politics + activism Archives

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...

Greta Thunberg and youth climate activism: Editors Best of the Year

by Liz Gumbinner | Doing Good, Editors Best of the Year, Health, Fitness + Wellbeing

When we first started this site in 2006, eco-friendly was one of our most popular tags. Parents were concerned about where their products were made, what ingredients were in them, and how they impacted the planet. Then the recession hit. Suddenly no one wanted to pay...

On acting, activism, and taking action: A conversation with Alysia Reiner

by Cool Mom Staff | Doing Good, Podcast

Considering we’re pretty passionate about activism and binge watching, it’s probably no surprise that we’re a big fan of Alysia Reiner, known best for her role as Natalie “Fig” Figueroa in Orange is the New Black, a show that might have...

2 great books about raising activist kids: Cool Mom Picks Book Club selection 10

by Liz Gumbinner | Book Club, Books for Adults, Books for Kids

This go round, we’re going to change things up a bit in the Cool Mom Picks Virtual Book Club, because I’m going to be talking about two selections that I know are relevant to so many parents these days. In light of the recent Climate Strike marches around...

Adoptive parents: These are the forms you need to ensure your adopted child’s US immigration status is safe.

by Kate Etue | Tips + Tricks

As an adoptive parent, the recent ICE raids have left me more than a little uneasy. Across almost all the adoption boards I’m on, in any social media channel, I’m seeing parents ask what documents they need to ensure their child’s adoption status is...

Set up a lemonade stand this weekend, help support kids in crisis at the border

by Liz Gumbinner | Doing Good

Kids are born with big hearts. They are full of kindness and compassion. They want to do something when they see awful things in the world, especially impacting other children. I know my own kids have been distraught following what’s happening to children...

In support of our duly elected American Congresswomen

by Liz Gumbinner | Doing Good, Fashion, Kid Fashion

On a personal level, this week has been really rough for me. The news is just filled with horrific racism, bigotry, and xenophobia directed towards elected American Congresswomen of color. And too many leaders, including those who should know better, have been bending...

3 new books for kids that make you proud to be American

by Liz Gumbinner | Books for Kids

With July 4th coming, up, this is a time my family often discusses what it means to be American, how we can make the country better, safer, and more equitable for other Americans, and what we can do to help live up to our nation’s promise of liberty and justice...

When your America stands for kindness, compassion, justice, inclusion and love.

by Liz Gumbinner | Fashion, Kid Fashion

If you’re shopping for some flag-adorned July 4 wear for the kids, and the standard stars-and-stripes stuff in the big stores isn’t jumping off the shelf at you, here’s a totally different way to go, and I love it:: The América la Estupenda American...

Migrant children in crisis: Know these stories. Say their names. Please, don’t turn away.

by Liz Gumbinner | Doing Good, Thinking : Parent

Friends, I hardly know where to start. But I knew I couldn’t write a single other thing today, until I addressed the crisis at the border and our government’s abject cruelty toward babies and children. (Feel free to live with those words for a moment.)...