Here’s everything you need to know about OKANA Resort—as well as what to do in Oklahoma City when you’re dried off and ready to explore.

What is OKANA Resort?

OKANA—named by combining the Chickasaw words ‘Oka,’ meaning water, and ‘inkana,’ meaning friend—is a 40-acre indoor (and outdoor) waterpark resort that opened March 6, 2025.

Designed for families, the $400 million project aims to be a major tourist draw, featuring an 11-story hotel, a large arcade (with a mirror maze, laser tag, and escape room), 13 food and beverage spots, an impressive indoor waterpark and a giant outdoor lagoon with a sandy beach and various water adventure attractions. It is reportedly one of the state’s largest tourism developments in recent years and the largest indoor waterpark in the state.

Fun Fact: The OKANA Lagoon is now the fourth-largest pool in the country.

Where is it?

Located about 20 minutes northeast of Oklahoma City’s Will Rogers World Airport and on the outskirts of downtown OKC, OKANA sits along the Oklahoma River in the city’s up-and-coming “Horizons” district. Though it’s not quite walkable, a pedestrian bridge and walkway are under construction and will eventually connect OKANA to other trails that lead downtown.

It’s also next door to the First Americans Museum, a space dedicated to preserving the collective histories of Oklahoma’s 39 Native American tribes—a fitting spot, given that the land, and the OKANA Resort itself, is owned by the Chickasaw Nation, a tribe believed to have made its home in the southeastern United States for thousands of years.

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About the indoor waterpark

OKANA’s indoor waterpark features 15 slides, including a thrilling water coaster that zips riders up and down steep hills. Our favorite slide was Racing Rapids, which lets three people compete against each other as they race down twisty-turny tubes.  There’s also a wave pool, a lazy river, a toddler slide area, and an interactive water play structure packed with smaller water slides, splash zones, and tipping buckets.

Note: Most of the larger slides have a 42-inch height limit. Some, like the “Tidal Twist,” which plunges riders into a large funnel, require riders to be at least 48 inches.

For parents who aren’t keen on slip-and-sliding (or who want to leave the rigorous stuff to the other parent), there’s a full bar and a warm soaking pool inside the waterpark, both of which overlook the slides and are perfect for relaxing while keeping an eye on the kids.

About “OKANA Beach”

When you want to get some fresh air and sunshine, the OKANA Beach outdoor lagoon area is every bit the destination, with a floating obstacle course, an over-the-pool zip line, a platform where kids can leap about 20 feet into the water, and two zippy slides that end with a sudden drop into a deep water pool.

The centerpiece here, of course, is the huge lagoon, which features a zero-entry sandy beach. For the true lakeside feel, the lagoon is lined with lounge chairs and dotted with private cabanas (that rent for about $300 per day), so wherever you sit you’ll have a view of the water (as well as the giant outdoor movie screen that plays music videos, sports, or movies all day long).

Note: Kids under 48″ are required to wear life jackets (provided, or you can bring your own) while swimming or riding slides, both indoor and outdoor. 

There’s also an adults-only lounge pool and swim-up bar, where folks without kids can get some R&R—and where tired parents can look on longingly as their littles scream “Mom! Watch! Watch this! Watch! Mommy! Mommy! Mom!” All. Day. Long.

While the indoor waterpark will be open year-round, the outdoor lagoon is closed from Labor Day through Memorial Day. During colder months, the resort plans to convert the lagoon into a giant ice skating rink.

What are the OKANA hotel rooms like?

Clean and spacious—with hardwood floors that feel cool and fresh. The hotel’s 404 suites reflect seven different room types, including those with outdoor patios and balconies as well as extra bedrooms and bunk beds for larger families. Rates start at about $215 per night.

All rooms feature 65″ TVs (our room had THREE—one in the main bedroom, one in the extra bedroom, and one in the sitting area), in-room safes, refrigerators, coffee, and bottled water. The beds are super-comfortable, with overstuffed pillows, clean, crisp linens, and mattresses so comfy I actually slept well—and I’m a hit-or-miss sleeper when I travel. (My teenagers slept until noon every day we were there, but that doesn’t say much, because, well, teens.)

How’s the food?

Great! And surprisingly allergy-friendly (I’m gluten-free, and my kids don’t eat pork or shellfish, so sometimes dining out can be tricky). With 13 food and beverage locations (many of which are casual walk-up food spots), there are plenty of places to fill hungry bellies. The indoor waterpark alone has three food stands, including a pizza place (with gluten-free pizza!), an Asian street food stand, and a slider spot. At the outdoor lagoon, a walk-up restaurant serves quick bites like chicken tenders, salads, and fries.

Of the sit-down restaurants, standouts include Smokehouse Social, a barbecue joint with deliciously hot wings and giant sports simulators where my kids played virtual archery, golf, and more; and Jack Rabbit, a gastropub with, according to my teen connoisseur, a “delicious” filet mignon. Note: Curveball Kitchen, a restaurant with baseball simulators, wasn’t yet open at the time of our visit.

Of course, our most visited “food” spot was the OKANA Candy Co., which my kids thoroughly enjoyed, especially since their waterpark wristbands allowed access to my credit card (this can be changed at the front desk). The beloved spot offers a smorgasbord of specialty and retro candies, and serves some of the best ice cream I’ve had in a long time (try the bourbon-spiked “Exhausted Parent” flavor).

What else is there to do around the resort?

A lot! That’s the thing about this place—there’s so MUCH to do that you won’t want to leave the property! Expect to drop about $75 on game cards at the huge arcade, which has an escape room, a mirror maze, and a laser tag arena. Or, if your body is sore from racing your kids down the slides, consider making an appointment at the OKANA spa, which offers a range of treatments including massages, facials, scrubs, and nail services.

What else is there to do in Oklahoma City?

Oklahoma City is a quirky blend of Southern charm, Midwestern flair, and classic cowboy culture. While you’ll be hard-pressed to get your water babies out of the pool, it’s worth exploring. Some highlights include:

Bricktown
Located just across the street from the city’s popular minor league baseball stadium, Bricktown feels like a smaller version of San Antonio’s River Walk. Boats glide down narrow canals lined with charming restaurants and bars. During the day, the area is quiet and serene, but it comes alive at night, especially on weekends and game days.

The Museum of Osteology
OK, I’m not sure what kind of science-loving kid would put this on their wishlist (there’s actually a “Forensic Night” on its calendar)—but it’s worth mentioning because it’s America’s only skeleton museum, featuring hundreds of preserved specimens from around the world. Apparently, the gift shop alone makes the visit worthwhile.

The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Yeehaw, y’all! Kids can dress up like little cowpokes and explore the Children’s Cowboy Corral. There’s also an impressive collection of Western art and sculpture, along with exhibits on cowboy life—everything from hats and boots to spurs and six-shooters.

Riversport
Got budding adrenaline-junkies? Riversport is one of the only whitewater venues in the world that offers recreational, competition, and freestyle channels, all built along the Oklahoma River but controlled through a system of pumps and gates that simulate natural rapids. In addition to whitewater rafting, Riversport offers tubing and kayaking, a cross-river zipline, and a Sky Trail adventure course—complete with high-speed slides several stories tall.

Oklahoma National Stockyards
Bizarre as it may sound, visiting the world’s largest continuously operating cattle market in action is a uniquely OKC experience. The live cattle auctions, held every Monday and Tuesday, offer a glimpse into the city’s ranching roots. Nearby Stockyard City is also a fun stop for Western wear and old-school cowboy vibes.

To learn more about OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark, go to Okanaresort.com. 

*This trip was paid for by OKANA Resort & Indoor Waterpark, but the opinions expressed in this article are the author’s alone. 

OKANA Resort and Indoor Waterpark (Oklahoma City, OK)

Owned and operated by Oklahoma’s native Chickasaw Nation, OKANA (a blend of the Chickasaw words “oka’,” meaning “water,” and “inkana’,” meaning “friend”) is a new $400 million resort featuring a 401-suite hotel, a 100,000-square-foot indoor waterpark, multiple restaurants, a massive arcade, and a 4.5-acre adventure lagoon with a large sandy beach that’ll make you feel like you’re lounging lakeside. The outdoor lagoon (open during the summer) includes a floating obstacle course and two twisty tube slides that drop into a deep-water pool. Meanwhile, the year-round indoor waterpark boasts 15 slides, including a thrilling water coaster that zips riders up and down steep hills, two racing slides, and several raft rides. There’s also a wave pool, lazy river, baby and toddler area, and an interactive water play structure packed with smaller water slides, splash zones, and tipping buckets.

Bonus: For parents looking to relax, the outdoor area offers a swim-up bar and an adults-only pool lounge, while the indoor park features a warming pool beside a bar that overlooks the slides.

Online: Okanaresort.com

Universal Orlando Volcano Bay (Orlando, FL)

With a towering 200-foot volcano visible from miles away, Volcano Bay features 18 immersive attractions ranging from heart-thumping adventure slides to relaxing rambling rivers. Highlights include the Krakatau Aqua Coaster, which launches riders up, down and around the park’s iconic volcano; and the Puihi of the Maku Puihi Round Raft Rides, which drop riders down a “lava tube” into a massive funnel.

Bonus: The TapuTapu wearable, included with admission, lets you reserve a virtual place in line so you can come back when it’s your turn to ride. It also activates various effects, such as water cannons and water streams that can be directed at unsuspecting passersby. You can also use it to open lockers, snap photos (at designated photo spots), and make purchases throughout the park.

Online: Universalorlando.com

*Note: With so many waterparks in Orlando (namely, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon & Blizzard Beach, Island H20, and  SeaWorld’s Aquatica), it can be hard to choose! We chose Volcano Bay because of its immersive staging and convenient TapuTapu bands (bonus that they don’t cost extra!).

Great Wolf Lodge (Various Locations)

Since 1997, Great Wolf Lodge resorts have made the iconic summertime waterpark experience accessible year-round. Its indoor waterparks (there are now 20 across North America) feature thrill slides, wave pools and toddler-friendly areas, all included with a hotel stay. Hello, Staycation! 

