Mother’s Day is more than a date on the calendar—it’s a heartfelt moment to pause and recognise the quiet strength, care, and unwavering love our moms give us every day. Whether she raised you, guided you, or simply showed up when it mattered most, the right gift is a small but meaningful way to say, “I see you.“ I appreciate you.

We’ve thoughtfully curated this list of Mother’s Day gifts—all available on Amazon—to suit every type of mom. Whether she’s the sentimental type, a wellness warrior, or a busy multitasker, these ideas are here to help you make her feel cherished.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Tina Knowles’ Matriarch: A Memoir

📘 For the mom who finds strength in stories of motherhood and resilience.
Before she was Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles was a determined woman building a legacy of her own. This memoir is a tribute to mother-daughter bonds, identity, and power through adversity. A beautiful, inspiring read for moms who deserve to feel seen.

👉 Buy it on Amazon

2. Kindle Paperwhite (11th Generation)

📚 For the mom who loves to read—anytime, anywhere.
With adjustable warm lighting and waterproof design, this Kindle is a thoughtful gift for readers who deserve a little “me-time.” Pair it with an inspiring book, and you’ve just given her a mini escape.

👉 Check it out on Amazon

3. Echo Show 10 (3rd Gen)

🎥 For the mom who loves staying connected and making life easier.
From video calls with grandkids to following along with her favourite recipes, this smart display brings joy and simplicity to her kitchen or living room.

👉 View on Amazon

4. Le Creuset Enamelled Dutch Oven

🍲 For the mom who finds joy in cooking for the people she loves.
It’s not just cookware—it’s a kitchen heirloom. Le Creuset’s iconic Dutch oven is as beautiful as it is functional and will become a staple for cosy meals and holiday feasts.

👉 Get it on Amazon

5. Spa Gift Basket Set

🛁 For the mom who deserves a spa day—but never takes one.
This indulgent basket includes bath bombs, lotions, and scented candles to help her unwind and recharge. A simple way to say: You deserve this.

👉 See it on Amazon

6. Owala FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle (40 oz)

💧 For the mom who’s always on the go but needs a reminder to hydrate.
Sleek, stylish, and ultra-practical, this water bottle keeps drinks cold for hours and comes with a built-in straw. She’ll think of you every time she takes a sip.

👉 Available on Amazon

7. Fitbit Charge 5 Fitness Tracker

💪 For the mom who’s working on her wellness journey.
Whether she’s starting a new fitness plan or just wants to monitor her sleep and stress, this tracker supports her goals while reminding her she’s worth the effort.

👉 Shop on Amazon

8. Enchanted Glass-Domed Rose Light

🌹 For the romantic or whimsical mom who still believes in magic.
Inspired by Beauty and the Beast, this preserved rose in a glowing dome symbolises lasting love and timeless beauty. A lovely keepsake she’ll treasure.

👉 Buy on Amazon

9. Mother’s Day Cookie Sampler Tin

🍪 For the sweet mom who loves a thoughtful treat.
Sometimes, the simplest gestures are the most meaningful. This decorative cookie tin is filled with gourmet treats, perfect for enjoying with a warm cup of tea.

👉 Get it here on Amazon

10. Amazon eGift Card

🎁 For the mom who insists she doesn’t need anything.
Let her pick something she truly wants. An Amazon gift card lets you give from the heart—even when you’re not quite sure what she needs.

👉 Send a gift card

Mother’s Day is a reminder that love doesn’t always come wrapped in ribbon—but it can. Whether you go big or keep it simple, the best gifts come from a place of thoughtfulness and gratitude. Each of these Amazon finds is more than just a product—it’s a gesture, a thank-you, and a reminder that the love she gives is never forgotten.

Still not sure what to get? Sometimes, the greatest gift is your time. A call, a hug, or a moment together can mean more than anything.

The post 10 Thoughtful Amazon Gifts That Say “Thank You, Mom” This Mother’s Day (2025) appeared first on Childhood Central.

In a ground-breaking move, California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law two bills to safeguard child influencers’ rights. Joining him on this momentous occasion was former child star and activist, Demi Lovato, who has long advocated for child protection in the entertainment industry.

This new child influencer bill is a modern extension of the historic Coogan Law, designed to protect children from exploitation, especially in today’s digital age.

With social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube now serving as stages for young content creators, these laws are critical to address the growing concerns around children’s financial rights and well-being.

What is the Coogan Law?

The Coogan Law, passed in the 1930s, was established to protect child actors from financial exploitation by ensuring a portion of their earnings was set aside in a trust until they became adults. Its namesake, Jackie Coogan, was a successful child star whose parents spent the bulk of his earnings, leading to the law’s creation.

