Still Hope Movie Inspired by True Stories Review

Movies

A Powerful Film Sheds Light on Urgent Crisis

Many thanks to Studio 523 for providing access to screen this movie before release for the purpose of review. Opinions are 100% my own.

The new film Still Hope, which is based on real-life survival experiences, opens in theaters nationwide on February 5. It shines a much-needed spotlight on the disturbing existence of human trafficking in America today, particularly the abduction of girls and young women. It's something many parents know little about, and if they are aware of it, few moms and dads are comfortable discussing with their daughters the dangers of meeting strangers online.

The Storyline

As the movie directed by Richie Johns begins, what appears to be just another ordinary family story about a wholesome 16 year-old girl named Hope (played by Luna Rivera) quickly unfolds into something much deeper, darker, and ultimately inspirational. 

At its heart, Still Hope is about a teen from a loving, close-knit family who is kidnapped and forced into prostitution by someone she thought she could trust. The film doesn’t just tell a story, it reveals to the audience the true horror of the very real human trafficking that hides in plain sight across small towns and big cities alike in the United States.

Hope is just another typical teen when she meets a young man online and agrees to meet him in person. Tragically, he's not the nice guy she expected and he turns out to be a predator. Quickly she's forcibly taken against her will away from her family into the dark world of prostitution and human exploitation for many months.

The dramatization of abuse and torture by those who kidnapped the teen sets the stage for what happens after she escapes her captors. The filmmakers then intentionally shift focus of the narrative to the long winding road to rehabilitation, to her physical and emotional healing as a survivor and to Hope's ultimate reconnection with her family.

One of the film's most poignant themes is how trauma not only affects the victim directly, it also challenges and reshapes family relationships. Hope’s rehabilitation isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, mental, and spiritual. She struggles with trust, nightmares, guilt, and a deep distrust of men, including her own father, whose embrace once meant safety but now reminds her of everything she’s been through and lost. 

The Reality of Human Trafficking Today

To truly appreciate Still Hope, it helps to understand the scale of the very real societal crisis it portrays. While precise numbers are difficult to pin down, credible sources show that human trafficking is a major issue in the United States.

• In 2024, the US National Human Trafficking Hotline received more than 32,000 reports of possible trafficking incidents, involving over 21,000 potential victims including thousands of minors
• Estimates suggest between 14,500 and 17,500 children are trafficked into the U.S. each year from other countries with about 80% of the victims being woman and girls
• Globally, millions are held in forced labor or sexual exploitation at any given time

These statistics are sadly quite realistic. They reflect the lives of real people like Hope which is why seeing Still Hope is so important. It reminds us that trafficking doesn't just happen somewhere else, it can happen in our backyards to kids living in seemingly safe communities.

Parent-Child Discussion Safety Tips

Without a doubt, due to the subject matter, Still Hope isn't easy to watch either for parents alone or for moms and dads to watch together with teenage children. However, it opens the door to an important conversation to have with kids which can be life-changing and potentially prevent experiences like these happening to vulnerable people, particularly girls and young women.

How to talk to kids about stranger danger

• Start early While minimizing the grim details, kids do need some awareness that not everyone online or in person is who they claim to be and could be dangerous
• Teach digital intelligence Friends online should be treated like strangers until trust can be established in verifiable ways
• Practice scenarios Reinforce that it's okay to say "no," to check in often with family and to trust their instincts
• Open the dialogue Create a home where your teens feel safe telling you about uncomfortable things they're worried about without fear of judgment

Final Thoughts

Still Hope isn’t just another film to see on the big screen that both parents and their teens will relate to. It’s educational, emotional, and deeply human. It forces us to look at a hidden community crisis through the lens of one family’s suffering and resilience. And in doing so, it offers something rare: not just a movie, but a call to awareness, compassion, and action. For certain, this film will stay with those who watch it long after the credits roll.

About Still Hope

Buy tickets now to see Still Hope in theaters starting February 5 to help build awareness about human trafficking. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to organizations that care for the recovery of trafficking victims. Visit the official website to learn more and to see the movie trailer.

Surviving Young Kids Home for School Vacation

Parenting

Guest Post

by Jen Wirt, Mom of 2 

CEO and Founder, Coral Care

Tips to Manage Children When Routine Disappears 

Whether it's winter break or summer vacation, things looks magical from the outside. With school vacation and holidays, kids are home, the days are slower, and there is more time for family. 

