CorporetteMoms

Updated: Jul 26, 2022 120 Comments · by

Family Friday: Toddler Boys’ Zion Sandals

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Blue toddler sandal

It’s midsummer and my youngest has outgrown his sandals.

For a new pair, I like these from Target’s Cat & Jack. I particularly like the hook and loop closure for a customizable fit, easy-on/easy-off, and stability. This casual sandal is perfect for summer adventures, even messy ones since it’s also easy to clean.

Cat & Jack’s Toddler Boys’ Zion Sandals are $19.99 at Target and come in sizes 5–11. They’re available in blue, gray multi, or olive.

Sales of note for 9.10.24

(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)

Kid/Family Sales

  • Carter’s – Birthday sale, 40-50% off & extra 20% off select styles
  • Hanna Andersson – Up to 50% off all baby; up to 40% off all Halloween
  • J.Crew Crewcuts – Extra 30% off sale styles
  • Old Navy – 40% off everything
  • Target – BOGO 25% off select haircare, up to 25% off floor care items; up to 30% off indoor furniture up to 20% off TVs

About Ann

Ann is a working mom, a longtime reader of Corporette and CorporetteMoms, and has been writing our morning fashion advice for working moms since November 2020! She has a daughter (born winter 2014) and a son (born fall 2019) and is a public interest lawyer in Washington, D.C.

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    My sister turned 35 this week. I texted her but did not have my act together to send her anything. She’s single, lives in a condo with her dog, doesn’t drink alcohol and doesn’t really eat sweets. She doesn’t need anything. She’s a super liberal in a swing state.

    I want to send flowers and something silly/ lighthearted/ fun. Ideas that can be bought on amazon and delivered in the next day or two? Think, silly mug, fun shirt, desk tchotchke, etc.

    • Anonymous says

      I would order her the ice cream shirt from Overseasoned Amy. Just google it. Super high quality t shirt cute fun design.

    • anonM says

      If the condo has a decent yard, we were recently gifted LED bocce balls (GoSports 85mm LED Bocce Ball Game Set Includes 8 Light Up Bocce Balls, Pallino, Case and Measuring Rope). They have been a hit, and my MIL just bought a set too!

    • AIMS says

      A friend of mine sent me a really nice hair mask from Amazon and has, in the past, done other slightly splurge self-care stuff, and I am always happy to get them.

      • Anon says

        Yeah, that’s what I default to. Happy to provide ideas! I’ve done a tatcha mask in this situation which i think was a good one.

        My sister also really liked when we got her Goodr sunglasses, a book of the month subscription but it was romance to a local bookstore, some fun popsicle earrings.

    • AwayEmily says

      Not from Amazon but every person I have sent Recchiuti chocolate to has thanked me profusely. It’s really, really good.

  2. Fallen says

    Flying to Asheville next week with my soon turned 4 year old. Tempted to bring a stroller (for longer sightseeing/flat hikes) but torn if worth the hassle. WWYD?

    • Anon says

      A stroller won’t help with hiking, you’d need a carrier. Asheville is a driving city, we didn’t do a lot of walking except around the downtown area which is small. (In contrast with, say, NYC, where you walk or take public transit everywhere).

      We ditched our stroller for most trips once my kid turned 4 and she has muscle tone issues and is below average endurance for her age. We’d take it if we went someplace with miles of walking like Disney, but for a normal trip we can make do easily on foot and with public transit/cars at this age.

    • AIMS says

      If you don’t bring one and realize it was a mistake, you can always get a cheap umbrella stroller at any Buy Buy Baby etc.

      FWIW, my 4.5 year old complains more about walking in NYC where we live than he does when on vacation where things are novel and more interesting to him. We did a 12 hr day in Disney with no issues, for instance. And he’s done flat hikes with no issues. So you may be pleasantly surprised.

      • Anon says

        +1 to novelty being a big factor. At home my 4 year old whines if we make her walk more than half a mile. On vacation she easily walks double or triple that amount. We’re on vacation this week and she just did a 1.5 mile hike with almost 400 feet of elevation gain with no complaints.

    • Bette says

      We just did Asheville for a week with a 22 month old and didn’t even bring a stroller. We actually stayed in a cabin on Black Mountain, but were 100% with just a good hiking backpack carrier. Never missed the stroller at all.