Online: Greatwolf.com

 

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Knott’s Soak City (Buena Park, CA)

The watery companion to Orange County’s hometown amusement park offers 23 waterslides, including Shore Break, a seven-story structure with six different slides, and The Wedge, an open-air family raft ride full of twists, turns, and drops. Adrenaline junkies will enjoy the Aqua Launch Chamber, which sends riders down a vertical drop after the floor falls away.

Online: Knotts.com/soak-city

Runnner-up is Raging Waters, SoCal’s biggest waterpark with more than 50 rides, slides and attractions. It’s located where the Inland Empire, Orange County, and LA Counties meet.   

Dollywood Splash Country (Pigeon Forge, TN)

Nestled in the Smoky Mountains (the slides actually weave their way through the trees!), this forested oasis offers 23 slides for thrill seekers of all ages. Thrill rides include RiverRush, Tennessee’s first water coaster, and  Fire Tower Falls, which plunges riders down a 70-foot freefall. There’s also a slew of little kid-friendly water features, including a 1,500-ft lazy river and Bear Mountain Fire Tower, a huge water playground.

Bonus: The TimeSaver H2O system ($55 a person) allows you to hold a place in line for popular attractions so you can spend your time exploring instead of waiting. 

Online: Dollywood.com/waterpark

Water World (Federal Heights, CO)

Spread across 67 acres near Denver, this park boasts speedy water coasters, roaring wave pools, lazy rivers, and an across-the-park gondola that lets parkgoers check out the action from above. The park’s most popular ride, Voyage to the Center of the Earth, takes riders on a thrilling raft ride through a dark cave into prehistoric times.

Online: Waterworldcolorado.com 

Wild Rivers (Irvine, Ca)

The newest water park in SoCal offers 17 water attractions across its 20-acre park, including body slides, family raft rides, mat races, bowls, and a water coaster. Since it opened in 2022, the park’s new-ish facilities and slides make things feel and look extra clean, a bonus for germ-phobic parents who might otherwise shy away from waterparks.

Bonus: Want to send your kids to the coolest camp ever? Wild Rivers has a Junior Lifeguard Camp where campers learn water safety skills while also enjoying the park.

Online: Wildrivers.com

 

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Mount Olympus Park (Wisconsin Dells, WI)

Want to brave America’s tallest waterslide? Climb the Rise of Icarus Tower, a mammoth structure that features five body slides, including the highest at 145 feet! Another highlight includes Medusa’s SlideWheel,  “America’s First Rotating Waterslide,” which features a tube that rotates while you’re inside of it (You’ve got to see it to understand). Other notable features include the Icaria Splash and Slide, a new outdoor play area with 10 slides and enough water features to keep tiny tots endlessly entertained.

Bonus: Admission to the waterpark is included with a stay at the resort, which also features a full theme park.

Online: Mtolympuspark.com

 

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Cowabunga Bay Water Park – Henderson, NV

Forget the slot machines!  This waterpark about 30 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip offers more than 20 slides, pools and splash areas. Its standout attraction drops four-person rafts 60 feet into the swell of a mammoth manmade wave. There’s also a slide that sends riders zipping down a tube in total darkness.

Online: Cowabungavegas.com

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari (Santa Claus, In)

This award-winning park includes Wildebeest, named the Best Water Park Ride for 11 consecutive years by Amusement Today; and Cheetah Chase, the Best New Water Park Ride for 2020-2021. It also has a 6-person boat ride called “Mammoth” that calls itself the longest water coaster in the world.

Hint: Get a fast pass to avoid the waits.

Noah’s Ark Waterpark (Wisconsin Dells, Wi)

It’s only fitting that the largest waterpark in the country is located in the “Waterpark capital of the world.” This huge park offers 70 acres of rides, including a 4-D “Dive-In” movie theater and America’s first looping, near-vertical waterslide.

Online: Noahsarkwaterpark.com

LEGOLAND California (Carlsbad, CA)

Little swimmers need a place to slip and slide, too! LEGOLAND’s waterpark offers fun galore for littles but enough big thrills that older sibs will be happy to tag along. Highlights include the Build-A-Raft River, where guests can design and float their LEGO rafts, and the Riptide Racers, a thrilling mat-racing slide. Younger kids can enjoy the DUPLO Splash Safari kids’ pool area as well as the Joker Soaker, a multi-level water playground with plenty of ways to get wet.

Online: Legoland.com/california/water-park

Schlitterbahn Waterpark & Resort (New Braunfels, Tx)

They say things are bigger in Texas, and this sprawling water park is no exception. Housing what it calls the largest collection of water rides in the world (there were 51 rides in total as of 2024), this sprawling water park was named the “Best Water Park in the World” 22 times by Amusement Today magazine. Among the smorgasbord of offerings is an uphill water coaster that zips riders up a flume of water as fast as they slide down it (the concept was invented by Schlitterbahn, according to USA Today) as well as a 3,600-foot whitewater raft ride (one of the longest in the world) that takes riders over gushing water, light rapids, and small waterfalls.

If you’re looking for specific types of movies, check out these coming-of-age films, movies that tweens will love, movies for toddlers, and baseball movies for kids that they should watch together.

1. It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
There’s a reason people still watch this holiday classic year after year: Parents to tweens will appreciate this timeless tale of a once-hopeless man realizing the value of his own life with the help of a guardian angel.

Not rated. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

2. E.T. (1982)
Still one of the best science fiction movies ever, E.T. is all about friendship and childhood. From Reese’s Pieces to the classic phrase “E.T. phone home,” every moment of this movie will live with your extraterrestrial forever.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

3. Spirited Away (2002)
This animated film is a magical adventure and is considered one of Hayao Miyazaki‘s masterpieces. It stars a strong female protagonist but parents of younger kids beware: there are scary creatures, the parents turn into pigs, and in one scene a river dragon lingers on the verge of death.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 9 & up.

4. Coco (2017)
Based on the Mexican holiday, Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead, Coco tells the tale of 12-year-old Miguel who finds himself in the Land of the Dead and with the help of his musician great-great-grandfather dives deep into his family history (and their generations-old ban on music!). There are strong family vibes in this blockbuster, and your kids will love the whimsically colorful, melodic story!

A note for parents—this movie deals with the concept of mortality and could be slightly upsetting for young kids.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

5. Frozen (2013) and Frozen 2 (2019)
This Disney classic (and its sequel) is one of the best movies for kids. The films about sisterhood, family, and love will surprisingly warm your hearts, fill your home with song, and should come with a disclaimer: For months afterward, your kids won’t sing anything but “Let It Go”, “Into the Unknown”, and “Do You Want to Build a Snowman”.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

6. Soul
This family movie from Pixar and Disney follows jazz musician and teacher Joe as he travels from life to the Great Before (instead of the Great Beyond). He’s not ready for his life to be over, so he’s determined to make it home. The first-rate cast including Jaime Foxx and Tina Fey, the amazing animation, and the wonderful music are just a few of the reasons to love this movie for kids.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

7. Yes Day
Inspired by the beloved children’s book by the same name, Allison and Carlos decide to give their three kids a “Yes Day,” where there’s no saying no to anything the kids ask for or to do (within reason). Chaos ensues, and it becomes clear that all yes all the time isn’t always the best idea.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

8. The Sword in the Stone (1963)
From rags to riches, it’s the story of King Arthur in true Disney style. Your lil’ knight will be giggling, dancing, and bopping to the wizarding whimsy of this animated musical.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

9. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989)
A shrink ray accidentally goes off and sets a group of kids on a journey back home (even though they never leave their backyard) while their parents search high and low for them.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

10. Cool Runnings (1993)
Everything seems stacked against these athletes who are completely unprepared for the cold, let alone bobsledding. Loosely based on a true story of the Jamaica national bobsled team, Cool Runnings is a real inspirational film for young dreamers.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

11. Star Wars Series (1977-)
Now is as good a time as any to introduce this epic space opera. Your space lover will be on the edge of his or her seat during this story of lightsabers, telepathic powers, space-flight adventures, and the biggest plot twist in cinematic history. Our inner geek is giving this PSA: Please remember to start your Jedi with A New Hope and not The Phantom Menace.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

12. A League of Their Own (1992) 
If your kids ever ask you why girls don't play Major League Baseball, you can tell them, "They did"—and then show them this film, which tells the real-life story of the 1940s All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.  Tom Hanks shines as the grumpy coach in what is one of the best family movies around.  

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & older

13. Willow (1988)
For today's Harry Potter generation, a viewing of Willow will surely be of interest. The adventure is easy to follow and full of school-age humor, and two forest fairies provide comedy with their slapstick, strange voices, and snappy one-liners. Lucas' fantasy has interesting-looking characters and villages, gothic castles and, most of all, magic. Willow is an excellent choice to give young kids a taste of fantasy.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & older

14. Tangled (2010)
Get lost in Disney’s retelling of Rapunzel, which is a lot more exciting than the original story. Hint: She gets to leave the tower and goes on a thrilling journey of magic, song, and self-discovery.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

15. Finding Nemo (2003) 
Laugh until your tummy hurts as this timid clownfish dad searches the great ocean for his son. Every underwater creature has a catchphrase that’ll become your guppy’s new mantra. Just keep swimming … just keep swimming!

Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

16. Princess Bride (1987)
Part comedy, part romance, part adventure, part fantasy and 100% perfect—Princess Bride is the ultimate family movie for storytime lovers, big, small, boy, or girl. And yes, there is some kissing.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

17. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh (1977)
A perfect movie for the littlest film-goers, this endearing film follows A.A. Milne's classic bear as he bumbles about Hundred Acre Wood learning lessons on friendship. There's no offensive or scary content in the film, which makes it great for younger kids.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 3 & up.

