When it comes to packing school lunches, sharing is caring. And now that everyone is back at school, there’s no end to needing tips to get us through the year. We asked savvy moms across the web to share how they stay organized, find inspiring lunch ideas, and get their kids to actually eat their entire lunch. Here they reveal their best lunch survival hacks. What tips would you add?

1. Give them a choice
Bay Area mama, Lisa Jackson of Good on Paper tells us that her son's lunchbox usually comes back empty when she gives him a choice of food.

2. Create a snack bin
Make grabbing snacks as convenient as possible. With a snack bin busy mornings become a bit less hectic says Samantha McBride. Pro tip from Samantha: keep the snack bin out of your kids' reach!

3. Pack ahead
Busy mom Dana Leigh says her method to the lunchtime madness is to pack her kids' lunches the day before. She reveals, "I have found it easiest to pack lunches for the next day the minute my kids walk in the door from school! They empty out and clean their lunch boxes and load them up with the next day's lunch. Our evenings and mornings are hectic so it's nice to take packing lunches out of the equation during the busiest times of the day!"

4. Teamwork
Getting out the door on time with lunches in hand is a team effort says mom of four, Renee Hill. By asking her girls to pitch in, Renee teaches her family responsibility and as a bonus, she buys herself a few more minutes to sip her morning coffee!

5. Add a little treat
Packing a lunch EVERYSINGLEDAY is probably one of the most challenging parts of the school year. Chelsea Andrews divulges one of her essential tips to streamline lunches for her picky eater. She surprises her kiddo with a treat in her lunchbox, which makes her little scholar's lunches a bit more exciting. 

6. Put your kids to work
Ken Kinzie and April Riehm are all about empowering their kids to make their own lunches. They find that their kids are more likely to eat lunches that they made themselves.

7. Trust that your kids are capable
We love Marlynn Jayme Schotland's perspective: your kids are more capable than they let on. She gives her kids tasks like washing fruit to picking out juice boxes to help guide their independence and as a bonus, it helps make her family's mornings a bit less hectic.

8. Prepare Everything on Sunday
Kendra Stanton's pro tip: pack the entire week on Sunday. She says this will save you time, energy and may even prevent some fine lines in the future!

9. Let your picky eater make the decisions
Picky eaters happen to the best of us. Sara Olsher's daughter has a long history of picky eating. To help her daughter finish up her lunches, Sara gives C a choice by letting her choose her lunchbox and what goes in it.

“Can you ever imagine saying to your kid: ‘This is your last warning. If you run into oncoming traffic again, you’re losing your iPad for the week,'” says parenting expert and clinical psychologist Dr. Becky Kennedy (known to the world as “Dr. Becky”) in a recent Instagram post. That scenario is ridiculous, and of course, you’d never react this way. “We would pick up our kids. We would not let them run into oncoming traffic again. So why do we set our kids up for failure and set ourselves up for frustration?”

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Instead of warning our kids not to do the bad behavior again, Dr. Kennedy suggests that a better way to address the situation is to use the phrase: “I won’t let you.” For example, if your child is repeatedly throwing that ball, you’d say: “Hey you’re having a hard time having that ball and not throwing it inside the house. I am taking it; I am putting it away. In a little bit, we can go outside and throw the ball. I will not let you throw it in here again.” (You could sub in other things here, like removing a remote or plug, if there’s a TV battle, or the item of food or bowl they keep throwing.)

“I’m saying ‘I won’t let you‘ not because I want to be a dictator to my kid, but because I want to protect my kid from having another version of this bad behavior [and] feeling frustrated,” explains Dr. Kennedy. The “warnings” approach encourages that kind of endless loop. The “not letting” response, on the other hand, stops the behavior and also prevents you from having to enforce a punishment that you don’t want to—like taking away their iPad privileges (i.e., everyone loses).

“[The] alternative to warnings [is] embodying your authority, setting a boundary, and intervening earlier. It is better for everyone.” Does this mean you’ll always be 100 percent successful? Nope. Does it mean you’ll miraculously avoid a tantrum? Also no. But it’s definitely worth trying to save yourself another round of threats and additional disciplinary action.

The study followed 1,471 children, half male and half female, and measured their viewing of television or video at 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months of age. This was followed up with a measure of sensory processing at around 33 months, when caregivers filled out surveys about each toddler’s reaction to sensory inputs like lights, textures, and noises.

Babies who watched any television or videos at 12 months of age were twice as likely to experience challenges in processing sensory information appropriately, as compared with their peers. At 18 months, kids with higher levels of screen exposure were found to have both difficulties in processing sensory information as well as a higher motivation to avoid sensory exposure. By 24 months, the researchers saw higher screen time linked to sensation seeking, sensory sensitivity, and sensation-avoiding behaviors.

This comes on the heels of another recent study linking screen time to developmental delays in children. However, the causal relationship between screen time and these negative developmental and sensory outcomes can’t be proven at this time. “Further research is needed to understand the relationship between screen time and specific sensory-related developmental and behavioral outcomes, and whether minimizing early-life exposure can improve subsequent sensory-related outcomes,” says the JAMA Pediatrics study. It’s also important to gather more updated data, since this research started a decade ago when kids were more likely to be watching TV or DVDs rather than tablets or mom’s phone.

