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Tag: kids

  • Support a good cause with t-shirts designed by SoCal artists

    ABC7 will donate its proceeds from sales at our online apparel shop to support local charities and non-profit organizations in our viewing area.

    You can help send SoCal kids some holiday joy! ABC7 has partnered with local muralists to design t-shirts to support support our Spark of Love toy drive, collecting toys and sports gear for children and teens in need later this year.

    Click here to check out great Spark of Love-inspired designs by Terrick Gutierrez, Mister Toledo, GoopMassta, Liseth Amaya, hero, Ernest Doty, Jason Ostro, AngelOnce, Su.plex, Vasco Del Rey, Jules Muck, Moncho 1929, Phobik and Septerhed.

    ABC7LA Spark of Love-Inspired Adult Short Sleeve T-Shirts

    Muralist WRDSMTH donates his time and talent to support this year’s Puppy Palooza pet adoption event.

    Shelter pets need our support. ABC7 has partnered with local muralists to design t-shirts supporting our bi-annual Puppy Palooza dog adoption event, supporting spcaLA.

    Click here to check out our exclusive Puppy Palooza-inspired designs by WRDSMTH and Teachr.

    ABC7LA Puppy Palooza T-shirt designed by WRDSMTH

    ABC7 has partnered with local muralist Phobik to pay tribute to the firefighters who risk their lives to protect ours.

    ABC7 partnered with local muralist Phobik to pay tribute to the firefighters who risk their lives to protect ours. ABC7’s proceeds from sales of the shirt go to the LAFD Foundation.

    ABC7LA SoCal Strong T-Shirt designed by Phobik

    Los Angeles-based muralist Coco Nella partnered up with ABC7 to design this year’s LA Pride shirt as a social responsibility to give back to the LGBTQ community.

    Celebrate Pride Month all year long with our ABC7 Pride t-shirts, tank top and fanny pack! Sales of the ABC7 Pride Collection will help raise funds for AIDS Walk Los Angeles and APLA Health.

    Click here to check out exclusive Pride-inspired designs by Coco Nella, Mike Habs, Ricky Sencion and Marisabel Bazan.

    The Burbank street artist hopes to help those in need.

    Millions depend on local food banks, especially right now. ABC7 has partnered with local muralists to design t-shirts supporting our annual Feed SoCal food drive, raising much needed funds for regional food banks.

    Click here to check out exclusive Feed SoCal-inspired designs by Sef, Cloe Hakakian, Eric Michael, Davia King, EZRA L.A., ZLA, Dezmundo, Menace Two & Resa Piece, Corie Mattie, Jeremy Novy, kar_part and Ruben Rojas.

    ABC7LA Feed SoCal-Inspired Adult Short Sleeve T-Shirts

    KABC

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  • How much are Canadian families (really) spending on extracurricular activities—and can they afford it? – MoneySense

    “Unfortunately, they ended up liking it,” Christine jokes. As her daughters got older, they signed up for additional dance classes. Fees increased over time and two years ago, her oldest daughter joined the studio’s competitive team. Christine now pays $731 per month for various classes plus several thousand dollars in competition fees, costume fees, and travel expenses throughout the year—not to mention the cost of swimming lessons and other activities. 

    While Christine and her husband have the means to cover these expenses, she knows that many others aren’t in the same position. “And when your kids are enjoying it, you don’t want to take it away.”

    Current data is lacking, but a 2001 report from the Government of Canada indicated that 86% of Canadian children between the ages of 6 and 17 had participated in one or more extracurricular activities. A 2017 Ipsos report shared that 71% of Canadian parents felt that it was important to keep their kids busy with organized activities, and data from the same year suggested that parents pay an average of $1,160 per year on extracurriculars. 

    Perhaps most importantly, the same report found that 55% of Canadians felt financial strain due to their children’s extracurricular fees, and 32% of families were going into debt to fund these activities.

    To learn more about how much families are paying and how they can make extracurriculars fit into their budget (or not), we spoke to Lianne Hannaway, a CPA and wealth coach in Toronto.

    A look at the numbers

    The cost of extracurricular activities for children varies wildly by type, location, and organization, and can also take many different forms: six weeks of art lessons, a summer baseball league, 10 months of dance classes per year or year-round swim lessons, for example. Some activities require payment in full at registration and others come with a monthly bill. Many competitive sports teams have registration fees on top of monthly costs, and parents are almost always responsible for purchasing equipment—not to mention add-ons like spiritwear, plenty of concession stand coffees, and the occasional pound of wings after a game.

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    Find the best and most up-to-date savings rates in Canada using our comparison tool

    While the average family in Canada pays $1,160 a year for after-school activities, the cost can be substantially higher for those in high-cost athletics, activities with a travel component, or specialty programs—even more so if you have multiple children enrolled. Here are some current examples from Canadian parents:

    • “I pay around $5,500 a year for my 14-year-old daughter’s competitive volleyball team and $6000 a year for her competitive dance.” —Elizabeth in Hamilton, Ontario
    • “$1,375 per year for each of my two kids’ theatre lessons. And then we pay to see them perform!” —Sophie in London, Ontario
    • “$489 per month for competitive dance plus around $2,500 in added costs during competition season.” —Carrie in Burlington, Ontario
    • “$150 per month for cello lessons plus $500 a year to rent the instrument.” —Emily in Toronto, Ontario
    • “$243 per month for vocal lessons, $1,413 per year for student theatre, $840 in annual fees for jazz orchestra, and $2,800 for a summer music academy in Cuba.” —Maureen in Burlington, Ontario
    • “With three kids in competitive cheer, baseball, and hockey, I pay more for their activities than I do for my mortgage when factoring in travel, hotels, for tournaments, etc. We paid for 40 hotel nights in 4 different provinces in 2025 alone.” —Amanda in Ottawa, Ontario
    • “$10,000 a year for competitive dance including lessons, competitions, costumes and other fees.” —Caitlin in Toronto, Ontario
    • “Our son made a rep hockey team and we ended up saying no because the registration fee alone was $3,000. He’s seven!” —Annie in Burlington, Ontario

    Dealing with pressure—and sticking to what you can afford

    Putting your kids in extracurricular programs isn’t just about keeping them busy after school or nurturing their talents. For many parents, there’s an underlying pressure to provide exposure to a diverse array of experiences, giving your children valuable enrichment experiences and/or helping them keep up with their peers. That pressure can lead to excessive spending—especially if your kids fall in love with a high-cost activity.

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    Whether your child is into music, dance, sports, or art classes, Hannaway notes that these activities have to fit into your family’s budget. “Saying ‘yes’ to an activity that will create financial stress is not a gift to your children,” she emphasizes. This doesn’t necessarily mean saying no to extracurricular programs; more so, Hannaway suggests being choosy about what form the activity takes.

    “When your kids are young—under 12—keep it local and exploratory,” Hannaway suggests, noting that as your kids get older and hone in on their passions, you may want to invest more in a specific activity. But there’s no need to join an expensive sports team with a travel component when your child would also enjoy playing for a local team with significantly lower costs. Unless they’re the next Sidney Crosby, Hannaway says, house league will let them enjoy the same sport at a more affordable price point. “The idea isn’t excellence; it’s exposure. And the cost has to be in line with your financial reality.”

    Affordable options and savings tips

    Once you know how much rep hockey or competitive dance costs, it can be hard to believe that affordable extracurricular programs exist—but fortunately, they do. 

    If you’d like to enroll your kids in programs that don’t break the bank, start by exploring what’s offered through your local library and/or community centre. There may be weekly or drop-in programs including dance, gymnastics, art, coding, and more. City-run swimming lessons are far more affordable than lessons at private pools, and your community may have youth clubs that are free or involve minimal fees to join. Another low-fee option is joining the Beaver Scouts or Girl Guides of Canada, which typically costs less than $300 for the entire year. Older kids can also join school-based sport or dance programs for an enriching, team-building athletic experience that doesn’t come with a big monthly bill.

    If your child is registered in more expensive activity options, there are several ways to lower your costs, Hannaway says. Keeping activities local will always cost less. Buying secondhand equipment is a major cost-saver, and equipment swaps are an excellent opportunity to size up without paying much (or anything). Many youth teams and clubs hold fundraisers to lower costs for families, and some will lower your fees if you volunteer within the organization.

    If your kid is dedicated to an activity that’s slightly out of your budget, there are ways to get creative. “You can redirect gift giving from grandparents,” Hannaway suggests. “It’s a real game-changer if instead of buying toys, the grandparents give a hockey stick, for example.” She adds that when this happens, it often encourages grandparents to attend games because they’ve invested in the activity. This adds to your child’s support network in more ways than one.

    A great childhood doesn’t require a huge price tag

    As parents, we all want the best for our kids—but that doesn’t mean putting yourself into debt to avoid disappointment or keep up with the Joneses. Simply put, if an activity is not within your means, it’s not the right call for your family. Instead, do the best you can do within your budget, and remember that unstructured play and downtime are beneficial for kids, too. 

    “Guilt is the #1 enemy of good financial decisions,” Hannaway asserts, encouraging parents to create financial boundaries and stick with them. “When an expense doesn’t fit into your family’s financial reality, it’s a great opportunity to teach kids that financial decisions involve trade-offs. Kids can handle the truth. Share your financial wisdom with them. It’s not deprivation—it’s a life lesson.”

    Erin Pepler

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  • Keep Your Kids Entertained With These Adorable Screen-Free Speakers

    With a lovely mix of music, stories, and sounds, all available in eight languages, this speaker successfully combines fun and education. It is durable, has its own handle, and is simple enough for toddlers to operate. Timio is for kids aged two years and up. There’s no need for a screen, app, or internet connection, as your child can play content by selecting one of the plastic discs and slotting it on top. You get five discs in the box covering classical music, farm animals, vehicles, lullabies, and bedtime stories. Each disc looks like a clock face with pictures at each hour, and kids simply press the one they want. Additional sets of discs are $22 and cover all sorts of topics, from dinosaurs to learning colors.