As Governor Gavin Newsom stated, “A lot has changed since Hollywood’s early days, but here in California, our laser focus on protecting kids from exploitation remains the same. In old Hollywood, child actors were exploited. In 2024, it’s now child influencers. Today, that modern exploitation ends through two new laws to protect young influencers on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms.”

The Coogan Law now serves as the backbone for these new bills. This legislation recognizes that the digital world presents unique challenges, and children’s rights must be updated accordingly.

What is the New California Child Influencer Law?

The new child influencer law, which encompasses Assembly Bill 1800 and Senate Bill 764, aims to bring further protections for children who work as social media influencers.

The legislation requires parents or guardians to set aside a portion of the income generated by their child’s online content. In essence, this is an expansion of the Coogan Law into the digital space.

Demi Lovato, a strong advocate for the legislation, remarked, “In order to build a better future for the next generation of child stars, we need to put protections in place for minors working in the digital space. I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for taking action with this update to the Coogan Law that will ensure children featured on social media are granted agency when they come of age and are properly compensated for the use of their name and likeness.”

Similar to a law passed earlier in Illinois, California’s legislation mandates that children’s earnings be properly managed.

Parents are now legally obligated to set aside a portion of this income in accounts that the child can access once they come of age.

This move addresses a growing concern that some parents may be exploiting their children’s digital fame for financial gain.

The Business of Child Influencers

With the rise of social media, child influencers have become a profitable business. Parents, sometimes referred to as “sharents” (a combination of sharing and parenting), often manage their child’s accounts, sometimes with the child earning substantial income through brand deals, sponsored posts, and advertising.

The business of child content creators has grown so much that it has raised alarms. The term “sharenting“ refers to parents who monetize their children’s lives by sharing personal details or images online, often without fully considering the long-term consequences.

While many parents do so with good intentions, the potential for exploitation is real. The new California law acknowledges this growing issue and aims to prevent the misuse of children’s earnings and personal rights.

Implications for the Child Influencer Economy

As child influencers gain popularity, these laws could have far-reaching implications for the future of the digital economy. The new protections could inspire similar laws across the United States and beyond.

Already, countries like France have introduced legislation that addresses the protection of minors featured in online content. As more states and nations begin to recognize the unique vulnerabilities of child influencers, a broader shift toward more rigorous regulations seems likely.

Experts believe that these laws are just the beginning. They argue that as the line between fame and privacy continues to blur, more needs to be done to protect children from online exploitation by their parents or guardians.

The successful passing of the California Child Influencer Bill could serve as a model for others, helping ensure that young content creators’ rights are safeguarded.

Conclusion

The California Child Influencer Law represents a significant milestone in the fight to protect children in the digital age.

By expanding the protections of the Coogan Law and recognizing the modern challenges children face in the influencer economy, the state is taking crucial steps toward ensuring these young stars are not exploited.

The momentum created by these legislative changes gives hope that more states and countries will follow suit, building a future where children’s financial security and personal rights are protected, both on and off the screen.

References:

Governor Gavin Newsom

CBS News

Hollywood Reporter

New York Post

Rolling Stone

Connect On Tech

The post The California Child Influencer Law: A Great Step Forward in Protecting Young Digital Stars appeared first on Childhood Central.

Now that the Olympic Games are over, we are reminded of the incredible power of sports. We watched as elite athletes from around the globe achieved remarkable feats. Now, it’s essential to recognize the benefits of competitive sports and its significant role in a child’s development.

Beyond the medals and records, sports offer numerous physical, mental, and social benefits that contribute to a child’s overall growth.

This article will explore how participating in competitive sports can positively impact children, using examples from the Olympics to illustrate these points.

Physical Benefits of Competitive Sports

1. Improved Physical Health

• Participating in competitive sports helps children develop stronger muscles, improved cardiovascular health, and enhanced coordination. Regular physical activity through sports like swimming, gymnastics, and track and field can lead to a healthier lifestyle that continues into adulthood.
• Example: Jamaican Olympic swimmer, Alia Atkinson, exemplifies the peak physical conditioning needed to achieve this competitive edge through years of training. Young swimmers can develop core strength, lung capacity, and overall endurance by following similar routines.

2. Motor Skill Development

• Engaging in sports from an early age helps children refine their motor skills, such as balance, agility, and hand-eye coordination. As one of the benefits of competitive sports, motor skills are crucial for daily activities and can be improved through sports like basketball, soccer, tennis and gymnastics.
• Example: The precision and coordination required by Olympic gymnasts and GOAT, Simone Biles, show the importance of developing fine motor skills through rigorous training and competition.

3. Healthy Weight Management

• Regular participation in sports helps children maintain a healthy weight by balancing calorie intake with physical activity. This is particularly important in preventing childhood obesity, a growing concern worldwide.
• Example: Track and field events at the Olympics, like sprinting and long-distance running, highlight how regular athletic participation helps athletes maintain optimal body composition.

