As the days grow shorter, chaos seems to be the perfume of this Scorpio Season. The streets of Brooklyn flooded on Halloween, just as Hurricane Melissa swept through the Caribbean, devastating communities for miles. As the holidays draw close, Trumpflation has made a regular bag of groceries worth its weight in gold, just as millions of low-income families floundered with their access to supplemental nutrition assistance abruptly withheld. According to a new report from Male Allies UK, boys – in particular- are more reliant on online spaces than ever, leaving them vulnerable to loneliness, misogyny and alt-right pipelines. In fact, a startling 53% of young men surveyed revealed they found the online world more rewarding than the real one. Not only does the ‘MANOSPHERE’ spread misogyny, it preys on the loneliness and insecurity of boys themselves, promoting isolation and extremist views which lead to violence, mental health issues and low self-esteem in boys.
Identifying more as a dreamer than an activist, a mother first and a writer second, I won’t presume to know how to handle these troubling times. Nor do I think parenting just comes ‘naturally.’ I think it takes as much patience and heart as it does tenacity, stamina, humility and ongoing self-education and self-reflection. Not only does it take a village to raise a child, I believe that we all must take responsibility in creating healthy neighborhoods, school systems and societies in which our young ones can thrive. As an old proverb states, the bankruptcy of one individual reflects the failure of the community as a whole. Certainly, this is reflected in evidence demonstrating that nations with a ‘middle class’ (rather than a huge wealth gap) have a remarkably lower rate of violent crime. According to an article in The Economist, whether people feel safe walking home alone or not indicates the level of inequality within a society.
That being said, as the mother of a growing adolescent boy, I can attest to the fact that male children do, in fact, bond through conflict! My son loves a good rough and tumble as much as he loves his screen time. AND, I don’t consider either of these activities to be neutral. In an effort to share my own wisdom of experience, Raising Resilient Boys: The Official Holiday Guide for Urban Parents, explores where wholesome holiday gifts align with radical parenting principles. Quick disclaimer, I am not trying to shame parents for decisions they have made under stress or out of habit. Nor am I a Luddite; scroll down and you’ll find Robotic Transformers and the miracle jet-powered toothbrushing system my son brags about to his schoolmates, calling it his ‘robot.’
In an effort to provide our children with a little of what they want and a LOT of what they need, I’ll be highlighting throughout this article insights from Kailan Carr, a former teacher, mother and expert on prioritizing play. Read on for a lively boy-friendly round-up featuring the season’s hottest toys, functional gifts and healthy snacks – with gems from my recent chat with Carr woven into the mix. If you aren’t familiar with her groundbreaking work, Carr is the co-chair of the Early Childhood Work Group at the Screen Time Action Network at Fairplay. With the publication of her illustrated children’s book Screens Away, Time to Play! Carr is helping parents and youth reclaim childhood with fewer screens and more play…
Why play, why now? According to the KARYN PURVIS INSTITUTE OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT, “Few, if any, activities are better for children’s overall development than play.” Research demonstrates that play strengthens socio-emotional and cognitive skills in children. Play has many benefits to cognitive development, not only because it involves activities like problem-solving, collaboration, mental flexibility and creativity – but because it promotes a wide range of socio-emotional skills, including self-regulation, listening, negotiating, independent thinking, persistence and curiosity.
Kailan Carr, who’s been following screen-time research for years, felt validated in her gut decision to limit screen time for her children early on, stating, “My kids were born about the same time as the iPad, and we used them on occasion. But after seeing how attached they could become and their behavioral changes, I had a gut feeling this was not the best for them…all of the research that began to come out, along with information on persuasive design, was very validating. I could see it happening, but now I knew why.”
During our interview, Kailan shared how studies show that when kids spend too much time on screens, it leads to poor posture, eye strain, disrupted sleep cycles and poor fine motor skills. And that’s just the physically debilitating effects! As for screen time and brain development, more screen time means less ability to focus, irritability and poorer performance on cognitive tests. Not only that, it “Disrupts and is replacing the healthy activities that kids need to be doing to grow healthy brains,” informs Carr.
