Latest news with #kids
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Getting a phone for your kid this year? Here's what you need to consider
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Choosing to get a smartphone for your child can be a daunting task. Are they really ready for a smartphone? Will they be ostracized by their friends without the right phone? How do you keep them safe online if they do get one? Everyone's situation is different, so while my personal experience may not apply precisely to you, I've been through all of these thoughts and have some advice that might help give you peace of mind. I've given my son several different smartwatches, phones, and tablets over the years to test and we've settled mainly on two things: a phone for games and Wi-Fi only communication, and a smartwatch with a SIM card for when he's out and about. If you're thinking of getting a smartphone for your kid this year, here are a few things to think about before hitting that buy button. Does my child really need a phone? Before even thinking of what kind of phone your child needs, consider the option of foregoing the phone entirely. Instead, one of the best kids smartwatches might be a better alternative for some kids or parents. My son's favorite is the T-Mobile SyncUP Kids Watch, which is free on T-Mobile when you activate it with the T-Mobile watch service (usually $10 per month). Among excellent features like video calling, text and voice messaging, and real-time location tracking is the dinosaur game. Yes, the same game you play in Chrome when you don't have an internet connection. It seems funny to highlight this but it's one of the reasons my son loves it over other kid's watches, and it makes it easy for me to let him use it since the other features work so well. If you're not a T-Mobile user, Google's Fitbit Ace LTE works on all U.S. networks and, as the Fitbit name suggests, is heavily focused on keeping your kids healthy through active fitness encouragement. Fitbit does this by tracking activity via the advanced hardware on the watch—which is just as advanced as what's inside the more expensive Google Pixel Watch 3—and turns your child's active moments into tokens that can be spent playing arcade games on the watch. An LTE-enabled smartwatch might be a better fit for many kids, especially if you just want a line of communication with them. But these aren't just any old video games. All of the games on the Fitbit Ace LTE require physical movement of some kind. From flinging your wrist like a fishing pole to catch fish, to aiming your spaceship to take out enemy ships, even the games will keep your kids moving more often during the day. Of course, being an LTE-enabled watch also means phone calls, text and voice messages, and active GPS tracking are all available, making it easy to forego the phone for something a little simpler (and less easy to lose or break). Made for kids The latest Fitbit is built specifically for kids! It's got built-in LTE connectivity and the same powerful processor and health sensors from the Pixel Watch 3, all of which are being intelligently used to encourage your kids to keep moving throughout the day with an Animal Crossing-like virtual "pet" and tons of fun, active games to play after earning controls for phones If a smartwatch is maybe too basic for your child, a phone might be a more powerful, fitting solution. A smartphone is far more capable than a watch in every regard and likely has better battery life than most kids smartwatches, too. And while the price of the best smartphones mostly keeps going up and up, there are plenty of choices for kids that are a lot more affordable. First, you'll want to consider the level of parental controls your child needs. For a long time now, my son has been using an older phone (more on that later) with a Google Family Link account. At the very least, this is the avenue I'd recommend if you're not sure what your needs are. Google's Family Link gives you a decent way to control apps, set screen time limits, and remotely track your child's phone's location when needed. But using Family Link will lock your child's Google account into a child Google account until they legally turn 13, and that may be a source of frustration for families in the preteen years. Instead of doing this, I recommend using Bark or Canopy as a parental control service, as it doesn't force you to alter a Google account. I particularly recommend this to parents whose kids who love to search the web or chat with friends. If you've already got a phone picked out for your kids—or they're just getting a hand-me-down—consider using the Canopy or Bark apps. I've used each and I'd recommend starting a free trial for both services to see which works best for your family. Google Family Link is free but only offers basic parental controls. Paid services like Bark or Canopy provide substantially greater capabilities for a low monthly cost. Both apps work similarly and can help you not only control apps, screen time limits, and perform real-time remote location tracking, but they also help monitor communication and filter out the bad things that can happen online. Both services require a monthly subscription but are fully worth the cost given the elaborate scope beyond Google's free Family Link service. At a high level, both services filter internet traffic and scan communications using AI algorithms that automatically identify unsafe content, including explicit images and