In my research round-up, I discuss the major parenting topics that emerged lately. As I was writing this, I realized that over the years, I have collected numerous parent resources, products, blogs, etc. that can actually help address many of these parenting challenges.
That’s how this page was born–trying to solve issues that we parents commonly face. What items or tricks make life easier, provide insight or knowledge? These are my top picks for parent resources, but I will continue to update this page as I find new gems.
I try my best to support other mom bloggers or family-run businesses whenever I can. Of course, you can buy everything under the sun from Amazon, so that’s listed too but I do try to find items that are really useful in solving parenting challenges. {As a side note, these items do contain affiliate links which means I earn a commission at no added cost to you.}
Parent Resources for Emotional Development in Kids
In recent years, we have seen a big shift in how people deal with gender relations in our country. At the core of this, I feel is a lesson in emotional intelligence. This prompted many parenting questions about how to raise kids with full emotional lives, kindness, and empathy. I hope these resources can help us all focus on raising a generation of kids who have strong emotional intelligence and promote kindness.
Related reading: Emotional Intelligence: How to Develop the “Soft Skills” Your Child Will Need for Success in Life
Kindness Elves–if you’ve been reading The Thoughtful Parent for long, you know I love these little elves. We started using them at Christmas as an alternative to the Elf on the Shelf but they have expanded their curriculum to include Kindness Camp too. Great way to help your kids focus on the needs of others.
Teaching Emotions Toolkit–part of helping kids deal with their emotions is modeling it on our side. This course in Teaching Emotions helps you do just that. Kids (and sometimes we adults too) need help learning how to manage emotions, not stuff them in, and cope in ways that don’t hurt others.
Wonder Crate. There are tons of subscription boxes out there now, but very few teach about emotional development. Wonder Crate stands out from the crowd by focusing on books, crafts and inspirational materials that emphasize emotional skills like resilience, growth mindset, empathy, and confidence. Sign me up!
PeaceMakers–This game helps children and adults connect and share their thoughts, ideas, and feelings in daily, playful ways. Every card in the deck has an affirming message designed to nurture social and emotional skills, self-love, a growth mindset, confidence, and more in as little as five minutes a day.
Mindset Magnets. I really love these magnets. Put them on your fridge for a visual reminder of positive thinking throughout the day. Kids can move them around and create new positive affirmations. Affirmations are a proven way to help foster self-confidence, resilience, growth-mindset and emotional intelligence in kids and adults alike. Building these skills has never been so fun to do!
Parent Resources for Minimalism and Simplicity
Research continues to show us that simple is better–with toys, lifestyle, kids activities, etc. These resources offer tips or ways to keep your life and those of your kids simpler.
Get Organized. A few years into my parenting journey I realized that being organized was key to keeping things simple and enjoyable. When I planned ahead, I could get better meals on the table, get errands and chores done and not feel stressed. Bonus–I had more concentrated time to enjoy with my kids instead of constantly running around chaotically. Planners like these are beautiful and super helpful!
Academic Resources for Parents (Fostering Kids’ Interests and Learning)
One big topic recently is the usefulness of kids’ intense interests. It turns out that kids who LOVE a certain topic (doesn’t matter what) are more likely to gain valuable skills by delving into that topic. Common ones for kids are dinosaurs, trains, insects…but whatever your kid is WAY into can be a catalyst for intense learning.
Outschool. We are fortunate in today’s world, that helping kids explore a new interest can only be a click away on the internet. This service is great for helping kids learn something new on their own (with live teachers). My kids have taken classes about Minecraft, coding, space, animals and more. Fun and engaging learning!
Groovy Lab in a Box. This is a really fun way to encourage learning and new interests. This STEM-focused subscription box allows kids to make fun items like their own soap, musical instruments and learn about things like electricity and aviation.
Bookroo–these books aren’t about a specific interest, but a wonderful way to foster new interests in your child. Curated book boxes delivered based on your child’s age and interests. Awesome idea!
The Read-Aloud Family–Reading, of course, is the #1 way to foster learning and encourage kids’ interests. If you are not familiar with The Read-Aloud Revival, this is your chance to check it out. You will become a fan just like I am. The founder, Sarah Mackenzie, just wrote a new book all about the connections and learning we build by reading aloud to our kids (even older ones). It is on my must-read list for the spring!
Kiwi Crate. We began getting Kiwi Crate subscription boxes a few months ago and they have been a huge hit with my kids! They provide hands-on learning through projects centered on a particular topic like hydraulics, spying, insects or mechanics. They have crates for different age groups. Plus, you can pause the subscription at any time.
Self-Care for Parents
We know that self-care is important but we don’t often realize what happens when it’s missing. Research recently showed us that lack of self-care, like insufficient sleep, provokes symptoms that mimic depression. This, in turn, makes it much harder for us to be patient with our kids. These resources will help you find realistic ways to care for yourself.
The Gift of a Happy Mother. I’ve been reading this book lately and it is wonderful! The premise is, of course, that best gift you can give your child is that of a happy mother. Self-care is a big piece of becoming a happy mother again.
Bounce Back Parenting. I read this book a few months ago and loved it. I found the section on self-care for parents particularly helpful and realistic.
Headspace–another great app that helps you focus your thoughts and clear your mind. The great thing about this one is that there is a kid’s version too! You can start your kids on an early habit of mindfulness.
Hands-Free Mama–if you are not familiar with Rachel Macy Stafford of Hands-Free Mama blog, you should be. Her writing never fails to inspire and help me focus on what’s really important. Great for helping you remember what’s important and take some time for yourself.
Mind Cards–a big part of self-care is just establishing a habit of caring for yourself (at least a few minutes each day). These cards are wonderful because they can help establish this habit. Just pull out a card once or twice a day and remind yourself to stay mindful, present and calm.
Ideas for Managing Screen time
Helping our kids use technology without it taking over their lives is a key challenge for us in today’s world. However, as parents, we love our screen time too. Research has shown us that parent-child relationships that experience “technoference” (device distracted) are more likely to face challenges, including negative behavior on the part of kids. These resources help us manage our technology use with our kids so they can master self-regulation.
Related reading: Distracted by Your Device? This Parenting Research Will Change Your Perspective{plus a Printable Mantra to help}
Relay–luckily there are beginning to be more cellphone alternatives on the market for kids. This is one of the best I’ve seen because it’s AFFORDABLE (unlike some fancy watches) and it’s easy for kids to carry around. It’s similar to a walkie-talkie but has much farther range. Plus you can communicate to them via your phone. They can also communicate with their friends without the need for a cellphone! You can keep in touch but still keep them off screens. Win-win!
Time Tokens-–found these recently and I love it. They help kids learn to manage their screen time themselves so they eventually move toward self-regulation instead of parent-regulation.
Circle–if you need another level of technology management and protection this is a good option. Keeps all those inappropriate YouTube videos out and other content we don’t want our kids seeing. It also gives you options for managing tech time and checking on kids’ online activities. Bonus–you can set screen time limits right from your own app!
Parenting is one of the most challenging endeavors most of us will ever do. It’s helpful to know there are parent resources available to help us in this most important role of guiding and supporting our children.
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