5 Spring Activities Every Mom Should Do With Her Kids

Mar 29, 2018

Springtime is finally here, and that means the snow days (and sick days) are mostly behind us. We’ve all been cooped up long enough that now is the perfect time to start going out more with our kids. While it might not be warm enough yet for beach time, there are plenty of outdoor activities that we can start enjoying now. Your kiddos will definitely dig these activities, especially if you put your own twist on them. So throw on some sneakers, pack up some snacks, and get going with these five ideas for a perfect spring outing with your fam.

1. Start a garden. Most young kids will jump at the chance to play in some dirt. Don’t be afraid to get your own nails dirty, Mama. Pick up some seed packets, and work on a mini-garden together with your little ones. It will definitely be a fun bonding (and learning) experience for you and your kids — and one that’s ongoing, so you’ll always have something to chat about and work together on. PS: Gardening has numerous health benefits, including boosting your immune system and giving you exercise that’s more fun than work.

2. Shop at a farmers’ market. While you wait for your own flowers to bloom, you can always take your children to your local farmers’ market. Here you can teach your kids about proper nutrition by asking them to pick out new fruits and veggies to try at home. You can also pick up healthy (or at least locally produced) snacks and other hand-made goods. Many markets feature arts and crafts too, making them excellent places to gift shop for the rest of the year. No downsides detected.

3. Take a nature hike. Spring is the perfect time to get into hiking. The weather conditions are just right, so you can stay outdoors without worrying about getting too much sun (although we moms need to be sure our families are using a solid SPF cream at all times). While some kids might not be too into the idea of walking around outside at first, you can always find ways to make it relevant to them. Try creating your own scavenger hunt list prior to going out (like, find three pinecones, take a photo of someone jumping off a big rock, etc.) so you have things to search for. Or, if your kids are still fairly young, you can go extra-creative and take magnifying glasses to hunt for fairies and gnomes.

4. Play ball (or at least catch a game). Whether you’re a baseball fanatic or don’t know the infield from your team’s dugout, there’s no denying that baseball is the sport for springtime. Plenty of Little League and T-ball teams are forming right now, so feel free to register your kiddos so you can become *that mom* with the giant foam finger at all their games. Or, if your kids aren’t so personally sports-inclined or already have other activities, take them to a spring training or opening day game. Many baseball stadiums these days feature plenty of fun extras for kids, like playgrounds and batting cages. No matter who wins the game, you’ll definitely make some great family memories.

5. Visit your local zoo or botanical garden. Between holidays, vacations, and colds and flus, many of us don’t have the time to stop by our local zoos or gardens during the winter. Plus, it’s often too cold for most of the animals to want to do much. Springtime reawakens everyone — human and lion and tiger and bear alike. Take your tots to go check out that new cheetah exhibit, or stage one of your nature hikes at the botanical garden, where all sorts of plants are sure to be bloomin’.

What are some of your family plans for this spring? Tweet them to us @BritandCo!

(Photo via Getty)

How to Survive Thanksgiving With Your Unwoke Relatives

Did you leave your family Thanksgiving dinner last year feeling like you were the one who got carved up and digested? You weren't alone. In an increasingly polarized sociological climate, family events where opinions differ can feel fraught with high stakes and conflicting moral obligations. And if you're already dreading Thanksgiving because all of the brawlin' that's sure to go down, you might be considering opting out of the festivities entirely.

In our Teach Me Something New podcast, Alexandra Carter, Columbia law professor and mediation expert, talks to Brit and Anj about the powers of persuasion to get the results you want in a conversation. The key to the Thanksgiving political discussion? Listening, asking open questions, and finding some common ground.

Here's what you can do to make it through Thanksgiving when your relatives just keep being problematic and things get awkward...

"I might say something like, 'I hear that you're concerned about national security and that's what led me to have this viewpoint.' So sometimes using a little bit of focusing on what you have in common can help you to have a civil conversation and not have anybody throwing mashed potatoes across the table," says Carter.

