Owner/Director of Content @LAParentMag, soccer mom, writer, reporter, former room mom and carpool driver, community builder
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Articles by Elena Epstein
On the Road and in the Air Travel Gear
It’s family summer travel season! National Parenting Product Awards provides readers with some options, whether you need games to occupy everyone in the car, sensory-friendly bags or health essentials. GillyGro Pro A unique 5-in-1 backpack perfect for on-the-go. Includes a built-in booster, a waterproof mat, laptop pocket and a universal organizer insert with a sleek and stylish design.
We Love It! Editor’s Picks for July
(Courtesy of Micro Kickboard) Micro Maxi Foldable LED Scooter The most portable scooter featuring a foldable design, light-up wheels (no batteries needed) and an adjustable handlebar to grow with the rider. The innovative folding mechanism means that taking your child’s scooter wherever you go is now easier than ever.
Backyard Play Days
Stay home, splash around and have some lawn fun this summer. National Parenting Product Awards provides readers with options for water play and dry backyard activities for the whole family to enjoy. Swimways Monster Jam Wild Whippin’ Sprinkler Bring the Monster Jam stadium to your backyard for epic water fun. Features 360° donut spraying power, whipping in a complete circle and soaking everything in its path.
70+ Summer Must-Haves: The Best Toys, Games, Travel Gear and Learning Finds for Kids
Summer is made for simple pleasures: running barefoot through the grass, family game nights on the patio, bike rides around the neighborhood and long days spent exploring. Whether you’re planning beach trips, backyard adventures or educational activities to prevent summer learning loss, our Summer Fun Guide is packed with products designed to help families make the most of the season.
The Best Backyard Toys for Summer: 11 Outdoor Picks to Keep Kids Playing
The best backyard toys for summer all do one simple thing: they get kids outside and moving. Around Charlottesville, where the evenings stretch long and warm and every yard, driveway, and neighborhood park is fair game, a little outdoor gear goes a long way. We’ve rounded up 11 of our favorite backyard toys for summer — from whirling sprinklers and lawn games to sidewalk art and a go-anywhere first bike — to help your family swap screen time for sunshine.
Helping Kids Shape Their Identity Through Music and the Arts
P.S. Arts was founded more than three decades ago with the mission to provide arts education in public schools in California. Today, it serves more than 30,000 students in 90 schools across Los Angeles County and California’s Central Valley. I recently chatted with one of their teaching artists, Jason Shepherd, about the importance of music and art in our kids’ daily lives. Tell us a little about yourself and how you became involved with P.S. Arts.
Navigating Modern Motherhood: Permission To Feel It All
Sanam Shamtobi, Ph.D., PMH-C, founder of The Mother Hood, with her family. Clinical psychologist Sanam Shamtobi, Ph.D., PMH-C, founder of The Mother Hood based in L.A. is on a mission to help moms know that it’s normal to deeply love your baby and struggle with the transition. The Mother Hood offers therapy for women in various stages of their motherhood journey.
Meet L.A. Teen and Founder of a Unique Start-up Shakespeare Company
L.A. teen Samantha Leeds is an actor, writer, filmmaker and co-founder of The Riot Stage, a Shakespeare theatre company. Samantha Leeds is a 15-year-old student from Crossroads High School in West L.A., with a passion for acting, writing and filmmaking and a love for Shakespeare. Two years ago, Samantha and her beloved drama teacher and mentor, Zoey Zimmerman, who had recently retired from Crossroads, began their collaboration in creating The Riot Stage, a Shakespeare theatre company.
Meet L.A. Teen and Founder of a Unique Start-up Theater and Film Company
L.A. teen Samantha Leeds is an actor, writer, filmmaker and co-founder of The Riot Stage, a Shakespeare theatre company. Samantha Leeds is a 15-year-old student from Crossroads High School in West L.A., with a passion for acting, writing and filmmaking and a love for Shakespeare. Two years ago, Samantha created The Riot Stage, a theater and film company.
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
The summer of celebratory events is upon us — honoring the moms and dads who are (or once were) with us to be showered with appreciation, be it gifts, homemade cards, special treatment, and all the more. Have you thought about what to get this year? Moms are unique individuals who love to be loved. Give them just about any gift sprinkled with care and sentiment, and their hearts are overjoyed because you simply thought of them.
