Fun Freetime - Survey: Bathrooms as an Escape

The bathroom has become more than just a functional space, it's increasingly serving as America's unofficial escape room.

 

A new survey from Midwest Plumbing finds that 64% of Americans intentionally spend extra time in the bathroom just to enjoy peace and quiet, while 61% spend extra time in the bathroom beyond what is necessary at least once a day.

 

• On average, Americans spend 38 minutes in the bathroom every day
• 39% admit to going to the bathroom to avoid other people (31% of men, 46% of women)
• 84% of Americans bring their phone into the bathroom, spending an average of 9 minutes on their phone per bathroom visit

 

The survey also explores plumbing maintenance: 22% admit they have ignored a bathroom plumbing problem hoping it would go away.

 

Take a look at the full report for more insights

Shopping Savings - APRILSKIN

APRILSKIN, sister brand of medicube, known for its ingredient-focused skincare, clinically tested formulas and viral favorites like the Calendula Peel-Off Mask, is offering shoppers savings of up to 60% off during Amazon's Best Deal event from July 20–31.

 

The promotion will roll out in two phases and includes several of APRILSKIN's hero products, along with its rapidly growing TXA brightening collection that has recently gained strong editorial traction.

July 20-26 - Hero All Day Plumping Lip Stain (Natural Rose) at over 50% off, plus several soon-to-be-launched products

July 27-31 - dozens of products at 20-58% off

Music Minute - Leon III: Invisible Ink

Word of mouth, underground hype and a fiercely loyal following. That's been the story of Leon III (say it “Leon the Third”) so far. Armed with their fourth album Candy Cigarettes, and undeniable momentum, Leon III is ready for its biggest chapter yet.


Candy Cigarettes was recorded over two years with the primary Leon III touring ensemble, and was produced by Mark Nevers (Silver Jews, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy). The band weaves together a rich tapestry of psychedelic exploration, dark pedal steel-laced country and big, anthemic rock.

Leon III is fronted by Andy Stepanian, the creative force behind Howler Brothers, and Mason Brent, the band has quietly cultivated the same kind of authentic, grassroots devotion that transformed the Austin apparel brand into a cultural phenomenon. Like Howler Brothers, Leon III isn't chasing cultural relevance; it's earning it, one listener at a time.

The first sampling of Candy Cigarettes is “Invisible Ink,” out now on DSPs. “Invisible Ink” lumbers in with a slow and lazy groove that recalls JJ Cale. But, about 3/4 of the way through the track, it bursts into one of Leon III’s best-ever bridges with Stepanian crying “don’t break the needle, please don’t take my drugs away.” It’s an earworm and a moment ripe to be revisited.

Candy Cigarettes is full of discoverable moments and needles hidden in the haystack of its layered production. There’s a lot to find. But, there’s also an accessibility and plenty of big sing-along moments that make it perhaps Leon III’s most focused and cohesive effort to date.

About Leon III:
Someone once dubbed Leon III a “southern Pink Floyd.” That’s fair enough - mostly due to the fact that their albums are built for repeated, deep listens and sequenced to reveal themselves over time. But Brent’s lead guitar is more Jimmy Page than Gilmour, prone to unruly dissonance, feedback and, sometimes, unhinged shredding. And Stepanian’s songwriting is more personal, a jigsaw puzzle filled with rich turns of phrase touching on envy, faith, longing, rising up and crashing down.
Leon III’s sound has evolved and sharpened since their 2018 eponymous debut. The first three releases included a rotating cast of players including some megas from the indie world like William Tyler and Matt Pence (Centro-matic, Jason Isbell). But, Leon III has steadily solidified their recording and live show line up over the years and it shows.
This band knows each other well and the result is a spectrum of sound ranging from nuanced and quiet to mind mending. Although there’s psychedelia here, there’s no trace of the aimless wandering or mumbo jumbo sometimes associated with that genre. And, despite some country leanings here and there, the record eschews the cliches and well-worn paths of some of today’s Americana.