words, and can even go beyond mere filtering by helping to identify harmful behavior or speech your child or their friends might be engaging in. If this concept appeals to you but you don't already have a phone you can pass down, consider picking up a Bark Phone or Gabb Phone. I've used all the major kids' phones out there and these two are my favorite. Gabb even includes its own music streaming service that includes millions of songs with filtered tracks that keep things safe for your kids. Parental control options are available for any Android phone, but a phone specifically made for kids gives you the most control. Both companies use Samsung Galaxy phones as a base, then preinstall the parental control software in a way that's impossible to remove. It's a turnkey solution since you will only need to activate the phone and register the parental app on your device to control it. Even if you don't pick up a Gabb Phone, the Gabb Blog has a wealth of information for parents looking to decode kids' slang and figure out other important topics. Parental safety included The Bark Phone makes it easy to choose what to get your kids this year. It's got built-in parental controls that make it easy to keep your kids safe, and since it all runs on a great Samsung phone, you know you'll be getting software updates on it for years to come. View Deal Now, as someone who has developed a sensitivity to flickering lights over years of using smartphones with PWM dimming, I prefer to pick my own phone out and install either Bark or Canopy on it. That way, I can find a display that I feel is safer for my child than displays on Samsung, Google, or Apple phones, which are known for their flickering displays. Not everyone is going to be concerned about this but if you are, I recommend phones from brands like Motorola, TCL, OnePlus, Nothing, and Honor, to name a few. These companies are much more careful about selecting flicker-free displays—or providing display options to reduce flicker—which makes me feel better about the time my son spends on his phone and what potentially harmful things smartphone displays could do over time. Does my child need a powerful phone? I recently upgraded my son to a Nothing Phone 2a as it's both affordable and has a screen I'm confident won't burn his eyes out. He doesn't have a SIM card in his phone—we use smartwatches for that—so this phone is primarily his mobile gaming machine and personal digital camera. If you're looking for a new phone that will see years of support, I'd recommend the CMF Phone 2 Pro. You can pick it up for $279 and its customizable design means your child will have fun making it their own. Plus, it's got plenty of power for anything your child will need, even if that means mobile games with impressive graphics. But a powerful phone isn't necessary at all, especially if you're not keen on your kids installing apps or games from the Play Store. In fact, most of the "kids phones" out there—like Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, and others—typically forego powerful specs for phones with a focus on better battery life. Most of those phones have curated app stores, which means regular apps from the Google Play Store can't be installed, anyway. The CMF Phone 2 Pro is nothing short of the best budget phone available today. It doesn't miss out on the basics, and you get a set of great cameras at the back, and enjoyable software with unique extras. View Deal What apps are safe? This question is much tougher to answer than any of the others simply because there are seventy bajillion apps (actually, over 3 million) in the Google Play Store. While Google does a good job of ensuring apps and games are rated, categorized, and tagged for organization, some apps are free and supported by ads—and ad content can be very questionable at times. My advice here would be to stay away from completely free games which are all almost exclusively financially supported by ads. Since there's no real way to control the content that comes through ad networks, staying clear of them altogether is a better option. Instead, choose games that follow the Google Play Families Policies. You'll find this listed under the data safety section in each app listing on the Play Store. Here's what that looks like: As for other types of apps, I recommend sticking with brands you know. Messenger Kids by Meta uses Facebook's wide network of coverage and Meta's incredibly smart tools to keep your kids safe while talking only with approved contacts, including friends and family. My son has used this one for years and it not only makes it easy for him to message his friends and play games with them right through Messenger, but he can also video call and voice call anyone on his contact list without the need for a SIM card. It's the very best way for kids to stay in contact with you, even if they only have Wi-Fi connectivity. Internet safety can be scary, but services like Bark and Canopy can help filter all kinds of content across all available apps. For kids with phones that have a SIM card, Google Messages will safely send and receive SMS, MMS, and RCS messaging through your child's phone number and even filters spam automatically. Lots of free social games like Roblox, Fortnite, and Rec Room will entice kids, and while they're all great options for giving your kids ways to virtually hang out with friends, it's important to take advantage of the parental control options in these games. These are the only three free games I