My husband loves to tease me with a line I allegedly said nearly two decades ago: “Let’s have kids—it’ll be fun!” For the record, I have zero recollection of ever saying that. I’m guessing I was temporarily sleep-deprived, caffeine-deprived, or just plain delusional. 

Fast forward 18 years, and here we are—knee-deep in the world of teen emotions, middle school meltdowns, and things I truly never saw coming. Nobody tells you when you’re holding that fresh-smelling, burrito-wrapped baby that one day you’ll be Googling things like “how to help your kid with social anxiety” or “how to explain ADHD to a 10-year-old without crying.” Spoiler alert: You’re going to cry. Probably in the car. Probably while pretending you’re just enjoying your coffee quietly in the driveway.

What really hits you—somewhere around third grade—is that your child’s mental health isn’t just about school stress or screen time. It’s about the entire emotional ecosystem they live in… and yes, my fellow parents, we are the ecosystem.

Turns out, those little eyeballs and ears are always on. Always. They see how we react to spiders (sorry for the screaming), to stressful phone calls, to that 43rd request for a snack. They hear our muttering when we stub a toe, and yep, they know exactly how often we say “I’m fine” when we’re very obviously not fine.

And I’ll be honest—my kids inherited more than just my hair color and knack for sarcasm. They got a dash (okay, a dollop) of my anxiety. I wish I could go back and rewrite some of those early years—maybe pause before overreacting, maybe breathe more and yell less. Maybe actually listen to my husband once in a while when he suggests I “chill.” (We’re working on that.)

Now, as I enter the final stretch of parenting “children” before they legally become adults (cue nervous laughter), I’m trying harder than ever to show up differently. I’m managing my own anxiety with a little more grace and a lot more self-awareness—because if they’re going to learn how to handle big feelings, they’ve got to see it modeled.

Do we still have meltdowns? Absolutely. Do we have fewer of them than before? Praise be, yes. We’ve learned to break up homework into chunks. We take breaks when needed. And sometimes we just admit, “Hey, this is hard, and that’s okay.” It doesn’t always go smoothly, but there’s definitely less crying—and not just from me.

So, in honor of National Mental Health Awareness Month, here’s my little love letter to every young parent out there: your mental health matters too. Not just for your own sake, but because your kids are soaking up your energy like little emotional sponges. 

If I could go back and whisper in my younger self’s ear, I’d say, “They don’t just watch what you do, they feel what you feel. And also, “Maybe don’t scream about that spider—it’s just a spider.”

But mostly, I’d remind myself (and you): It’s never too late to model calm, to apologize, to try again, and to live the motto I now say to my kids all the time:

“Just go with the flow.”  (And maybe have a backup plan for when the flow turns into a flood.)

The post May 2025 Editor’s Note appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

What Are Standardized Tests?
Standardized tests are assessments that are administered and scored in a consistent, uniform manner across all test-takers. The goal of these tests is to evaluate a student’s academic abilities, knowledge, or potential in specific subjects under controlled conditions. They are designed to ensure that every student takes the same test, under the same conditions, and is scored according to the same criteria.

The SAT & ACT
The two nationally recognized standardized tests for college admissions are the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and the ACT (American College Test). Both exams are used by colleges and universities across the United States to assess a student’s readiness for higher education, helping admissions officers make objective decisions about applicants.

The SAT is broken down into three main sections.

1. Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
This section tests reading comprehension and writing skills, focusing on the student’s ability to analyze written passages and answer questions about them.

2. Math
The math section covers a range of topics, including algebra, problem-solving, and data analysis. Some questions require a calculator, while others are “no-calculator” questions.

3. Essay (Optional)
The essay portion is optional, but some colleges require it. In this section, students are asked to analyze a passage and construct an essay that explains how the author builds their argument.

The SAT is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600, with separate scores given for the reading and writing section (up to 800) and the math section (up to 800). The essay score is separate and is graded based on a rubric that assesses writing skills and argumentation.