As a mother and thought leader helping parents prioritize play, Kailan co-created a framework called “Let’s Grow Brain P.O.W.E.R.!” highlighting healthy brain-building activities kids need daily to grow and thrive:
P = play
O = outside time
W = work/chores
E = engage with others
R = read!
“When you make sure kids are getting these activities daily, screen time is naturally going to be reduced. You can also feel more confident that the screen time they do get won’t interfere with their healthy development,” informs Carr. As for her book, it makes a great educational and screen-free gift for ages 3-7! Encouraging parents to find more ‘playfulness’ in their discipline style, the book helps adults explain the value of turning screens off in a kid-friendly way. It also showcases numerous alternative ways for kids to create, explore and play. Pair it with one of the gifts below and let your kids go to town! “Kids will hop on the technology train soon enough. Let’s first teach them how to use their imagination, interact with others and provide activities that don’t require staring at a screen and shutting out the world,” writes Carr.
All that being said, we know most of our readers have already introduced their kids to screens in some format. They’re not only relied on heavily in schools, but also lining the streets and subway cars, not to mention potentially being used unregulated at a friend’s or neighbor’s house. For many of us who have introduced screens with limitations, the real battle begins when our kids want more. As a fellow parent, Carr leaves no stone unturned in her book, addressing the issue head-on in a clear and informative way that speaks to children of all ages. “I had the first line, ‘I know it’s hard to turn screens off, you see they’re made that way,’ in my head because that’s what I wanted kids to know. I saw it with my own children. Screens really are hard to turn off, and I wanted them to understand it’s by design and to point out other ways screens can affect us,” reflects Kailan.
Not only is her book relatable and fun for kids, parents can easily relate to a book inspired by the author’s first-hand experiences as a mother. Kailan says, “It’s not easy, especially since we are up against persuasive design tactics and large dopamine rushes that really hook our kids. There are times I look back on where I ALMOST caved with their screen time requests, but held strong. And they would end up doing something really creative or went outside instead. I would always think to myself, I’m so glad I didn’t give in. They figured it out and this is so much better for them.”
Learn more HERE
Buy the Book HERE
And of course, Kailan highlights how “It’s important to keep the communication open, especially as [our kids] get older!” While technology can be an incredible tool, life was probably more simple and peaceful before screens. Speaking to the overstimulation our children often experience while using them, Kailan talks about how prior to screens, “People definitely had longer attention spans and delayed gratification. Life was still stressful and bad things still happened, but you didn’t know about events or opinions from an entire world. Screens to me bring overstimulation. Our brains were never meant to handle the amount of information or input they bring us. Scrolling on social media gives us 15 second clips ranging from outrage over some political situation to sadness over someone’s childhood cancer journey to humorous cat videos to jealousy over an incredible vacation or remodel. It’s just too much! And we waste so much of our time on it.”
Anyone else realized too late they were wasting time on social media? Whether or not they allowed their kids unregulated screen-time, the behaviors they were role-modeling were not the best? Ask yourself, is family dinner more or less harmonious without technology taking center stage? Kailan insists that, “Connections between people were stronger before screens. Meals were a time to talk, instead of sitting in front of the TV or scroll. Tech companies like to say their product brings people together, but it is at a very superficial level.”
If you’re looking for a way to spark natural communication with your tween or teen, look no further than the Tell My Story Card Game. Created to enhance communication between parents and teens around mental health, this deck has been a simple way for me to engage with my son over meals. It not only encourages his reading, it’s helping us get to know each other. Our kids are growing and changing every day. It’s important to check in with them and let them state who they are in their own words. With three levels of thoughtful questions – affirmation, connection, and vulnerability – this deck makes engagement easy as pie. Because kids can creatively answer on their own terms, it’s a simple, lo-fi way to foster meaningful conversations and more supportive relationships. While it’s designed for 13 years of age and up, I find that it’s still age-appropriate (and highly appealing!) for my 9-year-old. Not only that, it can be played and replayed with siblings, relatives, and friends, making it a radical alternative to screen time. If you’re looking to cultivate honest connections and conversation, click below to learn more.
