“It’s 4:45 pm, and it’s time for my 9 and 7-year-old sons to get ready for lacrosse practice,” writes Samm Davidson today. “Here’s the tough part: Both have ADHD and require some extra time and attention with transitions, but in wildly different ways.”

Her 9-year-old needs prompting and directions repeated over and over, so he doesn’t leave his water bottle behind. For her 7-year-old, it’s a different situation: “It’s the kind that results in loud, angry outbursts over very small things. And it can be really, really hard to manage. So I brace for impact as I tell him, after a few earlier reminders, that is now time to start getting ready. And just like that, the resistance begins.” Sound familiar?

Kelly Faircloth, Executive Editor

Downhill Duo, the newest must-have MAGNA-TILES set at the center of their all-new In Motion Collection, was just awarded the Preschool Toy of the Year for 2023, and we’re not surprised at all. It’s compatible with all MAGNA-TILES sets and puts your child's imagination in the driver’s seat while encouraging fine motor skills development, STEAM learning, and endless hours of screen-free fun. The MAGNA-TILES brand is the OG in magnetic construction, with each piece carefully crafted to withstand hours of play. It’s no wonder Downhill Duo has become the must-have gift of the holiday season.

“If you grew up in the ‘90s like I did, you probably remember Gullah Gullah Island,” writes Julie Sprankles. “From 1994 to 1998, the educational Nickelodeon series took kids on a magical adventure to a fictitious island filled with family, sea creatures, and kindness (plus Binyah Binyah Polliwog, of course).” Well, she recently got a chance to chat with co-creator Natalie Daise about her work, Gullah Geechee culture and cuisine, and her new picture book, Okra Stew. And it’s an absolute delight – check it out.