  3. busybee says

    Starting to think about planning my daughter’s first birthday party in October . Would it be better to have it on a Saturday or Sunday? We have a large extended family and there doesn’t seem to be a particular day that most people choose. We will be hosting it at our home in the afternoon. Pro of Saturday would be more time to clean up on Sunday; pro of Sunday would be more time to prep on Saturday. What do you think would be more popular for our attendees?

    • AIMS says

      I like to do Saturday parties and take off Friday afternoon to prep if I can.

    • Janey says

      Honestly if I were you, I’d recommend Saturday afternoon, and not too late, maybe 1 pm. Anxious-me ends up spending every minute day-of prepping/worrying, but it really only takes an hour or two at most. So then you’re just sitting around waiting for it to start.

  4. Anon says

    Stokke steps or Montessori-style learning tower? I’m looking forward to having LO in the kitchen hanging out with me, and looking forward to being able to properly cook again. But our current furniture is cheap and rickety, so I’d like to get something sturdy and nice intended for kiddo. Budget will hopefully stretch to a steps/tripp-trapp or a tower but not both. WWYD?

      • OP says

        I would love to buy used if I could find one, but no luck in the months I’ve been looking unfortunately. I live in a very small town.

    • anonamommy says

      Learning tower all the way. It was big for our small kitchen but used almost every day, and I think really fostered a love of cooking/helping for kiddo. We used it from about 18 months to 4.5.

      • Anonymous says

        +1. My kid will push hers over to the windows to look out or else just hang out and “supervise” whatever we’re doing (not quite at the point where she wants to “help”).

      • FVNC says

        +2. We don’t have the tripp trapp but we’ve had a foldable learning tower for probably 7 or 8 years now (our oldest is nearly 9). It still gets regular use by our 5 year old, and frankly until recently when our older one hit a growth spurt, she’d occasionally still use it as well.

    • AwayEmily says

      We had a big learning tower that ultimately got very little use…I think mostly because we had two under two, and so by the time my oldest was big enough to help, we were dealing with two kids and the chaos was just too much to allow for the idyllic cooking-together that I had imagined (and it turns out that when you put TWO toddlers in there, nothing good happens).

      Our tripp trapps, however, have been used daily and we LOVE them.

    • Anon says

      We have a tall folding step stool that my son uses at 2. It’s light enough he can carry or push it around and way cheaper than the learning towers. Obviously less “safe” but at 2 he’s never fallen off it in the 6+ months we’ve had it.
      Basically anytime I’m in the kitchen he goes “stool!” And grabs it.

    • Anon says

      Look for learning towers on fb marketplace. Ours is our mvp – it’s a great way to contain a kid in the kitchen.

    • Anon says

      We have both: Tripp trapp and a sprout learning tower. Tripp trapp hands down. A regular stool is fine for kids and wish I didn’t buy the learning tower.

      • CCLA says

        Yeah we have and love the stokke steps (used from about age 2-almost 6 so far). Since about age 3 the regular step stool has been fine in the kitchen and without a giant house I appreciate not having one hanging around.

  5. Anonymous says

    last minute goody bags- b’day party is Sunday, movie theater, kids ages 6-8. B’day includes movie snacks.

    What would you do for a goody bag? Am thinking giant box of movie theater candy but parents may kill me. Other ideas?

  6. Anon says

    I have to go to Richmond, VA for work. I have never been to DC (other than passing through in a car or at an airport). My family will probably not come with me on this trip. How hard would it be to add on one day in DC? And what would you do if you’d never been there and don’t know when you will be back?
    Also, the Richmond visit is short but I would love to hear about that too, especially parks!

    • Anonymous says

      I live in the RVA suburbs. Getting to DC is quite a hassle. I usually drive to the Franconia-Springfield metro station and metro the rest of the way in. This avoids some of the traffic plus the parking hassle. I’d allow at least 3 hours each way, longer during rush hour. Traffic has become an issue on weekends too.

      There is lots to do in Richmond. Maymont is the best park in the city. It’s got a historic house with gardens, walking trails, a nature center with otters, and some animal exhibits outdoors. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is fancier. The Museum of Fine Arts is fantastic and has a sculpture garden. The Canal Walk is a great way to see the river along with murals and sculptures.

    • Anon says

      It’s about 2-2.5 hours away depending on traffic. It doesn’t seem worth it for a day to me. Also DC has way more than you can see in a day, and is a great place for older (elementary+) kids. I’d just plan a separate trip to DC with your family.

