Family

Guide to Zion National Park with Kids in 2022

Are you thinking of visiting Zion National Park with your kids this year? You won’t want to miss this ultimate guide to Zion National Park with kids in 2022.

We just got back from our trip to Zion with the kids and I couldn’t wait to tell you about our awesome experience. Our family of 5 spent 5 days exploring the park, hiking, and taking in the glorious scenery.

Where to Stay when Visiting Zion National Park with Kids

If you plan to spend more than a day at the park, there are a couple of options.

Camping in Zion National Park

In the Zion campgrounds you can car camp or camp in an RV. Reservations for the campgrounds fill up months in advance, and the earliest you can book your site is 6 months prior. This is highly recommended. We reserved our campsite in December for June of the following year! Set a reminder on your calendar app if you want to plan ahead for next year.

There are 2 campgrounds: South Campground and Watchman Campground. Watchman is the nicer of the two in my opinion. If you get lucky you can snag a campsite by the river in Watchman’s A or B loop. These get taken fast, and we weren’t able to get a site near the river. We had a nice time in our site in D loop and had the same breathtaking views. I do not recommend the F loop. There you leave your car in a parking lot near the sites and walk your stuff over to your spot, and it is very crowded. Both Watchman and South campgrounds have restrooms with flush toilets and hand soap, clean drinking water and a dishwashing station but no showers.

Camping Outside of Zion

There are 2 private campgrounds near Zion. Zion Canyon Campground & RV park is not inside the park, but it is along the free shuttle route that goes from Springdale to the Zion visitor center. Here you can choose from tent or RV campsites with full sewer and electric hookups and a swimming pool. Zion River Resort RV Park & Campground is outside of the free shuttle system but does offer a paid shuttle that takes you to the park. Campsites here accommodate either tents or RVs, and a few cabins are also available to rent.

Lodging

Just a few blocks from the park entrance is the first of many hotels in the town of Springdale. The lodging options outside of the park have a rustic ambiance while still providing comfortable rooms and amenities. Zion National Park is in the desert, so a hotel stay is a great way to enjoy the desert landscape while still having the option of retreating to an air conditioned room. When booking your stay, look for availability in the town of Springdale. Zion National Park Shuttles run frequently from the park to nine stops within the town of Springdale.

Zion Lodge

For the ultimate Zion experience, book a stay at the Zion Lodge. The lodge is in the very middle of the park, tucked at the foot of the majestic sandstone cliffs of Zion. The rates are a little high but reasonable, and well worth the convenience of the proximity to everything the park has to offer. Rooms or cabins will sleep from 2 to 5 people.

Under Canvas

Not near the park shuttle system, but worth checking out, is safari-inspired Under Canvas camp. Fun onsite experiences include live music, morning yoga, nightly s’mores and more. When we drove past, Under Canvas was about 15-20 minutes from the park. It would be fun in late spring or early fall but during the summer could potentially be super hot. And since parking inside Zion is extremely limited, you would probably find yourself paying to park in Springdale and shuttling into the park.

Best hikes for kids at Zion National Park

Zion offers several hikes that are easy to trek and perfect for a family with kids. I always bring lots of snacks, sunscreen and water when hiking with kids. The last thing I want is a hangry, thirsty, sunburned crew!

Lower Emerald Pool

This paved hike is 1.2 miles round trip. A stroller or wheelchair can make it on the path, although a few gradual inclines will require some muscle to push up and over. The highlight of Lower Emerald Pool is a trickling waterfall at the turnaround point. On a hot day, the spray from the cool water is a refreshing reward for a hike well done. The trail starts and ends along the Virgin River. We motivated our kids to keep going with the promise of dipping their feet in the water after the hike.

Canyon Overlook Trail

This trail has easy slopes and nice views. It is mostly in the shade until 10 or 11 am. We enjoyed the arch-shaped inlets in the sides of the cliffs and the views of the peaks.

Riverwalk Trail

Another mostly paved hike, this trail parallels the Virgin River. The river is so pretty to look at and the trail is relatively flat. Hikers along this trail include those who are continuing on to the Narrows, which runs through the river. Expect to see people with wet shoes and walking sticks, but fear not- this equipment is not necessary for the Riverwalk trail.

