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Johns Hopkins University researchers Karl Alexander, Doris Entwisle, and Linda Olson (2007) studied this topic extensively and the researchers concluded that two-thirds of the 9th-grade reading achievement gap can be explained by unequal access to summer learning opportunities during elementary school. This achievement level is a huge determinant of whether students stay in school and follow a college-preparatory track.

Every kid, regardless of socioeconomic or academic status, needs to keep their tools “fine-tuned” during their time off.

Don’t get me wrong. Summer is not about non-stop reading, writing, math and science “lessons” in our house. However, we do incorporate these things into our daily routines in a FUN way.

Here are a few of our favorites:

READING

• Start the morning with a little reading time while breakfast is being made
• Pick a classic book and read it out loud to your kids for 20 minutes each day
• Pick a topic and head to the library to find 3 books
• Let your kids go to bed with a stack of books and a flashlight

WRITING

• Write letters to friends, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, or previous teachers.
• Journal once a week to highlight the best parts of the week
• Create new stories about their favorite characters. For example, what happens next at the end of Frozen?

MATH

• Practice mental math while cooking dinner or driving places. “What is 2+3+5-4 / 2?”
• Going to a museum? zoo? amusement park? aquarium? Set a budget and have the kids manage the money for the trip.
• Bring a tablet or phone to the grocery store and have your kids keep a running total on the groceries while you are shopping. See if their total adds up to the cashier’s total. (subtotal)

Sometimes it’s fun to incorporate a little screen time to tap into those areas. WHAT?! Learning can be fun?! You betcha!

Make it the best summer ever with digital tools for playing, learning, and doing – while having fun! Explore categories like science, tinkering, creativity, memory making, and more!

Some additional tips from Common Sense Media:

• Keep kids reading. Kids who read a lot over the summer not only maintain reading skills, they go back to school better prepared for all subjects. Make summer reading fun. They can read graphic novels, fanfiction — anything that captures their interests is beneficial.
• Think outside the book. Apps, games, and websites offer lots of unique learning opportunities for kids. Check out our Summer Learning Guide for ideas.
• Go for code. Computer programming apps and sites teach kids everything from problem-solving to thinking and logic.
• Make lasting memories. With easy-to-use digital tools, kids can collect videos, photos, stories, and more in electronic journals that tell the story of their summer.

REFERENCES

Alexander, K. L., Entwisle, D., & Olson, L. (2007). Lasting consequences of the summer learning gap. American Sociological Review, 72, 167–180.

The post 10 Tips on How to Avoid the Summer Slide K-12 first appeared on BonBon Break.

Who doesn’t love family movie night? You can bond, talk about the movies, and, most importantly, have fun. But finding the right movie — something that’s OK for younger kids but that won’t bore older ones — can be a challenge. Sometimes you end up spending more time scrolling through Netflix than actually watching anything.

Take stress out of the equation with a whole summer’s worth of ready-to-go movie-night picks! We’ve got you covered with fun, family-friendly movies for every Friday night from June to August. These hand-selected films are popular with kids of all ages (and grown-ups, too). And since family movie night shouldn’t break the bank, all of them are available to stream on either Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Hulu or as a video-on-demand rental for $4 or less.

If your kids are a bit older — or if you’re looking to have a double feature after the little ones go to bed — we’ve also included a tween-friendly option each week to extend the fun. So enjoy this guide, revisit some old favorites, and discover some new ones with your fam this summer.

Summer of Family Movie Nights

June 1: Lilo & Stitch, 5+
This charming animated story is unlike any other Disney movie out there. In Hawaii, a spunky, independent girl adopts a dog that turns out to be an intergalactically wanted alien. With strong messages about family and an unforgettable surfing scene, this is the perfect way to kick off summer.
For tween-friendly alien hijinks, check out Men in Black.

June 8: The Incredibles, 7+
Get ready for the upcoming Pixar sequel by watching the vivid, action-packed origin story. “Retired” superheroes Bob and Helen Parr are trying to live a normal life with their superpowered family, until they’re catapulted back into a life of fighting bad guys. The Incredibles’ family dynamics are funny and familiar, even if you don’t have superhuman abilities.
For more extreme superhero action, try Captain America: The First Avenger.

June 15: Shrek, 6+
This witty, quotable comedy takes traditional fairy tales and turns them on their head. With gross-out humor for kids, satire and innuendo for grown-ups, and an excellent soundtrack, there’s something for everyone here. You won’t remember a time when you weren’t rooting for a grumpy ogre and wisecracking donkey.
For another fairy tale with a modern twist, watch Ella Enchanted.

June 22: Ernest & Celestine, 6+
Change it up a bit with this heartwarming, hand-drawn tale about an unlikely friendship. A hungry bear named Ernest befriends a spunky mouse named Celestine, even though it’s a crime in their respective communities. It’s a lovely film that’s sure to spark conversations about prejudice and discrimination.
For another animated hidden gem for tweens, consider Phantom Boy.

June 29: Akeelah and the Bee, 8+
Even though school’s out, you might want to hit the books after watching this inspiring drama about a tween spelling bee competitor. It’s impossible not to fall in love with Akeelah’s grit and brilliance as she navigates relationships with her family, friends, and gruff spelling teacher.
For more smart, inspiring role models, watch Mercury 13.