    • Mary Moo Cow says

      Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens is a lovely way to spend a few hours! If you come before October, check out the Butterflies Alive exhibit and get lunch/a drink in the neighborhood Lakeside/Bellevue area The VMFA is also wonderful and has an outdoor sculpture garden. It really is a gem of museum for a city of Richmond’s size. You can park at the museum and walk to Carytown, a neat shopping and restaurant corridor. (Our family favorites are Mellow Mushroom pizza and Bev’s Ice Cream.) Are you staying in the city or in the suburbs? The city is walkable, but public transportation is mediocre.
      As to DC, we’re only about 100 miles away, but 95 traffic is a nightmare, any time of day. There are two train stations with service to DC, but the train is not necessarily fast or convenient. I’ve been in the area for 10 years and been to DC twice, each to meet someone for just a few hours. But, if you are up for a drive and don’t necessary want to do DC, George Washington’s Mount Vernon has lovely grounds and a good tour.

    • Anonanonanon says

      I do the reverse commute pretty frequently and it’s not a big deal, BUT heading toward DC in the morning and away from DC in the afternoon will be ROUGH on a weekday. If you can do it on a Saturday I think you’d be fine! Or, just be prepared for a 3.5-hour or so drive each way and do it if you think this is your one chance for a long time! The other option is to drive to Spotsylvania and take the Virginia Railway Express commuter train there and back. I like the VRE, it’s nice and quiet, but I’ve never done the trip from that far south.

      The first lady inaugural gown exhibit at the smithsonian american history museum was my favorite touristy thing I saw as a newbie to the area. The outdoor sculpture gardens at hirshhorn and national gallery are nice and at least one has a cute little cafe, I liked that when I was new as well.
      The Wharf is a pretty waterfront area with restaurants, etc.
      DC is a much better food city than I realized before moving here, so there are a lot of good restaurants, definitely look up some restaurant guides to find a good lunch place, or maybe even dinner and wait until a bit later to head south back to Richmond to let some of the traffic ease.

      • Anonymous says

        I find VRE more of a hassle than it’s worth compared with Metro.

        I like the National Portrait Gallery, especially if the new Obama portraits are there and not out on tour. The National Archives are also very cool.

        • Anonanonanon says

          Agree in general, but if I’m heading northbound on a weekday morning I’d rather stop at Spotsylvania than Springfield!
          And yes, I forgot the Obama portraits, 100% should see those!

    • Anonymous says

      You can take Amtrak from Richmond to DC – I think it’s a couple hours but waaaayyy less stressful than driving!

      Richmond itself is nice enough for an extra day on its own, but if you want to actually visit the nation’s capital, then you must absolutely do the tourist thing and walk along the National Mall so you can see the Capitol, all the Smithsonian museums from the outside, the monuments, the Reflecting Pool, the memorials. Obviously DC is a lot more than that and more dynamic, but that’s what everyone thinks of when you say “DC.” Plenty of great and varied food options in Penn Quarter, just a short walk from the Mall. If you’re interested in seeing the embassy buildings from the outside, that’s worth a gander over towards NW side of the city too. Or go to Georgetown and walk along the riverfront after window shopping.

    • Janey says

      Ooof yeah that sounds challenging. Will you have a car? If not I recommend Amtrak to Union Station. Then I recommend picking one of the Smithsonians you’re interested in and spending several hours there, then having a meal at Rasika and getting the crispy kale. Normally I’d say try to see the monuments but (1) it’s muggy as heck now and (2) they’re super spread out so I’m not sure how feasible it is to see them all on a quick day trip.

  7. iifknew says

    We are thinking about taking my (then) two months away from being 4 and 6 year olds in March 2023 to Portugal. We’d spend about 10 days on the ground. Flights from where we live are 11.5 hours one way then 14 hours the other way (including the layover in madrid, paris, or London etc.). Is this worth it? I know it’s ambitious, but if we’re not moving around much once we’re there and have very kid friendly accommodations, wondering if the kids could handle the flight.

    • Anon says

      I haven’t flown internationally with kids, so no advice there! But, if you can find flight with connections in the US (rather than having your connection in Europe), that will save you from having to deal with any Covid testing requirements in 2 countries. Instead you’ll just have to deal with the requirements Portugal.

      • Anon says

        Covid testing requirements are pretty much gone in Europe, and any testing for the destination country would likely cover the transit country. I’m the person below who went to Spain and Italy this year and we transited through Germany both times and we didn’t need additional testing or forms for Germany.
        That said, if you’re worried about the long flight I think trying to transit in the US is a good idea.