Your Family Travel Survival Guide
Family travel goes a lot smoother when you plan with purpose. I spoke with a Los Angeles-based pediatrician about the essentials that can help parents stay prepared, whether they’re flying, driving or heading abroad with kids. To increase your chances for a family trip filled with happy memories, Leian Chen, M.D., a pediatrician with UCLA Health in Marina del Rey and a mom of two (ages 12 and 9), urges us to plan well, yet always expect the unexpected.
We Love It: Fun Finds for Families
Lady of the Rings Jeweled Hair Ties A dazzling fusion of jewelry and functionality. Featuring cubic zirconia-encrusted rings and plated with 18K gold, this versatile accessory holds your ponytail with a polished touch. Perfect for busy moms, it effortlessly transitions from ponytail or bun to your wrist as a bracelet.
Meet Marcella Johnson, Mom and Founder of The Comfort Cub
Marcella Johnson, founder of The Comfort Cub. PHOTOS COURTESY THE COMFORT CUB The Comfort Cub started from a mother’s loss and grieving and has grown into a company focused on therapeutic healing and hope. Each weighted therapeutic teddy bear comes with a personal handwritten letter from Encinitas resident Marcella Johnson, whose baby boy George died peacefully in her arms the day he was born. Each teddy bear is designed to provide healing both for the heart and body.
Meet Charlotte Jackson: L.A. Mom Redefining Plus-Size Luxury Fashion
Charlotte Jackson is founder of The Curve Authority. Styling by The Curve Authority; hair by Mimi Green; makeup by Sanai Terri. PHOTO BY JONNY MARLOW Former actress and singer Charlotte Jackson is on a mission to redefine plus-size couture. The L.A. mom and founder of The Curve Authority, is a firm believer in inclusive luxury. I recently chatted with her about fashion, motherhood and showing up with intention. My days are full and require me to be present in multiple roles.
We Love It for Mother’s Day
Let’s make mom and all the special women in our lives feel truly treasured with these unique gifts, perfect for Mother’s Day. Lady of the Rings Jeweled Hair Ties A dazzling fusion of jewelry and functionality. Featuring cubic zirconia-encrusted rings and plated with 18K gold, this versatile accessory holds your ponytail with a polished touch. Perfect for busy moms, it effortlessly transitions from ponytail or bun to your wrist as a bracelet.
Is Your Child Ready for an E-bike? What to Know Before You Ride
They’re fast, fun and everywhere. E-bikes have become the must-have ride for many tweens and teens, but before parents say yes, they should understand the real safety risks of these vehicles with speeds much faster than traditional bikes. We spoke with a Cedars-Sinai trauma surgeon about what families need to know before that first ride. Galinos Barmparas, M.D., FACS, is a father of two boys and the medical director of trauma in the Jim and Eleanor Randall Department of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai.
Rosalee Mayeux on Parenting with Humor
Rosalee and her sons, circa 1997. Rosalee Mayeux is an L.A. mom, a former model and a comedian whose new comedy special is all about finding the humor in raising kids and the things you only realize and laugh about years later after surviving the chaos. Her comedy special, “Rosalee Mayeux: Model Mom” (from Comedy Dynamics) is out now on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, YouTube, Google Play, Vimeo and more. Before comedy, Rosalee’s path was anything but conventional.
Words Are Everything: How Two Moms Started a Company All About Giving Thanks
As moms, Jodie Ford and Hannah Randle know first-hand the power of a thoughtful, heartfelt note for the people who do so much for your kids—the teachers, coaches and other parents. Together they recently launched Greatfull Mail. They describe the company, which was recently honored with a NAPPA Award, as a words-first gift that helps people turn the thoughts they often feel but don’t always say into something meaningful someone can read, keep and come back to forever.
The Latest Tech Products for Parents & Babies
The The National Parenting Product Awards shares the following list of the latest and greatest tech gear for babies and parents. A charming, printed book that captures baby’s first year with photos, milestonesand personal stories — plus videos you can play right from the page using QR codes.
We Love It! Easter Fun, Spring Gifts & More
(Hape Toys) Bunny Balance & Threading Game Meet the bunny with its colorful veggies, perfect for stacking and threading. This fun set helps sharpen motor skills while boosting creativity. $22.99, ages 2-6 years, toodleydootoys.com Fuggler Easter Eggs Each blind capsule is shaped like an Easter egg with rabbit-shaped ears and opens to reveal one of 12 collectible figures inside.
