There are plenty of reasons to love Dolly Parton. In addition to being one of the best singer-songwriters of all time, she is a fashion icon, a feminist, and a philanthropist. Her charitable contributions even helped fund the discovery of the COVID-19 vaccine. All this and she sends free books to kids?

Yes, the country star and namesake of the Dollywood theme park is also the founder of the non-profit Imagination Library. The program, which aims to provide free books to children ages five and under, was inspired by Parton's father, who was unable to read or write she was growing up—fueling the singer's own commitment to literacy. 

Once you register your eligible child for the program, you will begin receiving one free book each month, shipped to your home, through their fifth birthday (up to 60 books total). According to the organization's website, since 1995 it has donated nearly 227 million books to children in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, and Australia, with over 29 million given out last year alone.

Signing your kids up for this service is a relative breeze. There are no complicated requirements, other than meeting the age criteria and residing in an area served by the program. Read on to discover how your family can participate.

How to sign up for the Imagination Library

To get free books from Dolly Parton (or rather, her charitable foundation), you'll first have to see if the Imagination Library is in your community. Start by visiting the organization's availability page. Once there, choose your country and enter your zip code. 

If the program is available in your area, you'll have to submit your mailing address and some personal information (name and age) about your child on the next page. If online isn't your thing, contact your local affiliate to sign them up directly. (If a program isn't available where you live, the website will prompt you to join a mailing list so you know if and when that changes.)

As noted, income is not a factor in participating in Dolly Parton's book club program, so every child can participate, regardless of a family's financial situation. As long as an affiliate is in your area, you can enroll your child.

What books will I get?

Enrolling your child in the Imagination Library from birth means you'll receive up to 60 different books—one for each month of your child's life, from birth through their fifth birthday. The books selected will change monthly, but the first and last books are always the same: Each child begins the program with the classic The Little Engine That Could and wraps up with Kindergarten, Here I Come!

According to the organization, the books you'll receive will be age-appropriate and promote diversity, self-confidence, and the importance of the arts. They are also available in audio and braille formats for children with hearing or visual impairments. Past selections have included Last Stop At Market Street, Peter Rabbit, and The Big Book.

What if there isn't an Imagination Library affiliate in my area?

If there's no Imagination Library in your area, you can do the work to establish an Imagination Library affiliate.

To begin, you will need to find ways to financially cover the wholesale cost of the books, as well as the cost of mailing them, which you can do through fundraising or seeking partnerships. The books are mailed at special non-profit mailing rates, so you will also need to find a non-profit partner, such as a school district or charitable foundation, to qualify for these rates.

If you're ready to get started, click here for more tips on getting your Imagination Library affiliate off the ground and more books into the hands of kids. 

In obvious news: The world is becoming more impolite. Scroll through your TikTok feed or watch your local news, and you'll likely see plenty of clips of people being tactless while shopping for groceries, boarding an airplane, or standing in line at their favorite fast-food restaurant. 

This rash of rudeness doesn't seem to be going away soon, either. Per a report released last year by King's College London, only 52% of parents in the United States believe good manners are essential for kids to learn—a nearly 25% drop from 1990. 

According to Forbes, incivility can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. In that piece, Joseph Shrand, MD, instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, Chief Medical Officer of Riverside Community Care, and author of Unleashing the Power of Respect: The I-M Approach, talks about getting back to "the lost art of manners" and showing others kindness and understanding. "When is the last time you got angry at someone treating you with respect?" he asked.

One place to start is by teaching children basic manners and having parents model appropriate behavior. Given our busy schedules, it's sometimes easier said than done. If caregivers focus on an essential few rules of etiquette to get started, politeness may again become contagious.

With that in mind, here are some indispensable manners to teach year children before they turn nine.

Say "please" and "thank you"

"Please" is the magic word, and using it when asking for something can get you what you want most of the time. Its counterpart, "thank you," is the surest way to express gratitude to someone. Most of us probably drill this into our kids already, but it's a surprisingly tough one for kids to remember, so make sure you model it yourself when you're asking them to do something, whether that's picking up their toys or brushing their teeth. Even if you've already asked them a few times.