    • Anon says

      Yes totally worth it! We took my 4 year old to Italy (Florence and Tuscany) and Spain (Barcelona and Mallorca) this year and the trips were so much fun. 4 is the age that travel really “clicked” for us and became not that stressful. Long flights have never been challenging for us – kid just watches TV the whole way. Jet lag was challenging with a baby and toddler but by 4 she understood the concept of sleeping when it’s dark out.

      We’re going to Portugal next March too!

      • Anon says

        Do you have one kid or two? Anything is much easier with one kid and two adults. That being said, i have two four year olds and I personally have no interest in traveling with them to Europe right now, but maybe I’d feel differently if one was older rather than both 4. In terms of whether its worth it that is such a personal thing- some people like to travel far with young kids and some don’t.

        • Anon says

          I have one, but I do a lot of solo travel with her, so same adult:kid ratio as two parents and two kids. Solo travel did not get enjoyable for me until age 3.5-4, which is what I based my comment about travel clicking at that age on. I think a 6 and 4 year old would be much easier than two 4 year olds just based on how fast kids change and mature, but as always YMMV.

      • OP says

        Thank you! Is your child pretty easy always? I know my 5 year old will be easy(ish), she has a concept of being respectful etc. but when we took my newly turned 3 year old on the plane this last May, he refused to sit for 3 hours. So i’m weary of how much he’ll improve by age 4 for such a long haul flight but man I really want to go and I think once we get there it will be easy based on the accomodations and activities we’ll be doing.. he would watch his tablet for about 20 minutes then be ready to do something else on the flight. OF course i rbought crayons, snacks etc. :sigh:

        • Anon says

          Mine is not an easy kid generally. She’s VERY stubborn and strong willed and had multiple meltdowns every day at age 3 and still has regular meltdowns at 4. But she’s always been a pretty good sleeper and has always been easily entertained by TV, so those things have made travel and flying easier. The thing about not being able to sit still on a 3 hour flight might give me pause.

    • Anonymous says

      I wouldn’t do Portugal in March. Lisbon is dreary and rainy and the hills are a lot for little ones.

      • Anon says

        Pretty much any part of Europe can be rainy and chilly in March. Portugal is actually much better than average weather-wise. If you go in expecting 70 and sunshine every day you’ll be disappointed, but the odds are pretty good you’ll have decent weather for being outdoors. Especially if you’re coming from the Midwest or Northeast where freezing rain or snow in March is not uncommon (rain >>> snow in my book).

    • Janey says

      Oooof. I don’t think I would. Our kids are about 2 years older than yours and we’re still waiting another few years before taking them to Paris. There will be time. I’d rather do it once and have it be a positive memory rather than stressful.

      • Anon says

        I feel like it depends on how often you can/want to do this. If this is a once in a decade thing for your family, it makes sense to wait until your kids are older. But if you have the desire and money to travel to Europe regularly then I guess why not go now? At worst, you decide your kids were too young and try again in a couple of years.

        DH and I love to travel and the idea of putting international travel on hold for 10+ years is crazy to me. Even if it’s not always easy and even if the kids don’t remember, it always feels worth it to me.

    • CHL says

      We went in July with a 7 and 9 year old and had a great time but it depends what your expectations are. Lisbon is very hilly and 4 and 6 is kind of young for the historical site. Sintra is cool but a LOT of hill walking. We loved just hanging out in Cascais, but in March the weather might not be great. So, maybe my comment is that the flight length isn’t the barrier, but more will it meet your desires from a vacation standpoint. Maybe someplace flatter?

    • Anonymous says

      Know your kid and your exceptions. As they say, traveling with kids is a trip rather than a vacation. Personally, I would do it. I love traveling and some of my favorite memories have been traveling with my kid. We are leaving for a trip next month and I think my 7 year old is as excited as I am. He has been included in the planning and therefore, there are certain sites and activities at the hotels that he is looking forward to experiencing. I am certain he will complain about a few sites but he has already been informed about activities we do not expect he will enjoy. Generally that helps with his expectations. It is hard to predict if/when you will have a terrible flight. I’ve had flights where my kid was an angel and one where I was ready to stop traveling completely. The easiest flights have been as he gets older and anticipates the vacation. Sometimes the trip home goes just as well bc he is excited to be reunited with his toys!