“Considering this link between high screen time and a growing list of developmental and behavioral problems, it may be beneficial for toddlers exhibiting these symptoms to undergo a period of screen time reduction, along with sensory processing practices delivered by occupational therapists,” lead author Dr. Karen Heffler, an associate professor of psychiatry in Drexel’s College of Medicine, said in a statement.

Now, we know what some of you may be thinking: Oh great, another study telling me I’m messing up and can’t rely on screen time? But even study researchers wouldn’t take that away from you. The bottom line is, if you think you’re relying on TV time a bit too heavily, try to dial it back. And make sure to mix in lots of family time playing with your baby face-to-face, showing them a wide range of emotions and expressions, reading to them, and engaging with toys. It’s all about balance.

1. The Statue of Liberty—New York, NY

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Don’t let your kids’ only sight of Lady Liberty be on TV or in the movies. Let them experience a sense of freedom at Liberty Island, where they can climb the stairs through the statue’s pedestal, explore the crown, or visit the Statue of Liberty Museum. Kids can participate in the Junior Ranger program and earn a badge when they complete the educational activities inside the information center and around the island. Reservations are highly recommended.

Find out more: nps.gov/stli

2. The Bean—Chicago, IL

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The Bean is the main attraction in Millennium Park that reflects Chicago’s famous skyline and the puffy clouds above. Officially called “Cloud Gate,” this public sculpture is a little kid favorite as they can see themselves from all sides thanks to the stainless steel coating of the bean-shaped sculpture. While you’re in the hood, head to Maggie Daley Park or splash around in the Crown Fountain if the temps are warm. 

Find out more: tinybeans.com

3. Mississippi Civil Rights Museum—Jackson, MS

Civil Rights history comes alive for your school-age children at this thought-provoking museum. Through eight galleries, you can explore interactive exhibits and engaging artifacts, and hear stories from people who fought for civil rights in Mississippi. The galleries encircle a reflective space entitled, “This Little Light of Mine” with a dramatic sculpture that glows brighter as visitors gather. Follow the rich history of civil rights together, and learn how it changed the nation.

Find out more: mcrm.mdah.ms.gov

Related: 25 Places to Visit to Understand Race in America

4. Houston Space Center—Houston, TX

Do your kiddos dream of going to the moon? The Space Center Houston is their ticket to ride! Inspire their curiosity at this exciting learning center that uses space exploration to create an interest in science and math. Check out the more than 400 space artifacts, exhibits, and experiences related to America’s human space-flight program. Known as the home of NASA Mission Control and the International Space Station, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the U.S. space program. One of your most memorable experiences is sure to be the epic Apollo 17 Command Module. To the moon!

Find out more: spacecenter.org

5. Muir Woods—Mill Valley, CA

Chances are, your kids have never seen trees as tall as the California Redwoods. With 31 National and State parks to choose from, you can explore these majestic giants all over California. You’ll even find three trees you can drive through! For the easiest access, head to Muir Woods National Monument, near San Francisco. As a part of the National Park System, kids can join the Junior Rangers, letting them care for the national parks and learn new ways to experience the environment. Walk among old-growth coast redwoods, explore the interpretive displays, and hike the numerous hiking trails.

Find out more: tinybeans.com/san-francisco-muir-woods

Related: National Parks That Bay Area Kids Love

6. Baseball Hall of Fame—Cooperstown, NY

Hit a home run when you visit this museum devoted to our Nation’s pastime. Head to the Hall of Fame gallery to see plaques devoted to baseball greats and then check out uniforms that date back to the inception of the sport.

Find out more: baseballhall.org

7. Four Corners Monument—AZ, CO, NM, and UT

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If you ever wanted to be in four places at once, then the Four Corners Monument is a place you need to visit. This unique spot where the states of Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah intersect is a kid and Instagram favorite. The surrounding area has hiking and a visitor center where you can learn all about the area’s Navajo history.

Find out more: visitarizona.com

8. Gettysburg, PA

The town of Gettysburg is full of history and a great spot for a family visit. You can view living history demonstrations, dine in a period tea parlor, and even experience the area aboard a steam-powered replica train. Head to the Gettysburg History Center to view a diorama of the 6,000-acre Battle of Gettysburg.

Find out more: destinationgettysburg.com

9. The Hollywood Sign—Los Angeles, CA

Whether you drive or hike to see the sign up close, or you find the perfect selfie spot from a distance, the Hollywood sign is a must-visit for families when they come to Los Angeles. Many families choose Griffith Park as their viewing location as you’ll get some epic views of downtown as well as train rides and hiking trails perfect for kids.

Find out more: visitcalifornia.com

10. Colonial Williamsburg—VA

Immerse yourself in history when you visit Colonial Williamsburg. Visit the blacksmith shop to learn what this important trade created for those fighting in the Revolutionary War. Kids will love taking a carriage ride down Main Street and dining on colonial-inspired favorites at the tavern.