Here are more expert-backed tips for navigating the holiday awkwardness, even if it's just via Zoom. Make stuffing your face great again this Thanksgiving by implementing our seven-step plan.

Askar Abayev

1. Choose your battles ahead of time.

You're not going to change everyone's opinion about all of the things over the course of a meal and a football game. You might want to show up ready for a duel of words with your Facebook-meme-king cousin, but that's just going to put your opinionated family member on the offensive from the moment you walk in. Decide ahead of time if there's one issue that you really cannot keep your mouth shut about if it comes up, and have two or three talking points ready that clarify your position on that topic. If your hot button does get pushed, your talking points will help you keep from making things personal.

2. Confer with the host.

If you feel comfortable with the person that's organizing or hosting Thanksgiving, speak to him or her in advance about how you can be on Team Keep the Peace. Most people aren't keen on a political brouhaha breaking out around their dinner table, so they'll probably be relieved to hear that you're on board and willing to help make the day go smoothly for everyone. Brainstorm some ideas about seating arrangements or wholesome activities to fill the idle family time that can lead to trading barbs.

Element5 Digital

3. Make it a game.

Caitlin Bergstein, a Boston-based matchmaker and relationship expert for Three Day Rule, suggests a fun twist on the swear jar concept. “If your family is up for the challenge, you can even make it a game. Each time someone mentions something political, they have to put a dollar in a jar (or take a drink, depending on how your family celebrates the holiday). At the end of the night, that cash can be put aside for the next family get together!"

4. Have a moment of silence.

Sometimes the idea of a quiet table can be intimidating (all those chewing noises!), but encouraging a moment of reflection among your holiday guests can actually be transformative. Whether you observe several seconds of silence in honor of relatives you've lost, as a way to silently acknowledge your individual blessings, or as an act of prayer or meditation, you've hopefully brought the room back to focus on each other's company and the gift that it is to be together.

Monstera Production

5. Be an active listener.

If your one doggedlypersistent aunt can't let go of her obsession with the latest political scandal, reconsider what she's actually trying to tell you. Chances are, it's not just about what she saw on the news. “Assume that your polarizing relative actually probably just wants to connect, feel respected, and reduce their own anxiety about holiday gatherings, and interpret even difficult behavior as such," advises Mary Fisher, a Salt Lake City psychotherapist who specializes in family relationships. “Express the desire to connect while redirecting the conversation," Fisher recommends. Emphasize the fact that you're interested in protecting the time your family spends together. That can help soften the blow when you ask to instead hear them share a family memory or talk about a hobby you both share.

6. Disengage.

Remember that if angry words or offensive language start flying at you across the sweet potato pie, you don't have to respond. Have a script in mind to use, something like, “While I hear where you're coming from, I don't share your opinion, and I'm done talking about it today." Convey the message that you're quite clear on the matter being discussed, and you're not going to take the bait. You may have to repeat yourself several times, or you may choose to remain silent until things cool down around you. Either one is okay.

7. Duck out early.

If you feel like you have to retreat from the situation entirely, do it. One of the best things about being an adult is leaving when you want to leave. You don't have to subject yourself, your spouse, or your family to any kind of dialogue that is insulting, bigoted, or aggressive. Fisher shares these words of advice: “While we might think that the holidays are the time to resolve differences, they are actually the time to affirm and nurture connection, which can be an uphill battle with politically polarizing relatives." If you don't feel like a connection is being nurtured and the environment is not good for you to be in, say goodbye and make a break for it.

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This article has been updated from a previous post.

Taylor Swift Already "Really Wants To Do" More Concerts After The Eras Tour.

The Eras Tour is the gift that keeps on giving. Taylor Swift has been on tour since March 2023, giving us surprise songs, friendship bracelet opportunities, and a plethora of celebrity guests, and we were hoping she'd extend her concert schedule even farther. I have personally been wondering if we’ll live in Eras Tour Land until we get TS12 (after all, there IS enough space on the merch for one more era) and Taylor herself just weighed in on the rumors.