    The speaker sounds surprisingly good, and there’s a 3.5-mm audio port for kids’ headphones. Timio is a great way to introduce your kids to other languages or for multilingual households (you can press and hold the language button to switch between English, Spanish, French, German, Dutch, Chinese, Italian, and Portuguese). There’s also a quiz mode, with prompts like find the police car, identify numbers, or select a specific shape. Timio does require three AA batteries, and when you screw open the back panel, you will also find the SD card that holds the content. We recommend rechargeable batteries, as you will change them often if Timio proves popular with your kids. Although they are large and you get a bag to keep them in, there is a risk that discs will go missing.

    For kids aged 2+ years.

    Simon Hill

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  • Portland Firefighters Collect Coats For Kids – KXL

    Courtesy Portland Fire Fighters Association.

    PORTLAND, OR – On Tuesday, November 18, the Portland Fire Fighters’ Association, IAFF Local 43, will hand out new warm winter coats to kids enrolled in Portland Public Schools Early Learning Centers. This year a record number of new coats will be given to children between the ages of  2 to 13 years old.

    The ‘Local 43 Coats for Kids’ program began 12 years ago after members could see the need in the community.

    “We want the children to see that we care, we want them to be warm as they walk to school or play outside,” said President of Portland Fire Fighters’ Association Isaac McLennan.

    This years the coats were distributed at Clarendon Regional Early Learning Academy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School in Portland.

    Paul Davis Restoration and others made it possible for local school age children to receive new winter coats.

    “It is rewarding to hand a new coat to a child who gives you a big hug and a smile in return,” said Justin Graham with Paul Davis Restoration. “Knowing we are making a difference in a child’s life with a simple donation, it’s an easy way for our employees and company to give back.”

    Organizers said each coat costs about $55, but having a new coat helps each child stay warm and healthy during the winter months.

    The program accepts all donations throughout the in order to continue this fall tradition.  You learn more at http://iaff43.org

    More about:

    Tim Lantz

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  • I Made My Kids Build Robots and Read Books to Test the Best Subscription Boxes for Kids

    My kids’ appetite for stickers is endless. I find them constantly, on the mirrors in our house, on their school planners and water bottles, and occasionally stuck to the back of my chair or in the car. Stickers are also an accessible way of supporting independent artists. Maybe you can’t buy a painting or a T-shirt, but a sticker only costs a few dollars and you can display it everywhere.

    For $12 a month, Stickii Club offers three different sticker styles—Cute, Vintage, or Pop—along with a storage sleeve and three stationery items, like a notepad, card, or stamp. The club works with independent artists and illustrators (no AI-generated art yet) to produce sheets of original designs. We tried the Pop subscription. These stickers are marvelous. There’s a huge variety in the sheets sent. Some are vinyl, some are transparent, but all are high quality and intricately detailed. The artist is also noted on each corner so we can look them up ourselves. My kids were delighted and traded them with each other like currency. I am now investing in Stickii folios (from $18) in the hopes that I can keep these just a little bit more organized (and sticking a few on my laptop while I’m at it).

    ★ Alternative: You can’t pick the style of box with a Pipsticks Kids Club sticker pack ($20), but with such a big selection, there are bound to be stickers that your child or children will love. It includes 15 sheets of Pipstickers, collectible stickers, a postcard, an activity book, and more. I have two kids who love stickers, and even we found the classic pack to be a bit much; Pipsticks also has a petite pack option for $14.

    Adrienne So

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  • Great adventure items from biking gear to Pickleball kits up to 75% off with ABC Secret Savings

    As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, Localish will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below*

    This week, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of the great outdoors. Shop these great deals while supplies last.

    CLIP: E-Bike Conversion Kit

    • $419.30

    • + Free Shipping!

    • $599

    Turn almost any regular bike into an e-bike in seconds with CLIP. No tools and no complicated setup are needed. The lightweight, super sleek device clips right onto your bike (commuter, road, hybrid, even shared bikes) – with a quick push of the handlebar remote, you get a smooth boost from the 450-watt motor. There are two battery options, depending on how far you want to ride. Free shipping!

    Alpcour: Reclining Stadium Seats

    Upgrade to the best seats at the game! If you’re spending weekends at soccer games, football fields, or cheer competitions, these portable stadium seats will upgrade your whole experience. These bikes are thoughtfully designed with a reclining back, anti-slip base, bleacher hooks, plus built-in storage for snacks, water bottles, or your phone. Also available are models with heated and massage features, too. Free shipping!

    Shorties Golf: Golf Clubs for Kids

    Shorties Golf: Golf Clubs for Kids

    Ditch the plastic play sets and get your kid the real thing. Shorties Golf makes real, high-performance metal golf clubs designed specifically for kids as young as two years old. They come in four sizes to fit little golfers up to 51 inches tall, and you can choose from four fun colors, plus lefty or righty options. These clubs aren’t just adorable; they actually fit better, so kids learn to swing properly. Free shipping!

    VYBZ: True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Charging Case

    True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Charging Case

    Give the gift of crystal clear sound. Engineered with the latest technology and designed for ultimate convenience, VYBZ earbuds redefine what it means to enjoy music, make calls, or interact with your smart assistant. LED intelligent power display keeps you in the loop with real-time battery level indicators. With just the push of a button, you can easily connect the earbuds to your device and activate the power display. Ultra-low latency and smooth binaural synchronization deliver an audio experience that’s in perfect harmony with your activities, with no lag.

    Limitless: TotalBoost Mini Pro II

    TotalBoost Mini Pro II Power Bank

    Stay powered up on any adventure. TotalBoost Mini Pro II is a power-packed, yet small and portable charger compatible with the latest and most popular mobile devices. It’s ideal for slipping into your purse or pocket when leaving the house. The TotalBoost Mini Pro II offers endless compatibility with virtually any electronic device -no cords needed. It even has a mini flashlight!

    CORE Pickleball: Pickleball Kits

    CORE Pickleball: Pickleball Kits

    For the pickleball lovers on your list, CORE Pickleball kits help you play anytime, anywhere in seconds. Serve up instant fun with an effortless setup, featuring everything you need: two paddles, three balls, and a net for the ultimate game play, anytime, anywhere. This kit is perfectly suited for beginners and pros alike, young and old. Free shipping!

    * By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave Localish.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these products with you, Localish is not endorsing these products. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.

    Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

    KGO

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  • Countdown to the holidays with our guide to the best Advent calendars of 2025

    As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, Localish will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below*

    Advent calendars have grown up! Now, you can find a unique countdown experience for every member of the family, including your pet. Shop our list of top picks and make this holiday season memorable for all.

    Best Advent Calendars for Kids

    Barbie Fab Advent Calendar

    Barbie Fab Advent Calendar

    Help Barbie get ready for the holidays! This Advent calendar includes Barbie plus 23 stylish surprises so that kids can play dress-up with their doll and create lots of different looks! The fun starts with the unboxing experience and continues with each glamorous fashion.

    Disney Once Upon a Story Advent Calendar

    Disney Once Upon a Story 24-Day Countdown Calendar

    The Disney Once Upon a Story collection celebrates the power of imagination and storytelling with beloved fairytale friends. Hours of magical adventures await with the stories your child creates! A wonderful world of Disney fairytale favorites is presented as 24 miniature figures in this castle-shaped Christmas countdown calendar set. Open a compartment in the surprise package every day from December 1-24 to reveal a play figure or prop that can be added to your collection.

    Lego City Advent Calendar

    Lego City Advent Calendar

    The LEGO City Advent Calendar is bursting with festive fun! It includes characters dressed as polar bears, reindeer, and holiday trees, plus accessories and toy mini builds. Fold out the playmat to reveal a Christmas party scene, the perfect backdrop for seasonal stories and imaginative adventures. Every mini surprise comes with simple, easy-to-follow building instructions printed on the inside of each calendar window, making it ideal for new builders and little LEGO fans.

    Military Army Man Advent Calendar

    Military Army Man Advent Calendar

    Be all you can be with the Military Army Men Advent Calendar. This set includes 12 army men, 1 dog, 3 vehicles, weapons, and assorted gear. Little soldiers will love assembling their troops as they count down to Christmas.

    Play-Doh Advent Calendar

    This calendar has tear-off playmats with snowman and gingerbread scenes. Use the surprises from days 1-12 to complete the snowman scene, and 13-24 to complete the gingerbread scene. Some of the surprises include creation cards that offer kids creative ideas for using their Christmas countdown calendar for fun arts-and-crafts activities. By the time every door has been opened, kids will have a fun collection of festive Play-Doh tools and colors to keep playing and creating all season long.

    Mattel Jurassic World Rebirth Advent Calendar

    Mattel Jurassic World Rebirth Advent Calendar

    Celebrate Jurassic World Rebirth! Bring home the adventure and thrills of the movie with this Advent calendar. It features 24 day-by-day dinosaur-related surprises. Will it be a mini dinosaur or a fence piece? Find 24 pieces in total, including 18 mini dinosaurs from Jurassic World Rebirth. The largest dinosaur comes in 3 pieces that snap together. Collect all the pieces to put together a mini enclosure playset or display.

    Best Advent Calendars for Teens

    K-Pop Demon Hunters Advent Calendar

    K-Pop Demon Hunters Advent Calendar

    Your teen will love this 24-day countdown to Christmas. The calendar features collectible keychain toys inspired by the Netflix animated movie. Behind each door, anime fans will find a surprise figure from the K-pop demon-hunting world, including characters like Rumi, Zoey, and the Saja Boys villains.

    Stranger Things Advent Calendar

    Stranger Things Advent Calendar

    This countdown calendar is ideal for Stranger Things fans. The calendar features themed stationery and collectibles, a must-have for teens who enjoy unique Christmas decorations and gifts. Each surprise combines creativity and function, from slap bracelets to sticky notes.