July 6: Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie, 6+
This lively, fun popcorn movie is perfect for a holiday weekend — just so long as you’re not grossed out by poop jokes and potty humor. But you might be surprised to find out that Captain Underpants is as much about friendship as it is about flatulence. That is to say, there’s a lot of both.
For another goofy comedy tweens and teens will love, check out Napoleon Dynamite.

July 13: The Iron Giant, 6+
Even though it’s engaging, clever, and full of heart, this larger-than-life adventure is often overlooked in favor of flashier animated movies. But the touching, thought-provoking story about a young boy and the giant robot he befriends has plenty of excitement and positive messages. What more could you want?
For more intense adventures with robots, enjoy Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

July 20: Paddington, 6+
Whether or not you loved the classic children’s book about an adventurous bear with a love of marmalade, there’s no doubt that Paddington is a delightful adaptation that stresses compassion and the importance of family. Overall, it’s a sweet, charming movie with all-ages appeal, but watch out for some scares for young or sensitive kids.
For another book-based story about an unusual family, consider The Great Gilly Hopkins.

July 27: Coco, 7+
With vibrant visuals and a moving story, this loving Pixar tribute to the Mexican holiday Day of the Dead will win you over from start to finish. It’ll stay in your rotation long after movie night, thanks to the fantastic music, stunning setting, and strong themes of family. But keep in mind, the skeletons can be a bit scary for little ones.
For another vibrant, diverse, music-driven film, try Kubo and the Two Strings.

August 3: How to Train Your Dragon, 6+
Vikings, dragons, and excellent role models for girls and boys? This is more than your typical fantasy adventure. It seamlessly combines thrilling action, gorgeous visuals, and strong themes of redemption, friendship, and courage. Plus, it’s funny!
For a swashbuckling fantasy adventure for tweens, check out Stardust.

August 10: Moana, 6+
Moana isn’t your average princess story. It’s exciting, enchanting, empowering, and refreshingly romance free. Courageous “princess” Moana and self-absorbed demigod Maui make a surprisingly great team in this tribute to Polynesian culture. And the songs are so catchy you might actually enjoy them being stuck in your head for weeks.
For more strong, smart female characters, watch Queen of Katwe.

August 17: Chicken Run, 6+
In a world where CGI has become the norm, this charming stop-motion movie about a group of chickens escaping a farm continues to stand out. Parents will definitely enjoy this film as much as kids. It’s wildly funny, incredibly creative, and full of unique, quirky characters.
For an edgier quirky movie about a daring escape, try Hunt for the Wilderpeople.

August 24: The Lego Movie, 6+
Unlike the other movies based on toys, this one is, well, awesome. Emmet’s journey to become a Master Builder is a joyous, hilarious celebration of imagination and teamwork. The voice acting and character cameos — which range from Batman to Gandalf to Abe Lincoln — are brilliant, and the inventive way the Lego bricks are animated is jaw-droppingly cool.
For more tween-friendly laugh-out-loud adventures, check out Ghostbusters.

August 31: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, 7+
Finish off summer with one of the best family films of all time. Steven Spielberg’s fantastic family drama wrapped up in a science fiction adventure continues to tug at heartstrings. Kids can’t help but feel drawn to Elliot and his touching friendship with E.T. Whether this is your first time watching or your 50th, you’ll love sharing this movie with your family.
For a great sci-fi adventure for older kids, finish off the summer with Star Trek.

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Working out and eating right are at the top of most people’s New Year’s resolutions. But as tough as those are, nothing compares with the challenge of a healthy media diet. There are screen-time limits to manage, new apps to investigate, bizarre social media trends to make sense of (what’s with the mannequin challenge, anyway?), and, don’t forget, plenty more Pokémon to catch. It’s like a 24-hour all-you-can-eat buffet when all you really want is a carrot stick. But in a world where both parents and kids are racking up serious screen time, making a commitment to a healthy media environment is critical for family time, learning, relationships, and digital citizenship.

It won’t always be easy to make your media resolutions stick. Especially because we parents tend to gobble up as much screen time as our kids. Unlike those midnight-snack runs after the kids go to bed, however, your media habits are being recorded by tiny ears and eyes. But we’re all in this together: This fun, crazy, innovative, challenging media environment affects us all. So whether you’re turning over a new leaf or trying to stay the course, our 2017 media resolutions can help you be more mindful, focus on what’s most important, get the most out of media and technology, and raise good digital citizens.

Have a device-free dinner.

Piles of research show the benefits of family dinner. But the simple act of leaving your devices off the table — just a few times a week — allows you to role-model good digital habits (and actually talk to your kids).

• Try this one easy thing to improve your relationship with your kid.

When it comes to media, think quality, not quantity.

Instead of counting up every minute your kid spends watching YouTube, strive for a balance of online and offline activities throughout the week.

• Help your kids find high-quality movies, TV shows, apps, games, and books so their screen time has some nutritional value.

Use media for relationship strengthening.

While there are concerns that media isolates us, it can absolutely bring us together — if you take advantage of how it connects you.

• Try video-chatting, scrolling through digital photo albums, playing video games, and even sharing music playlists to bond with your kids.

Don’t ban; have a plan.

