Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

It’s mid-December and we know you’re running out of Elf on the Shelf ideas! Get some inspiration from some very crafty parents. (BuzzFeed)

Get ready to LOL at this hilarious photo of a toddler artfully decorating his kitchen with carrots. (Mommyish)

In midst of shopping for the kids, don’t forget to treat yourself a bit! We love this guide to gifts that moms actually want. (Mommy Nearest)

Get the scoop on how local mom Daphne Oz stays balanced and healthy while cooking for herself and her fam! (MINIMODE)

Manicures are fun, but they can give reason to pause for pregnant women. Follow this guide to pregnancy-safe manis to keep you and your baby healthy and your nails looking fly. (Well Rounded NY)

Celeb dad Ryan Reynolds does his part to change the dirty diapers around the house! Just read on for this finny story about just exactly he was up to when his recent Golden Globe nomination was announced. (Entertainment Weekly)

Watch those earbuds! Studies are showing that some children’s headphones (and the way they’re used) can cause hearing loss down the line. (New York Times)

We love this great insight on how to get your little ones to play independently. (Cup of Jo)

New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

Summer Game Camp There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including &ndash; - Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers! - Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more! - Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch! - A digital campus! - Moderated chat hours! &nbsp; Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more! Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm &nbsp; Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons &amp; Dragons No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons &amp; Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop!&nbsp; &nbsp; Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together! &nbsp; Dungeons &amp; Dragons Junior No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our Dungeons &amp; Dragons Jr. game provides a D&amp;D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&amp;D so they can eventually move onto the main game.

USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility

We offer sports activities, after school programs, birthday parties &amp; private lessons for kids ages 3&ndash;13 years! Our gymnastics classes are a great way to keep your child active and healthy. We strive to empower and challenge children through the sport of gymnastics.

British Swim School - Long Island

The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.&nbsp; British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School&rsquo;s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!