    National Geographic Gemstone Advent Calendar

    NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Gemstone Advent Calendar

    Each day of December, as Christmas approaches, kids can open a gorgeous new gemstone to add to their collection! The set includes a collector’s pouch to keep all of the gems safe. The beautiful, polished gemstones include agate, green aventurine, hematite, sodalite, turquoise, tiger’s eye, blue calcite, and more!
    The final piece in this collection is a stunning rose quartz that kids unearth from a mini dig brick, just like a real geologist!

    Harry Potter Advent Calendar

    Harry Potter Advent Calendar

    The Harry Potter-themed calendar is ideal for girls, preteens, and teens who love magic and surprises. Each day reveals a new item, from cute charms to practical accessories. The set has 27 unique themed surprises, including wands, bookmarks, socks, keychains, stationery, jewelry, festive clips, and more.

    Spa Christmas Advent Calendar

    Spa Christmas Advent Calendar

    Nourish your mind, body, and soul with a gift each day from this calendar set with everything from scented candles to shower gels, hand lotion, and more. Each Lovery item is made with clean ingredients, such as Vitamin E and Shea Butter, with no parabens or harsh chemicals. Every girl and boy will love this decorated Advent calendar filled with luxury body care.

    12-Pc. Kiss The Season Mini Lip Care Advent Calendar Set

    NCLA Beauty Kiss The Season Mini Lip Care Advent Calendar Set

    Get ready to pout, gloss and sleigh with this Kiss The Season Mini Lip Care Advent Calendar. The set is packed with 12 mini surprises (6 lip balms and 6 lip scrubs) for 12 days of festive flavors, hydration and glossy perfection to keep your lips mistletoe ready.

    Try Not to Laugh Advent Calendar

    Try Not to Laugh Advent Calendar

    Beyond just an Advent Calendar, this calendar is a full-fledged Game! Each day, your family will unlock a new, themed joke battle with topics designed to delight everyone. But that’s not all. This is a real competition, packed with interactive elements to get everyone playing together, including: The Ultimate Showdown where kids and adults go head-to-head to see who can keep a straight face; Creative Challenges where you’ll choose official team names like “The Giggling Goblins vs. the Poker-Faced Parents”; and an Official Challenger’s Oath that everyone must recite to kick off the games with maximum silliness.

    Best Advent Calendars for Adults

    Holiday Wooden Village LED Advent Calendar

    Holiday Wooden Village LED Advent Calendar

    Count down the days with this charming wooden Advent calendar. Perfect for the mantel, shelf, or windowsill, this decorative village features beautifully lit windows, doorways, and countdown numbers. A festive wreath glides along a metal track, counting down the number of days until Christmas.

    Walkers Shortbread Advent Calendar

    Spread joy and cheer by treating family and loved ones to daily delights in a stunningly designed Christmas cookie box. This calendar makes a wonderful gift or is perfect for counting down with your own family. The holiday cookies combine the best of traditional Scotland with a delightful assortment of 6 cookie varieties, from iconic shortbread fingers to rounds, stars, hearts, chocolate chip, and salted caramel squares.

    Bonne Maman Limited Run Edition Advent Calendar

    Bonne Maman 2025 Limited Run Edition Advent Calendar

    Beautifully illustrated and made to spread joy, the Bonne Maman Advent Calendar is a meaningful gift for loved ones, food lovers, or simply as a special treat for yourself. Each day reveals a charming mini jar nestled in its own beautifully designed box. Both the boxes and jars can be reused for small keepsakes, holiday place settings, or other creative moments that extend the magic beyond December.

    Pukka Advent Calendar Organic Tea Sampler

    Pukka Advent Calendar Organic Tea Sampler

    Give your family or friends a delicious daily surprise this holiday season with the herbal Pukka Tea Gift Calendar, and unlock the magical secrets of herbal goodness in every sip. Featuring 24 tea sachets, each thoughtfully crafted blend is designed to holistically nourish your body and mind. Indulge in a fusion of mouth-watering flavours, including the festive essence of cinnamon, the zesty notes of orange, and the delightful sweetness of elderberry in our unique blends.

    Best of Harry & David Advent Calendar

    Best of Harry & David Advent Calendar

    Counting down the days ’til Christmas is already fun. Having special treats like holiday Moose Munch Premium Popcorn, Scharffen Berger chocolate squares, blackberry galettes, peppermint bark, and other sweets to share and snack on makes it even more exciting. Surprises await behind every door. The red Advent calendar box is decorated in wonderful Christmas imagery and is a fabulous gift for families and relatives.

    Technic Man’Stuff Advent Toiletry Calendar

    Technic Man’Stuff Advent Toiletry Calendar

    The Technic Man’Stuff Advent Calendar is beautifully packaged. The calendar is filled with 24 days of men’s grooming products and accessories, such as various washes, lotions and shaving items, along with grooming tools such as nail clippers, tweezers, and a comb for the ultimate festive countdown. Specific contents may vary.

    Prestige 31-Piece Advent Calendar

    Prestige 31-Piece Advent Calendar

    Immerse yourself in this delicious, limited-edition advent calendar featuring 31 assorted chocolates, including Chocoviar Stracciatella and Cremino Extra Dark, concealed in elegant drawers. This advent calendar is designed to reuse year after year with your own custom Venchi mix.

    Best Advent Calendars for Pets

    Bully Sticks Advent Calendar for Dogs

    Bully Sticks Treat Advent Calendar for Dogs

    Better than a gift basket, this calendar for dogs brings a healthy, daily delight your furry friend will adore. It’s 24 days of tail-wagging excitement as the healthy dog treats get tastier and tastier. Unwrap a daily surprise with an assortment of beef, gullet, and chicken treats and chews.

    12 Days of Woofmas Advent Calendar

    12 Days of Woofmas Advent Calendar

    Get your pup in the howl-iday spirit with the Milk-Bone countdown calendar with treats for dogs. Open each date to find a special dog treat and celebrate the 12 Days of Woofmas with your furry friend. This countdown calendar features crunchy holiday biscuits that come in festive shapes and colors. It also contains Marosnacks, dog treats made with real bone marrow.

    Disney Table Scraps Advent Calendar

    Disney Table Scraps Advent Calendar

    Soft, jerky-style treats will get your pup pumped for the holiday season. The high-quality treats have no wheat, corn, soy, artificial flavors, or colors. The calendar features 4 holiday-themed recipes and includes beloved Disney dogs for a touch of magic.

    Cat Toy Advent Calendar

    Let your cat go wild for the Larchio pet advent calendar filled with different cat toys during the holiday season. The toys will lead to hours of interactive play to engage their senses and enhance their natural instincts. The 24 Day Cat Advent Calendar for your kitten will include a bell feather wand, a jingle bell ball, a colorful mouse, a crinkle ball, a feather wand, a plush fish, and cat bowties.

    Trader Joe’s Advent Calendar for Dogs

    Trader Joe’s Advent Calendar for Dogs

    You’ll be barking up the right tree with this Advent calendar. Your dog will enjoy 24 days of single-ingredient, freeze-dried chicken breast treats. The treats are made from 100% chicken breast and are packaged in a festive box with 24 numbered doors. Give your dog the treat behind the door for a daily surprise

    * By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave Localish.com and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these products with you, Localish is not endorsing these products. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.

    Copyright © 2025 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.

    KGO

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  • Orlando police discuss how to stay safe this Halloween

    Orlando police discuss how to stay safe this Halloween

    The Orlando Police Department will hosts its annual trunk-or-treat event on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 4-7 p.m.