Best Easter Gifts for Kids 2026: Toys, Crafts and Basket Stuffers Parents Love
Easter in L.A. is more than baskets and bunny ears — it’s a full-on celebration of spring. Think sun-dappled egg hunts, blooming gardens, hands-on crafts and playful surprises tucked into every corner of the season. Whether you’re mapping out your weekend adventures or filling baskets with fresh finds, our guide brings together the best of SoCal’s Easter magic — from festive outings to creative gifts that keep the fun going long after the last egg is found.
We Love It! Tetris, Travel Toys and More
(Gund) GUND Easter Moment Philbin Bunny The classic bear boasts irresistibly soft swirls of chocolate-brown plush comes dressed in a cute bunny outfit with cream-colored plush and long floppy ears. Bunny costume has a removable hood to be taken off if desired. Soft and huggable. $28, ages birth+, gund.com Roll with It Each roll of the dice set provides coping strategies based on specific emotions – anger, anxiety, sadness and boredom.
We Love It! Magnetic Toys, Kindergarten Prep & More
(Cover via publisher: Brown Books Kids) Annabelle Bee and Now There Are Three A sweet story about the power of sharing, kindness and friendship. With a little patience, Annabelle learns that sharing a friend can make their bond even stronger. $16.99, ages 4+, debrarasooconnor.com Neo City Knockdown Launch, crash and chain-react your way through a magnetic build. Fire up your car, trigger spinning obstacles and set off launchers.
1 Island, 3 Vibes: Exploring the Kauai’s Distinct Regions
My husband and I had a singular mission as soon as we arrived on Kauai: check in, grab shaved ice and find two Adirondack chairs perched above the ocean. We were dreaming of the sound of waves crashing on the shore and the taste of lilikoi, guava and mango. Then we heard another sound — roosters crowing right next to us. We quickly realized we had found somewhere unique.
We Love It: 7 Smart Finds for Kids and Families Right Now
Looking for playful finds that spark creativity, make family outings easier and keep little ones engaged? From a roomy stroller wagon built for group adventures to magnetic building sets, cuddly companions and a thoughtful picture book, these standout products combine fun, function and imagination for kids of many ages. Perfect for family adventures, this stroller wagon seats up to four children comfortably.
Is 'Skinny' Back? GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs, L.A. Moms and Body Image
As GLP-1 medications dominate headlines and social media feeds, many L.A. moms are wondering what this new era of “microdosing for thinness” means for their own health and for the messages their kids are absorbing. Is “skinny” really back — and at what cost to body image and well-being?
February Favorites from National Parenting Product Awards
Jool Baby Relay Diaper Bag Backpack Thoughtfully designed with plenty of space for diapers, bottles, wipes, outfits, and all your baby essentials. Features stroller straps, dedicated pocket for breast pump ad multiple compartments. Light-weight and easy to wipe clean. $29.99, joolbaby.com MAGNA-TILES microMAGS Spring Garden 24-Piece Travel Set Kids can step into a garden full of magnetic magic with fun flower tiles, playful pastel quarter circles, and a curious bunny companion.
The Farmer, the Baker and the Candlestick Maker: Get Cozy in Charming, Historic Hudson, N.Y.
Fall bursts in color in Hudson. PHOTOS COURTESY ELENA EPSTEIN Love brought my husband and me to Hudson, N.Y., where my cousin was getting married — but it didn’t take long for us to fall for this town itself. With its 18th century architecture, farm-to-table meals and sweeping views of the Catskill Mountains, this charming river town is an easy, cozy getaway from New York City.
7 Fun Valentine’s Day Gifts for Kids: Creative, Cozy, Award-Winning
This Valentine’s Day, let’s show our appreciation for our kids and make it a day of kindness and connection. These awesome NAPPA Award-winning gifts for kids are all about fun, creativity and meaningful time together. CONNETIX Limited Edition 20 Piece Pink Charity Pack Unleash creativity and inspire bold, empowered designs with this limited edition, all-pink magnetic tiles. Features unique shapes and offers hope, support and awareness for the global fight against breast cancer.
We Love It: Parenting Essentials & More
A top-to-bottom skincare set that nourishes delicate baby skin. Includes First Wash baby cleanser, Soft Cream daily moisturizer and Bun Balm skin protectant. $120 for set, birth+, coterie.com Dr. Nicole Pensak shares her own experiences — and those of her patients — to help new mothers feel informed, validated and guided through the postpartum period. $23.54, wwnorton.com Make social-emotional learning more comfortable with these conversational cards.
