Keeping Baby Close and Safe

It’s completely natural for parents to want their newborns close by. Dr. William Sears, a board-certified pediatrician, recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents, but not in the same bed, for at least the first year. Room-sharing allows parents to respond quickly to feeding needs and offers emotional reassurance for both parent and child.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) emphasizes that co-sleeping, meaning sharing a bed, is not safe under any circumstances. The safest setup is a separate sleep surface, such as a bassinet, that allows closeness without risk. A well-designed bassinet offers the perfect compromise between proximity and safety.

Safety Standards to Look For

When shopping for a bassinet, the first thing parents should check is safety certification. Look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) or the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) labels — both are trusted indicators that a product meets or exceeds established safety standards. These certifications ensure the bassinet has passed rigorous testing for stability, materials, and construction quality.

It’s also important to review the manufacturer’s age and weight recommendations. For example, Arm’s Reach® Co-Sleeper® bassinets are designed for infants up to about five months old, or until a baby begins to push up on hands and knees — whichever comes first. Once your child reaches this stage, it’s time to transition to a crib to maintain a safe sleep environment.

Portability and Convenience

One of the main advantages of a bassinet is portability. Many models are lightweight and easy to move from room to room, making them a convenient choice for parents who want to keep their baby close during naps or overnight travel. This flexibility can make a huge difference in those early months, when having your baby nearby can simplify nighttime feeding and provide peace of mind.

Firm Support and Safe Sleep

A safe bassinet isn’t just about sturdy construction, because the mattress matters, too. Babies should sleep on a firm, flat surface. A soft or overly flexible mattress may seem comfortable but can actually pose suffocation risks. Parents should always check that the mattress is firm enough to hold a baby’s weight without sagging, and that the sheet fits snugly around it.

The Benefits of Keeping Baby Within Arm’s Reach

Having your baby within reach at night can promote bonding and make those countless nighttime feedings a little easier. The Arm’s Reach® Co-Sleeper® bassinet, first introduced in 1997, was the pioneer in this space. It securely attaches to a parent’s bed, creating a safe and convenient setup that allows parents to comfort their baby without getting up. All while maintaining a separate sleep surface.

This proximity helps parents and babies feel connected, especially in the first few months when establishing sleep routines and emotional security is so important.

Final Thoughts

A bassinet can be a wonderful addition to your nursery, especially during your baby’s first months of life. When choosing one, prioritize safety certifications, age guidelines, and firm mattress support. Think about how it will fit into your home and daily routine, whether that means portability for flexible sleeping arrangements or easy access for nighttime care.

 Get ready for a Halloween experience like no other: Castle Dark is back at Castle Park in Riverside, bringing terrifying thrills and family-friendly fun to Southern California. Running on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September 19 through November 1, Castle Dark 2025 offers visitors a full night of scares, excitement, and entertainment—all included with a Castle Dark ticket. Tickets include access to all mazes, scare zones, live shows, and park rides.

National-Scale Haunts and Highlights for 2025:

• Three All-New Mazes: Step into twisted worlds with Feary Tales (dark fairy tales), Midnight Manor (a cursed mansion), and Containment Breach (science gone wrong).
• Chilling Scare Zones: When night falls, twisted characters roam The Endless Chapter, The Forgotten Kingdom, and Outbreak, filled with monsters, creatures, and spine-tingling surprises.
• Live Shows: Echoes from the Grave debuts as a theatrical performance set to mesmerize audiences.
• After Dark Party: Step into the Big Top Tent for high-energy fun with a live DJ, delicious food, refreshing beverages, and specialty cocktails and drinks for guests 21 years and older.

For families seeking more treats than scares, Castle Park also presents Día de los Muertos every Saturday and Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m., September 20 through November 2. The event celebrates Mexican and Latin American fall traditions with vibrant decorations, local performers, kid-friendly activities, and trick-or-treating.

Tickets & Admission:

• Castle Dark tickets are on sale now at Castle Park :: Ticket Selection :: Castle Dark Tickets
• Annual Passholders enjoy free admission.
• Gates open nightly at 7 p.m. Recommended for ages 13 years and older.

Castle Dark promises thrills for Southern California and visitors from across the nation. Don’t miss your chance to experience the ultimate Halloween event—including rides, mazes, and scares—all in one night.

