The Angry Birds have been to space in Rovio’s Angry Birds Space and Angry Birds Star Wars, so I guess it makes sense that they now have an interactive exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center…doesn’t it?
Angry Birds Invade Kennedy Space Center Read More »
We recently moved, and I was quite nervous to go through the process with an autistic child. Routine, structure, repetition are all things he craves. Change is something he avoids so change is something I try to avoid. I can’t think of a bigger change for a 4 year old than moving! A lot of
Moving Tips With Special Needs Kids Read More »
Visiting Santa in a busy mall with waits of an hour and music blasting, only to have the kids climb up on the same lap hundreds, if not thousands, kids have already sat on that week can be stressful. Now, consider taking a child with special needs into that situation, and the stress that naturally
Visiting Santa with a Special Needs Kid Read More »
The end of summer is upon us but the temperatures are still warm. Water toys are a great way to get some sensory play in while still having fun and cooling down. The next three toys are great for a variety of therapeutic needs. Water toys are always my son’s favorites, and the following toys
Special Needs Water Fun Read More »
Going to school is a big transition for any child. Throw in special needs concerns, and you potentially have a whole new set of struggles. My son is 4 this year, and as of now, he will be going to 2 different preschools. One on Tuesday and Thursday with therapists and special ed teachers and
Time to Play Special Needs Back to School Read More »
My good friend Lenore Skenazy over at Free Range Kids tipped me off to a story in the New York Times about an alarming new product—food pouches for kids. The basic idea seems to be that when the young ‘uns are hungry, you just strap on the feedbag. Or in this case, hand them an expensive pouch with some processed foodstuff that lets the little tikes suck out a meal, rather than eating. The inventor says this helps busy parents keep their kids fed without the fuss of having to prepare a meal. He also confuses Lenore’s concept of being “free range”—learning to be responsible for one’s life without a parent hovering over every second—with being so over-schedued that there’s never time to eat.
The End of Civilization—No Really, I Mean it This Time Read More »
At this writing, we are about halfway through the annual Screen Free Week, the brainchild of the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood (CCFC), an advocacy group that tries to reduce the impact of advertising on kids.
A Screen-Free Week. Why You May Want to Try It Read More »
When you have a special needs child, sometimes getting out of the house and into the crowds and hustle and bustle of the city can be difficult. Whether you need wheelchair access or a quieter atmosphere, simple excursions like heading to the zoo for a couple hours can become an all day activity. Here are
Special Needs Kids: Tips for Daytrips Read More »
I grew up in a much less technology-powered time, as virtually any adult did today. We had no iPods or internet, and other than game shows and the occasional horror movie there was nothing on TV for kids in the afternoons—and even those weren’t primarily directed at kids. It simply wasn’t possible to live in
Broadening Horizons Read More »
As my kids get older, I’m learning that where the grown-ups were once in control setting rules, now virtually any situation can occasion high-level negotiations. Even when it comes to rules we think we have established, we can still be surprised. However, there are times when the grown up must turn dictator, especially when the
Recently, I had the opportunity to see an amazing show called “Circus in a Trunk,” performed by The Piccolini Trio, three exceedingly talented young people who are making a living clowning around.
I love children’s books and everything about the moments I get to share with my kids while reading to them, and now, them reading to me. (*sigh*…How fast they grow.)
That’s… Really NOT Okay Read More »
I’m hoping that this is the year we can all start having an honest conversation about toys, gender identity and socialization. It’s certainly a topic that can get people all worked up, but is it real? I don’t think so. Like so much in the media in the “age of outrage,” this is often something that’s cooked up so that people can a) pontificate on talk shows and b) sell books or consulting services. Either way, some people are getting rich making you think that a color (pink) has the mystical power to form the personality of the girls in your life.
This past weekend I ventured to BroNYCon at the Hotel Pennsylvania in NYC. I had been to conferences like GenCon and Comic-Con before, but this was different. Leading up to the event, I really didn’t know what to expect and was a little apprehensive. It appeared a little odd to me; a convention for Bronies, mostly males 18+ who are huge fans of “My Little Pony Friendship is Magic,” a show whose target audience is 2 – 6 year old girls.
My Trot Through BroNYCon Read More »
Sometimes you just have to laugh. I wonder if there isn’t anything in the media or entertainment world these days that can’t provoke adult outrage from someone seeking—and too often getting—publicity. And it all usually comes from one very popular but horribly misguided practice—adults projecting their unresolved personal issues and political agendas on anything that comes in their sights. It doesn’t matter if their opinions makes no sense or ignores the facts; it’s all about getting attention and shocking.
Storytime: Navigating the (Apparent) Minefield Read More »
My youngest son just started preschool. He is on the autism spectrum, so he is required to go to public school to receive his therapies. Long story short: our school district is one of the poorest in the entire state of Colorado. This was a surprise to me as there are quite a few affluent
Too Many Toys? Donate to your local School. Read More »
When you were young and kid-free, you could go to eat at just about any restaurant. Fine dining? No problem! Local dive bar? Even better! Chain restaurant with a kids eat free night? Um, pass. Then you have your own kids and think, “I can still go to that swanky new restaurant! Just because other
How to Stay Sane While Out to Eat with Kids. Read More »
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 »
From a Line Around the Block to the Broadway Stage About this time last year, I had the inspiring and heartwarming opportunity to attend the open auditions for Ballet Girls in “Billy Elliot.” It happened again this year, with nearly 200 girls and their parents waiting for hours outside the Broadhurst theatre in New York
Dreams Coming True Read More »
Everyone likes to collect things. I think it’s in our hunting/gathering, human nature. My collections sometimes turn into a bit of an obsession. A few of you parents will understand (and probably nod your head) as I explain. It started off innocently enough. My oldest boy enjoyed the Toy Story series. When he was three,
When does collecting turn into obsession? Read More »
I’ve read a lot this summer about the so-called “brain drain” that happens when kids aren’t engaged in learning, and I’ve talked to parents who believe it’s occurring with their kids. Personally, I never experienced it because both my parents were teachers, and our summers though filled with play were also, as I see it now, filled with learning. My mom especially kept coming up with projects that kept us engaged and learning—when we weren’t outside riding bikes or playing pick up games. In a few weeks family lives will be more structured around specific school activities, but that’s no reason that the fun or learning should stop.
Year-Round Learning…And Play Read More »
With both Mother’s and Father’s Day behind us, it’s nice to feel the love from our kids. Nothing shows that love more than when your kids say they want to be just like you when they grow up. Doctors, Chefs and Construction Workers had long been the main jobs toy makers focus on for pretend/role
Just Like Dad (or Mom!) – Role Play is Important Read More »
If your parents are like mine, they’ve held on to just about every toy you had as a child—whether to remember the days when you were younger, or to have so you can pass them down to their grandchildren one day. But how can you tell if that toy is safe or appropriate for your
Toys at Grandma’s House Read More »
How many times have you heard a father tell a son, “No you can’t have a doll, boys don’t play with dolls!” In my house, I used to hear that a lot. My oldest is turning twelve next month and he grew up knowing that boys play with trucks and girls play with dolls. End
Why Can’t Boys Play with Dolls Read More »