    AGENCIES ACROSS CENTRAL FLORIDA ARE GOING INTO OVERDRIVE TO HELP KEEP EVERYONE SAFE AND MAKE THE MOST OF HALLOWEEN. YOU SEE OUR COUNTDOWN TO DAYS 14 HOURS, 17 MINUTES AND 45 SECONDS. BUT WHO’S GETTING SPECIFIC? CORPORAL MICHELLE ROGERS AND SERGEANT RODNEY VANCE FROM THE ORLANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT ARE JOINING ME THIS MORNING. THANKS SO MUCH FOR COMING IN, GUYS. THANK YOU FOR HAVING US. WE’RE HAPPY TO BE HERE. LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT PARENTS GUARDIANS NEED TO BE THINKING ABOUT. WE IT’S A VERY EXCITING TIME OF YEAR. BUT ALSO WHAT KIND OF CONVERSATIONS MAYBE WE SHOULD BE HAVING WITH OUR KIDS AHEAD OF FRIDAY. IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE CONVERSATIONS ALWAYS ABOUT SAFETY, AND SAFETY IS ALWAYS PARAMOUNT WHEN IT COMES TO HAVING FUN, AND SOMETIMES WE GET CAUGHT UP IN THE MOMENT, SO IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE REMINDING YOURSELF ABOUT THINGS OF SAFETY, LIKE WEARING REFLECTIVE CLOTHING, STAYING WELL LIT, THINGS THAT GLOW, MAKING SURE THAT PARENTS ARE CHECKING CANDY IF THINGS ARE UNWRAPPED, MAKE SURE YOU JUST TOSS IT. DON’T EVEN BOTHER FOLLOWING TRAFFIC RULES. THINGS OF THAT NATURE. LET’S TALK SPECIFICALLY WHEN IT COMES TO OUR YOUNGER KIDS, WHEN THEY GO OUT TRICK OR TREATING, MINE ARE SEVEN AND NINE AND THEY ASK, MOM, CAN WE GO OUT BY OURSELVES? I SAID, NO, SORRY, I’M GOING TO BE GOING WITH YOU. WHAT KIND OF CONVERSATION SHOULD WE BE HAVING WITH THAT AGE? SO WITH THAT AGE AND I HAVE LITTLE ONES TOO, SO I CAN RELATE. I USUALLY SIT DOWN WITH THEM AND TALK ABOUT A PLAN. INVOLVE THEM IN YOUR PLAN. PLAN YOUR ROUTE. ALSO TALK ABOUT WE’RE ONLY GOING TO VISIT HOMES THAT ARE WELL LIT, THAT HAVE DECORATIONS OF HALLOWEEN, AND THEY’RE PARTICIPATING IN THE FESTIVITIES. ANOTHER THING TO REMIND OUR LITTLE ONES TOO, IS THAT USE THE SIDEWALK. THEY KNOW. LOOK TO THE LEFT. LOOK TO THE RIGHT. BEFORE CROSSING. USE MOMMY’S HAND. THOSE ARE THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT THAT THEY ALREADY KNOW. BUT LIKE I SAID BEFORE, SOMETIMES THEY GET EXCITED AND CAUGHT UP IN THE MOMENT MOMENT. SO STRENGTH IN NUMBERS RELY ON YOUR NEIGHBORS, YOUR FRIENDS, MORE EYES. TRICK OR TREAT. AS A GROUP. IT’S A GREAT THING AND A GREAT TOOL TO HAVE AS YOUR FRIENDS. MINE IS A WEREWOLF AND EVEN HIS MASK. I WAS LIKE, I MIGHT HAVE TO CUT THE HOLES AROUND THE EYES A LITTLE BIT MORE BECAUSE I FELT LIKE HE COULDN’T EVEN SEE, YOU KNOW, WHERE HE WAS WALKING. SO HAVING TO BE CAREFUL. THAT’S A GREAT IDEA ABOUT OUR TEENS. I KNOW OUR TEENS PROBABLY WANT TO GO OUT AND BE BY THEMSELVES. SO WHAT SHOULD WE TELL OUR KIDS THAT ARE A LITTLE BIT OLDER, A LITTLE BIT OF THE SAME TIPS THAT GO ALONG WITH THE YOUNG ONES. MAKE SURE THEY STAY IN GROUPS. MAKE SURE THEIR COSTUMES THAT IF THEY’RE CARRYING ANYTHING THAT MAY LOOK LIKE A WEAPON, THAT THE WEAPONS CLEARLY LOOK LIKE THEY’RE FAKE. SO PEOPLE DON’T CONFUSE THEM WITH BEING REAL. MAKE SURE THAT THEY ALL HAVE PHONES THESE DAYS. SO MAKE SURE IF YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BE WITH THEM THAT THEY HAVE THEIR LOCATION SERVICES ON THEIR PHONE ON. SO IF SOMETHING DOES HAPPEN, YOU KNOW WHERE THEY ARE. AND JUST MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE, AS A PARENT, HAVE A GENERAL IDEA OF WHO THEY’RE GOING OUT WITH. DON’T JUST LET THEM GO ON OUT WITH PEOPLE WHO YOU MAY NOT KNOW. THAT WAY, IF YOU CAN’T GET IN CONTACT WITH THEM, THERE’S SOMEBODY ELSE IN THE GROUP THAT YOU CAN GET IN CONTACT WITH. I WAS RAISED BY MILITARY FOLK. THEY SAID, FILE THE FLIGHT PLAN AND STICK TO IT. THAT’S RIGHT. MISCONCEPTIONS, THINGS THAT WE DON’T THINK ABOUT THAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW, THINGS THAT WE DON’T THINK ABOUT SOMETIMES IS JUST TRICK OR TREATING AS A GROUP. SOMETIMES WE JUST GET SO CAUGHT UP IN THE RUSHING OF GETTING THE COSTUMES ON AND RUSHING AND TRYING TO GO BEFORE IT GETS DARK OUT. BUT ONE THING THAT YOU CAN REMEMBER IS BRING A FLASHLIGHT. A FLASHLIGHT CAN ALSO LIGHT YOUR PATH ONCE THE STREETLIGHTS COME ON, IT DOESN’T MEAN THAT IT’S TIME TO STOP HAVING FUN. IT JUST MEANS THAT WE’RE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR SAFETY. AND IF WE WORK TOGETHER, IT’S GOING TO BE AWESOME AND YOU GUYS CAN HAVE A SAFE HALLOWEEN. SPEAKING OF SAFE, YOU GUYS HAVE AN EVENT. WHAT ARE THE DETAILS FOR THAT? YES. SO ON THURSDAY AT OUR HEADQUARTERS BUILDING ON SOUTH STREET, WE’LL BE HAVING A TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT FROM 4 TO 7 P.M. WE’RE GOING TO HAVE OFFICERS FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT ARE GOING TO BE SETTING UP THEIR CARS. WE’LL HAVE PLENTY OF CANDY AND EVENTS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES TO COME OUT AND ENJOY IN THE SAFETY OF THE POLICE STATION. YOU KNOW IT’S SAFE AND YOU GET TO MEET SOME OF YOUR LOCAL HEROES, TOO. THAT IS A GREAT WAY TO DO THAT. WE DID HAVE THE INFORMATION UP ON THE SCREEN. WE’LL ALSO POST A LINK TO THIS ON OUR WEBSITE WESH.COM. SERGEANT VANCE

    Orlando police discuss how to stay safe this Halloween

    The Orlando Police Department will hosts its annual trunk-or-treat event on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 4-7 p.m.

    Updated: 9:24 PM EDT Oct 28, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    Sergeant Rodney Vance and Corporal Michelle Rogers of the Orlando Police Department join WESH 2 to discuss how kids, teens and families can stay safe this Halloween.OPD will hosts its annual trunk-or-treat event on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 4-7 p.m. The free community event will be held at the department’s headquarters on West South Street.Click here to learn more.

    ORLANDO, Fla. —

    Sergeant Rodney Vance and Corporal Michelle Rogers of the Orlando Police Department join WESH 2 to discuss how kids, teens and families can stay safe this Halloween.

    OPD will hosts its annual trunk-or-treat event on Thursday, Oct. 30 from 4-7 p.m.

    The free community event will be held at the department’s headquarters on West South Street.

    Click here to learn more.

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  • Netflix launches redesigned profiles for kids | TechCrunch

    Netflix has rolled out a new TV experience for kids’ profiles on its service globally, the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Tuesday. The update, which aims to simplify the design and navigation, is the company’s latest attempt to connect users to content they’ll like more quickly.

    In May, Netflix introduced a similar redesign of its TV homepage for standard profiles, which added an AI-powered search tool, better recommendations, and more visible shortcuts, among other changes.

    Now, the company says that the same update has arrived on kids’ profiles, along with other tweaks aimed specifically at Netflix’s youngest users.

    The new design simplified the look and feel of the homepage. It also offers a new navigation bar at the top that links to “My Netflix,” a section that brings together everything kids have watched, saved, and loved in a single place. This makes it easier for users to revisit favorite content — something that younger users often do by rewatching their top movies and episodes.

    In addition, Netflix says kids’ recommendations will refresh in real-time, as they do on standard profiles. The company hopes this will decrease the time kids spend searching for something to watch.

    Some things on the Kids profile won’t change, however: the Character Themed Rows, Mystery Box suggestions, and parental controls are still available.

    Netflix also announced other updates for Netflix today, including features like real-time voting, live party games, podcasts, and more. Next year, for instance, Netflix will launch real-time voting on its upcoming new show “Star Search,” after earlier tests with “Dinner Time Live with David Chang.”

    The company says the new user interface is tied to these changes, as it offers a more flexible canvas for different types of creative content, including interactive content.

    Sarah Perez

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  • Jenna Dewan Uses Fake Tanner on 12-Year-Old Daughter for Dance Contest

    Jenna Dewan light-heartedly shared her 12-year-old daughter Everly Tatum’s preparation for an Irish dance competition.

    The Step Up alum, 44, joked via her Instagram Story on Saturday, October 25, that one of the key steps in getting Everly ready for her performance was applying “instant tanner” at 7 a.m. That’s dedication!

    The early morning preparation seemingly paid off as a later video on Dewan’s Instagram Story showcased Everly effortlessly performing her formal routine.

    Of course, the mom of three — who shares Everly with ex-husband Channing Tatum, plus she shares son Callum, 5, and daughter Rhiannon, 1, with fiancé Steve Kazee — has a wealth of experience to rely on as she guides her young daughter’s foray into competitive dancing.


    Jenna Dewan prepared daughter Everly for a dance competition by applying fake tanner.     Courtesy Instagram/Jennadewan

    Dewan started her career as a backup dancer for Janet Jackson, Celine Dion and Pink before putting her dance experience to excellent use in her 2006 breakthrough movie Step Up.

    Surprisingly, the actress previously told Us Weekly that Everly initially wasn’t interested in dancing as she grew up, despite coming from two parents with strong performance backgrounds. (Tatum costarred with Dewan in Step Up and also appeared in the Magic Mike movies.)

    “We’ve always had this joke that coming from two dance parents, she just had no interest at all,” she told Us in 2022. “Recently, she’s wanted to take up Irish dancing … on her own accord.”

    Dewan explained that Everly’s interest in Irish dance caught both of her parents completely by surprise since it was such a far cry from their styles.

    “She was like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I want to do that,” the Come Dance with Me judge explained. “And now she’s going to Irish dance classes. She is so serious about it. She loves it. We are in it to win it … in her own way. That’s very Evie. She wants to do things in her own unique way. It’s so cool.”

    At the time, Dewan hinted to Us that her son Callum may be the next member of the family to try dancing, since he has “a little swag [and] a little bounce” like his dad. (Kazee has an extensive musical theater background, including winning a Tony Award for his leading performance in Once.)

    “[Callum] already has a bit of an inclination for rhythm and music,” she teased. “So we’ll see. I’m very big on not pushing [my interests] on my kids because I want them to find what they’re uniquely interested in. But yeah, they’re finding it.”

    Dewan and Tatum got together in 2006 after meeting on the set of Step Up and eventually tied the knot in 2009. Both have been reluctant to publicly discuss their 2018 separation and subsequent divorce, though Tatum, 45, admitted to Variety in September that he’d worked through any issues with his ex-wife in order to coparent Evie.

    “Jenna and I are good now, but it was a painful break to have that fall apart, especially being so young,” Tatum acknowledged. “We tried to keep it together, tried for a year and a half. … It’s in the past.”

    Admitting that the divorce was “tough” on the whole family, he added: “It’s really tough not to have your daughter half the time. I wish I could just have her all the time.”