CONNECT WITH LEON III

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Parenting Pointers - How (and Why) to Embrace a Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Life

Katie Rose Pryal, JD, PhD

When I tell people that, in my writing coaching practice, I am neurodiversity-affirming (or “neuroaffirming” for short), I get some common questions:

What does neuroaffirming mean?
Do you only work with neurodivergent writers?
Can you tell me what neurodiversity even means…and how does a person affirm it?

These questions reveal why a neuroaffirming approach is so important in the first place: so many people do not understand what neurodiversity is and, because of this lack of understanding, they are not prepared to care for, teach, coach, or otherwise work with neurodivergent people—including children.

In my book Your Kid Belongs Here: An Insider’s Guide to Parenting Neurodiverse Children (Johns Hopkins 2025, yourkidbelongshere.com), I define “neurodiversity” as “normal variations in human neurological function, with an emphasis on normal.” For ease of understanding, I divide neurodiversity into three categories: developmental neurodivergences like ADHD and autism; mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and anxiety; and acquired mental disabilities like post-concussion syndrome and PTSD.

There are lots of normal human variations—just think of eye color and shoe size. When it comes to neurodiversity, however, instead of celebrating the differences, U.S. society penalizes them through discrimination. Neurodivergent kids, for example, frequently receive inadequate support in school. They are kicked off of sports teams. They are isolated and bullied.

Enter the neurodiversity-affirming approach.

A neuroaffirming approach takes into account a person's neurodivergence and how their brain functions differently from the neurotypical norm—but it does not penalize those differences.

Whether you’re talking about teaching in a classroom, coaching a kid’s soccer team, or even supervising in the workplace, a neuroaffirming approach avoids a one-size-fits-all mentality. Instead, it views neurodivergences as having both strengths and struggles, not just deficits. However, a neuroaffirming approach does not ignore the real impairments that neurodivergent people face. Instead, it takes into account how these real impairments might be made easier through accessibility and accommodations.

In short, a neuroaffirming approach celebrates our neurodiversity while still respecting a person’s struggles and providing assistance that is tailored to those struggles.

But neuroaffirming teachers, doctors, therapists, coaches, and so on can be hard to find. One barrier to finding neuroaffirming care is the history of poor treatment of neurodivergent people. U.S. and European society have a long history of eugenics and neurodiversity. Eugenics is a discredited science that tried to “improve” the human race by eliminating “undesirables” including neurodivergent people (e.g., via forced sterilization—or worse).

Twentieth-century eugenics casts a long shadow. For example, today, more research funding is spent on trying to cure neurodivergences such as autism than on helping make the lives of neurodivergent people better. Because of this past, today’s medical providers often believe that the best way to handle patients' neurodiversity is to ignore it, to fear it, or to punish it. Neurodiversity, in mainstream medical care, is an aggravation, not an intrinsic component of a patient's identity that also deserves care.

This approach of ignore/fear/punish bleeds over into all aspects of U.S. society. Neuroaffirming teachers, coaches, therapists and so on push back against these old misbeliefs, creating spaces where neurodivergent people can thrive.

At its most basic level, neuroaffirming simply means seeing neurodiversity as a normal thing and not a bad thing. It means seeing how the differences that neurodiversity brings actually improve our society.

So what can you do to bring a neuroaffirming approach into your life?

First, to find neuroaffirming medical care, start by simply asking a potential provider if their practice is, indeed, neurodiversity-affirming. While some providers might not (yet) know what the term means, many of them nevertheless do affirm neurodiversity. These providers will even be glad to have learned a new word if you teach it to them.

As an example, in my practice as a writing coach, I affirm the real struggles that being neurodivergent can cause a writer (procrastination, anyone?) and work on personalized strategies for that writer. After all, neurodivergent people are not monolithic in our challenges. I also help writers identify their strengths and learn to appreciate them. (Hyperfocus for the win!) After a lifetime of ableism, it can be hard to let go of negative beliefs about yourself. (Those negative beliefs are "internalized ableism.")