Pa’rus Bike Trail

This 3.5 mile flat trail is great for riding bikes or ebikes along. It goes right to Zion Park shuttle stop number 3. You can either turn around here or take the shuttle back to the trailhead. Some websites say no dogs allowed on the trail, but when we were in the park this summer dogs were permitted only on this trail. Bikes and ebikes are available to rent at Zion Lodge or in Springdale.

Getting Around in Zion National Park

View through historic tunnel at Zion National Park

The many hiking trails in Zion are spread across the park. To keep car traffic low, the park offers 2 free shuttle lines. One takes travelers from the adjoining town of Springdale to the visitor center inside the park. Another shuttle line goes from the visitor center to several stops within the park. You can view the shuttle map at the NPS website. Parking is extremely limited in the park. The only parking lot in Zion National Park is at the visitor center, and this is usually at capacity pretty early in the day. Most of the available parking will be at pay lots outside the park entrance. These are all within a short walk of a shuttle stop. By parking offsite you would have to pay for the parking spot. But you wouldn’t have to pay to enter the National Park if you walked in or rode the shuttle from Springdale.

During peak seasons, most of the roads in Zion National Park are closed to public vehicles. A beautiful scenic road is accessible, and takes you through switchbacks overlooking the canyon as well as a mile-long tunnel that was built over 100 years ago.

Once you are parked or settled into a campsite, you really won’t need a car to get around Zion National Park with your kids. They will enjoy the shuttle as it crosses over bridges, weaves alongside the Virgin River, and passes deer, wild turkeys and other wildlife.

As of June 2022, face masks were not required in the shuttle buses or inside the buildings.

Beat the Heat at Zion National Park with Kids

Be prepared for high temperatures when visiting Zion National Park from mid april though late September. As of the time of this writing, there is currently a “caution” alert due to toxic cyanobacteria bloom in the Virgin River and the streams of Zion National Park. The water is not safe to drink, but it is ok to wade in and even play in as long as you keep from drinking it. Up canyon at shuttle stop 9 are some great river spots for cooling off on a hot day. The lawn in front of the Lodge has a massive tree that provides ample shade for an afternoon cool-down. During the peak heat of the day, hop in the car and take the scenic route through the historic Zion tunnel. Or go into Springdale for some shopping. Be sure and stop for ice cream at Hoodoo’s! For the able hikers, rent some gear and trek down the Narrows. A hike in the river is one refreshing way to spend a hot afternoon!

Ranger Experiences for Kids

Kids age 4 and up can pick up a self-guided Junior Ranger activity booklet from the Zion National Park Visitor Center. After completing an age-appropritate set of activities, kids earn their Junior Ranger Badge for Zion National Park! The park also has ranger-led programs daily. During the peak season, the Zion Nature Center has interactive kids programs on a range of topics. When we were there, the topic was dinosaurs and the interactive part was making a fossil!

Where to Eat when Visiting Zion with Kids

It’s best to plan ahead and bring lots of healthy snacks while for a visit to Zion National Park with kids. There is no market, store, or place to purchase supplies in Zion National Park. At the Lodge there are 2 dining options. A cafe sells to-go breakfast and lunch items and is open until 4pm during the peak season. The Lodge also has a restaurant with delicious food at prices that, I would argue, are better than the delis and restaurants in town. Markets and numerous restaurants are not far away in the town of Springdale. Just feet from the park entrance is a market, brewery, and gear rental. I highly recommend a stop at Hoodoo’s for a scoop of one of their unique ice cream flavors.

Fun Things to do with Kids Near Zion

Not far from the National Park are more fun family experiences. Fort Zion, an old-fashioned “ghost town”, boasts old west buildings themed like an old mining town. A mini petting zoo houses llamas, donkeys, and deer that you can hand-feed. The restaurant and gift shop also come highly recommended.

Quail Creek State Park is about 15 miles from Zion. The main attraction here is the lake, where you can rent paddleboards, jetskis, and other water toys. Fishing is also popular, so don’t forget your poles!

Check out our other favorite places to camp as a family.

Refugio (Santa Barbara)

Encanto Coloring Pages and Activity Pack

Disney definitely gave us a warm holiday treat this winter when they released Encanto. The screen comes alive in this movie with bright florals and the golden glow of enchantment. We hope your family has enjoyed watching Encanto, and what better way to relive the Madrigal family’s magic than with some free Encanto printable coloring pages and games?