Keep an open mind about your kids’ media and tech, and accept the important — and often beneficial — role they play in your kids’ lives.  When you have clear lines of communication, you can slip in your messages.

• Create a family media plan to ensure that kids stick to limits. Encourage them to behave positively online and be upstanders. Talk to them about what they watch, play, create, and read.

Seek out diverse characters.

Exposure to a variety of types of people increases tolerance and acceptance and dispels dangerous stereotypes. Being able to get along with all types of people is a skill that will help kids whether they’re interacting online or in the real world.

• Have a family movie night and watch TV shows with diverse characters, movies with strong female characters, or movies with incredible role models for boys.

Raise media-savvy kids.

If 2016 was the year fake news went viral, make 2017 the year your kids learn how to view all media (not just “news”) critically.

• Explain how to see through fake news, and teach kids media smarts during breaking news.

Tighten your privacy.

Our increasingly connected world puts kids’ personal privacy and online data at risk. Just last year, several high-profile companies settled a suit alleging that they had violated the Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA) by allowing kids’ data to be tracked. The ability to share anything at any time can be especially dicey to tweens and teens who may not be able to think through all the ways their posts can be used by others.

• Make sure kids use strict privacy settings on social media, apps, and other accounts, and make sure they know not to share any personal information (name, age, address, Social Security number) with people they meet online.

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  READ MORE FROM COMMON SENSE MEDIA ON BONBON BREAK

• 3 Social Networking Apps That Stir up Drama in Schools
• 14 Tools to Turn Game-Obsessed Kids into Genuine Game Designers
• The 10 Best Kid-Friendly Minecraft Channels on YouTube
• The Ultimate Parent Guide to YouTube
• 21 Things to Do on a Snow Day

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ABOUT COMMON SENSE MEDIA: Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to:www.commonsense.org.

This post was syndicated with permission from Common Sense Media.

The post 7 Media Resolutions Every Family Should Make in 2017 first appeared on BonBon Break.

If Minecraft has taken over your kids and you hardly know who they are or what they’re talking about anymore, you’re in good company. But, although you may love that the game helps build 21st-century skills such as creativity, innovation, and collaboration, your kids’ obsession can be overwhelming. Perhaps most puzzling is that every waking moment they’re not playing Minecraft, they’re in front of YouTube watching Minecraft.

For fans — and they are legion — Minecraft YouTube videos are a huge part of their enjoyment of the game. There are tutorials (for ideas on new things to create), “Let’s Play” videos (footage of people playing the game), challenges (new gameplay ideas to try), mod showcases (which show off cool thing kids can download to modify their Minecraft worlds), and more.

But the unique things about the game, including the ability for any player to create anything they want, can result in wide variations in quality, age-appropriateness, and relevancy to your kid’s specific interests and gaming ability. There are hundreds of channels devoted to Minecraft, including popular but edgy ones such as Yogscast and SkyDoesMinecraft, and it’s hard to know which ones are good for kids. Although you could download an app such as KicVidz, which curates only kid-friendly Minecraft videos, you know your little fanatic will be begging — and searching YouTube — for more.

Even kid-friendly videos come with a few caveats. First, with many clocking in at 20 or 30 minutes, they can be a major time suck. Second, many have commercials that advertise products from cars to cookies to vodka. Third, some videos contain salty language so take note of our age recommendations below and preview videos when possible. But there’s plenty to explore to help fan the flames of this mostly worthwhile pursuit. Here are the top 10 best-for-kids YouTube Minecraft channels.

1. Stampy (aka Mr. Stampy Cat, aka stampylonghead). A British cartoon cat (voiced by Joseph Garrett from Portsmouth, England) hosts the lively videos on this lighthearted channel. Stampy offers Let’s Plays and tutorials on a range of Minecraft topics (and other games, all family-friendly), and his game worlds are distinctly colorful.
Best for: Younger fans. Stampy feels like a cross between Pee-wee Herman and Mr. Rogers.
Check out: His How To Minecraft series is excellent for noobs.

2. iBallisticSquid. Stampy’s best friend is a squid — remember, anything is possible in Minecraft! — voiced by Garrett’s real-life pal David Spencer. Squiddy (or Squid Nugget) exchanges mild, kid-friendly, English-accented banter with Stampy and uploads Let’s Plays, mods, and challenges (which are usually set for him by Stampy).
Best for: Younger fans. Squiddy’s squeaky-clean.
Check out: His Pixelmon Learning the Basics is a great introduction to a cool mod.

3. Paul Soares Jr. This self-described husband, father, entrepreneur, and gamer offers family-friendly Let’s Plays and tutorials in a kindly, straightforward style.
Best for: Younger kids, new players, and families. Soares mixes in a lot of how-to information while he’s playing.
Check out: Soares’ How to Survive and Thrive tutorials are newbie nirvana. Also, note the ratings on his videos; he’s the rare YouTuber who has bothered to have his content rated for families so you know it doesn’t contain mature content.

4. TheAtlanticCraft. Hard-core gamers Cody (theCodyMaverick) and Joe (JoeBuzz) manage to make their Let’s Plays, mods, mini-games, and more both kid-friendly and technically advanced. The two have a fun rapport as they battle and explore very sophisticated worlds. Language on this channel can get heated.
Best for: Older kids. The guys also host servers and offer downloads on their website.
Check out: “Let It Glow,” a Minecraft parody of Disney’s “Let It Go” from Frozen.

