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.

Grow Movie Family Friendly Review

Movies 

Movie Review: GROW the Film 

There’s a new family-friendly movie opening today in theaters nationwide that’s just in time for pumpkin spice season and Halloween. Announcing the big-screen release of GROW, a film that kids and parents will enjoy seeing together which is full of the coziness of a hot pumpkin spice latte as well as a funny and entertaining alternative for those families who prefer not to watch scary movies. 

Many thanks to US Pumpkin Distribution, LLC for providing advance access to this movie for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

The Latest in Kids Fall Entertainment

If you’re looking for a wholesome, feel-good movie to celebrate fall, GROW will warm your heart and leave you smiling. The story centers around Charlie, an imaginative and curious young girl who discovers the magic of nature in her own backyard when one of the pumpkins she's growing for the town pumpkin contest, an adorably named pumpkin named Peter, starts to talk. What begins as a small gardening project blossoms into a delightful adventure about friendship, patience, and learning to care for something that depends on you. 

Charlie’s bond with Peter the pumpkin is what makes this film truly special. Their conversations are both funny and full of gentle life lessons that resonate with kids and adults alike. Peter isn’t just a talking pumpkin— she’s a reminder that growth, whether it’s a plant or a person, takes time, care, and love. Parents will appreciate the film’s deeper message about nurturing responsibility and the importance of protecting the environment. 

Check out the

GROW Movie Trailer

The colorful fall scenery, from golden leaves to pumpkin patches, creates the perfect cozy autumn vibe, while the film’s gentle humor keeps even the youngest viewers entertained. The animation (or, if live action, the practical effects) brings Peter to life in a way that feels real and magical at the same time—think a friendlier cousin to Olaf from the movie Frozen, but made of pumpkin and kindness. 

Beyond its entertainment value, GROW quietly teaches kids about sustainability, gardening, and appreciating the natural world. Charlie’s enthusiasm for planting seeds and caring for his little garden patch is contagious -- you might just find your own children asking to grow something after watching this movie! 

GROW Kids Activity Book

8 Pages of FUN FREE Printable

Ideas to discuss at home after seeing GROW together

• The Power of Patience: How did Charlie learn that growing things takes time and effort? What other parts of life need patience too? 
• Friendship and Caring: What does Peter teach Charlie about being a good friend and taking care of others? 
• Love for the Earth: How can your family help the environment like Charlie did in the movie? 

Some fun kids activities inspired by the movie 

• Plant a Pumpkin Patch: Get hands-on by planting pumpkin seeds. Kids will love checking each day to see how their plants “grow,” just like Charlie. 
• Make Recycled Planters: Reuse old milk cartons, jars, or yogurt cups as planters. Let kids decorate them with paint or markers to personalize their “Peter the Pumpkin” pots. 
• Start a Compost Pile or Recycling Bin: Start a family compost bin or set up recycling containers to learn how to reduce waste and help the planet. 
• Outdoor Gratitude Walk: Take a family stroll through a local park or your neighborhood to appreciate nature and discuss what you’re thankful for this season.

With its uplifting message, relatable lovable characters, and gorgeous autumn visuals, GROW is sure to become a new seasonal favorite. If you'd like to plan a fall family movie night out, this heartwarming film reminds us that the smallest seeds—of kindness, care, and curiosity—can grow into something truly beautiful. 

More About the Movie 

To learn more about GROW the film, visit the official movie website as well as follow the film on social media @GrowTheFilm on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. Find a theater near you and Buy Tickets Now.

Fall Fashion Accessory Trends for Moms

Style

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor

Mommy Blog Expert

MBE partnered with Responsival for this story, post contains affiliate links

Fall 2025 Styling Inspo for Busy Moms

Now that the kids are back to school, and you're finally done with the endless shopping lists for your children this fall, it's time to shift your focus back to you. 

Whether you are an on-the-go stay-at-home mom juggling playdates or a working mom balancing career and family, fall is the perfect season to freshen up your everyday looks. With cooler days ahead, you don't need a total wardrobe overhaul -- just a little mix-and-match magic using what you already own with a few well-chosen new versatile pieces.