Here's everything you need to know about the end of the Eras Tour — and when we'll see Taylor Swift on tour again.

Is the Eras tour going into 2025?

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

It looks like we won't be getting a third summer of girlhood because Taylor Swift announced on June 13 that the Eras Tour will officially end in December 2024.

"This is the very first time I’ve ever acknowledged to myself and admitted that this tour is going to end in December," Taylor said before her 10-minute performance of "All Too Well" (via USA Today). "This tour has really become my entire life, it's taken over everything, like I think I once had hobbies. All I do when I'm not on stage is sit at home and try to think of clever acoustic song mashups and think about what you might want to hear."

"You have done so much to be with us," she continues. "You've made plans so far in advance. You planned what you were going to wear. You memorized lyrics. You got yourself here. You figured out parking. You figured out transportation, and I want spend the 100th show just thinking about that and living in that moment and being here with you, and just know I appreciate every single ounce of effort that you put in to be with us when this show reaches triple digits in shows. So thank you!"

Will Taylor Swift ever tour again?

Haley Sprankle/Brit + Co

But good news for concert lovers! Taylor is reportedly already ready to do a new concert tour. “She had such a great experience on Eras. She really wants to do it again,” a source tells Us Weekly. “She loves being with all her fans; it inspires her." But, "things can change. A lot of it hinges on what happens over the next year with Travis. She’s told her team to give her one year to see how things go in her personal life.”

I'm always down to go to a new Taylor Swift concert!

What cities is Taylor Swift bringing the Eras Tour to?

Haley Sprankle/Brit + Co

I'd love to see her visit Charlotte, North Carolina, Washington, D.C., and all the other cities she hasn't visited yet! Maybe on the next tour :').

Is The Eras Tour ending with TS12?

Taylor Swift/UMG

My personal theory is that Taylor Swift might just announce TS12 this weekend when the tour ends. The Tortured Poets Department and her supposed upcoming album seem to be part of a countdown, and since there's space on the Eras Tour merch for one more era after TTPD, I feel like we could get ANOTHER new album and set before Taylor's tour ends.

Where do you want Taylor Swift to bring the Eras Tour? Check out The Eras Tour Concert Film Is Now Streaming! to see how to watch the concert from the comfort of your couch.

This post has been updated.

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Here's All The Awkward Conversation Advice You Need This Holiday Season

Awkward silences on a first date. An embarrassing encounter at the office party. A cringe-y moment with family around the holiday table. We’ve all been in awkward situations that leave us ruminating for hours about what we could have said or done differently to make it less awkward. But trying to be less awkward may make you more awkward," saysHenna Pryor, a Philadelphia-based workplace performance expert and award-winning TEDx speaker. In her new book, Good Awkward: How to Embrace the Embarrassing and Celebrate the Cringe to Become The Bravest You, Pryor suggests a mindset shift that can turn awkwardness into our greatest asset for professional and personal growth. So here's how to be less awkward by being...good awkward?

3 ways to avoid saying or doing awkward things during the holidays

First things first, what is good awkward? To answer that, Pryor starts with separating the good from the bad. “Bad awkward is when we experience the emotion of awkwardness and it keeps a grip on us. It makes us freeze in place, or it discourages us from taking that action the next time, raising our hand, putting ourselves in that room. We ruminate on it for hours in the shower.” Sound familiar? SAME.

“Good awkward speaks to this idea that a degree of risk-taking is required in order to grow and improve our circumstances or advance at work and in life," says Pryor.

But getting good at embracing those moments of awkwardness takes practice. "Awkwardness is a social emotion,” says Pryor. “We don't feel it when other people aren't around.” The holidays are the perfect time for flexing that muscle. We’re meeting new people. We’re facing family conflicts. We’re talking politics with more people who aren’t in our bubble. We’re having more social interactions at work and seeing relatives who may not always see our point of view.

Here are ways to survive holiday season awkwardness and face it with confidence and grace:

Photo by fauxels

Calibrate your expectations.