      I am sure my trip to Portugal was completely different than yours will be. We went when my kid was not yet 2, so I was able to get in port tasting after playground time. It was a good fit for that age. We did not spend time in Lisbon but pushing a stroller in Porto was a workout! A hilly city prevent me from visiting but I may take public transportation/cab for a break or stop for a treat. Sintra was amazing and I think a 4 and 6 year old could enjoy it. I have a long list of places I want to visit, but I loved Portugal and cannot wait to find an opportunity to visit more of that country. There

      • Anon says

        My 4 year old has totally caught the travel bug too. It’s so fun to see her excitement and anticipation for trips, and I can’t wait to involve her more in planning as she gets older.

  8. Feeling bummed says

    I have twice embarked on a mission to get back to my pre-COVID, pre-baby weight. The first time, I got gallstones and had to have my gallbladder out. That derailed me for awhile.

    This time, I tried to lose the weight more slowly (so far about 18lbs over roughly 10 weeks). I just had bloodwork done and have some elevated levels that quick googling shows may be related to the weight loss as well. Waiting to get actual followup from dr of course.

    I’m just bummed that both times I’ve tried to make a “positive” change, my body hasn’t reacted well. I’m still a few pounds away from “healthy BMI”, but I’m wondering what that even means if it’s causing me all kinds of metabolic stress. Maybe this is part of getting old??

    Also, the handout I got from the doctor about getting to a healthy BMI was laughable – “Try to eat all your meals slowly and sitting down! Switch to 1% milk!” Um, I shove my breakfast in my face while getting my kids out the door, and randomly eat pieces of fruit during my meetings throughout the day. I haven’t sat down to slowly eat a meal in YEARS. I’ve lost the weight purely through calorie restriction and increase cardio, I haven’t had time to like, balance my macros or whatever the f*ck I’m actually supposed to do.

    can anyone relate? I feel really sad, when I was starting to feel good about my weight loss. Hoping I haven’t damaged my liver or something. ugh.

    • Anonymous says

      It you don’t want a pep talk feel free to ignore this post.

      18 lb in 10 weeks is amazing! That’s almost double the average weight loss trajectory! And you have a high stress life! And you’re exercising which is so helpful and important! The bloodwork might be related to what you’re eating (just guessing) so you may have to tweak that. But keep going! You’re doing so awesome. Unless the blood work says you’re about to have a heart attack, I’d find a weight loss regimen that works for me and try to stick with it (probably not keto). Time restricted eating? Low carb? Pick what seems least “restrictive” to you.

    • anon says

      I’m curious as to how slowly and healthfully losing weight could damage your liver? I have never heard of such a thing

    • Anon says

      100% relate. I got a call from a wellness counselor today ahead of my yearly PCP physical in a few weeks. They assigned her to call me because my BMI indicates obesity. The advice was–eat more vegetables, exercise, get sunshine, sleep 8 hours per night. I wanted to laugh and cry. Do you think I don’t know that? Also how is this possible with a big job, 4 year old, and 4 month old? I have been considering doing one of the “medical weight loss” clinic type things just to give myself a jump start and some accountability, but those programs feel so icky from the outside looking in.

    • Anon says

      Yup, I don’t have time for anything, it’s so frustrating. What helps me is frozen or prepared meals – Trader Joe’s, local catering co, etc. I eat the same thing for breakfast and lunch. If I need something quick I drink a ripple protein shake. I find that I’ve only gotten terrible advice from doctors. I recently moved and when I found a new doctor and went in for a physical, she just quoted some basic guidelines about exercise we all know when I told her that my form of exercise was playing tag with my kids or doing yard work. I would love to go to yoga classes or bike or run, but it’s going to be a while. Read the room lady.

      Honestly seems like you’re doing great. Hopefully the numbers are just a fluke.

    • More Sleep Would Be Nice says

      I had a PCP – at a very highly regarded health system – once tell me to lower my carb intake to lose weight. Like…what?

      Also I find those handouts – even sometimes for peds – laughable. I think there is definite value in them for certain populations and things, but like for adults “read the room” as the poster above thread said.

      • Anon says

        Lowering carb intake can help with weight loss if you are insulin resistant or pre diabetic.

      • Anon says

        I mean, lowering carb intake for weight loss is evidence based if there’s metabolic syndrome (which there often is if someone has excess weight to begin with, though they shouldn’t assume!).