allow my son to play and it's because I can keep age inappropriate away from his eyes. Plus, I'm not worried about a rogue ad popping up on the screen since neither game uses ads; all dollars are spent on in-game currency, and you control when that digital wallet gets filled. If anything, it's a great incentive to get them doing more chores or helping around the house! When it comes to video and other types of entertainment, the options aren't quite as good as I hoped. Google's YouTube Kids app lets you curate what your kids are allowed to watch, including content that's specifically approved for viewing by kids that has fewer (or no) ads. But the app isn't the most user-friendly, and parents regularly complain about how some content keeps coming back even after they've removed it. We use shared spaces (like a living room) for phone and gaming system use, ensuring that we're never in the dark about our child's content consumption. Likewise, while the Amazon Kids+ service includes books, videos, and other things, parents find that filtering content could be easier. I specifically hand-pick videos and books for my son and do my best to be nearby, especially when he's watching something. He also knows that while he's allowed to branch out a bit on platforms like YouTube, he has to get my approval before watching anything new. If you're ever unsure, check the YouTube history section to see what's been recently watched. I've been pretty strict about content over the years and I feel good about where it's gotten me and my son. We feel strongly about using shared spaces to be with each other, even if we're doing different things. It helps keep everyone accountable and makes it easy to have conversations about important topics—or just keep an eye on what's on the other side of the screen. The internet can be a scary place, but with a little bit of homework and curation—plus time spent watching and reading alongside them—everyone can have a fun and safe time.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The hilarious lunch order that sums up firstborn vs. secondborn vibes
There are two types of girls in this world. One quietly orders her Wendy's salad with the precision of a tiny food critic: 'Um, a salad. It has, well, of course, lettuce, um and cheese, tomato… onion, and I believe that's it. And egg. Oh yeah, egg.' The other? Shouts her order with full-throttle confidence: 'CHICKEN, CHICKEN AND CHICKEN!' This viral TikTok from @shan040891, which has over 33 million views, is a funny family moment that highlights how kids develop their individuality and express their personalities, even in everyday moments like ordering lunch. The comment section exploded with joy and recognition. 'Perhaps a salad for the lady? Perhaps not? 'CHICKEN, CHICKEN , CHICKEN, CHICKEN' ,' wrote @KareNN. ' Definition of 1st daughter vs 2nd daughter ,' joked @Elise Fellerman. Related: Toddler gives viral crumpet order—and mom's calm response wins the internet Small choices, big growth Whether it's a meal, an outfit, or a bedtime story, when kids make choices, they're practicing autonomy, a vital skill for healthy development. According to The American Academy of Pediatrics, encouraging independence early helps children build confidence, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills that will serve them for life. This video taps into familiar 'firstborn vs. secondborn' vibes, with the careful, detail-loving first child contrasted against the loud-and-proud second. These are playful stereotypes, though; every kid is different, shaped by temperament, environment, and how they're raised. Letting kids order their own food—even if it's a salad with seven ingredients or a chicken chant shouted six times—helps them know their choices and opinions matter. Related: Researchers find a little childhood independence can reduce kids' anxiety Celebrating each child's unique voice Kids come with all kinds of personalities. Some are quiet and thoughtful, others loud and full of energy. Trying to fit every child into the same 'well-behaved' mold means missing out on the unique ways they show who they really are. Birth order might influence some traits but doesn't tell the whole story. Every child is shaped by their own mix of temperament, experiences, and environment. When parents notice and appreciate these differences, even in small everyday moments, they help their kids feel truly seen and valued for who they are. How to nurture autonomy at home Offer daily choices: Whether it's what to wear or what snack to eat, simple options give kids a sense of control. Listen carefully: Show your child you respect their preferences, even if they don't match your own. Model confident communication: Speak clearly and kindly about your own feelings and choices. Accept imperfection: Learning independence is messy and involves plenty of mistakes — and that's okay. The bottom line As parents, the greatest gift we can give is space for children to find their own voices, whether loud, soft, detailed, or bold. It's in these imperfect, hilarious moments that their true personalities shine. Next time you're at the drive-thru, remember every order is more than just food; it's a step toward independence, identity, and self-assurance. And that's absolutely worth celebrating. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
11 Signs Your Child Is Too Competitive and What To Do About It