For more information on Castle Park, visit https://castlepark.com

The Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach is pleased to announce the opening of its latest off-site exhibition at foaSouth, Magical Moments: Suspensions of Time, on view now through January 12, 2026. The gallery, located inside Active Culture at 1006 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651, is free and open to the public daily from 9am to 8pm.

Magical Moments: Suspensions of Time investigates how still life and landscape genres can reframe everyday subjects into experiences that feel dreamlike, meditative, and timeless. Through realistic representations of objects and scenes, this exhibition highlights how the familiar can be transformed into something extraordinary, offering viewers moments of pause where the ordinary becomes otherworldly.

“The creation of images has evolved far beyond documentation, it’s about capturing a feeling or an experience,” said exhibition curator Morgan Matthews. “With Magical Moments, we hope visitors will slow down, reflect, and discover how these realistic depictions of familiar scenes can create emotional connections that feel almost suspended in time. We invite everyone to take the opportunity to experience these works firsthand during the run of the exhibition.”

The exhibition features works by Festival of Arts exhibitors and selections from the Festival’s Permanent Art Collection. Highlights include Robert A. Hansen’s “Mayan Vendors from Yucatan Passages Portfolio” (1994–2004) and “Winter Fog from Yucatan Passages Portfolio” (1994–2004); Sharon Hutchison’s “Arise” (2023) and “Veiled Light” (2023); Elizabeth McGhee’s “On the Rag” (2018) and “Tiny Tears” (2023); and David Milton’s “An American Flag in New England” (2013) and “Hollywood and Vine” (2023). Additional works on display include Michael Ward’s “Absorb” (2021) and “Moving Day” (2019); Marc Whitney’s “Teacup” (c. 1996); and Michaela Yoro’s “Brian and Friends” (2022) and “Trader Joe’s Run” (2023).

The public is invited to a special artist reception on Thursday, November 6, 2025, as part of First Thursdays Art Walk. Attendees can meet the artists, explore the exhibition, and enjoy an evening celebrating creativity and community.

The foaSouth gallery is part of the Festival’s commitment to providing year-round art experiences for the public. As a nonprofit organization, the Festival of Arts supports the arts in and about Laguna Beach through exhibitions, scholarships, and educational programs.

Magical Moments: Suspensions of Time is on view daily, 9am to 8pm, through January 12, 2026, at the Festival of Arts’ foaSouth gallery inside Active Culture (1006 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651). For more information, visit www.foapom.com or follow @FestivalPageant on social media. To support the Festival of Arts and its programs, visit www.foapom.com/supportnow.

Credit: Festival of Arts.

Musical Theatre West (MTW) is proud to announce the cast of its final production of the 2025 Season of Legends, the quintessential Broadway hit Hello, Dolly! Set to dazzle audiences for select performances October 17 – November 2, 2025, at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, this iconic musical comedy promises to be the season’s crowning jewel. Tickets are available today at musical.org.

Taking center stage is Broadway veteran Tami Tappan Damiano, making one of the most anticipated returns to Southern California theatre in recent memory as the irrepressible Dolly Gallagher Levi. Beloved by LA audiences for her powerhouse performances across the region, and by MTW audiences for standout roles in Spamalot, Guys & Dolls, Crazy For You, and Singin’ in the Rain, Tappan Damiano stepped away from the stage to raise her family. Now, with her child grown, she makes a triumphant return in one of Broadway’s most iconic roles. Her casting marks not only a homecoming to MTW but also a celebrated return to the greater Los Angeles theatre community, where she has long been recognized as one of its most cherished leading ladies.

She will reunite on stage with David Engel, who stars as the curmudgeonly yet endearing Horace Vandergelder. A six-time Ovation Award winner, Engel’s celebrated career with MTW spans over two decades, with memorable performances in La Cage Aux Folles, Hairspray, The Producers, Newsies, White Christmas, and many more. Known for his impeccable comedic timing and commanding presence, Engel is a true MTW legend.

Together, Tappan Damiano and Engel are no strangers to delighting audiences side by side, having starred together in MTW’s Singin’ in the Rain (2001), Crazy For You (2003), Never Gonna Dance (2006), and The Full Monty (2007). Their reunion in Hello, Dolly! marks a highly anticipated onstage pairing that promises sparks, laughs, and unforgettable moments.

