Teens/Tweens
FREE online parenting summit for navigating those tricky tween and teen years
If you’ve been navigating the ups and downs of parenting, you’re not alone—and the Awesome Mom Virtual Summit has something for you. You’re invited to The Awesome Mom: Empower & Connect Summit, a FREE online event starting October 29. You’ll hear from top experts in parenting, family dynamics, and self-care, all sharing practical tools to help you: Build stronger connections with your tween or teen. Navigate the tough moments with more patience and confidence. Reclaim your own sense of self while balancing the demands of motherhood. This is for you if: You’re feeling the emotional rollercoaster of parenting tweens or teens. You want to deepen your bond with your child but aren’t sure where to start. You’re looking for expert tips to manage stress and stay calm during di...
Is my child depressed or just irritable?
Is your child depressed or just irritable? Check out these insights from Child Mind Institute. Children and teenagers who are depressed can also be irritable or angry a lot of the time. They may seem on edge. Some depressed kids are irritable instead of sad. Others are both: they alternate between sad and irritable. To be diagnosed with depression, though, a child would need to meet other criteria for depression, too. Those include losing interest in things they used to enjoy, lacking energy, changes in eating and sleep habits, trouble concentrating and making decisions, among other symptoms. Irritability with high energy could be caused by anxiety. Depression generally comes with low energy levels. So when irritability appears with high energy, or it is accompanied by a lot of worried beh...
Back To School Deal: Why Music Lessons Are Perfect for Your Child This School Year
Hey there, music-loving moms! As the new school year approaches, many of us are thinking about how to enrich our kids’ lives beyond the classroom. If you’re tired of battling with tablets and screens, why not consider something truly enriching and wholesome for your little ones? Music lessons could be just the ticket! Why Choose Music Lessons? Music isn’t just a hobby; it’s a fantastic way for kids to develop crucial skills that will benefit them for a lifetime. Whether your child is a budding Beethoven or simply curious about making sounds, music lessons offer a multitude of benefits: Boost Brain Power: Studies show that learning music enhances cognitive abilities, including memory and reasoning skills. Foster Discipline: Regular practice teaches children the value...
Colorado’s best family hikes with views within an hour of Denver
There’s no better way to explore our backyard than on foot! Denver offers numerous hiking trails with stunning views, ranging from easy to challenging and we’ve rounded up some of our favorites with the best views. Be sure to scroll down for even more tips on hiking with kids near Denver and don’t miss Denver hikes the whole family will love and Best Easy Day Hikes Denver. 1. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre Distance: Varies (many short trails) Difficulty: Easy to moderate Highlights: Iconic red rock formations, panoramic views of Denver, and the amphitheater itself. 2. Mount Falcon Park Distance: 11 miles of trails (various loops and out-and-back options) Difficulty: Easy to difficult Highlights: Views of downtown Denver, the Front Range, and the ruins of the ...
Six Ways to Have a Fun & Educational Summer With Your Kids
School is out and the temperatures are climbing which means summer is here. It’s time to find creative ways to keep your kids entertained, engaged and happy through the longer days of additional free time. Check out these six ideas to help your kids – and the whole family – make the most of summer, whether you’re adventuring outdoors or beating the heat together inside. Create a Daily Schedule Kids thrive on routine, even during the summer. Create a daily schedule that includes time for outdoor play, creative activities and quiet time. This will help balance fun and structure, making the days more manageable for everyone. Find Outdoor Adventures Encourage your children to spend time outside – and get the whole family involved. Plan family hikes, trips to the park or backyard camping ...
Reading with the Rabbits Story Hour at The Community Farm animal sanctuary
My name is Leona. Last spring, in April of 2023, when I was in 5th grade. I started a story hour called Reading with the Rabbits to help raise funds to improve the rabbit hutch – aka the Rabbitat – at The Community Farm. I’ve volunteered at The Community Farm animal sanctuary in Arvada, I love that they are calm and cautious with an intense curiosity. They are so eager to try new and different things and they love interacting with people. Most importantly, they are great listeners. I started to think, the horses have riders, the goats have Goat Yoga, the donkeys have the Burro Racing team, but what do the bunnies have? I wanted to create something that focused on the rabbits. I thought maybe bunny meditation? No. I don’t want to meditate with strangers; that’s priva...
