There is so much judgement around parents’ use of screens, whether it’s phone, tablets, or TVs. I’ve seen comments on social media from people who are not parents, judging those of us who are trying to keep our kids calm and entertained while at a busy restaurant or at home while working. But I can’t lie, handing my phone over to my 4-year-old, Saide, so she can let me get through just one more afternoon meeting comes with a heavy dollop of guilt. If you are a parent and relate to this statement, stick around — there’s a special gift waiting for you and your kid at the end of the article.

Lingokids is trying to change all that. The number 1 interactive app for kids under 8 has been a game changer for my daughter — and it’s been a total guilt-killer for me! We started using Lingokids a couple of months ago after I had been searching for fun learning games that would keep Saide interested. Everything I found was either not worth it, full of ads, or just kinda shady.

Enter Lingokids. The award-winning app boasts its Playlearning™ methodology, which, explained in its most basic way, is teaching kids while they’re playing fun games. Saide loves playing the math and spelling games, which are woven in with activities that make her feel like she’s getting points and winning — but she’s actually learning addition, spelling, phonics, social skills, and so much more. There are so many different layers to uncover that she’s never bored and always wants to explore different parts of the app. The app interface is easy for her to follow along: at the top there are icons for Games, Theater, Lessons, and Family Time, each with their own activities within. The Games area is brimming with exciting topics for Saide to explore, all with the help of her favorite characters, whether it’s Elliott, Baby Bot, or Lisa from Lingokids, or Pocoyo, Blippi, or Meeka. Theater gives her safe, high-quality videos featuring her character friends that make her time watching impactful, all while learning about her emotions, curiosity, her body, and more. Lessons and Family Time reinforce what she’s learned throughout the app.

The best part for me? The app is a completely safe, ad-free environment, so even if I’m not always screening what she’s watching, I can be confident that she’s not being served intrusive and inappropriate ads for her age and that she’s interacting with games, activities, and videos that are 100% made for kids. Plus, parental controls, like daily limits and section selection, give me all the power to manage her screen time as I see fit. Beyond the app, I can also click over to a printables section that supports the lessons and games that she interacts with.

It’s always a win when your child wants to play or watch with an app that we know is educational and safe. And the many industry awards Lingokids has garnered only reinforces my confidence (seriously, they’ve gotten more than 30, and seals of approval, like Good Housekeeping’s Best Parenting Award in 2023 and 2024 and TIME’s Best EdTech Companies in the World in 2024 and 2025, among many others). The app’s methodology has been evaluated through independent research by universities worldwide, and the results have been incredible: Kids learn more, stay engaged, and are motivated to keep learning (and playing) with Lingokids. The more than 160 million families across the globe that have tried Lingokids understand that this app is changing the game of screen time for kids, literally. But the most important reviewer for me is my Saide, who almost every day asks me, “Can I play Lingokids?” You most definitely can!

If you want to try this game-changing app, download Lingokids today.

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As a kid, I used to love playing with the baby doll toy bottles that made it look like the liquid inside was disappearing.

My siblings and I would spend hours fascinated by the two bottles filled with orange and white liquid, wondering where on earth it went. (The ’90s were a different time, am I right?)

Today’s kids still have the joy of the disappearing baby bottle play food, but their pretend food is also elevated just a bit on the cool scale:

Enter this grilled cheese play food with “real” melting cheese action that just might be the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.

The post The Melty Action of This Play Food Grilled Cheese Rivals the Real Thing and We Want to Play With It ASAP appeared first on Mom.com.

Designing your child’s bedroom is not merely about creating a colorful and enjoyable room, but also about creating one that will grow with your child. With meaningful decisions, you can create a room that develops with their personality, hobbies and age.

Furniture that Will Endure

When furnishing a children’s bedroom, it all starts with the furniture. It is easy to splurge on themed beds or novelty items, but these will soon outgrow in no time. Instead, choose classic, neutral pieces like a wooden bed frame, a traditional dresser, or one of those beds that convert from crib to bed. These are more expensive in the beginning, but will last longer and can be repurposed with changing styles.