Mental Benefits of Competitive Sports

1. Enhanced Cognitive Function

• Competitive sports require quick decision-making, strategic thinking, and concentration, all of which contribute to improved cognitive function in children. These skills can translate into better academic performance and problem-solving abilities.
• Example: Sports like fencing and basketball, as seen in the Olympics, demand sharp mental focus and quick reflexes, which can enhance cognitive development in young athletes.

2. Building Resilience and Mental Flexibility

• Competing in sports teaches children how to handle pressure, deal with failure, and persevere through challenges. These experiences build resilience and mental flexibility, which are valuable life skills.
• Example: The journey of athletes like Brazilian Olympic gymnast, Rebeca Andrade who overcame multiple injuries to win gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics. She displayed enormous resilience, grace and fortitude during the games.

3. Stress Relief and Emotional Well-Being

• Physical activity is known to reduce stress and anxiety by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. Competitive sports provide an outlet for children to release energy, reduce stress, and boost their overall mood.
• Example: Olympic athletes often speak about how sports have helped them cope with stress and maintain mental health, serving as a positive outlet during their youth.

Social Benefits of Competitive Sports

1. Teamwork and Cooperation

• Team sports teach children the value of teamwork, communication, and cooperation. These social skills are benefits of competitive sports and are essential for success on and off the field.
• Example: The dynamics within an Olympic relay team, where athletes must work together seamlessly to succeed, exemplify the importance of teamwork in achieving common goals.

2. Developing Leadership Skills

• Sports offer opportunities for children to take on leadership roles, such as team captaincy, which helps them develop decision-making, responsibility, and the ability to inspire others.
• Example: Athletes like four-time Olympian, LeBron James, who leads both on and off the court, demonstrate the leadership qualities nurtured through competitive sports.

3. Building Friendships and Social Networks

• Competitive sports provide a platform for children to build lasting friendships and expand their social networks. These relationships often extend beyond the sports arena, contributing to a well-rounded social life.
• Example: The camaraderie among athletes in the Olympic Village is a testament to the strong bonds formed through shared experiences in competitive sports.

Conclusion

As the Olympic Games have shown, competitive sports are not just about winning medals but about the countless benefits that contribute to personal growth and development. From improving physical health to fostering mental flexibility and building essential social skills, the impact of sports on a child’s development is profound.

The benefits of competitive sports are clear. Encouraging children to participate in competitive sports can set them on a path to a healthier, more resilient, and socially connected life. Whether your child dreams of becoming an Olympian or simply enjoys the thrill of competition, the benefits of sports are immeasurable.

The post 9 Benefits of Competitive Sports for Child Development appeared first on Childhood Central.

A Venus Williams Barbie is coming soon.

The Mattel Group, the makers of the popular Barbie doll, has announced that it will make a special Venus Williams Barbie doll to honour the trailblazing athlete.

The Venus Williams Barbie is one of nine Barbie dolls that Mattel will be adding to its collection in celebration of its 65^th anniversary.

The 65^th anniversary collection will focus on honouring role models in sports, and Venus Williams being the ultimate role model, is more than fitting.

Cool Stats about Venus Williams, The Newest Barbie

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Venus Williams has been ranked WTA World No. 1 on three occasions. She has seven Grand Slam singles titles, fourteen Grand Slam doubles with her sister Serena, and two Grand Slams mixed. Venus has four Olympic gold medals and a silver Olympic medal.

She is the most decorated tennis player in Olympic history. 

These are just a few of her on-the-court achievements which do not begin the scratch the surface of her amazing career and trailblazing career.

Off the court, Venus is equally a force to be reckoned with.

She was the driving force working with the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) to achieve gender equality which led to the equal prize money at Wimbledon. 

Speaking about Mattel honouring her with the Venus Williams Barbie doll, she said, “Throughout my career, I’ve always been driven by the idea of shattering glass ceilings and staying true to myself, and Barbie’s mission couldn’t resonate more deeply with that ethos,”.

The Barbie Role Model continued, “I’m honored to be recognized as a sports role model and join forces with Team Barbie to continue empowering the next generation of young girls to never stop believing in their dreams.”

Other Women in the Barbie Collection

The Barbie Role Model collection honours nine women including Venus Williams. These women were chosen because “Barbie is thrilled to continue the brand’s 65th-anniversary celebration by recognizing the impact of sports in fostering self-confidence, ambition, and empowerment among the next generation,” said Krista Berger, Senior Vice President of Barbie and Global Head of Dolls, Mattel.

She continued by saying, “The sports one-of-a-kind role model dolls serve as an embodiment of our shared values of passion, empowerment and individuality. By shining a light on these inspirational athletes and their stories, we hope to champion the belief that every young girl deserves the opportunity to pursue her passions and turn her dreams into reality.”