    Tatum has moved with long-term relationships with Jessie J first and then with Zoë Kravitz — both of which have now ended — while Dewan announced her engagement to fiancé Kazee in February 2020. Kazee and Dewan went on to welcome son Callum in March 2020 and daughter Rhiannon in June 2024.

    “From the moment you arrived, you have brought immense joy and love into our lives… your gentle grace, sweetness, and beauty have captivated our entire family,” the couple wrote in a 2024 birth announcement for Rhiannon. “Our hearts are overflowing with love, and we are truly blessed by your presence. Welcome to our world baby girl.”

    Justin Harp

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  • Jack-o-Planterns: How to Make Pumpkin Planters

    This is a fun Halloween project for gardeners! It’s silly and quirky, and it puts a smile on everyone’s face. Turn your Jack-o-Lantern into a Jack-o-PLANTern this year for a fun garden therapy project using these simple DIY instructions.

    I love decorating with pumpkins. I get giddy when I start to see them available at the farmer’s markets and grocery store. I applaud those who even go through the effort of growing one themselves to carve and decorate with later.

    These jack-o-planterns are a fun gardeners take on the classic jack-o-lantern. You can use up the last of the plants remaining from your summer and fall planters, or get some on discount from the garden centre.

    This quick project is also fun to do with the kiddos. Let me show you!

    How to Make Jack-o-Planterns: a jack-o-lantern planter!How to Make Jack-o-Planterns: a jack-o-lantern planter!

    How to Make a Jack-o-Plantern

    Making your own is a really simple project. Heading out to a garden centre will be the most time consuming and, might I add, dangerous. You will have to show some restraint if you don’t want to come home with a carload of colourful grasses, kale, and other fall beauties.

    Materials

    • Pumpkin
    • Soil
    • Grasses, cabbage, sedum, & ornamental kale
    • Marker
    • Knife
    fall planterfall planter
    For a budget-friendly option, upcycle plants from your summer planters.

    Make It!

    Cut the top off your pumpkin to make a hole in the top. If it is fairly empty, then you don’t need to spend a bunch of time scooping it out. I removed the seeds and roasted them and left the rest of the junk in there. It will all compost together in the end anyhow.

    Use you marker to draw a face on the best side of the pumpkin and use the knife to carve out the holes.

    halloween planterhalloween planter
    Don’t worry about cleaning your pumpkin guts out completely.

    Now add some soil to the bottom of the pumpkin. You can use a container mix soil, although I found that my plants had quite a bit of container soil in them and I didn’t really need to add much more in the way of peat moss or perlite.

    Contrary to typical container planting instructions, you really want to pack the soil down at the bottom to create some firm areas where the plants can sit. These planters will not last long enough for the roots to struggle and will have lots of moisture and organic matter from the pumpkin itself.

    I also don’t think drainage holes are necessary but add them if you choose.

    How to make Jack O PlanternsHow to make Jack O Planterns
    Pack in the soil tight.

    Now for the fun part (it is even more fun than carving a jack-o-lantern)! Plant some ‘hair’ with grasses…

    jack o planternjack o plantern
    Grasses are the perfect hair, as well as trailing plants.

    …and ‘hats’ with cabbage.

    how to make a jack o lantern planterhow to make a jack o lantern planter
    Cabbage “hat”

    Fill soil around the roots of the plants (remove the plastic pots) and pack it in through the eyes and mouth. Leave space for sedum and ornamental kale as eyes and teeth.

    Halloween pumpkin planterHalloween pumpkin planter
    Ornamental kale as eyes.
    How to Make Jack-o-Planterns from pumpkins and plantsHow to Make Jack-o-Planterns from pumpkins and plants
    Use succulents as “teeth”

    I tried swapping out the kale and sedum in different jack-o-lantern eyes until I got the look that I liked.

    Set your pumpkin out in the cool fall air and water periodically. After Halloween, remove the plants and make a pretty fall planter or use them to pretty up the garden. Compost the whole pumpkin and the soil and you will be well on your way to a greener garden next year.

    How to Make Jack-o-Planterns and how to make them last until Halloween!How to Make Jack-o-Planterns and how to make them last until Halloween!

    Jack-o-Plantern FAQ

    How long do pumpkin planters last before they begin to rot?

    It depends entirely on the weather conditions. The cooler the pumpkin, the longer it will last. If possible, keep it from sitting in the sun. If it’s warm, your pumpkin may last only a few days. Cooler temperatures and it could last a couple of weeks.

    How can I make my pumpkin planter last longer?

    The most important aspect is picking a good pumpkin. Avoid any with soft spots or visible damage or browning.

    Sun will accelerate decomposition, while rain will promote rot. Snow can help preserve the pumpkin if it sticks around, but freezing and then thawing will end up with a pumpkin puddle. Your best bet is to place it in a shady, covered area, and wait for the cool weather to kick in.

    I have found that those tips and hacks like adding petroleum jelly or bleach actually don’t work, and means you can’t compost your pumpkin after. Read more about that here.

    How to Make Jack-o-Planterns creative pumpkin plantersHow to Make Jack-o-Planterns creative pumpkin planters

    More Fun Pumpkin Ideas

    Stephanie Rose

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  • California Gov. Newsom signs law to protect kids from the risks of AI chatbots

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday signed legislation to regulate artificial intelligence chatbots and protect children and teens from the potential dangers of the technology. The law requires platforms to remind users they are interacting with a chatbot and not a human. The notification would pop up every three hours for users who are minors. Companies will also have to maintain a protocol to prevent self-harm content and refer users to crisis service providers if they expressed suicidal ideation.Newsom, who has four children under 18, said California has a responsibility to protect kids and teens who are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for everything from homework help to emotional support and personal advice.”Emerging technology like chatbots and social media can inspire, educate, and connect – but without real guardrails, technology can also exploit, mislead, and endanger our kids,” the Democrat said. “We’ve seen some truly horrific and tragic examples of young people harmed by unregulated tech, and we won’t stand by while companies continue without necessary limits and accountability.”California is among several states that tried this year to address concerns surrounding chatbots used by kids for companionship. Safety concerns around the technology exploded following reports and lawsuits saying chatbots made by Meta, OpenAI and others engaged with young users in highly sexualized conversations and, in some cases, coached them to take their own lives. The legislation was among a slew of AI bills introduced by California lawmakers this year to rein in the homegrown industry that is rapidly evolving with little oversight. Tech companies and their coalitions, in response, spent at least $2.5 million in the first six months of the session lobbying against the measures, according to advocacy group Tech Oversight California. Tech companies and leaders in recent months also announced they are launching pro-AI super PACs to fight state and federal oversight. California Attorney General Rob Bonta in September told OpenAI he has “serious concerns” with its flagship chatbot, OpenAI, for children and teens. The Federal Trade Commission also launched an inquiry last month into several AI companies about the potential risks for children when they use chatbots as companions. Research by a watchdog group says chatbots have been shown to give kids dangerous advice about topics such as drugs, alcohol and eating disorders. The mother of a teenage boy in Florida who died by suicide after developing what she described as an emotionally and sexually abusive relationship with a chatbot has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Character.AI. And the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine recently sued OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, alleging that ChatGPT coached the California boy in planning and taking his own life earlier this year.OpenAI and Meta last month announced changes to how their chatbots respond to teenagers asking questions about suicide or showing signs of mental and emotional distress. OpenAI said it is rolling out new controls enabling parents to link their accounts to their teen’s account.Meta said it is now blocking its chatbots from talking with teens about self-harm, suicide, disordered eating and inappropriate romantic conversations, and instead directs them to expert resources. Meta already offers parental controls on teen accounts.EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

    California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday signed legislation to regulate artificial intelligence chatbots and protect children and teens from the potential dangers of the technology.

    The law requires platforms to remind users they are interacting with a chatbot and not a human. The notification would pop up every three hours for users who are minors. Companies will also have to maintain a protocol to prevent self-harm content and refer users to crisis service providers if they expressed suicidal ideation.

    Newsom, who has four children under 18, said California has a responsibility to protect kids and teens who are increasingly turning to AI chatbots for everything from homework help to emotional support and personal advice.

    “Emerging technology like chatbots and social media can inspire, educate, and connect – but without real guardrails, technology can also exploit, mislead, and endanger our kids,” the Democrat said. “We’ve seen some truly horrific and tragic examples of young people harmed by unregulated tech, and we won’t stand by while companies continue without necessary limits and accountability.”

    California is among several states that tried this year to address concerns surrounding chatbots used by kids for companionship. Safety concerns around the technology exploded following reports and lawsuits saying chatbots made by Meta, OpenAI and others engaged with young users in highly sexualized conversations and, in some cases, coached them to take their own lives.

    The legislation was among a slew of AI bills introduced by California lawmakers this year to rein in the homegrown industry that is rapidly evolving with little oversight. Tech companies and their coalitions, in response, spent at least $2.5 million in the first six months of the session lobbying against the measures, according to advocacy group Tech Oversight California. Tech companies and leaders in recent months also announced they are launching pro-AI super PACs to fight state and federal oversight.

    California Attorney General Rob Bonta in September told OpenAI he has “serious concerns” with its flagship chatbot, OpenAI, for children and teens. The Federal Trade Commission also launched an inquiry last month into several AI companies about the potential risks for children when they use chatbots as companions.

    Research by a watchdog group says chatbots have been shown to give kids dangerous advice about topics such as drugs, alcohol and eating disorders. The mother of a teenage boy in Florida who died by suicide after developing what she described as an emotionally and sexually abusive relationship with a chatbot has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against Character.AI. And the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine recently sued OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman, alleging that ChatGPT coached the California boy in planning and taking his own life earlier this year.

    OpenAI and Meta last month announced changes to how their chatbots respond to teenagers asking questions about suicide or showing signs of mental and emotional distress. OpenAI said it is rolling out new controls enabling parents to link their accounts to their teen’s account.