7 Mom-friendly Fall Trends You'll Love

Here are this fall's top fashion trends to easily mix in with your current wardrobe and that you’ll actually love wearing, without sacrificing comfort or your sanity.

Classic Earrings

Jewelry is one the easiest and fastest ways to elevate your look, whether you’re just wearing jeans and a T-shirt or something more appropriate for the office. This season, classic gold stud earrings are leading the pack in style. This accessory is timeless and polished, perfect for PTA meetings or a Zoom call at work.

Layered Chains

Another jewelry trend that’s mom-friendly is layered necklaces. Wondering how to layer necklaces like some of the most fashionable new generation celebrities? Start with one or two chains ideally with different types of links that you may already own, then add one or more new ones with a subtle charm detail to create a pulled-together look without trying too hard.

Relaxed Wide-Leg Pants

Skinny jeans, especially for moms, may be taking a back seat this fall. Wide-leg jeans flatter most figure types, making them perfect for dressing up or down. In fact, this season's trendiest women's pants are not just available as jeans, you can buy them in-store and online at both major department stores and boutiques, in gorgeous, flowing, soft fabrics comfortable enough for school pickup yet sharp enough for a day at the office. Pair them with sneakers, ankle boots or comfy flats for easy versatility.

Cozy Knit Tops in Earth Tones

Pastels as well as warm browns, muted greens, and soft rusts are everywhere this fall. Instead of buying all new sweaters, pull out those old favorites and add one or two updated knit pullover sweaters in your favorite trending color. There are so many ways to wear sweaters, tucked in or out. They're cozy, forgiving, and perfect for layering with tee tops, collared shirts and blouses, too.

Structured Tote Bags

Moms need bags that can do it all, that keep you organized, not to mention provide space to spare for carrying kids' stuff. Stylish, structured practical totes are trending this season and are roomy enough to stash snacks, files, a tablet and smartphone, perhaps even your new iPhone 17. If you already have a neutral leather tote, this is a great opportunity to bring it out of your closet and back into rotation or invest in a good quality leather, beautiful, roomy new shopper bag that will last for years.

Flats with a Twist

Flats are another practical must-have example of trendy accessories for busy moms. This fall, women's footwear is making a major comeback with ballet flats -- featuring details like square toes and Mary Jane ankle straps -- in nearly every texture, metallic finishes, and embroidered details. Ankle boots with low heels are again popular with moms this season. Another favorite timeless mom footwear many of us moms opt to wear are sneakers which are now available in a wide range of styles beyond just walking or running shoes. I just love these Square Lace-up Satin Sneakers which are so pretty, yet practical. Any of these shoe options are all comfy enough for running errands yet polished enough for office wear, whether you're wearing pants, a dress, or suit set.

Scarves Add a Touch of Style

Scarves are an old favorite, with bold, conversation starter patterns trending right now. Think art-inspired scarves as well as classic oversized plaids or contemporary abstract prints in silk and a variety of other fabrics and textures. Tie one around your neck, head, or waist, or simply toss a scarf over your daytime or office basics and suddenly you’ve got a fresh, fashion-forward outfit with almost zero effort. There are so many creative ways to use scarves to elevate your look: tie a scarf nine ways around your neck or get creative and turn a colorful scarf into a hair accessory, swap out a belt and wrap a scarf around your waist or even tie a scarf on your bag as a charm. 

You Deserve to Look and Feel Good This Fall

Being a mom means your schedule is packed, but that doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to feel stuck in a rut. With just a few new trendy pieces and some rediscovered gems from your own closet, you can step into fall looking stylish yet practical. Remember: fashion should be fun, not stressful. And it doesn't need to be expensive. So embrace what works for you and your budget, to mix in a little of what’s trending, and enjoy the confidence you'll feel looking so put together without trying too hard. 

The Short Game Family Movie Review

Movies

Movie Review: The Short Game

A Heartwarming Faith-Based Story About Family, Sacrifice, and What Really Matters

Looking for a wholesome movie the whole family to see together? Every once in a while, a movie comes along that does more than just entertain -- it touches your heart, a reminder to parents and kids about life’s most important lessons. The Short Game (2024) is that film. 