    • anonM says

      I can so relate! I just had to eye roll recently when an acquaintance with no kids ranted about how when HE has kids he will still prioritize the gym, no excuses, etc. What really derailed me was my pelvic floor, and then when I finally got myself to a PT regularly…COVID. It’s almost funny if it wasn’t so frustrating! I also always have to listen to unhelpful advice from the dentist because I grind my teeth at night (I wear a mouthguard, so w/e!). “Just do some yoga and relax!” OK, can you just tell that to my kids and boss? LOL SO HELPFUL.

      What does help me is focusing on health vs. weight and reminding myself it is not all or nothing. An extra walk a week is not perfect but it is something! Also, I improved a lot when I had this realization that no one will thank me later for ignoring my health. So, I do try to sit down more for meals because I do enjoy that and I eat much better that way, even if it means ignoring the kids for 10 minutes.

      In short, you’re very much not alone in this struggle, be a little easier on yourself.

      • OP says

        “No one will thank me for ignoring my health.” Ooooh that is good. Needed to hear that.

    • Anono says

      You don’t have time at all during the day to eat a meal slowly? Even lunch is rushed? That’s not a “hahaha that’s totally impossible” piece of advice.

      You sound like your weight has made progress during a really challenging time. Eighteen pounds in 10 weeks is really a lot.

    • Janey says

      If it’s helpful, I’ve lost 20 lbs in the last 2 1/2 months or so with intermittent fasting. (Strict, like a 4 hour eating window or OMAD or burn days.) The best thing about it is that not-eating doesn’t require any additional time, for those of us with big jobs and busy schedules.

    • OP says

      Thank you to everyone who replied – I do feel better. My doctor didn’t call so I’m guessing the numbers are not actually THAT concerning and may have been because I was 1) dehydrated or 2) did a pretty intense workout the night before (both of which would explain it, rather than liver or kidney damage).

      It’s nice to hear I’m not alone… and to remember health is important and if I run myself to the ground, I’m no good to my family OR my company.

  9. Law Firm question says

    I asked this question on the main page (although it looks like it’s in mod…) but I’m re-asking here with additional context. Are billable hour requirements in a job offer negotiable? I received an offer from a small firm that requires 1900 hours, and as a mom with two young kids and a busy husband, that number is giving me great pause. I’ve been out of law school for more than 10 years and never worked in private practice. Can I negotiate the hours, and if so, how do I do so and what should I offer? Thanks so much.

    • anon says

      I am at a biglaw firm so there is an official policy on this. The way it works for my firm is you can ask permission to work any percentage of your minimum for the same reduction in pay (i.e., I work 80% hours for 80% of the usual salary for a person of my experience/title). For me, this equates to 1600 hours, which is a lot easier to stomach. Most of the people who work reduced hours in my firm do not go lower than approx 70-75%, so 1400 or 1500 hours.

  10. NYC with kids says

    Saw a poster who lives in NYC so hoping I get some help on this one! Just bought tickets to take DD (7) and DS (6) to NYC for a long weekend this fall. Staying near Rockefeller Center. We used to live in New York, so I am familiar with the city but still struggling with what to plan (and how aggressively). We’ll be there for two and a half days.

    At the moment I’m thinking Central Park, either top of the rock or Empire State Building, and maybe highline plus Chelsea Market or Brooklyn Bridge plus park and pizza are on my list. I also think they might enjoy Chinatown and doing dim sum? I know AMNH is popular at that age but our city has a great museum with lots of dinosaurs, etc. so I don’t think it would wow them that much – I actually think they might be into the Museum of Math which we could pair with Eataly (but I only ever shopped there, didn’t eat there).

    Probably saving statue of liberty unless we end up with a free half day in which I might just take them down to ride the staten island ferry.
    Anything I should add on to these ideas? Anything that would be a bad idea? Not planning to do it all! Just brainstorming right now.
    Would also love any good restaurant recs if you have them!

    I apologize – I know this has been asked before but search was failing me!

    • NYCer says

      These all seem like really fun ideas with 6 and 7 year olds. For two and half days I probably wouldn’t add anything else, those seem like good highlights. Maaaybe a quick stop in Times Square just because it is quite a spectacle, but no need to spend much time there. I would definitely plan at least a bit of downtime in Central Park or another park or playground both days though. I personally don’t think Eataly will be very exciting for kids (fine if you just want to go there to eat though, but realistically, my kids would probably rather just eat at Shake Shack at Madison Square Garden). There is a decent Lego store in Flatiron and also the Harry Potter store is nearby – both might be more interesting than Eataly.