Jump to free Encanto Printable Coloring Pages

Jump to free Encanto Printable Activities

What Country is Encanto based on?

One of the things that I was curious about early on in this movie was that I wanted to know what country is Encanto based on? As it turns out, the scenes were crafted to closely resemble Colombia in architecture and style.

What culture is Encanto?

Because it is modeled after a typical Colombian rural village, the culture in Encanto is aligned with the Columbian culture. In fact, the animation team partnered with choreographers to more accurately represent Colombian music and dance.

What is the story of Encanto?

As the song Dos Oroguitas plays, we learn the backstory to the Madrigal family’s magic. In her youth, Abuela and her husband were fleeing their village when tragedy struck. At the time of this sad event, the candle that Abuela was holding grew into an enormous flame that protected her and the rest of the refugees. This candle also provided Abuela with her enchanted casita where she lived with her children and, later on, her grandchildren.

Will Encanto be on Disney +?

Encanto is currently streaming on Disney+, and is also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video.

Printable Encanto Coloring Pages

These Encanto coloring pages are all free for personal use. Simply right-click the image and save it to your computer or print it out. There is also a pdf version below each image.

Mirabel

Click here to download the pdf of the Mirabel coloring page

Antonio

Click here to download the pdf of the Antonio coloring page

The Sisters

Encanto Mirablel and her Sisters Coloring Page

Click here to download the pdf of The Sisters coloring page

La Familia

Click here to download the pdf of the La Familia coloring page

Butterfly Maze Activity

Click here to download the pdf of the butterfly maze

Spot the Difference Pages

Click here to download the pdf of the Spot the Difference pages

Decorate your Own Magical Door

Encanto Decorate a Magical Door Activity Page

Click here to download the pdf of the Decorate your Door activity

Draw a Family Meal

Click here to download the pdf of the Draw a Family Meal activity

We hope you enjoy these free Encanto printable coloring pages and activity pages!

Check out these other printable coloring pages!

Onward Printable Coloring Pages

Scoob! Activities and Coloring Pages

Frozen 2 Printable Coloring Pages and Activities

Coco Coloring Pages and Activities

Incredibles 2 Coloring Pages and Activities

Complete Guide to Family Camping at Refugio State Beach

One of my favorite places to camp, ever since I was a child, is Refugio State Beach. Over the years the cliffs have eroded and the ecology is better cared for, yet the little cove remains very much the same as it was in the 80’s (yes, I am that old haha). We love camping at Refugio, and I think your family will too.

The shoreline and cliffs in the background at Refugio State Beach in Santa Barbara

Refugio State Beach is the perfect destination for a summer family camping trip in Southern California. The campsites are just a few hundred feet from the beach. You get to fall asleep to the sounds of waves crashing on the shore. There’s plenty of space to play, bike, swim, and the campgroung is just minutes from the city. Need I say more?

I’ve compiled everything you need to know about taking your family on a beach camping trip in this beautiful hidden gem in Santa Barbara. Some information is specific to the area, but most of it applies to any beach camping trip with kids.

Reservations

Reservations are required for camping at Refugio State Beach. You can book online at ReserveCalifornia.Com. Be sure to check back frequently for open spots, as last-minute cancellations happen and sometimes that’s the best way to snag a campsite!

Pro tip: The reservation website updates to reflect cancellations every day at 8am. Set a reminder to look for open sites at your favorite California campgrounds at this time!

The Campsites

Campsites have a picnic table and a fire pit with an attached grill. The campsites are on dirt and many of them have little to no shade, so a pop up canopy is almost essential. You are allowed up to 3 vegicles, and can bring an RV or have an RV rental delivered to the campground. Generators are permitted except during “quiet” hours at night and there are no RV hookups. Of course, tent camping is also an option. And remember, this is a beach campground, so expect to have a lot of sand tracked into your tent or RV!

The Campground

The campground has 2 sides, divided in the middle by a natural lagoon. Don’t worry, it doesn’t put off any unpleasant smells. The lagoon adds another ecosystem to the area, with the sounds of croaking frogs at night and the occasional snake hanging around during the day. The stagnant water is pretty gross-looking and full of critters, and is not suitable for swimming or wading.

around the fire pit while camping at Refugio State Park

The campground has restrooms (with sinks but no hand soap), public water spigots, as well as pay shower facilities that take quarters only. As of May 10, 2021, the free-to-use external beach showers, typically used for rinsing sandy feet and surfboards, were not operational.