Reviewed by Charissa Chamorro, PhD We've all heard the saying: 'A little competition never hurt anyone.' In fact, you likely see a touch of competitiveness in just about everyone, including yourself. But how does competitiveness apply to kids? Experts say while competition is a natural part of human makeup that drives people, including kids, to do their best, it also can morph into something unhealthy—especially if your child cannot tolerate losing and struggles every time they are faced with challenges. 'Our brains are wired to compete,' explains Christina Lee, MD, a psychiatrist at Kaiser Permanente in Maryland. 'Competition can be a very positive drive to motivate you to do better and to learn to improve your performance. But the problem is in children who have underdeveloped brains and the inability to necessarily temper [emotions], impulsive competitiveness can spiral into the negative aspects like self-criticism or perfectionism.' Dr. Less says unhealthy competitiveness may start with getting upset over losing a board game. Then, as your child gets a little bit older, they may start obsessing over their grades, insisting on being first in line, and even refusing to try hard things because they are afraid to fail, she says. 'When someone's self-worth starts becoming contingent on winning, achievements, or out-performing other people, that's where it's really time to take a closer look,' says Dr. Lee. 'An unhealthy competitive mindset can ultimately crowd out enjoyment, curiosity, and the healthy risk-taking that is needed to explore—and all the positive benefits of competitiveness go out the window when it starts going down that path.' Understanding Competitive Behavior in Children Competitiveness in children is often overt, says Cynthia Vejar, PhD, LPC, LSC/PPS, NCC, associate professor and director of the CMHC/SC/TR Cert. Programs at Lebanon Valley College. Most kids haven't yet developed the nuanced mannerisms that allow them to conceal their competitiveness that adults typically acquire. 'While adults may be just as, if not more, competitive, they often hide it behind subtle behaviors, passive comments, or strategic social graces,' says Dr. Vejar. 'In contrast, children tend to express their competitiveness in more obvious ways, such as bragging, name-calling, or becoming hyper-emotional when they lose.' Their emotional regulation is still developing, so their reactions tend to be worn on 'their sleeves,' she says. This isn't necessarily negative, as it offers clear insight into their thoughts and emotions, but it also means you need to teach them how to handle both winning and losing, as well as developing grace, empathy, and perspective, she says. Here are some ways you might witness competitiveness in school, sports, and social interactions. School: According to Dr. Vejar, kids may strive for the highest grades, as well as seek approval from teachers. 'On the positive side, this can motivate hard work, but it can also lead to stress or perfectionism, as well as cheating behavior.' Sports: In sports, competition can be physical and aggressive, says Dr. Vejar. Kids may push themselves and their teammates, which can lead to burnout, resentment, and ultimately take the fun out of hobbies and activities, she says. Conversely, kids can move past their comfort levels and develop exceptional talent, she says. Social interactions: In peer groups, Dr. Vejar says competition shows up as trying to be the most popular, have the trendiest clothes and technology, and get the most attention. This can manifest in appearance, talent, and social status, she says. The Impact of Excessive Competitiveness While a little bit of competition can be healthy for kids, Dr. Lee says too much can create chronic stress that can lead to burnout, de-prioritizing collaboration, and even lying about their accomplishments. It also can steal their joy for activities they once loved—especially in sports and other similar activities. In fact, the American Academy Pediatrics reports that 70% of kids quit organized sports by age 13 because of performance pressure and the amount of unhealthy competition they experience, she says. 'Excessive pressure [and unhealthy competitiveness] raises the risk for depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and sleep issues,' says Dr. Lee. 'It can sometimes even lead to substance misuse in adolescence.' Unhealthy competitiveness also can cause kids to disconnect from their core values and sense of self beyond the activity, adds Carla Allan, PhD, division chief of psychology for Phoenix Children's. 'Some may withdraw, freeze, or quit, while others may act out with intense, persistent anger towards peers, parents, coaches, or themselves—disrupting their overall quality of life,' says Dr. Allan. 