"You don't see these people all year long oftentimes, so there's a degree of uncertainty that if we can anticipate it and level set our expectations, it helps us go into it, says Pryor. Have some strategies to call on in the moment too. “The first thing is naming it,” says Pryor. “When no one says anything, the tension actually gets thicker. But if somebody can playfully go, 'Oh, that was awkward,' or kind of own it or name it, it actually diffuses the tension, everyone can relax." You can also strategically use humor. "We can have talk tracks to playfully change the subject or exit the room, but we need to mentally prepare for them so that we can have tools at our fingertips in the moment when we need them."

Flip the script.

To help build self-awareness around the emotion, ask yourself a few questions, like what are the childhood stories and narratives I tell myself? Are you thinking of your awkward feelings as a state or a trait? A state = "I feel awkward right now" (and it's something that will pass, and I can handle) vs. a trait ("I'm so awkward all the time"), which feels more permanent, and less easy to work with, says Pryor.

“A lot of times when we experience awkward moments, we just want to remove ourselves from the situation. We don't want to think about it anymore. But there's actually a ton of value in data after that moment has eventually passed, to thinking about why did that feel so cringey or awkward or embarrassing to me? What does that represent?,” she says. Pryor uses a personal and relatable example to illustrate this point.

"I grew up in a South Asian household where my parents would often say an expression that means, 'What will other people think?' There was a lot of that constantly, so peel back the layers, understand what are the stories you're telling yourself." That awareness can help alleviate the negative self talk that happens post-awkward situation.

Guilherme Almeida

Play back a redemptive story.

Citing research from Professor Dan McAdams at Northwestern University, Pryor says we can tell ourselves contamination stories or redemptive ones. “You can't control your first thought, but you can control your second one," says Pryor. It's natural to think 'Well, that was awkward or that was embarrassing. And that's OK. "Our second thought, however, can be to continue to ruminate or turn it into an alternative," says Pryor. A contamination story is, "Oh my gosh, I can't believe that happened. I'm never going to speak up at the table again with these relatives," or "I'm never going to contribute to the conversation."

Or you can turn it into a positive, which is, "'Well, that didn't go how I hoped, but I'm proud of myself considering I don't see these folks often that I contributed to the conversation, learned a lesson from it. The next time, maybe I'll handle it differently, but I spoke up and I'm proud because I don't typically do so.' Can you look for the gifts in the garbage of that situation?," asks Pryor.

Finally, recognize the universality of awkward moments. We all feel them, and we can’t avoid them. But by naming it, diffusing it (with humor or just calling it out), and reality-checking our emotions and self-doubt vs. letting it dictate our actions can help us breeze through them with confidence and ease.

“Look for the evidence and the facts,” says Pryor. “You can also ask yourself, "What else is true?" For example, "I may feel awkward right now, but I'm also having this conversation and that's a huge step for me and worth being proud of."

For more self-care and relationship advice, sign up for our weekly newsletter!

This post has been updated.

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Which Christmas Movie Should You Watch Next, Based On Your Zodiac Sign

With so many new Christmas movies piling up left and right, our watch list is getting longer and longer every year. If you're having decision fatigue, just know: you're not alone! Thankfully, we can use the stars to guide us when we're feeling overwhelmed — even when it comes to what we queue up on our TVs next! So instead of letting your Christmas watch list (that's honestly longer than Santa's naughty and nice list) get you dow, here's which Christmas movie you should put on right now, based on your zodiac sign!

Scroll down to find out which Christmas movie you should watch, based on your zodiac sign!

Twentieth Century Fox | Freevee

Aries (March 21 – April 20)

Die Hard

Okay, starting this list off controversially (but strong), Aries you should definitely watch Die Hard. I'm almost positive you've been headstrong enough to tell a friend (or two) that this IS a Christmas movie, actually. And TBH, I think you're right! Although it may be a little intense for the Rudolph-loving, Frosty-watching crowd, you know what it's really all about: Bruce Willis straight up saving Christmas.