Dogs are allowed in the campground, but not on the beach. We met a camp host and his beautiful retriever named Goldie. They ride around together in a golf cart doing the host’s daily rounds. Be sure and say hi to Goldie, if you can get her attention from diligently looking for squirrels.

Playing in the campground at Refugio State Beach — In a pinch, a Stomp Rocket also doubles as a microphone ?

Pests: A Warning

Speaking of squirrels, these food thieves are all over the place and they’re persistent. Like many campgrounds, Refugio State Beach has its share of scavengers like squirrels, crows, and the occasional mouse. They will get into whatever food you leave out in the open, so be sure and pack food away in cars, coolers, or in tightly-lidded plastic tubs like these. If you walk away from your Cheez-its, you can bet a sea gull or squirrel will take off with your snack.

If you need supplies, the camp store may be open during peak season. Otherwise it’s a short trip to Goleta where you’ll find grocery stores, a Costco, bike repair/rental shops and coffee shops.

Exploring tidepools at Refugio State Beach

Fun Things to do With Kids at Refugio State Beach

My favorite thing about this campground is that it keeps kids entertained all day long. There is so much for everyone to enjoy!

Walk the beach around the cliff at low tide and look for tidepools at low tide.

starfish and sea anenomies at Refugio State Beach

Ride bikes, scooters, or skateboards around the campground. Probably the thing I like most about this campground is that the roads are wide and the landscape is flat, so I can see my kids from almost anywhere in the park.

Play on the grassy lawn areas. Bring your favorite lawn games like cornhole, footballs, soccer balls, etc. Camping can’t be all scrubbing pots and sweeping out tents!

Bike or walk the Aniso Creek Trail. This is a paved path, mostly for biking, that connects Refugio State Beach campground with its neighbor to the south, El Capitan State Beach campground. It is a 5-mile out-and-back ride, which is unfortunately closed off at the middle due to erosion. The ride to the closure is still worth the trip. The trail takes you at a safe distance along the cliff’s edge, where you can look for dolphins out in the ocean or enjoy the morning glories along the trail.

Biking the Aniso Creek Trail from Refugio State Beach and campground to El Capitan State Beach

Fly kites.

Play in the ocean. Waves get up to estimated 3 feet, but they break right on the shore so it is not an ideal beach for boarding.

Things you may want to bring:

Wetsuits, as the water is cold most of the year. Most swimmers don’t wear them, but if you have a spring wetsuit and can fit it with your gear, you may want it.

Boogie boards or surfboards. However, be advised that the waves are not very good for riding.

Sand toys. When camping at Refugio, there is a lot of sand to play with!

A pop-up canopy is ESSENTIAL for camping at Refugio State Beach, as there is unfortunately not a lot of shade on the camp sites. This is the one we have, from Walmart. It has lasted us years.

Beach chairs.

A Stomp Rocket. We’ve had one for years, and in fact we bought an extra this past summer. It always draws a crowd of other kids when we bring it out. It’s a great way to keep kids entertained, plus Refugio has nice open grass fields that are just right for rockets.

Fishing poles and gear. I haven’t seen anyone catch anything, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a try!

A stand up paddle board. This cove is perfect for paddling. If you don’t have rom for the full board, consider an inflatable one.

A kayak or rubber raft. Rafts are fun but will get pushed around by the current. As with paddle boarding, this cove is a classic kayak location.

Disclaimer: We love camping at Refugio, but it’s not all sunshine and roses. In fact, expect to see a coastal marine layer (aka fog) most mornings and evenings. Being right on the beach, the weather can be breezy and damp. The best times to visit Refugio State Beach are mid May through September.

Have you been to Refugio? What was your experience?

Valentines Day Printable Word Search, Maze, and Word Jumble

These 3 easy and fun Valentines Day printables are sure to add to your holiday fun. And since they are free, all you have to do is print and go!

In the classroom, word searches and word jumbles are a favorite “fast-finisher” activity of mine. Once you download these freebies, they can be printed out as many times as you want. So feel free to pass them out to the whole class or use them for a simple Valentines Day party activity at home.