Find it HERE
Next up, let’s talk a little bit about one of my current favorite topics, BOREDOM. We all know it. Kids love to boast and brag about it… How BORED they are. How BORING Mom, School, home (you name it!) can feel to an active youth! And yet, if we take a moment’s pause, boredom can be a blessing. Kailan Carr informs, “Boredom is an uncomfortable feeling, but kids really need to learn how to navigate it and learn how to entertain themselves. It is an opportunity for creativity, mental rest, and reflection.” Douglas Gerwin, executive director of the Research Institute for Waldorf Education, writes that “Children learn more from being bored than from being entertained.” If there were truly a thought-leader whose work is a testament to this, it is Kailan Carr. During our conversation, she shared with me some of her insider tips, reflecting, “When my kids do come to me and say they are bored, I am not afraid to respond with phrases like, That’s a good thing! You get to decide what to do next or Well, you can help me fold the laundry or figure out something on your own.”
Noticing that morning screen time seemed to stunt creativity in her children, she found that she heard ‘I’m bored’ a lot more on days her kids started the morning off with screens. In terms of moderation, Carr likes to use the phrase “Play Like a 90’s Kid.” Any nineties babies reading this? Remember when screen time was centralized and we had to fight over the remote and contend with Dad’s football? Kailan suggests that keeping screens confined to one space/time within the family rhythm is helpful, whereas taking screens on the go adds up real fast. “I wanted to use this time to connect with my kids, teach them how to act in public and engage in screen-free activities like reading, coloring, busy bags, games, etc. Plus, I noticed significant differences in their behavior,” reflects Carr.
If your kids are still young at heart, check out Ty Beanie Bouncers. This highly interactive reinvention of a classic is another antidote to screen-induced lethargy. A furry friend and a bouncing ball in one, Beanie Bouncers inspire active, creative play, solo or with a friend! Infused with the charm and personality we’ve come to love from Ty, your kids will spend hours kicking, throwing, spinning, snuggling, juggling, dribbling and chucking these bouncers. Infusing your family life with next-level fun, they’re both affordable and adorable! Meet the perfect collectible toy for kids of all ages.
Find it HERE
Speaking of engaging toys, who remembers childhood before cell phones, streamers and social media? Like Kailan, I too have fond memories of playing outdoors for hours, of making something out of nothing. Turning a pile of rusty junk into a cafe where I could play waitress, opening a medical clinic in the crawl space beneath my childhood home, starting a book club, scaling trees and collecting lizards in the palm of my hand. Kailan recalled her childhood nostalgically, “We’d ride our bikes around the neighborhood, catch ladybugs in a field, and play at the park,” adding, “I made an effort to give my kids this same kind of childhood – where they had the time and space to really dive into their play and I encouraged exploration and creativity.” Which is why, screens or no screens, when it comes to toys, I recommend the official Zildjian x Crayola Kids Drumsticks and Pad Set…
Inspiring young creatives around the world at the intersection of color and sound, this highly anticipated collab combines the iconic Crayola color palette with trusted percussion craftsmanship from Zildjian. Conveniently packaged with six rainbow drumsticks and a unique playing surface that makes learning drums fun and accessible, this is much more than a toy; it’s a movement! Bringing families together with its playful and engaging design, there’s no better way to introduce a young drummer to the magic of rhythm.
Not only that, it’s perfectly kid-sized, designed with shorter and lighter dimensions to suit small hands and help developing drummers master grip, control and timing. Creative learning is contagious with these visually-pleasing, highly interactive, safe, durable and eco-conscious drumsticks. Packaged in a post-consumer recycled Crayola-style box, each set is made from hickory for strength and coated with non-toxic paint. When it comes to conscious gifting, this is your budget-friendly holiday standout. Not only is music education a powerful pillar of physical development, emotional well-being and self-expression, according to recent studies, playing music can improve coordination, reduce stress and boost academic performance.