18. Shrek (2001)
One unforeseeable plot twist on the classic fairytale? Coming right up! An ogre sets out to rescue a princess with a talking donkey—plus all the characters from your cupcake’s bedtime stories.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

19. The Muppet Movie (1979)
Way before Jason Segel starred in the 2011 Muppet movie, there was The Muppet Movie, which goes way, way back to before Kermit the Frog was in show business. Fans of those classic fuzzy puppets will love watching this origin story.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

20. The Lion King (1994)
Grab a tissue for that one scene (you know which one we’re talking about), but after that, the rest of the movie is all song, dance, and excitement for your lil’ monkey.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

Related: The Ultimate List of Dinosaur Movies for Kids

21. The Sandlot (1993)
Your short stuff will definitely relate to Scotty as he makes new friends on a ragtag baseball team and goes on grand adventures involving tree houses, rival groups, a legendary ball-eating dog, and all the things that childhood memories are made of.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

22. The Little Mermaid (1989) 
Ignore the original Hans Christian Andersen (that ending is unfortunately not very happily ever after), and opt for Disney’s The Little Mermaid for a family movie night with the kids. It’s got unforgettable songs, enchanting characters, and, best of all, a happy ending.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

23. Home Alone (1990)
This perfect Christmas movie will give your tots a movie dose of bravery, when it comes to being by themselves, as they watch a smart-aleck eight-year-old defend his home from a pair of bumbling burglars. Note: There is some sibling squabbling that isn't all that nice.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

24. Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
No movie portrays the spirit of Christmas better than Miracle on 34th Street. Save this one for the holidays because it’ll definitely make your little helper feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

25. Spider-Man (2002)
If you're looking for a good starter superhero movie, this 2002 origin story follows Peter Parker (Toby Maguire) as he gets bitten by a radioactive spider and becomes the witty hero we all know and love. Some explosions and tense Green Goblin moments may frighten sensitive viewers, but most tweens will love every bit of it.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 11 & up.

26. Toy Story 1, 2, 3, 4 (1995 - 2019) 
Every kid will love the iconic warm-hearted tale of the secret life of toys. From the very first film to the fourth, which hit theaters in 2019, follow the saga of Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and their fellow toys as they navigate the trials and tribulations of being Andy's toys. Each film is special in its own right.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

27. Whale Rider (2003)
Before Moana set out on the seas on a quest to save her village, a courageous girl named Pai did it first. The film is set in the Maori community of New Zealand, where modern culture threatens to quell ancient traditions. Twelve-year-old Pai sets out to prove that even though she is not the male heir her father wanted, she has the bravery, wisdom, and skill to lead. There are some adult themes (including a mother and child who die during childbirth, as well as some references to marijuana), but tweens and parents will appreciate the inspiring message.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 11 & up.

28. The Sound of Music (1965)
How else is your musical tot going to learn the lyrics to Do-Re-Mi? The Sound of Music is completely captivating with equal parts song, romance, and family bonding.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

29. Wadjda (2013)

The first movie to be directed by a Saudi Arabian woman, this story is of a spunky, independent 11-year-old girl who wants to ride a bike, wears Converse sneakers, and loves to compete against her (male) best friend. Beautifully done, the film explores topics such as religious traditions and laws, but it's also an incredible study of female empowerment. Follow along, and cheer for Wadjda as she fiercely makes a place for herself in the world.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages  8 & up.

30. Despicable Me, 2, 3 & 4 (2010, 2013, 2017, 2024) 
Kids and adults alike will love this bad-guy-turns-good-guy fairy tale about a curmudgeonly villain who learns to love an orphaned trio of little girls. The sequels are just as much fun as the original.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

31. Free To Be You And Me (1974)
In a compilation of shorts that were edgy at the time of this film's release, Free To Be You And Me explores things like gender roles, working mothers, and racial stereotyping with the help of celebrities including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Marlo Thomas, and a young Michael Jackson.

Not rated. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

32. Harry Potter & The Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
Your magical creatures won’t be able to get enough of the Harry Potter adventures. Everything from the food to the spells is a unique discovery. Start off with The Sorcerer's Stone, which introduces the wizarding world. The film series is completed, but the rest of the films skew for an older audience.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

33. Bedknobs & Broomsticks (1971)
Starring the legendary Angela Landsbury and Mary Poppins alum David Tomlinson, this classic Disney film focuses on three siblings who are evacuated from London during World War II and end up in the care of an apprentice witch. Chaos ensues, and there's a fun animated section where they all end up on the island of Naboombu. While the slow parts may bore young children, and the presence of Nazi invaders might bring up questions, all and all, this is a fun classic film for families.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

34. Mary Poppins Returns (2018)
Julie Andrews fans can rest assured that this remake by Rob Marshall is an ode to the near-perfect original. Emily Blunt charms, Lin-Manuel Mirada shines, and the sequel plot means that viewers will see how Jane and Michael are faring some 20 years after Mary Poppins first came into their lives. Be on the lookout for a very special cameo from the one and only Dick Van Dyke!

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

Related: Not-So-Spooky Halloween Movies for Kids

35. How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Follow the adventures of the reluctant dragon-slayer Hiccup, who, after capturing the rarest dragon of all—the Night Fury—befriends it instead of killing it. Raucous adventures follow as Hiccup shows his fellow Vikings that not all dragons are dangerous. Note: Sensitive kids may be troubled by the initial scenes of violent dragons attacking the village. 

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

36. The Karate Kid (2010) 
This remake of the 1984 classic is geared toward a slightly younger audience with the help of the talented Jaden Smith, who stars as the new kid on the block who struggles to learn karate to fend off bullies and win the girl.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 9 & up.

37. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Tim Burton’s delightful holiday fantasy film redefines Christmas for all our lil’ lovers of spook. Get carried away into a new world that celebrates two holidays in one—candy and presents? Every tot’s dream.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

38. Moana (2016)
Girl power is at its best in this modern Disney classic that puts a strong-hearted young girl on a mission to return the "heart of the ocean" to its rightful owner. Besides the memorable songs and moving story, this film stands apart from most Disney flicks in that there are no princes (or romances of any kind) to be found during the whole 113 minutes.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

39. Beauty and the Beast (2017) 
The "tale as old as time" gets a modern retelling that stays true to its trademark Disney sweetness, with Emma Watson starring as a Belle every little girl will want to be. Note: Because it's live-action, some scenes (like the ones with the wolves chasing Belle) can be a little scary.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

40. The Journey of Natty Gann (1985)
Set in the Great Depression, this Disney movie tells the courageous story of a young girl who is determined to find her father after he set out across the country to find work. While there are some depictions of extreme poverty and mild violence, overall this family movie—starring a young John Cusack—will warm your heart to the strength and bond between a father and daughter and what they'll do to make a better life for each other. 

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 9 & up.

41. Bend it Like Beckham
Featuring a diverse cast, this story of a British girl of Indian descent who hides her passion for the game of soccer from her parents is ultimately a wonderful show of strength and determination to go after your dreams.

Rated PG-13. Recommended for ages 10 & up.

42. An American Tail (1986)
Long before Nemo and his dad were separated by oceans, a lanky immigrant mouse named Fievel journeyed to find his family "somewhere out there." One of the most classic family movies of the '80s, it's just as sweet today as you might remember.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

43. Spellbound (2003)
Kids will be spelling out E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G after watching this fun documentary that follows a group of elementary school students across America as they prepare for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The uplifting film shows the value of hard work and studying (your kids' teachers will approve!).

Rated G. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

44. Freaky Friday (1976 or 2003)
Like mother, like daughter—the hilarity that ensues when this mom and daughter duo switch bodies also gets across the important lesson of family bonding. The remake starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan is also a classic (and they're filming a sequel!). 

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

45. The Secret of Nimh (1982)
This movie has some scary parts, but kids ages eight and up will love the tale of extraordinary courage. The story centers around a group of super-intelligent rats who escape an animal laboratory and a family of field mice who enlist their help.

Warning: Sensitive children may find some scenes disturbing (including a sword fight that ends in the death of one rat).

Rated G. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

46. Space Jam (1996)
Animation, live action, comedy, and sports—it’s time to introduce your sports fan to the legend that is Michael Jordan and his greatest achievement… Space Jam. 

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

47. Free Willy (1993) 
Animal lovers will enjoy seeing this feel-good film about a boy becoming best friends with an orca. Your swimmers will be so engaged, that they might even shed a tear or two for Willy.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

48. Fern Gully (1992)
If you were a '90s kid, then you know (and probably love) this classic eco-toon. Featuring the voices of some of the most famous actors of the time (Samantha Mathis, Christian Slater, Robin Williams, Tim Curry), join fairy-queen-in-training Cyrsta as she resues surfer-dude Zak from falling trees, and himself. Featuring a strong environmental message, it's a wonderful way to help show kids the value of a strong ecosystem. And, the music rocks, too.

Note: There are a few scary parts, in particular when Hexxus is released from the tree. 

Rated G. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

Related: 16 Kids’ Movies That Parents Love Too

49. Spy Kids
Adventure-loving kids will love this rollicking action movie about Carmen and Juni, the children of two infamous spies (who have gone undercover as boring parents). When their parents are kidnapped, the resourceful kids must summon their courage and jump into action.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

50. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Golden ticket. Chocolate factory. Everything candy. Your sugarplum will remember the zany world of Willy Wonka for the rest of their life, though sensitive kids may be frightened by some scary moments.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

51. Charlotte’s Web (1973)
This animated musical about Wilbur, the runt of the litter, and Charlotte, a friendly spider, is as touching as the novel by E.B. White. Prepare a package of tissues for the ending: It’s both sad and happy.

Note: We also love the 2006 remake, which features an adorable Dakota Fanning as Fern. 

Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

52. Lassie (1994)
Loyal, brave, and affectionate… your youngest will want a Collie after seeing all the extraordinary feats Lassie can do, from saving his owner from a mountain lion to snuggling with him all night.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

53. Babe (1995)
Perseverance, friendship, and making your dreams come true—who knew a pig could teach us all that? Psst … at the start of the film, there is a bit of frightful honesty about animals being used for food, so keep an eye on your tiniest animal lovers.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

54. Enchanted (2007) 
Fairytale characters are thrown into the modern world in this live-action musical that shows what happens when a young maiden from the fictional "Andalasia" falls in love with a jaded New York City lawyer. Julie Andrews narrates this infectiously sweet story. Note: There is a scary part at the end featuring a fire-breathing dragon that may rattle sensitive tots.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

55. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
For enthusiastic readers with a wild imagination, The Neverending Story will take them for an exciting ride as a young boy tries to save the world of Fantasia.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

56. A Boy Named Charlie Brown (1969)
This was the first of the Peanuts movies, and it introduces Charlie Brown as the sweet and sensitive little boy who can't seem to get anything right. The film follows him as he works to compete in a national spelling bee with the help of his faithful buds, Linus and Snoopy.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 4 & up.

57. ELF
Will Farrell is at his best in this classic holiday film about a boy raised as one of Santa's elves but sets out at age 30 to find his real father in New York City.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

Related: 10 Best ’90s Movies to Watch with Your Kids

58. Up (2008)
An upbeat boy and a grumpy old man make an unlikely team… inside a floating house. They go on a journey that has a little bit of danger, a lot of humor, and a grander story of love.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

59. Newsies (1992)
This Disney musical inspired by the real-life Newsboys Strike of 1899 follows a group of street-savvy kids who form a union and go on strike against the money-hungry newspaper typhoons of their time. The movie features catchy music and energetic dance numbers—and inspired the 2012-2014 Tony Award-winning Broadway show.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 9 & up.

60. Hook (1991)
For all the inspiration Peter Pan gives a rambunctious child, Hook shows how grown-ups can still have fun. Your Lost Boy (or Girl) will be hugging you tight throughout this movie.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

61. BIG (1988)
For every kid who talks about growing up all the time, have them watch BIG because jumping from 12 years old to 30 years old is only a good idea in theory… and on film.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 10 & up.

62. Labyrinth (1986)
Set in a bizarre world that’ll delight the most imaginative kiddo, Labyrinth will captivate your imagination with Muppets, riddles, and a lighthearted sense of danger.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

63. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) 
This animated Spidey film follows a teen who becomes a new Spider-Man and meets a slew of other Spider-people from parallel universes. It's a little less intense than the live-action Spider-Man iterations, making it a better choice for younger viewers. Still, there is a lot of violence, and two major characters are killed—so be wary if you don't want your kids to be exposed.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

64. Trolls (2016)
With an awesome pop-rock soundtrack that you'll want to download, like, asap, this light-hearted flick is about a duo of trolls (Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick) who partner up to rescue their friends from the troll-hungry bad guys.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

65. My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
Another masterpiece from Hayao Miyazaki, this family movie is appropriate for all ages. Two girl protagonists move to the countryside in 1950s Japan and are befriended by the magical creature, Totoro, who helps them when they have a problem related to their mother, who is dealing with a long-term illness.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 4 & up.

66. Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Everyone loves this classic tale of a little girl who falls asleep and gets whisked into a nonsense world where "Everyone is mad."  Alice grows bigger and smaller and encounters all sorts of wild characters—some of which are mildly inappropriate (like the hookah-smoking caterpillar and a head-chopping queen), but all in all this tale of silliness is fun and engaging.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 4 & up

67. LEGO Movie (2014)
An ordinary LEGO minifig must save the universe from a tyrannical business lord. Forget Frozen, your LEGO maniac will be singing Everything is Awesome even before the movie ends.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

68. Mary Poppins (1964)
A magical nanny uses her unique brand of lifestyle to bring a family back together. If your munchkins loved Sound of Music, this one is a must-add to their movie list.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

69. The Dark Crystal (1982)
Fantasy lovers will jump right into the dark world of The Dark Crystal. Think of it as a more family-friendly version of Lord of the Rings—it’s a hero’s story about an elf-like creature on a quest to restore balance to his world.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

70. The Princess and the Frog (2009)
A twist on the classic tale: A beautiful girl kisses a frog (who is actually a prince) and instead of him getting turned back into a human, she gets turned into a frog! With a jazzy New Orleans vibe keeping things cool, this modern fairy tale is also the first Disney movie to feature an African-American heroine, Tiana. Also unlike Disney's long-ago damsels, Tiana is strong and hardworking and doesn't need a man to get by in the world (though she doesn't mind having one as a friend).

Rated G. Recommended for ages 6 and up.

71. Ghostbusters (1984)
So your tiny Ghostbusters may not be old enough to appreciate Bill Murray, but that doesn’t mean they can’t start now! It’ll be hard to find a “scary” movie that’ll have you crying from laughter like this one.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 10 & up.

72. The Parent Trap (1961/1998) 
A pair of twins set out to reunite their separated parents. Cue the chaos, humor, and aww moments! We’ll leave it up to you to decide to show the classic 1961 or 1998 one—both are that good.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

73. Aladdin (1992)  
Disney's retelling of the classic Middle Eastern folktale, Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp, is filled with memorable music and a wise-cracking genie voiced perfectly by the late, great Robin Williams, who will entertain the grown-up viewers almost more than the kiddos.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

74. Cinderella (1950) 
Bippity bobbity boo! A story of a love so simple that even the smallest slipper wearer can watch this Disney classic in one sitting.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

75. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Ruby red slippers, flying monkeys, catchy songs, and the breathtaking transition from a world of black-and-white to color, The Wizard of Oz is a timeless story that’ll inspire your kiddo for ages.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

76. Big Hero 6 (2014) 
Disney's adaptation of the Marvel comic about a boy named Hiro and his robot creation, a "personal health companion" named Baymax, will delight little robot fans. But be forewarned: Much of the film deals with the idea of grief since the boy's older brother dies at the beginning of the film. Despite the sad beginnings, this family movie has lots of heart and a sweet ending.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

77. Raya and the Last Dragon (2021)
In a realm known as Kumandra comes the Oscar-nominated mythical tale of when dragons and humans fought together to fight the Druun. Fast forward hundreds of years, and one girl is determined to find the last dragon to join the fight again. The imagery and strong female protagonists, not to mention a funny water dragon, make this a great movie for kids of all ages.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

Related: 10 ’80s Movies That Your Kids Need to See

78. Akeela and the Bee (2006)
A little girl from a tough neighborhood in LA learns she's got a knack for spelling—and that she doesn't need to change herself to fit in. Lawrence Fishburn stars as the spelling tutor who coaches her to the Scripps National Spelling Bee while teaching her to believe in herself. Note: There is some mild profanity in the film, so parents who have a no-tolerance policy toward this may want to wait a few more years.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

79. Matilda (1998) 
Tiny magic lovers will be entranced by this film, based on the classic Roald Dahl book about a brilliant little girl who uses her special powers to right the wrongs in her school and at home.  

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 9 and up. 

80. Fly Away Home (1998) 
Anna Paquin stars in this inspiring story of a motherless little girl who learns to fly an ultralight aircraft so she can fly her adopted flock of geese south for the winter. Note: The death of the girl's mother at the beginning of the film may be upsetting for kids.

Rated PG. Recommended for kids 6 & up.

81. Inside Out (2015)
Kids may not understand the big concepts at the heart of the movie (that they're watching the personified emotions inside a little girl's brain), but they'll be entertained just the same. We think the real value is for Mom and Dad, who may learn a little something about what's going on in their kids' crazy little heads.

Rated PG. Recommended for kids 7 & up.

82. Peter Pan (2003)
This live-action remake has magic galore and will be a hit with big kids who have graduated from cartoons.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 9 & up.

83. Wall-E. (2008)
While there is minimal dialogue throughout the whole movie (not a word is spoken in the first 22 minutes of the film), the lovable little robot who is stranded on a trash-filled future Earth will steal your family's heart and make you think twice about your recycling habits. Messages about environmentalism—as well as our reliance on technology—ring loud and clear, even without words.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

 

84. The Incredibles (2004)
Superhero family. Pixar. What more can we say? This spectacular animated film is simply made for a movie night with mom, dad, sis, brother, and babe.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 7 & up.

85. Ratatouille (2007)
Kids will love this cute story about a French rat who wants to be a gourmet chef; grown-ups will appreciate the jokes intended only for them. Overall, this tale about a little rodent defying the odds is fun and inspiring. And, if you're lucky, it'll teach your tot a thing or two about food.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

86. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968)
Sing-a-long adventures in a flying car! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a comical adventure with a dash of danger. Fun fact: The script was co-written by Roald Dahl.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

87. Chronicles of Narnia (2005)
If your reader is devouring the book series, the movies are pretty captivating too. Your Narnian won’t believe that Azlan is made up of special effects and not a real lion.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 10 & up.

88. Cinderella (2015)
Disney's remake of its 1950 classic is just as magical with dazzling special effects and a live-action spin. Younger princesses may still prefer the original (this one has no songs), but parents longing to revisit the Cinderella story with their kids will find it to be a faithful and gorgeous retelling.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

89. Monsters Inc. (2001) 
Middle-of-the-night monsters won't be so scary anymore after kids watch this film and learn that they're the ones who have all the power.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

90. Vivo
A fun romp with fantastic music from Lin-Manuel Mirada, this story is about a monkey who travels from Cuba to Miami in the name of love, and "One Last Song" will have everyone singing from the start.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 5 & up

91. Encanto
Another hit collab from Disney and Lin-Manuel Mirada, this movie tells the tale of the magical Madrigal family and their village hidden in the mountains of Columbia. When the magic is in danger, the only member of the family to not receive a magical gift, Mirabel, might be their last hope. 

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

Related: The Best Movies & TV for Kids That Shatter Gender Stereotypes

92. The Black Stallion (1979) 
This Francis Ford Coppola-directed film about a boy stranded on a desert island with a wild stallion who saves his life is a must-see, whether or not you're into horses. The film morphs from a wilderness survival tale to a root-for-the-underdog horse race. Note: The beginning shipwreck scene may be disturbing, even for adults, so feel free to skip to the island and go from there.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

93. Happy Feet (2006) 
This inspiring story about a penguin who can't find his song—but sure can dance—has a killer soundtrack and an uplifting message. Basically, you be you, penguin. There are also some not-so-subtle messages about environmental stewardship, as the penguins find themselves in a perilous race against a dwindling food source. 