In the end, you and your family deserve to be surrounded by people who admire your differences rather than those who see you as a bother. The world needs the unique perspectives that you and your family bring.

Katie Rose Pryal, JD, PhD, is a Bipolar-AuDHD (Autistic+ADHD) writer and educator whose work focuses on neurodiversity. She is an award-winning author of more than 15 books, including Your Kid Belongs Here (Johns Hopkins 2025) and A Light In The Tower (Kansas 2024). Her literary memoir, An Autistic Girl’s Guide To Horses is coming in 2027 from West Virginia. A Pushcart-nominated essayist, she teaches in Drexel’s MFA in Creative Writing program. She lives in Chapel Hill, NC, with her spouse and children.

Substack: katierosepryal.substack.com
Instagram: instagram.com/katierosepryal
Facebook: facebook.com/katierosepryal
YouTube: youtube.com/@katierosepryal
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/katierosepryal

Money Matters - States with the Most People in Financial Distress

With 8.8 million Americans having at least one credit account that is either delinquent or in forbearance, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its latest report on the States with the Most People in Financial Distress. The report highlights where financial hardship is most widespread across the country and provides insight into the challenges many Americans continue to face.
 

Most Distressed	Least Distressed
1. Kansas	41. Idaho
2. Louisiana	42. Illinois
3. Florida	43. New Hampshire
4. Texas	44. Washington
5. South Carolina	45. Wisconsin
6. Wyoming	46. Michigan
7. Georgia	47. Vermont
8. California	48. Hawaii
9. North Carolina	49. Rhode Island
10. Kentucky	50. Maine

 

“Measuring the share of residents in financial distress is a good way to take the pulse of a state and see whether people are generally thriving or having trouble making ends meet. When you combine data about people delaying payments with other metrics like bankruptcy filings and credit score changes, it paints a good picture of the overall economic trends of a state.” 
–
“Kansas is the state experiencing the most financial distress. In Q1 2026, Kansas had the 14th-most accounts per person in financial distress. Kansas also had the 20th-lowest credit score in the country, and some of the highest Google searches for “debt” and “loans”, which shows that many people are desperate to borrow, despite already owing money.”

- Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst  


More From WalletHub

• Cities With the Most People in Financial Distress
• Cities Where People Are the Most Delinquent on Debt
• States Where Credit Card Delinquency Is Increasing the Most
• States Where Auto Loan Delinquency Is Increasing the Most

Fun Freetime - Single Tickets On Sale for CTC's 2026-27 Season (MN)

 Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is delighted to announce that single tickets for all 2026-2027 Season productions are now on sale at ChildrensTheatre.org.

 

The 2026-2027 Season will feature Pinocchio; two world premiere musicals, Twelve Kinds of Ice and Princess Kay of the Milky Way; the return of the beloved holiday tradition Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!; the playful adaptation Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical; and the Broadway smash hit School of Rock The Musical, based on the popular film.

 

The 2026-2027 Season will also feature a new Discovery Series, including three exciting shows in limited engagements at CTC: Havana Hop, Mr. Messado's School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart, and Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar.

 

"This season at Children’s Theatre Company is about becoming—about the moment when a young person realizes they have agency in shaping who they are and how they move through the world," said CTC Artistic Director Rick Dildine. "Across beloved stories, bold new work, and music-driven theatrical events, we’re inviting audiences to experience joy, grapple with big emotions, and see themselves reflected onstage. As a company, we’re proud to be part of a national conversation about what theatre for young people can be, and this season reflects our ongoing commitment to developing new work while honoring the stories that have shaped generations."