Here are some of the other sports role models in the collection:

Mary Flower from Australia – Footballer

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Mary is 21 years old and has become a key player for the Matildas and Manchester City football teams. She was selected for the FIFA World Cup in 2019 and became the team’s youngest player at 16 years old. Since then, she has been to two FIFA World Cups and the 2020 Olympic Games.

Estelle Mossely from France – Boxer

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A post shared by Estelle Mossely (@estelle.mossely)

Estelle was crowned Olympic champion in 2016 and has won numerous professional and world amateur boxing titles.

Rebeca Andrade from Brazil – Gymnast 

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A post shared by Rebeca Andrade🤍🦋 (@rebecarandrade)

Rebeca is an Olympic gold and silver medallist and is regarded as one of the best gymnasts of all time. She is a two-time World Championship champion and has won more than ten medals in World Cups.

Why is This New Barbie Collection Important?

For years, Barbie has been criticised for its unattainable image of women and being a bad influence on young girls.

Barbie went through a rough patch with discussions raging on whether or not Barbie was a feminist icon.

The release of the globally successful Barbie movie re-centred Barbie into the conversation with many acknowledging Barbie’s underlining feminist agenda as she has represented the professional woman for decades now.

The Barbie 65^th anniversary sports role models dolls collection is important because Barbie is “bringing together these inspiring stories that are shaping the future to show girls that anything is possible if you relentlessly pursue your passions.”

Additionally, the Mattel Group noted that through its initiatives like the Barbie Dream Gap Project, “Barbie is committed to leveling the playing field for girls globally, in sports and beyond, to close the gap that comes between girls and their full potential.”

It is also important to note that the new Venus Williams Barbie and the other Barbie dolls represent women from all over the world and from all backgrounds. This is a great representation of what women from all walks of life can achieve and is a reminder to little girls everywhere what they are capable of doing.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Barbie 65^th anniversary is a year-long celebration and, so in partnership with many retailers. You can find the Barbie 65^th anniversary celebration dolls on Amazon in the Barbie 65^th Celebration store.

The post Mattel Makes New Venus Williams Barbie Role Model Doll appeared first on Childhood Central.

Jamaica, along with two other Caribbean countries, Belize and St. Vincent and the Grenadines became the latest countries to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis.

Present in a ceremony on 7^th May, 2024 to mark this incredible achievement were Jamaica’s Health Minister, The Honourable Christopher Tufton and the Director of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa and members representing UNICEF and UNAIDS.

As reported on PAHO’s website, Dr. Jarbas Barbosa noted “This achievement is a testament to years of dedication, hard work, and collaboration among governments, health professionals, and communities”.

Jamaica is one of 19 countries globally to achieve the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and syphilis (EMTCT) and one of 11 in the Americas. 

What is the Elimination of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV and Syphilis (EMTCT)?

Since 2010, there has been a global initiative to eliminate the transmission of HIV and syphilis from mother to child which is part of a wider initiative to eliminate the spread of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV across the globe.

The objective of the global initiative is to achieve and sustain the elimination of mother-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, Chagas disease, and perinatal hepatitis B as a public health threat.

In the Americas, Cuba was the first to achieve EMTCT in 2015, followed by Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and St. Kitts and Nevis in 2017.

Jamaica, Belize, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines achieving this status is a great accomplishment and a win for public health and the region.

This global plan of action is not only keeping mothers alive, it is keeping our children alive. They can thrive, become healthy adults, and be protected from diseases that normally impede their normal growth and development.

For more information on this subject, you can check out PAHO and UNICEF.

The post Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV is No More in Jamaica appeared first on Childhood Central.

Single motherhood is a reality for millions of families around the world. While single mothers often face numerous challenges, they also possess remarkable strength, resilience, and determination that shape their children’s lives in positive and profound ways.

In this article, we celebrate single mothers’ resilience and explore their positive impact on their children, fostering traits such as determination and the drive to succeed.

The Resilience of Single Mothers

Single mothers demonstrate extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity. From juggling multiple responsibilities to overcoming financial struggles and societal stigma, they navigate challenges with incredible resilience.

My mother is the perfect example of this resilience. Despite not having a tertiary education and facing financial hardships, she raised four successful, ambitious, and resilient children.

She overcame many difficulties in her life, bounced back and stood on her feet when life seemed determined to keep her down.

With every challenge faced and conquered, I saw my mother grow into a more self-assured, vulnerable but capable woman.

It is this resilience that despite the negative view of and the statistics about single motherhood disseminated in society, my siblings and I were able to beat the odds.

Single Mothers’ Impact on Children

It’s easy to talk about the negative statistics about single mothers because someone in society must be vilified and single mothers are apparently what’s wrong with the world today.

Single motherhood is due to many different factors including unplanned pregnancy, divorce or the breakdown of a relationship and by choice. Yes, some women are choosing to have a family without a partner.