Note: Some scenes with a particularly vicious sea lion might scare younger viewers. 

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up. 

94. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) 
Three loyal pets escape and journey through the West Coast to find their beloved owners in San Francisco. Your sidekick is going to be asking for a furry family addition after this classic family movie.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

95. Cars (2006)
Every kid who loves going "vroom vroom" with his toy cars will love this fast-paced film about a smooth-talking race car who learns the meaning of true friendship and the joy of the open road when he gets stuck in the small town of Radiator Springs.

Rated G. Recommended for ages 5 & up.

96. The Absent-Minded Professor (1961)
A classic family-friendly film that features a befuddled professor who, at the expense of his own wedding, manages to create an amazing compound he calls Flubber. You'll root for the Professor to outwit the greedy Alonzo Hawk, and the silly stunts (like basketball players that can jump to crazy heights) will make the whole family laugh.

97. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
If your budding athlete loves the sports movie formula of losers becoming winners, then she'll love this movie that follows a ragtag hockey team as they shape up and learn the value of teamwork and friendship. 

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 10 & up.

98. Zootopia (2016)
After an otter goes missing, it's up to bunny cop Judy Hopps and her fox-with-a-criminal-record sidekick Nick Wilde to solve the crime. Along the way, the duo meets some of the unique citizens that make up Zootopia and learn to appreciate (love, actually) each other's differences.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

99. The Incredibles 2 (2018)
The nearly 20-year-long wait for the sequel to one of Pixar's most popular movies was worth the wait. Watch Mrs. Incredible (aka Elastagirl) go back to work and leave Bob (Mr. Incredible) at home with a moody tween, homework, and a baby with multiple powers. Look for the return of fan-favorite Edna, and fellow superhero Fro-Zone. Some violence might be scary for younger kids, but the all-around message of teamwork is a home run for families.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 8 & up.

100. The Kid Who Would Be King (2019) 
This modern retelling of the legend of King Arthur has been described as a mixture of "Goonies" and "Lord of the Rings." The story follows a schoolboy who is chosen to save the world with the help of the mystical sword. There are some scary moments—including tense battle scenes and the destruction of a school—but older tweens will love it.

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 10 & up.

101. Inside Out 2 (2024)

Riley's back, and this time she's a teenager! Joy, Sadness, Anger, and Disgust have just figured out how to manage Riley's feelings when... bam! It's demo day, and a whole new group of emotions pop up, in particular, anxiety. A brilliant sequel to the beloved original, while young kids might not understand everything happening, the animation and original group of emotions will delight, while older kids and adults will identify with Riley's new worries and feelings. It's a must-see film for everyone. 

Rated PG. Recommended for ages 6 & up.

Will you let your baby “cry it out”? Are you a fan of “Ferber-izing”? Or might you opt for no method at all?

“There’s a lot of emotion around sleep training and not a lot of science,” said Dr. Elham Raker, a Los Angeles-based pediatrician, blogger, and parent coach.  “I really would love to take the pressure off parents who say, ‘You have to do it this way or that way.’ What works for you mentally, physically, emotionally—that’s what you should do.”

In other words: There is no “right way” to sleep-train a baby.

“Sometimes sleep training is not possible because there are other kids in the house and a cry-it-out method is not realistic,” she said. “Or sometimes parents really need to do the cry-it-out method and get kids to sleep as soon as possible because they have to go to work the next day.  There are a lot of factors that are important to consider.” 

That said, you’re probably very, very tired… and that baby needs to sleep! So what are your options? Here’s a brief rundown of the most popular sleep training methods. See if any resonate with you. But remember, it’s your baby and your sleep (or lack thereof). So do what works.

Note: Experts say the best time to start sleep-training a baby is around 4-6 months old.

Related: Baby Sleep Guide: Expert Advice & What to Expect the First Year

The Ferber Method

What is it: Developed by renowned pediatrician Richard Ferber, author of the best-selling book Solve Your Child’s Sleep Problems and director of the Center for Pediatric Sleep Disorders at Children’s Hospital Boston, this method aims to help children learn to fall asleep on their own by allowing them to cry for short periods before parents soothe them. This method is also referred to as check and console, graduated extinction, or the interval method.

How it’s done: Put your child into her crib when she is drowsy (but not asleep), then leave the room. When/if she cries, wait a few minutes (three is recommended on the first night) before going into the room to comfort her. When you go in, don’t pick her up, feed her, or turn on the light. Instead, just pat (or rub) her on the back and talk to her in a comforting voice. Do this for just a few minutes, then leave the room again.

If your baby cries again, wait a little longer (five minutes) before doing the same steps. Repeat this process, extending the time between check-ins, until your baby falls asleep. The next night, wait a little longer before going in the first time and repeat the process. It helps some parents to keep a sleep log so they can see the progress night after night.

Benefits: You feel like you’re tending to your baby’s needs, and most babies respond to this method in about a week.

The hard part: You can’t pick up your child when she’s crying, which can feel like a big challenge. (Even if studies have shown that cry-it-out sleep methods don’t cause long-term damage.) Also, some babies become more agitated when parents come into the room and respond better to a full-extinction method.

More information: Whattoexpect.com

The Cry-It-Out Method (CIO)

What is it: The infamous, often-controversial method of letting your baby cry until she learns how to soothe herself to sleep without your help. It’s also known as extinction.

How it’s done: It’s simple, but perhaps the hardest method to tolerate for many parents (those baby cries!). After your usual nighttime routine (that should include a bath, lullabies, stories, etc.), place your baby into the crib fully awake. When she cries, don’t comfort her. The idea is that she will eventually get tired and fall asleep independently.

Sure, it won’t be easy when you’re standing at your baby’s door listening to those desperate wails, but experts say most babies will respond to this method within a week—with babies crying increasingly less by the third or fourth day. Keep in mind, this method only works if you put your baby down when she’s tired, so look for signs of sleepiness, including rubbing her eyes, pulling at her ears, or overall fussiness.

Benefits: It works quickly and, if you can safely ignore your babies’ protest, parents might be able to get more sleep (this helps if both parents have to wake up for work in the morning).

The hard part: Those cries can be stressful for both baby and parent! And while studies have shown that letting your baby cry at night isn’t harmful to her development (as long as she’s getting the requisite love and care during the day), some experts still advise against this method due to undue stress it may cause the baby (this study, for instance, found that letting crying it out did cause an increase in babies’ blood cortisol levels, though this is not definitively linked to any long-term consequences). It is also unrelentingly hard for most parents.

“I cried more than my baby did when we were sleep training,” blogger Fiona Tapp said in this Romper article (Spoiler-alert: Her baby learned to sleep independently after a week of the CIO method). “I sat in our office next door to his bedroom, stopwatch in hand, and felt like a delinquent mother ignoring his little cries.”

“The good news, after one week he was going to sleep by himself in his own room, sleeping through the night like a champ,” she wrote. “The bad news? Well, the process was the most stressful, tear-filled week of my life.”

More information: Babycenter.com

Related: How to Create a Calming Bedtime Routine for Baby

The Pick-Up/Put-Down Method

What is it: A gentle sleep-training method in which you go to your baby to comfort them, but then put them back down in the crib and leave the room once she is soothed (repeating this process until baby falls asleep). It’s similar to the Ferber Method, but you’re allowed to pick up and cuddle your baby.

How it’s done: After your usual nighttime routine, place your sleepy baby into her crib and leave the room. If she cries, wait a full minute, then go in and try patting your baby lightly while shushing them (whispering). If she is still crying, pick her up and offer cuddles until she is calm but still awake. Then, place her back in her crib and leave the room. Repeat this process until your baby is asleep.

The next night, repeat this process but add two minutes to the wait time each time before you go back into the room. Repeat every night, adding two minutes more every night. The goal is that your baby learns that she is safe—You are there!—but that she can fall asleep independently.

Benefits: You can pick up your crying baby, which feels right for many parents (even if it means losing sleep in the meantime).

The hard part: It can take longer—both to get the baby back to sleep and to eventually sleep-train your baby—when using this method. This is hard, especially if parents need to wake up and go to work in the morning.

More information: Whattoexpect.com

The Shush/Pat Method

What is it: A precursor to the pick-up/put-down method, this one (which was developed by Tracy Hogg, author of the bestselling “Baby Whisperer” books) works for newborns up to about 4 months old and relies on a particular way of “shushing” and “patting” your baby to lull her to sleep.

How it’s done: Lay your sleepy baby in her crib, propping her on her side (since tummy sleeping isn’t recommended), and steadily pat the center of her back while whispering “Shh” in her ear. If your baby doesn’t want to be put down, you can also shush/pat her over your shoulder. Keep shushing and patting until you feel your baby relax and fall into a deep sleep. Then lay her in her crib and leave the room.

Benefits: It works quickly to get your baby to sleep, and can also easily be used for naptimes.

The hard part: This method is meant for younger babies and, consequently, doesn’t always translate into a baby/toddler who will fall asleep independently.

More information: Thepostpartumparty.com

The Chair Method

What is it: A gentle sleep training method that allows you to comfort and sit close to your baby as she fusses. Parents sit in a chair next to the crib, moving their position further and further away each night until they no longer need to be in the room. This method works best for older babies (6-9 months).

How it’s done: After your usual bedtime routine, place your sleepy baby in her bed and sit in a chair just beside the crib. You can sing or offer soft, soothing words to (hopefully) help your baby slip into sleep. If your baby cries, you can give verbal comfort and rub your baby’s back but don’t pick her up. Sit back down in the chair when your baby calms down—and leave the room only when your baby is asleep.

After three nights, move the chair a little further from the crib, and repeat the above steps with a little less verbal comforting—use just soft “Shh” noises to calm your baby. After three more nights, move the chair by the door and repeat. Then, finally, move the chair into the hallway (but still be visible).  After about two weeks of doing this consistently, you should make it out of the baby’s room.