MBE partnered with Momentum Influencers for this review

Opening in Theaters August 29, 2025

Rooted in faith and family values, the storyline for The Short Game movie follows Jeremy, a high school golfer who is a contender for the Texas State Golf Championship. As the film opens he seems destined for greatness on the golf course, but as the story unfolds, we discover this motion picture isn’t really about golf at all. It's about something much larger: the importance of patience, sacrifice, and kindness and how sometimes the biggest victories aren’t measured by sports trophies.

Check out The Short Game's 

Movie Trailer

From the very beginning, viewers are drawn into Jeremy’s world. He is laser-focused on winning the state tournament, practicing endlessly and pushing himself to be the best. His constant companion is Ethan, his younger brother who is autistic. Their relationship starts out rather distant with Jeremy so consumed by the game that he struggles to pay attention to his brother and to connect with Ethan’s needs and unique way of experiencing the world.

But slowly, through small and tender moments, we see a transformation. Jeremy begins to notice his brother’s quiet wisdom, his resilience, and the joy he brings in unexpected ways. Ethan, in turn, shows Jeremy the true meaning of patience and compassion. The dynamic between these two brothers becomes the emotional heartbeat of the movie.

By the time the film builds to its climactic final tournament, Jeremy is faced with a life-changing decision. Will he chase the championship title he has dreamed about for years, or will he make the ultimate sacrifice for Ethan—choosing family over fame? The way he responds is both inspiring and humbling. His choice demonstrates a character of true integrity, showing audiences, especially young people, that doing the right thing is always more important than personal glory.

With beautiful cinematography, authentic performances, and a script that feels both heartfelt and grounded, The Short Game resonates deeply with families. Parents, teens, and even younger children will walk away reflecting on what it really means to love unconditionally. For families raising kids with special needs, the film is especially powerful, offering a moving portrait of inclusion, of sibling relationships and the unique bonds that grow when kindness leads the way.

Ultimately, The Short Game isn’t much about golf—it’s mostly about life. It’s about faith, family, and the sacrifices we’re willing to make for the people we love. And it’s about recognizing that true victory is not found in medals or championships, but in putting others first.

If you’re looking for a movie that uplifts, inspires, and sparks meaningful conversations at the dinner table, The Short Game is a must-see. This is a film that parents will want to watch with their kids, and grandparents will be glad to share with the whole family. A beautiful reminder that at the end of the day, love always wins.

More About the Movie

To learn more about The Short Game, visit the official movie website as well as follow the film on social media @theshortgame on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Affordable Term Life Insurance for Dads, Moms

Family Money

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor

Mommy Blog Expert

MBE parternered with Responsival for this post

Term Life Insurance Important, Accessible to Families

As parents, we often spend so much time focused on just getting through each day, worrying about our family -- feeding the kids healthy meals, making sure they get to school and activities on time, taking care of their health and more, as well as balancing the family budget. But there’s another layer to family finance that often gets overlooked: term life insurance. 

An Important Discussion for Parents

Talking about life insurance may not be the most fun topic to chat about with your mom or dad friends group online or while waiting in the carpool lane at after school pickup. But when you have children depending on you, this is one of the most important ways you can protect your family. Term life insurance ensures that in the event that the unthinkable happens, your kids will be financially cared for --from keeping the roof over their heads to covering everyday expenses, college, and beyond. 

Here’s the part few parents realize: term life insurance cost is often much more affordable than you’d expect. On average for this type of insurance, an independent study shows that monthly premiums cost around $26, which is less per month than a couple of takeout dinners or a streaming subscription. 

Surprisingly Affordable for Families 

According to a recent analysis, it will cost approximately $300,000 to raise a child today from newborn to adulthood. When you consider how expensive raising kids already is (hello baby equipment, braces, sports fees, summer camps, and college savings accounts!), this small monthly cost to cover term life insurance can actually fit seamlessly into your overall household budget. 