Research on the positive impact of solo mothers on their children shows that there was no difference in psychological problems and emotional adjustment between children raised by solo mothers and those raised in a two-parent family.  

Anecdotally, children raised by single moms are often self-sufficient, ambitious, and determined. I witness this in my own family and amongst my peers.

Growing up in environments where strength, perseverance and determination are modelled daily, children raised by solo mothers learn to overcome adversity with tenacity to achieve their goals.

Single Mothers Nurture Determination and Drive

Single moms play a vital role in nurturing determination and drive in their children. Through their actions and attitudes, they teach their children the value of hard work, perseverance, and ambition.

Some of the most famous, ambitious and successful people in the world today were raised by solo mothers. Notably, the former president of the U.S.A., Barack Obama.

During his campaign for the presidency, Mr. Obama said, “I was raised by a single mom who had to put herself through school while looking after two kids. And, she worked hard every day and made a lot of sacrifices to make sure that we got what we needed.”

There are many more examples, including, Bob Marley, Halle Berry, Alicia Keys and Jay-Z all of whom were raised by single moms.

Supporting Single Moms

While single mothers possess incredible strength and resilience, they also need support and resources to succeed.

Often, single moms succeed because they have a village. These are the family members and friends who are there to provide that extra support whether that be financial, emotional or community.

However, not all single moms have these support structures around them. This is why community organizations, support groups, and government programs play a crucial role in assisting solo mothers and their families.

Families thrive when society provides the environment for them to thrive in and single moms are no different.

While single mothers are resilient and have a positive impact on their children’s lives we need to be doing more to ensure that they get the support they need.

By advocating for policies that support single mothers and promote their well-being, we can create more supportive environments in which families headed by single mothers can thrive.

Conclusion

Single motherhood is a journey filled with challenges and triumphs, but above all, it is a testament to the resilience, determination, and strength of women who raise their children alone.

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the single mothers and the positive impact they have on their children, let us also recognize the need to support and uplift them in their parenting journey.

Together, we can empower single mothers and their children to not just survive but also to thrive.

The post Celebrating Single Mothers: Nurturing Resilient and Successful Children appeared first on Childhood Central.

For most adults, trying to get good with money is constant work and a struggle. We know the value of it and how having a lot of it or too little of it can impact our lives.

For many of us, particularly, in the Black and Caribbean community, having access to money, or at least, the life-changing kind of money was not a characteristic of our lives growing up.

We watched our parents struggle with earning money while desperately trying to make every dollar stretch. Some of it came down to their social economic status, lack of education and limited job prospects. However, a part of the problem was financial illiteracy and their inability to manage money.

As children, many of us didn’t learn valuable lessons about money management from our parents because they simply didn’t have the financial know-how to manage money wisely.

Now that we’re adults raising or supporting children of our own, how do we avoid the financial missteps of our parents’ and grandparents’ generations to raise money-smart kids?

In this article, I provide 6 tips for raising money-smart kids.

What is Financial Literacy?

Financial literacy is a very important skill to have if you want to be money smart and build wealth. But, what is financial literacy and how can you teach it to your kids?

Financial literacy is a set of financial skills that helps you to understand and manage your money effectively which includes personal financial management skills, budgeting and investing.

Financial Literacy Statistics

Having a sound understanding of money, the principles of money and how to make money work for you are concerns of many who don’t seem to have the skills necessary to build a financially sustainable life.

In the U.S.A, general financial literacy statistics show that 25% of Americans say that they have no one to ask for trusted financial guidance. Meanwhile, 42% of adults worry about meeting their daily expenses as of 2020. 40% were concerned about their financial status, while 37% reported they were just getting by financially.

When it comes to the differences in financial literacy between Black Americans and white Americans the gap was clear. Black American financial literacy lags behind their white counterparts by 17%.

Black Americans answered an average of 37% of the study’s financial literacy questions correctly,  whereas, white Americans answered an average of 55% of questions correctly.

While the data is quite worrying for adults, it seems like teens are faring better. As of 2021, 75% of teens report learning about personal finance from their parents. 52% of teens learn from school and 42% from social media.

Additionally, 86% of teens were interested in investing, but 45% said they didn’t invest because they didn’t feel confident.

In Jamaica, a National Baseline Survey on Financial Literacy completed in 2012 found that although the financial literacy of Jamaicans was comparable to other countries like South Africa, Germany and the UK, in the area of financial knowledge, only 47% of Jamaicans had high score on a financial knowledge survey. This is lower than Germany (58%), and the UK (53%) but higher than South Africa (33%).

How do you raise money-smart kids? Here are 6 ways to raise money-smart kids who will manage their money wisely as adults.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

1. Start Early Saving to Get Good with Money

The first step is to start early. Children are more likely to develop good money habits if they’re introduced to money management principles at an early age. It’s never too early to start teaching them about saving and spending.

