Tag: kids

Nine Things Gen Z Gets Right

Plenty of young people can begrudgingly admit when an older’s person’s take is spot-on. (You sure do like your parents’ old fashion choices anyway.)

So it’s only fair we take a break from badmouthing the kids to sing their praises every now and then.  Here are the top five things Gen Z gets right.

1. Answering the phone is stupid.

Why are you calling me like it’s 1998? Unless you’re on fire or delivering tacos, text first. Gen Z knows that phone calls are chaotic, unplanned, and emotionally aggressive. There’s no transcript, no emoji tone indicators, and zero time to prepare. If you “just wanted to talk,” please book a slot via Google Calendar like a civilized human.

2. Don’t smoke weed. Eat it.

Gen Z figured out how to get high without smelling like a burnt couch cushion. Edibles are discreet, longer-lasting, and way easier on your lungs. You get the chill vibes without coughing your face off or setting off the smoke alarm. Honestly, it’s wellness-adjacent at this point. Martha Stewart does gummies. That’s all the endorsement you need.

3. Why pay for Netflix when you can steal it?

They tried to make password-sharing a crime. Gen Z turned it into a resistance movement. Let’s be real: If you’re gonna keep raising prices, making shows that are two seasons long, and forcing us to scroll past 17 versions of “Love Is Blind,” then yeah, we’re gonna hop on Aunt Linda’s login. It’s not theft, it’s digital resourcefulness. (Related news: Capitalism is slipping in the polls.)

4. Don’t judge people by the color of their skin. Judge them by the content of their old tweets.

Gen Z didn’t invent cancel culture, they just optimized it. Accountability isn’t about dragging people for sport. It’s about saying, “Hey, maybe you shouldn’t have tweeted that in 2011.” Skin tone has never been a sign of someone’s character, but your digital paper trail might be. Delete wisely.

5. If you have mental health issues, seek help.

It’s way better than marrying a Kardashian and becoming antisemitic. Therapy is not taboo anymore. Gen Z normalized talking about mental health like it’s just part of basic hygiene, because it is. Instead of spiraling in public and blaming fame, they’re journaling, meditating, and booking that BetterHelp session. Way cheaper than a Twitter apology tour.

6. That’s not skin. It’s a giant blank canvas.

Every Boomer said, “You’ll regret that when you’re older.” And Gen Z replied, “I’d rather regret art than regret being boring.” Tattoos aren’t rebellion anymore. They’re fashion, therapy, and identity, all rolled into one. Also, they’re way easier to commit to than a career or a mortgage. So ink up.

7. Bisexuality increases your odds of getting laid.

Gen Z is more open about who they are. And statistically speaking, it’s a solid move. Twice the attraction radius, double the romantic possibilities, and way more dating app matches. They’re just not so stressed about rigid labels. It’s less about shocking grandma and more about being real with yourself. If it works, it works!

8. Forget the office grind.

The 9-to-5 was never sacred. It was just the only option. Now? You can side hustle, protect your work/life balance… and post a few pics on OnlyFans if you’re so inclined – no meetings required! Gen Z figured out how to monetize what Boomers were too shy to even acknowledge. Capitalism gave them lemons, so they sold tasteful thirst traps and bought the lemonade factory. Now the only question is can they earn enough to pay the mortgage on that factory.

9. Marriage is pointless.

Gen Z isn’t anti-love, they’re just not pretending rings equal happiness. When half of marriages end in divorce and most people can’t afford a wedding or a house, maybe committing to yourself first isn’t so selfish after all. They’re rewriting what partnership looks like, and spoiler: it doesn’t always involve a courthouse or matching towels.

So if you’re not too sore from your latest tattoo (or too high from that second edible), give yourselves a pat on the back, Gen Z.

Like Gen X and Millennial babies before you, the freshest generation always gets hated on. (When Gen Alpha shows up and starts using “skibidi” and “67” in work meetings, you’ll understand.)

Keep being you, Gen Z. We like your style… except for those JNCO jeans. They were whack even in ’99.

Parents Feel Like “Bad Parents” 156 Times a Year, and Honestly, That Feels Low

If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen at 8:00 p.m. while your kid eats microwave mac & cheese off a frisbee and thought, “I am crushing this parenting thing,” congratulations… you’re delusional. But at least you’re in good company.

A new survey finds that the average parent feels like a “bad” parent three times a week. That’s 156 times a year where you genuinely question if letting your toddler watch six episodes of Paw Patrol in a row was character-building or just a cry for help.

And 45% of parents say this whole raising-humans gig is way more demanding than they expected.

Which is probably because nobody warned us that “sleep training” actually means “everyone cries and no one sleeps.”

On top of that, parents stumble into two situations a week they have absolutely no clue how to handle. Like, should you negotiate with a child who’s screaming because their banana broke in half? Or just light the kitchen on fire and start over?