EXmas

You can't help that you're charming, Aries. Your fiery personality just sticks, lighting up the room around you — even when that room is full of your ex-boyfriend's family. Oh, and when it comes to a challenge? Yeah, you never turn those down. Throw this on for a good, holiday-filled laugh...and that little bit of heart that you totally love, too.

Twentieth Century Fox | Paramount Pictures

Taurus (April 21 – May 21)

Home Alone

Let's face it: being home alone is honestly your dream come true. You know it, I know it, the stars know it. And while you could probably do without two goons skulking around your place, you always find a way to make your house a home, no matter the situation. If you're already picturing eating pizza in a limo, drinking Coke out of a wine glass...I'm honestly not surprised. Live that luxe life, sweet Taurus.

Last Holiday

Queen Latifah's Last Holiday is quite honestly one of the most Taurus movies of all time, TBH. Georgia Bird does everything she can to curate her life, saving money, staying home, and keeping to herself as much as possible. So when she finds out she's only got a short amount of time to live? She decides it's time to expand beyond the four walls of her home and explore life — and the world — around her. I know you love to curate your life, working hard to make it as comfortable and wonderful as possible at home, but this is a good reminder that there's so much more out there for you, dear Taurus. Chase after it!

Paramount Pictures | Netflix

Gemini (May 22 – June 21)

White Christmas

The duality of Gemini is definitely best summed up with the classic Christmas movie, White Christmas. While I obviously don't subscribe to the belief that you have two personalities, two faces, or any of those other Gemini stereotypes, I do think you have the ability to juggle the many truths that life has to offer. So it makes sense that you could relate to the two couples in this film, working their butts off to save the Vermont inn (I see your work ethic, babe!) and trying to understand their feelings for one another.

Our Little Secret

Remember what I said about duality? Well this plays right into that! When Avery and Logan — former fiancés — show up to Christmas celebrations, they realize they're new significant others are actually siblings...yikes! While they attempt to hide this from the family, obviously hilarity ensues, making them question how they even ended up in this scenario in the first place. While I don't think you want to keep secrets, I do think your ability to hold space for more than one truth could definitely help you out in this scenario — but your true heart would win out in the end, just like this movie!

Universal Pictures

Cancer (June 22 – July 22)

The Holiday

You've got a lotta heart, Cancer, and so does this iconic Christmas movie. The hopeless romantic in you would already love the idea of a house swap (how dreamy!) between a big U.S. city and the quaint English countryside — and when you add in the dual romances...this is just too perfect for you! You'll especially resonate with Jack Black and Kate Winslet's characters and all their absolutely adorableness.

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Empathy is the name of your game, and I just know you'd understand that there's more to the Grinch than meets the eye. While he stomps around, loathing everything, you'd be able to comprehend all that loathing is the need for more loving. So when his heart grows three sizes bigger? Yeah, yours will swell too!

New Line Cinema | Netflix

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Elf

You've got a big personality, and you know it, Leo. You can't help bringing your lively energy to every space you occupy — much like Buddy! Your larger-than-life, excitable — and at times, campy — personality matches the vibe of this movie perfectly. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll consider eating spaghetti and syrup just for the gag. All around, Elf is great watch for you this holiday season!

Falling For Christmas

If you resonated with London Tipton as a little girl, this one's for you. I mean, you exude heiress energy (whether you actually are or not), so you'd definitely understand Sierra Belmont's plight. What's so wrong for wanting the finer things in life?! In all seriousness, while you could definitely relate to her princess behavior (in a much more down-to-earth, likable way of course), I also know you find joy wherever you're at — just like Sierra does after losing her memory. This cheesy watch is definitely a must for you!

Netflix | Columbia Pictures

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Love Hard

You take life pretty seriously, so it's no surprise you would take dating — and finding your 'perfect match' — with the same amount of severity. It's not to say that you don't know how to be fun and frivolous when you want to be, but you just can't help but attempt to approach life's bigger milestones with a gravity that others don't. So, like Natalie, I know you'd be shocked to find out you've been catfished...but still wonder what could be, and if they're really your other half.

