What we can do to help Ukraine right now: Donate, share, call
I know I'm not the only one worrying nonstop about citizens in Ukraine the past few days. Despite claims to the contrary, President Putin invaded Ukraine at multiple points on the Ukraine border this past week and seems to be targeting Ukrainian troops defending their...
Gen Z: They’re not snowflakes, they’re warriors. Here’s the data to prove it. | Spawned Ep 269
The world feels like a pretty awful place right now. I've seen a lot of people in my social feeds say things like, "it must be hard to have kids and have to explain things like the Russian aggression against Ukraine to them." I always think that yes, sure it is --...
Our kids are sharing memes about WWIII. Here’s how to talk to kids about the fear of war and unrest.
This article was originally written in 2020 about the increase in tension between the US, Iran and Iraq. It was updated in 2021, with the riots in DC and violent insurrection at the US Capitol -- and now, February 2022 as we watch the invasion of Ukraine live on TV,...
Where to stream the 2022 Oscar-nominated movies, and which ones to watch with your kids
If you're looking for where to stream the Oscar-nominated movies -- both the ones you can watch with kids and the ones you can watch alone after they're bed -- I get it. Parent usually struggle to catch up on all our movies this time of year. Or hey, maybe you've...
8 wonderful children’s books about neurodiversity that we—and our special needs kids—love
And as the mom of a daughter with autism and as a children's book lover, I've wanted to highlight some incredible children's books about neurodiversity that represent kids just like her. If you're a frequent reader here, you know it's always been important for us to...
Exceptional chocolates from Black-owned chocolate companies. For Valentine’s Day and beyond. (2024 update)
As we are recognizing Black History Month right along with Valentine's Day, in February, I've found some wonderful Black chocolatiers who are making history in their own right: with entrepreneurship that helps create more racial and economic justice...
“There’s nothing romantic about depression” | Spawned Ep 268
This week, I was really happy to get to sit down and chat with Amy Koppelman, director, writer, and producer of the recent film A Mouthful of Air starring Amanda Seyfried and Finn Wittrock. It's based on on Amy's critically acclaimed novel inspired by her own...
Power outages preparedness checklist: 35 tips for how to prepare for storms, and what to do if you do lose power.
Snow days can be hard enough on parents, but if that snow day, storm, or other weather event also brings a power outage, like so many of us have experienced this past year? It's an even trickier situation. So in an effort to keep my home running as smoothly as...
14 practical Valentine’s gifts for her that aren’t flowers, but they’re not a case of motor oil, either
When looking around for practical Valentine's Day gifts for her -- well, we weren't super impressed. Most women don't want a vacuum (here honey, clean up after me!) or a gift card for an oil change (seriously, we were pitched that once) and yet maybe you're shopping...
Sweet new baby gifts for The Year of the Tiger (it’s the cream of the fight…)
I am not Chinese by heritage, but I still love baby gifts that reflects the Chinese zodiac. So with the Chinese New Year starting The Year of the Tiger, I've put together some of my favorite tiger-themed baby gifts, which are always a creative way to celebrate those...