Benefits: You are there to comfort your baby when she fusses.

The hard part: You can’t pick her up when she fusses. Also, some babies simply won’t be OK with you being there and not picking them up. “The pro of this method is that mom or dad is there and present,” sleep consultant Alanna McGinn told Today’s Parent. “But the con is, there will likely still be some crying, and now baby is watching you watch them cry. It can be really hard to be consistent with this method.”

More information: Whattoexpect.com

The “No Method” Method

Do none of these methods sound right to you? That’s OK, too! Maybe you’re the sort of parent who just wants to do what feels right in the moment—to heck with parenting advice and social media missives! Or maybe you’d prefer to co-sleep with your baby and feed on demand?

Remember: There’s no right way.

“I would say the important thing is, ‘How do we get the best version of us to be available to our kids during the day,” Raker said. “Whatever you need to do at night to make that possible I would go with that method.”

It’s important to note that children with neurodiversity including ADHD and autism may have a harder time falling asleep—and these troubles may start in infancy. In addition, some children just require less sleep (though all babies and kids should get at least the minimum of the recommended amount of sleep per day).

“Here’s what I want to say to parents: You may have tried everything; you may have done everything by the book, and it still doesn’t work,” Raker said. “There’s nothing wrong with you. There’s nothing wrong with your child. If you want to go to them, go to them. If you want to cosleep, cosleep. Do what works for you; just do it safely.”

“Motion sickness can occur in toddlers and infants. That does not mean there is any cause for alarm,” said American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) spokesperson Lauren Crosby, a Beverly Hills pediatrician. “It is not a cause for concern. Just not fun to feel or deal with.”

So what can you do to help prevent motion sickness for kids on your next family road trip? Here’s everything you need to know about carsickness in babies and toddlers: Why it happens, how to spot the symptoms, and what you can do to help.

Carsickness: Why It Happens

Experts aren’t sure why some people get super carsick while others don’t feel a thing. But they do agree that the sensation is caused when the brain receives mixed signals from the motion-sensing parts of the body. Basically, if your body is sitting still, but your eyes and inner ears sense movement around you, that disconnect can cause dizziness and nausea.

Kids are particularly sensitive to motion sickness in cars because they’re usually sitting so low that while their inner ears sense motion, their eyes don’t always see it (especially if they’re looking at a book or device). That disconnect creates the familiar symptoms of carsickness—mainly dizziness, fatigue, headaches, and nausea.

It can also be genetic. That means, if you’re prone to feeling yucky in cars, there’s a 50 percent chance your child will inherit the condition from you. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the condition usually crops up in the late toddler years (2 and up) and continues through childhood, peaking around age 9 or 10. Infants don’t usually suffer from motion sickness since their brains haven’t yet figured out exactly what “normal” movement should feel like, said the AAP. But that doesn’t mean they’re immune.

“For infants, the issue is complicated by 1) the fact that you cannot ask them and 2) the fact that they often throw up, anyway, so we cannot know for sure why an infant throws up on any particular occasion,” Tom Stoffregen, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Minnesota, said in an e-mail. “My educated guess is that infants have a low risk of motion sickness because they have low ‘goals’ for bodily stability.”

Symptoms of Motion Sickness in Babies & Toddlers

Babies and young toddlers can’t tell you in words that they’re feeling dizzy or nauseous from the twists and turns of the road. But they’ll let you know in other ways. Some symptoms of motion sickness in kids to look out for include:

• Sudden change in mood (they become grumpy or cry more than usual)
• Frequent yawning (even after a nap)
• Cold sweat or pale face
• Loss of appetite
• Restlessness
• Increased saliva
• Vomiting
• Older kids may have any or all of these symptoms and may also complain of an upset stomach, headaches, or dizziness

Tips to Prevent Carsickness in Children

The best way to stop carsickness is to try to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some things that can help your kids from getting queasy:

1. Don’t overfeed—or underfeed—your child before a long drive
A very full—or very hungry—tummy may make carsickness worse (and your car messier, should all that food come back up). Give your baby or toddler a small meal or light snack before a long car trip. Stick with easy-to-digest foods like crackers, oatmeal, or pureed fruits and vegetables (breast milk or formula is fine, too). And while it’s tempting to swing by the fast food drive-through for some deep-fried munchies—resist! High-fat or greasy foods can make nausea worse.

2. Put forward-facing kids (over 2) in the middle seat so they can see the horizon out the front windshield
Sitting in the middle seat can be helpful in alleviating carsickness since it offers a straight-shot view of the road (and horizon) ahead. This can help kids maintain some equilibrium.

Note: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends leaving children in rear-facing car seats until at least 2 years old or when they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car safety seat manufacturer.

3. Don’t let your child read or use an iPad during a car trip
Sorry—we know the devices keep those “Are we there yets” to a minimum—but reading or even looking down (as opposed to out the window or at the horizon) makes carsickness worse. Instead, engage your troubled travelers with things like audiobooks, songs, and music, and encourage them to look out the window.

4. Make sure there’s good airflow in the car
Keeping the windows open or the air vents flowing in the car can help, experts say, since stuffy (potentially stinky) air may make nausea worse. Similarly, don’t bring any foods that have strong odors.

5. Plan the trip for naptime
A sleeping child is less likely to be a carsick one. Plan the trip for when your child usually naps—or at night—so that she’ll snooze the trip away before she has the chance to feel woozy.

6. Prepare for the worst
Bring wipes, paper towels, a change of clothes, Ziploc bags, and a towel to cover the car seat (and the area around it) if you anticipate carsickness.

Related: Unplugged Road Trips with Toddlers: Your How-To Guide

How to Treat Carsickness in Babies and Toddlers

So what if you’ve taken all the steps to prevent your kids from getting motion sickness, and you still end up with a carsick kiddo?

Stop driving
Frequent stops may add hours to your journey, but it can help keep queasy feelings to a minimum.

Take Your Child Outside
When you stop, let your child get some fresh air. Letting her lie on her back with a cold washcloth on her forehead can help the symptoms pass more quickly, according to Stanford Health.

Offer cold water or light snacks
If your child has vomited, wait until nausea passes and then have them take sips of cold water (or breast milk if your baby is still nursing). A small, light snack can help as well.

Children over two can take over-the-counter motion sickness meds
Talk to your doctor about whether taking over-the-counter medications like Dramamine or antihistamines (which work in the same way) can help your child. Keep in mind that these meds cause drowsiness and have other possible side effects, including dry mouth and blurred vision, so weigh the benefits and risks carefully.

Please Note: Don’t give any medications to your child (even over-the-counter meds) without asking you doctor first.

Be wary of alternative treatments
Crosby warned against using “alternative” seasickness treatments such as ginger chews, essential oils, and acupressure bands for infants and toddlers since most of those are meant for adults or older children. Seasick bands, in particular, can be a choking hazard to children under 3.

How to Know When It’s More Than Motion Sickness

Carsickness usually gets better when the motion ceases, so if your child continues to feel sick even a half hour after getting out of the car, it could be a stomach bug or something she ate. On the contrary, if your child vomits or cries incessantly every time you set out on a road trip (or even a long ride to daycare), the motion may be to blame.

“The key in telling the difference between motion sickness and something else has to do with monitoring symptoms over time, so if every time a child rides in the car they throw up or get unusually fussy, restless, pale, sweaty, then likely that is motion sickness,” Crosby said. “If the vomiting happens once but never again, then it likely was something else, like the start of a stomach virus.”

Good to Know: If your child feels “carsick,” even when not in motion—especially if this feeling is accompanied by a headache, difficulty hearing, seeing, walking, or talking—contact your doctor, as these can be symptoms of something more serious.

The Good News

According to experts, carsickness usually declines with age, with children ages 6 to 12 years old being the most susceptible. “Motion sickness varies across the lifespan,” said Stoffregen, who has studied motion sickness in people of all ages for almost 35 years. “Things that made us sick when we were kids may no longer make us sick as adults, and vice versa.”

And, for you parents who have suffered with the ailment all your lives, hang in there. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the condition usually gets better after about age 50.

Until then… drive safe!

1. Don’t start too soon—or too late.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents begin potty training anywhere from 18 months to 3 years old. Starting earlier or later will make your road to Big Kid Underwear much more difficult and frustrating (for both you and your child). AAP Spokesperson Jaime Friedman says it’s best to start when kids show signs of readiness, including stating that they are going pee or poop, asking to be changed, or waking up from nap time dry.

According to internationally recognized potty-training expert Jamie Glowacki, the ideal time is between 20 and 30 months because that’s when kids go through a developmental lull in other areas, allowing potty training to take center stage. Wait too long, she says, and you’ll be facing off against a “threenager.”

“All of a sudden they realize they have free will and choice,” Glowacki says. “They realize they control their pee or poop. Then you have power struggles.”

2. Don’t put your potty chair out so they can “get used to it.”

Lots of parents get a potty chair and put it out in common areas so their kid can “get used to it” around the house. But why? If you’re not actually starting the process of potty training, the little potty becomes just another object.

“It becomes a chair, a basketball net, a place to put things,” Glowacki says. “And then the child doesn’t understand that, ‘Wait, now I’ve got to put poop in that thing?’”

Glowacki says parents may harbor a secret fantasy that the toilet’s mere presence will inspire toddlers to potty train themselves. That maybe it’ll mean they won’t have to start the tedious work of toilet-training their kids.

We’re here to say: Nope.

“I want parents to hope for the miracle but prepare for the worst,” Glowacki says. So bring out the potty chair only when you’re ready to start the process.

3. You don’t need a fancy potty seat.

With millions of parents potty training their toddlers at any given time, it’s not surprising that there are a plethora of products promising to make it easier, from floating targets for boys to aim their pee to potty chairs that play music. But Glowacki says most of these don’t actually help the process. (One exception may be urinal potties with water wheels to motivate little boys. She says those work.)

“Parents just want something that makes it easier for them,” she says. “Everyone is dreading this milestone but they’re like, ‘I’m going to get you this and everything will be fine.”

