So much is written about how kids are consuming electronic media, lulled into a stupor by electronic games and generally disengaged. That may play well in the media, but is it reality? I’m starting to think not so much. I’ve been talking to a ton of parents lately about their plans for the summer and […]
Make It a Classic Summer Read More »
Summertime is all about great play—and at our recent Spring & Summer Showcase, we got to play with a wide variety of creative, engaging toys designed to make the summer fun for kids.
Keeping Summer Safe… And Sane Read More »
There are many times when a toy will specifically say for ages 8 & up and a younger child will ask for it. I’m guilty of letting my kids play with things geared for older kids, I also let them play with things that they are considered too old for. I feel the ages are
Age Recommendations on Toys, Do you pay attention? Read More »
That grinding sound you hear is my teeth, and that loud crash you just heard was me throwing a toy against the way.
Zen and the Art of Toy Assembly Read More »
There’s been some controversy around a recent J.Crew ad that has generated a lot of chatter about gender-appropriate play for kids, and what role parents should have in defining those boundaries. The ad featured their style director painting her son’s toenails pink, and included some text about how lucky she felt to have a son
Gender-Appropriate Play Read More »
Children’s worlds—and the toy and products industries—always reflect the adult world. I’ve long said that if one really wants to understand adult perceptions and values, one need only look at what is being reflected in toys, entertainment and lifestyles targeted to children. It’s not that complex. Kids want to be grown up, and they want
Debunking “The War on Childhood” Read More »
(or, You will NOT put that LEGO in your mouth, young man!) In a house with 3 boys with large gaps in ages, it’s hard to make sure the LEGO’s for the 11-year-old stay out of the hands (and mouth!) of the 2-year-old. The 6-year-old might have some Squinkies lying around that the toddler wants
Ways to Keep Tiny Toys Out of the Hands of Little Ones Read More »
My daughter’s First Grade class is learning about the neighborhood we live in via short field trips to local businesses and public spaces. Each of these excursions requires several chaperones. A 1:3 grown up to kid ratio, in fact. So my husband and I signed up: He got a scavenger hunt in the park; I
To Chaperone, or Not to Chaperone Read More »
Anyone who knew my family when I was growing up, and I’m blessed that there are still many in my life who did, will tell you that our house was at the best of time organized chaos. With four highly rambunctious boys into all kinds of activities each usually with a friend or two
Take Time to Stop and Smell the Cardboard: The Value of Family Game Nights Read More »
Last night my 3-year old son was telling me a story about his sledding adventures that afternoon, when an alert went off on my Blackberry, notifying me of a new message. So I did the thing I’ve been trained to do; I picked it up, ignored the conversation I was having, and checked to see
Mom Behaving Badly Read More »
I work with a lot of parents and have reported on a lot of parenting issues that have conflicting points of view. Through both of those exercises, I’ve learned that there is no “right” way to tackle parenting…there’s just your way, and most of us are doing the absolute best we can. One of my
Straight From the Mouth of… Parents Read More »
I know, I know, it’s kind of easy—and expected—at the first of the year to write a blog about resolutions, particularly since most of them probably will be abandoned by the end of January. (Despite my good intentions, I will still be eating chocolate, for example.)
New Year’s Resolution—Play More Read More »
Stores love gift cards, and according to a recent New York Times article, they’re pulling out all the stops to get you to buy them. With fees, restricted spending and the ability to get your money in advance, why not?
The Gift Card Conundrum Read More »
If anyone else is scratching his or her head about the recent San Francisco ordinance to ban toys with fast food meals over 600 calories, they may be banging those same heads against the wall at a recent Yale study that effectively criticizes the line workers at fast food restaurants for adding to childhood obesity.
Fast Food Fracas — What You Can Do. Read More »
I never thought I’d be the one to jolt parents into a shopping frenzy…but after a few years of last-minute shopping blitz experience under my belt, I’ve decided to act on my biggest New Years resolution for 2010. It’s that I won’t put myself through procrastination-induced holiday madness this year…and there’s plenty of room for you on my bandwagon. And so with that, I offer a few tips below to help bring some organization to your festive chaos.
Holiday Toy Shopping Tips Read More »
Kids love Halloween…and what’s not to love? They get to dress up, eat candy, explore with their friends and stay up late.
I write this column every year, and this year won’t be different. Halloween has always been one of my favorites holidays with respect to spending time with my kids. The choosing of the costume (always a long hard decision), trick or treating, and Halloween parties have made Halloween a huge event. (In recent years, the trend has continued to grow as more and more adults look to the holiday as one just for themselves and their families.)
National Trick or Treat Day Read More »
How did this happen? How did Halloween and Trick-or-Treating go from innocent fun to a night fraught with fear and worry? How did the joy of dressing up as a favorite character and getting treats from neighbors become the one day of the year many parents are convinced that their little ones are in mortal danger? It is insanity.
The Trick’s On You: Halloween is Nothing to be Scared Of Read More »
If I ever have to get bad news, I hope it’s from someone like Nora Brennan. She’s the children’s casting director for “Billy Elliott,” and about as big hearted and warm and attentive as possible. Faced with a phalanx of more than 140 girls at the open auditions for the show last month, she was welcoming, encouraging and supportive.
The Chance To Dance: Part 2 Read More »
First sleepovers can be a nerve-racking experience for kids and parents alike, but an open line of communication between all involved parents can instill peace of mind and ensure that the child feels secure in their biggest – and often, first – move towards independence.
Preparing Your Child – and You – For The First Sleepover Read More »
No one really knows when dance entered human experience. There are paintings dating back more than 9,000 years that show figures in what we think of as dance. There isn’t a culture on the planet that doesn’t engage in some form of dance. Whether learned as part of ritual or as part of a discipline such as ballet or contemporary dance, the desire to move rhythmically and expressively is inherently human, and we idolize the grace and beauty of the human form in motion.
The Chance to Dance: Part 1 Read More »
With schools in many parts of the country in session for a couple of weeks and all kids back in school this week, learning is—or should be—on top of all parents’ minds. I spent the last month talking to parents and kids about going back to school, and one of the things they’re very concerned about is performance. In fact, almost too much. For some kids, especially those starting high school, the level of anxiety was particularly high. Why? Because they’re already concerned about their performance and how that’s going to affect their ability to get into college.
School’s In Session: Time to Fail Read More »
It’s that time of year again when parents everywhere are dealing with re-setting their child to get back in the school mindset. But before the learning begins, there are some basic routines that families can establish to make the transition as smooth as possible. Some of it rests with parents while kids themselves also have a role…so how is the work divided?
Transitioning Into a School Year Routine Read More »
It can be a nightmare for both parents and children: kids continually waking up in the middle of the night. Shannon Eis shared some advice and products on “The Early Show” to help get some “rest for the weary.”
A Better Night’s Sleep for Your Child Read More »