To get all 3 free printable Valentines Day activities, you will have to download each one separately using the links below. Just click the link to be taken to the file. You can print from there or save it to your computer to use later. Each file is 2 pages long because the activity is on the first page and the copyright attribution is on the second page.

Valentines Day Word Search
Valentines Day Word Jumble
Valentines Day Maze with solution on page 2!

The activity pages are in black-and-white so your little ones can also enjoy coloring in the pictures. If homeschooling has taught me one thing, it is that printer ink is an expensive commodity! The pages shown in the photo above were printed with the “conserve ink/print as draft” option checked in my print dialog box. If you haven’t tried this, it is a great trick to extend the life of your ink cartridges! More info on how to do that here. And as you can see, the lines are still crisp and plenty dark enough.

Check out these other Valentines Day posts:

This year is our first year as a homeschool family, and one of the things my kids miss the most is classroom holiday parties. While I can’t give them a big party right now (thank you, pandemic), I can offer small moments of heart-themed entertainment. Like these cute little Valentines Day printable puzzle activities. If you liked these printables, make sure you’re following my Instagram where I share all my stuff as it goes up on the blog.

And now for the “fine print”: I did pay to use the clipart images in these files, so you are ok to use the activity page as is. But you may not screenshot or make a copy of the clipart images by themselves. Those are the property of the creator. Her logo and a link to her website are on the second page of each activity. Please do not crop out my website at the bottom. I made it teeny weeny so it wouldn’t intrude on the activity, and so other people can find it if they want their own copy.

The Grinch’s Grotto is Coming to a City Near You!

You’re a mean one, 2020! You are going to love this fun, and covid-friendly, holiday activity for the whole family. The Grinch’s Grotto is coming to a major city near you!

What is the Grinch’s Grotto?

The Grinch’s Grotto is a brand new holiday experience fit for celebrating the 2020 yuletide season. Westfield UTC, along with other locations across the U.S., will feature The Grinch’s Grotto as a Santa photo alternative. This year, get ready to un-celebrate 2020 with our favorite holiday grump!

From the Press Release:

“The Grinch’s Grotto,” [is] an imaginative take on holiday photo shoots that will give guests a fun way to show off a bit of their grumpiness during what is still the most wonderful time of the year.

…”The Grinch’s Grotto” will launch on Black Friday across a limited number of flagship malls throughout North America including ones in Los Angeles, Chicago, DC, Dallas, Houston, San Diego, Miami, Northern California and the New York Tri-State area. More locations and partners are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Guests will enter these free-standing locations for a one-of-a-kind visit with The Grinch in his special cave for a photo-shoot and other special surprises that are both intimate and in true Grinch fashion – socially-distant.

Tickets are available now, and will be limited. Find a location nearest you and pre-register for tickets!

Comfy Leggings for Curvy Moms That You Can Buy Online!

Thank you, 2020. I have now graduated up a size in leggings. I have a favorite pair of leggings that, until recently, had fit me well and were super comfortable. I’ll share those with you in just a bit. However, those leggings were bought at a time when I was working out a lot. And, well, I’m just not exercising as much as I should be right now. So I reached out to my community and got a boatload of recommendations for comfy leggings for curvy moms that you can buy online. And boy did they come through! I guarantee there will be at least one variety of leggings here that you’ll want to add to your cart.

Comfy Leggings for Curvy Moms

First things first, I have my own definition of “comfy”. The leggings should hold you in (no jiggly thighs/booty), they can’t be see-through, and they need to stay around your waist. Oh and pockets are a big plus! Personally, high-waisted leggings are my favorite because they hold you in and don’t roll down.

Where to get Comfy Leggings for Curvy Moms Online

You will want to add these to your cart!

AFITNE Yoga Pants High Waisted Tummy Control with Pockets

These are the ones I have and I LOVE them. They're under $20, they have pockets, and they're super comfy for working out or just chillin at home. The reviews say they fit true to size (mine did).

CRZ YOGA Women's High Waisted Yoga Pants with Pocket

These are famous for being very similar to LuLaRoe. They are $30 or less, have pockets, 4-way stretch, high waist and they have reflective dots on the inner ankle. The reviews say they run true to size.