The only thing you really need is a basic potty seat—and get one for each bathroom, so your kid doesn’t have to make a mad dash when nature calls.

4. Don’t mistake “Three-Day Potty Training” for three days only.

If you’ve spent any time talking about potty training with other moms, chances are you’ve heard of the elusive “Three Day Potty Training” program. “Start Friday! Done Sunday!” says the ad for the ebook, which promises you can potty train in a weekend.

But could it be true? It certainly sounds good, especially for working parents who may need to schedule potty training into their busy calendars. But not so fast, says potty-training consultant Jenny Phelps, founder of Oh Crap! Potty Training with Jenny (and former student of Glowacki’s “Oh Crap!” model).

“If you read the small print, you’ll see it says, ‘And then keep doing it for a month afterward,’” Phelps says.

She explains that three-day programs can jump-start the process, but parents shouldn’t have expectations that their 2-year-olds will be ready to say goodbye to diapers by Monday just because of one weekend of no-pants boot camp. Instead, have realistic expectations, and realize that your three days of intense training need to be followed by weeks of consistent reinforcement. After all, you’re training little people, not coding a computer.

“When parents have this false perception that it should be done in that time, they put pressure on themselves, which builds an intensity around these things,” Phelps says.

5. Don’t get emotional or angry when your kiddo has an accident.

Your kid is just learning this skill. So while you may be mad that they just pooped on the living room carpet, try to remember that this is big stuff they’re learning—and it’s not easy for either of you, so deep breaths. You can do this and so will they. Just try to stay intentionally unemotional when accidents happen.

“The more emotion that is loaded into the process, the harder it’s going to be for the child,” Phelps says.  Instead, try to be matter-of-fact while telling them what happened and what they need to do next time. You can say, Hey, it looks like you waited too long and it looks like your pee pee came out. Maybe next time you can get to the potty sooner.  

6. Similarly, don’t say “It’s OK” when your child has an accident.

You’re trying to teach your child that it’s NOT OK to pee on the couch, so don’t tell them it’s all good when they do exactly that. Of course, you don’t want to get mad at them either. Rather, when accidents happen, just stay calm and carry on. Say something like, I know you’re still learning, but pee goes in the potty. Or, It looks like you went pee pee. Why don’t you help me clean this up.

The more specific the language the better, Phelps says.

7. Don’t let your kids wear diapers or pull-ups while potty training.

Think about the last diaper commercial you saw. What’s the one feature it was selling, first and foremost?

Absorbancy! Moisture-wicking! Stay dry!

In other words, those diapers are supposed to make your baby or toddler feel like their pee didn’t even happen. The problem is, this makes it really easy to just, you know, let it happen. On the other hand, when kids feel wet underwear on their skin or see the pee puddle on the floor, their brain can make the connection (as well as the motivation) faster, Phelps says.

So ditch the diapers and pull-ups, she says, at least in the daytime. Of course, if you don’t mind a longer process, pull-ups can work for some kids. “One of the reasons we don’t advocate for that approach is because—especially if you’re a busy, working family where everyone is going all different directions— usually what happens is that [using pull-ups] turns into not potty training.”

And, she adds, using pull-ups makes it easy for kids to backslide. Parents, too.

“You get to the front at Costco and the child really has to pee and you’re like, ‘I’m busy. Use your diaper.’ It turns into perpetually not making progress.”

8. Don’t just plop your tot on the potty at regular intervals all day long.

You may think: They’ll eventually use the potty if I keep sitting them on top of it, right? Wrong. “If your child doesn’t actually need to pee, then sitting on the potty every 20 minutes will get old really fast,” Phelps says. It will also breed resistance, which will lead to power struggles. And that’s the number-one derailer of potty training.

“You can’t potty train effectively if you have power struggles around the potty,” she says.

What you really want to do is help kids learn their own bodys’ signals. Some hints that your toddler might have go include: crossing their legs, fidgeting, hiding, wiggling, squatting, or getting a “deer in headlights look.”

Phelps says that’s when you want to swoop in and say something like, You’re wiggling your body and it looks like you have to pee. Let’s go to the potty.

9. Don’t ask your child if they need to go potty.

Ask any toddler if he has to go potty and you’re most likely going to get a big fat NO, even if said toddler’s bladder is as full as a water balloon. So don’t ask.

Instead, offer prompts. When you see that your child has to go, say simply: Hey, it’s time to go potty. Or, ask the child how they’re going to use the potty (not if they have to go). You can say, Which book would you like to read on the potty?

10. Don’t bribe kids (but rewards once a child has learned the skill can be OK).

There’s a difference between bribing a kid to use the potty and giving a kid a reward once she knows how to do it all by herself. In general, Phelps says it’s not a good idea to offer candy or prizes for using the potty. “The child needs to learn, and rewards are about motivation,” she said. “Motivation isn’t usually the issue for a kid.”

Once a child starts to understand how to use the potty, offering small rewards is OK, she says. But it doesn’t work for all kids.

“A lot of times, if the reward doesn’t work, parents start upping the reward,” Phelps says. “I have seen it get to the point of promising trips to Disneyland.”

Note: Children with autism or other neurodiversity may actually do well with motivational factors like the promise of a small prize after going potty. Just keep these rewards “appropriate.” (one or two M&Ms or a sticker on a reward chart).  

11. Don’t sit your child in front of the TV (or your phone) to go potty.

If TV time is already part of your child’s routine, working the potty into this time is OK. But if you’re using it as a way to motivate your kid to sit on the potty, that’s a no-no.

“It has the potential to turn into a huge power struggle,” Phelps says. “And it usually becomes a reward for not doing the thing you want the child to do.”

So while it’s totally cute to see your little plopped, bare-bummed on the potty watching a football game with Dad, their thoughts are probably way more focused on what’s on TV than their own bodies.

12. Don’t move potty training along too fast.

Once your child has gotten the idea behind “pee and poop in the potty,” don’t be too quick to move forward. Sure, your kid might be able to get to the potty in your living room when you let him run around naked all weekend, but that doesn’t mean you’re ready for a diaper-free day at Disneyland just yet!

Instead, try clothes on in the house first, then quick trips out of the house—an hour or so—during which you watch your child for signs that they have to go. Prompt them to use the potty, prep the car seat for possible accidents, and always have spare clothes.

“Just because the child can pee in the potty with their pants off on a regular basis doesn’t mean they’re potty trained,” Phelps says. “They still need help.”

13. Don’t talk about poop like it’s gross.

Every time you make a “Yuck!” face or hold your nose during a diaper change, your child gets the message that poop is gross. So when it comes time to poop in the potty, they might not want to do it at all.

Phelps has seen it happen. “We really see kids who don’t understand that they have to poop,” she says. “They  literally try to never poop.”

So keep those jokes to yourself. At least until your child is 6 or 7. Then, poop will be hilarious.

14. Don’t stress too much.

There’s a reason Glowacki’s book, Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Once and Do It Right has been translated into 17 languages and sold almost a million copies. Potty training is hard—and we parents need all the help we can get! But try to filter through the smorgasbord of information and don’t overthink it.

“What I’ve seen is that potty training has consistently gotten harder and harder every year,” Glowacki says. “I’m convinced it’s because there’s too much information.”

Social media doesn’t help. Weary parents searching “Potty Training” on Instagram will be inundated with quick how-tos and magical “potty-training hacks” that may or may not work (notable exception is this innovative Mom who advises parents to let their littles sprinkle ACTUAL SUGAR SPRINKLES ON THEIR POOPS before flushing the toilet. Does it work? Maybe. Is it Insta-gold? Heck, yes.).

The bottom line, says Glowacki, is that parents need to go all in once they decide to pull the potty-training plug.“We’re giving far too much credence to, ‘How does the child feel,’ and ‘Are they ready,’” she says. “Just take the diaper off!”

Potty training is a wild ride, but be sure to capture all their most triumphant and laugh-out-loud moments—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.

“The main thing that gives our body energy are food and calories,” explains Diane Burge, a registered dietitian and certified eating disorder specialist in Los Angeles. But not just any food and calories. The trick is to combine carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to keep your energy sustained. She warns that carbs alone—which we often crave when we’re tired—can give you a quick burst of energy, but you’ll crash if you don’t balance them out.

In other words: If you’re going to eat bread, sugar, or French fries (love, love, and love!), be sure to tack on fat and protein. According to Burge, even if you have cotton candy, buffer it with grilled chicken and you’ll be OK. So what should you snack on to put some pep in your step? From peanut butter and cottage cheese to egg sandwiches and loaded nachos (really!), here are some easy food combos that’ll give you energy all day long:

Bagel and Cottage Cheese with Cinnamon

No, you don’t have to give up bread! While bread is loaded with complex carbs, which can give you that quick burst of energy, you’ll need to add protein and fat to keep that energy going. Top a whole grain bagel with protein-rich cottage cheese (which has almost double the protein of cream cheese and is high in vitamin B12). Add a sprinkle of cinnamon—known to help regulate blood sugars and have an antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effect—and you’ll pack in the nutrients without the crash.

Don’t like cottage cheese? A bagel with lox, hummus, or avocado is also a great way to fuel up on protein, fat, and carbs.

Egg & Cheese Sandwich

Protein, check! Fat, check! Carbs, Yep! Egg sandwiches are an easy go-to breakfast food for energy that you can find almost anywhere. Even store-bought egg sandwiches are OK occasionally (they tend to have more fat than the ones you make at home). You can make a lighter version using Egg Beaters or scrambled egg whites topped with light mozzarella on an English muffin. You can also add a tomato for a burst of vitamin C.

Protein Tofu Smoothie

With a sweet mix of protein, fat, and carbs (in the sugar), this smoothie is an easy way to get those nutrients at any time of day. To make it, mix the following ingredients in a blender:

• 2 oz. tofu
• banana
• 1/2 c juice
• 1/2 c yogurt
• ice

Homemade Pizza

Make a healthier version of the popular pie at home using a bagel and various toppings. Besides the usual marinara and cheese, Burge recommends adding chicken, tofu, or pepperoni to balance the carbs and fats.