But for many children (as well as their moms, dads and caregivers) those who thrive on predictability find that the sudden loss of structure can feel overwhelming. School provides natural anchors for kids. There are clear transitions, built-in movement breaks, visual cues, and adults who guide the flow of the day. When all of that disappears overnight, many boys and girls struggle to stay regulated. 

Parents often describe these holiday breaks as a mix of joy and chaos. You may notice more emotional outbursts, more clinginess, more sibling conflict, or more difficulty following directions. None of this means your child is being “difficult.” It simply means the brain is working harder. 

With a little structure and creativity, you can help your youngsters feel secure and grounded, even when school is out. The goal is not to recreate the school day but rather to create predictable patterns so kids feels safe and know what to expect. 

Create simple daily anchors to give the day shape

Anchors are consistent touchpoints that happen every day, in the same order. They do not require a strict timeline. They simply give a rhythm to the day. 

Examples of anchors: 

• Morning: breakfast, get dressed, choose two activities for the day 
• Midday: outside time, lunch, quiet activity 
• Evening: bath, reading, lights out

These predictable patterns lower anxiety and help children navigate transitions more smoothly. Even kids who appear flexible on the surface benefit from anchors because they keep the nervous system steady. 

Visual schedules reduce stress, increase independence 

During school, children rely heavily on visual cues. When those cues disappear, a visual schedule at home fills that gap. 

A visual schedule can be:

• drawings 
• simple words
• sticky notes
• pictures printed from the internet 
• a whiteboard on the fridge 

For kids ages 3 to 8, visuals provide clarity in a way spoken words alone cannot. A child may resist “time to clean up,” but when it is clearly written or pictured as the next step in their day, the transition feels more manageable. 

A simple school holiday break schedule might look like:

1. Breakfast 

2. Art project 

3. Outside time

4. Lunch

5. Free play

6. Movie or quiet reading 

7. Dinner 

8. Bath and bedtime routine 

You can encourage your kids to take turns to help build the schedule each morning, which gives them a feeling of control and lowers resistance later.

Movement is the foundation of regulation 

Kids rely on movement to regulate their bodies. Without recess, gym class, and hallway transitions, their energy builds up quickly. Movement is not just “getting the wiggles out." It is how the brain resets. 

Physical activity ideas that work indoors or outside:

• scooter rides or sidewalk chalk obstacle courses 
• freeze dance 
• animal movement games (bear crawls, frog hops, crab walks) 
• hallway bowling using stuffed animals 
• kids yoga or breathing exercises 
• pillow jumping or couch cushion obstacle courses 

Movement should appear at least two or three times a day during school vacations. When kids move, focus improves, emotions stabilize, and cooperation increases. 

Create a cozy calm space for emotional resets 

School breaks, especially during the winter holidays, often brings bigger emotions. A designated calm-down space helps kids learn to notice when they are overwhelmed and gives them a place to reset. 

Possible items for a calm-down space:

• blankets and pillows 
• a weighted lap pad 
• books or sensory-friendly toys 
• a soft lamp or twinkle lights
• noise-reducing headphones 

This does not need to be elaborate. Even a small corner with a blanket and a book creates a sense of retreat. 

Use theme days to add excitement, organization 

Theme days are a fun, budget-friendly way to create structure. They give the day direction, help kids understand the plan, and make long stretches of unstructured time feel manageable. 

One of our favorites: Princess Day 

• princess themed craft 
• build a castle with blocks or Magnatiles 
• dress-up dance party 
• princess “tea time” snack 
• visual schedule showing each activity 

The best theme days build on your child’s interests. Other ideas include:

• Dinosaur Day 
• Chef Day 
• Art Studio Day 
• Construction Day 
• Science Day 
• Winter Wonderland Day 
• Superhero Training Camp 

Theme days also naturally incorporate movement, creativity, and connection, which helps regulate the nervous system.

Winter and summer breaks may highlight new concerns 

With more time at home, parents may notice patterns they didn't see during the school year. 

This might include: 

• difficulty with transitions 
• emotional outbursts that feel disproportionate 
• sensory sensitivities 
• difficulty following multi-step directions 
• challenges with fine motor tasks 
• frustration tolerance struggles 
• speech or articulation concerns

If you are noticing any of these, you are not alone. School breaks often brings clarity because you are seeing your child in a more unstructured environment. 

Coral Care offers in-home pediatric therapy and a free developmental screener that helps you understand whether OT, SLP, or PT support may benefit your child. 