    Meta said it is now blocking its chatbots from talking with teens about self-harm, suicide, disordered eating and inappropriate romantic conversations, and instead directs them to expert resources. Meta already offers parental controls on teen accounts.

    EDITOR’S NOTE: This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

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  • Darth Vader balloon faces uncertain future as fans rally for its revival

    BEING NEW BALLOONS TO ONE OF THE POPULAR SHAPES EVERY YEAR IS THAT DARTH VADER BALLOON. BUT THE FUTURE IS ACTUALLY UNCERTAIN, AS THAT BALLOON IS AT THE END OF ITS LIFESPAN. SO NOW THERE’S AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE TRADITION ALIVE. PEYTON SPELLACY JOINS US LIVE FROM THE PARK WITH MORE ON THIS STORY. HEY, PEYTON. HEY, GOOD MORNING TODD, I WANT TO SHOW YOU YODA IS BEING SET UP RIGHT NOW. NOW, HIS COUNTERPART, DARTH VADER, IS NOT SO LUCKY. LIKE YOU SAID, HIS FLYING DAYS ARE NUMBERED. BUT FOR NEARLY TWO DECADES, HE’S BEEN LOOMING LARGE OVER BALLOON FIESTA PARK. HE’S A FAN FAVORITE FROM THE GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY. BUT THIS CREW SAYS HIS FLYING DAYS AREN’T OVER WITHOUT A FIGHT. THE BALLOON IS 19 YEARS OLD. IT’S REALLY A LONG TIME FOR A SHAPE, AND SO WE WE REALLY EXPECT WE CAN CONTINUE THE STORY. BENOIT LAMBERT HAS BEEN FLYING THE STAR WARS SPECIAL SHAPE SINCE 2007, AND SAYS FROM THE MOMENT HE SAW THEM, HE KNEW THE FORCE WAS STRONG WITH HIM. BUT TIME, EVEN FOR THE DARK SIDE, HAS TAKEN ITS TOLL. YOU CAN SEE IT START TO BE HARD BECAUSE THE FABRIC STARTS TO BE DEFLATED ON THE NECK, BUT IT’S PART OF THE PROCESS. DARTH VADER MAY BE GROUNDED, BUT HIS CREW ISN’T THROWING IN THE LIGHTSABER YET. THEY’RE FUNDRAISING TO REBUILD IT BECAUSE IT’S MORE THAN JUST A BALLOON. IT’S THE SHOW EVERYONE’S LOOKING FOR. WE HAVE 100 TROOPERS AROUND MY BALLOONS. DARK SIDE. IT’S THE KIDS THAT’S SEEING THE KIDS SEE ACTUAL CHARACTERS IN REAL LIFE. BUT IT’S NOT JUST FOR KIDS. FANS OF ALL AGES ARE DRAWN IN. COME ON, EVEN THE BIG KIDS COULD GET SOME BIG KIDS. I SAW THE STORMTROOPERS WITH THEIR LIGHTSABERS AND THEIR GUIDES AND I WAS LIKE, WE NEED TO FOLLOW THEM. KATRINA’S A FIRST TIMER AT FIESTA, BUT THE FORCE IS STRONG WITH HER. I EVEN HAVE A TATTOO RIGHT HERE WITH THE DEATH STAR IN THE MIDDLE OF MY SUNFLOWER. AS SOON AS I GET SOME TIME, I’M GOING TO GET ONLINE AND I’M GOING TO DONATE TO YOU GUYS BECAUSE I THINK THIS IS SOMETHING MAGICAL THAT WE NEED TO SEE EVERY YEAR. THAT PASSION, GIVING THE CREW HOPE THAT ONE DAY SOON THE SITH LORD WILL RISE AGAIN. DO YOU THINK HE’LL MAKE A RETURN? I HOPE SO, YES. THAT’S MY PLAN. YES. IF YOU WANT TO SEE THESE CHARACTERS ALONGSIDE DARTH VADER, YOU CAN DONATE ONLINE. WE HAVE THAT LINK ON OUR WEBSITE, BUT FOR NOW, LOOKS LIKE DARTH VADER AND YODA WILL BE FLYING. MAYBE STATIC, MAYBE YODA WILL BE FLYING OVER HERE AT OUR ONE MARKER REPORTING LIVE

    Darth Vader balloon faces uncertain future as fans rally for its revival

    Updated: 1:17 AM EDT Oct 10, 2025

    Editorial Standards ⓘ

    The Darth Vader balloon, a fan favorite at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for nearly two decades, faces an uncertain future as its fabric deteriorates, prompting efforts to keep the tradition alive.Beniot Lambert, who has been flying the “Star Wars” special shapes since 2007, said, “So the balloon is 19 years old. The fabric starts to behold. So we are planning a way to continue the story.”Lambert noted the toll time has taken on the balloon, saying, “You can see it start to behold because the fabric starts to be deflated on the neck. But it’s part of the process.”Despite the challenges, the crew is determined to rebuild the balloon, recognizing its significance beyond just being a balloon.Video below: ‘Star Wars’ opens in theaters”We have 100 troopers around my balloons,” Lambert said.The balloon’s appeal extends beyond children, drawing fans of all ages. One first-time attendee, Katrina Bustillos, shared her excitement, saying, “I saw the stormtroopers with their lightsabers and their guides, and I was like, we need to follow them.”Bustillos, who has a tattoo of the Death Star, expressed her commitment to the cause, saying, “As soon as I get some time, I’m going to get online and I’m going to donate to you guys, because I think this is something magical that we need to see every year.”The crew remains hopeful that the Sith Lord will rise again, with Lambert expressing his optimism, “Do you think he’ll make a return? I hope so. Yes, that’s my plan.”

    ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

    The Darth Vader balloon, a fan favorite at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for nearly two decades, faces an uncertain future as its fabric deteriorates, prompting efforts to keep the tradition alive.

    Beniot Lambert, who has been flying the “Star Wars” special shapes since 2007, said, “So the balloon is 19 years old. The fabric starts to behold. So we are planning a way to continue the story.”

    Lambert noted the toll time has taken on the balloon, saying, “You can see it start to behold because the fabric starts to be deflated on the neck. But it’s part of the process.”

    Despite the challenges, the crew is determined to rebuild the balloon, recognizing its significance beyond just being a balloon.

    Video below: ‘Star Wars’ opens in theaters

    “We have 100 troopers around my balloons,” Lambert said.

    The balloon’s appeal extends beyond children, drawing fans of all ages. One first-time attendee, Katrina Bustillos, shared her excitement, saying, “I saw the stormtroopers with their lightsabers and their guides, and I was like, we need to follow them.”

    Bustillos, who has a tattoo of the Death Star, expressed her commitment to the cause, saying, “As soon as I get some time, I’m going to get online and I’m going to donate to you guys, because I think this is something magical that we need to see every year.”

    The crew remains hopeful that the Sith Lord will rise again, with Lambert expressing his optimism, “Do you think he’ll make a return? I hope so. Yes, that’s my plan.”

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  • Science Says This Is How to Raise Kids to Become Outstanding Leaders

    Everyone is a leader. Sometimes formally: as a small business owner, or boss, or parent (even though you might not think of parenting as leadership, it is.) Other times, informally: by mentoring others, stepping in to help someone struggling, speaking up when others don’t…

    While the roles vary, to a greater or lesser degree, everyone leads.

    So how can you help your kids become better leaders, both now and as adults?

    Start by giving them a lot more independence and autonomy.

    In a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, researchers assessed the leadership skills of 1,500 middle-school students. They identified those who actively participated in leadership roles. They measured each individual’s level of self-esteem and confidence in taking on leadership roles. They surveyed peers, teachers, and parents to evaluate whether each individual was seen as a good leader.

    Then they asked each individual to rate statements like, “My parents often stepped in to solve life problems for me,” and, “Growing up, my parents supervised my every move.” 

    As you can probably guess, the kids with overprotective parents were less likely to participate in leadership roles, to be less confident in taking on leadership roles… and were perceived by their peers, teachers, and parents to have less leadership potential. (Which results in a vicious cycle, since how people perceive us tends to influences how we behave.)

    Why? A study published in the journal Progres Pendidikan shows nearly two-thirds of children raised in an overprotective environment have difficulty facing challenges, taking risks, and developing social skills, and are more susceptible to low self-esteem, all of which makes them less likely to seek leadership roles.

    On the flip side, research shows teams tend to choose charismatic, extroverted, and confident people as their leaders (even though research shows those attributes are not useful proxies for leadership ability.) People who are perceived as less confident and outgoing are also less likely to be chosen for leadership roles, even if they might excel in those roles if given — or if they take — the chance. 

    Put it all together, and kids with overprotective parents are less likely to seek leadership roles, and their teachers and peers are less likely to select them for leadership roles. — which means, since great leaders are made, not born, they don’t get to learn how to be better leaders.

    Children of parents who are overly attentive, overly protective, and who tend to do things for their kids rather than expecting their kids to tackle appropriate tasks and situations on their own are at a disadvantage later in life. Since they rarely get to try, they tend to develop fewer problem-solving skills. Their sense of independence, autonomy, and responsibility tends to be lower. 

    So do the odds they will step into formal or informal leadership roles. After all, if I don’t feel capable of “leading” myself, why would I think I can lead other people?

    The same holds true for leading employees. Micromanage, and you stifle your employees’ sense of responsibility, authority, and autonomy. Step in whenever there’s a problem, and you limit your employees’ ability to apply their own skills and creativity.

    If your employees agree with statements like “My boss often steps in to solve problems for me” and “My boss directs my every move,” then you’re an overprotective leader.

    Sure, micromanaging may let you fix a few problems more quickly. Micromanaging may mean your employees are more likely to do things exactly the way you want.

    But that means your employees miss out on opportunities to become better formal and informal leaders. They miss out on opportunities to make, and learn from making, important decisions. They miss out on opportunities to motivate and inspire other people. They miss out on opportunities to take swift, decisive action, and learn from the result.

    In short, they miss out opportunities to become better employees.

    And to become better leaders.