Family Night Giggles
When it’s time to stay at home, find new ways to play and learn together. Here are some tried-and-tested game and craft kit suggestions for your family’s next night in. Food Fight Frenzy A high-energy family game that mixes speed, dexterity and quick thinking. Players race to match food-themed tiles to dice faster than their opponents in a chaotic, laugh-out-loud showdown. $19.99, ages 6+, ultrapro.com Who What WhyExplore social-emotional learning as a family with these conversation cards.
Holiday Gift Guide 2026
Another season of holiday bliss is upon us. And the little ones are counting on you (or Santa) to check the lists twice. If shopping is the last thing on your mind or to-do, you are not alone. No clue on what or where to begin? Not to worry — we’ve got you covered. From creative adventures to exploratory-learning and outdoor play, we have categorized a few things voted “most loved” by parents.
We Love It! Holiday Gift Guide
Coterie Skincare Essentials A top-to-bottom skincare to nourish delicate baby skin. The set includes First Wash baby cleanser, Soft Cream daily moisturizer and Bun Balm skin protectant. $120 for set, birth+, coterie.com Igor Girl’s Bimbi Soft Rain Boots Stylish, comfy and waterproof, these boots are made from high-quality PVC and feature faux fur and an adorable bow. They come in a variety colors.
2025 Holiday Gift Guide: 50 Stocking Stuffers and Small Gift Ideas
From games and toys to books and electronics, these small-but-special gifts are perfect for filling stockings, the eight nights of Hanukkah or any celebration! 1. Sew Around the World: A Beginner’s Sewing & Doll Making Craft Kit Stitch, stuff and decorate nine felt dolls inspired by countries like Kenya, Peru and Thailand. Each doll comes with a story and interesting facts about its country. $24.99, ages 5+, teniandtayo.com 2.
Navigating Social Visits with a Newborn and Older Siblings
Welcoming a newborn into the family is joyful, but when you also have an older child, social situations can get complicated. From grandparents eager to hold the baby to navigating your toddler’s playdates and holiday gatherings, finding the right balance between safety and connection is key.
Have Yourself a Mid-Atlantic Christmas: 10 Destinations That Go All-In on Christmas
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas — and in the Mid-Atlantic, that means more lights, music and holiday spectacle than you can shake a candy cane at. From cobblestone streets to waterfront harbors, towns and cities in this region go big, decking the halls with gusto. Grab your coziest sweater, pour a mug of spiced cider and follow along to 10 destinations that know how to celebrate the season. Colonial Williamsburg sheds its quiet charm for theatrical festivity in December.
We Love It! Editor's Picks for November
Loops Lab Bring the family together to create and mix dynamic music seamlessly with these cool, collectible figures. The starter kit includes the signature eight-spot stage and the five-piece groove band. Each band has its own signature style, ranging from rock to hip-hop, electronic to pop and more. $139.99, loopslab.com Momcozy ChangeGo Baby Stroller Designed to grow with your little one from day one, it easily converts into a tandem double stroller or a wagon as your family expands.
We Love It! Editor's Picks for November
Loops Lab Bring the family together to create and mix dynamic music seamlessly with these cool, collectible figures. The starter kit includes the signature eight-spot stage and the five-piece groove band. Each band has its own signature style, ranging from rock to hip-hop, electronic to pop and more. $139.99, loopslab.com Momcozy ChangeGo Baby Stroller Designed to grow with your little one from day one, it easily converts into a tandem double stroller or a wagon as your family expands.
We Love It! Editor's Picks for October
The dual-lock system keeps curious toddlers (or pets) secure, while the one-handed operation and 180-degree swing with stay-open feature offer hassle-free access. Designed for stairways and doorways, this safety gate installs easily with pressure or hardware mounting. $59.99-$69.99, amazon.com Introduce early speech and language development, including letter sounds, communicating in and out, following directions and more. Toddlers will love creating imaginative stories with these new friends.
We Love It: Educational Toys & Games
Includes GPS tracking and messaging without games, browsers or social media. Features advanced content monitoring for texts, photos and videos. $15/per month + device, ages 7+, bark.us Customize eight planets and the sun to create a stunning 3D model. Kid-friendly instructions make assembly easy. All materials included. $19.99, ages 8+, amazon.com Incorporates 34 soothing sounds and seven nature-inspired dynamic lights, including an exclusive Rainbow Light to create a soothing sleep environment.