      Depending on how “rugged” your kids are, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge is pretty fun too. You could do that with Brooklyn Bridge park if you think they would do it without complaining too much (it is just over a mile on the actual bridge).

      I think dim sum is a know your kid thing. My daughter is slightly older and still doesn’t really like it.

    • Anonymous says

      For the highline, I would do the following path: see the vessel at Hudson yards; walk down the Highline and walk around Little Island; cut over into Chelsea/Meatpacking for lunch at Chelsea Market.

      For another activity option, if you take the ferry to Governor’s Island, you can ride bikes with the kids, get great views of Manhattan and the Statute of Liberty, and get a short bonus ferry ride in. They have places on the water you can grab lunch.

      If you want to check out a museum, my nephews got a big kick out of the Subway/MTS museum in Brooklyn. We rode the subway down and sat in the very first car so they could look out the front window on the way down.

      Have fun!

    • Anon says

      I just went to NYC with slightly older kids (DD is 9), and we did Central Park + MOMA, One World Trade Center (plus 9/11 memorial), a pizza tour (my older ones loved it, my 9 y/o was neutral), Luna Park/the Aquarium (I wouldn’t recommend, it’s stop far), and we ate bagels at three different shops (that was quite popular).

      We didn’t do Chinatown because we live in the Bay Area, but I think that would be a fun experience even if they might not like dim sum (my kids love dim sum). You could go into the little bakeries and get a treat.

      Maybe a show?

      • Anon says

        Oh, the Lego store and the Nintendo store were huge hits. We walked through Rockefeller Center in between.

        • OP says

          We’re staying right by there so we’ll definitely hit those – thanks!

    • startup lawyer says

      Taking a ferry to domino park in williamsburg would be cute too but not a must

    • Momofthree says

      You may be surprised re: AMNH. We were coming from DC, which also has a good dinosaur exhibit & the kids were impressed with the one at AMNH, it is MASSIVE (and my kids know most dinosaurs by name, so they may have been uniquely interested).

      Parts of the Met may be fun especially since they have immersive rooms & the large Egyptian exhibit.

      In addition to rockefeller center, there’s also the Summit One Vanderbilt, which is one of the newest skyscraper exhibits & meant to be multi-sensory w/ an infinity room feel. We decided not to go with this b/c one of our kids has sensory issues & thought it might be too much for them.

    • ElisaR says

      my kids are young so we haven’t done it yet, but by 6 and 7 maybe you could do a broadway show? It’s definitely a quintessential “new york” experience!

      • Anon says

        I’m not a NYer but I love the theater and 6 is really pushing it for a full length Broadway show. Not saying there aren’t kids who could handle it at that age, but I think many can’t. Personally I wouldn’t take kids that age to Broadway unless they’ve had experience sitting through 3+ hour shows before and they had some interest and familiarity with the show (Aladdin or Lion King would be good if they know the movies).

  11. Dream trip says

    Dreaming of a belated birthday trip.
    2 adults and what will be a 2.5 yo
    All inclusive resort or cruise?
    Assume cost/amenities are similar. And travel time (driving to port vs flying to resort is similar). I’m leaning toward a resort based on past experience.
    Kid will be too young for most of the “kids clubs” but loves pools and the ocean.

    • Allie says

      I hate to be that person, because really us “ordinary” people can only do so much, and we all reasonably prioritize different things, but a resort is sooooooooo much better for the environment than a cruise that if you’re torn, I’d let that sway you to resort.

      • Anonymous says

        What if you have to fly to the resort and could drive to the cruise port, though?

        • Allie says

          I mean someone can actually do the math, but I think the cruise is way worse environmentally even in that scenario.

    • Chl says

      I would go all inclusive over cruise. Our boys liked grand palladium colonial in playa del Carmen. There is a good kids pool, a little
      Train that can take you around and it’s just easy.

    • Anon says

      Environment and Covid aside, resorts are a safer bet with kids that age. Cruises with toddlers can be really stressful depending on how much of a daredevil your kid is, and it’s also tough to get good sleeping arrangements for a family on a cruise. Pools will typically be less crowded at a resort vs cruise.

      My vote would be Beaches Turks and Caicos if you have the budget. It’s usually in the $1k a night range, but that includes all meals and alcohol and some activities. They included childcare for infants and toddlers, unlike most other resorts. Turks and Caicos is stunning; one of my favorite Caribbean islands, and the water tends to be very gentle and good for kids.