Search for beds with storage or desks that function as craft stations. Use a neutral furniture color scheme, white, gray, or wood, to allow refreshing the room with new fabrics or accessories without having to redo the room in its entirety. Use removable objects such as bedding, rugs, or pillows to create splashes of personality.

Adding Playful Elements Without Overdoing It

Children’s bedrooms should be engaging and motivational but that doesn’t require covering every inch of surface with cartoon icons. Rather, choose versatile decor that brings personality without committing yourself to a theme. Wall decor is one popular choice, particularly murals and custom kids wallpaper that are impactful without the commitment. When it comes to wallpaper, there are also peel-and-stick options in unlimited patterns, from fantasy woodlands to adventures in space, that are simple to put up and take down as styles change. Murals bring dimension and fantasy to a room and custom designs enable you to create one based on your child’s present passion while retaining a contemporary style.

Magnetic panels or chalkboard walls are also a great option in that they allow children room to create without permanently changing the decor. Playful elements are like layers that you can switch on or off as and when required, such as themed light shades, bunting, or floor cushions. These elements are between creativity and flexibility.

Smart Storage Systems

As your child matures, so do their possessions, from toys and books to clothing, sporting goods and electronics. Installing clever storage elements early on will keep the room organized and clutter-free. Open shelves will showcase books and toys in the toddler stage and switch to trophies and homework later in life.

Bins and baskets are ideal for speedy cleanups, particularly if placed at children’s height. Opt for storage that will match the decor, such as an ottoman with hidden storage or a bed frame with integral drawers. Wall pegboards and hooks are great options for hanging backpacks, coats, or headphones.

You may also look for furniture with multiple functions, like a lift-top seat or one with deep drawers that serve as a nightstand. This helps keep important items handy and out of the way, freeing floor space for play and rest.

Evolving Color Schemes

When choosing colors in your child’s room, it is wise to steer away from extremely specific themes that will not last. Rather, choose colors that will adapt with your child, soothing soft pastels, muted earth tones, or traditional navy and gray. These are good bases to support accent pieces that will change with time.

Instead of painting all the walls with a strong color, try an accent wall or utilize color in accessories such as drapes, bedding, or wall stickers. This permits you to revive the appearance of the room without having to repaint all the walls every few years.

Adding colors in layers may also produce a dynamic room. For instance, combine blush pink and gold in younger children and switch to charcoal and rose gold as children mature into teenagers. The concept is to leave the foundation neutral and enhance it with appropriate age-inspired embellishments.

Allowing Your Child’s Personality to Shine Through

As children mature, so do their tastes and personalities and so should reflect that in their room. Letting your child assist with decision-making regarding their room makes them feel like it’s theirs and that they should be proud. From picking artwork to arranging the shelves, engage them in ways appropriate to their age. Add personalized elements such as name plates, framed artwork, or picture displays. Not only do these items provide comfort, but they also give the student a feel of identity. A corkboard or pinboard allows them to display their favorite photos, achievements, or shifting hobbies, without affecting the room’s overall design.

For pre-teens and older children, think about dividing the room into areas: reading nook, hobbies area and work area. This system encourages autonomy and provides them with tools to be organized. The bedroom is no longer merely where one sleeps but is instead used as a conducive learning and growing space.

Conclusion

Designing a children’s bedroom that will last doesn’t require sacrificing style. With smart core pieces, adaptable decor and intentional customization, it is possible to craft a room that grows along with your child’s age, personality and needs. And whether with adaptable furniture, custom wallpaper, or strategic storage, the idea is to create a room that matures beautifully, just like your child.

The post Designing a Kids Bedroom that Will Age Up With Them appeared first on Mom.com.

If you’ve ever felt guilty about your kids’ screen time, you’re not alone. Although 87% of American parents permit their children to use screens, more than three-quarters (77%) feel judged for it — and that sense of judgment often leads to guilt. Somehow, even though most parents recognize that intentional screen use can benefit children, this feeling of screen time guilt has become the norm.