 

The season begins with Pinocchio, a classic tale built before your eyes. Using only the tools of their trade—paint brushes, scaffolding, wallpaper rolls—five theatre painters inventively stage a spontaneous retelling of Pinocchio’s quest to become a “real boy.” Get real answers to burning questions, like: How do he and Geppetto end up inside a whale? Will the good fairy actually fly? And what’s up with Pinocchio’s nose anyway? Discover the truth, amidst a few lies, in this music-filled play where Pinocchio learns empathy and accountability, things that truly bring a person to life. Adapted and directed by Greg Banks, Pinocchio runs September 8-October 18, 2026, on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. This production is recommended for ages 5 to 10.

 

Next, the world premiere musical Twelve Kinds of Ice takes the stage at CTC. Glide through the ever-shifting magic of winter as Ellen recalls childhood memories of icy adventures with her loving father. In this world premiere musical, cold temperatures and warm hearts unite to tell a tender story that takes us from spotting the first glaze of ice to building an ice rink and hosting skating shows, hockey games, and moonlit solos. Watch in awe as ice freezes before your very eyes, then melts your heart. Directed by CTC Artistic Director Rick Dildine, Twelve Kinds of Ice features book, music, and lyrics by Ben Steinfeld. Twelve Kinds of Ice runs October 13-November 22, 2026, on the Cargill Stage, and is best for ages 10 and up.

 

Up next, CTC’s beloved holiday tradition Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! returns after last year’s sold-out run. In this hit musical spectacular, the grumpy green Grinch hatches a plan to steal Christmas from the cheerful Whos of Whoville—snatching trees, swiping stockings, and sneaking away with every last present. But when one small voice and a spark of holiday spirit shine through, the Grinch begins to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Filled with music, mischief, and Seussian charm, this joyful production sparkles with laughs, warmth, and a little holiday magic your family will love. Directed by CTC Acting Company member Dean Holt, Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! runs November 3, 2026-January 3, 2027, on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. This production is best enjoyed by ages 5 and up.

 

The new year begins with Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical, a playful adaptation of every kid’s favorite alphabet book! From adventurous A, B, and C to the lonely balladeer Z, little letters take on big personalities as they’re puppeteered up the coconut tree to a mixtape of musical styles. And look who’s coming—LMNOP, an inseparable boy band with a chart-topping bop! Sing, dance, and skit skat skoodle doot in this joyful celebration of music and literacy—perfect for younger audiences and their families, with plenty of chances to clap and join the fun. Written and directed by Nina Meehan, with music and lyrics by Austin Zumbro, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical runs January 12-February 7, 2027, on the UnitedHealth Group Stage. This show is recommended for ages 4 to 7.

 

Next is the world premiere musical, Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Who will be crowned dairy queen in 1980? Find out in this world premiere musical celebrating Minnesota’s state fair. Join the Berglund family as they navigate farm chores, Mom’s frozen butterhead, and teenage aspirations ranging from 4H contests and country music stardom to adventures in outer space (wait, what?). Experience the crowds, the foods, and a plot-turning ride on the Space Tower. The Petersons, Petersens, and Peterssens will all be there, plus a mysterious visitor who drinks un unbelievable amount of milk at the fair. Oh yeah, you betcha! Directed by Addie Gorlin-Han, Princess Kay of the Milky Way features book, music, and lyrics by Christopher Anselmo and Jared Corak. Princess Kay of the Milky Way runs February 23-April 4, 2027, on the UnitedHealth Group Stage, and is best for ages 7 and up.

 

The 2026-2027 Season concludes with School of Rock The Musical. Based on the hit movie, the Broadway musical School of Rock is a high-voltage musical comedy about finding your voice. When struggling rocker Dewey Finn poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school, he transforms a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping rock band with roof-raising energy. What begins as a wild plan to win a cash prize becomes an unforgettable journey of confidence, creativity, and rock ’n’ roll. With an electrifying score and infectious spirit, this feel-good hit celebrates music, individuality, and staying true to yourself. Based on the Paramount movie by Mike White, School of Rock The Musical will be directed by CTC Artistic Director Rick Dildine, and features book by Julia Fellowes, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and new music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. School of Rock The Musical runs May 4-June 27, 2027, on the UnitedHealth Group Stage, and is best for ages 10 and up.