FREE Summer Concerts in Denver 2024
One of the best things about summer is the longer days – plus that means free entertainment for all. Yes, I’m talking about the return of the free concerts at nearly every municipality and mall. No matter if you like to follow one band around town, if you just want to see what is near you, or if you have a free night with nothing to do in the summer. We’ve got you covered nearly every night for something fun and nearly every musical taste. Scroll down for our guide to summer fun in Denver and be sure to also check out Film on the Rocks at Red Rocks, the ultimate family-friendly ampthitheater under the stars. If you want to be super-efficient at your outdoor concerts, check out products like the Mac Sports Foldable Chaise Lounge Chair with Integrated Wagon Pull Cart Combo. H...
The Play Nintendo Tour is coming to Denver!
Nintendo is bringing smiles to cities nationwide alongside Mario, Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, Pikachu and more with the free Play Nintendo Tour. Nintendo invites kids and their parents to explore the endless adventure and fun of Nintendo and the Nintendo Switch system at Flatiron Crossing June 13-16. The national tour is free to attend and brings with it exciting interactive experiences featuring photo-ops with Nintendo characters, giveaways (while supplies last), and playable demos of the latest Nintendo Switch games. June 20 – 23 at FlatIron Crossing Food Court Thursday, June 20: 10am – 8pm Friday, June 21: 10am – 8pm Saturday, June 22: 10am – 8pm Sunday, June 23: 11am – 6pm The Play Nintendo Tour has something for everyone – whether that’s discovering a ne...
Fourteen Talks By Age Fourteen: important advice before the tween years
Let’s face it: the middle school years are TOUGH. Parents sometimes feel like talking to middle schoolers is an exercise in frustration (for both parties!) but there’s no better time to have important yet sometimes difficult conversations about topics like changing friendships, independence, self-care, technology, impulsivity, money, and more — and lay the groundwork for a healthy adolescence. This invaluable parenting book Fourteen Talks By Age Fourteen: The Essential Conversations You Need to Have with Your Kids Before They Start High School by Michelle Icard lays out the BRIEF Model. Begin peacefully. Relate to your child. Interview to collect information Echo what you’re hearing, and give Feedback – for having positive conversations with middle school...
4th of July in Denver: Ultimate fireworks and event guide 2024
Fourth of July in Denver means fireworks, friends, family and fun as we celebrate our nation’s independence. Are you going to any 4th of July parades in Denver? Check out this awesome 9-piece patriotic bike decor set or these patriotic accessories for kids. Do you want to do a deeper dive into Denver fun? Be sure to bookmark The Ultimate Denver Summer Activity Guide (250+ Ideas). Scroll down to see 4th of July events in Denver. 4th of July Fireworks in Denver 2024 ARVADA Arvada Fireworks Display — Since 1979, the City of Arvada has celebrated Independence Day on July 4th with a spectacular fireworks display at the Stenger Sports Complex. Gates at the Stengler Sports Complex open to vehicles at 7 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. No personal fire...
Your Denver Summer Bucket List: 30 ideas to make summer magical
Summers go by incredibly sloooooow…and also fast if we spend our days creating, resting and dreaming. Creating a summer bucket list for kids can be a fantastic way to keep them entertained, active, and learning during the break. Here are 30 fun and engaging ideas: Go on a Nature Hike: Explore local trails and parks. Check out Best Hikes for Kids in the Denver area and 10 of Colorado’s most scenic waterfall hikes. Visit the Zoo or Aquarium: Learn about animals and marine life. Fun fact: did you know the Denver Zoo will have a new 570-acre preserve and conservation center? Build a Sandcastle: Head to the beach and get creative. Cool off this summer at Colorado’s best beaches. Have a Movie Marathon: Pick a theme and watch related movies. Our friends at Xfinity shared 4 ways ...
Elitch Gardens: Summer fun with mermaids, dive-in movies & more
Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial start to summer fun at Elitch Gardens as the park’s Island Kingdom Water Park splashes open and a fireworks extravaganza sets the stage for this season’s spectacular lineup of special events. Island Kingdom Water Park opens for the season this Saturday, May 25. The water park boasts an array of wet n’ wild attractions including exhilarating speed slides for thrill-seekers, exciting raft rides for families, a lazy river for laid-back sun bums, Barefootin’ Bay for little ones to splash around and relaxing cabana retreats perfect for taking it all in. The first of many special events this season will commence as Elitch Gardens paints the Downtown Denver skyline with bursts of color during the park’s annual Memorial Day Fi...