Find out more: colonialwilliamsburg.com

11. Zion National Park, Utah

The fourth-most-visited National Park in the United States, Zion National Park is now part of Greater Zion, which also includes St. George, Springdale, Hurricane, Washington, and other towns. Take in the breathtaking scenery and surrounding red rock canyons as you head up to the mountains. Bring the kids for year-round outdoor recreation like mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and more. Show them the open road and historic petroglyphs with exhilarating ATV and Jeep Adventure Tours, or a view from an aerial tour. Enjoy a musical performance at the magnificent Tuacahn Center for the Arts with its 2,000-seat amphitheater. 

Find out more: greaterzion.com

Related: The Best National Parks to Visit with Kids

12. Hoover Dam—NV

This historic dam just outside of Las Vegas is a road trip must-see when visiting this area of the country. Built in the 1930s to produce hydroelectric power, kids will be awed by its massive size. Make sure you stop at the visitor center to learn all about how it was built. If that doesn’t already make this one of the best places to take kids, a small number of tickets are available on-site to take an elevator down to see the inner workings of the dam.

Find out more: usbr.gov

13. National Civil Rights Museum—Memphis, TN

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The National Civil Rights Museum seeks to open a dialogue about the story of Black Americans who experienced and resisted discrimination—a history that spans slavery through the modern Civil Rights Movement, nonviolent protests to armed self-defense. The museum offers 260 artifacts, more than 40 new films, oral histories, interactive media, and external listening posts that guide visitors through five centuries of history.

Find out more: civilrightsmuseum.org

14. Willis Tower—Chicago, IL

Formerly known as the Sears Tower, this Chicago skyline landmark offers an epic view from its Skydeck that you won’t want to miss. Daredevils can walk out on The Ledge, a glass-enclosed platform where you are fully suspended above the street from 103 floors above.

Find out more: theskydeck.com

15. The Smithsonian Museums—Washington, DC

The thing about a visit to the Smithsonian Museums in D.C. is that there is literally something for everyone. From historical aircraft to exhibits about narwhals, the kids will definitely have their curiosity engaged on a visit to our nation’s capital.

16. Hershey’s Chocolate World—Hershey, PA

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This sweet stop on the road trip circuit is one that is certain to please even the grumpiest of toddlers. Learn how chocolate is made and sample the wares as you go.

Find out more: hersheypa.com

17. Bandelier National Monument—Los Alamos, NM

This rugged and beautiful canyon and mesa country was home to humans as far back as 11,000 years ago. Check out cave dwellings, petroglyphs, and other evidence about how people once lived.

Find out more: nps.gov

18. National Susan B. Anthony House & Museum | Rochester, NY

Learn all about Susan B. Anthony with a visit to her former home. The famous civil rights leader was arrested here when she voted in 1872, and it was the home of the headquarters of the National American Woman Suffrage Association while she was president. Take a tour of the house, learn the story behind her legendary life, and be inspired by her “Failure is Impossible” speech.

Online: susanb.org

Related: 17 Women’s History Trips Your Kids Should Experience

19. Cadillac Mountain—Acadia National Park, ME

From October to March, this is the very first place in the country to see the sunrise, so visiting in winter is well worth it, weather withstanding. In summer, summiting Cadillac Mountain is guaranteed to be as easy as the drive to the top, where kids can explore the granite rocks (a result of volcanic activity over 350 million years ago!), paved paths, and the overall majesty of Acadia National Park.

Find out more: acadiamagic.com/CadillacMountain

20. Niagara Falls State Park—Niagara, NY

It’s not every day you can see another country from where you stand! There are several ways to experience the famous falls up close. From the poncho get-up to venturing close enough to get soaked, Cave of the Winds’ 175-foot descent into Niagara Gorge is a child’s delight. If your little captain would prefer a boat-deck view, Maid of the Mist also promises powerful proximity to the thunder of the falls.

Related: Niagara to Buffalo: New York Like You’ve Never Seen it Before

 

21. El Yunque National Forest | Puerto Rico

Hiking is one of the major draws for visitors to El Yunque, located on the eastern side of Puerto Rico. The new Visitor’s Center has exhibits where you can learn about the plants and animals (and HUGE bugs!) that make up the rainforest and what you can do to protect this essential natural resource.

Related: Puerto Rico Is Calling & Here’s Why You Should Take the Kids

22. Royal Gorge Bridge & Park—Canon City, CO

If thrill seekers are curious to know what it feels like to be suspended 1,200 feet above the ground, one of Royal Gorge’s six aerial gondolas offers an exhilarating way to find out. If anyone prefers to walk, its suspension bridge also straddles the 2,200-foot span of the Arkansas River.

Find out more: royalgorgebridge.com

23. Independence Hall—Philadelphia, PA

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Teach the kids more about America’s fight for independence from Britain in Philadelphia, the cradle of liberty. In 1776, it was here that the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence. In 1787, delegates to the Constitutional Convention created and signed an enduring framework of government—the United States Constitution. A visit to Independence Hall (don’t forget to check out the Liberty Bell!) will allow you to share a historic moment. Tickets are free, but you must join one of their tours.