“Concluding our 2025 Season of Legends with Hello, Dolly! is a dream,” said Paul Garman, Executive Director/Producer of Musical Theatre West.. “Welcoming Tami back to our stage for such a triumphant return, alongside David’s remarkable legacy, is truly special. This production is not only a celebration of Broadway’s golden age, but also a celebration of MTW’s history and the artists who have shaped it.”

Joining the duo is an exceptional company of MTW favorites and fresh talent, including Robert Pieranunzi as Cornelius Hackl, Anna Mintzer as Irene Molloy, Benjamin Raanan as Barnaby Tucker, Natalie Holt MacDonald as Minnie Fay, Domonique Paton as Ermengarde, Landen Starkman as Ambrose Kemper, Jane Papageorge as Ernestina Money, Ricky Bulda as the Judge, Janna Cardia as Mrs. Rose, and Roger Castellano as Rudolph. Rounding out the cast is a dynamic 10-member student ensemble, bringing fresh energy and showcasing the next generation of talent through MTW’s commitment to arts education.

Set in turn-of-the-century New York, Hello, Dolly! follows the larger-than-life Dolly Levi, a quick-witted matchmaker determined to find love and adventure for herself and those around her. Bursting with Jerry Herman’s unforgettable score, including “Before the Parade Passes By,” “It Only Takes a Moment,” and the beloved title number “Hello, Dolly!” the show is a joyous celebration of love, second chances, and the spirit of community. With show-stopping dance numbers, lavish costumes, and a story brimming with heart, MTW’s production promises to deliver Broadway magic at its finest.

Hello, Dolly! is a musical by Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart, based on Thornton Wilder’s play The Matchmaker. Since its Broadway debut in 1964, the show has become a cultural touchstone, inspiring generations with its larger-than-life characters and timeless score.

Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase by phone at 562-856-1999 or online at musical.org. Fees may apply. Student rush tickets for $15 are available at the Box Office one hour prior to showtime, with a valid student ID. More information, a full line-up of performances, and additional details can be found at https://musical.org.

Credit: Musical Theatre West.

The Gourmandise School at Santa Monica Place is launching Kitchen Club, an after-school cooking series designed for kids ages 8–13.

Running Mondays from October 13 through November 17, Kitchen Club gives young chefs the chance to roll up their sleeves and build real-world kitchen skills in a hands-on, encouraging environment. Each week spotlights a different theme, from Bake Sale Bests and Breakfast Pastries to Halloween Treats and French Macarons, where students work in pairs to create recipes completely from scratch before bringing their creations home.

More than just cooking, the program is designed to nurture creativity, confidence, teamwork, and even incorporates math and science in a deliciously engaging way.

The Gourmandise School also offers Parent & Child classes (ages 6–11), seasonal holiday classes, and kids and teen camps throughout the year. You can find more details on class kids and teens classes at this link.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art will become an exciting place this fall to experience two major exhibitions of Impressionist and 19th Century art, among the most popular and beautiful ever created. The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art explores the rebellious origins of the independent artist collective known as the Impressionists and the revolutionary course they charted for modern art. The exhibition features a rich array of paintings, including exquisite examples by Monet, van Gogh, Gauguin, Matisse, Mondrian, Morisot, and Munch tell a story of a plucky group of artists who challenged the status

quo and won, changing art forever. Encore: 19th Century French Art at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art has more than 40 artworks on view. Using 19th-century paintings and photographs, the exhibition takes you on a virtual tour of Parisian sites, such as Notre Dame and Eiffel Tour, but also to the famed French Riviera, the cliffs of Normandy, lush countryside farms, and to the places these artists traveled, such as London, the Netherlands, and Germany. With deep holdings in photography, painting, and sculpture from the period, this exhibition both recreates the milieu of these artists but also reveals the breadth and importance of the museum’s vast holdings.

