The Mabelhood

In Parenting

Are Sleepovers Safe for Kids? Risks, Alternatives & What Parents Should Know

March 19, 2025 No Comments

Sleepovers used to be a rite of passage—sharing secrets, prank calls, junk food and movies until sunrise. But in the era of social media, they’ve lost some of their magic. But today, are sleepovers safe for kids? Instead of bonding in the moment, kids are often glued to their screens, scrolling through TikTok or texting people who aren’t even there. The fear of being recorded or live-streamed has also made sleepovers riskier, with every embarrassing moment having the potential to go viral. Parents, are more aware of the safety concerns, are increasingly hesitant. What used to be an exciting opportunity for kids to bond with their friends is now fraught with worries about safety, mental health, and overall well-being. Parents are much warier of unsupervised hangouts. As a result, many parents are opting out of sleepovers entirely or rethinking how to approach this tradition. While sleepovers haven’t disappeared, they no…

In Summer Camp

The Best Clothing for Summer Camp; When Laundry Isn’t an Option

March 18, 2025 No Comments

Sending your child to sleepaway camp means preparing for dirt, sweat, and adventure—all with little to no access to laundry. So, pack with the reality in mind: clothes that can handle repeated wears, and won’t make you cringe when your child walks back into your home. After all, nobody wants their kid returning with that “camp smell” that lasts for weeks. Here are some tips for packing the right camp clothing—because laundry day at camp is often just a myth. Here are Mabel’s Labels tips for the best clothing for summer camp. How Does Laundry Work at a Typical Summer Camp? Laundry? What’s that? At most traditional sleepaway camps, laundry is not done frequently—if at all—during the season or your kids’ session. While some fancy camps might offer weekly services (lucky them!), most expect kids to wear the same clothes over and over. If laundry does happen, it’s usually a…

In Summer Camp

Day Camp Registration Tips

March 13, 2025 No Comments

Summer is the season for kids’ day camps, but the day camp registration season starts right now. We’ve got the tips you need to secure a spot in the coveted camps on your wish list. How to find day camp options in your area Start with an online search where you type in “[your city] kids day camps.” Begin researching as early as possible, as popular camps may sell out quickly. Instead of settling for the same old camp as last year, investigate camps that are hosted by: Your city or municipality A nearby university or college The local community center, public library, or YMCA Kids’ activity program providers such as dance, gymnastics, martial arts, theatre, art, or computer coding Birthday party businesses, such as indoor trampolining, pottery painting or LEGO building Common field trip destinations, such as children’s museums, zoos or nature centers Youth sports associations, including team sports,…

In Parenting

How to Create Memorable Spring Break as a Work-From-Home Parent

March 5, 2025 No Comments

Working from home during Spring Break can bring parents a fresh wave of guilt. You want to give your kids the exciting vacation they deserve, but work obligations don’t just hit pause. If you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. I feel guilty about my kid returning to school after the break, being the only child who didn’t have a wonderful Disney vacation to share with the class. With a little creativity, honesty, and flexibility, you can still create a memorable Spring Break as a work-from-home parent. It’s not about planning elaborate experiences or becoming a master multitasker overnight. Instead, it’s about finding realistic ways to acknowledge your child’s needs while respecting your work commitments. With a little planning, a touch of humor, and a lot of compassion for yourself, you can turn an otherwise hectic week into one that feels meaningful and fun—for both you and your kids. Managing…

In School

Gifted Kid Burnout: Recognizing the Signs and What to Do About It

March 4, 2025 No Comments

As parents, we often celebrate our kids’ exceptional abilities. Whether it’s their intellect, talent in the arts, or athleticism, we know that these gifts will take them places. However, there’s an unseen struggle that many gifted kids face, often hidden beneath their high performance: burnout. Yes, burnout isn’t exclusive to overworked adults; it’s something our gifted children can experience too. The pressure to constantly excel, meet high expectations, and juggle various activities can take a heavy toll on their mental and physical health. Gifted Kid Burnout: What Is It? When we talk about gifted kid burnout, we’re referring to a state of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion caused by the intense pressures gifted children face. While these kids may seem like they’re on top of everything, burnout can sneak up on them. If you’re a parent of a gifted child, you may start noticing some signs that things aren’t as…