Little Women (1994)

Your determination and fervor simply are Jo March, my Virgo darling. Much like our heroine, you see the world as conquerable, taking every challenge you can and totally overcoming any obstacles that dare get in your way. And while this may not exactly be a Christmas movie, I know the March girls' Christmas celebration will totally get you in the spirit!

Walt Disney Pictures | Apple TV+

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Eloise at Christmastime

You are all pretty and pink and bows and beauty, little Libra. I know you love to make everything look (and feel) perfect around you, so Eloise at Christmastime is the adorable aesthetic watch you could ever want. You get the stunning Plaza Hotel, New York City, and Eloise's eclectic princess behavior. And with Julie Andrews, Gavin Creel, Christine Baranski — what more could you ask for?!

A Charlie Brown Christmas

With aesthetics in mind, nothing is more aesthetic than this Christmas classic. I know you're totally loving the Snoopy renaissance right now, with all its cutesy glory, so A Charlie Brown Christmas is definitely the watch for you. It's a total mood setter, perfect for your next cozy night in, or to have on in the background of your impeccable holiday party I'm sure you're throwing. And that nostalgic, dreamy music? Yeah, this is totally you.

Walt Disney Pictures | Netflix

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

The Santa Clause

You've got a rich interior life, dear Scorpio, much like that of Scott Calvin — AKA Santa Claus. You like to keep things close to the chest, so if you ended up accidentally becoming Santa Claus, I just know you'd handle that precious secret like a pro. And though this definitely speaks to your ability to compartmentalize, I don't wanna discredit your soft, sweet core either. The way Scott, his son, and the whole crew find joy in the chaos that became Christmas will definitely warm your very guarded heart.

Holidate

It can be hard to let people in, so when it comes to cuffing season — and the holidays that follow — it tends to be really frustrating for you when you have to dodge all your family's pesky personal questions. So I am suuuuure you'll understand where Sloane and Jackson are coming from when they decide to pretend they're dating one year. Except the thing with committing to the bit? You might get a little swept up in it all. Definitely watch this one for a cheesy Christmas romance — and a Kristin Chenoweth moment!

Revolution Studios Distribution Company | New Line Cinema

Sagittarius (November 21 – December 21)

Christmas With The Kranks

My jet-setting Sagittarius, you are incredibly likely to pull a Kranks and 'cancel' Christmas for a nice, tropical vacation — assuming you haven't already! You can't help it, though. You dread monotony, you crave adventure, and you love to be a little (a lot) impulsive. While it may not be wise to totally cancel Christmas on your loved ones this year, why not watch the Kranks attempt it instead?

Four Christmases

I know you don't only travel, Sagittarius, but there's no denying the urge to buy a plane ticket is strong with you. Like Kate and Brad, I could totally see you having to settle for your family's many, many different Christmas celebrations after your travel plans don't pan out. But being home for the holidays doesn't have to be all bad — sometimes you've got to dig deep and understand your roots so you can better soar, sweet Sag. Instead of flying off and away from it all, sit tight and lean into your present surroundings for the greatest gift of all.

Walt Disney Pictures | Hulu

Capricorn (December 21 – January 19)

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Here's the thing, if anyone could earnestly perform with a barrage of muppets, never once skimping on the serious nature of their craft á la Michael Caine, it's you Capricorn. Your work ethic is quite literally unmatched, and while that wouldn't make you an IRL Scrooge, it could make you play one like a champ — even with Gonzo going crazy in the corner. Pop this on for a sweet, silly, sentimental Christmas movie!

Happiest Season

When you've got a plan, you're gonna put it in action to the best of your abilities. But when outside factors totally throw off your groove? Well, that's not your favorite thing in the world, Capricorn. Not that you don't know how to pivot when you need to, but some obstacles are tougher to hurdle than others — like when you plan on proposing to your girlfriend...only to find out she hasn't officially come out as queer to her family. Watch Happiest Season to understand how you can set aside your plans to meet your loved ones where they're at, and ultimately find joy somewhere in the middle.