The ACT is structured similarly to the SAT but with a few differences. The ACT assesses students in four areas:

1. English
This section tests grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and rhetorical skills. 

2. Math
The math section covers topics such as algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. It is more focused on mathematical problem-solving than the SAT.

3. Reading
This section tests reading comprehension, similar to the SAT, where students must analyze passages and answer questions about them.

4. Science
The ACT includes a unique science section that evaluates a student’s ability to interpret, analyze, and reason through scientific data and experiments. This is the ACT’s most distinctive feature from the SAT.

The ACT is scored on a scale, with each section scoring between 1 and 36. The average of these four sections gives the overall composite score, which ranges from 1 to 36. The ACT also offers an optional writing section (the essay), which is scored separately.

Benefits of Standardized Testing
While standardized testing often gets a bad rap, there are significant benefits that these exams provide to students and schools. 

Measuring Student Knowledge and Skills
One of the biggest advantages of standardized testing is its ability to objectively measure a student’s academic knowledge and skills. These tests provide clear data about where a student stands academically in comparison to national or regional standards. This allows educators to identify strengths and areas for improvement in their students.

College and Career Readiness
Standardized tests like the SAT and ACT are crucial tools in assessing whether a student is ready for the challenges of higher education. College admissions officers rely on these tests to get an objective measure of academic ability and preparedness. Similarly, many employers use standardized tests as part of their hiring process to assess job-related skills.

Identifying Learning Gaps
For students, standardized tests can help pinpoint gaps in knowledge. Recognizing these gaps allows for targeted interventions, helping students stay on track academically.

How to Prep for the SAT and ACT
Preparation is key to performing well on these tests. Here are some proven strategies that can help students get ready:

Know the Test Format
Take time to research the specific test you will be taking. Understand the format, timing, and types of questions you will encounter. This will allow you to feel more confident and less anxious on the test day.

Make a Study Plan
A well-organized study plan can make a huge difference in preparing for standardized tests. Set aside regular study time in your schedule, and divide your study sessions into manageable chunks. 

Practice with Sample Questions
One of the best ways to prepare is by practicing with sample questions and past test papers. You can find official practice tests and questions through the test administrators’ websites. Take these practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual test experience and to help build familiarity with the content.

Test Prep Resources
Luckily for students, here’s a wealth of resources available to help prepare for the SAT and ACT. Here are some of the best options:

Official Test Prep Materials
Start with the official prep materials provided by test creators. The College Board (for SAT) and ACT offer free and paid resources, including practice tests, study guides, and prep courses on their websites.

Online Study Platforms
Platforms like Khan Academy offer free video lessons and practice exercises tailored to the SAT. Magoosh and Quizlet also provide comprehensive study resources, including practice questions, flashcards, and video explanations.

Test Prep Books
Books from trusted publishers like Kaplan, The Princeton Review, and Barron’s are widely used for standardized test preparation. Copies of these books are often available to check out for free at your local library!

Tutors and Prep Courses
If you prefer one-on-one attention, consider hiring a tutor or enrolling in a prep course. Tutors can provide personalized help, focusing on your specific weaknesses. 

Study Groups and Peer Support
Don’t underestimate the power of studying with others. Joining a study group or participating in online forums can provide motivation, helpful tips, and different perspectives on problem-solving.

Standardized testing is a challenging yet essential part of the educational journey. Whether preparing for college admissions, state assessments, or subject-specific tests, understanding the types of exams, the benefits they offer, and how to best prepare for them can set students up for success.

Click here to discover even more college prep resources.

The post SAT & ACT 101 appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Turning sweet 16 in Kentucky used to mean a trip to the DMV. Now Kentucky teens have less of a wait time to get behind the wheel. Kentucky’s House Bill 15 has passed, meaning 15 year olds are now eligible to apply for their driver’s permits.