Torrid Premium Legging

Photo Credit: www.torrid.com

Torrid has great pieces for curvy moms size Medium/10 to 6X/30. These leggings only come in black, but they have high waist with a thick stretch waistband and soft, stretchy construction. They run true to size. Sadly, no pockets.

Fabletics Full-Length Leggings

Photo Credit: www.fabletics.com

These are like the Porsche of leggings. Super high quality and they come with pockets. If you're not a member they are pretty expensive, averaging about $70. However, you can sign up for a VIP membership and get 2 pair for $24 and cancel your membership at any time.

Colorfulkoala Women's Buttery Soft High Waisted Leggings

These have some compression so are good with holding things in, but they also have a high waisted buttery soft legging that super comfortable too. They are under $25.

Fengbay 2 Pack High Waist Tummy Control, 4-Way Stretch Yoga Leggings

Can you believe this is a 2-pack?? What a deal. And they have pockets. Reviews say they fit true to size or a little small so don't order down.

High-Waisted Elevate Compression Leggings

These come highly recommended. They are "squat proof", and don't roll down when you bend at the waist. Reviewers love how they can be dressed up for leaving the house as well as dressed down for comfy workouts. A downside is that they only come in black.

ODODOS Women's High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets and Tummy Control

These are available in a variety of sizes and lengths, including a capri length and a longer, bike short length that you could wear under skirts!

High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets Workout Leggings for Women Non See Through Tummy Control Sports Pants Royal Blue

Empetua� High Waisted Layering Leggings

Photo Credit: shapermint.com

From the website: "These everyday companions are perfect for lounging at home, or even wearing to sleep. Need to do some adulting outside? Just slip your outfit over them to stay extra cozy, smooth and warm while facing the world. It’s like taking home with you, everywhere you go!"

Most of these leggings are best for working out, or you can use them to layer under your favorite babydoll dresses. And I truly hope this is not the size I will be forever. If you need me I’ll be in my living room doing a free small space workout online. I’ll be adding to this post as I find more awesomely comfy leggings for curvy moms. If you found this post helpful, be sure and pin it or add it to your bookmarks!

Best Streaming Educational Shows for Younger Kids

There are plenty of learning opportunities to be had by watching educational shows. You can choose to watch a show with your kids and ask thought-provoking questions about the topic. Or an educational show for kids can be a short break for mom while kids rest and learn at the same time. And let’s face it- sometimes you just need something for the littles to do while the older kids are working on remote learning. We are homeschooling, and I use these educational shows for kids as sneaky ways to make “screen time” part of school.

These are mostly streaming educational kids shows, and I’ve broken them down by the service provider. And here’s a tech hack: if you have an HDMI cable, you can plug your laptop in to the TV and stream any of the PBS Kids shows from the pbskids.com website!

Educational Shows for Kids on Netflix

Story Bots (PreK-Grade 2)

Number Blocks (PreK-Grade 2)

Alpha Blocks (PreK-Grade 2)

Octonauts (PreK-Grade 2)

Magic School Bus (PreK-Grade 4)

Charlie’s Colorforms City (PreK-Grade 2)

You might also like: 25 Fun Things to do on a Rainy Day with Kids.

Educational Shows for Kids on Amazon Prime

Some of these may require the $4.99 PBS Kids upgrade, which is totally worth it! Don’t have Amazon Prime video? Use this link to Join Prime Video Channels Free Trial!

Daniel Tiger (PreK-K)

Leapfrog Letter Factory/Numberland (PreK-Grade 1)

Word World (PreK-Grade 1)

Super Why (K-2)

Xavier Riddle (Grade 2-4)

Wild Kratts (PreK-Grade 3)

Dino Dana (PreK-Grade 3)

WallyKazam (PreK-Grade 2)

Team UmiZoomi (PreK-K)

Educational Shows for Kids on Disney+

Little Einsteins (PreK-Grade 3)

Wings of Life (Grade 2-5)

Monkey Kingdom (Grade 2-5)

African Cats (Grade 2-5)

Born in China (Grade 2-5)

Bears (Grade 2-5)

Chimpanzee (Grade 2-5)

Educational Channels for Kids on Youtube

Homeschool Pop

Kids Learning Tube

FreeSchool

Crash Course Kids

Peekaboo Kidz

SciShow Kids

Are we missing one of your favorite educational kids shows? Let us know in the comments!