Find out more: nps.gov/inde

24. Walt Disney World—Orlando, FL

While Disney definitely has lifelong super fans, the magic of the Happiest Place on Earth is strongest in childhood. Even if you do it once, it will be worth the look on their faces when they meet their favorite character, take that first ride down Splash Mountain, or otherwise delight in the fairy tales and fireworks. Of all the places to take kids, this one’s sure to delight.

Related: 8 Genius Ways to Save on a Disney Trip This Year

25. Mt. Denali—Denali National Park & Preserve, AK

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Whether you’re heading there in the heart of winter or the full glory of a wildflower spring, there is something to be said for seeing the tallest mountain in North America with your own eyes. And clocking in at 20,000 feet and change, Mt. Denali has the honors. This is an ideal spot to teach little explorers just how mighty our planet is.

Find out more: nps.gov/dena

26. Empire State Building—New York City, NY

A first trip to the Big Apple is one to remember, as is that ride to the top of the Empire State Building. Nothing beats its 360-degree view of our largest U.S. city—you can see for 80 miles. The grandeur won’t be lost on kids—they’ll feel on top of the world from the 86^th-floor observation deck—­the highest open-air observatory in the city.

Find out more: esbnyc.com

27. Kīlauea Volcano—Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, HI

If you find yourself on the Big Island, you’ll absolutely want to visit the most active volcano in the world! Because of that, be sure to check conditions before you summit Kīlauea, but when the coast is clear, you’ll have a choice of hiking trails. You can also stay close to the action at Volcano House, camp nearby, or easily reach the park during a day trip from wherever you’re staying (it’s less than an hour from Hilo and two-three hours from Kailua-Kona). Aloha!

Find out more: nps.gov/havo

28. Old Faithful—Yellowstone National Park, WY

While several of our national parks made this list, Yellowstone is arguably our country’s most storied (and its first), thanks in no small part to the legendary status of Old Faithful, a geyser so cool it has its own webcam. And did you know you can see it under the stars? Visibility is best around a full moon.

Find out more: nps.gov/yell

Related: 6 Reasons to Take the Kids to Montana’s Big Sky Resort in the Winter

29. Homestead Crater—Midway, UT

A true wonder of Mother Nature, Homestead Crater and its geothermal spring can be found 55 feet down a limestone rock that’s shaped like a beehive and only took 10,000 years to form. And while you have to be at least 10 to learn to scuba dive, this is the only place in the U.S. where you can do so in warm water—it’s 90-96 degrees year-round.

Find out more: homesteadresort.com

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30. 9/11 Memorial and Museum | New York, NY

Visiting the 9/11 Memorial may be more of a somber activity to do with your kids, but it’s an important piece of the city’s history and one that can help you discuss the events that happened there.

Related: Visiting the 9/11 Memorial with Kids

31. LEGOLAND Resort—Carlsbad, CA, Winter Haven, FL, & Goshen, NY

If you really want epic fun, consider going big with a VIP Experience—you’ll get priority access to all attractions, a VIP Host who will let you in on some LEGOLAND secrets, an exclusive tour of the Model Shop, along with a personalized building activity, as well as parent perks like valet parking and a photo package.

Find out more: legoland.com

Related: 21 LEGOLAND Secrets That’ll Make Your Trip Awesome

32. Hoh Rain Forest—Olympic National Park, WA

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No need to venture down to the Amazon in order to experience a rainforest. While Hoh’s major hiking trail doesn’t mess around at 17 miles, your kids may prefer two shorter loops, the Hall of Mosses Trail and Spruce Nature Trail that both clock in at right around a mile. You can camp by the river in the old-growth forest or stay in the town of Forks, which is only an hour away.

Find out more: nps.gov/olym

33. Valley Forge National Historical Park, Philadelphia

Imagine what George Washington and his Continental Army had to endure in the freezing cold winter of 1777. March on over to Valley Forge, where you can tour the park from your car, which features nine audio stops easily accessible from your phone. See Washington’s headquarters, encampments, and barracks that will shed light on important colonial history in this beautiful park setting. When it’s warmer, take a hike or bike through the rolling hills.

Find out more: nps.gov/vafo

34. Grand Canyon—Grand Canyon National Park, AZ

When we talk epic, it's the Grand Canyon, or go home, baby. Jaw-dropping views, impressive hiking and camping, and riding a mule to the canyon floor are all must-do activities. 

Find out more: nps.gov/grca

Related: Viva Las Vegas with Kids (Seriously!!)

35. Kennedy Space Center – Merritt Island, FL

Rocket fans literally can’t get any closer than this without applying to NASA. At a few miles away, spectators can see and feel the rumble of the spacecraft as it reaches Earth’s orbit. But it’s well worth noting that Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has more to offer than rockets and launch pads. As part of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, you may just spot otters and dolphins swimming around and bald eagles sharing the skies with those rockets.

Find out more: kennedyspacecenter.com

36. La Brea Tar Pits – Los Angeles, CA

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Did you know that the world’s most famous ice age fossil excavation site is in the middle of Los Angeles? Yup! Long before the Hollywood sign went up (some 11,000 years before), greater L.A. was home to a mecca of mammals. After checking out the observation pit that’s filled with fossils and watching paleontologists in action, the family can walk over to LACMA, another cultural gem in the heart of L.A.