Stepping into the Magic: Celebrating Family Time and 70 Years of Disney Fun
My first visit to Disneyland was at age 9, as a new immigrant to this country and in complete awe of Mickey and all his friends. To walk along Main Street felt unreal. Are we really here? I remember thinking. I had the chance to relive that wonderful sensation in a whole new way recently when we spent a couple of days at the Disney parks with my oldest daughter, who has an annual pass, and my niece, who was going to see the parks for the first time.
Back-to-School Buys
Vooks An entire digital library of storybooks brought to life with beautiful animation, read-aloud narration, engaging music and sound. This safe and ad-free platform helps inspire a lifelong love of reading. $6.99/month or $49.99/year, ages 2-9 years, vooks.com Ultimate Learn to Read Bundle An interactive learning system that includes 620 sight words, 122 phonics rules, 16 prefixes and 16 suffixes, along with 1600+ words, 36 fun games and 36 teaching methods to boost reading confidence.
Editor's Picks: We Love It!
Brainometry Cubed A hands-on, brain-boosting puzzle game that challenges kids to think critically and solve spatial problems. Featuring colorful, interlocking cubes, this engaging STEM toy enhances pattern recognition, problem-solving and logical thinking skills. $11.99, ages 6+, amazon.com Bookmoji An interactive tool that helps kids build personalized avatars reflecting their interests.
We Love It! 10 Must-Have Toys & Products For Your Family
Are you looking for innovative toy sets, games or puzzles to keep little hands occupied this summer? Check out these 10 family products for kids of all ages, and watch as your tot becomes an expert at helping wash the car or sorting “produce” at the farmers market. Hummingbird Ultra-Lightweight Carbon Fiber Stroller A carbon fiber stroller at just 9 pounds delivering durability, convenience and innovation.
We Love It! 10 Fantastic Family Products for June
As kids get ready to drop their backpacks and school supplies for the summer, here are 10 family products, games or toys to keep little hands occupied. GillyGro Pro A unique 5-in-1 backpack perfect for on the go, it includes a built-in booster, a waterproof mat, laptop pocket and a universal organizer insert with a sleek and stylish design. $159.99, gillygro.com My Time High Chair Enjoy first meals in complete comfort.
We Love These Parenting Products!
My Time High Chair Enjoy first meals in complete comfort. The ergonomic backrest and the footrest can be reclined in three positions and the height can be adjusted to four positions. Its anti-bacterial and stain-resistant leatherette seat can be easily cleaned with a sponge, and its serving tray is washable in the dishwasher.
Happy, Healthy Kids: Simple Strategies for Emotional Well-Being
In these challenging times, raising emotionally healthy children can feel like a fleeting fairytale. Below, Jenna Haeflinger-Kurtz, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the director of Early Intervention & Community Wellness at Wellnest, shares some tips for nurturing our children’s well-being, navigating tough emotions and creating a supportive home environment.
Travel as Therapy: Insights from a Psychiatrist
For Nathalie Murphy, M.D., a psychiatrist and assistant professor at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, travel isn’t just about exploring new places — it’s a pathway to emotional well-being, family connection and personal growth. In this Q&A, she shares how even small trips can transform mental health and strengthen bonds. What are some of the ways that travel promotes well-being? Travel encompasses a variety of activities that can significantly enhance overall well-being.
Basking in the Beauty of Banff and Lake Louise
For years I dreamed of visiting Lake Louise, a hamlet nestled within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. I would pore over photographs of the lake’s turquoise, glacier-fed waters surrounded by towering peaks and think to myself: “One day.” My “one day” came last September when my husband and I arrived in the Canadian wonderland for our anniversary. And I can honestly tell you that no photo can capture its true essence. You must see it, feel it, experience it.
We Love It: Outdoor Toys, Gear & More
A unique 5-in-1 backpack perfect for on-the-go. Includes a built-in booster, a waterproof mat, laptop pocket and a universal organizer insert with a sleek and stylish design. $159.99, gillygro.com Ideal for all parents who never realized just how small their favorite coffee shop is. Easy to maneuver one-handed — whether it’s being pushed on a busy pavement or around tight corners in the grocery store.
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