5. Popular MMOs. Although it’s known for epic battles and massive explosions, Popular MMOs’ host is a friendly, folksy guy named Pat, whose knowledge of and enthusiasm for the game plus killer mods draw big audiences. He also frequently plays against his fiancée, Jen (who hosts her own Minecraft channel, GamingwithJen).
Best for: Older kids with a taste for excitement.
Check out: The Minecraft Kitty Cat Challenge, where Pat and Jen honor the passing of their cat by duking it out on Minecraft, shows the human side of the game.

6. Minecraft Universe. Charming TrueMU (real name: Jason Probst) hosts this popular channel that’s jam-packed with adventure maps, parkour maps, mini-games, and even original electronic songs available for download. He often plays spirited games against other advanced Minecraftplayers in a group called Team Crafted.
Best for: All ages. There’s a wide range of content.
Check out: The “Hottest Girls Ever” Let’s Play, wherein Jason and an opponent play as female avatars, can spark a conversation about gender roles in games.

7. The Bajan Canadian. Twenty-year-old Canadian video game commenter Mitchell Hughes offers a wide range of technically adept Minecraft videos, mostly played with a gentle, nerdy patter against his mild-mannered gamer pals.
Best for: Older players who really want to geek out on Minecraft.
Check out: His parkour videos and downloadable “wacky parkour maps” are some of the best.

8. Maricraft. Hosted by female gamer Mari Takahashi on the ultra-popular gaming channel Smosh Games, Maricraft features mostly Let’s Plays of spirited battles with her pals in wacky Minecraftworlds.
Best for: Older fans. Players swear, but the words are bleeped out and there’s some juvenile humor.
Check out: In Splegg in Your Face!, Mari and friends pummel each other with spleggs (Minecraft eggs).

9. TheDiamondMinecart. Hosted by twentysomething Dan Middleton of Northamptonshire, England, TheDiamondMinecart is popular for its wide variety of entertaining, creative videos. The videos’ quality across all genres (Let’s Play, mod reviews, characters, and so on) has made it one of the most highly subscribed-to and most highly viewed channels on YouTube.
Best for: More experienced players; the offerings are pretty advanced, but they’re mostly clean.
Check out: The Hunger Games video wherein DiamondMinecart takes on Stampy has a fun twist at the end.

10. CaptainSparklez. With one of the biggest audiences on YouTube, CaptainSparklez dazzles with his technically advanced worlds and warm, entertaining commentary. Recently purchased by Disney-owned Maker Studios, CaptainSparklez is beloved as much for his intricate, atmospheric, and complex worlds as for his parody videos.
Best for: Experienced players who can grasp the technical jargon. He can get a little edgy, too.
Check out: His Super Modded Survival Series takes fans on an epic adventure full of dungeons, new dimensions, and mighty foes.

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Is there any day of the year that kids look forward to more than a snow day? After the snowball fights, snow angels, and snowman building, it’s time to enjoy some family time indoors. Our snow day favorites include books, movies, apps, games, and TV shows that will keep kids’ minds and bodies active — and maybe even teach them a little something along the way.

Are you always looking for things to do on a snow day? Look no further!

Books

The Snowy Day, age 2+
Bright color cutouts and lively language deliver a book that’s both soothing and exciting.

Ladybug Girl, age 3+
Guided by her curiosity — and with her trusty dog, Bingo — Ladybug Girl makes her own fun by using nothing but her imagination.

Flora and the Penguin, age 4+
With loads of charm and a range of emotions, this wordless story follows Flora as she teams up with a graceful bird on skates in a cold, icy landscape.

Greenglass House, age 10+
A creaky family inn starts receiving unexpected guests, setting in motion a twisty mystery that takes place over winter break.

The Ice Dragon, age 10+
Set in the same universe as Game of Thrones — but with different characters and no blood, gore, or sex — this lavishly illustrated fantasy about a girl who’s more at home during the cold of winter offers readers lots to sink their teeth into.

Movies

Frozen, age 5+
In a Scandinavia-like kingdom, two princesses grow up separately, have adventures, and fall in love, but circumstances call for them to reinforce their unconditional sisterly bond.

Snow Day, age 5+
One snow day, in particular, changes the lives of all five members of the Brandston family in this silly Chevy Chase flick.

Ice Age, age 6+
A ragtag group of animals discovers that they have more in common than they thought.

March of the Penguins, age 6+
Get an up-close look at the circle of life — at 80 degrees below zero — in this fascinating documentary about migrating penguins.

Snowmen, age 10+
This coming-of-age movie follows a boy with terminal cancer who rallies his school and community to try to set the Guinness World Record for the most number of snowmen made in 24 hours.

The Mighty Ducks, age 11+
Despite the occasional iffy humor and content, this vintage classic about a group of underdog ice hockey players and their selfish coach shows the positive values of sports.

Apps

Into the Snow: A Stella and Sam Adventure, age 3+
Sweet siblings model curiosity and creativity in this short animated story with embedded activities.

Disney Karaoke: Frozen, age 5+
The windows are closed anyway, so why not let the kids burn off energy by belting out the hits from the movie?