Think of it as one more expense line item in your parenting toolkit -- just like groceries, gas, or extracurriculars -- but one that can provide peace of mind for the well-being of your kids. If you’re wondering where to find the extra dollars to cover the nominal cost of your term life insurance policy, you don’t need to stress. Making small but intentional adjustments in family lifestyle spending can easily provide you with the  savings needed to pay for this type of life insurance. 

5 Simple Ways to Free Up Money for Monthly Premiums 

Here are five realistic ideas parents everywhere can use: 

• Skip just one latte a week on your way to work. That’s about four fewer lattes a month -- easily enough to cover affordable policies. 
• Pack lunch instead of buying out once a week. Brown-bagging lunch savings can add up to $20–$40 monthly. 
• Cut back on unused subscriptions. Cancel that forgotten app, magazine, or duplicate streaming service and redirect those funds. 
• Opt for one at-home family movie night instead of going to the theater. Just one swap could cover nearly a month’s premium. 
• Plan meals smarter by using leftovers before food spoils. Reducing food waste by $10–$15 a week means you’re already ahead on covering the cost. 

Parenting, Peace of Mind, and Family Finance 

At its core, term term life insurance cost isn’t just about money—it’s about love, responsibility, and protecting what matters most. Parenting is already one of the biggest and most rewarding jobs in the world. Knowing your children will be taken care of financially, no matter what, is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. So, while getting term life insurance may feel like “one more thing” to think about and one more expense decision to make, the truth is that it’s a surprisingly small financial step that brings enormous peace of mind. 

With a little planning and a few lifestyle spending adjustments, you can easily fit term life insurance into your family budget. And in today’s world of ever-rising costs of raising kids, that’s one investment in your family’s future that’s well worth it. 

Free Character Drawing Camp for Kids

Creativity

Character Design Virtual Workshop July 28 - August 18

I love sharing freebies with MBE's national family lifestyle audience. But when it comes to sharing free, worthwhile creative art activities like Creativity Camp that will engage your kids this summer, I can't wait to tell you all about it. So, let's get started!

MBE participates in the Amazon Affiliates program, post contains affiliate links

WHAT

Creativity Camp, hosted in partnership with Wacom and Best Buy, is an annual complimentary online workshop series. The program is designed for both kids, young creators and beginner artists who enjoy sketching and drawing and would like to learn how to create (or up their skill set game) to draw original characters for comics, illustrated stories, video games, anime, and more. Wacom will be giving away the company's drawing tablets during each class (giveaways are open to attendees who are US residents only).  

4 Workshop Sessions Include

• Introduction to Character Design
• Shape Language, Intro to Model Sheets
• Expressive Faces, Poses Design
• Final Details, Professional Feedback

WHO

Led by seasoned illustrator and educator Lafe Smith, Director of Arts in Graphic and Web Design at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD), this weekly Zoom series to be help Mondays, July 28–Aug 18 requires nothing more than a pencil and paper to join in the fun and learning. In each session, Smith will provide participants with insider tips, tricks, and step-by-step directions. Throughout the program Wacom tablets -- the same ones used by top artists at animation movie studios like Disney and Marvel (the later, a subsidiary of Disney) -- will be featured in live demos, and all sessions include bonus resources, materials, and replays. Another perk of participating is getting complimentary feedback from a professional illustrator.

WHEN 

Creativity Camp 2025 is an online series to be held each Monday, July 28 through Monday, August 18, 2025 from 3 to 4:30 pm PDT.

HOW 

To participate in this virtual month-long workshop, register Free to attend Creativity Camp. Sign up now and join this fun, skills-building program to learn how to draw digitally. Don't worry if you miss the start of camp or any of the individual sessions, once you're registered you'll be able to catch up and access the recordings of each class.

 

Wacom Drawing Tablets for All Skill Levels

Pictured above, just a few of the brand's product line

• Wacom Intuos Drawing Tablet for beginners
• Wacom One Drawing Tablet for entry-level pros
• Wacom Movink OLED Drawing Tablet for professionals

ABOUT

Creativity Camp is a collaboration of Wacom and Best Buy. Headquartered in Japan, Wacom makes graphics tablets, interactive pens and stylus products for a global audience of creative skill levels from hobbyist to professional. The brand's devices are used professionally to draw and sketch in the fields of digital illustration, graphic design, photo editing, film and animation. Best Buy is known primarily as a consumer electronics retailer selling computers, tech accessories, cell phones, TVs, major household appliances and more. 

