Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

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The principles of the new Common Core standards don’t seem like such an obvious path to success when viewed through the eyes of a third grader who went from top of the class to the bottom after becoming frustrated with the new system. (The New York Times)

Our very fave “American Idol” alum, Kelly Clarkson recently gave birth to a healthy baby girl–River Rose Blackstock. Congrats to the happy fam! (Crushable)

Father’s Day may be over, but there’s no reason not to keep celebrating dads by checking out Jimmy Fallon (a gushing new dad himself) and Chris Christie schooling the world in the evolution of Dad Dance! (Your Tango)

Women who take care of their grandchildren once a week are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s, a new study suggests. The mental activity from watching young kids can increase brain function. (The Alzheimer’s Site)

It’s summer camp season again and we can’t stop laughing at one hilarious letter home that a young camper wrote to his mom. (Pop Sugar)

In response to a Slate article about how adults should be embarrassed to read YA books, this writer asks: are we really beyond needing to still learn these lessons? Read up! (The Atlantic)

It’s 2014. Why is there a lack of changing tables in men’s rooms? Dads fight for equal changing rights. (Today)

Leftovers can be so boring for picky kids, especially if you just ate them the night before. Try one of these recipes to go from ehh to great! (Buzzfeed)

Girls face stricter dress codes in school than boys, but whose dress code is it, and why? Take a look at one mother addressing the rising issue. (The New York Times)

There comes a time when you have to start saying “No” to buying new toys when faced with your kid’s puppy eyes. Check out these 12 ways to teach your kids the value of money for when it does. (U.S. News)

Often called “America’s Dad,” Bill Cosby spoke honestly about the limits of parenting in a Father’s Day reddit AMA on Sunday. (Business Insider)

Sure, babies make everyone happy, but a new survey finds that the second child in a family doesn’t affect everyone equally. (FiveThirtyEight)

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Plugged in Band

<div>Plugged In is a nonprofit program that offers online programs to student musicians (Ages 10-18) in a non-competitive environment and provides band and individual performance opportunities in support of community and charitable causes.</div> <div> </div> <div>Our programs include:</div> <div> </div> <div>Rock Band Classes</div> <div>Private Music Lessons</div> <div>Summer Camp</div> <div>Digital/Audio Production</div> <div>Songwriting and Recording Workshops</div> <div> </div> <div>Oh and hey parents, we are now offering private music lessons and our rock band program for adults too. Reach out to us for more information. </div>

Music Together

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Music Together® is for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregiver. The classes include songs, rhythmic rhymes and movement, and instrument play activities that are developmentally appropriate for the children and easy for parents and caregivers, regardless of their own musical ability.</span></p>

BAMkids

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">BAMkids presents adventurous art and ideas for young audiences, igniting the imaginations of creative kids ages 3—11 with a fun and engaging lineup of workshops, movie matinees, and live performances from around the world.</span></p>