Take the free screener 

Book an evaluation 

Or call or text: 617-463-9342 

Extended breaks from school do not have to feel chaotic. With a few predictable routines, moments of movement, visual anchors, and playful, low-cost activities, you can help your child feel steady and make this time together more joyful. 

About the Author

Jen Wirt is the founder and CEO of Coral Care, a platform helping families access high-quality pediatric therapy, without the waitlists, confusing systems, or insurance hurdles that too often stand in the way. Nearly 1 in 5 children has a developmental delay or disability. Jen’s work sits at the intersection of parental advocacy, early intervention, and healthcare innovation. She holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Rochester, an MS in Engineering and Innovation Management from Brown University, and an MBA from Babson College. Jen lives in Westchester, NY with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs.

About Coral Care

The spark for Coral Care came from Jen’s own experience: when her infant daughter showed signs of developmental delays, Jen quickly realized how difficult it was to get timely, in-network support. What should’ve been a straightforward process felt impossible. She created Coral Care to change that—for her family and for the thousands of others navigating similar challenges.

Coral Care connects families with trusted speech, occupational, and physical therapists for in-home sessions, while also supporting clinicians in building sustainable private practices. For more information about Coral Care visit the organization's official website.

Holiday Party Dress Jewelry Accessory Inspo

Style

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor

Mommy Blog Expert

MBE partnered with Responsival, post contains affiliate links

Gold Chains, Sparkles, Bows Trending for the Holidays

There's no better time than now that calls for more festive dressing up for parties, celebrations and all other special occasions than during the holidays. 

Sparkling Sequin Styling is Hot this Season

This holiday season, gold jewelry, sparkles and beautiful details like rhinestone trims, sequins, ribbons and bows are all in high demand in women's clothing and accessories. As a girl who loves all the holiday glitter and bling, I could not be more excited to share my favorite picks for this season. Whether you're shopping for what to wear to the holiday office party, an elegant Hanukkah or Christmas gala, casual yuletide get together, or New Year's Eve bash, check out these glitzy, fun fashion finds I've discovered for you. 

Festive Jewelry

Let's start with the basics to add some bling to your seasonal look. Riding on the popular continuing trend of layering gold necklaces of varying lengths and types which I absolutely love, this is the place to start your holiday wardrobe planning, shopping, and building. 

Gold necklaces as foundational jewelry don't just to add that needed sparkle accent to whatever you're wearing. Whether it's a new sequin bedazzled dress or a piece from your existing wardrobe, a gold necklace or two can go with just about every style of holiday dress from casual to formal, boho to elegant, and simple to over-the-top glitzy.

The December holidays are the perfect time to elevate your style vibe with statement earrings, too. No matter which holiday you celebrate, there is something you'll appreciate in this jewelry category. I just love these sparkling over-sized menorah earrings for Hanukkah.

 

For those of you going to Christmas parties this season these rainbow rhinestone 2-inch Christmas tree earrings are perfect. Meanwhile, Disneyana collectible fans will want to check out these huge twinkling novel Disney Mickey Mouse Christmas Tree Earrings. 

Don't just decorate your neck and ears, consider rounding out your jewelry ensemble with some holiday-inspired bracelets like this Tis the Season Bracelet Set or this pretty Gold Bow Crystal and Pearl Cocktail Ring.

Beautiful Holiday Clothing

One of the hottest picks of the season is the sequin mini skirt which can be dressed up or down with a sweater or blouse depending on the event. Dazzling fringed sequin mini dresses are also vibing during the holidays this year. Equally full of sparkle is the long sleeve sequin shift dress.

Ribbons and bows are also front and center in holiday dressing for the current season. You'll be the talk of the party in a Christmas Red Cutout Sleeve Bow Sweater that can be worn casually with your favorite jeans or dressed up to top a sequin skirt. For a more elegant, formal look to make your big party entrance this one shoulder white taffeta bow mini dress is a great choice for the holidays as well as for you to wear again year-round to other special occasions like weddings.

Holiday Handbags, Shoes and Accessories

A special handbag is another must-have holiday wardrobe find to go with your holiday outfits. My favorites include this boho rhinestone hobo shoulder bag which goes from day to evening with ease so you can take it to the office and then out to an evening on the town. Another look in basic black that I really like is this elegant cutout handle box clutch with a big bow with a removeable chain shoulder strap.

For something really special and sparkling for New Year's Eve parties, I'm leaning toward  sparkling conversational bags from a designer brand I have bought several handbags from before. On my personal gift wish list is this stunning pink champagne on ice bag conversation starter that's handbeaded. I'd also like to own this white and gold beaded champagne toast crossbody handbag with removable bead star charm and gold chain strap. It's small but roomy enough to stash your iPhone or Android phone and few other essentials, keeping your phone handy for those Instagram-worthy holiday moments while you're enjoying all the festivities.  