Introduced to the House on January 8th, Kentucky’s House Bill 15 proposed to “allow persons who are at least 15 years old to apply for a motor vehicle instruction permit”. The bill moved it’s way through Senate, the Department of Transportation and was effectively passed with a 90-5 vote on March 13th.  Delivered and signed by Governor Andy Beshear, the bill is now in effect as of March 25th, 2025.

For families with 15 year olds, the steps to acquiring a permit remain the same.

• Pass a written knowledge test (study using the KY Driver Manual, click here)
• Take a vision test
• Apply for a permit at local DMV

When applying for a permit, bring the following documents:

1. Original Birth Certificate (or certified copy)
2. Social Security Card (must bring card as proof)
3. One proof of Residency (two for REAL ID)
4. School Compliance Verification Form issued by their school

A parent or legal guardian that is listed on the applicant’s birth certificate must also sign the license/ID card application form.

Permit holders must abide by certain rules to maintain their permit status, including:

• May only driver with a licensed driver 21+ in the front passenger seat
• Limited to one unrelated passenger under 20 years old
• Before obtaining a full, unrestricted license, drivers must complete a driver’s training program
• Additional rules may apply, see drive.ky.gov

Drive safe, Kentucky!

Learn more about the new driver licensing law for 15-year-olds by clicking here. 

The post Kentucky’s House Bill 15 appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Mother-daughter relationships have been complicated since the dawn of time, and mine is no exception.

Given our complex 18-year history, I assumed that when she embarked on her new life as a college freshman, she would flee from me like a gazelle narrowly escaping the jaws of a crocodile. I also accepted that our conversations—which have become increasingly disjointed in her teen years—would cease until Thanksgiving. But I was wrong. Without fail, at 8 p.m., she’d FaceTime me and not only babble on for over an hour but also ask me questions that she’d never asked before, like, “What did you do today, Mom?”

The first time she posed that question I was positive I had misheard her. I wondered, “Did she actually just ask me a question?” Typically, I was the one, as she so eloquently phrased it, “interrogating her” or barraging her with aggravating inquiries like, “How was your day
at school?”

I think the root of our issues originated where most problems begin: in the womb. During the last three months of my pregnancy, my daughter’s derriere prodded my right rib, causing continuous pain. While experiencing the jabs of discomfort, I dreamt of the day when I would finally meet my baby. But little did I know that dreaming or any type of sleep would be impossible for the next six months. After all, who can sleep to the soundtrack of incessant newborn crying?

The toddler years proved to be more harmonious. She preferred to stay within my orbit, waddling behind me like a baby duckling. Her infectious giggles could brighten even the most despondent demeanor. And dare I admit that her strong-willed nature was endearing?

The preschool years were even better. Mundane tasks like grocery shopping were transformed into a celebratory event with my daughter beside me in her blue Cinderella princess gown and bedazzled tiara. She’d greet the customers who passed by us with a royal wave while they complimented her attire. So when all these moments came to an unceremonious halt, I was dumbfounded.

In hindsight, my college degree in developmental psychology should have prepared me for the teenage years. Instead, I was exasperated. Overnight it seemed as if my communicative cub turned into a surly one-worded bear who only knew the word “no.” On rare occasions, a few other words would be peppered in, like “I don’t know.”

Besides the lack of communication, there was the continuously closed door to her room that signaled, “I no longer prefer to be anywhere near your orbit.” This distance, I’ll admit, led me to overcompensate by conducting inquisitions whenever she was within 10 feet of me. I’d seldom see the former princess from the grocery store, but occasionally, she’d emerge willingly to engage in conversation. Since these times were so infrequent, I had low expectations that she’d stay in touch once she went to a school over 200 miles away.