    • Anon says

      People here are very negative about cruises, but I think they can be a lot of fun with or without kids. That said, the main advantage to a cruise in my opinion is to visit several places in a short amount of time or to see scenery that’s best seen from a boat (e.g., Norwegian fjords, Mediterranean coasts). If you have a 2 year old and (understandably!) plan to spend most of your time at the pool and beach, a resort is probably the right choice.

      • OP says

        We would just be doing a carribean resort or cruise leaving from the SEUS
        Not particularly “scenic”
        Anyone gone to Cancun recently with kids? Seems one of the most affordable and short flight for us.

        • CHL says

          We went right outside Cancun in March. We stayed at the El Cid resort which actually probably isn’t the best for little kids (other resorts had cooler kid pool areas). It was super easy to fly in and out although our transport to and from the airport was super delayed – I think their demand is outpacing their labor market.

        • Anon says

          We’re going next week! Staying at the Wyndham Alltra which is a little more budget than we’re used to, but we’re traveling with family on a tight budget. I can report back. I love Cancun but it may be hard to get in the ocean with young kids there. Most of the beaches are exposed to the open ocean and have serious waves. But the resorts all have pools and kids play areas.

    • Janey says

      I vote resort, with a 2.5 year old. We’ve done four cruises (DGAF about the environmental impact sorry, they’re fun!) but the main draw to me is (1) the food, (2) the shows, (3) the novelty of doing things like waterslides and dance parties “at sea”, none of which a 2 year old will appreciate. The resort will have MUCH nicer pools than the cruise ship, more space for the toddler to run around, more ability to run to a grocery store if there’s some item you need badly, and more space to sleep in the hotel room.

    • Melly says

      Paridisus Playa Del Carmen is amazing – do the conceirge and upgrade your room. it is worth it. But don’t go March- July seaweed is all over playa del Carmen

  12. Anonymous says

    I should not apply for a job that would come with a 40% raise and for which I am uniquely qualified if I don’t like the people I’d be working with, the job would involve less flexibility and an awful commute, it would involve doing more of what I dislike about my current job and none of what I do like, and it would permanently derail a career pivot I’m trying to make, right? Right?

    Husband wants me to apply “just to see,” but it’s a very small world and word would definitely get out, so it would be imprudent to apply unless I were sure I wanted the job.

    • Anon says

      Last year I took a job with a 35% raise and ended up working with only some people I didn’t like and had to commute 3 days downtown instead of 1 and I was unhappy enough that I went right back to my old job for basically a cost of living increase. And I am so happy. Some people might be able to compartamentalize or something better than me but the money was not with being unhappy so much. Good luck!

    • EB says

      Does he see something you do not? Unless there are other benefits to you that you have not mentioned, I think maybe he just has dollar signs in his eyes?

    • Momofthree says

      Unless your family desperately needs the money, I would say no. Besides the pay, nothing about that job sounds appealing. Generally I would say, have a conversation to confirm that the job description matches what the job will actually be, but it seems like you know that already.

      I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this in regards to career- there are lots of jobs that I am qualified for/could make more money at, but I choose to not do them b/c I don’t want what comes along with them (more travel/ more work hours/ longer commute/more stress/ less interesting tasks, etc.). It’s ok to say no.

      • Janey says

        I mean, I might apply just to satisfy DH, with the hopes of not making it past the initial screen, and then you don’t have to hear about how you “passed up” that job making XYZ more money for the rest of your life. If you actually end up offered an interview, you can decide whether to proceed and find out more, still with little downside. Applying doesn’t mean you have to take the job. It’s a first step in a very long and uncertain process.

        • Anonymous says

          So I just did this yesterday: got recruited for my old job, and thought “what could it hurt?” and applied. The entire process has been totally miserable and reminded me why I left in the first place. Apply if you want I guess but this just sounds like you’re set it g yourself up for a hard decision. And OP, if people in your industry talk, I would not apply with the attitude that you can “just turn it down” – you look like you’re shopping or a flake.

    • Anon says

      Hard pass for me, but we are in an extremely stable situation where I would not have to make a change to a job that sounds terrible for a pay increase. If my financial situation were different, a job I didn’t like but paid that much more might be worth considering. I am obviously in the “loving your job is a bonus not a requirement” school of thought.

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