We are a 7 Habits family, which means we build time into our daily schedule to “Sharpen the Saw”, balancing work and play. The great thing about educational shows for kids is that they are kind of like school work, but also kind of like playtime or rest time.

The Pandemic Pushed Me to My Parenting Limits-And I Rose Above Them

I don’t know about you, but these last 5 months have been the longest of my entire life. When schools first closed I was actually excited to have more time to spend with my kids. We were going to bake things, make crafts, read books, learn at home and work out together. Pandemic parenting was supposed to be so chill.

Pandemic Parenting is Basically Just Surviving Chaos

Fast forward to day 150+ of quarantine closures and no personal time/space/anything. My nerves are thin, patience is MIA, and waistline is… well, let’s just say it’s making sure it gets noticed. It turns out I just didn’t have the stamina to keep up the supermom facade for this long.

Then our district’s distance learning plans were announced, and they actually pushed me to be a better parent.

Distance learning and I do not get along. It hasn’t even started up again and I’ve already wasted countless hours being ticked off about all the things I don’t like about it. Instead of feeling frustrated about things that are out of my control, I took that energy and focused it on a new plan. Because unlike most parents, I’m in a unique position where I have the skills and time to teach my own children. So I pulled my kids from public school.

To clarify, our district is doing the best they can. I appreciate the hours of planning and committee meetings that went into the final distance learning model. It’s clear that this model was created with the safety of both kids and faculty in mind. Not to mention, pretty much all the moms I talk to are so incredibly thankful that they no longer have to teach their kids because of how well the district is bringing qualified public school teachers into their students’ homes. But it doesn’t work for me.

Thankfully, I am a trained educator

Instead of complaining about distance learning, I took a proactive stance and instead we will be fully homeschooling this upcoming year.

The instant I made the call to the school to withdraw my kids, I felt a wave of relief wash over me. You guys, my kids are going to be in kindergarten and second grade. In California, kindergarten isn’t even mandatory (meaning we could totally skip it if we wanted to), and I have taught second grade 3 different times, in 3 different districts. This is totally something I can do, and in fact I’m really looking forward to it!

The last district I worked for gave teachers complete flexibility over what and how they teach. That sounds cool, until you read between the lines and discover what that really means: They give you a computer and a limited curriculum library, and leave you to figure the year out on your own. Because I switched grades each year (by choice), I created a scope and sequence from scratch for 3 years in a row. I am fully confident that I can put together a year of learning for my kids, and would even go so far as to say that we are going to be happier as a homeschool family.

So now my pandemic parenting has come full circle. I went from my “practically perfect in every way” attitude in March, to the depths of despair in July, and now I’m back on top and ready to go. I have risen. I’ve found my patience, my love for seeing the world through a child’s eyes, and I’m taking both of these with me into our next chapter as a homeschool family.

Pandemic parenting was supposed to be so chill. After it pushed me almost to breaking, I rose above and found my joy in motherhood once again.

Simple Ways to Help your Child Love School

The strangest academic year in our country’s history is almost upon us. It’s not too late to make it a fresh start. This upcoming school year may not be all that your family had hoped it would be, but it’s still possible to help your child love school. Here are some ways you can help build on that positive spirit all year long.

The academic year is almost upon us. It's not too late to make it a great one! It's still possible to help your child love school. Here are some ways you can help build on that positive spirit all year long.

Read Together

Reading out loud is not just for little kids. Picture books are great for all ages, and kids never outgrow the pleasure of being read to. Reading together is one of the easiest ways to help your child love school. Create a special reading corner at home. According to Math and Reading Help, children who enjoy reading tend to perform better in school than those who don’t.

Set up a Desk

This shows how seriously you take their schoolwork. Anything you make space for in your home is obviously valued, so if school is your child’s job, their desk is their office. Plus, a fun space dedicated just to her will really help your child love school!

Let Them Work it Out

Homework isn’t only about learning facts; It’s also about learning independently. Some kids need rewards to get them through the work. Others might need a supportive presence. Either way, the more kids achieve on their own, the more confidently they can tackle the next challenges.

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” ~ John Dewey

Recruit a Mentor

Your child loves you, but you’re, you know, a grown-up. Set your kid up with a peer mentor, someone just a year or two older who can relate to their day-to-day experiences and offer encouragement. Many schools are embracing the idea.