Custodial Roth IRA Benefits for Kids

Family Money

by Janis Brett Elspas, Editor

Mommy Blog Expert

MBE partnered with Responsival for this post

Saving for Your Child's Future

With savings interest rates so low right now, it's the ideal time to think about other ways to get each of your kids started with building a nest egg that continues to grow throughout childhood and into their 20-something years and beyond. While far less common, a solid option to consider is a Custodial Roth IRA which parents and legal guardians can set up for children. Not only does this present the opportunity to teach kids about money management early it also helps them build long-term wealth at a higher rate, giving kids a headstart on financial independence.

 

 

Custodial Roth IRA for Kids Basics 

You may be wondering what on earth is a Custodial Roth IRA? And why you should you even care about setting up one for your son or daughter? So, let's get right into it.

In the simplest terms the Custodial Roth IRA is a retirement account for kids. It's managed by you and you can be set up an account for any age child. When the minor reaches the legal age of adulthood (typically 18 or 21 years old) the funds in the account are transfered into their name. This type of child's account is just like a standard Roth IRA for grownups -- after‑tax dollars earned from work by the contributor go in and qualified withdrawals later are tax‑free. 

You can contribute the amount your child earns each year, whether from teenager earned income like babysitting, mowing lawns, modeling, or any W‑2 part-time or summer job. Parents, Grandparents and others may also contribute their own earned income until the child's account reaches a maximum of $7,000 of deposits per year as of 2025. The main difference from a Roth IRA is that mom, dad, or a legal guardian has to be the one to open and oversee the custodial account since minors can’t legally sign on their own.

 

Why Consider Custodial Roth IRAs for Kids 

Compound Interest is "Magic" 

Starting young, small contributions from kids part-time jobs can indeed grow huge over time. While not really magical, here's an example. With a $7,000 initial balance the first year, a Custodial Roth IRA (currently the average return rate is 6 percent) can potentially compound -- because both the principal and accumulated interest earn interest -- to almost $140,000 in 50 years. 

You can get a more personalized estimate of earnings based on what you think your account contributions might be with this free compound interest calculator.

Contribution Accessibility 

You can withdraw the money you put into a Custodial Roth IRA at any time without taxes or penalties. This is a really useful strategy when your teen needs funds for a big expense such as college, a car, or perhaps even a backpack trip to Europe. Later an adult child may tap into their account for bigger expenses for things like buying a starter home. Remember, however, that like regular Roth IRAs, the withdrawal of any tax free earnings are subject to the Roth rules of a 5-year holding period, wait until age 59.5 or meeting qualifying exceptions.

Kids Usually Are In the Lowest Tax Bracket 

Since the average child doesn't earn a salary or have a full-time, year-round job, they generally pay little or no income tax for the jobs they earn money for. In this position, the after-tax structure of a Custodial Roth IRA is advantageous for them. Not only are they paying less tax now while they are under age, they're getting access to tax-free withdrawal decades later when they're likely to be earning a lot more money because they're in a higher income bracket. 

Smart Saving for the Future is Educational 

Once a child has grasped simple math concepts in school, it's a good time to introduce them to their Custodial Roth IRA. 

Get creative with age-appropriate ways to teach and show them how interest works and how their money can increase. For example, for a 5 or 6 year-old you can use coins and show them how money can increase if they're saving it in this type of Roth IRA for kids. 

Over time, with your encouragement, tween and teens can work on more complex mathmatical challenges under your guidance working together with you to manage their investment, teaching them responsibility, budgeting and the benefits of saving early. It's a finance lesson they won't forget and will serve them for a lifetime.

 

Conclusion

In short, Custodial Roth IRAs are under-utilized in the US as only a low percent of kids currently have one. Yet, this is a powerful tool worth knowing about. It's an investment that combines a smart tax strategy, flexibility, education and money responsibility, with compounding earnings over time. 

Sure, your child is young, but starting their financial journey early and watching it grow together is one of the best gifts you can give them!

