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...
Helping teens who are struggling with social distancing, isolation and loss | Spawned Episode 194
We know that the shelter-in-place orders and social distancing due to the Coronavirus pandemic has been difficult for all of us in one way or another, teens, in particular, are taking an extremely hard hit. We’re seeing with our own teens, and we’ve been...
Creating a homeschool schedule: 8 different ideas to help you figure out what will work best for you.
Hi! Total homeschooling newbie here, and now here I am, trying to create a homeschool schedule — or some semblance of one — to help keep us sane. Um, it’s not easy. For background, I am the parent who thought I could wing it with newborn nap...
Stream these 15 terrific, kid-friendly educational documentaries that aren’t necessarily made for kids.
As a homeschooling mom, I know how educational documentaries for kids can help fill the days, balance entertainment with education, and even give us longer breaks when we need it. I even included it in my tips for parents who are now homeschooling, while schools are...
The best homeschooling resources right now for newbies: ELA, science, math, and social studies home learning.
With all the school closures right now, we know so many of you are looking for the best homeschooling resources. (Like, a lot of you!) We hear you! So first, I suggest you read my post on a homeschooling mom’s tips for teaching your kids at home during school...
A homeschool mom’s tips on homeschooling your kids during school closures. You can do this!
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...
Beyond canned foods and toilet paper: A family guide to unexpected items to stock up on in case of a quarantine
Let’s be honest: We don’t each need 600 rolls of toilet paper on hand right now. Not that that’s stopping some people! But after a really stressful week of a COVID-19 scare involving a quarantined relative in D.C., it did put the situation in stark...
Joy Cho on encouraging creativity in kids, even if you’re not creative yourself. | Spawned 191
I have wanted to talk to Joy Cho, the founder and creative director of Oh Joy! for oh…about forever. When I think of creativity, style, and design, she’s one of the people who pops into mind first — and with a half-million Instagram followers and 13...
How do you know when it’s time to move? And how do you make it easier when you’re ready? | Spawned 189
We never thought that a book about moving would be so enjoyable. Just thought thought of moving gives lots of us cold sweats! And yet, Ali Wenzke, who’s been called the Marie Kondo of Moving has authored the extremely helpful, calming, and yes, enjoyable book,...Hi! We’re Kristen + Liz!
We started Cool Mom Picks in 2006 to help make life cooler, easier, more organized, 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).
But we did.
And we still love what we do every single day.
We're so glad you're here.
Our Podcast. (It’s won awards and everything!)
Coronavirus Support + At-Home Learning Help for Families
* An ongoing list of the most trusted Coronavirus websites and resources
* Expert tips for talking to your kids. Very reassuring!
* What to buy beyond toilet paper and canned food
* Pantry-stocking tips from someone who's trained her whole life for this
* The best ways to clean and disinfect your phones and gadgets
* Safety tips for orderinng take-out and delivery right now
* 15 awesome podcasts to keep kids engaged
* 7 gym alternatives keeping us sane
* Homeschooling 101: Tips for newbies
* How to create a homeschool schedule that works for you
Doing Good: We’re Supporting…
What are your top questions about kids + tech?
“Please share your tips for setting up a new iPhone for my 12 year old!”
“Help! I need dairy/nut free appetizer ideas to bring to a party.”
Cool Gifts for Everyone. Who Are You Shopping For?
* Coolest Gifts of the Year for Teens + Tweens
* Cool Tech Gifts for Everyone On Your List
* Cool Gifts for Guys Who Have Everything
* Sentimental Grandparent Gifts and Keepsakes
* Our Favorite Gifts That Give Back
* Personalized Gifts You Can Still Get in Time if You Hurry
* Cool Food Gifts to Buy or DIY
* Cool Self-Care Gifts for Women
* The Best Teacher Gifts According to Actual Teachers
* Cool STEM Toys and Gifts for Kids
* Cool Sibling Gifts That Kids Can Share
* Beautiful Handmade Toys for Kids
* Cool Style + Beauty Gifts for Women of Any Age (ahem)
* Ultra-Cool Men's Gift Ideas (For Real)
* Cool Gifts For Tween Girls 9-12
* Cool Gifts For Tween Boys 9-12 (Yes, Girls Will Like Them Too)
* Sweet Personalized Gifts for Grandmas
* Cool Gifts for Couples * Cool Gifts for Star Wars Fans * Meaningful Gifts for Eco-Conscious Kids* Cool Toys + Gifts for One-Year-Olds * DIY Gifts for Favorite Teachers * 50+ Cool Gifts for Adults under $15
Work with us!