Find out more: tarpits.org

37. The Gateway Arch—St. Louis, MO

Standing 630 feet tall, this catenary arch is the tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere. Head to the top and spy riverboats cruising along the Mississippi River below, or at night to see the city lights.

Find out more: gatewayarch.com

38. The Alamo—San Antonio, TX

The story of the Alamo dates back to 1700, but much of its history is tied to the 1836 Battle of the Alamo. Known as one of the most pivotal battles in world history, it signifies Texan identity, the fight for liberty and bravery in the face of impossible odds.

Find out more: thealamo.org

39. Death Valley National Park—Death Valley, CA

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The hottest, driest, and lowest of our National Parks, Death Valley is like visiting another planet. Summer temps reach well above 100 degrees and winter often sees snow-dusted mountain peaks. Kids will be amazed to visit the vast salt flats and see all the stars that this dark sky park brings to the naked eye.

Find out more: nps.gov

40. The Freedom Trail—Boston, MA

Follow the red line on the pavement around Boston, and you’ll get a 2.5-mile walking tour of 16 historical sites. The Freedom Trail is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond.

Find out more: thefreedomtrail.org

41. The Mall of America—Bloomington, MN

What if a bunch of your favorite places to take kids could all be found under one giant roof? So much more than a shopping mall, the Mall of America houses an aquarium, roller coaster, flight simulation ride, and loads of other family entertainment favorites under one massive roof.

Find out more: mallofamerica.com

42. Glacier National Park—MT

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For a peek at one of the most pristine and beautiful national parks, head to Glacier National Park. Huge glaciers in the last ice age carved out the valleys and lakes there today.

Find out more: nps.gov

43. The Space Needle—Seattle, WA

This beacon in the Seattle skyline is a favorite of tourists and locals alike. At the 500-foot level, you can get a moving 360-degree view of the city below.

Related: Your Guide to the New & Improved Space Needle

44. Angel Island State Park—San Francisco, CA

For a trip to Angel Island, the adventure begins with a ferry ride from San Francisco, the East Bay, or Tiburon. While you take in stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco skyline, and that other famous bay island, Alcatraz, the kids can run wild where the Coast Miwok roamed 2,000 years ago. Get more tips about Angel Island here.

Find out more: parks.ca.gov

45. Manatee Swim—Crystal River, FL

Year-round water temps of 72 degrees? Check. Swim, snorkel or kayak with manatees in their home river? Check again (as long as little splashers are three and up). Learn all about the peaceful, grazing “sea cow” of Florida’s nature coast? Check once more. River Ventures offers the perfect way to introduce younger kids to the thrill of water life without contending with ocean swells or surprise sea creatures.

Find out more: riverventures.com

46. Art Institute of Chicago—Chicago, IL

Expose your kids to classic, world-renowned art like Seurat’s “A Sunday on La Grande Jatte,” Picasso’s “The Old Guitarist”, Hopper’s “Nighthawks” and Wood’s “American Gothic.” Then find their inner child in the Art Institute’s family-friendly programming. With free admission for kids under 14 and Chicago teens under 18, you can make your own work of art in the Family Room or create your own customized family museum tour with JourneyMaker. Check their website for art projects, storytelling, and other activities.

Find out more: artic.edu

47. Yosemite Falls & Yosemite National Park, CA

At over 2,500 feet, Yosemite Falls is the tallest in the country. Lower Yosemite Fall Trail is a paved trail accessible to all ages and takes all of about 30 minutes to stroll so even the newest walkers can hear the power of Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.

Find out more: nps.gov/yose

Related: All the Ways to Explore Yosemite National Park

48. U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum—Washington, D.C.

With the rise of anti-Semitism across the globe, it is important to educate your children about past genocides as well as current events. The USHMM is an interactive museum that confronts hatred, works to prevent genocide, and promotes human dignity. For young people and their families, “Remember the Children: Daniel’s Story” features one family’s experiences during the Holocaust from the perspective of a boy growing up in Nazi Germany. 

Find out more: ushmm.org

Make sure to capture all your most adventurous, hilarious, and tender family travel 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.

But parenting expert Dr. Chelsey Hauge-Zavaleta suggests you try something different to de-escalate the situation when your kid loses it on you—something that’ll work out better for everyone. “I want you to tend to what matters: What matters when your child is super upset is their upset, their regulation. The provocative words are a symptom of the dysregulation.”

@drchelsey_parenting

Replying to @Laura

♬ original sound – Dr. Chelsey HaugeZavaleta, PhD

Here are a few suggestions from Dr. Hauge-Zavaleta to recast the situation and respond to your child differently (in every case, saying less is key):

• “Wow—that’s really hard.”
• “You wish I was doing something different.”
•  Or respond in a mono-syllabic or guttural manner with words like, “ugh,” “yikes,” or “ouch.”