At first, I chalked her daily FaceTime calls up to homesickness. But after the initial separation period passed, and she continued to call, my assessment of her behavior shifted. Like a detective I noticed how she voluntarily divulged details about her day or appeared genuinely intrigued when I rattled off a list of tasks I completed. She willingly offered information, like the meal she had for dinner, the drama among dormmates, and the assignments she struggled with—all without any coercion. My astute deduction was: We were having an actual conversation!

The regularity of her calls transformed me into a Pavlovian dog. Each day, I’d eye the passing minutes with barely contained anticipation for our nightly conversations. In much the same way the Earth’s orbit around the Sun changes over time, so does the mother-daughter relationship.

After being away for three months, she returned home for Thanksgiving. Much to my dismay, our magical conversations disappeared into whatever vortex they had materialized from. The one-word sentences reemerged along with the closed doors. When my husband noticed my melancholy mood, he proposed a simple solution, albeit one that seemed absurd.

“Why don’t you FaceTime her?” he suggested.

Read another awesome article by Cheryl Maguire by clicking here.
Follow Cheryl on Instagram, here.

The post My Teenager Only Wants to Talk to Me When She’s 200 Miles Away appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Raising kids is like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions—you’re just hoping it turns out functional in the end. And if you think the diaper stage is hard, just wait until you hit the college prep years. Honestly, I’d take late-night diaper changes over late-night college application stress any day.

The real madness began freshman year of high school. Apparently, kids these days have to build a “college resume”—as if surviving puberty isn’t enough. Clubs, volunteer hours, leadership roles—who knew getting into college was like applying for a CEO position? When I applied, my biggest concern was remembering to mail the application on time. And let’s not even talk about choosing a major. I was still deciding between Taco Bell and McDonald’s for dinner, let alone my life’s career path.

But my daughter? She’s had it figured out since day one. Meanwhile, I’m over here trying to decipher FAFSA forms like I’m hacking into the Pentagon. Between dual enrollment, SATs, ACTs, financial aid, and endless campus visits, prepping for college is practically a full-time job.

That’s why we’re kicking off a new series to help parents navigate this glorious chaos. Sure, schools have college counselors, but guess what? Parents are often left out of those meetings, which means your teenager—who once thought eating glue was a good idea—is now making major life decisions solo. Starting the conversation before high school helps kids build their academic “street cred” early and avoid taking random electives that won’t help them land a job (looking at you, Underwater Basket Weaving).

Am I emotionally ready for my daughter to head off to college? Absolutely not. Will knowing she’ll be local for her first four years help soften the blow? Maybe a little. In the meantime, I still have my boys to prep for high school, so I’ll be in the trenches for a while. And when that first day of college comes? I’ll be the mom ugly crying in the parking lot—while secretly Googling “How to cope with an empty nest.”

Check out another fabulous Editor’s Note from Amy Foreman by clicking here.

The post Crib to College: A Parental Survival Guide appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Sanonna Al Taweel

Your teen has done the work: They’ve aced their classes, spent every moment of their free time bulking up college applications with extracurricular activities, and narrowed down their top choice from various university pros and cons lists. Now comes the fun part: Figuring out finances for the next four years of their education. Luckily, there’s a simple way to maximize financial opportunities for your child’s college education. It’s called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

The cost of higher education can be extremely discouraging. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of college has risen 141 percent over the last 20 years and continues to increase each year. At first glance (and maybe second and third), financing college seems impossible. But by taking time to understand the options available and taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the financial strain on your family. 

What is FAFSA?

The Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) is a critical tool for students seeking financial assistance for college. It is a form used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine eligibility for federal financial aid, including grants, work-study programs, and loans. 

How Does FAFSA Work?

FAFSA is the first step in unlocking federal financial aid. By submitting this form, students provide information about their family’s financial situation, including income, household size, and other relevant data. Based on this information, the government determines a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This amount is how much the government expects the student and/or their family to contribute to the cost of tuition. 

FAFSA eligibility also unlocks a variety of financial aid opportunities.