The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art is told entirely through the Dallas Museum of Art’s exceptional holdings. The Impressionists broke with tradition in both how and what they painted, redefining what then constituted cutting-edge contemporary art. The unique innovations of its core members, such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Berthe Morisot, set the foundation against which following generations of avant-garde artists reacted, from Paul Gauguin and Vincent van Gogh to Piet Mondrian and Henri Matisse. Organized on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the first Impressionist exhibition, The Impressionist Revolution invites visitors to reconsider these now beloved artists as the scandalous renegades they at one time were, as well as the considerable impact they had on 20th-century art. This major exhibition has been curated by Nicole R. Myers, Ph.D., Chief Curatorial and Research officer, The Barbara Thomas Lemmon Senior Curator of European Art, Dallas Museum of Art. The presentation in Santa Barbara is coordinated by James Glisson, Ph.D., Chief Curator, Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Having opened at the DMA in Dallas, Texas in February 2024, the exhibition is currently on view in Mexico City at the Palace of Fine Arts (through July 2025). The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is the only venue in the Western U.S. The exhibition catalogue is published by the Dallas Museum of Art and distributed by Yale University Press.

Encore: 19th-Century French Art at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art features extraordinary paintings, photographs, sculpture and works on paper, including artists Monet, Matisse, Manet, Caillebotte, Signac, Morisot, Sisley, and Boudin. This unprecedented exhibition expands on The Impressionist Revolution in the adjacent galleries while telling its own captivating tale of the depth and richness of the SBMA’s impressive holdings in French art. Encore presents fascinating portraits by the preeminent Parisian photographer-impresario Nadar (whose Paris studio hosted the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874) of the artistic and literary circles who made Paris their scintillating home; how the grand iconic buildings of Notre Dame and the Paris Opera can be seen as old and new symbols for the cultural, social, and political forces that Paris faced within a volatile France and Europe during a century of wars and revolutions; and how photographers and painters perceptively depicted Paris and the French countryside in intriguingly similar ways. Drawn entirely from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s superb collection, Encore shows the quality and range of SBMA’s 19th-century French art, including a rare opportunity to view all four of its magnificent Monet landscape paintings in one exhibition. Encore was curated by Charles Wylie, former SBMA Curator of Photography and New Media.

Public Programs

A full slate of public programs, conversations, and performances will be presented during the run of the exhibitions. And a range of educational activities, school tours, group tours and community partnerships are in the planning stages.

That 1870s Show: In Conversation with Curator Nicole R. Myers

Sunday, October 5, 12-1:30pm

A special lecture from Dr. Nicole R. Myers, the Chief Curatorial and Research Officer and The Barbara Thomas Lemmon Senior Curator of European Art at the Dallas Museum of Art. Myers was the curator of The Impressionist Revolution: Monet to Matisse from the Dallas Museum of Art, an internationally touring exhibition that invites visitors to reconsider these now beloved artists as the scandalous renegades they once were. Myers has provided an essay, “That 1870s Show,” referencing the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874 for the exhibition’s elegantly illustrated catalogue. She traces the foundations of this rebellious moment in art history while also shedding light on the Dallas Museum of Art’s unique collecting history.

Backcountry Casitas Program in Partnership with the SB Botanic Garden Claude Monet inspired Nature Playhouse

Opens Saturday, October 25

As part of a community wide call for artists, SBMA teaching artist, Jason Summers, working with staff and materials at the SB Botanic Garden, will create a “casita” on the garden’s campus. This interactive nature playhouse will be inspired by the works of Claude Monet featured in The Impressionist Revolution and Encore. Monet’s love for gardens and the natural world will be emphasized in the information included on a take-home coloring page available inside the casita. The sheet will invite garden visitors to come to the Museum after experiencing this family-friendly interactive structure.

Intimate Impressions: Art, Wine, and Music

Friday, November 7, 4-6 pm

Enjoy time exploring the galleries then go “underground” in best revolutionary style to the SBMA Art Learning Lab, transformed for the evening into a bespoke bohemian boîte. Sample wines selected by Renegade wines and paired with works in the exhibition as you enjoy bistro inspired bites provided by Black Sheep. Sommelier and chanteuse Kristen Lee Sargeant, accompanied on piano, adds to the creative conviviality performing three original compositions in conversation with works of art. Who can rebel while sipping Rose? We say, Encore!

