Kids, social media, and mental health: Devorah Heitner on what we’re getting wrong and how to fix it

by Liz Gumbinner | Spawned Podcast

This episode is a must-listen for all parents of kids who have smartphones, especially if you’re worried about the impact of social media on mental health. And isn’t that all of us, these days? Dr. Devorah Heitner a renowned author and expert on kids and...

My go-to shops for the best camp basics for kids. (Hurry: Big sales now!)

by Liz Gumbinner | Kid Style

It’s that time of year: Camp clothes shopping! Or more accurately, the time of year I look at the kids’ camp clothing checklist and realize we have outgrown everything and gah, where am I going to get those non-itchy navy shorts again at this late date? If...

We found 10 stylish, athletic two-piece swimsuits for teens who aren’t feeling the teeny bikinis

by Kate Etue | Fashion

While some of our daughters are rocking the teeny bikini that are back this summer, others are more interested in athletic two-piece swimsuits that let them be as active in the pool or on the beach as they’d like. As it turns out, it’s a little harder to...

Answering teens’ (brutally honest!) questions about college admissions | An Insider Guide to College Admissions

by Liz Gumbinner | Spawned Podcast

For our final podcast in our Insider Guide to the College Application Process, I thought we’d do things a little differently.  This week, we gathered questions that teens themselves gave us about college admissions and applications — and I’m joined...

The best summer camp care package ideas for tweens and teens: A comprehensive list from a mom who’s been sending them for 10 years

by Liz Gumbinner | Kids, Tips + Tricks

There is a certain joy in putting together summer camp care packages for my tweens and teens each year. It’s not just loading them up with stuff so I can make sure they remember me (ha), it’s that a summer camp care package can provide them with some...

17 brilliant last-minute Father’s Day gifts: Make, buy, print, ship, IOU or DIY

by Liz Gumbinner | Father's Day Gifts

We always love helping you all out with the best last-minute Father’s Day gifts for Dad, Grandpa, your stepdad, or anyone you’re celebrating this Father’s Day. Because it helps us out too! While Father’s Day gifts have been on our minds — and our shopping lists — for...

Jonathan Van Ness: On his new children’s book, and creating a culture of acceptance for kids who are different.

by Liz Gumbinner | Books for Kids, Spawned Podcast

This week on Spawned, I had the best time speaking with the one and only Jonathan Van Ness!! They’ve just released an amazing new picture book, Gorgeously Me!, which is already making waves as a #1 new children’s book on Amazon. Our chat was not only fun...

A grade-by-grade guide to college admissions: What to do when (and why not to panic) | An Insider Guide to College Admissions

by Liz Gumbinner | Spawned Podcast

I’m so happy to be back with Alyse Levine, one of the foremost college counseling experts in the country, to continue our Insider Guide to the College Application Process. This week, we took a cue from you, our readers and listeners, who wrote in to ask what you...

Brad Meltzer on Empathy, Kindness, Magic, Transformation, and That One Guy in the Restroom That One Time

by Liz Gumbinner | Spawned Podcast

This week, I’m talking to #1 New York Times bestselling author, Brad Meltzer, fresh off his viral commencement address at The University of Michigan about empathy, transformation, growth, compassion, and…magic. (Were you thinking I’d be covering that...

How to help kids identify and develop their interests | An Insider Guide to College Admissions

by Liz Gumbinner | Spawned Podcast

In January, I interviewed Alyse Levine, one of the foremost college counseling experts in the country, about de-stressing the college application process. It was so well-received, that we’ve partnered to create An Insider Guide to the College Application...