Wait for your turn to speak

Waiting to enter the conversation requires considerable patience, an art that even adults grapple with. My two sons struggle with this concept as one sibling typically believes they are getting considerably more face time with a parent than the other. By explaining that waiting for their turn to speak will cause less frustration and ensure they will be given equal time, we've cut down on the rude interruptions a bit. (Just make sure you are allowing them room to speak too.)

Say "excuse me"

There will be moments when your child needs to interrupt a discussion (bathroom break). Let them know the preferred way to enter the conversation at these times is by saying, "Excuse me." This phrase is also helpful when attempting to avoid bumping into others.  

Don't make comments on someone else's appearance

As someone who was teased about their appearance throughout adolescence, it took me a while to realize that my kids weren't saying rude things about me to hurt my feelings. They simply had not developed the social skills to know that it might make someone else uncomfortable to do so. One way we've tried to build that skill in our kids is to explain that they shouldn't make comments about how someone looks, and discreetly remind them when they forget.

To add, it's also important not to call each other names. As someone who regularly reads the Dog Man series of graphic novels to my kids, it's a hard concept to get across, when each book seemingly has a chapter dedicated to insulting someone else. But name calling can lead to hurt feelings down the road, and as silly as it sounds, I try to remind them that while calling someone a "one-nosed bubble dumpling" is fine in a comic, it can lead to hurt feelings in real life.

Avoid swearing

This skill is a tough one to get across, especially since we've started showing PG-13 movies to our oldest kid. Initially we thought sidestepping the words would be best, but identifying the "s-word," "d-word," and "f-word," etc. has made it easier for him to avoid using them. If he has questions about whether or not a word is acceptable, we usually ask, "Would you feel comfortable saying that to your teacher?" It's helped him figure things out on his own.

Ask how someone else is doing

In other words, when someone asks how you are, you should reply and return the favor. It shows interest and goes a long way in making others feel seen and welcome.

Seek permission

Most families have a system for using items that require authorization, such as playing on the Switch or using certain toys around the home. To prevent frustration, we tell our kids that if there is any doubt whether they need permission to use something, they should ask.

Ask others if they need help

Asking others of they need help teaches kids to look out awareness, how to be proactive, and the importance of looking out for others. 

Hold the door

When I pick up or drop off my kids at school, I see firsthand how confused even parents can be about this simple act of kindness. It can lead to a pileup of bodies at the entrance. It will take some practice, but you can reiterate that it takes just a moment out of your child's day to help someone safely get through the door.

Knock when a door is closed

It's polite to respect someone's privacy. When teaching your kids to knock before entering, remind them to wait for a response before coming in. 

Send thank-you notes

When receiving a gift from a friend or relative, saying "thank you" is fine, but showing gratitude with a card or note is even better. Making a thank-you note can also be a fun activity for your child.

Proper dinner table behavior

Mealtime etiquette encompasses several behaviors, such as holding utensils properly, placing a napkin on your lap at the dinner table rather than using your sleeve, and not reaching across the table to get something. Have a refresher course regularly so your kids remember their table manners.

It was a typical day when my youngest son, just five years old, suddenly looked terrified. The bathroom hand dryers we were using were a bit too loud for his comfort, and the sudden increase in noise seemed to startle him. This incident wasn't the first time such a thing had happened: He had a similar reaction whenever the vacuum cleaner was turned on or my wife used her hair dryer. 

Strong reactions to sounds that would seem normal to others, like my personal example above, can happen frequently in children. The condition is called hyperacusis, which is common in preschool-aged children. For those suffering from it, even everyday sounds can cause pain and discomfort. 

"We think of it more as how [children] process sounds in their brain, rather than their hearing structures," explains Dr. Aditi Arvind Bhuskute, Assistant Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at UC Davis Children's Hospital.

The issue lies not in the ears but in how the brain interprets and reacts to sound. Hyperacusis is something that most children can grow out of, but until they do, there are effective ways you can manage the condition's symptoms. We'll explore some strategies to make loud sounds easier for your young child to tolerate. 

The difference between hearing loss and hearing sensitivity

While it often comes with tinnitus, a condition usually associated with hearing loss that involves ringing, whistling, clicking, or roaring sounds in your ears, hyperacusis is not the same as hearing loss.

According to the World Health Organization, those who cannot hear as well as someone with normal hearing (hearing thresholds of 20 dB or better in both ears) suffer from hearing loss, which can affect one or both ears and range from mild to severe. Those with hearing loss have difficulty hearing conversations or loud sounds.