Adult Art Studio Class En Plein Air at Lotusland

Saturday, November 8 1-4 pm

Artists of all levels are invited to paint en plein air in the gardens inspired by works currently on view in The Impressionist Revolution and Encore. Museum Teaching Artist Nicola Ghersen will lead

an inspiring afternoon of exploring the painting techniques and rebellious spirit of these radical visionary artists. This program is a collaboration between the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Lotusland.

See, Hear: Performance at the Intersection of Impressionist Art and Music

Sunday, November 16, 2:30, 3:15 pm, and 4pm

Young musicians selected by SB Symphony’s master pianist Natasha Kislenko, will perform music by Debussy, Ravel, Faure and others in the museum galleries. Enjoy three performances responding to three works of art.

Sebastian Smee Talk

Sunday, January 18, 2:30 pm

In an afternoon of reading and conversation, Pulitzer Prize-winner Sebastian Smee, art critic for The Washington Post, shares with us his fresh look at the “origin story” and the tragic time which he argues, led to the “Impressionist Revolution.” His much lauded and at times hotly

debated premise, told with both knowledge and panache, is at the center of Paris in Ruins: Love, War, and the Birth of Impressionism.

Smee posits that from the summer of 1870 to the spring of 1871, famously dubbed the “Terrible Year” by Victor Hugo, Paris and its people were besieged, starved, and forced into surrender by Germans. It was against the backdrop of these tumultuous times that the Impressionist movement was born―in response to violence, civil war, and political intrigue. He suggests that in the aftermath of crisis, this small group of painters developed a newfound sense of the fragility of life. That feeling for transience, reflected in Impressionism’s emphasis on fugitive light, shifting seasons, glimpsed street scenes, and the impermanence of all things, became the movement’s great contribution to the history of art.

Ticketing:

Admission to the exhibition will have an additional fee and timed tickets will be sold in advance starting in summer of 2025. SBMA Members will receive priority access in advance of public ticket availability. More details to come at sbma.net.

Public docent tours as well as special request tours for groups will be offered throughout the run of the exhibition. Details to come.

The Santa Barbara Museum of Art is one of the finest museums on the West coast and is celebrated for the superb quality of its permanent collection. Its mission is to integrate art into the lives of people through internationally recognized exhibitions and special programs, as well as the thoughtful presentation of its permanent collection.

Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA

Open Tuesday – Sunday 11 am to 5 pm, 1st Thursdays 5 – 8 pm 805.963.4364 www.sbma.net

The sea turtle was rescued, brought to the Aquarium for medical care and rehabilitation, and was released at Seal Beach.

A green sea turtle has returned to the ocean after receiving rehabilitation and care at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Aquarium staff released the rehabilitated sea turtle at Seal Beach due to its proximity to a resident green sea turtle population. “Our animal care team has been looking forward to seeing this rescued sea turtle return home fully healed,” said Nate Jaros, vice president of animal care at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) research team rescued the turtle during a routine survey on July 1, 2025 in the San Gabriel River. The turtle was transferred to the Aquarium for further treatment, including removing a tangled fishing line that was wrapped around the front right flipper and to the margin of its mouth. Medical exams revealed that there was no fishing hook. The Aquarium’s veterinary team removed the fishing line from around the flipper and by the mouth and cleaned and sutured the associated wounds. This adult female green sea turtle spent the past three months recovering at the Aquarium and weighs approximately one hundred thirty-two pounds.

In addition to helping rescued sea turtles, the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Southern California Sea Turtle Monitoring Project is a community science program where Aquarium volunteers track sea turtle activity along the San Gabriel River every month. The program is in partnership with the Los Cerritos Wetlands Authority, Tidal Influence, and NOAA Fisheries conservation and wildlife management groups. This also includes a photo identification program where volunteers take photos of turtles surfacing in the river. “The data that we’re seeing through the community science monitoring program shows that they’re very active near the outflow of the Los Cerritos Wetlands, which illustrates what an important habitat it is for sea turtles,” said Dawn Nygren-Burkert, conservation volunteer coordinator at the Aquarium of the Pacific.

The Aquarium of the Pacific has rehabilitated and released rescued sea turtles since 2000. Some have been fitted with satellite tracking devices that allowed scientists to gather data about their migration patterns and habitats. The Aquarium recently rehabilitated and released an olive ridley sea turtle in August 2025. All species of sea turtles found in waters of the United States are listed as either endangered or threatened and are protected by the Endangered Species Act. Their numbers have fallen to the point that every turtle is important to the future of the species.