You can teach your kids about saving by giving them a piggy bank or a money jar which they can fill with money that they get from doing chores or from grandma’s bosom 😊.

Check out some great piggy bank options here.

If your kids need a little encouragement or nudge, why not offer them an incentive? For example, you can tell them that if they save a certain amount, you will match what they have in their piggy bank. I don’t think any kid would give up the chance to double their money.

Pro tip: If you plan to offer an incentive for saving, stick to it and make sure that your kids know the terms and conditions of the offer, you may even want to draw up a contract. This technique will be teaching them a valuable lesson about financial institutions for later life.

2. Teach Money Management and Budgeting

Jason Butler, financial wellbeing expert and founder of My Money Chronicles, suggests that a good way to raise money-smart kids is to teach them good money management and budgeting skills.

Jason shares his debt story and offers advice to his followers on how to become financially stable through debt reduction strategies and managing multiple streams of income.

Once your kids are saving and earning, they need to learn basic budgeting skills that will allow them to better manage their money.

A budget is a spending plan that allows you to estimate how much money you will spend over a certain time. Your kids will need to learn basic financial terms like gross income, net income, expenses and deductions, and discipline like delayed gratification to meet financial goals.

Budgeting helps you to take control of your money, reach your financial goals and keep track of your spending which are the essentials your kids should know about.

There are plenty of budgeting and finance apps that are available to get you started.

3. Teach Financial Responsibility to Raise Money-Smart Kids

Another tip from Jason Butler is to teach your children financial responsibility. Being financially responsible is living within your means, spending money without excess and paying bills on time.

Financial responsibility requires money management skills and discipline. If you want to raise money-smart kids, teaching them how to be financially responsible at an early age is very important.

Much of our behaviours and what we know today as adults were learnt in childhood through observational learning.

Children are more likely to repeat behaviours that their parents and adults in their environment model. If you want to raise money-smart kids, you need to model financial responsibility to your children.

4. Money-Smart Kids Know the Value of Money

Your kids should not be under the impression that money grows on trees. While you don’t want to burden your kids with every financial decision you make, they also need to know the value of the things they get and the life they have.

Simply put, your kids need to know that you work for money and that should be reflected in your spending.

A good way to teach your kids about the value of money is to encourage them to get a part-time job. This is not only a great way for them to earn their own money but it also teaches them to be responsible.

When they want to buy something or go to an event, let them save up for it instead of giving them the money or paying for it.

If your kids are younger, allowances are a great way to teach your kids about the value of money. You can think about tying their allowances to chores, so they understand that earning money requires work.

5. Talk about Financial Topics with Your Kids

As I said before, while you don’t want to burden your children with every financial decision that you make, however, talking to your children about money matters is a good way to raise money-smart kids.

Talking to your kids about money can include conversations about the family’s values and principles about how money, how to spend it, different saving options, budgeting, borrowing and investing.

During these conversations, you should make sure that children understand basic financial terms and concepts, such as interests, stocks, credit and debit cards, repayment, debt and more.

While children are never too young to learn about money, you should always use age appropriate-language so that your kids understand you.

6. Read More Financial Literacy Books

All of these tips may seem overwhelming if as a parent, you’re still developing your financial literacy. You may be asking yourself, “How can I teach my kids about money if I don’t know or I’m still learning?”

The simple fact is, you can. Many of us didn’t have the financial tools that would have enabled us to make better financial decisions, so we’re learning too. Financial literacy is a skill that develops over time.

Luckily for us, there is a lot of financial literacy information that is available at our fingertips. We live in the information age and we should take advantage of that. One great way to do so is by reading books about money to your kids and financial literacy literature for yourself.

You can also speak to a financial advisor at your local bank or investment firm.

Having said that, we should also be wise when we seek financial advice to make sure that we cross every “T” and dot every “I”.

Additionally, if you are seeking advice from a wealth advisor, make sure that you check their credentials and that they belong to the relevant regulatory bodies. After all, financial safety is a part of financial literacy.

Check out these great books for learning and teaching your kids about financial literacy.

1. Get Good With Money

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2. Daddy, Can You Teach Me About Money?

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I hope this article has given you some ideas for how to raise money-smart kids. The most important thing is to start early, and keep it fun!

Start with these 6 tips today to get your kids off a great start to achieving financial success. There are so many creative ways to help your kids learn about money and these were some of our tips.

Do you have any tips you’d like to add to the list?

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These days, black comic book characters are not hard to imagine. Since The Black Panther took the world by storm, people have recognised the value of Black comic book characters being lead characters in comics.

Black comic book characters have been around in the US since the 1930s albeit with racist portrayals. However, it wasn’t until 1947 that the first all-black comic was published by Black artists. In the decades that followed, black comic book characters have appeared in lead roles in major comics such as Marvel and DC comics.  