Hot Weather Family Safety Tips

Heatwave Survival

Updated 6/19/25

Heat Dome Affecting Kids, Adults 

This summer is well underway and temperatures are soaring to new heights and heat is testing the limits of humans to survive. In fact, weather forecasters are predicting the almost non-stop heatwave, also known as a Heat Dome, will force record-breaking high temperatures to spike to well over 100 degrees in many places, both in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world. 

With record heat engulfing the U.S., Yale Climate Connections (YCC) reports that May 2025 was the planet's second warmest on record. In fact, YCC says 2025 is expected to be in the top three hottest years globally. All this excessive heat, attributed to climate change by many experts, is impacting more than 5 billion of people worldwide, amounting to 60% of the world's population as of June 2024.

Make sure everyone in the family, young and old

• Drinks plenty of water all day and through the evening to stay properly hydrated, keeping in mind that alcohol, sports drinks and sugary juices often contribute to dehydration.
• Stays in covered or shaded areas outdoors or if indoors in well-ventilated areas, during the heat of the day.
• Limits outdoor sports and excessive physical exertion to the early morning hours or after dusk when the air is starting to cool off.
• Uses a good quality sunscreen with a high enough SPF --  whether it's sunny or cloudy -- to protect against harmful UV rays which can burn and dehydrate skin and add to further body dehydration.

6 Heat Wave Survival Tips

• Never leave a baby, child, ill or elderly person alone in the car even with the windows rolled down during hot days, whether in summer or any other time of the year. The same applies to never leaving a dog or other pet in the car.
• Keep more than enough extra bottles of water in your car when traveling (whether locally or on a road trip) in the event you get stranded or breakdown in the middle of the day.
• Encourage each person (all ages: babies to old age) to always wear a hat outdoors during daytime hours to help avoid sunburn on the head, unnecessary dehydration, and also aid in reducing the potential of sunstroke.
• Observe family members who have been out in the sun carefully, watching for symptoms of heat exhaustion -- such as headaches,  nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, and behavior changes -- any of which may indicate serious heat-related illness.
• Seek out qualified professional medical advice immediately if you notice anything unusual or have any doubts or concerns about how the heat might be affecting your loved ones.
• Remember your pets are usually affected by extreme heat, too. So keep them hydrated and out of the sun during the heat of the day. What's more, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement, roads, or tarmac which can burn animals' paws and even cause heat exhaustion and worst

Learn More to Keep Kids Safe in Hot Weather

Always be aware of local weather conditions and how it might impact everyone's health. Visit the CDC website for detailed information on how to protect kids from heat this summer.

Important Note: This post is not a substitute for professional medical advice and you should always seek out your trusted healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you have.

Show Me Your Glory Movie Review

Movies

Many thanks to Abba Heart Ministries for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

A Film About Real People and Miracles Experienced

The new faith-based documentary Show Me Your Glory (2025, rated ) opens in select theaters nationwide for just three days May 13-15. As a parent it is my opinion that though the main movie's message of miracles happening today is uplifting, the subject matter of this film involves some raw scenes, murder, suicide attempts, violence, drugs, and more, it is only suitable for viewing by mature audiences.

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Through a Christian lens, true stories of human suffering of kids and adults around the world are told documentary style with interviews from moms, dads and other real men and women talking about their experiences, intermixed with some dramatizations. In each of the eight of the cases profiled in the movie, it is believed that G-d intervened and complete healing or some other positive result took place through a miracle. 

The audience is also reminded, through various religious spokespeople, that the occurence of miracles is the exception not the norm. Miracles can and do happen even in modern times today.

Ranging from drug addiction, abortion, prostitution, sudden illness, serious accidental injury, suicide attempts to a terminal illness diagnosis -- this is the story of miracles that resulted in each situation. It's an inspiring and thoughtful movie that the audience will walk away from appreciating and thinking in new ways about the miracles that are constantly happening around us.

More info 

Visit showmeyourglory.com and follow Show Me Your Glory on Facebook and Instagram. In select theaters May 13-15. Find out where this is showing in theaters near you and buy tickets now.