CTC is pleased to introduce the Discovery Series for 2026-2027—limited engagement performances that transform CTC’s Cargill Stage into a portal for culturally vibrant storytelling, where every production invites audiences to experience the world through fresh eyes.

 

In Havana Hop, Young Yeila dreams of being a superstar, but her stage fright keeps getting in the way. When she visits her grandmother in Cuba, she discovers a whole new rhythm—adding a salsa spark to her hip-hop style. In this lively, audience-participation play, one dynamic actress brings three generations of spirited women to life. As Yeila learns about her roots, she finds the confidence to shine. Filled with music, movement, and plenty of chances to dance along, this joyful story celebrates culture, family, and the power of believing in yourself. Directed by Danielle Drake, Havana Hop is written, choreographed, and performed by Paige Hernandez. Havana Hop features original music by Nick “Nick tha 1da” Hernandez and Kris Funn, and will run January 22-31, 2027, on the Cargill Stage. Havana Hop is best for ages 2 to 6.

 

Up next is Mr. Messado's School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart. Prepare to be amazed as the wildly entertaining Mr. Messado dazzles audiences with astonishing tricks, clean comedy, and plenty of surprises. In this interactive spectacle, you’ll shout the magic words from your seat—or even join him on stage as a magical assistant! Inspired by childhood dreams sparked by legends like David Copperfield, this hilarious and heartfelt show blends storytelling, mischief, and a few life lessons into a joyful, unforgettable experience. Created and performed by Joshua Messado, Mr. Messado's School of Magic will run March 12-21, 2027, on the Cargill Stage. This show is best for ages 5 to 12.

 

The Discovery Series concludes with Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar. In the late 1800s, a young Native Hawaiian student named Joseph Kekuku made a discovery that would change music forever. Sliding a piece of steel across his guitar strings, he unlocked a brand-new sound. From Hawai‘i to stages around the world, Joseph’s “Hawaiian sound” inspired generations of musicians and helped shape blues, country, and rock and roll. Featuring thrilling live Hawaiian slide guitar, stunning projections, and a powerful true story, Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar celebrates curiosity, innovation, and the global journey of a sound that began with one young inventor’s spark of discovery. Directed by Eric Johnson, Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar is by Moses Goods in collaboration with Kealakai Center for Pacific Strings. Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar will run from May 14-23, 2027, on the Cargill Stage, and is best for ages 7 and up.

 

Subscriptions to the 2026-2027 Season are still available and can be purchased online at https://childrenstheatre.org/shows-and-tickets/subscribe-and-save/ or by calling the ticket office at 612.874.0400.

 

5-Play Full Season Subscriptions range from $171-$270 for adults and $131-$234 for children. 5-Play Preview Subscriptions (the first Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday before Friday’s Opening Night) are $150 for adults and $100 for children. Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas! can be added on to any 5-Play subscription for $25-$81 ($15-$60 for Previews.)

 

Havana Hop, Mr. Messado's School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart, and Joseph Kekuku and the Voice of the Steel Guitar can be added on to any 5-Play subscription for $25-$65.

 

Full Season Subscription prices reflect a 25% discount off of the lowest ticket price—one of the benefits of subscription at CTC.

 

CTC’s 2026-2027 Season of artistic and educational programming is supported by The Shubert Foundation, Inc. and the Minnesota State Arts Board.

 

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theatre for young people and serves a multigenerational audience. It creates theatre experiences that educate, challenge, and inspire more than 200,000 people annually. CTC is the only theatre focused on young audiences to win the Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre and is the only theatre in Minnesota to receive three Tony nominations (for its production of A Year With Frog and Toad). CTC is committed to creating world-class productions at the highest level and to developing new works, more than 200 to date, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences.
 