• Grants: These are typically need-based and do not need to be repaid. The Pell Grant is one of the most well-known, aimed at students from low-income families. 

• Work-study: This program provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for school-related expenses. 

• Loans: There are two kinds of federal student loans. 

1. Subsidized loans: These loans are based on financial need, and the government pays the interest while you’re in school.
2. Unsubsidized loans: These are not need-based, and the borrower is responsible for the entirety of the accrued interest

Who Can Apply for FAFSA?

Every student can (and should!) apply for FAFSA. A common misconception is that only students from low-income families should apply for FAFSA. In reality, the FAFSA is available to almost all students regardless of their family’s income level. Even students whose families may not qualify for large amounts of aid may still be eligible for loans or other assistance.

There are two types of students that can apply for FAFSA:

• Dependent students: These students are typically under 24 years old and rely on their parents for financial support. In these cases, the parents’ financial information is required to complete the application. 

• Independent students: These students are 24 years or older, married, a veteran, or have dependents of their own. These students only need to provide their own financial information. 

When and How to Apply

The FAFSA opens each year on October 1. It’s important to apply as early as possible, as some financial aid programs are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Deadlines vary by state and school, but the federal deadline is typically in June.

You can complete the FAFSA online at the official website, fafsa.gov. You’ll need to create an account to sign in and complete the form. The process will require you to provide financial details from tax returns and other documents like your social security card. 

After Submitting

Once the FAFSA is submitted, colleges use the information to determine how much aid the student qualifies for and create an award letter. This award letter will detail any grants, loans, or work-study opportunities the student has been offered. 

Common FAFSA Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing deadlines: Missing the FAFSA submission deadline can mean missing out on crucial financial aid opportunities. 

• Incorrect or incomplete information: Always double-check the form for financial data and personal details to avoid mistakes that could delay processing. 

• Omitting parental financial information: As a dependent student, failing to include parents’ financial information can cause the application to be rejected. 

• Not reapplying every year: FAFSA is not a one-time process. The form must be submitted every year to continue receiving financial aid. 

Additional Funding Beyond FAFSA

FAFSA is not the only way to finance college. There are multiple forms of financial assistance available, including: 

• Scholarships: Many private organizations, schools, and community groups offer scholarships that do not need to be repaid.

• State-based programs: Some states offer additional financial aid opportunities for residents, such as grants or loan forgiveness programs. For example, the Ohio Department of Higher Education has a list of college assistance programs available at highered.ohio.gov. 

• Private loans: Though not an ideal option due to high interest rates, there are many private loans available to students.

The FAFSA is a powerful tool in unlocking financial aid for your student. Consider it the magic key to college financing. Remember, the process may seem daunting at first, but the financial opportunities are worth the effort.

The post FAFSA: How to Finance College appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

How I recall those sleepless nights when my kids were newborns. Those nights morphed into long days carrying chunky toddlers, then chasing precocious preschoolers. Yup, parenting little ones wore me out.

As my kids grew, things settled down a bit when they entered elementary school. Still, they kept me moving with endless birthday parties and after-school activities, like Scouts and art class. I even recall a six-month stint playing goalie in front of our backyard soccer net as they practiced their skills. 

So it was with great anticipation that I envisioned a rest when they reached their teen years. They were more independent and less helpless after all. Welp, I was wrong! There are countless ways that nurturing my teens into adults exhausts me, physically and mentally. Here are all the ways that parenting a teen wears a parent out: 

THEY KEEP ME MOVING

I take way more than 10 thousand steps a day as the mother of teens. There are the steps I take behind a cart loading it with more (and heavier) groceries that my teenage son consumes in just a few days. And all the walking I do behind my teens as they cruise the stores at the mall.

I’m always burning calories trotting to their events, too, whether it’s a concert in the school auditorium or claiming a seat at a game. Not to mention lugging snacks, water, or costumes as well as a chair or blanket, depending on the activity and the weather. 