"Hearing loss is pretty well defined," says Bhuskute. "We have very structured ways of diagnosing and treating hearing loss in children."

On the other hand, hyperacusis is the inability to tolerate common and familiar sounds at a volume or pitch that would be normal to others, such as a gymnasium, a crowded restaurant, or bathroom hand dryers. Seeing your child with their hands over their ears, crying, or becoming anxious and avoiding certain places could be a sign they are dealing with a sound sensitivity. 

"We don't have a test that shows a person is highly sensitive to sound because the way we test hearing is a response to sounds in a quiet audiology booth," says Bhuskute. "If a child has completely normal hearing, we don't have any other reason why a child is sensitive to noise." 

How do I know if hyperacusis is part of a more significant condition?

As stated above, most children grow out of their sensitivity to sound and noise. However, symptoms can persist in those with neurodevelopmental issues, such as those with autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Neurodivergent children's preferences in how they process sensory input can manifest in a number of ways, from their enjoyment of foods of a specific texture to their dislike of particular sounds and noises.

If you're concerned that hyperacusis could indicate a neurodivergent condition, Bhuskute recommends visiting a developmental pediatrician or a psychologist. They can screen and monitor your child for any developmental or behavioral conditions. She also recommends keeping an open line with your child's teacher.

"Some concerns that [a teacher] may have are often the first time parents notice that there's an issue," says Bhuskute.

How do I manage my child's hyperacusis?

Thankfully, as parents, you have the power to help your children manage their sensitivity to loud noises and sounds. There are several strategies that can be effective. 

Use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs

Children, whether sensitive to noise or not, should wear ear protection at concerts or other loud environments. However, if loud sounds make your child physically uncomfortable in a typical environment, give them the option of wearing earplugs or headphones. 

Warn them that noise is coming

If you know you're going to vacuum, turn on a blender, or use a hand dryer, let your child know ahead of time so they're relaxed and prepared when it comes on. They can put their hands over their ears if they don't like that sound.

Encourage them to make sounds of their own

Clapping, banging, and turning on the vacuum on their own can give children control over the noises they may not like, making a loud environment less stressful (for them; you, not so much).

Use a white noise machine

Increasing background sounds can make sudden loud sounds less surprising. 

Remember when every movie you loved was on a VHS tape stored in a giant plastic clamshell? Our children will never know the struggle of prying one of those things open to watch their favorite Disney classics. On the other hand, thanks to streaming, you can still show them what made family movies in the '90s so great—without the hassle of a trip tp Blockbuster (and no need to rewind them either). Here are 13 family movies from the '90s that still hold up, from obscure animated gems to great book adaptations.

The Mighty Ducks (1992)

It's never too early to show your kids an inspirational sports movie. You probably already know the plot of this one (or could guess it if you've ever seen any other sports movies): A reluctant coach teaches the worst youth team in the league the power of teamwork, with an assist with a few good montages. What makes this movie different is that the team (which ended up inspiring an actual NHL franchise) expects just as much from their coach as he does of them, and rakes him over the coals when he doesn't come through.

Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental

Cats Don't Dance (1997)

Chances are you missed this colorful animated gem back in the day. Due to the merger between Time Warner and Turner Broadcasting, the studio's marketing department forgot about it, so it quickly came and went from theaters. But those who have seen it absolutely love it for the songs (penned by Randy Newman), animated choreography (developed by the late, great Gene Kelly), and a fun story about a cat named Danny who dreams of breaking into Hollywood. 

Where to stream: Tubi, The Roku Channel, Digital rental

Babe: Pig in the City (1998)

You and your kids don't need to see the first Babe to appreciate its superior follow up (though you won't mind watching that one either). Using the vivid color palette and visual flair he more recently brought to Mad Max: Fury Road franchise, director George Miller builds a tough but dreamy metropolis that tests the optimism of its hero, a wee pig trying to save his farm from bankruptcy. While this factoid may not mean much to your kids, the film is a favorite of musician Tom Waits, making it much cooler than your typical kid's movie.