Walt Disney Pictures | NBC

Aquarius (January 20 – February 19)

The Nightmare Before Christmas

You're not like other girls, Aquarius...and that's more than okay! Instead of watching something cute and cozy, opt for the edge of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Sure, it could technically be a Halloween movie, but there's Santa, presents, and a sweet message to take away at the end of the day — and that's more than enough for you!

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

If you do wanna opt for a classic, then Rudolph is the way to go. Rudolph is a wave-maker, looking to disrupt the status quo and find a better world for everyone. Instead of being stuck in what makes him different, Rudolph uses his unique gifts to light up the world around him — literally — just like you!

Universal Pictures | Warner Bros.

Pisces (February 20 – March 21)

Love, Actually

You're a dreamer, dear Pisces, and this holiday flick will stir up your inner romantic. While each person navigates their own love lives throughout the movie, you'll fantasize about your own — whether you're currently in a relationship, or hoping to be in one. I mean is there a better quote to represent you? "It seems to me that love is everywhere. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around." Sobs.

Polar Express

And speaking of dreaming, I know you were curious about Santa as a little one. You wonder about the world around you, and would totally find yourself in a similar scenario where you're transported on a larger-than-life journey to find the answers about the big man from the North Pole. In the end, was it all a dream, or was it real? Regardless, you know what really matters: that you keep your heart open and just believe.

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TBH, Heidi Klum's Lingerie Photoshoot With Her (Adult) Daughter Really Isn't That Big Of A Deal

Heidi Klum and her 20-year-old daughter, Leni, just did an adorable lingerie photoshoot for Italian brand, Intimissimi...and the internet is apparently NOT having it. The iconic supermodel posted the ad on Instagram this week, but quickly had to turn off the comments after backlash. Here's what's going on — and why it's really not a big deal, if you ask me!

See Heidi Klum and her daughter's brand new Intimissimi lingerie photoshoot!

Instagram/HeidiKlum

In a holiday-themed ad for Intimissimi, Heidi Klum and her daughter open a gift with an old-fashioned camera inside. They take turns "filming" each other in red, silky pajamas and black, lace intimates as they pose cheekily for the camera while holiday-sounding music plays in the background.

Alongside the video, there are also photo ads — one where Heidi posed alone and one where she posed with Leni. Throughout the entire campaign, there's nothing overtly sexual happening. It truly looks like a mother and daughter playing dress up with fancy, cozy lingerie and pajamas. However, that's not how everyone else seemed to feel. Page Sixreported that one user commented, “Which normal mom would pose together with her daughter in lingerie?”

See Heidi Klum & Her Daughter's Photoshoot Here!

www.instagram.com

After more of the same type of remarks, Heidi turned off the ability to comment on her post. And I have to say: Good for her!

First and foremost, Leni is a 20-year-old professional model who does this kind of thing for a living — it's not like Heidi randomly roped her child into this ad out of nowhere. They both did a similar campaign for Intimissimi back in Octoberand May, so it's not even like this ad in particular is unprecedented. And while one comment on Leni's post reads, "Being close with your mom is one thing but posing in your underwear for photographers and the media together is odd," it's not like there was enough backlash for her to turn off the comments completely.

Second of all, Leni is a consenting adult. She makes her own choices based on her own agency! Why are we taking that away from her and acting like it's odd for her to make this modeling choice?

Finally, it's a cheeky – and sweet — reminder of growing up and learning about womanhood alongside our own mothers. My mom helped me pick out my own first training bra at Limited Too (I know, I'm old), taking me to Aerie and Victoria's Secret as I got older, and shaping my own views of intimate wear from the very beginning. So it really doesn't strike me as weird that this mother-daughter model duo would pose together in their own intimate wear. If it was overtly sexual, this would be a totally different story — but it simply is not.

What do you think? Is it weird that Heidi posed with her daughter in a lingerie ad? Or is it harmless? Let us know in the comments!

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