    Give your kids a little more independence and autonomy. Give your employees a little more leeway and autonomy. 

    In time, you’ll be glad you did.

    And so will they.

    The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

    Jeff Haden

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  • What Happens to School Lunches in the MAHA Era?

    But, whatever the legislation’s flaws, the U.S.D.A.’s own research indicated that kids were generating about as much waste five years after the law was passed as they were before. A small 2015 study showed that, after the law was implemented, kids were eating significantly more fruit and more of their school-provided meals over all, and throwing less food away. And, despite overreliance on ultra-processed foods, school cooks still managed to nourish kids as well or even slightly better, on average, than parents who prepared their kids’ lunches at home. Lauren Au, a nutrition professor at the University of California, Davis, co-authored a 2019 paper showing that kids who eat school-provided breakfast every day consume modestly more fruits and vegetables, dairy, whole grains, calcium, and dietary fibre than kids who eat school breakfast less frequently or not at all; school lunches provided better returns on dairy and calcium. “It’s extremely frustrating when you have R.F.K., Jr., saying that school lunches are poison, because it stigmatizes eating school meals,” Au said.

    Juliana Cohen, a professor of nutrition and director of the Center for Health Innovation, Research, and Policy at Merrimack College, told me that lunches brought from home tend to benefit from a nutritional “halo effect.” “Typically,” she said, “you have your sandwich, which is ultra-processed bread and ultra-processed deli meat. And then you have a fresh fruit or vegetable”—which may or may not be organic—“and then you have something crunchy, which is usually prepackaged, usually ultra-processed.” The MAHA Mom social-media landscape is filled with ideas for healthy bring-from-home lunches, but no amount of parental ingenuity can completely rescue families from the totalizing industrial food systems that schools are also forced to navigate.

    For years, Cohen has studied consumption patterns of school-provided meals across the country, working with cafeteria staff and a team of researchers to weigh and log what kids leave behind on their lunch trays, down to the last chicken-nugget shard or mushy apple core. Cohen and other researchers have identified many subtle fixes that improve kids’ eating habits. If a cafeteria staff has the time, personnel, and cutting boards to pre-slice their apples, the apples become more enticing to the youngest kids and to kids of any age who wear braces. A salad bar is superior to individual servings of salad, because kids like autonomy wherever they can find it. A few years ago, Aimee Haag’s schools, in Minnesota, installed bulk milk dispensers in their cafeterias, “because the kids like to serve themselves and be in charge,” she told me. “It’s cold, awesome milk from nearby, consumption has gone up, we’re not throwing away the cartons, we don’t have these leaky, smelly bags of old milk.”

    All of these interventions cost money—and even the most prominent advocates of improved child nutrition and farm-to-school programs may not grasp the economic realities of public-school kitchens. In “A School Lunch Revolution,” Waters explains, “My colleagues and I started this book by challenging ourselves to make menus and cook dishes that fell within the guidelines of the U.S.D.A.’s school lunch reimbursement program.” For the 2023-24 school year, she notes, the reimbursement rate was four dollars and twenty-five cents for lunch and about half that for breakfast. But those figures are a per-student average of a meal program’s entire budget: not just food but staff salaries, equipment maintenance, trays, cutlery, and napkins. In actuality, schools have about two bucks per lunch. “When you are buying locally and seasonally, food is inherently more affordable,” Waters writes. But not that affordable.

    In addition to disappearing the U.S.D.A. programs, the Trump Administration will also oversee deep slashes to the SNAP food-assistance program, as laid out in the Big Beautiful Bill. The SNAP cuts will mean that fewer children will be automatically eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch at school, and fewer schools will be able to continue offering universal free-meal programs. MAHA’s stated commitment to improving child nutrition and the Administration’s antipathy toward social services are apparently incompatible. “This is where the contradiction is,” Christopher Bosso, a professor of public policy and political science at Northeastern University, said. “If you’re truly going to carry out the values of what MAHA professes, the question is how it can be done in a conservative administration that is, by its very nature, not inclined toward regulation and not inclined to spend money on government programs.”

    On the first Friday morning in September, at the Academy School, in Brattleboro, Vermont, Sterling, the food-service director, showed me around the kitchen. “A stump speech of mine is that dishwashers are the most important piece of equipment,” he said. “They dictate how much scratch cooking you can do, how many dishes and trays you can clean up.” Until recently, Academy, a public school that enrolls more than three hundred elementary-age students, had a single dishwashing machine that could handle one large sheet pan at a time. “That’s someone’s whole job at the end of the day,” Sterling said.

    A giant pot of macaroni and cheese was burbling on the stovetop, tended by one of three stoic kitchen staff. Parents of young children revere mac and cheese as a dinner item both mindless and magic: boil the water, pour the shells, dump in the radioactive-orange powder, and shortly it all disappears. But the degree of difficulty is much higher for cooks who have to produce hundreds or even thousands of servings per day of something that’s ideally cheap, delicious, local, and adherent to U.S.D.A. nutrition requirements—while also anticipating revamped nutrition rules that may make their jobs harder or easier, that may land tomorrow or never land at all.

    Jessica Winter

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  • Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner’s Daughter Violet Gives United Nations Speech

    Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner‘s daughter Violet delivered a speech in support of mask mandates at the United Nations.

    Violet, 19, attended the United Nations on Tuesday, September 23, as a youth advocate and spoke out in favor of clean air and masking to prevent the transmission of long Covid.

    “We are told by leaders across the board that we are the future,” she said while wearing a K95 mask. “But when it comes to the ongoing pandemic, our present is being stolen right in front of our eyes.”

    Violet called out adults for “the relentless beat of back to normal, ignoring downplaying, and concealing both the prevalence of airborne transmission and the threat of long Covid. … Young people lacked both real choice in the matter and information about what was being chosen for us.”


    Related: Jennifer Garner’s Best Motherhood Moments While Raising 3 Kids

    Jennifer Garner has portrayed many memorable roles over the years, but none as loving as her role as a mom to her and her ex-husband Ben Affleck’s three kids. The former couple tied the knot in June 2005 and started growing their family that same year. Violet arrived in December 2005, followed by Seraphina and […]

    The college freshman elaborated on the virus.

    “Here’s what we know about SARS CoV2. It is airborne, floating and lingering in the air, one infection can result in disabling damage to almost every cell in the body from the brain and heart to the nerves and blood vessels,” she explained. “Every subsequent infection increases the risk of long movement and places people who already have it in greater danger.”

    Violet continued: “As Dr. Akiko Iwasaki says, at this point, the whole population is the control group, and after only five years, long Covid has surpassed asthma as the most common chronic illness in children in five years and under.”

    Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck

    Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck     BG004/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

    Later in her speech, Violet said she was “terrified” for children in school who “will not know a world without debilitating pain and exhaustion, who cannot trust their bodies to play, explore, and imagine” after being infected.

    “I am furious on their behalf,” she continued. “It is a neglect of the highest order to look children in the eyes and say, ‘We knew how to protect you and we didn’t do it. We have access to a technology to prevent airborne disease, something that millions of our ancestors and millions of people around the world today would kill for, and we refuse to use it.’”

    Violet also expressed her fears about “where we will be in another five years of unmitigated infection and reinfection.” She elaborated by bringing up the movement to ban smoking in public spaces.

    Ben-Affleck-s-Best-Parenting-Quotes-203


    Related: ‘Best Review’? Ben Affleck Reveals What His Kids Think of ‘Hypnotic’

    Fatherhood fun! Ben Affleck has given rare glimpses of his bond with his and Jennifer Garner’s three kids over the years. The actor first became a dad in December 2005 when he and the Alias alum welcomed daughter Violet, six months after tying the knot in France. The then-couple went on to welcome daughter Seraphina […]

    “Many of you fought the long and hard battle against indoor smoking. My only memory of that era at almost 20 years old is being confused as a child about the no smoking signs on planes. ‘Who would do that? That’s gross,’” she recalled. “My hope for this event and my belief in this community pressed on the belief that we can and we must do that again. We can recognize filtered air as a human right, as intuitively as we do filtered water.”

    She concluded: “We can create clean air infrastructure that is so ubiquitous and so obviously necessary, so that tomorrow’s children don’t even know why we need it.”

    Affleck and Garner, both 53, were married from 2005 to 2018. Along with Violet, the former couple share Seraphina, 16, and Samuel, 13. Violet has stepped out with her famous mother on several occasions, including a 2022 state dinner at the White House. Earlier this year, the teen wrote an emotional essay about the impact of recent California wildfires on her community.

    Yana Grebenyuk

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  • How to Clean a Kid’s Car Seat the Right Way

    Car seats are there for a lot: every traffic-induced meltdown, every spilled juice box, every road trip nap. Most importantly, they save lives. But while it’s tempting to treat them like any other piece of kid gear when messes strike, they’re not just another item you can toss in the wash. They’re precision-built safety devices, and one misstep can compromise the parts designed to protect your child.

    This guide walks you through how to properly clean a car seat, what not to do, and when to call a professional so your child stays protected, no matter how messy the ride gets.

    For more, check out our guides to the Best Car Vacuums, Best Hand Vacuums, and Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products. For specific baby gear recommendations, check out our guides to the Best Baby Monitors, Best Breast Pumps, Best Strollers, Best Travel Strollers, Best Bassinets, and Best Baby Carriers.

    Jump to Section

    Why Proper Car Seat Cleaning Matters

    A quick toss in the washing machine may seem harmless, but it can ruin a car seat: “It could degrade the harness webbing itself, so it could weaken it,” says Kyndra Webb, a child passenger safety technician instructor and member of the National Child Passenger Safety Board. A harness is the only thing between your child and physics in a car crash.

    Aggressive cleaning or machine washing can also shrink or distort covers, or strip away protective coatings. “A lot of them have fire retardants,” Webb says. “The more you wash it, the more you degrade some of that safety quality.”