Dr. Hauge-Zavaleta explains that what you are trying to avoid is layering more words on top of the provocative moment. “Your child is in a part of the brain that does not process language very effectively.” Your instinct is to take that moment to teach your child other ways to respond more appropriately, but this is not the time for that lesson. If you counter with more words, you’ll likely be on the receiving end of further anger and shouting. Dr. Hauge-Zavaleta suggests that you make a plan to discuss this with your child when the upset has passed and they are more receptive to advice.

“When adults casually remark that a child seems to be driven by their emotions, they are usually quite correct,” explains Signe Whitson, LSW, in Psychology Today. Emotions are controlled by the body’s limbic system—specifically, the amygdala. “When the amygdala perceives any kind of danger, it directs the body to either fight the threat (e.g., through yelling, physical aggression), flee the situation (e.g., by running away, withdrawal), or freeze up (e.g., shutting down emotionally). Fight, flight, and freeze reactions are all brain-directed, instinctual responses, rather than purposeful, willful, or intentionally defiant acts.”

Kids reacting in these provocative ways tend to have less control over their behavior than parents think they do. Often, kids are acting out emotionally because they have not yet developed the language needed to talk about what is going on. While it might be difficult in the moment, parents should say less when their child’s emotions are running high and double back to discuss the interaction later.

@niky.mamamd

Drownings are 100% preventabld yet they are the NUMBER 1 leading cause of in children ages 1-4. Take the simple and necessary steps to ensure it does not happen to your kids. #childsafety #poolsafety #watersafety #drowning #drowningprevention #pediatrician #toddlersafety #safetytips

♬ Sunny Day – Smoked

Products to avoid:

1. Arm floaties: “These are made of vinyl, are filled with air, and go around the arms. It is so easy for a hole to form in these things and for them to pop when you are not even looking or for them to slip off the arms. They also keep kids in a vertical position, which is known as the ‘drowning position.’ It can give kids and parents a false sense of safety, which then turns into kids thinking they can jump into the pool without their floaties (thinking that they can swim).”
2. Puddle jumpers: All the same reasons as the arm floaties. “They put your kids in the drowning position, they don’t teach your kids how to swim, and they give kids and parents a false sense of security.”
3. Baby neck floaties: “This is an aerosol plastic tube, which is never 100% reliable. [It] goes around your baby’s neck. This is something that your baby can really slip out of. And just to follow a really simple rule of thumb, let’s avoid anything that goes around the neck for an infant or toddler. That includes amber teething necklaces and regular necklaces. It is way too easy for these things to cause strangulation.”
4. Mermaid tails: “Please do not put anything on your child that confines their legs or arms. I don’t care how strong of a swimmer they are; all four limbs must be loose so that they can swim safely.”
5. Blue bathing suits: While these can be okay to use at splash pads or around the yard, the blue color makes it hard to spot your kid when they’re in a pool or other body of water. Instead, choose a brightly colored swimming suit so you can always keep an eye on your little ones.

The main tip that @niki.mamaMD wants you to remember is never to take your eyes off your kids in the pool. Often, drownings occur when there are plenty of people around, and everyone assumes someone is watching the kids. It’s also important to sign up your kids for swimming lessons at a young age and establish protective fencing and extra door locks if your home has a pool. Increasing awareness about water safety is the first step to decreasing the number of drownings.

We’ve left out more obvious choices because we know you’re already a pro at grilled cheese, taco Tuesdays, quick eggs, and the like, but if you’re looking for other easy family dinner ideas, check out recipes that only take 30 minutes, our favorite air fryer recipes, and simple rotisserie chicken recipes perfect for weeknights.  Consider your meal plan done!

Creamy Tomato Tortellini with Pesto

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The base for this filling dish is cheese-filled tortellini, which is pretty much the most kid-friendly pasta around. Add some mini meatballs or sliced pre-cooked sausage if you want to up the protein in this dish.

5-Ingredient Lemon Chicken with Asparagus

Whether you go with chicken thighs or chicken breasts, this 5-ingredient recipe from Pinch of Yum is super flavorful and easy to make. The citrus from the lemon is mellowed out with honey to satisfy those picky palates.

Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

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We love how flavorful these lettuce wraps are. Butter lettuce works best, and you can serve it over rice for those picky ones in your family.

Easy Crockpot Ranch Chicken

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If your kid isn’t a Ranch fan yet, now is the time to indoctrinate them. This 4-ingredient recipe from The Cookie Rookie makes kid-friendly chicken in a veg-free sauce, so you’re more likely to avoid the mealtime tantrums.

5-Ingredient Coconut Curry

There’s something super comforting about this coconut curry from Pinch of Yum. It uses chickpeas instead of meat so that means it will come together super fast.

Paleo Gnocchi Bolognese

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Your family won’t even know that you’re using Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi as the base of this delicious dish. Get the recipe from Mary’s Whole Life.

5-Ingredient Zucchini Fritters

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This recipe is a great way to use up your summer bounty of zucchini. We suggest cooking them on your electric griddle if you have one.

Pa Amb Tomàquet (aka Catalan Tomato Bread)

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Any vehicle for including more ripe tomatoes in our lives is a must-try. Also, this bread looks like a fun way to get the kids in on the cooking action. Get the details on this 5-ingredient recipe over at Gimme Some Oven.