CTC is the most significant provider of theatre education opportunities in the region. Every year, thousands of children experience theatre for the first time at CTC. Our student matinees and education programs demonstrably benefit the community, from the intergenerational conversations sparked by our world premieres, to the sequential skill-building that happens in our Theatre Arts Training, to the pre-K focus of our Early Childhood Initiative. ACT One is CTC’s comprehensive platform for access, diversity, and inclusion in our audiences, programs, staff, and board that strives to ensure the theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community. childrenstheatre.org 

Book Nook - Animal Adventures: Day in the Bay

Families can now bring the magic of the seashore home with Animal Adventures: Day in the Bay, by Fiona Craig, a vibrant new book from The Collective Book Studio that introduces young readers to the creatures of the coast. This beautifully crafted board book features 24 full-color photographs of coastal animals in their natural habitats. Its sturdy matte-laminated pages with spot gloss details are designed for tiny hands and endless re-reads—whether at home, in the classroom, or by the water’s edge

 

From sunrise to sunset, young readers get to follow crabs, seagulls, seals, and other beach-dwelling friends as they go about their daily routines, captured through stunning, real-life photography and gentle rhyming text. As children follow each animal’s journey from morning to night, they’ll begin to learn about time, daily activities, and the beauty of the natural world, all while strengthening early language and observation skills.

 

“The beach has a natural rhythm that mirrors a child’s day—waking up, exploring, playing, resting,” says Craig. “I wrote this book to invite families to slow down and notice those moments of wonder together.”

 

Whether planning your next trip to the coast or simply bringing the magic of the sea home, Animal Adventures: Day in the Bay makes every day a little more wild and wonderful.

 

Raised in the wild beauty of New Zealand's Eyre Mountains, Fiona Craig has a deep reverence for nature, its quiet wisdom in rhythms, the land, and all its creatures. She lives with her spirited daughter, a mischievous cat, and a lush jungle of houseplants.

 

The Collective Book Studio is a woman-owned, full-service publishing studio that works with authors, brands, and companies to create, develop, and publish high-quality books. With a focus on innovative content and striking design, The Collective Book Studio offers a unique approach to the publishing process, providing clients with expertise and collaborative support from concept to creation.

 

The Collective Book Studio, based in Oakland, CA, publishes high-quality lifestyle, gift, and children’s books. Their books are distributed by Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages. For more information, visit www.simonandschuster.com

Smart Safety - Teen Summer Driving

As the school year wraps up, teen drivers are eager to hit the roads and embrace their independence…but that also means increased risk. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration highlights that while drivers aged 15-20 make up just 5% of licensed drivers, they account for nearly 13% of property damage crashes, over 12% of injury crashes, and more than 8% of fatal crashes. The summer months from Memorial Day to Labor Day are known as the “100 Deadliest Days,” making safety a top priority.

To help families navigate these risks, I had a chance to interview. Jon Wey, Director of Consumer & Technology Insights at State Farm.

Let's Talk Summer Driving: Helping Teens Stay Safe During the "100 Deadliest Days"

Summer brings freedom, road trips, summer jobs, and plenty of opportunities for teens to get behind the wheel. But it also comes with increased risk. In fact, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as the "100 Deadliest Days" because it is the most dangerous time of year for teen drivers.

If you're the parent of a new driver, understanding these risks—and talking about them openly—can help your teen develop safer habits that last a lifetime.

 

Why Is Summer Especially Dangerous for Teen Drivers?

Teen drivers are already one of the highest-risk groups on the road. Although they make up only about 4% of licensed drivers in the United States, motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death for teens.[1][2]

 

Summer adds another layer of risk. With school out, teens spend more time driving independently, often traveling to jobs, sporting events, vacations, and social activities. More time on the road means more opportunities for mistakes.

 

Driving experience also plays a major role. Teen drivers have a crash rate nearly four times higher than drivers age 20 and older, and their risk is highest during the first six months of driving alone.[3][4] During the summer months, many teens are accumulating those first miles of independent driving, often while carrying friends or navigating unfamiliar situations.