Lingokids, the #1 interactive app for kids ages 2 to 8, wants to fight the stigma associated with screen time. Its new campaign film, The Trial, highlights the invisible weight of parental guilt and encourages parents to have meaningful conversations about screen time.

The film features a social experiment Lingokids conducted, inviting unsuspecting parents to put their parental guilt on trial — literally.

The film’s message is clear: Parental guilt around screen time isn’t beneficial for anyone. Yes, it’s important to be mindful about kids’ screen time. Yes, it’s essential that parents know how their kids are using screens. Yes, there should be limits and restrictions on the content kids can access. But feeling guilty about intentional use of educational apps? That’s not helping anyone. (In fact, a lot of parents admit that the guilt they feel around screen time use negatively affects their own mental health.)

“Today’s parents, compared to past generations, often prioritize emotional engagement, open communication, and understanding their children’s perspectives, while facing increased pressure and societal expectations,” says board-certified pediatrician Dr. Mona. “This stress can lead to an immense amount of parental guilt and more intensive parenting styles. The resolution in The Trial by Lingokids underscores that parents are more than enough for their children just as they are, and it’s OK to take a break using technology, as long as it is safe, educational, and used in moderation.”

With Lingokids, parents can feel confident about the content their kids are consuming. With games, activities, shows, and more (all overseen by a board of educational experts), the app keeps kids entertained while they learn. Plus, the platform is always ad-free, so parents don’t have to worry about questionable ads infiltrating the otherwise safe and age-appropriate content.

So set aside the guilt and recognize that screen time is a normal part of childhood in the 21st century. Teaching kids how to use screens responsibly and safely is an important piece of modern parenting — and Lingokids wants to partner with parents to ensure a guilt-free experience all around.

The post This Kids App Wants Parents to Stop Feeling Guilty About Screen Time appeared first on Mom.com.

“I didn’t get that. You must have lost reception for a minute,” Mom says confidently into the phone. “Say it again.” I’m not on a cell phone, and this is the third time mom’s asked me to repeat myself. I swear I’m not whispering. So why can’t she hear me?

I repeat myself, telling mom the funny thing that happened to my little one at preschool today. I finish my story. Mom pauses silently for a moment then says, “I didn’t get that. You must have lost reception again.” I sigh the indisputable sigh of a frustrated grown child. “Mom,” I say in an all-too-annoyed voice, “I’m not on my cell phone!” Embarrassed, she apologizes. I fake another call and tell her I have to go. I don’t hang up because I’m annoyed. I hang up because I’m sad. My parents are getting older, and it absolutely breaks my heart. It’s devastating to recognize that you officially have aging parents.

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If you were to meet my parents, you’d say they were pretty remarkable. At 81, Dad still goes to the gym every day and does yoga twice a week. He’s rarely sick and still works full-time. He and Mom travel around the world, sometimes for a month at a time. Mom has the energy of the Energizer Bunny, does water aerobics twice a week, and has a remarkably busy social life that includes book clubs, theater dates, and five-star restaurants. She spends a good portion of the year jet-setting between the three states in which her daughters live. But neither of my aging parents can hear a word I’m saying.

I’ve never been worried about my dad’s dips into old age. He was always kind of an old guy even when he was young. His hearing has always been questionable, and his driving has never been stellar. In fact, his family nickname was “Lead Foot Larry” in reference to his deep love of hitting the brakes just hard enough to crack all your ribs.

But it was always him. Dad was always the old man. Not Mom. She was always young. There was never a chance she wouldn’t be here.

Now that she’s starting to show signs of aging—at a remarkable 75, I might add—I’m faced with the reality that someday my mom isn’t going to be here. I can’t imagine a life without Mom. She’s the center of our family, like a magnet keeping us all together. She sends my kids mail from the Tooth Fairy’s grandparents and never misses an event at their schools. She’s always got the answers. She’s always been healthy. She’s always been there.

So I’m going to enjoy her. And him. Knowing my parents, they’ve each got 20 more years of trips in them, and I’m getting worried for nothing. But just in case I’m not, I’m going to do a better job of not getting annoyed and being as kind to them as they’ve always been to me. And when all else fails, I’ll blame their aging on my cell phone, even if I’m not on it.