Black comic book characters who are female didn’t appear in lead roles until the 1970s with the publication of Friday Foster in 1970.  It was the first mainstream syndicated comic with a lead Black female character. There were also Black superheroines like Nubia in 1973 and Storm in 1975.

Today, more Black creators and artists are entering the world of comics, so Black comic book characters are no longer an anomaly. They are also not portrayed through the eyes of the other but rather from the perspective of the Black artists who created them, giving them originality and dimensionality.

One such creator is Shequeta L. Smith. She’s the brain and CEO behind Shero Comics, the creator of some awesome Black comic book characters: the Rayven Choi series.

I chatted with her about her journey in comics and her newest creation: Young Grandmaster Choi.

MM: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

SS: I am originally from Salisbury, NC, and graduated from NC State University. I moved to Los Angeles shortly after college to pursue screenwriting. While on my journey to becoming a professional screenwriter, I spent over a decade working in corporate sales and marketing for several Fortune 500’s.

In 2016, I launched my multimedia company, Shero Comics, which focuses on creating IPs and content that features Black and minority women as the main protagonists.

This year, we will complete the trifecta of the company by launching the gaming division, Shero Games.

MM: Why did you decide to focus on comics out of all the other genres of literature?

SS: I’ve always been interested in pop culture and all things geeky. Believe it or not, I’m actually a Space Camp vet. Growing up in a very small town, I didn’t have access to comics, but on Sunday, my grandma would always hand deliver the funny pages to me. So that’s where my love for the medium began.

MM: Did you always know that you were going to be a comic book author?

SS: Looking back, I didn’t grow up with that being one of my dreams. I wanted to be a Supermodel, but I was one inch too short to be the next Tyra Banks, so I looked for other creative outlets.

During college, writing became the thing that I was most passionate about. Not long after graduation, I hired my first artist, and we drew and coloured my first comic book character designs.

So, I started with comics, and then came screenwriting. I chose screenwriting over comics, but years later, when I saw Marvel bringing the two together, I figured that I could also do both.  

MM: What is it like being a Black girl in comic book space?

SS: At times it can feel alienating. It’s a very male-dominated industry. Sometimes you feel more tolerated than respected. However, I feel like I’m operating in my purpose, so that’s ultimately what keeps me going.

I also realize that what I’m doing is going to make it easier for the Black girls and young women coming behind me, so that makes the sexism and racism tolerable — though it’s still incredibly difficult at times.

MM: What has been the reaction to your previously released comics?

SS: The reaction to my previously released comics has been pretty awesome both in the states and overseas. I’ve managed to take my comics overseas to international comic conventions.

In Korea, we sold out of books at both stops we made at Comic Con Seoul and Camp Humphries military base.

It’s been a great response from an indie perspective, but I’m more than ready to go mainstream with my IPs.

MM: So, you’re at the beginning phase of your next project, Young Grandmaster Choi; what can you tell us about it, and what was the inspiration behind it?

SS: Young Grandmaster Choi is the prequel to our award-winning graphic novel series, Rayven Choi. The series follows a six-year-old Black American girl who is sent to South Korea after the death of her parents. In Korea, she’s adopted by a Korean family.

While the graphic novel was violent and brooding, this series is lighthearted, fun, and educational. We get to see Rayven adjust to life in a new country, at a new school, and as she begins her training in martial arts. I’m hoping that these books will be inspirational for young people, especially young black girls.   

The inspiration for Rayven Choi came after I went on a study abroad trip to Korea twenty years ago while I was attending college at NC State University. When I returned from that trip, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life, and this story was playing in my head.

MM: Why is this project so important?

SS: This project is important because there are so many stereotypical images of Black women and girls out there, and we need this kind of story to show us in a different light and combat those images.

I think this book is going to be relatable to not only Black girls and women, who may feel alienated in spaces where they’re the minority, but to women of all races and walks of life.

I feel like this is the gift that trip to Korea gave me, an international approach to storytelling, and that’s what this Rayven Choi journey has been about.

MM: You’ve decided to fund this new project by doing a Kickstarter campaign, why did you decide on this route?

SS: I decided that I was going to do my next campaign on Kickstarter back in 2021. I was in a cohort with IFundWomen that ended with us launching a crowdfunding campaign on their platform. That campaign was a success and helped me pay for the final book in the Rayven Choi series.

However, I had many comic book industry friends that had used Kickstarter and had successful campaigns, so I knew I wanted to launch the next one on the platform since it’s so popular amongst indie comic book creators and companies. 

MM: If all goes well with the Kickstarter campaign, when will Young Grandmaster Choi be released for sale?

SS: The books are actually a part of the campaign. That’s how we’re raising money by selling advanced copies of the books.

Now that we’ve met our original goal, and have enough money to fund the production of the book, the rest of the campaign is about us selling as many advanced copies of the book as humanly possible.