Pasta with Lean Ground Meatballs and Veggies

This perfect combo of lean meats and carbs will fill you up and keep your blood sugar steady for hours. Try this delicious-looking recipe from Pinch of Yum that uses turkey and red bell peppers rich in C, E, and beta-carotene.

Peanut Butter—on Fruit/Crackers/ Rice Cake/ Smoothie/Toast

Peanut butter is the perfect fuel because it is rich in protein and unsaturated fat, which takes a long time to burn off and consequently helps keep you full longer. It is also rich in fiber, biotin, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, selenium, and vitamin B6. Pair it with apples, rice cakes, or crackers for an energy-soaring boost that’ll keep you going for hours.

Well Plated By Erin has an amazing peanut butter banana smoothie recipe that adds a potassium-rich dose of bananas to up the nutrition ante. This peanut butter banana toast recipe is also a perfect pick-me-up, loaded with fiber, protein, fat, and healthy carbs (your kids will love it, too!).

Sushi

Sushi is a great source of lean protein, healthy fats, and energy-boosting carbs. Since rice (high in complex carbs) is paired with fat and protein, it doesn’t raise blood sugar too much. Dietitians recommend choosing rolls or sushi with salmon, tuna, or mackerel, which contain plenty of omega-3 fatty acids to support brain and heart health. Avoid rolls that contain cream cheese or tempura, which add unnecessary fats.

Also, keep portion sizes small if you’re aiming for energy since overeating itself is a cause of sleepiness. Burge recommends 7-8 pieces in total.

Loaded Baked Potatoes

Potatoes, which are loaded with complex carbs, are an energy bomb. Top them with veggies, low-fat cheese, and proteins, and you’ll get a nutrition bomb as well (that won’t bottom you out 30 minutes later). Try substituting traditional cheese with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, which is higher in protein and lower in fat than other popular cheeses.

This recipe for loaded baked potatoes from Recipe Runner is an easy afternoon hack that’ll keep you fueled.

(Healthy) Loaded Nachos

Bar food much? While smothering tortilla chips in cheddar cheese and refried beans isn’t great for those looking to lose weight, it can help sustain your energy levels and keep you from slumping. Try this healthier version from Skinny Taste—which uses baked chips, lean turkey, reduced-fat cheese, and fat-free black bean dip—to balance carbs, healthy fats, and proteins.

Also, don’t binge, since overeating causes fatigue, too. “It’s about honoring hunger and respecting fullness. If you get too hungry or too full, it makes all the oxygen go to your stomach and you feel tired,” Burge says.  

Basically: Share the chips! And stop when you’re full.

Greek Yogurt with Toppings

You should always have Greek yogurt in your fridge, as it’s one of the best foods to give you energy. A perfect protein-packed snack, it’s loaded with calcium and makes a great substitute for oil in baking or sour cream on potatoes and tacos. Top it with fruit (like berries, apples, dates), granola, and nuts, and you’ll get that perfect trio of fat, carbs, and protein that’ll help you keep you going.

Water

Next time you’re feeling extra sluggish, check your hydration levels. Have you been drinking enough? According to studies conducted at the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory, even mild dehydration can affect mood, energy level, and focus.

“Your cells need adequate hydration to optimize the production of energy from food,” Dr. Barry Sears, author of The Zone Diet, told NBC News.“If you don’t have adequate hydration in the cells, your ability to produce energy (such as ATP) is reduced and you feel fatigued.”

So how much water do you really need? The Institute of Medicine recommends 13 cups of water for men and nine cups per day for women (Hint: That’s about two Stanley Tumblers’ worth).

A Word About Coffee

Most people we know tend to start their day with a cup of coffee. And while you don’t need to say goodbye to your morning cappuccino, Burge says coffee isn’t always the savior we want it to be.

“It will give you a temporary boost, but it leaves you lower than where you were before, so you’re always trying to chase that high,” Burge says. 

Coffee is also dehydrating—another energy-zapper—so keep your water bottle handy if you’re caffeinating.

I watch it now and say a silent thank you. Because—while it may have taken me three kids to get there—it was in that moment that I knew I had a child who is happy just playing by herself.

And that matters. Experts say solo play or “independent play” not only helps children build confidence in themselves; it also helps inspire creativity, build focus, nurture problem-solving skills, and inspire trust—both in themselves and in their relationship with their parents.

Then, of course, there’s the (very important) fact that alone time for the child gives parents a little time to themselves, too. “It does give parents a break,” said Bryana Kappadakunnel, a Los Angeles-based LMFT and founder of Conscious Mommy, which offers coaching and workshops for parents of young children. “If a child knows how to play independently and doesn’t require the parent to engage or entertain them, it makes things like preparing dinner much easier.”

So, where do you start? How can you turn your wiggly, codependent toddler into a self-sufficient kid who’s happy to play alone? I asked some experts and am sharing my own experiences to give you some suggestions.

Start by doing solo time with your child

Sure, we all want to have children who can let us go to the bathroom without knocking incessantly at the door because they need us right now (just saying). But that doesn’t mean we can send our unsuspecting two-year-olds to their rooms and expect the magic to happen.

Start by setting up a space that invites them in: Put some paper and crayons on the kitchen table while you’re cooking dinner; set up a playdough station; put a box of Magna-Tiles on the living room floor. Or, says Amy Carney, author of Parent On Purpose: Raising Thoughtful Children in a Complicated World, set up a “boredom box” with age-appropriate items that spark creative play in your child. For this, Carney recommends small items like art supplies, trinkets, toys from birthday party bags, figurines, slime, or putty.

Related: 22 Genius Amazon Finds That’ll Keep the Kids Busy

“Narrate” your child’s play

Want to make your toddlers feel good about playing by themselves? Sit nearby and “narrate.” This means just acknowledging what your child is doing, i.e. “You are building a really high tower!” or “You’re really being caring to your baby doll.” Doing this builds children’s confidence about what they’re doing.

By the same token, avoid correcting your child or trying to make it a teaching moment—don’t quiz them about colors or ask them to count the blocks in their hands. After all, this is play, not school.

And, replace your instinct to correct with curiosity: for example, if your child is using stacking blocks for all-things-NOT stacking (hey, they make fun hats!), say something like, “Hmm you seem to have found a new way to play with that toy.”

Finally: Don’t ask questions, which Kappadakunnel said can be distracting to the child. Just watch and narrate. Imagine that you’re a nature photographer and just observe the child in her “natural habitat.” (They’re interesting creatures, those kiddos!)

Don’t overload the space

Apparently, your child doesn’t need a lot of toys. A 2017 study from the University of Toledo in Ohio suggested that an environment with fewer toys is better for toddlers and that too many toys actually decrease the “quality of play.” It becomes overwhelming for the child. For each play session, just a handful of toys is enough.

Start by putting out a few toys and telling your child that you’re going to watch them play and that they can show you how the toys work. Let your kid get busy, and just be there to watch (if they ask you to play, tell them it is their time to show you or to play on their own—but that you’re there to see all they can do!). Then, once they are used to playing without you as a playmate, you can try putting the toys down and walking to another room (or another part of the room where you can do something else independently of your child).

The kind of toy matters

They say, “the more a toy does, the less your child does.” So, choose simple toys that inspire open-ended play. Some good examples are:

• Magna-Tiles
• Blocks
• Pretend play items (a kitchen, tools, etc.)
• Baby dolls or a dollhouse
• Simple instruments
• Sensory play (playdough, clay, slime, etc.)
• Role-playing toys

Don’t tell your child how to use the toy. Let them explore it for themselves. There is no wrong way to play with a toy (unless it puts the child is in danger, of course).

Note: Avoid toys with screens or sounds—and don’t use toys that are meant to “teach” (like toys that claim to teach ABCs or colors). Toys that teach have their place, experts say, but when it comes to solo play, open-ended toys are best because they inspire creativity and free thought, and allow the child to lead the way.

“If we can take the pressure off of play to be academic and instead see the learning in play associated with how a child learns to regulate their body, how a child learns to interact with others, how a child learns to occupy themselves—play then becomes this rich, wonderful work that is fascinating,” Kappadakunnel said.

Related: 11 Toys That Foster Independent Play (& Will Gift You a Few Minutes to Yourself)

If your child is resistant to solo play, ask, “Have I been available?”

Does your child fight you when you try to get them to “go play”? Kappadakunnel said maybe your child just needs more of you, first.

Ask yourself: Have you been available to your child lately? If the answer is no, then figure out how you can change that. It doesn’t have to be much: Even 10 to 15 minutes of scheduled “special time” a day does wonders for kids. Just set a timer and sit down on the floor with your child. It may seem like a blip to you, but those 10 minutes can really make a difference—for both of you.

Remember that screens don’t count as “alone time”

While an older child might prefer to spend every moment of her alone time on an iPad or video game console, kids need to make time for more productive time alone. That means, maybe, instead of turning on cartoons first thing in the morning, put down some novel toys and ask your child to make something of them. It may be a hard shift at first, but beginning the day with play is a good way to start!

Now is as good a time as any

Whether you’ve got toddlers as clingy as koala bears or older kids who still consider you Playmate No. 1, it’s never too late to start encouraging a little solo time. For toddlers, having “Alone Time” bursts once or twice a week is a good place to start. You can also lead by example, scheduling time for yourself as often as you can and sharing your feelings about it with your kids.

And don’t forget about YOU. We all know you need some of that precious me time, too. So make yourself a model: If they see how happy you are doing something for yourself, by yourself (arts & crafts, taking a walk, reading quietly), maybe they’ll start to crave those same sorts of experiences, too. Remember: You can lead the way.

Read books that celebrate being alone

Books are a good way to teach young children—especially when it means they get some quality time with you. Try reading these books to get your kiddos craving solo play:

Leave Me Alone by Vera Brosgol
My Very Own Space, by Pippa Goodhart
Charlotte The Scientist Is Squished, by Camille Andros