 

According to the National Road Safety Foundation, other factors contributing to increased summer crashes include distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving among some young drivers.

 

What Are Common Distractions for Teen Drivers?

When most people think of distracted driving, they think of texting—and for good reason.

 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that one in three teens who text admit to doing so while driving. Research has shown that dialing a phone can increase crash risk sixfold, while texting can increase crash risk by as much as 23 times.[9]

But phones aren't the only distraction.

 

Common distractions for teens include:

 

• Texting, calling, or using apps
• Adjusting music, navigation, or vehicle controls
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Applying makeup or grooming
• Talking with passengers
• Taking photos or videos
• Looking at notifications from smart devices

Perhaps most important, teens are often distracted by other teens. Friends in the vehicle can create conversations, horseplay, or peer pressure that pull a driver's attention away from the road. Just a few seconds of distraction can be enough to miss a traffic signal, fail to see a pedestrian, or react too slowly to a sudden hazard.

 

What's the Connection Between Devices, Speeding, and Other Unsafe Behaviors?

Today's teens are the first generation to grow up fully connected to smartphones, social media, and constant notifications. Unfortunately, those devices don't just create distraction—they can also contribute to other risky driving behaviors.

 

When drivers split their attention between the road and a device, they are less likely to notice how fast they're traveling, how closely they're following another vehicle, or changing road conditions ahead. Device use can also encourage impulsive decision-making, such as rushing to answer a message, checking notifications at stoplights, or attempting to multitask while driving.

 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) notes that immaturity and inexperience contribute to risky behaviors among teen drivers, including speeding, following too closely, and failing to wear seat belts.[3] Speeding remains a significant factor in fatal crashes involving young drivers. During summer months, when teens are driving more frequently and often with friends, the temptation to take risks can increase.

 

The safest approach is simple: before the vehicle starts moving, place phones out of reach, activate "Do Not Disturb While Driving" features, and focus solely on driving.

 

How Can Parents Encourage Safer Driving Habits?

Parents remain the single most important influence on a teen's driving behavior.[3] Long before teens earn their license, they're watching how adults drive—and often copying those habits.

 

One of the best ways to promote safe driving is to model it yourself. Put your phone away, wear your seat belt every trip, obey speed limits, and avoid aggressive driving.

 

Parents can also:

 

Support Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) rules.
Graduated Driver Licensing programs gradually introduce new driving privileges while limiting higher-risk situations such as nighttime driving and carrying multiple teen passengers. States with strong GDL programs have reduced teen crash rates by as much as 50%.[6]

 

Practice driving in a variety of conditions.
Experience matters. Give teens opportunities to drive in rain, heavy traffic, rural roads, highways, and at night while you're still in the passenger seat.

 

Set clear expectations.
Create family rules about seat belt use, phone use, speeding, and passengers. Consistency is important.

 

Choose the safest vehicle possible.
Vehicles equipped with modern safety technology—such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance—can help prevent or reduce the severity of crashes.[7] IIHS publishes annual recommendations for safe, affordable vehicles for teen drivers.[8]

 

Consider telematics programs.
Programs such as State Farm's Drive Safe & Save® and Steer Clear® can provide feedback on driving behaviors, encourage safer habits, and potentially lower insurance costs.

 

Keep the conversation going.
Driving safety shouldn't be a one-time lecture. Regular discussions about distractions, peer pressure, and responsible decision-making can help reinforce positive habits as teens gain experience.

 

The Bottom Line

Summer is an exciting time for teens, but it's also a time when crash risks increase dramatically. By understanding the dangers of distraction, speeding, and inexperience—and by staying actively involved in the learning-to-drive process—parents can help their teens build the skills and habits needed for a lifetime of safe driving.