'In most cases, without intervention, children will gradually show more frequent and intense signs of dysregulated behavior. For example, a child who exhibits physical aggression often displays verbal aggression first.' As they get older they may even resort to cheating in order to win. And, if they are in sports, excessive competitiveness and a desire to be the best, can even lead to the use of performance enhancing drugs. Signs Your Child Is Too Competitive When kids are overly competitive, Dr. Lee says they may be reluctant to try new things or to undertake challenges, especially if they believe they might not succeed. They may fear failure and become withdrawn as a result. You also may see a lot of negative self-talk, self-criticism, extreme emotions after a loss, and an inability to recover from losses and failures, she says. Here are some other signs of excessive competitiveness that our experts say you may witness: Constant comparisons with peers Fear of failure or not being good enough Lack of collaboration or cooperation Acting out after losing a competition or failing a test Avoidance of competitions or sporting events Boastful behavior or bragging and putting down others Unable to be a team-player or share credit for winning Perfectionism and unrealistic expectations of self and others Pressure to constantly perform or present a perfect image Feelings of inadequacy or exclusion Alienating friends or being rejected by others The Role of Social Media While social media, like TikTok and Instagram, can provide a platform for connection, it can also encourage competitive behaviors, especially in teens, says Judy Krause, EdD, executive director of Early Childhood Programs at Pacific Oaks College. 'These platforms often foster a sense of competition,' says Dr. Krause. 'While online, teens compare themselves with others, wanting to be popular. Peer pressure leads them to participate in virtual trends, which can be harmful.' With social media, there's a built-in culture that emphasizes recognition, adds Dr. Vejar such as how many 'likes' one gets, how many friends they have, and the types of comments they get on a post. 'This can create pressure to constantly perform or present a perfect image, while also triggering feelings of inadequacy or exclusion such as FOMO [fear of missing out].'You can reduce these risks by setting time limits for screen time, encouraging real-world or offline friendships, and modeling healthy technology habits, says Dr. Vejar. 'The problem with social media is that it turns normal, every day life into a competition or a scoreboard,' adds Dr. Lee. 'It ends up perpetuating this idea that everyone's highlight reel is better…and there's a huge divide that makes kids feel terrible and fuels their anxiety. So, have open conversations with your kids about how social media is not real and is a very filtered version [of someone's life].' Strategies for Parents to Encourage Healthy Competition When it comes to competition, work with your kids to provide balance, says Dr. Krause. 'Rather than focusing on winning, concentrate on effort and accepting loss. Shift the focus to teamwork. Engage in conversations about feelings. Children are looking to [you] for support; be the model for finding the fun in the competition.' If you are constantly focusing on accomplishments and winning, Dr. Lee says that's going to make your child feel bad when they don't obtain that. Instead, shift your focus to progress like comparing how a child did in the past and how they do now. Dr. Lee says you can encourage healthy competition, instead. Here's how: Praise effort over outcome: 'Research shows that kids who are praised for their hard work and their effort actually go on to develop much stronger resilience, can recover better from setbacks, and learn to cope with disappointment or frustration, when they feel supported and loved regardless of whether they win or lose,' she says. Rotate sports and activities: Strive for a balance of competitive and non-competitive activities and avoid specializing in a sport too early, says Dr. Lee. 'The American Academy of Pediatrics against pigeon-holing them into being the sports player, gymnast, or cheerleader. Try different sports throughout the year and then take several months off from any single sport. You want your child to kind of figure out what they enjoy and what they would excel at doing. You also want to encourage teamwork and cooperation over winning.' Model healthy and positive attitudes toward competition: Achievements should be celebrated, says Dr. Lee. But they're also not representative of who your child is. 'Anybody can have a good or bad day, so it's important to teach children how to keep a healthy perspective. It's also important to encourage kids to prioritize rest and recovery. It's not an optional thing; it's essential and helps reduce burnout," she explains. Talk about what success means: So many young people think success is all about winning, says Dr. Lee. 'But if you teach your child that success might mean being a good person, being a good teammate, being supportive, trying something new, or doing something even when you know that you're going to fail you have redefined the term success and redefined the term winning. That can help build long-term confidence. Remind them that having fun is the goal: The reason why children start doing competitive things like sports is because they are fun, says Dr. Lee. 'So, remind them that having fun should be the goal, not winning. Also encourage them to try something new and not just focus on the things they are good at.' Read the original article on Parents Solve the daily Crossword
Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Times
Nine of the best family games for the summer holidays