In Parenting

2025 Trend for Kids’ Birthdays: ‘Bestie Experiences’ for Celebrating with Close Friends

February 27, 2025 No Comments

In 2025, the trend for birthday celebrations is moving away from big parties filled with dozens of kids, and instead, it’s all about bestie experiences! Rather than spending big on a venue for a large group, more and more kids are opting for special moments with just a besties or two or three close friends. This creates a more intimate setting that allows the birthday child to connect with their best friends on a deeper level. So for 2025, experiences—fun activities, learning workshops, or adventurous outings—are growing in popularity and replacing traditional birthday parties, tons of gifts and over-consumption. These experience-focused birthdays can often be more budget-friendly because you’re not paying for a crowd of guests, plus a venue so you can splash out on something special when you’re only booking for a small group! Here are some great budget-friendly birthday experience ideas for 2025 Hotel Sleepover: A Birthday to…

In Summer Camp

How to Mentally Prepare Your Child for Sleepaway Camp

February 24, 2025 No Comments

Sending your kid off to sleepaway camp can stir up a mix of excitement and anxiety. For parents, the thought of letting go—whether it’s their first time or their fifth—can come with a whirlwind of emotions. You may be wondering if they’ll make friends, eat enough or too much junk, or remember to put on sunscreen. But with some prep work, you can ensure your child has an unforgettable experience while you manage those mama bear nerves. Here’s how you can make getting ready for camp fun, stress-free, and—dare we say—enjoyable? Preparing your kids for sleepaway camp is all about communication – from a deep discussion about the camp’s social dynamics to their health considerations. There is a lot of fun stuff, too, from packing essentials to organization (hello, kids’ name labels) What to Talk to Your Child About Before Camp Sending your child to camp isn’t just about packing…

In Mom Moments

The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Kid’s Birthday Party

February 19, 2025 No Comments

Planning a kid’s birthday party can feel like juggling balloons while herding cats. Between choosing a theme, organizing games, and managing RSVP chaos, it’s easy to overlook small but crucial details. This comprehensive guide to planning a kids’ birthday party has you covered with unique ideas, practical advice, and a printable checklist to ensure your child’s big day is as magical as they deserve. Your Guide to Planning a Kids Birthday Party: Choose a Unique Theme! A themed party creates a sense of wonder and makes planning easier. Think beyond classic princesses and superheroes! Here are some unique ideas: Adding a unique theme to your child’s birthday party sets the tone for the entire event and helps guide your planning. Collaborate with your child to brainstorm ideas that excite them. Consider their hobbies, favorite books, or current obsessions for inspiration. Remember, even simple themes can feel extraordinary with a bit…

In Parenting

A Guide to Moody Teens and Emotional Roller Coasters; How Parent’s Can Help Navigate Puberty

February 2, 2025 No Comments

Parenting through puberty is a wild ride, filled with eye rolls, slammed doors, and the occasional “You don’t understand me!” But fear not—you’re not alone on this journey. Let’s unpack what’s really happening in your teen’s brain, body, and emotions so you can handle the mood swings like a pro so parents can kelp kids through puberty. 5 key takeaways about hormonal changes in kids: Puberty Starts Early: Hormonal changes begin around ages 8-9, well before visible signs like growth spurts. The adrenal glands trigger early shifts in mood, skin, and body odor. Teen Brain Development: The prefrontal cortex (logic) matures later, while the amygdala (emotions) is in overdrive, leading to impulsive, emotional decisions. Hormonal & Emotional Changes: Mood swings, sleep disruptions, and social sensitivities peak due to surging hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Peer Influence vs. Parental Guidance: Teens prioritize friends for validation, independence, and identity-building, but parental support…

In Parenting

How Non-Athletic Kids Can Benefit from Watching Sports; Touchdowns, Teamwork, and Life Lessons

January 31, 2025 No Comments

Not every child dreams of scoring the winning touchdown or sprinting to the finish line, and for some parents, raising a non-athletic kid can feel like navigating uncharted waters. But here’s the good news: even if your child isn’t lacing up cleats or joining a team, they can still reap the many benefits of sports—by watching them! From learning life skills to forming social bonds, sports can be a treasure trove of lessons for kids, whether they’re playing or spectating. There are a ton of great ways of how non-athletic kids can benefit from watching sports. Why Sports Matter for Kids: The Science Behind the Game Sports have long been celebrated for their ability to teach teamwork, resilience, and discipline. While we often focus on the benefits of playing sports, watching them also packs a surprising punch of positives. For players: Kids who play sports enjoy higher self-esteem, better social…