Also, parents say they need a break from parenting twice a week.

That sounds reasonable… until you realize “a break” usually means hiding in the bathroom scrolling memes while someone shouts your name like you’re a customer service hotline.

But here’s the good news: Kids make their parents laugh 12 times a day. Which is beautiful, really. Between the existential dread and the juice-box explosions, these tiny chaos machines are apparently also hilarious. (Example: A four-year-old once called the cops on his mom for eating his ice cream. Case closed, Your Honor.)

The Perfect Gift for Kids? A Candy Bar and Cash

If you’re the kind of person who shops early, picks out meaningful gifts, and even wraps them with precision… this isn’t for you.

But if you’re more of a last-minute, “oh no the birthday party is TODAY” type, this might just change your life.

A writer for Slate recently shared her accidental discovery of the ultimate kid gift: a candy bar and a $20 bill.

It started as a desperation move. She forgot to buy a gift for a kid’s birthday party and, in a panic, slapped a $20 bill around a Kit Kat.

She figured it looked lazy compared to the other gifts the kid would get. But surprise! The kid lit up and shouted, “Money AND candy?” Instant win.

Even better, the parents followed up later to say it was his favorite gift. They loved it too—because it wasn’t another plastic toy they’d trip over by Tuesday.

Now it’s her go-to gift for every birthday, holiday, or kid-adjacent event. Zero stress. No wrapping.

No guessing what a 9-year-old’s into this month. And no fear of being the person who buys a duplicate LEGO set.

It’s simple, it’s sweet, and it spends well. So next time you’re at a gas station on the way to a birthday party, grab a Hershey’s and 20 bucks. You’ll look like a genius.

Normal Amount of Clumsy? Average Adult Racks Up 35 Injuries a Year

Think you’re more accident-prone than your friends? You might be totally average.

A new poll commissioned by bandage brand Curad has revealed that the typical adult suffers 35 minor injuries – like cuts, bruises, and scrapes – every year.

That’s almost three a month. So, if you haven’t stubbed a toe or cut yourself slicing into an avocado lately, you’re overdue.

Lifetime total: 4,000

Curad’s study also took a look at the lifetime total. Over the course of your life, the average person will tally up about 4,000 little injuries. So yes, it’s entirely normal to have a few mystery bruises at any given time.

4,000 would be 50 a year if you make it to 80 years old, much higher than the average of 35 for adults. But remember, not all age groups have the same injury risks. Anyone who’s raised a five-year-old knows they average way more than three boo-boos a month.

Think back to when you were a kid and all those times you bumped your head, got stung by bees, twisted an ankle, or skinned a knee. Those cuts and scrapes from your prepubescent years really add up.

The most common causes?

Unsurprisingly, the top culprits for adults are distraction, clumsiness, and kitchen mishaps – a trio responsible for most of our everyday injuries. Yeah, we’re basically walking slapstick routines.

And speaking of distraction, technology is making it even worse. A whopping 80% of people say they’ve had a near-miss accident while using their phone. One in three admit to close calls while walking and texting, and nearly one in five have gotten into trouble just from scrolling social media.

So if you’ve ever walked into a pole while checking Instagram, you’re not alone.

We’re oddly proud of our injuries.

There’s also a surprising amount of social pressure tied to injuries. One in four people say they feel judged when they wear a band-aid, and are worried others will think they’re weak. But not everyone feels that way.

A solid number of Americans are into the attention and can’t wait to brag about it. One in eight people want you to ask what happened, because every injury has a story.

The TL;DR? It’s a dangerous world out there. Life’s hard, and no one gets through it unscathed. (Especially if you’re walking around staring at your phone.)

Nick Cannon Choked When Asked to Name All 12 of His Kids

Nick Cannon might need a flashcard app to keep track of his kids.

During a recent appearance on the Really Good Podcast with Bobbi Althoff, Cannon was challenged to name all 12 of his children—and he didn’t quite stick the landing. Right out of the gate, he admitted, “That’s gonna get me in trouble.” And, yep, it did.

While Cannon rattled off ten names without issue, he blanked on the youngest two: Beautiful Zeppelin, whose mom is Abby De La Rosa, and Halo Marie, the daughter he shares with Alyssa Scott. Not exactly a flex when your personal headcount hits a dozen.

Cannon’s candid explanation? He blames it on what he calls a “king complex.”

He told Althoff, “You know, Black men, we always be like, ‘What’s up, king?’ I really think I’m the king.” Apparently, ruling over your own kingdom of toddlers doesn’t come with a cheat sheet.

To be fair, the man has a famously packed schedule and an unconventional approach to parenting. But social media was quick to roast the moment, with many calling it both hilarious and kind of sad. After all, forgetting your own kid’s name doesn’t exactly scream “Father of the Year.”

