gender + sexuality Archives

Making a Baby is the diverse, inclusive, very frank children’s picture book about sex and reproduction that we’ve been looking for

When my kids were in early elementary school, every parent I knew seemed to be looking for the perfect children’s book about sex and reproduction. I cannot overemphasize how much I wish I’d had the beautifully inclusive and thoughtful Making a Baby by...

So about those gender reveal parties… and other things parents need to know about gender stereotypes | Spawned Ep 217

by Cool Mom Staff | Podcast

With gender reveal parties on our minds these days, we were so glad to chat with author Lisa Selin Davis about gender stereotypes and what parents need to do to start to changing them, all of which she talks about in her new book, Tomboy: The Surprising History and...

Peggy Orenstein on Boys and Sex… and hookups and love and masculinity and consent and yes, porn | Spawned 187

by Cool Mom Staff | Podcast

When our sound engineer writes to us and says that this podcast interview with Peggy Orenstein is “easily top 5…maybe top 3” of all our interviews, well that’s saying something. And we agree. Whether you are raising sons or raising daughters,...

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...

Social media, sexuality and school shootings: Tips for 10 hard talks every parent will have with their kids

by Kate Etue | Tips + Tricks

I’ve happily left the diapers-and-bottles behind, and I’ve entered the parenting stage that involves a lot more talking about the important issues in my kids’ lives — and in the world around them. As hard as it can be sometimes, and I’ve...

These personalized children’s books are offering a new gender-neutral option, and it’s fantastic

by Caroline Siegrist | Books for Kids

I’m already a fan of Kabook personalized children’s books, because they allow you to insert your own child into the story — name, characteristics, favorite stuffed animal, even a photo. What better way to get kids excited about reading than seeing...

Girl toys and boy toys: Are we still doing this? Really?

by Liz Gumbinner | Thinking : Parent

Adapted from an article originally published on Mom-101.com Each year, our annual Brooklyn Fresh Air Fund trip to visit friends in suburban Massachusetts leads to our semi-annual fast food drive-thru lunch. (Oh, come and get me Sanctimommies. My kids love the Apple...

Why #TimesUp made last night’s Golden Globes important family viewing. | Thinking Parent

by Georgette Gilmore | Entertainment + Media, Thinking : Parent

Knowing that the Golden Globes would be more about female empowerment than fashion this year, with more red carpet questions and speeches about #MeToo movement and activism and gender parity and social justice, I decided to let my kids stay up and watch the awards...

This graphic novel anthology about reproductive health aims to educate, inspire, and support an important org.

by Georgette Gilmore | Books for Adults

To celebrate and support Planned Parenthood’s 100th year anniversary, a group of the best in the Comics industry — we’re taking Neil Gaiman, Louise Simonson, Denny O’Neil, Andrew Aydin, Gabby Rivera, and many more! == have come together to...

The Disney Channel’s first gay character makes me shout yay for Andi Mack! | Thinking Parent

by Georgette Gilmore | Thinking : Parent

Last season, my family discovered the Disney Channel show Andi Mack and we were instantly hooked. This series for tweens and young teens pulled us in with its smart writing, well-developed characters, and diverse cast. But after the recent Season 2 premiere, I love...

Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz!

Kristen Chase + Liz Gumbinner of Cool Mom Picks

We started Cool Mom Picks in 2006 to help make life cooler, more meaningful, and more fun for parents of all kinds.

Trivia: It was called Cool Mom Sh*t for the first two days. (Yeah, we rethought that.)

We had no idea our site would grow to become a major lifestyle network, that we'd end up sharing our finds with the TODAY Show and Martha Stewart, that we'd be able to make a real difference for so many small businesses and women-run companies, or that we'd end up with an incredible community of the coolest readers on the planet. (If we do say so ourselves).

We still love what we do every single day. And we're so glad you're here.