Frozen: Storybook Deluxe, age 5+
This interactive storybook lets little Frozen fans listen to the story, record their own narration, play games, draw, and do other activities.

Telestory, age 8+
This video-creation tool lets kids while away the hours creating their own themed TV shows with fun background scenes, face-detecting costumes, cue cards, and special effects.

Games

Frozen: Olaf’s Quest, age 6+
Kids play through the misadventures of the movie’s lovable, bumbling snowman, Olaf, as he works through 60 short side-scrolling run-and-jump levels.

Just Dance 2015, age 10+
When wintry weather traps the kids inside, just dance! This updated classic features new pop songs and funky moves and encourages group dancing.

SSX, age 10+
Intense downhill races on giant mountains, crazy midair stunts, and a host of colorful characters make this snowboarding sim a super fun virtual thrill.

TV/Streaming/DVD

Frozen Planet, age 6+
Sure, it’s cold outside, but consider the poles, the subject of this beautiful series that brings gorgeous scenery, stunning time-lapse videography, and intriguing storytelling right to your living room.

Toughest Race on Earth: Iditarod, age 8+
This exhilarating, entertaining reality show about the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race follows several competitors in the grueling, 1,150-mile wintertime slog through the wilds of Alaska, revealing much about determination, strength, and relationships (both human and canine).

Life Below Zero, age 12+
Set in rural Alaska, this reality program shows what it’s like to live where winter never ends. Lessons include positive messages about the personal satisfaction that comes with being self-sufficient and the importance of respecting the environment.

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More Media Picks and Parenting Advice from Common Sense Media

• The Best New Movies, Games, TV, Books, and Pop Culture of 2014
• 8 Ways to Unplug Your Holidays
• How to Raise a Reader

ABOUT COMMON SENSE MEDIA: Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to:www.commonsense.org.

The post 21 Things to Do Inside on a Snow Day first appeared on BonBon Break.

Smosh, Good Mythical Morning, PewDiePie — the names may not mean much to you, but chances are your kids are on a first-name basis. Their funny hosts, off-the-cuff commentary, silly antics, and bewildering (to adults) subject matter put them among the most popular YouTube channels for young teens, garnering millions (and, in the case ofgame commentary PewDiePie, billions) of views. In fact, according to a recent survey of U.S. teens by Variety, the top five most influential celebrities are YouTube stars. But information about these personalities’ shows — the content, quality, and age-appropriateness, for example — isn’t easy for parents to find.

Unlike video games, movies, TV shows, and other media, YouTube channels pose a challenge for parents because anyone can create them, they crop up seemingly out of nowhere, they don’t follow program schedules, and they’re cast out among thousands of other videos. Still, there are clues to figuring out which channels and creators are OK for your kids. YouTube clearly has a huge impact, and you’ll learn a lot about your kids when you really dig into what they’re tuning into. (Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular YouTube stars.)

And it’s worth doing. Kids love discovering new videos on YouTube, and that often means exposure to iffy stuff — even when they’re not seeking it out. With some simple tools, you can help your kids regulate their habits and increase the chances that their experience will be positive. Also, read our detailed review of YouTube.

The Basics

Watch with your kid. Simply ask your kids what they’re watching and join them. In general, kids are tuning into certain channels or following specific YouTube personalities because they’re entertained by them. Many kids naturally want to share the videos they like.

Watch by yourself. If kids don’t want to share, get the name of the channel they’re watching and watch it later. Watch a few videos by the same creator to get a feel for the content.

Be sleuthy. If you’re concerned about the content your kid is watching on YouTube — and you’ve tried talking to her — there are ways of tracking her viewing habits. If she has a YouTube account (which only requires a Gmail address), her YouTube page will display her recently watched videos, recommended videos based on her watch history, and suggestions for channels similar to the ones she’s watched. Even if your kid deletes her “watch history,” the recommendations all will be related to stuff she’s watched.

Subscribe. Encourage your kids to subscribe to their favorite channels rather than hunting around on YouTube for the latest ones from a specific creator. Subscribers are notified when a new video is uploaded, plus all their channels are displayed in My Subscriptions, making it easier, and faster, to go directly to the stuff they like. Consider choosing subscriptions together, and make an event out of watching the newest uploads with your kids.

The Nitty-Gritty

Investigate the creator. The name of each video’s creator appears beneath the video window and usually has a bit of information about the person behind the video and/or the channel itself. Google the creator’s name to find out whether he or she has a Wikipedia page or another Web presence. You might find out that your kid’s favorite YouTube personality has an impressive reach. LGBT advocate Tyler Oakley, for example, has a huge fan base that crosses demographics, making him a positive role model for all kinds of kids.

Look at the suggestions. The suggested videos listed on the right-hand side of the page are related in some way to the main video. Evaluate them to see if they seem age-appropriate, and that will provide an indication of the appropriateness of the main video.

Consider the ads. If an ad plays before the video, that’s actually a good sign. To qualify for advertising and earn money (the goal of most YouTube channels), a creator must apply to be a YouTube partner by sending in some sample videos. YouTube rejects videos that don’t meet their terms of service and community guidelines — vulgar or stolen content, in other words. Yes, that means your kid sees more ads, but the trade-off seems worth it (and you can always mute the commercials).