Where to stream: Starz, Digital rental

A Goofy Movie (1995)

The '90s had its share of pop stars, but none reached the heights that "Stand Out" singer Powerline did when he appeared in this movie spin-off of the television series Goof Troop. The film chronicles a road trip between the titular dad and his teenage son Max, and the inevitable hi-jinx that ensue. When you show this cult classic to your kids, you can tell them how Powerline inspired Justin Bieber to be a performer (not true).

Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental

Matilda (1996)

Much like today, the '90s were littered with Roald Dahl adaptations and reboots. There was James and the Giant Peach, The Witches, and this quirky little film about a young girl who uses her wits and psychic powers to get even with the sadistic adults around her. Director Danny Devito (who also plays Matilda's awful father) uses low camera angles to capture Matilda's literal point of view, a trick that makes the film visually relatable to its intended audience, who will appreciate some fantastic gags as Matilda plays tricks on her parents and attempts to keep one step ahead of her monstrous, bully of a school principal.If your kids love this one, the recent Netflix musical adaptation makes a nice chaser (though the plots differ slightly). 

Where to stream: Digital rental

Life With Mikey (1993)

Michael J. Fox breaks the W.C. Fields' rule of never working "with children or animals" in this film about a former child star turned talent agent who tries to land his newest pint-sized client a job. Throw in some Broadway stars like Nathan Lane, Christine Baranski, Mandy Patinkin (in a cameo), plus a young (and kind of horny) David Krumholtz, and you've got the makings of a fun family comedy. 

Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental

Mouse Hunt (1997)

Speaking of Nathan Lane, the actor's physical comedy chops were tested in this classic about a pair of brothers trying to flip their father's house to make a small fortune. There's only one problem: the tiny mouse who lives inside its walls won't leave, which leaves the duo no choice but to exterminate it by any means necessary. Think Home Alone with a rodent.

Where to stream: Prime Video, Paramount+, Fubo TV, MGM+, Digital rental

Fly Away Home (1996)

Before they were a couple in Noah Baumbach's The Squid and the Whale, Jeff Daniels and Anna Paquin played a father and daughter who build a goose-shaped glider so they can lead a flock of geese on their first migration south for the winter. Assuming your children aren't into mid-2000s art house films, the pairing of these two actors won't affect their enjoyment of this heartwarming, visually stunning film.

Where to stream: Digital rental

The Parent Trap (1998)

Yes, Nancy Meyers, the creative force behind nearly every romantic comedy you've loved since, well, the '90s, co-wrote and directed this remake of the Disney classic about a pair of twins (both played Lindsey Lohan, truly winning in her debut role) who scheme to reunite their divorced parents. While it borrows liberally from the 1961 original, this version is entirely its own thing, filled with humor that will satisfy adults and kids. 

Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental

Casper (1995)

Finding a ghost story your kids will like without freaking them out is tough. But somehow, in the '90s, they got one right. Based on the beloved comic and cartoon, Casper focuses more on slapstick than scares, with a cute (and innocent) teenage love story thrown in: Christina Ricci plays a young teenager who moves into a dilapidated old house with her ghost hunter father, who is shocked to discover it is inhabited by real ghosts—including one who is very friendly. 

Where to stream: Digital rental

The Sandlot (1993)

I know I already put one sports movie on this list, but if I had left this one off, I know it would have come up in the comments. On the off chance you're unfamiliar with this classic, the plot revolves around a group of neighborhood boys trying to retrieve a valuable signed Babe Ruth baseball from their neighbor's backyard, guarded by his huge, slobbery Mastiff. What makes it memorable are the vignettes spread throughout the film, each of which captures a genuine slice of childhood whimsy.

Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental

Harriet the Spy (1996)

Before Mean Girls brought the concept of "burn books" into the cultural lexicon, there was Harriet the Spy. Based on the novel by Louise Fitzhugh, the movie follows grade schooler Harriet as she writes all her thoughts about her friends in her notebooks. But when one of her tomes is discovered by a classmate who shares all the secrets inside, her friends begin shutting her out. Though there is a clear moral to be learned from Harriet's shenanigans, it's a fun journey getting to it. 

Where to stream: Hoopla, Paramount+, Fubo TV, Digital rental

Muppet Treasure Island (1996)

Since your children are probably not old enough to watch Clue or The Rocky Horror Picture Show, you can introduce them to the genius of Tim Curry with this wacky adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel concerning pirates and treasure. They won't be disappointed.

Where to stream: Disney+, Digital rental