...

What is Indigenous People’s Day? Great resources for talking to your kids, because Native American history is American history.

by Liz Gumbinner | Books for Kids, Doing Good, Thinking : Parent

Today is the day that’s been traditionally celebrated as “Columbus Day” in the U.S., but knowing now what we know about Christopher Columbus, the holiday is fast transforming into Indigenous People’s Day for many. If you’re wondering what...

Mattel launches the first gender-neutral dolls for kids and everything about this is beautiful.

by Liz Gumbinner | Thinking : Parent, Toys + Playthings

When I read the news last night that Mattel is launching Creatable World, the first gender neutral doll and accessories to put kids in charge of their own play experience I teared up. In part because of the tag line, “All Welcome.” In part because I know...

How much does the tooth fairy pay in your state? Here’s a surprising breakdown.

by Liz Gumbinner | Random Coolness

There’s one question universally asked by basically all parents once your kid gets old enough: How much does the tooth fairy pay these days anyway? So I’m fascinated by this chart that breaks down the average price per tooth paid by the tooth fairy in each...