Read the comments. YouTube comments are notorious for being negative, but it’s worth reading them to get a sense of the channels’ demographic and the tone of the discussion. Channel creators can moderate their comments to reduce the amount of negativity. Well-groomed comments are a good sign.

Watch the trailer. Many creators make highlight reels and trailers — basically video ads for the channels themselves (which usually appear first on the channel page). Definitely watch them if they’re available to get an overview of the host and the content.

Finding Good Stuff

Turn on safety mode. Be aware that YouTube is technically only for teens 13 and up, and what the site considers age-appropriate may not match your values. But YouTube offers a filter called Safety Mode that limits the iffy stuff. Simply scroll down to the bottom of any YouTube page. See where it says “Safety”? Click it on. (It will remain on for logged-in users on the same browser.)

Take YouTube’s advice. Most kids find out about new videos either from their friends or by clicking on the related videos (which may or may not be appropriate). But YouTube itself offers several ways to home in on quality content. Visit YouTube Nation for curated content in a variety of categories. Read about YouTube news on the company blog, and find out what’s trending all over the country on the Map and the Dashboard.

Watch later. YouTube gives you the ability to save videos to watch at a later time, which improves the odds that your kids will be exposed to stuff you’ve pre-approved. You can create playlists, too, virtually designing a customized programming schedule of content for each of your kids or for different subjects they’re interested in.

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ABOUT COMMON SENSE MEDIA: Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go to:www.commonsense.org.

The post The Ultimate Parent Guide to YouTube first appeared on BonBon Break.

Holiday TV specials are like a warm mug of cocoa with marshmallows: sweet, comforting, and best enjoyed with those you love. We’ve rounded up this season’s can’t-miss shows to keep your family entertained from Thanksgiving (Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow) all the way through the holidays (Doctor Who Christmas Special). Whether you like ’em heartwarming, quirky, funny, or futuristic, you’ll find traditional faves, worthy underdogs, and a few new additions to the classic holiday-special canon. Though not all these shows feature families (or even humans!), they embody the spirit of togetherness, warmth, and tradition. (Check your local listings to confirm show dates and times.)

Thanksgiving

Friends, Thanksgiving episodes, age 14+, streaming on Netflix
Each season of Friends contains a classic Thanksgiving episode, often highlighting time spent with good (you guessed it) friends and family. Start with season five’s “The One with All the Thanksgivings” to see Joey’s iconic turkey-on-the-head scare.

Jim Henson’s Turkey Hollow, age 8+, Nov. 21 on Lifetime at 8 p.m.
This rediscovered Henson script stars Mary Steenburgen as a kooky aunt who helps her family try to find the Howling Hoodoo, a mysterious Bigfoot-like creature. Narrated by actor and rapper Ludacris, this family-friendly special features puppets that are more Fraggle than Muppet and has a gentle Emmet Otter-style vibe.

Holidays

Doctor Who, Christmas special, age 10+, Dec. 25 on BBC America (check local listings)
Rumor has it that the 11th Whovian holiday special will have the Doctor’s wife, fellow doctor and time-traveler River Song (ER’s Alex Kingston), meeting her husband for the first time in his current incarnation (Peter Capaldi plays the quippy time lord).

Frosty the Snowman, age 3+, Nov. 28 on CBS at 9 p.m.
Watch Frosty, a roly-poly goofball with a heart of gold, strike up a friendship with cute kid Karen as he tries to get to the North Pole in this 1960s classic.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas, age 4+, Dec. 5 on ABC Family at 8 p.m.
Did you know your heart grows three sizes every time you watch this special? It’s nearly impossible not to be moved by the green antihero’s redemption tale. Just try watching him serve that first slice of roast beast to his trusty dog without a grin on your face.

I Love Lucy, Christmas special, age 6+, Dec. 7 on CBS at 8 p.m.
Lucy gets up to her standard shenanigans in this set of holiday episodes. The usual lineup of unwitting participants includes neighbors Fred and Ethel and Lucy’s loving but frustrated hubby, Ricky. Hijinks will ensue.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, A Charlie Brown Christmas, age 4+, all on ABC at 8 p.m., dates below:

• Thanksgiving: Nov. 26
• It’s Your 50th Christmas, Charlie Brown: Nov. 30
• A Charlie Brown Christmas: Dec. 2

What does this trilogy of holiday specials have in common? Circumstances cause the Peanuts gang to create their own traditions, and while they may not always find total success (does Charlie Brown ever get to kick that football?), friendship always saves the day. Bonus: Kristen Bell hosts an extra-special special about the beloved Christmas special this year.

Merry Madagascar, age 6+, Nov. 28 on CW at 9:30 p.m.
Wild-animal favorites Alex, Marty, and Melman made it to Madagascar; now they want to get back to New York. The best vehicle for the job? Santa’s sleigh, of course.

Prep & Landing and Prep & Landing Naughty vs. Nice, age 5+, Nov. 28 on ABC at 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
An elite organization of elves makes sure each and every home is ready for Santa. It’s serious business for Wayne, who after 227 years is ready for a promotion in this flight-themed buddy comedy. Sequel Naughty vs. Nice finds Wayne and his crew dealing with a hacker trying to program their way onto the nice list.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, age 3+, Dec. 9 on CBS at 8 p.m.
Rudolph and his misfit crew learn what it means to stay true to themselves in the old-school stop-motion special. Finding it a hard sell? Kids who love Will Ferrell in Elf will be tickled to find Buddy’s origins in this retro, Rankin/Bass Productions world.