The Aquarium of the Pacific also announced in October 2024 that it received a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation with support from NOAA, as well as matched funds from the KM Shimano Family Foundation, to construct an on-site sea turtle rehabilitation area near its Molina Animal Care Center. The space includes an approximately 4,000-gallon enclosure but will require other specialty equipment and medical supplies. These will further the Aquarium’s efforts in caring for future stranded, sick, or injured sea turtles, so they can heal and return to their natural habitat. Since every rescued sea turtle has a story of survival, the public is invited to help write the next chapter. You can support sea turtle rehabilitation efforts and make an impact for these endangered creatures that will last generations by donating to the rescue to release campaign.

The non-profit Aquarium of the Pacific is a community gathering place dedicated to connecting people to and conserving nature. The Aquarium’s vision is to foster an inclusive community that works together to create our sustainable future. Home to more than 12,000 animals, Aquarium exhibits include Stars of the Sea featuring Our Living Coastline, the Southern California Gallery, Pacific Visions, and Shark Lagoon. Beyond its animal exhibits, the Aquarium offers educational programs for people of all ages, including First Wednesdays featuring a variety of guest speakers. The Aquarium offers memberships with unlimited FREE admission for 12 months and other special benefits.To make a donation to help support the Aquarium, please visit the donation webpage. To visit, reservations are required for everyone and can be made at aquariumofpacific.org or by calling (562) 590-3100.

Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.

When it comes to traditional schooling, one area of learning that many parents feel is sorely lacking is critical thinking. But how important are these skills? As you might already know, they’re actually critical for life after school — in the real world. But many parents struggle with knowing how to raise independent thinkers, so here are some important tips. Books that teach critical thinking, like the Tuttle Twins series, are one way to instill these skills in your kids.

The Importance of Critical-Thinking Skills

Let’s start with why critical-thinking skills are important. When kids know how to think critically, they’re better able to make decisions and solve problems. They can analyze not only their options but also the consequences of each option, resulting in more thoughtful decisions.

Kids who are critical thinkers are better able to break down complex problems and approach them from a variety of different angles, then developing more creative solutions that often turn out to be more effective.

Critical-thinking skills enable kids to spot misinformation by assessing the credibility of what they’re reading or watching. They can better understand biases and tell the difference between facts and assumptions.

Critical thinkers also articulate their arguments more clearly and logically while not only understanding but empathizing with the views of others. Further, kids who are critical thinkers tend to be more creative because they question pre-existing ideas and view things from new perspectives.

Books That Teach Critical Thinking

Perhaps the best way to begin teaching your kids critical-thinking skills is with books. Books that teach critical thinking open up whole new worlds for your kids by presenting them with a variety of ideas and viewpoints that they may not have considered before!

The Tuttle Twins books are one series that teaches critical thinking. The Tuttle Twins series goes beyond just teaching critical thinking, wrapping each lesson into an exciting adventure that will keep your kids engaged and help them not only retain what they learned but also put it into use!

The Tuttle Twins books are some of the best parenting books for raising smart kids because of how they present their lessons. One book in the Tuttle Twins series that teaches critical thinking is The Tuttle Twins and the Road to Surfdom.

The twins look into a new road to a beach called Surfdom and see how it disrupts the entire community. They learn about the unintended consequences that often don’t receive enough attention when powerful people are determined to go through with their plans. By seeing how the twins discover the consequences of this new road, readers will start to learn how to identify the consequences of their own actions — before taking them.

How to Raise Independent Thinkers: Fun Activities

In addition to books that teach critical thinking, you can see how to raise independent thinkers through some fun activities. Some activities include puzzles like Sudoku or jigsaw puzzles.

You can also hold debates or discussions about complex topics, demonstrating how to solve complex problems. Role playing can help kids understand problems from different points of view and learn how to empathize with others who hold those views.

There are many options for parents wondering how to raise independent thinkers, from books to activities that will be fun for the whole family! Books that teach critical thinking, like the Tuttle Twins series, are a great launching pad to start with before diving into these above activities because they trigger discussions and debates that will also enable critical-thinking skills. Now that you know everything you need to know about teaching critical thinking, it’s time to get crackin’!