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Playtime

Why Do Kids Like The Bad Guys?

It’s disturbing seeing your little angel fantasize about being a supervillain – but it’s a lot more common than you might realize.

Playtime A child is snow surfing

How to Successfully Take Your Kids Skiing

The idea of skiing with your kids may feel daunting, but experienced ski parents will tell you it’s well worth the trouble.

Playtime Two happy smiling little toddlers girls friends swinging on swings at playground outside

5 Low-Effort Keys to Fantastic Playdates

There's a fine line between the success and failures of playdates. Follow these five suggestions and ensure the former.

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12 Unique Days to Celebrate With Your Kids in 2017

Each year, there are many unique, entertaining, and family-friendly days to celebrate that you’ve likely never heard of before. Mark these on your calendar!

Parenthood happy young boy covered in dirt and mud

How My Sons Help Me Embrace the Great Outdoors

As a self-proclaimed "indoors mom," having three boys who love exploring the great big world has caused a serious shift in interests.

Playtime young woman enjoying winter in the woods

A Southern Mom's Open Letter to Snow

Dear Snow, It’s my own fault. I should have known better than to get my hopes up. It’s not like you haven’t let me down before – time and time again. But like so many other times, I fell asleep las...

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Top 10 Posts of 2016: #2 Everything Changed the Day I Learned Minecraft Has a Sex Mod

Everything Changed the Day I Learned Minecraft Has a Sex Mod by Amy Betters Midtvedt Take a minute to Google “Minecraft + sex mod.” I’ll wait. Did your brain explode? Because when I found out that...

Playtime young boy with Santa Hat on resting his head on two pillows

What You'd Actually Like to Give: An Honest Gift Guide

Let’s let each other nap! Without guilt. Without shame. Just like, hey how about we take a freaking rest?

Parenthood wooden log with a hat and smiley face on it

Kids Believe the Craziest Things If It Means They Get Presents

Since my husband, two children, and I have moved to Barcelona last August, our life has been full of new experiences. New food, new language, new architecture. New school, new friends, new daily co...

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The 20 Best Family Movies of 2016

Common Sense Media picks their top-rated family films of the year for kids, tweens, and teens.

Playtime Head of Mickey Mouse

Debate Club: Is Disney World the Best or Worst of All Family Vacations?

For some it's a dream, for others it's a nightmare. Two writers debate the merits and downfalls of a family vacation at Disney.

Playtime Compact Cassette

Bidding a Fond Farewell to VCRs

The VCR was the machine of a generation. But as the last manufacturer closes up shop, will it become a forgotten relic?

Playtime couples withnparty balloons

On My Birthday, Treat Me Like I Treat You on Super Bowl Sunday

Like the Super Bowl, my birthday, comes but once a year. And this year, I want my husband to work as hard for my birthday as I do for his Super Bowl party.

Playtime child with christmas hat and spectacles holding breath

How to Avoid Ruining My Holiday Party

I want to be a gracious host. And I want you to have a fun time at my holiday party. But I'm going to have to make a few requests.

Playtime  young boy playing with his building blocks holding a finished creation in his hands

Why I Let My Son Set His Legos on Fire

One of the most important things we can do as parents is encourage and support our kids' curiosities.

Playtime Two children lying down with christman bulbs

How A Single Mom Creates Christmas Magic On A Limited Budget

Making Christmas special for your kids doesn't have to cost an arm and leg. This mom of six shares her tips and tricks for making it all work.

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7 "Weird Al" Yankovic Songs That Are Secretly About Parenting

Turns out, over the years,"Weird Al" has written a song about almost every parental hardship imaginable.

Playtime Child holding the basket ball on his head

What It's Like to Be the New Kid on the Team

Growing up should be a time of trying new things, with room for everyone. How do we encourage bravery in trying and grace in supporting the triers?

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Smart Video Game Choices For Your Holiday Shopping List

There's no need to feel anxious or confused when it comes to making the right video game purchase for the kids in your life.

Playtime Kid's building blocks spelling the word toy.

The Joy and Frustration of 3D Printing Your Kids' Toys

It seems so convenient to be able to have practically anything you can dream of right at your fingertips. But it's not without its challenges.

Playtime little girl sitting on sofa watching movie on tablet

Science Explains Why Your Kids Love Watching Unboxing Videos

You can't for the life of you figure out why your kids are hypnotized by a pair of hands taking things out of boxes. But it actually makes sense.

Inspiration family having fun in the kitchen

Everything You Need to Host the Chillest Thanksgiving Ever

If you're hosting the big day this year and want to find your Thanksgiving zen, set the tone beforehand.

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How to Enjoy Disney World When Your Child Has Autism

A trip to Disney World could be a disaster for a kid with autism. But it doesn't have to be.

Playtime cube blocks with different patterns

Writer of Viral Minecraft Sex Mod Article Tells the Rest of Her Story

Amy Betters-Midtvedt recently wrote about an experience her kid had while playing MInecraft. The internet fired back with misconceptions she's ready to address.