Garlic Butter Chicken and Brussels Sprouts

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Not only does this recipe have only 5 ingredients, but it’s a one-pot wonder as well. Chicken thighs, Brussels sprouts, and garlic are the main players in this flavorful dish. Get the recipe from The Endless Meal.

5-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Branzino

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This recipe uses three of our favorite TJs items: branzino, lemony arugula salad kit, and frozen country potatoes.

One-Pot Pasta

One-pot meals are a weekday dinner staple, and this one from Kristine’s Kitchen Blog serves up sausage with pasta. Bonus: You don’t even need to drain the pasta as it cooks right in the sauce.

Lemon Butter Scallops

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Head over to Damn Delicious to snag this recipe that cooks up quickly and is great paired with asparagus or broccoli.

Quick Duck Stir Fry

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A stir fry is a great way to use up any veggies that might be sitting neglected at the bottom of your fridge. This 5-ingredient recipe from the BBC uses duck, but you could easily swap it for chicken if you prefer.

Instant Pot Short Rib Ragu

Our advice for this full-of-flavor recipe from Pinch of Yum is to double it. It’s that good.

Spaghetti Carbonara

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Any meal that starts with cooking up some bacon is destined for greatness, and this spaghetti carbonara from Damn Delicious is no exception.

Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches

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You’ll get lots of flavor development in a short amount of time with this recipe from Amy + Jacky. We like to serve it on toasted ciabatta rolls topped with Swiss cheese.

Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala

@lainiecooks

4 ingredient Trader Joe’s Chicken Tikka Masala #traderjoes #traderjoesmeals #easydinner #chickentikkamasala

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Our biggest dinnertime hack is using Trader Joe’s items to create a meal that is full of flavor and short on cooking time. This chicken tikka masala is the perfect option when you need dinner on the table ASAP.

Viral Feta Pasta Bake

@kelseyoppenheim

Someone stop me from eating this daily #traderjoesfoodreviews #traderjoes #fetapasta #traderjoescookbook

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This recipe has been all over TikTok, and we understand the hype. Just throw some cherry tomatoes and feta in the oven to bake, and boil up some pasta to mix in at the end. What could be easier?

Cacio e Pepe

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We love that this pasta recipe is full of flavor but contains no visible vegetables that may turn your crew off dinner. Gimme Some Oven explains the easy steps to making this Italian favorite.

No-Fuss Prime Rib

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Save this recipe for the holidays when time is short. You’ll impress your guests with homemade prime rib, we know it.

Trader Joe’s Lobster Bisque Pasta

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Yes, this recipe uses Trader Joe’s lobster bisque to make the creamy sauce, and we are here for it. Click through for the recipe!

5-Ingredient Chicken Lo Mein

@kennedychugg

Replying to @user9761876775593 CHICKEN LO MEIN …or is this chow mein? I get so confused INGREDIENTS: ramen, chicken, veggies, soy sauce, oyster sauce Add seasoning to your chicken then fry on high heat. Remove and add veggies to pan. Boil noodles for 3 mins or package directions. Mix osyer sauce, a splash of soy sauce, ramen seasoning, and water. Combine everything and enjoy! If you want to jazz it up add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes to your veggies when cooking! #budgetmeals #51030meals #ramennoodles #lomeim #chowmein #dinnerideas #easydinnerideas #cheapeasymeals

♬ Keep Dat Clean Radio Edit By iCandy – Soap Radio.

This is an easy (and cheap) way to make those ramen packets into a dinner the whole family will love.

5-Ingredient Chili

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We love a chili recipe that comes together in a flash. You can even sub in meatless crumbles if you’d like to make this recipe from Gimme Some Oven vegetarian.

While you might think a nutritionist would have kids who grow up choosing green beans over French fries, Jess Ferrari-Wells shared a reel lamenting how her toddler and big kid turn their noses up at all things veggie. So, taking a note from celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, the nutritionist instituted a brilliant new way to offer produce to her kids that seems to be working (this week, at least).

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Instead of trying to trick her kiddos into eating them, Ferrari-Wells simply places a plate of carrot sticks, red bell pepper slices, and cucumber sticks on the table. She doesn’t mention them, and she doesn’t encourage her kids to eat them. They are just there when she’s serving the meal. The first day, neither of her kids touched the veggies. On the second day, one of her kids nibbled a carrot. But by the fifth day, both kids were eating them all.

“So I really think it shows that when you keep offering something and it becomes more and more familiar and there’s no pressure, well it seems to be working,” Ferrari-Wells explains of her experiment. “I know everything’s a phase with kids and I’m sure next week it will be back to ignoring, but I just wanted to share because I think it’s been really positive and it might be something you could try, too.”

This supports the idea that removing the pressure around food gets kids to try new foods on their own. It is also helpful to continue offering non-preferred foods even after kids reject them. Studies have shown that repeated exposure to unfamiliar foods increases their acceptability among toddlers, and this can take 10 or more tries.

Parents in the comments offered other ideas for getting kids to eat their greens. One said that the quickest way to get her toddlers to try something new is by putting it on her own plate rather than theirs—and any toddler parent knows that our meals are always more enticing to our tots and their grabby little hands. Another mom said that she grew up with this idea of having veggie sticks available while dinner was being cooked, and as an adult, she’s still conditioned to munch on a few pieces of veg before mealtime.