Find it HERE
While they’re sailing on a creative cloud, keep their hands and hearts busy with My Colorful World, the coloring book that transforms old family photos into epic, colorable memories. Brain-child of a husband-and-wife-founded company, easily create your own personal keepsake by uploading 20 or more family photos online. “As a mom, I was blown away by how much my kids (6 and 3) loved seeing themselves on the pages. They spent nearly two hours coloring, laughing, and connecting — no screens, just quiet focus and joy,” writes Margie, the Miami-based co-founder. Parents love My Colorful World because it keeps kids engaged while supporting creativity and fine motor skill development. Simply choose a book size, upload your family photos and get gifting!
Find it HERE
Now, when it comes to aesthetics, we all know that art is in the eye of the beholder. That being said, sending your kids to school with the latest wearable technology is also likely to make them feel more confident in their interactions with peers. From my favorite purveyor of school dress-code-friendly, performance-ready children’s apparel, check out these most durable of digs. Known for pairing clean, classic lines with breathable, quick-dry fabrics boys love, TurtleBacks is the future of style and comfort. The brand’s signature polo shirt not only looks fly, but works in class, at practice and on weekend rounds. Durable, easy-care construction keeps it looking sharp despite spills, swings and backpack life — making the brand’s ‘confidence they can wear’ tagline achievable for all. More than just trendy school gear, Turtlebacks is the Mom-founded company on a mission to craft clothing that embodies comfort, performance and confidence!
With the help of a NYC-based fashion design team, the company spent over a year developing a full line of boys’ apparel made from high-quality performance fabrics. What resulted was kid-tailored clothing that young ones around the nation love to wear, from the golf course to the playground and everywhere in between. Boys love how buttery soft Turtleback performance fabric is flexible enough to run, jump, squat and play all day without restriction. No itchy tags, annoying buttons or zippers required! Because when boys FEEL GOOD, they can PLAY HARD!
Find it HERE
Speaking of play, these young men be running up an appetite! Because I know you caught my comment about the rising cost of groceries, let’s talk sensible, functional nutrition. What’s the word? Gut-health. I know Halloween brought home the goodies, but it’s not just our little sweethearts that fuel up on a sugar rush. In fact, sugar feeds bad bacteria in the body, leading to yeast infections, obesity and metabolic issues, mood swings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, dental issues and type-2 diabetes (now affecting children at alarming rates). Much like screens, sugar activates the brain’s reward center in a way similar to addictive substances. How much is too much? Well, one can of soda contains more than the daily limit of six teaspoons of added sugar recommended by the American Heart Association. While breaking the habit can be challenging, it’s fundamental to ensuring long-term health.
On that note, gimme that craveable grab & go snack approved by Moms and kids alike, gimme that Grab & Go Roasted Seaweed Snack by
Gimme Seaweed. One of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, seaweed is naturally loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. While seasoned, snackable seaweed is nothing new, with Gimme, your taste buds go for a joy ride. With a variety of delicious flavors like Chili Lime, Korean BBQ, Wasabi, Toasted Sesame and Teriyaki, not to mention the health-conscious appeal, it’s a snack everyone can feel good about. As energizing as it is zesty, my son uses gimme snacks to roll up his rice balls or counts on them to spice up his school lunch. Perfect for stocking stuffers or holiday travel, Grab & Go Roasted Seaweed is compact, portable and packed with essential nutrients. An ancient superfood compatible with keto, vegan, gluten-free and low-carb diets, Gimme’s organic roasted seaweed is sustainably cultivated and harvested in South Korea. Order now for quick delivery on Amazon.
Find it HERE
If you’re sitting here reading this, comparing yourself to my flowery anecdotes, envisioning some perfect, coiffed, rich, uber Mom, don’t do that to yourself. Let’s just say I know firsthand how messy home life gets! Call it a grab & go or a quick fix, I know that sometimes you just have to act fast and think later as a Mom. Which is why I like to keep my pantry stocked with healthy, tasty, nutritious staples I can throw in the blender or my purse as needed! If it’s not already on your radar, let me introduce you to Essential Provisions, the company known for ready-to-eat Field Fuel Meals and elite sports nutrition.
