“New phone, who dis?” As they head back to school, your kids may have renewed their pleas for a cell phone. Of course they want one—cell phones and smartphones are omnipresent in our lives. While having a phone might be practical (and feel inescapable), many parents struggle to come up with rules that will not only keep their kids safe but will stop them from turning into zombies! 

While experts all have their own opinions, I know that the best advice comes from the been-there done-that parents in the trenches. That’s why I turned to our readers and got their (your!) best tried and true tips and tricks for making sure your whole family is on the same page when it comes to those new cell phones.

Whether you’re a total newbie or an experienced yogi, Bulldog Yoga is all about demystifying the practice and bringing fun and non-intimidating online yoga and fitness classes to kids and grownups alike. If, like me, you’re trying to squeeze a little exercise into your family’s undoubtedly busy schedule or you’re not ready to head back to the gym, the library of live and recorded classes for all levels makes yoga approachable and accessible in a whole new way.

Of course, there’s no shortage of options out there when it comes to online fitness, so what makes Bulldog Yoga different from other online platforms? I gave it a try so I could answer that exact question. Read on for answers, and see for yourself with a free 30-day trial for Mommy Poppins readers.

It’s that time of year—there’s a hint of fall in the air. The leaves are on the brink of changing, and pumpkin flavors are already wafting through the air and filling store shelves. While apple picking outings might already be on your calendar, don't overlook a seasonal fall trip to a local winery, cider mill, or vineyard.

Fall is the perfect time to check out this different kind of harvest, and we've found nine cider mills, wineries, and vineyards near New York City that are happy to welcome you and your kids. We’ve organized these wineries and cider mills by the approximate distance from NYC, beginning with the closest sites. For more options, visit these spots in Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Long Island. Be sure to check out our Fall Fun Guide for more autumnal entertainment.

Registration for the FREE after-school program run by the Parks Department opens on Monday, September 13 for NYC kids ages 6 to 13, and we've got details on what the program offers and how to sign up.

Find more after-school classes and enrichment options in our guide to Classes and Activities in NYC for Kids.

Families, tired of the same scenery as travel plans remain in flux, should try something unique: a Bavarian-style village right here in Georgia! Head to the town of Helen, Georgia, tucked in the mountains and only 90 miles from Atlanta. 

Featuring high pitched roofs, half-timbered exteriors, and wooden balconies spilling over with flowers, Helen, Georgia reinvented itself from a dying lumber town to a major tourist destination. Today, it is home to the longest-running Oktoberfest celebration in the country and welcomes over 1 million visitors annually. With numerous shops, restaurants, and activities, Helen can be a bit overwhelming. Let our guide below show you the best family-friendly activities for your visit.

Nature provides the perfect classroom for kids. New York's little urbanites love to jump in puddles, make mud pies, climb trees, and dig for worms. Nature preschools and forest schools have gained in popularity recently. If you're looking for preschool classes in New York City that draw lessons from nature, we've rounded up the city's best nature preschools, forest schools, and toddler classes which allow little ones to spend a significant part of each session outdoors interacting with the natural world. As these nature classes are often held rain or shine, proper outdoor gear is a must, so get some sturdy boots and rain pants and let your kids explore with the help of these forest schools.

If you've got older kids, take note. Several of these forest schools offer classes for older kids, including after-school nature classes. Find more preschool classes for NYC kids and classes for all ages in our Guide Classes and Activities in New York City.

Planning a child's birthday party can be overwhelming—especially if you're hosting it at home. You've got to plan the activities, shop for supplies, set up before the festivities, and clean up once the party is over. But it doesn't have to be this hard. The Washington, DC area is full of birthday party entertainers who will come to your home and take care of it all—the setup, supplies, entertainment, and cleanup. That means all you'll have to do is take pictures and enjoy yourself.

Make a wish! Photo courtesy of the author.

Here is our list of 10 birthday party entertainers near Washington, DC that will suit kids with a wide range of interests, from gamers to glam girls to budding scientists. Party on!

Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh, and all genius artists share something in common—they were once children! Before they became masters in their field, they were just little Claude and Vincent fingerpainting and tiny Pablo doodling in the dirt. Further your own child's artistic talents by enrolling him or her in art classes for kids. Orlando art classes cover a variety of mediums -- pottery, drawing, painting, sculpture, and many more—and welcome all ages, from young children all the way to talented teens (and even adults).

Enriching children's lives with art provides a well-rounded education, promotes creativity, teaches independence and decision-making, unlocks an appreciation of the surrounding world, and helps develop fine motor skills. Oh, and keeps your child entertained, happy, and messy! We've put together some of our favorite Orlando art classes for kids for budding artists in need of unleashing their creative talents.