Then I pace the sidelines, jump up and down when something good happens, or stand and clap during an ovation. I wear out my voice cheering, not to mention my heart as it bursts with pride over whatever amazing thing my teens did on the court or stage. 

AROUND THE HOUSE

They say your home should be your sanctuary, but as the mother of teens, sometimes it feels more like an exercise class. I’ll stand and bend dozens of times in as many minutes picking up the cups, plates, and silverware left on their desks or bedroom floors. I also scoop up that wad of clothes that hasn’t moved from the corner of their room in a week. 

I’m the one taking items, like the new pack of toilet paper, up the stairs that I’d left on the landing, hoping that my teens would do it first. Plus, there’s putting the mountains of groceries away, cooking the plethora of groceries for meals, and wiping down the kitchen, day in and day out. Sure, I appreciate the times my teens pitch in, but mostly I’m the captain of this ship we call home, hustling to keep them fed, clothed, and alive. Phew!

DRIVING ME CRAZY

There are long drives to tournaments, concerts, or taking them to or from college. Early morning rides to workouts and late nights sitting in a dark car waiting for your teen to finish social events after which you can finally take them—and yourself!—home to bed. 

And let’s talk about how exhausting it can be teaching them how to drive. My hand hurts from clutching the passenger door, and I think I’ve worn out my jaw from all the clenching. My right foot and calf muscle are tired from pushing the non-existent brake pedal from where I sit on the passenger side while my teen practices driving.  

Then there is the worry that driving produces. Will my teens be safe? What about the drivers around them? How about when they ride with their friends? I have a permanent crease wedged on my forehead as the parent of teens. Forget sleep, too, as I lie awake in bed listening for them to pull into the driveway.

MENTAL WORKOUT

Raising teens is mentally exhausting for sure. There are so many emails from their schools to digest, not to mention apps for their activities and portals for their healthcare. 

And their requests, too, like for the trendiest shoes or phones. Not only do they want things, but my teens are smarter, savvier, and more persistent about begging me than when they were little. Sometimes I feel like I’m a lawyer arguing for the defense!

Then there’s the mental load that comes from loving your teen and wanting what’s best for them every day. Do they have friends? Like their classes? Why aren’t they talking more? Oh, wait, maybe that’s because they are tired too.

THE BEST KIND OF TIRED

Of course, while parenting teens wears the heck out of us, it produces a good kind of tiredness too. I might not have the energy to leave the house, but I feel content knowing I’ve loved and cared for my teens. And I might not want to get up off the couch at the end of the day, but I still buzz with happiness when my kids are under my roof, at college, or in the real world knowing all the care I’ve poured into them. Yup, parenting teens wear us out, but loving them makes it all worth it.

The post Why Parenting Teenagers Wears Me the Heck Out appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

For a limited time, pre-schoolers can enjoy a year of underwater fun at the Newport Aquarium; it is as simple as 1-2-3!

1. Pre-register online at least 1-day prior to activation
Click here to register by Sunday, February 23rd, 2025

***EXTENDED! Families can register by Friday, March 7th!!!***

2. Activate Pass, in Person
Visit the Newport Aquarium by Sunday, March 9th, 2025 to activate your two to four year old’s pass. Families will need to provide proof of age upon activation such as original copy of birth certificate, passport, adoption/foster paperwork or green card with birth date.

3. Visit! 
Little ones receive unlimited visits to the Newport Aquarium for one year with their Pre-K Membership.

Click here for more information.

and

Check out calendar of events, here, for more fun things to do with a toddler in tow.

The post Newport Aquarium’s Pre-K Membership appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Congratulations to The Fieldhouse! This premier sports training facility is now open for business at 3785 Lake Park Drive in Covington, Kentucky. Featuring batting cages, turf fields, a party room and full concession area, this 20,000 square foot facility is sure to be a big hit for baseball and softball players alike. Families can visit thekyfieldhouse.com to learn more, or simply download the KY Fieldhouse app to rent the turf area, book a pitching machine or register for camps or lessons with former professional athletes.