This isn’t just food; it’s FUEL designed to support tip-of-the-spear performance and superior resilience in your young warrior athlete. Originally developed with the U.S. Special Operations Forces in mind, it’s perfect for anyone who wants the cheat code to healthy, balanced, chef-prepared meals. Delivering precision-crafted, energy-dense fuel to maximize performance and endurance, if these meals support soldiers, just think what they can do for your clan. With nutrient-dense recipes designed to support mental and physical acuity, increase energy and alertness, boost immunity, preserve muscle mass, reduce inflammation and increase longevity, what’s not to salivate over? Bring the latest in shelf-stable sports nutrition home with Essential Provisions’ impressive variety of clean, ready-to-eat meals in a manly pouch.
Find it HERE
Lastly, on the nosh front, what’s the big deal with gluten sensitivity? As many are discovering, gluten intolerance, a growing issue in the United States, can cause inflammation in the gut, triggering the release of stress hormones that affect the brain and emotions. In fact, modern research links gluten sensitivity to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and brain fog ala the ‘gut-brain axis.’ Not only does gut inflammation impact brain function, but as conditions worsen, damage to the small intestine also impairs the body’s ability to produce serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that regulate mood and promote well-being. While a gluten-free diet is not for everyone, particularly if your child is on the neurodivergent spectrum, it’s worth looking into. Either way, finding the right gluten-free snack is a boon to adults and children, especially here in the U.S. where genetic modification of wheat has led to a dramatic rise in gluten intolerance.
And when you need an Insulated Cooler Bag in which to store all your snacks (or your impromptu picnic spread or child’s school lunch), look no further than Huhu. Designed for everyday use but still mad cute, the premier cooler bag is crafted from premium, durable materials, water-resistant, wipeable and easy to clean. With a seamless interior preventing crumbs and stains, it’s roomy enough to store baby bottles, snacks and more, while fitting easily inside a locker or larger tote. A must-have for busy parents on the go, the double zipper, 2-side handles, internal mesh pocket & name label seals the deal.
Find it HERE
Check off your health box. Next up, hygiene. Sounds tedious until you scroll to the part about my son’s beloved robotic toothbrush! More specifically, his new Willo® AutoFlo+ Fully Automatic Kids Toothbrush. A game-changer for busy families, it’s the most supportive toothbrushing system for kids on the market.
A mess-free all-in-one system, Willo’s built-in toothpaste dispenser applies just the right amount of paste, rinsing excess liquid into the sink via built-in suction. Meanwhile, 34,000 ultra-soft bristles clean every tooth evenly, affording a sensory-friendly brushing experience for children ages 5-13. According to my son, it’s also clap and voice-activated. Removing up to seven times more plaque than a manual brush, the Autoflo’s compact design allows the model to easily sit on even the tiniest of New York sinks.
Find it HERE
But if only hygiene were limited to teeth. Unlike girl children, boys are not usually known for their essence of sugar and spice. With JB SKRUB skincare designed for teens and tweens, bath time never felt so inviting. Just around the time I discovered my son was draining my expensive shower gel virtually overnight, I discovered JB SKRUB, the ‘Boy Mom’ founded brand promoting dermatologist-approved skincare designed for active, ever-changing skin. As the website suggests, it’s “For dudes* who are definitely not little, but not quite men.” Not only do all the scrubs and shampoos come encased in minimal, super cool kid-approved bottles, but they’re also safe, gentle, and simple to use, made with clean, sustainably sourced ingredients.
For anyone with children who enjoy getting dirty (I hope that’s everybody! If not, scroll back up to reread about the importance of outdoor play), JB SKRUB offers essential head-to-toe renewal for growing boys. Dermatologist-approved and pediatrician-loved, I started my son out with the Hair & Body Wash Duo. Not only was he excited to have his very own toiletries for once, he loved the citrus-fresh scent. As JB SKRUB founder Jill Biren highlights, “JB SKRUB is more than your average beauty brand; we’re the first step toward independence, empowering boys to take care of themselves with safe, gentle products they can use with confidence.” Keep your kids smelling right with clean, pH-balanced, hydrating, cruelty-free skincare by JB SKRUB! To learn more about the importance of getting boys on board with personal hygiene, including tips from leading medical professionals, visit here.