Saturday Night Live, Christmas special, age 14+, Dec. 3 on NBC at 9 p.m.
No one skewers the holidays like SNL. Expect classic characters: Get Pete Schweddy’s (Alex Baldwin) favorite recipe, see what Stefon has up his sleeve for Christmas activities, and listen to Adam Sandler’s gem “The Hanukkah Song.”

Toy Story That Time Forgot, age 4+, Dec. 2 on ABC at 8:30 p.m.
Set days after Christmas, this action-packed treat offers plenty of positive messages about friendship, loyalty, and being true to yourself as Woody and the gang go face-to-face with a colony of battle-ready dinosaurs.

A Very Murray Christmas, age 15+, streaming on Netflix Dec. 4
Fans of satirical Christmas classic Scrooged will be happy to see Bill Murray back in the holiday spirit in this Netflix special. With rumored guests that include George Clooney, Miley Cyrus, and the Rockettes, the quirk factor here will be through the roof, which should please folks who like to keep their holidays schmaltz-free.

Wild Kratts, “Creature Christmas,” age 6+, Nov. 25 on PBS (check local listings)
The friendly, knowledgeable, and just plain fun Kratt brothers are back with their favorite critter buddies to celebrate the holidays, animal-style.

Yes, Virginia, age 4+, Nov. 28 on CBS at 9:30 p.m.; streaming on Amazon
A stellar voice cast (Neil Patrick Harris, Alfred Molina) and charming CGI animation give curious Virginia’s sweet tale a fresh life.

Check out Common Sense Media’s TV reviews to find more great picks for your family.

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The post Your Guide to the Best Holiday TV Specials of 2015 first appeared on BonBon Break.

Just as Inside Out had plenty of conversation starters for parents and kids about feelings and growing up, The Peanuts Movie offers lots of positive messages you can talk about with your kids. And those lessons, such as being yourself and never giving up, weren’t lost on the young actors who voice some of Charles M. Schulz’s iconic creations. Here’s what they had to say about these topics and their characters.

What lessons do you hope kids can learn from Charlie Brown and his friends?

• Hadley Belle Miller, age 11 (Lucy van Pelt): “I think that kids can learn that everybody in the gang is just like a normal kid. They’re just going to a school dance or have a crush on this girl. I think you can learn that if they can do it, then so can you, because they’re actually just like you.”
• Francesca Capaldi, age 11 (Little Red-Haired Girl): “I hope kids learn that it’s OK to be yourself and you don’t have to win big awards. It’s better to be yourself and have a big heart.”
• Noah Schnapp, age 11 (Charlie Brown): “I think they should learn to dream big, because that’s like the main part of the movie. And I also think that because Charlie Brown never gives up, they should learn a life lesson: Whenever they’re angry or frustrated, they should just get right back up and try again and not just quit.”

What do you like most about the character you voice?

• Miller: “I like that Lucy has a voice and that she likes being right. I just think she could learn how to say it in a nicer way. I don’t think she’s trying to be mean. I think she’s trying to be helpful, but she doesn’t know how.”
• Capaldi: “I like [the Little Red-Haired Girl] because she’s always been unknown. No one really knows her personality, but now they’re getting to know her a little bit. And I like that she’s very kind and she’s always nice to everyone.”
• Schnapp: “I think that’s an easy one, because Charlie Brown never gives up. He’s always known for never giving up and always being persistent. A lot of people just walk away and give up and never go back, but they can learn to try again whenever they’re frustrated, like Charlie Brown.”
• Mar Mar, age 13 (Franklin Armstrong): “I think the best part about playing Franklin is that he can be an MC of the school dance, the announcer, or the stage director in the play. He’s a jack of all trades. I think that the best part about Franklin is that he can do so many things with his talents. It’s just amazing.”

Check out Common Sense Media’s video review of The Peanuts Movie.

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The post What Kids Can Learn From “The Peanuts Movie” first appeared on BonBon Break.

If your kid is among the 73% of teens who have access to a smartphone, you’re well aware of the app obsession that can take over a brain and body in seconds. Multiply that by the average student population at your middle or high school, and you see the problem many schools are facing this back-to-school season. For teens, smartphones + apps = social networking. And where there’s social networking, there’s sure to be drama.

While a lot of social networking is harmless — and even beneficial — some apps are specifically designed to appeal to users’ darker impulses. Confessionals, anonymous comments, incriminating photos, rumor-mongering — that sort of thing. Worse, some apps apply location services to this already combustible mix, connecting everyone in a school and magnifying problems like cyberbullying, gossip, and physical threats.