    Even perfect cleaning techniques can be undermined by one deceptively difficult step—putting everything back together. “The biggest thing that I have seen when families come for a car seat check after they’ve washed it, especially if they bought their car seat used, is they’re not assembling it correctly again,” Webb says. A car seat may look pristine and even be properly installed, but if the harness is routed wrong or the clips aren’t in place, it’s not doing its job.

    That said, the stakes are too high to wing it. By sticking to the script of proper cleaning guidelines and manufacturer instructions, your seat can be both sanitary and road-trip ready.

    How to Find a Car Seat Manual

    Before you even think about reaching for those cleaning supplies, break out your car seat’s manual. If you can’t find the booklet that came with the seat, you can likely find it online: Visit your car seat manufacturer’s website, search for your specific model, and look out for links labeled “Manual,” “Instructions,” or “Support.”

    The cleaning guidelines are then usually found in a dedicated section of the manual. “Some car seats even have QR codes now, so you can scan the code to bring you right to their website’s FAQs and their help,” Webb says. “Sometimes it’ll even bring you to their YouTube channel.”

    If all else fails, contact customer service. “A lot of the manufacturers have child passenger safety technicians on staff,” Webb says. “They know their car seats, they know their products.” They’re the experts who can provide specific guidance for your model.

    Nicole Kinning

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  • How Cute Is the Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Collab? | Cup of Jo

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    There’s nothing sweeter than kids in pjs, so I was thrilled when I heard that Hanna Andersson and Dusen Dusen were coming together to create an exclusive, limited-edition collection. Their pajamas, T-shirts, sweatshirts and socks — for babies, kids and adults — are an explosion of stripes and colors.

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    To celebrate the launch, we invited some neighborhood families over for brunch at Dusen Dusen’s studio.

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    How cute is the Dusen Dusen team?

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    “I grew up wearing Hanna Andersson,” says Ellen, the founder. “The final assortment came out even better than I’d imagined.” Dusen Dusen’s bold patterns are always so fun and playful.

    hanna andersson Dusen Dusen pajamas

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    When our friends arrived, we ate banana bread, frittata, and fruit, and everyone wore their pajamas. It felt like the morning after a sleepover.

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    We jumped on the bed…

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    …chatted with friends…

    Joanna Goddard dusen Dusen pajamas

    …and read books.

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    We also did crafts, like making masks inspired by the design of the iconic Dusen Dusen everybody face.

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    We filled out “about me” pages, where kids used stickers to share their favorite colors, animals, and foods.

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    And took photos with an old-school polaroid.

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    Spending the morning in Hanna pajamas felt so good. For more than 40 years, they’ve made pieces with bright, never-fading colors and soft, comfortable fabrics. Toby and Anton have worn them for years, and now I’m thinking of getting mix-and-match sets for their cousins this holiday.

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    Finally, after a couple hours, it was time for naps. Such a beautiful morning.

    Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen Pajama Collab

    See the full Hanna Andersson x Dusen Dusen collection here, if you’d like. What are your favorite pieces? What would you wear for movie nights and pancake mornings? I LOVE this colorway and this fun T-shirt.

    P.S. How to make a home a haven and the best parenting advice I ever got.

    (Photos by Belathée. This post was sponsored by Hanna Andersson. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Cup of Jo.)

    20 COMMENTS

    Joanna Goddard

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  • A Couple Memes for Couples

    Relationships are equal parts love, laughter, chaos, and compromise – like accepting he may just wear his best joggers on the most important day of your relationship.

    Whether it’s trying to decide what to eat for dinner, juggling kids and responsibilities, or just collapsing on the couch after a long day, couples know the routine all too well.

    These memes capture the highs, the lows, and the “oh, that’s us” moments of everyday partnership. From marriage jokes to parenting chaos to the kind of tired only a couple can understand, it is all here.

    Love might be patient and kind, but it is also messy, sarcastic, and sometimes brutally honest. And that’s what makes it fun.

    Ryder

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  • The Comprehensive Guide to Babyproofing Your Home

    As a new parent myself, I can tell you unequivocally that when babies become mobile, the world becomes their playground. Coffee tables become climbing gyms, cabinets become treasure troves, and phone chargers become rope toys. Babyproofing your home isn’t about bubble-wrapping your life; it’s about thinking like a young mind and getting one step ahead of curiosity. We’re here to help: This guide will help you spot hidden dangers, make smart fixes, and provide a safe space for little ones to explore without hazards around every corner.

    Need a childproofing professional to help with the job? The International Association for Child Safety has a database to find one close to you.

    For recommendations on our favorite baby gear, check out our guides to the Best Strollers, Best Travel Strollers, Best Baby Monitors, Best Breast Pumps, and Best Baby Carriers.

    Jump to Section

    Before Baby Is Born

    Whether you’re expecting or your baby is still firmly in the potato stage, it’s best to start babyproofing sooner rather than later. Baby and toddler safety expert Holly Choi—whose business, Safe Beginnings, offers CPR courses, safety consultations, and more—warns that little ones often advance faster than you think. “Some kids can go from zero to 100 in a week,” she says. “They’re constantly practicing in their crib. Half the time we don’t even see it, and then suddenly, they’re in everything.” Think of babyproofing less as a weekend project and more as an ongoing lifestyle shift.

    Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

    Test/Silence button on a household carbon monoxide alarm detector.Photograph: Kenneth Cheung/Getty Images

    Both smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed on every floor of your home, especially in or near sleeping areas. Test them monthly by pressing the built-in test button (usually in the center or on the side), and replace the batteries once a year, or right away if you hear that low-battery chirp.

    The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that 87 percent of homes built before 1940 have some lead-based paint, which can be a serious risk to children and pregnant women. The safest way to rule out lead-based paint is to hire a licensed lead inspector with your municipality’s department of health.

    Courtesy of Newton

    A safe sleep starts with the right mattress. A newborn mattress should be firm with no give, and it must fit snugly in its bassinet or crib with no gaps around the edges. (Fellow WIRED parenting writer Nena Farrell loved the one above for her son.) Stick to a fitted sheet designed for a mattress that size, and skip extra add-ons like pillows, blankets, and stuffies.

    As cozy as rugs are, they can be a tripping hazard, which is the last thing you want when you’re carrying a newborn in your arms. Use nonslip pads beneath your rugs or double-sided rug tape to keep them in place, and avoid small rugs altogether in high-traffic areas. Also clear the premises of other obstacles like loose toys or cords that could catch your foot mid-step, especially on the stairs. “One in four babies injured on the stairs were being carried by an adult,” Choi says.

    Introducing a baby into a home where pets rule can be stressful for everyone involved, so establishing routines with them early will help make things smoother for the whole family. Before Baby arrives, work on basic obedience with your pets. Teach dogs to sit and stay, and make sure they know the off-limit areas in the house. Help cats get comfortable with baby gates and closed doors.

    First aid CPR training with an infant mannequin

    First aid, CPR training with an infant mannequinPhotograph: Virojt Changyencham/Getty Images

    Not a traditional babyproofing checklist item, per se, but unthinkable accidents happen no matter how prepped your home may be. Check your local hospital or the Red Cross for courses (they even offer them online) to prep you before baby arrives.

    How to Babyproof Your Home’s Interior

    Babies are naturally curious. We’ll break down the practical steps to make your space safer.

    “If you are going to do one thing, period, I want it to be anchoring your furniture,” Choi says. “Tip-over injuries are so fast, and furniture is probably the largest hazard we all have in our home. You’re really lucky if you get a second chance with tip-over injuries.”

    It takes surprisingly little force to tip over even heavy pieces of furniture, and the risks are serious. Use wall anchors to secure anything in your home that could topple over, especially tall, narrow pieces and in areas where your baby is the most mobile. Mounting furniture takes minutes, and most kits come with the basic hardware you need. And don’t forget about TVs, which should be mounted to the wall or secured with anti-tip straps.

    Cover Outlets and Hide Cords

    Eye-level cords and outlets are particularly inviting for babies to poke and prod. Snap-in or slide-in outlet safety covers keep tiny fingers and toys blocked from danger.

    Hide or secure cords from electronics like lamps and chargers—they can be pulled, chewed on, tripped over, and dangling wires can be an opportunity to pull and bring heavy electronics down with it. Cord covers, floor strips, and cable boxes are all smart ways to keep electric cords out of reach.

    Courtesy of Amazon

    Stairs, kitchens, and bathrooms can be danger zones once a baby starts moving, and baby gates are your first line of defense. (WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell recommends the one above.) For the top of stairs, a hardware-mounted gate is best, because they’re sturdier and can’t be pushed loose. “If a child throws themselves against a pressure-mounted gate, they will go down the stairs with the gate,” Choi says. “And the mechanism of injury of going down the stairs with the gate versus just going down the stairs is significantly worse.”

    Doorways and hallways can use pressure-mounted options. Make sure that the gates are tall enough that your baby, a future toddler, won’t be able to climb over them and that latches are secure and childproof.

    Coffee tables, TV stands, and low bookshelves often have sharp edges right at a baby’s head height. Corner guards soften the impact if your little one bumps into a corner. They come in a variety of shades and styles to blend in with furniture—just be sure they’re gripped nice and tight, since babies can be surprisingly good at peeling things loose.

    Keep Medications and Cleaning Supplies Out of Reach

    If you have a young one, you know that they love sticking things in their mouths, and every pill and spray can look like a toy. Medications, vitamins, and cleaning supplies should be locked up high and out of sight, and ideally in cabinets with childproof latches. This rule also goes for any “natural” or herbal products, which can still be toxic in large doses.

    Close up on child proof cabinet latch and knob on far right

    Close up on child proof cabinet latch and knob on far rightPhotograph: tiburonstudios/Getty Images

    No matter what, you’re bound to have child-level cabinets that’ll have hazardous materials in them. Installing childproof locks on cabinets helps keep little hands away from toxic cleaners, medications, and dangerous and sharp kitchen cabinets. “We’re not locking things down because we’re going to not supervise our kids,” Choi says. “We’re locking things down since we’re just buying ourselves time.”

    Nicole Kinning

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