You're not going to want to forget the shoes either. These can definitely make or break your entire holidaty outfit. Among the season's plentiful collection of party shoes available, this pair of slingback flats with rhinestone side bows and these sweet rose gold glitter ballet ankle ribbon tie flats are my style. For other accessories to take your holiday party look to the next level, how about some black fishnet rhinestone tights which would look so beautful with a pair of black stilletos with rhinestone embellished bow and your own chosen holiday party dress. For dressing up a more casual look, I'm also loving these sequin furry lined slip on boots which are comfy and cozy, as well as festive and sparkling so they'd be great to wear with jeans, a denim skirt or boho maxi dress. 

Holiday Inspired Shopping Now Underway

There are so many truly beautiful fashion and accessories that are calling your name and personal style and so many holiday sales with big savings to discover. If you haven't already planned what you'll be wearing to all the holiday events you're going to attend, now's the time to stop everything and go online shopping to have your outfit delivered to your doorstep or to order ahead of time to pick up in many stores nationwide. 

Happy Holidays!

Little House Homecoming Movie Debut Review

Movies

Little House Documentary Premieres Thanksgiving Weekend

The whole family is invited to gather around your flatscreen TV or monitor at home to watch the new documentary film Little House Homecoming exclusively on Trellis Virtual Cinema. The debut of this home entertainment release marks 50 years since the beloved Little House on the Prairie hit television show, starring the late Michael Landon as Pa Ingalls and Melissa Gilbert as Laura, first aired in 1974 on NBC television.

Many thanks to Trellis Virtual Cinema for providing a screening in advance screening to facilitate this review and the Little House Homecoming Giveaway we are hosting.  Opinions are 100% my own.

Interviews with Original Cast, Michael Landon's Children

The TV show, like the documentary Little House Homecoming, is inspired by the Little House fiction book series by Laura Ingalls Wilder based on her frontier life and first published in 1932. During the film, original Little House TV cast members take viewers on a virtual roadtrip to visit each of the real life historical Midwest small towns where Laura lived during her lifetime from early childhood in Pepin, Wisconsin until her passing at the age of 90. She was laid to rest in 1957 next to her husband Almanzo Wilder in Mansfield, Missouri.

Co-hosted by original TV series actors Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder) and Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson), the documentary features Karen Grassle (Caroline Ingalls), Charlotte Stewart (Miss Beadle, the teacher) and Wendi Lou Lee (who played Baby Grace along with her twin sister Brenda). Two of Michael Landon's nine real life children also appear, including Michael Landon, Jr. and Jennifer Landon, reminiscing about their father and their lives together both on the set and at home.

A Virtual Journey to Places Where Laura Really Lived

The documentary visits all the important Laura Ingalls Wilder historical homestead sites. The fascinating footage gives the audience the opportunity to see important preserved buildings, artifacts, and vintage photos related to Laura's personal life as well as her work as an author.

• Pepin, Wisconsin, setting of Little House in the Big Woods 
• Independence, Kansas, setting of Little House on the Prairie
• Walnut Grove, Minnesota, setting of On the Shores of Plum Creek
• Burr Oak, Iowa, Laura lived here between books
• De Smet, South Dakota, setting for By the Shores of Silver Lake, The Long Winter, Little Town on the Prairie, These Happy Golden Years, and The First Four Years.
• Mansfield, Missouri, where Laura lived and wrote all her books until her death
• Malone, New York, Almanzo's childhood farm homestead

With a wonderful script, heartfelt interviews and behind the scenes cinematograpy, the documentary beautifully ties together Laura's pioneer history with the Little House TV series which generations of viewers have loved.

Kids, Parents, Grandparents and Will Love It

Whether you're 8 or 90+ years old, Little House Homecoming has something for every member of the family. The characters like Laura and her family remind us why they have endured for generations. Their resourcefulness, strong work ethic, faith, creativity, and love for one another during pioneer days remain with us, despite our lives today living in a fast-paced world. Without a doubt fans of all ages, young and old, will enjoy watching this together.