I grew up fighting with my siblings and watching Neighbours and Home and Away. When we got bored, we'd be thrown outside to play in the street or told to shut up and play a game. Fast forward 100 years and I'm a kids' coach (and a lawyer), and my early days being forced to play games have turned me into a fully fledged addict. I love them — I use them to salvage a rainy Sunday afternoon with no plans; to keep things light in coaching sessions and to prise my own kids away from their screens. I really believe there is a game for any occasion: have a child struggling with maths? Rat-a-tat Cat will get them adding up small numbers in no time — don't punish them with Rummikub unless and until they become more confident. Perhaps it's a teenager who struggles with school but is amazing at art — crack open Pictionary. What about a kid just having a hard time, feeling things keenly and lost in their feelings? Try the very silly Gas Out, to lighten the mood. This most steady and reliable of games keeps everyone happy and it's very fun. I don't think I've been out for a family meal without it for about five years. The aim is to get as low a score as possible so it's very good for learning how to add up small numbers. Everyone gets a card with the same list of 12 topics — eg a girl's name, a fad, something your partner does that annoys you — and everyone also gets given the same letter, eg T. You then have three minutes to give a word for every subject ('Tamsin', 'Tamagotchi', 'Turns off sockets at the mains even when there's nothing plugged in'). If you don't have the same answer as anyone else, you get a point. It's sort of like an inverse and live version of Family Fortunes. The questions in this game are updated in line with current affairs, supplementing a stock of evergreen questions. You play on an app which can be off-putting if you want your game time to be screen free, but you do learn a lot while you're having fun. If you're tech savvy it means you can play with friends remotely too. • Read more parenting advice, interviews, real-life stories and opinions Two brilliant and absorbing building games with a very high boredom threshold. Yes, it's a bit annoying to crawl around looking for one of the random tower pieces but in this case, the juice is well worth the squeeze when you beat all previous tower height records and your opponent marvels at your dexterity and engineering prowess. The kids' version of the grown-up game Linkee, although truthfully the Dinkee version is plenty hard for the adults in my family. The game itself is like Only Connect — each card has four seemingly random questions on it. You write down the answer to each, and if you can guess what links the four answers you win the card. It's an absolute riot and I can see my kids' brains unfurl in real time when we play. This card game is based around a watering hole. You start with a hand of animal-themed cards, from elephant to mouse, and the bigger animals 'eat' the ones further down the chain. Each go, you lay cards and pick up cards, trying to 'eat' other animals to keep in your stockpile. It's really simple and quite therapeutic. This card game is basically snap but with actions and a hypnotic chant. The players all chant 'taco, cat, goat, cheese, pizza' over and over again, matching the rhythm to the laying of cards. If the card laid matches the word being said, you 'snap', and the last one to snap has to pick up all the cards. To add a twist there are additional elements where players have to do an action. The last one to do the action has to take all the cards. • The best podcasts and audiobooks for a family road trip This game is suitable for all ages. It's basically about farts and not being the last person to hit the button that triggers one. There's a central character toy, Guster the Gas Cloud, with a button on top. Each player starts with three cards. Each go you play one and pick one. The cards have a 1, 2 or 3 written on them. You have to press the button the number of times that is written on your card. The fart builds up each time and if your push lets one go, you are also let go! Simple, dumb fun. Another winner that has kids crying with laughter. Players are asked a simple question and they have five seconds to come up with three answers before the buzzer rings. It's a good one to take out with elderly relatives as they can play too. Quick and easy. What are you favourite holiday games? Let us know in the comments below
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
23 Parents Are Revealing The Biggest (and Funniest) Lies They Tell Their Kids, And If You Need Me, I'll Be On The Floor Laughing
Sometimes a parent's got to do what a parent's got to do. Whether their kiddo is throwing a seemingly endless temper tantrum or refusing to eat their veggies, parents have to occasionally get a little creative with their version of the "truth..." That's why when TikTok user (and former NFL quarterback) @mattleinartqb said, "I'm bored. Tell me the biggest lies you tell your kids. I'm not talking about Santa or the Easter Bunny. I want the ones that you're taking to the grave," thousands of parents took to the comment section to share the weirdly useful and wildly creative "mistruths" they tell their children. Without further ado, here are 23 of their best stories: If you've ever told your kids a creative or hilarious lie, feel free to tell us about it in the comments or using this anonymous form! 1."When my daughters were six and three, they both slept with my partner and me, so I had them start sleeping on the floor instead. A couple of days in, they got the flu, so I told them they were allergic to carpet and they started sleeping in their own beds!" "I forgot all about it until my oldest was 21 and called to let me know she was not allergic to the kind of carpet in her boyfriend's house. I finally told her the truth. I didn't mean for them to believe it that long — I just forgot. I then got a call from my other daughter telling me that she couldn't believe I lied