Toddlers can go from loving a food one day to despising it the next, so it’s a bit of a crapshoot whether this method will work with your little one. But it’s fairly low effort and definitely worth a shot. Besides, if no one touches their veggie sticks tonight, you can easily pack them up for tomorrow and try again!

Mom Kelsey Pomeroy, who goes by @kelsewhatelse on TikTok, explained that her family does beach days differently—she called it the “backwards beach day,” and we think it’s pretty clever. The basics are that you switch up your day to maximize your toddler’s prime morning hours and visit the beach in the afternoon instead.

@kelsewhatelse

This might seem obvious to beach locals, but for those of us who did not grow up near the beach and also live very far away from the beach, “backwards beach days” is a new idea! I used to hate taking my small children to the beach. Taking a baby and a toddler to the beach might seem like an easy day out for many people, not for me. All of the gear, all of the sweat, all of the sand, the crowds, and then trying to go out to eat later when your kids are exhausted and overstimulated and all of the restaurants are crowded. There were just so many things that I didn’t like about it. Until one day when it occurred to me that I could just do the beach the way I want to do it and I came up with a plan that avoided all the things I didn’t like about going to the beach with small children while keeping all the things that I loved about it. This might seem silly to people who live near the beach, but for those of us who live 15 hours from it and have to dedicate an entire vacation to it, it almost seems sacrilegious to not wake up and immediately go to the beach. It feels like you’re missing out on the whole purpose of your vacation. So I had to remind myself that the purpose of my vacation, is to have a vacation! So I need to do it the way that is best for our family. And for small kids, it makes a lot of sense to just do the day backwards to what most people do for a beach day. I know depending on what beach you go to, a night time visit may not be the best idea. Tides and waves work differently in different places, but where we go in Florida it’s the perfect time to visit for us. Backwards Beach days have truly saved the beach vacation for us. . . . . . #kelsewhatelse #backwardsbeachdays

♬ original sound – KelseWhatElse

Here are the steps Pomeroy laid out:

1. Wake up slowly. No rushing out the door to beat the crowds. Watch TV or read books to ease into your day. Enjoy your coffee even!
2. Do something fun while everyone is well-rested. Capitalize on the fact that your child will likely wake up in a good mood to get some activities done in the morning, like going to the library, playing a game, or spending some time at the park. “Everything we would typically do in the afternoon on a beach vacation we do in the morning while our kids are still well rested and not overstimulated, but we capitalize on those great moods,” shares Pomeroy.
3. Eat lunch at home or go out to lunch to take advantage of the fact that lunch crowds are likely smaller, and the prices are cheaper at lunch than at dinner. Plus, you don’t have to worry about your kid dropping their sandwich in the sand or getting it snatched by a seagull.
4. Nap time. “Because my two-year-old wasn’t sandy or sweaty or lotion-y, I could put him down for a quick nap while I had work time,” Pomeroy explains. Plus, no fighting a toddler to head home for a nap when everyone is still having fun at the beach.
5. Head to the beach. “When my two-year-old wakes up from a nap he is in the worst mood, so that is when we head to the beach. Nothing cures a toddler’s mood like sand and water. We’re going to stay at the beach for a few hours until dinnertime. Three to 6 p.m. could be like the witching hours with small children. I don’t want to be in a restaurant right now; I want to be on the beach. ‘Backwards beach days’ mean less crowded beaches and less sun exposure you have to worry about.”
6. Head home. “And then like a visual representation that the beach is closing, we could say goodbye to the setting sun and head for home. Getting the sand off of them is easy because you have a bedtime bath anyway.”

We can’t believe we didn’t think of this brilliant switch earlier!

Marriage and family therapist Emily De La Torre recently shared some phrases parents can use instead that will be way more effective. Children need to “develop body trust, resilience, confidence, and self-regulation” and you aren’t helping them develop these skills by yelling “Be careful!” every five minutes, she explains.

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Some alternatives to “Be careful!” as suggested by @mindful_madre:

• What’s your plan here?
• Do you notice how steep it’s getting?
• I’ll be right here as you figure it out.
• Do you feel stable?
• Take your time.

“Do you notice” phrases are also super helpful in directing kids to acknowledge risks and assess them on their own. These would be questions like:

• Do you notice how that side is slippery?
• Do you notice how weak that branch is?
• Do you notice how close to the edge you are?

“The phrases above deepen creative problem-solving and strengthen a child’s sense of self-agency. The more we allow them to problem-solve, the more they can understand the limits of their body,” De La Torre writes.

Overprotective parents, often dubbed “helicopter parents,” prevent kids from developing a true sense of self and leave them without the skills they need to manage situations on their own as they enter their teen years. Recent studies have shown that helicopter parenting may lead to mental health issues in children, including feelings of anxiety and depression. By making helpful, directed comments instead of shouting “Be careful!” we can get our kids to stop, assess a situation, and proceed appropriately. These skills will benefit them as they move through life without constant parental supervision.