Virtual Movie Giveaway

Win a Chance to See Little House Homecoming

Hurry, Enter NOW, Giveaway Ends 12/1 

To Enter for chance to win a virtual code to see Little House Homecoming, follow @mommyblogexpert on Instagram and leave a comment on this Instagram post. Winner will be notified by Instagram direct message

More about the Movie

Little House Homecoming is available for viewing now exclusively on the Trellis Virtual Cinema. See the movie trailer, Buy Tickets and learn more about the new documentary on the official movie site.

The Rise of Multigenerational Travel

Family Travel

Guest Post

by Michelle Catin, Vice President Marketing

Club Med

Travel Across Generations is Trending

Traveling with a small family unit including kids might seem simple, but it often isn't. Mom and dad typically handle all the vacation planning and payments, with mom usually shouldering the burden of vacation reservations, trip organization, packing, and caring for the children. On these so-called vacations, parents more often than not end up spending little time unwinding when they need it most. That’s why more families, especially millennials and Gen Z parents with young kids are considering multigenerational travel. By incorporating grandparents to help with childcare as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins into the mix, everyone has something to do that they enjoy and can also have a little time to themselves. 

Reasons to Consider Big Family Trips

Vacations with extended family do require work, but they also yield huge benefits

• Tag-team childcare, taking turns taking care of each other's kids
• Increased quality time and bonding with family who may not live nearby
• Time as a cohesive family unit, helping pass traditions on to younger generations
• Lasting family memories that everyone will cherish for a lifetime 

As long as you keep your expectations realistic, you can get these rewards and more. 

Great Options for Multigen Travel 

Since travel is a time-honored tradition for millions of families, it’s easy to find vacation variations that work even for both small and large family trips. 

Your best bet is to choose family trips that have something for everyone like

• All-Inclusive Resorts
• Cruises
• Theme Parks
• National Parks 
• Cities with family-friendly activities 

Be expansive in your lodging options, and you’ll find something that works for the group.

 

How to Incorporate Everyone Into Your Travel Plans 

Designate a coordinator 

The first thing you should do as part of your travel plan is to designate a family member coordinator. This person should be primarily responsible for getting the discussion going and keeping it progressing toward actual decisions and commitments. Ideally, the coordinator has some experience in navigating reservation systems and general travel planning. Skills in working well with others and finding the best options to present to the group are also highly desirable. Note that this person should not be doing 100% of the work. It’s just wise to have a single point who can organize suggestions and do some of the legwork of executing the plan. 

Plan early

Family travel planning is essential. Multigenerational travel is not usually a thing you can plan on the fly, so it really helps to get a head start. The designated coordinator should aim to allow three months or more to coordinate and gather everyone's preferences and dates for reservations. Everyone should commit to an affordable budget and be considerate of family size when you breaking down what each group will pay. If you need to stick to a specific budget and not go over, consider options like all-inclusive vacation packages that have all the costs included from the outset. 

Encourage collaboration 

The goal is to have a trip that everyone enjoys, which means that all parties need to have a say in the location and activities. Kids' opinions should be considered, too! Create a group chat to discuss options and get consensus before the trip coordinator starts planning the itinerary. If you notice that someone slows their participation in the chat, considering them aside to find out if there’s a reason they aren’t investing. They might feel bowled over with the discussion and need some help contributing.

Create some flexibility

While family trips ought to have plenty of activities to keep everyone occupied, they also need to provide some flexibility. Babies and young children may need breaks throughout the day to nap or decompress. Older adults may want to dip in and out based on their energy levels. Big families often have varying opinions about what counts as fun, so they’ll want to choose how to participate. When planning activity options, be sure to include some time for everyone to relax or do things as an individual family unit. 

Work and play 

There’s no doubt that family trips take a lot of work in preparation and during the event. To avoid the most Type A person getting left with all the responsibility and none of the fun, break down the work into tasks. 

A few ideas to create balance

• Ask each family (or generation) to take over planning everything for one day 
• Have all the adults take a shift to attend to the kids
• Use a sign-up sheet template to coordinate meals, reservations, and other activities 

Remember you don't need to have people sign up for every minute of the trip, but you should aim to cover all the basics before you go.

 

The sky's the limit for the family vacation you dream up ...

Multigenerational family travel is increasingly popular because it offers so much more than a nuclear family trip. The trick is to make vacation plans that work for everyone, by getting input and making choices that value each person’s physical and emotional needs, likes and dislikes. With these tips, you'll have some great ideas to help make your next family trip a memorable experience for everyone. 

About the Author

Michelle Catin is Vice President Marketing at Club Med, a provider of premium all-inclusive vacation packages. She has over 20 years of experience in marketing PR, and specializes in the hospitality industry.