Still, Cannon has always been open about his growing family, saying he’s deeply involved in their lives. But maybe next time, he’ll prep with a quick review. Or better yet, carry a laminated list.

@bobbialthoff

The really good podcast x @Nick Cannon out NOW

♬ original sound – Bobbi

Kids Say These Are the Top 10 Things They Want to Do with Their Parents More

Summer is officially here, and if you’re a parent juggling work-from-home chaos with guilt over not spending enough time with your kids, you’re far from alone. Turns out, your kids feel it too.

In a study conducted a few years ago, a whopping 70% of kids said their parents are too distracted. A psychologist weighed in, saying that while routines make life easier, they can also make us forget to carve out meaningful moments with our families. So whether it’s a long weekend or just a random Wednesday afternoon, making space for connection matters.

Not sure where to start? Researchers asked kids to name the activities they wish they could do more with their parents—and the answers are both wholesome and totally doable.

Here are the top 10 things kids say they want to do more with mom and dad:

  1. Go to the beach – Sandcastles, waves, and maybe a little too much sunscreen.
  2. Exercise together – From bike rides to yoga in the living room, kids love moving with you.
  3. Play sports – Whether it’s a pickup basketball game or backyard soccer, it’s about the fun, not the score.
  4. Go to the pool – Because cannonballs and floaties never go out of style.
  5. Go to the movies – Shared popcorn and big-screen action? Count them in.
  6. Play at a park – Simple, free, and full of chances to actually talk without screens in the way.
  7. Go camping – Even if it’s just in the backyard, the memories are big.
  8. Visit a zoo, museum, or amusement park – Day-trips can feel like huge adventures to kids.
  9. Play video games – Yes, even if you’re terrible at them. That’s part of the fun.
  10. Go shopping – It’s less about what you buy and more about the one-on-one time.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of packing all this in, don’t stress. Even one or two of these can make a big impact. The key is being present, and maybe letting them pick the playlist on the way.

The Most Common High School Experiences We Shared

With graduation season in full swing, a YouGov poll asked thousands of Americans a nostalgic question: If you could go back and do high school all over again, would you?

For many of us, the answer is HELL NO!! But that’s not actually how the majority of Americans feel about it.

Most Americans would like to revisit their high school years—but maybe with a few do-overs.

55% say they’d go back and relive their teenage years, while 40% say absolutely not. (The other 5% are still on the fence.)

The vast majority of that “yes” crowd would do things a little differently though. Only 12% overall said they’d want to have the exact same high school experience if they went back and did it all over again.

Even across generations, we shared a lot of the same high school moments.

The poll also dove into shared high school experiences, ranking how common certain milestones and memories were. Unsurprisingly, having a crush took the top spot—87% of respondents admitted to pining for someone in high school.

50 High School Moments We Shared

Had a crush on someone: 87%

Had a group of friends or a clique: 83%

Took a class you loved: 79%

Took a class you hated: 79%

Attended a school football game: 68%

Kissed someone: 68%

Lied to your parents: 67%

Took the SAT or ACT: 66%

Went on a date: 65%

Had a boyfriend or girlfriend: 64%

Got your driver’s license: 64%

Went to a school dance: 63%

Had a part-time or full-time job: 62%

Made a close friend you still talk to: 62%

Failed a test: 60%

Had a curfew: 55%

Filled out a college application: 54%

Showed up late to class: 53%

Experienced anxiety or depression: 53%

Went to a house party: 53%

Got grounded by your parents: 52%

Went to prom: 52%

Participated in a school club: 51%

Skipped class without permission: 50%

Drank alcohol: 49%

Hung out at a mall: 49%

Volunteered: 48%

Made the honor roll: 47%

Got bullied by someone: 47%

Drove to school: 45%

Got sent to the principal’s office: 43%

Pulled an all-nighter: 40%

Took an AP or honors class: 40%

Played on a sports team: 39%

Got detention: 37%

Smoked a cigarette: 37%

Had sex: 36%

Got into a physical fight: 35%

Had a cellphone: 35%

Cheated on a test or assignment: 32%

Snuck out of the house at night: 31%

Joined the school band or choir: 31%

Participated in a school play: 30%

Smoked pot: 28%

Had a social media account: 28%

Became close to a teacher you still talk to: 22%

Had braces: 19%

Participated in student government: 16%

Participated in political activism: 11%

Bullied someone: 10%

So, yeah. We went through a lot of the same stuff.

If you experienced all 50 things on that list, you really packed it in! If you experienced none of them… you were probably homeschooled. (But c’mon, your mom must have at least bullied you once!)

What the poll reveals?

While everyone’s high school journey is unique, the poll shows just how many of our experiences—good, bad, and awkward—were shared. And if most of us could go back, we probably wouldn’t change everything, but maybe we’d study a little harder, party a little smarter, or say “hi” to that crush just once.

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