The post The KY Fieldhouse Opens appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.

Eight Great Family Traditions to Start in 2025
By Pam Molnar

A new year presents a great opportunity to start a family tradition. January is the coldest and darkest month of the year, but it is also the chance at a new beginning. Instead of letting the quiet of the post-holiday fill with mindless scrolling on electronics, take this opportunity to reconnect with your spouse and kids.

Make a Vision Board.

What do you want 2025 to look like? You can make one for each member of the family or a combined one for everyone. Use a poster board and add graphics or words from magazines or the Internet to display your goals. Your board might include vacation destinations, paint colors for a room makeover, a soccer ball graphic for spring tryouts, your extended family who are visiting, or a new puppy. Some people even choose words like growth, self-love, or explore as the theme for their board.

Incorporate a family game night.

Some of our best family memories have been of us gathered around the table playing a game. Although game nights don’t need to be a marathon of Monopoly, you should choose a night with the least amount of activities. Take turns allowing everyone to pick a game – board games, cards, dice and tile games or even multiplayer video games. Don’t forget about games that include a night out like bowling, pickle ball, or escape rooms.

Start a family series.

Grab your pajamas and popcorn and gather one night a week to watch a TV series that is appropriate for your family. Don’t forget to consider documentaries like Pick of the Litter or movie series such as Star Wars. YouTube offers bedtime stories such as Pete the Cat and Peppa Pig. Podcasts give you an old-fashioned-listen-around-the-radio feel with series like Wow in the World or Storynory. Reading series like Harry Potter or Magic Tree House are also a fun family night that can be read aloud by the adults or the kids depending on their age.

Try a new recipe each week.

My family is full of foodies and I attribute that to the fact that we encouraged the kids to try new recipes. It is so easy to make “kid food” for picky eaters, but if the kids are a part of the menu planning and meal prep, they might expand their tastes. Offer food flights by adding new ingredients to old favorites. Think pasta with three sauce options or sliders with three different chicken fillings like BBQ, Teriyaki or Honey Mustard. Make a game of it with score sheets and suggestions for next time.  

Set aside time for a Parent/Child Date Night.

This is a one-on-one evening or day time event where each child gets to spend time alone with one parent. It is the perfect time to share common interests as well as catch up on what is going on in each other’s lives. Consider trying new restaurants for adventurous eaters, hitting a bucket of balls, getting your nails done, hiking or bike riding, or tackling a project together such as building or crafts.  

Volunteering together is a win-win situation.

You can spend quality time together and help someone in need. In addition, you are instilling the importance of lifelong volunteerism in your children. Check out volunteer opportunities in your community, such as toys and clothing drives for local charities, animal shelters, playing games with residents at an assisted living facility, or starting a community garden and donating the food. If you need help finding opportunities in your community, check out VolunteerMatch.org.

Start a gratitude jar.

Several years ago, my son made a blessing jar at church during the holidays. It included all the things he felt were blessings – family, video games, our pets, etc. After the new year, I emptied the jar out and started filling it with events and moments our family experienced during the year – crazy hair day at school, a winning goal, and a new family car. On New Year’s Day the following year, we all took turns reading the folded papers I had added that year. It was so nice to relive those memories and it has been a great tradition for our family.

Celebrate your family culture.

For many of us, family culture is a lost art. We don’t know the language, foods, dances, or days of celebration because somewhere along the line, they stopped sharing. Reach out to older family members and ask about things they did in their childhood or research your family history to find out what nationality you are with DNA tests like Ancestry.com. Practice some of the traditions from your cultures including listening to traditional music or learning some key phrases. Try to incorporate it into your daily life to let those traditions live on.

The post Eight Great Family Traditions to Start in 2025  appeared first on Cincinnati Family Magazine.