After printing the books and shipping them to backers of the campaign, we’ll probably release the book to the general public in late summer of 2023. But I’m urging people to get the books while the campaign is going on because it helps us determine how many books we need to order and whether or not we should have them printed here or overseas.

MM: What advice would you give to Black creatives and entrepreneurs who are thinking about starting their own business and being the change they want to see in the world? 

SS: I would tell other black creators and entrepreneurs to always trust their gut; to pursue whatever it is that they’re most passionate about and to not be afraid to pivot.

I would also tell them to solve a problem that affects a lot of people since that will assist with how fast they’re able to acquire customers, raise capital, and scale their business.

You can find out more about the Kickstarter campaign for Young Master Choi here.

The post Black Comic Book Characters and a New Edition appeared first on Childhood Central.

We Are Making Moves! Childhood Central has been listed in the top 10 of the 20 top Black Parenting Blogs by Feedspot.

At Childhood Central, we are very honoured to be included on this list of Black parenting blogs. Childhood Central is just under 2 years old. Our first post was published in March 2021 and we’ve been going strong ever since then.

Our focus is to be an information hub for all things related to Black children and families and for every and anyone who looks after them. We curate culture-specific, relevant, and accurate information on childhood and provide resources to support our children’s development and improve outcomes.

We are grateful for your continued support and have big plans for 2023! We will continue to provide credibly-sourced and relevant information to support Black child development.

In addition, we plan to launch new products and partner with Black-owned businesses that cater to Black children and their families.

Watch this space! We are so excited about what lies ahead in 2023!

The post Childhood Central Listed on the Top Black Parenting Blogs List appeared first on Childhood Central.

Black Children’s Books Week is almost upon us. The event is planned to coincide with Black History Month.

Although Black Children’s Book Week is relatively new, it is making a splash! In this article, we look at this great initiative to support Black authors and to increase the readership of children’s books with Black characters.

What is Black Children’s Book Week?

Black Children’s Book Week was launched by the founders of Black Baby Books. It is a global celebration of our children and the people who ensure that they are represented in books and other children’s media.

This year, Black Children’s Book Week will run from 26^th February to 4^th March, 2023 and is jammed packed with activities and celebrations promoting books and authors that represent our children.

See the full list of events here. 

Why is Black Children’s Book Week Necessary?

Why is Black Children’s Book Week necessary? The simple answer is that we need more children’s books and authors that represent the beauty, complexity and layers of the experiences of Black children and their families.

Recent data has shown a significant decrease in children’s books with Black characters as the boost from Black Lives Matter fades.

The research conducted by Wordsrated.com showed that children’s books with Black characters on best-seller lists decreased by 23% in 2021. However, in 2020 during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement and after the murder of George Floyd, there were more Black characters in children’s books representing 28% while white characters were 25% and non-human characters were 16.8%.

The decline in children’s books with Black characters is also linked to a decline in the number of Black children’s book authors on the best-sellers list. The data show a 31% decrease in best-seller children’s books by Black authors.

While these numbers are worrying for representation and diversity in children’s literature, the research notes that children’s books with Black male characters and written by Black male authors are significantly underrepresented as there are 56% more Black female characters in children’s books than Black male characters. Additionally, there are  1.8 books by black female authors for every book by a black male author.

Make Reading Fun with Black Children’s Book Week

Reading has so many developmental benefits for your children. However, more than that, reading is fun, and your kids can get into the habit of becoming life-long readers if you know how to make it fun.

Do you want to know how to make reading fun for your kids?

Watch the video below on how to make reading fun for your kids.

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

12 Black Children’s Books Recommendations for Your Kids

There is no better way to get ready for and celebrate Black Children’s Book Week than by adding these children’s books to your child’s collection.

Here are some of my recommendations for children’s books that you can get for your children now.

1. My Happy Baby

My Happy Baby

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2. Whose Toes Are Those?

Whose Toes Are Those?

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3. Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters

Of Thee I Sing: A Letter to My Daughters

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4. The Year We Learned To Fly

The Year We Learned to Fly

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5. One Love

One Love (Marley)

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6. My Happy Baby Colouring Book

My Happy Baby Colouring Book

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7. A Good Kind of Trouble

A Good Kind of Trouble

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8. Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood

Black Boy Joy: 17 Stories Celebrating Black Boyhood

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9. Miami Gets It Straight

Miami Gets It Straight (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))

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10. A Likkle Miss Lou: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett Coverley Found Her Voice

A Likkle Miss Lou: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett Coverley Found Her Voice

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11. I Am a Promise

I Am a Promise

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12. Islandborn

Islandborn

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The post A 23% Decline in Black Children’s Books Since BLM is Why We Need Black Children’s Book Week appeared first on Childhood Central.