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Here's what I think after having it for a year.

There's an engaging new show for every age. Queue 'em up!

How to have it be a great experience, for everyone.

There's a proper technique to clean them.

Parents of kids who chuck LEGOs everywhere, this is for you.

It works so well.

Including the must-have item took everywhere.

It's a game-changer.

From toys to the perfect beginner guitars.

Must-haves for stress-free beach day fun.

From parents who have mastered theme park visits, and have the mouse ears to prove it.

This is how everyone has a good time on a road trip.

As a busy mom of five, I know what to expect now.

I do these things so I can spend my time and energy watching for bugs instead.

I'm definitely keeping this one in mind.

Because no one has time to do these in December.

You mentioned that your father told you Orange Pants stories when you were a kid. What were they like and will you share one?Debra N.Dear Debra,Flattery will get you everywhere :). Of course, I’d love to share the story and thanks for asking. I’ve never written one down before. My father would make them up as he put us to bed and then later on I made them up and told them to my first through third graders at nap time when I was a teacher.

Great ideas for long summer days.

Hey Maxwell! I know you were on vacation last month. What was the funnest thing you did with your daughter? TroublemakerDear Troublemaker,When I saw your question come in a smile ran across my face — for two reasons! Number one, I was glad you were holding my feet to the fire and putting me on the spot in my own current life, and, number two, I HAVE THE PERFECT ANSWER FOR YOU. This is going to be a very simple and short answer.

It's the gift that keeps on giving.

If it's not your thing, it's not your thing.

There's lots of cheering on involved!

Hint: it's a "wheelie good" family hobby.

My son is nine and not very excited about reading in the way that I was at his age. Do you have any suggestions for getting him going or simply into stories?– RonaldDear Ronald,While I know schools teach reading, I’ve always found that everyone eventually reads and it just COMES when the time is right.

Giant outdoor unicorn bowling, anyone?

It's always a hit.

Avoid the pre-party gift scramble.

My daughter is really working on me to get a small, inflatable pool for the yard this summer, but I don’t want to buy something that is ugly and will break. Got any really good recs? AlisonDear Alison,With the heatwave that hit lately and deeply understanding wanting to keep kids out of the house and active this summer, I got your back.

My tips for hiking with little kids, including one game-changing secret weapon.

Awesome picks for kids of all ages.

It's the answer to potty training in a tiny bathroom.

They're all mineral-based, affordable, and easy to find.

And why it's the perfect kids party activity.

Fun fact: it's actually a 3D puzzle!

Fairy wands, glitter trails, special tooth pouches, and more!

"I hadn’t realized the space that decision was taking up in my mind until it was gone."

Sustainability starts now.

If you've never had breast milk leak on your work blouse or sent your kid to school in pajamas on NOT-pajama day, are you even parenting?

Reading activities, book celebrations, and more genius ideas to make reading aloud exciting again.

3D blank canvases for your kids, right in your recycle bin.

Because it's the little things that save your sanity.

Warning: Hilarity may ensue for children (and adults) of all ages.

Toys and pajamas are lovely, but what new parents really need is practical help.

Because who doesn’t love a good swing set?

How to explain the concepts of death and dying in a way that won’t scare your kids.

I know you’ve suggested things for kids to do indoors, but what about board games? Is that too old fashioned?IsabelDear Isabel,I love your question and it brought up something I hadn’t thought about in years, which is that I remember my brother and I getting so excited when our dad played chess and Othello with us – so much so, in fact – that I did the same with my daughter on many week nights before bed and it was a lovely moment of the day.

From accessible sensory gardens to actual dragon-and-castle themed spots, these are the most fun picks for littles to play.

These stars lead with empathy, boldness, and a whole lot of fun for littles.

From the importance to cultural legacies to the celebrations that make life so vibrant, Raakhee Mirchandani shares her experience as a mother.

Geocaching? Group texts? Screens really can be a source of good.

This piece was created for Cubby, our weekly newsletter for families at home. Want more? Sign up here for a weekly splash of fun and good ideas for families with kids. Thanks to their natural curiosity, children are basically mini-scientists, constantly tinkering, observing, and creating. Exploring STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) methods through hands-on learning allows them to discover different concepts, while also having a lot of fun.

The past year, and especially the last few months, has been all.about.the.togetherness. A long stretch of cold days and early darkness has kept our family, including my 4th-grader and 1st-grader, inside and on the hunt for boredom busters. We’ve adopted not just family game night, but also family game afternoon, and sometimes family game morning. As an admitted win-junkie, I am always down for a cutthroat round of Monopoly or Uno.

This piece was created for Cubby, our weekly newsletter for families at home. Want more? Sign up here for a weekly splash of fun and good ideas for families with kids. With a year that has caused more emotional whiplash than I will ever be able to fully unpack, we have been sailing through this uncharted home-online-hybrid-school territory with humor, tears, exhaustion, and, thankfully, a few very helpful purchases.

This piece was created for Cubby, our weekly newsletter for families at home. Want more? Sign up here for a weekly splash of fun and good ideas for families with kids. The pandemic has been challenging for everyone, and without a doubt the most difficult part has been the separation from friends and family.FaceTime and Zoom have served their purpose, but aren’t a replacement for shared meals, group game nights, and giant bear hugs.

From a sensory bin to a rock climbing kit to a projector that can be used outdoors, we picked out toys and gadgets to match every interest and every age.

I spoke to my dog trainer for his best tips on integrating a new dog into your home.

Improve everyone’s literacy while having fun! (And some of these games are free, too.)

These tricks work for little ones AND caregivers!

There’s no need to sacrifice fun, even while staying cautious. Here, ideas to get the whole family adventuring or relaxing in fresh new ways.

Home is not just a building; it's a collection of traditions passed down through generations of builders, homemakers, and artists.

Nutritious snacks, adorable apparel, and so many more Black-owned brands we can't wait to shop.

There's a lot to be gained by turning DIY projects into family affairs.

I love Valentine’s Day because it is all about love and romance for my husband and me, but what can I do with my children? LucielDear Luciel, I am glad that you find Valentine’s Day loving and romantic! So many get overwhelmed by the commercial messaging that it can dampen the spirits, but I’m with YOU! It’s an odd “Hallmark” holiday and one that you really can make anything you want, so why not make it great? Children LOVE their parents.

This piece was created for Cubby, our weekly newsletter for families at home. Want more? Sign up here for a weekly splash of fun and good ideas for families with kids. Join us over on Instagram for more! Anyone else fall down a baby-photo black hole every once in a while? And when I say once in a while, I actually mean a few times a month.

Chocolate painting, heart-shaped sun-catchers, scavenger hunts, and more themed activities to while away the chilly days.

In these troubled times, it's handy to have a few in your medicine cabinet. Here's where to buy them.

We put together a list of the best page-turners about Black history, empowerment, and more. 

In time for Valentine's Day, we have a coloring page for the littles that also folds up into a sweet card for their loved ones.

No more messy Barbie box.

Minutes of set-up equals hours of fun (and learning)!

I was NOT prepared for how much we'd all laugh while playing this.

They're timeless and easily accessible for little ones — but also magical enough to capture the fun of reading.