Support your Social Butterfly

A wide circle of friends gives kids options on the playground. Try to encourage your kids to invite someone new over to play (when it’s safe to do so). After-school activities or team sports can also help broaden their social horizons.

Model a Love of Learning

Kids are naturally curious, so set good examples. Pick up a book, play Scrabble, talk about current events. This will help foster their curiosity.

Buddy up with the Teacher

Teachers can give a more objective picture of your child’s day and help you uncover trouble spots. The teacher may also be able to shed some light on things your child has trouble expressing.

Offer Support

Be there for them! Attend school events, don’t miss parent/teacher conferences, join the PTA, and try to have lunch with them at least once a month. And most important, always remember to encourage them to succeed and even excel!

Related: How Transitions can Make or Break your Parenting

Tips for an Epic Beach Trip

Nothing says “summer time” like a trip to the beach. I’ve spent my whole life making beach trips (only during warm weather, because I’m not crazy). When we head out on a beach trip, we try and keep it simple. This is my strategy that helps make every coastal outing into an epic beach trip.

Tips for an Epic Beach Trip

Now that my kids are 5 and 7, they don’t need as much help – or as much stuff!- for a trip to the beach. My tips for a fantastic beach trip with small children are a little different, but the goal is the same: Don’t make it a huge chore for yourself!

Keep it Simple

Don’t overpack. Maybe every now and then, for a bonfire or something, take the plastic folding table and the portable mini grill. But if you’re just going on a family day trip, you don’t need much. It’s the beach. The fun is built-in. You don’t need a whole lot else.

What We Bring for an Epic Beach trip

Sunscreen. Because a beach trip is not epic if your sunburn is too. We bring the spray-on kind and repeat frequently, since it’s not the most reliable stuff.

Drinking Water. We pop some water bottles in the freezer in the morning before we leave and they stay chilly as long as we keep them in our bag in the shade.

Beach Bags. This is the only thing I bring that could be a little extra. We bring 2 totes to the beach: One is a mesh bag that I’ve had for years (still on Amazon, which tells you how great it is!) and I love that I can just shake the sand out of it. This is where I put sand toys/bowls 😉 , maybe a bag of chips, some fruit snacks or granola bars, sunscreen, keys, and towels. I can fit 5 folded towels in this bag! The other bag I bring is an insulated tote for waters, sandwiches, cut fruit, and anything else that I want kept cool and away from sand.

Umbrella. Just one. To cover me and the snacks. #sorrynotsorry I’m the one keeping you all safe and sunscreen up and I don’t like sitting in the sun all day. If you have to bring a second umbrella to share the shade, at least they’re not big and bulky. At least not the ones I bring. 🙂

Snacks. We usually bring a bag of chips, fruit, whatever else is in the cupboard. Smuckers Uncrustables are good for beach trips too because you just toss them in your tote bag, no prep required!

Towels. Just one per person. No big picnic blanket, no plastic tarp. Just a couple towels.

Cash, quarters & a debit card. Some of our beach parking lots still use meters that only take quarters. So old school, right? And not all the time, but every once in a while, we grab an ice cream by the pier. You never know if the beachside vendors will be able to take debit cards, so we bring cash as a backup. Lastly, here’s your friendly warning to avoid the tourist shops, my friend. You will be lured in by their cute beachy tees, but they’re always way overpriced!

Our Boogie Boards. Which we will only bring if the kids agree to carry their own because I am not a pack mule. My 7yo girls like to boogie board but the 5yo is still learning. If he brings his board, I will stand in the water with him and give him a push when a wave comes.

3 small plastic bowls. Hear me out. Gone are the days when we used to bring a garden shovel and dig a hole for the little tykes to splash around in. I also don’t want to lug a sack of sand toys on our beach trip (because you know mom will end up carrying them!), but I will admit that it’s much easier to play when you have some tools. We bring a couple of small cereal bowls that the kids can use to carry water and scoop sand, and they’re pretty happy with that. Remember-having an epic beach trip is all about keeping things simple!

Even if you’re a long-time beach person, it’s still a pretty big job to get everyone ready and out the door. If you give yourself permission to not take everything but the kitchen sink, you’ll be more likely to have an epic beach trip with your family!