 

---

Sources

[1] Federal Highway Administration. Highway Statistics 2024. U.S. Department of Transportation.
[2] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST), 2024 data.
[3] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Teenagers Research Area.
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Teen Drivers.
[5] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Teen Driver Education Research.
[6] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Graduated Driver Licensing Laws.
[7] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.
[8] Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Safe Vehicles for Teens.
[9] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Teen Driving Safety.

 

Fun Freetime - Bucket List Survey

Between school pickups, sports practices, family dinners, and everything in between, most parents rarely stop to think about their own bucket lists. But a new Choice Mutual survey of 2,000 Americans took a closer look at what people most want to do before they die, and the findings are worth a moment of reflection for busy moms and dads.

Here's what the study uncovered:

• The average American bucket list has 20 items, with Indiana and North Carolina residents carrying the longest lists in the country.
• Visiting specific landmarks in Europe and learning a new language are the two most common bucket list items nationwide.
• 88% of Americans say their financial situation prevents them from accomplishing items on their bucket list.
• 2 in 5 Americans believe they will check everything off their list before they go.
• 75% of Americans say rising travel costs make it harder to check items off their bucket list.
• 55% cite global conflicts or geopolitical tensions as another barrier to their goals.

For parents, these numbers may hit especially close to home. Between the cost of raising kids and the way family life reshapes daily priorities, it's no surprise that dream trips to Rome or that long-promised language class often get pushed to "someday." The study suggests that dreams aren't gone; they're just waiting, and most Americans, parents included, still want to believe they'll get there.

Book Nook - Brave Families: The Ultimate Guide to Long-Lasting Relationships

Brave Healer Productions proudly announces the release of Brave Families: The Ultimate Guide to Long-Lasting Relationships. The new book offers practical wisdom and transformative tools for navigating life's greatest family challenges. Among them are issues relating to divorce, adoption, grief, gender, disability, aging, estrangement, and trauma.

Jean Voice Dart, the book's lead author, has assembled a team of experts from such fields as therapy, teaching, nutrition and coaching, as well as from those of fathers, mothers, and grandparents, to explore what it means to be a part of today's brave but imperfect families while seeking greater love, acceptance, and connection.

In addition, the book also features an extensive resources section that makes it easy for readers to reach out to each of the book's contributors as well as national and worldwide service agencies that address the ten most common problems families face.

Contributing to the book were Holly Blazina, Stefanie Boucher, Jennifer Lauren Burkhart, Brigette M. Burton, Chris Bystriansky, Sherman Daley, Ilene Dillon, Susan L. Ernst, Maria Feider, Norman Gordon, Kristina Heagh-Avritt, Sara Jane, Elizabeth R Kipp, LeEtta Klink, Sandy Krzyzanowski, Kathy Kwiatkowski, Molly McMillan, Kathleen Mitchell, Heather Potvin, Julie Schindler, Nancy Stevens, Sensei Timothy Stuetz, Jenny Tasker, and Donn Ungar.

Together, they have written about the role of play in raising healthy children; the power of a 60-second hug; rewriting the story of sibling disconnection; single shifts for strengthening families, and more.

About the Author

Jean Voice Dart is a multiple award-winning best-selling author and expressive arts psychotherapist with more than 50 years of experience. She is a senior partner at The Wellness Universe who has navigated trauma, disability, chronic pain, assault, homelessness, attempted kidnapping, and suicide loss to discover chronic joy. These life experiences have sparked perseverance, compassion, and a relentless drive to support others on their wellness journey.

Connect with Jean: https://www.jeanvoicedart.com/contact; https://www.facebook.com/jeanvoicedartauthor;
https://www.instagram.com/jeanvoicedart.

About Brave Healer Productions

Brave Healer Productions (including Brave Business Books and Brave Kids Books) is an award-winning publisher for holistic health and wellness professionals who want to become best-selling authors, build their community and business, and leave their legacy more consciously. Brave Healer Productions has published over 100 Amazon best-selling books.

A full list of services offered by Brave Healer Productions can be found at https://lauradifranco.com.