Find it HERE
While this might be more of what I like to call a ‘functional gift’ for Mom and Dad, your kids will love you for it. Introducing the seriously necessary but still stylish Best-Selling First Aid GoKit by KEEP>GOING First Aid. Packed with all the essentials – kids’ bandages and stickers, burn gel, triple antibiotic cream, blister treatment, thermometer, tick remover, nosebleed plugs, sting relief plus tons of specialty tools – this comprehensive kit is TSA-approved, flip and find organization at its best!
Compact enough for purses and diaper bags, it also easily clips to strollers. Say goodbye to digging and scrambling with this all-in-one, latex-free, water and stain-resistant parental life-saver. Stocked with 130 specialty supplies, expertly organized for easy access, you’ll always have exactly what you need at your fingertips. Designed by a small family-owned company of world travelers, they did all the guesswork so you don’t have to.
Find it HERE
If you’ve made it this far, you get a gold star for rockstar parenting. The takeaway? Ongoing education and self-awareness are key; you can’t expect family dynamics to change overnight. When it comes to boys, a little superhero treatment helps the medicine go down. What’s the scoop? I saved these two items for last because I’m convinced they sell themselves. What part of Buzz Drone EBIKE and Transformer Robot is not to love? Bring on the essential manpower, the spike in adrenaline, drumroll please…. From the company customizing STEM play in leaps and bounds, I give you… Transformer Robots.
Convert dreams into reality with the Transformers Optimus Prime Elite Edition auto-converting robot by Robosen. Simply put, it’s everything he’s always loved about Transformers rebooted for the next generation. Created and engineered by robotics experts, it’s painstakingly crafted from over 5,000 components and stands at an impressive 16 inches tall. Engineered after the original G1 series Optimus Prime Transformer of the 80s, the latest model is built with an added layer of software and technology enabling it to transform at the touch of a button.
Not to mention, the exclusive app allows you to transform, walk and steer Optimus via Bluetooth. With added Robosen Studio-enabled STEM play and customizations, your robot comes with four main programming modes: voice, manual, block-based, and 3D software. With built-in voice responses and music, your child is in for hours of fun recreating classic scenes or programming his own entirely new and inspired poses and actions. From the classic brand known for cutting-edge technology, nostalgia, and state-of-the-art engineering, their recently launched Wall-E and Toy Story mini-robots, in collaboration with Disney, are also available for pre-order.
Find it HERE
Last but certainly not least, we arrive at the much-anticipated Drone Moto-Style Ebike by Buzz Bicycles. Elevate every adventure with this Vespa-like riding experience of the century. Imagine cruising up to 20 mph without pedaling — perfect for hills, heavy loads, or simply a joy ride with Dad. With a seamlessly integrated 48V battery that’s fully charged within just 4-6 hours, set your loved ones up to ride in style this holiday season. Ensuring a highly enjoyable riding experience at a competitive price, the Buzz Drone Ebike comes complete with a center-mounted LCD display, touring-style seat, caged headlight, whisper-quiet motor, pedal assist and trip odometer. With its front suspension designed to absorb bumps, this bike can travel up to 40 miles on a single charge. No matter where the next adventure takes him, with Buzz Drone, it’s sure to be a safe, smooth ride. Not only is the bike on sale November 17th – December 13th, you get an additional 25% off all accessories when purchased with a bike.
Find it HERE
BIBLIOGRAPHY
“THE STATE OF BOYHOOD” by FEMINIST, UK @feminist, published on Instagram November 7, 2025
“The stark relationship between income inequality and crime” The Economist, The Data Team, published online June 7, 2018
“The Benefits of Play in Cognitive Development” By Sheri Parris & Christian Hernandez, KARYN PURVIS INSTITUTE OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT, published online (2020)
“THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT KIDS AND SUGAR ADDICTION: HOW SUGAR IMPACTS CHILDREN’S HEALTH AND WHAT PARENTS CAN DO” by Kidsville Pediatrics, published online November 2, 2024
“Gluten-Free and the Psychological Impact of Celiac Disease – Stanford Medicine Children’s Health” by Stanford Medicine Children’s Health, published on Youtube September 20, 2024