The post I’m Anxious About My Aging Parents appeared first on Mom.com.

Valentine’s Day is not just a day for sweethearts; it’s also a wonderful occasion to show your little ones how much you love them. While the holiday is often associated with romantic gestures, it’s also a perfect time to celebrate the love and affection we have for our children. Target, the go-to destination for all things adorable, has a fantastic selection of Valentine’s Day gifts for kids that will warm their hearts and bring joy to your family’s celebration. From plush toys to creative DIY kits, here’s a list of the cutest Valentine’s Day gifts you can find at Target for your precious ones.

As parents, we know that the love we feel for our children is immeasurable. Valentine’s Day offers a unique opportunity to express that love in a special way. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or guardian, showing your children how much you care is what this holiday is all about. It’s not just about the chocolates and flowers; it’s about creating lasting memories and sharing moments of warmth and affection. So, this Valentine’s Day, let’s make it unforgettable for the little ones in our lives by exploring the delightful gifts that Target has to offer.

The post The Cutest Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids from Target appeared first on Mom.com.

Generations of kids have grown up bouncing on backyard trampolines. And with the new popularity of trampoline parks, even more are getting into the game.

But is this a safe way for kids to move their bodies and have fun? There is a lot to consider before letting your kid head out to bounce with the neighborhood kids or attend a birthday party at a trampoline park.

Why are pediatricians concerned about trampolines?

More than 800,000 children got hurt on trampolines between 2009 and 2018, research shows. While bumps and bruises are super-common injuries from trampolines, we often see kids suffer broken bones or sprains as a result of falls on the mat or off the trampoline.

It is easy to assume that these injuries are not a big deal. After all, most sprains or broken bones heal, right? But trampolines pose incredibly high risks for serious injuries.

Examples of serious trampoline injuries include breaks to bones or injuries to ligaments that require surgery, paralysis, and even life-threatening injuries. And even broken bones can leave kids with lasting effects including the potential for nerve damage.

These facts explain why the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping kids away from trampolines, except in settings with professional coaches and specialized equipment.

Many kids who get hurt on trampolines only suffer small scrapes, bruises, or cuts. But of the 110,000 or so emergency room visits linked with trampoline accidents in the U.S. each year, thousands involve serious damage to a child's arms, legs, collarbone, back, or neck.

Concussions are another common injury from collisions on trampolines. These are brain injuries that can cause kids to suffer headaches, dizziness, nausea, and other symptoms. Concussions can also affect their sleep, thinking, and school performance.

The post Ask the Pediatrician: Are Trampolines Safe for Kids? appeared first on Mom.com.

As the school year begins, every family wants their children to be healthy, active, and ready to learn.

To prepare children and teens to be at their best – physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally – the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends regular visits with the pediatrician, as well as immunizations that help keep all family members healthy.

As school attendance plays a huge role in the development of children and teens, families can partner with pediatricians and schools to help students thrive and succeed.

The AAP offers 10 tips on giving children their best chances for success this school year.

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Every toddler is different. So extracurricular activities for toddlers can vary widely depending on the sorts of things they like to do and the personalities they have. Some children may be super boisterous and benefit from group activities like team sports. Other children may benefit from quieter solo activities.

According to the Infant Toddler Temperament Tool, which was designed by the Center for Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, there are three categories that most toddlers can fit into: easygoing, slow to warm, and active. No matter which type a child is, there are activities that will benefit their demeanor.

Here are 16 extracurricular options.

More from Mom.com: Helping Your Toddlers Communicate Their Needs and Expand Their Budding Vocabulary

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On platforms like TikTok, felt crafts have been gaining popularity as fun and relatively easy ways for toddlers to be creative. There are so many things little ones can do with felt. And the best part is that felt sort of sticks to itself like low-grade Velcro — so glue or sewing isn't required to create most toys or accessories or art.

For any parents who are looking to entertain their children with some inexpensive and simple crafts, we've compiled 15 easy options. Keep reading to start creating.

More from Mom.com: 5 Mommy-and-Me Toddler Activities

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