to them like that!" —tori_jones_ Related: 2."I used to tell my son that oil or chewing gum spots in the parking lot were kids who didn't hold their mommy's hand when they were walking in traffic." — 3."Whenever I don't want to watch one of my daughters' shows, I tell her the characters are sleeping: 'Sorry, Paw Patrol are sleeping!'" "She's only two and a half, but I'll be sad the day it doesn't work..." —mls090493 4."My son was a picky eater and would never eat homemade pizza. When he was about three, I made a pizza and told him it was Batman's special recipe. He ate that sh*t up. He still asks me for Batman pizza today and he's SEVENTEEN." —eunice38350 5."I told my kids that the hazard button in the car was an ejection button for the passenger seat and that it would shoot them straight through the roof! They never touched anything around it and believed me until they were around 10." —raynacorrine 6."For every bite of vegetables they ate during dinner, they could stay up five minutes later. They didn't know how to tell time, so it worked." —11carla 7."I told my niece that if you break a pinky promise, your pinky will fall off. When she eventually lied, she went wild trying to hold her pinky on because she thought she was going to lose it." —cass_a_bration Related: 8."My parents told my sister the ice cream man was actually the music man. He plays music to make people happy, and he only has his music on when he's out of ice cream." —laura_rey1993 9."I told my daughter when new teeth grow in, they create new tastes. Now she tries to figure out which new foods she will like every time a new tooth comes in." —christopherwilso62 10."I told my kids that all mommies have eyes in the back of their heads. We were at a rest stop once, and I asked the woman ahead of us in line if it was true, and she said, 'Yes, it's true.' ALL of the moms around us agreed." "It was an unspoken support group and my daughter wholeheartedly believed it!" —npe2021 11."My husband used to tell our kids that if they picked their noses, the boogers would bite their fingers and make them crooked. Then he would show them his old broken finger and say, 'See!'" —micheleg8192 Related: 12."I made up a fictional character called Mr. Bugs, and when my son is behaving badly, I always tell him, 'I'm calling Mr. Bugs to deliver bugs to your bedroom, so when you wake up, you'll have them all over your room.' He shapes up real quick." —a_wachter 13."My son choked on bacon when he was six and refused to eat after that. When we were going on day four, I decided I had to do something to get him to eat, so I introduced him to anti-choking medication (watered-down syrup) in a medicine bottle with a legitimate-looking label that had his name on it." "He is 15 now and still reminisces about how that medicine saved him." —ffdh509 14."We live in a semi-rural area, so there are wild rabbits all around the house. I told my son they're all Easter Bunny spies who report back daily, all year." —mom2wil 15."I'm not a parent, but when I was learning the difference between left and right, my parents told me if I put my shoe on the wrong foot, I'd grow an extra toe." — 16."I told my daughter the only man she could trust was her daddy because he graduated from 'man school' and got a diploma (a homemade wallet-size 'man card'). Only certain men can get such a prestigious award, and he's legit because he has the card in his wallet to prove it." — 17."If we go somewhere that has a playground or a bounce house and we don't have time to play, I tell my kids that we didn't buy tickets like the other children, and they're definitely sold out by now." —jpgiddens 18."I text 'Santa' with pictures of toys my kids like; that way, we don't have to fight about toys at every single store. Closer to Christmas, we text Santa again with the top two or three toys they wanted all year. It helps with Christmas shopping too!" —circusofamerica Related: 19."Our family went to Disney parks often when we were kids. My dad told us that he knew Mickey Mouse personally and if we went to sleep early, he would take our autograph books to him before he went to bed and get them signed, so we never had to wait in long lines." "It took 25 years for us to realize that my dad just used his left hand to sign 'Mickey's' name." —carlymathes12 20."When you pee in a pool, you have to raise your hand to let others know what you are doing, so they know to stay away." —otoole732003 21."We have a family gnome. He lives in the kitchen or pantry. We even have a house just for him. If my kids don't clean up their things, he'll take them away and give them to kids who will take care of them." "He also magically fixes/replaces things when they get broken if you ask him really nicely and do good deeds. When you're extra good, he'll randomly leave trinkets, candy, etc." —sapphirecailleach 22."They think the car doesn't start unless their seatbelt is fastened. Facts." —aprilprest 23."My son has a scar on his arm, and I told him that is where I put a tracking device in him so I always know where he is." "He will be 15 this year, and I still tell him that — he still doesn't know if it's true or not. —lmt8310 Which one of these lies was your favorite? Parents, what's the biggest lie you've ever told your kid(s)? Tell us in the comments or answer anonymously using the form below! Note: Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity. Also in Internet Finds: Also in Internet Finds: Also in Internet Finds: Solve the daily Crossword