Keep these apps on your radar, and talk to your kids about responsible social networking:

• Yik Yak. This “location aware” social networking app lets users post “anything and everything” anonymously. The brief, Twitter-like comments and photos are distributed to any 500 people using Yik Yak closest to you geographically. Anonymous threats against schools and individual students have prompted many schools to ban the app, using the company’s“geo fencing” guidelines to restrict communications in a certain area. Also watch out for: Streetchat – Image Board for Schools and Colleges, Burnbook, and After School – Funny Anonymous School News for Confessions & Compliments.
• Ask.FM. This question-and-answer app lets kids pose queries and answer questions from other users. With questions like “am I pretty or ugly?,” the confessional nature makes kids vulnerable to negative feedback. Bullying is a major concern, and Ask.FM has been cited as a factor in stories of teen suicide. In response to these problems, the company changed management and launched a robust safety center. Still, you have to wonder about an app that has a whole section just for law enforcement investigating criminal activity. Also watch out for: Whisper.
• Snapchat. For seemingly consequence-free communication, you can’t do better than the self-destructing messaging app Snapchat. The app has gained a reputation as a “sexting” app because outgoing (and incoming) pictures, videos, and texts aren’t permanently stored on devices. Still, many third-party developers have created apps that let recipients save snaps from unsuspecting senders. One of the biggest problems with Snapchat is its popularity: One teacher complained of massive class disruption when the app released an upgrade during the school day. Also watch out for: BurnNote, Slingshot.

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• Awesome Apps That Teach Kids How to Code
• 14 Tools to Turn Game-Obsessed Kids into Genuine Game Designers
• The 10 Best Kid-Friendly Minecraft Channels on YouTube
• 10 YouTube Stars Your Kid Loves

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ABOUT COMMON SENSE MEDIA: Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go

The post 3 Social Networking Apps That Stir up Drama in Schools first appeared on BonBon Break.

When your kid starts talking about loops, go-to commands, and branches, it probably means she’s learning to code, and that’s a very good thing. In a technology-fueled world, coding is quickly becoming a prized, 21st-century skill. Plus, it encourages kids to become creators, not just consumers, of the technology they use.

Coding apps come in a range of formats designed for different ages and abilities. They often incorporate bright colors, cute characters, and elements of game design to appeal to kids. Beginners typically learn to create programs by dragging and dropping visual blocks of code. Intermediate users are ready for kid-friendly programming languages, specially designed to train newbies. Advanced coders can start working with real programming languages that have a more gradual learning curve than what the pros use — but still produce sophisticated results.

Whatever your kid’s level, there’s a tool that will get her behind the computer curtain to actually create content.

Younger Kids

• The Foos: Code for an Hour FREE. 5+
  Story-based coding game has kids play through increasingly challenging levels.
• Kodable Pro. 6+
  Solid beginner game that introduces coding concepts and has lots of parent resources.
• ScratchJr. 6+
  Kids drag and drop blocks of code, snap them together, and watch them work.
• Tynker. 7+
  Use either the website or app to let your kids learn coding logic through games.
• Cato’s Hike. 8+
  Through it’s a story-based adventure, kids learn basic coding concepts.
• Scratch. 8+
  After creating scripts through coding blocks, kids can share their creations online.
• My Robot Friend. 9+
  This robot-themed coding puzzler has kids coding their way through mazes to find treasure.

Older Kids

• Hopscotch. 10+
  Appealing interface draws in boys and girls who can share creations with online community.
• Lightbot. 10+
  By meeting programming goals, kids unlock new levels and learn more advanced concepts.
• Mozilla Thimble. 12+
  Advanced, side-by-side coder lets kids see what programming codes do as they create.
• Codecademy. 13+
  Interactive lessons for several programming languages offer several skill-level tracks.
• CodeHS. 15+
  Membership service offers instruction and examples for more advanced coders.

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• 5 Conversations to Have with Your Kids After Inside Out
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The post Awesome Apps That Teach Kids How to Code first appeared on BonBon Break.

Discovering the joys of Harry Potter is a rite of passage for kids today. Since J.K. Rowling released the first book more than 15 years ago, kids have been devouring the books, watching the movies, and — at least for super fans — playing games and apps and visiting websites devoted to the young wizard. One of the delights of discovering Harry Potter is that you see him grow up. But along with that, the subject matter of the books and movies gets scarier, the villains get viler, and beloved characters die.

If your family is just getting into this magical world, here’s a quick age guide for enjoying Harry Potter with your kids. Keep in mind that all kids are different, so assess your child’s ability to handle frights and peril before you see the movies or read the books.

6-7: A great age to begin.
Read aloud: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Watch: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

7-8: Kids can start to read alone and enjoy the early movies and video games.
Read alone: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Watch: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Play: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup, LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4

8-9: The books get more intense. The movies get scarier.
Read: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Watch: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Play: Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup

9-10: For the first time, the movies become really dark.
Read: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Watch: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Play: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

10-11: Beloved characters die, and the movies get even scarier (you might wait until 12+).
Read: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Play: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

11-12: Your kids can probably handle everything J.K. Rowling sends their way. (But you might want to accompany them to the more mature movies.)
Read: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Watch: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Play: Harry Potter: Spells

And for a complete list of every single piece of media related to Harry Potter, check out Common Sense Media’s list.

ABOUT COMMON SENSE MEDIA: Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in a world of media and technology. We exist because our kids are growing up in a culture that profoundly impacts their physical, social, and emotional well-being. We provide families with the advice and media reviews they need in order to make the best choices for their children. Through our education programs and policy efforts, Common Sense Media empowers parents, educators, and young people to become knowledgeable and responsible digital citizens. For more information, go

The post Harry Potter Age Guide first appeared on BonBon Break.