Best Of The Web: August 8-14

Mary Poppins may have been onto something with the whole “spoonful of sugar” deal, minus the medicine. Take a look at why experts are advising parents to steer clear of cough syrup and go straight to the pantry to soothe kids’ nighttime coughs. (Chicago Tribune)

We all know new parents tend to become sleep-deprived when a new baby is born, but what about during pregnancy? Here are some smart tips to help mothers-to-be fight insomnia so they can have sweet dreams with the baby bump. (Babble)

“School’s out for summer” may soon become, “school’s out for a couple of weeks,” as many institutions are choosing to extend the school year to optimize learning. Find out why more schools are downsizing downtime, and working through summer. (New York Times)

Feeling like a good pity party? Commiserate with this mom about having a horrible day. (Huffington Post)

Looking to shed those lingering post-pregnancy pounds? Who better to lend advice on the subject than an Olympian mother? Be sure to check out her training tips, here! (Huffington Post)

It’s time to get down and dirty! Read this mother’s confession on how her daughter’s favorite play-space is a germ emporium: McDonald’s Ball-pit. (Mommyish.com)

Teenage years may be even worse than the “terrible two”s, especially considering adolescents’ raging hormones. For parents raising teens, it may be wise to check out these tips on a sometimes awkward conversation: steering your children away from harmful porn sites. (New York Times)

Put a fresh, summer twist on your children’s favorite food: grilled cheese. Try these tasty and easy recipes for a new and yummy sandwich this August. (Lil Sugar)

We’ve all heard about postpartum depression, but what about the prenatal kind? One woman tells her story and makes a cry for help to bring attention to this very real issue. (Slate)

In China, the Olympics start at state-run facilities and kids are handpicked for medal-worthy glory. CBS gets a peek into the minds of tiny Olympic trainees. (CBS)

Magnets have a greater attraction for one woman than most. They are what saved her baby’s life when doctors performed an experimental surgery. (CNN)

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Adventuring Portal

<p><a name="m_-1473885667065203258__Hlk72147528"></a>Adventuring Portal runs Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) games for kids.   We have created a safe online space for tweens and teens to learn and play D&D.</p> <p>Our D&D Summer Camp session are a one-week experience.  Monday – Friday.  Each day will be 3 hours of gaming (with 2 breaks build in).  15 total gaming hours for $180.  If you have played with us before, you are entitled to 10% off.   </p> <p>Need your kids, nieces or nephews, grand kids or neighbor’s kids to be occupied for a bit so you can get work done & take care of your to-do list? Maybe your tween or teen is still a bit isolated and craves connection with their peers? Whether your teen/tween has played D&D before or is brand-new to the experience, this safe space brings players together to have fun and solve problems as a team in ways few other online opportunities do.</p> <p>All our games focus on experiential learning.   Our players leave knowing all the basic game play as well as experiencing: teamwork, bravery, compassion, generosity, negotiation, improvisation, gamer etiquette, strategy, critical thinking, problem solving, cartography and probability - all through online D&D adventuring!</p> <p>We are an inclusive organization and welcome gamers who are LGBTQIA+ and those on any spectrum. </p> <p>All girls’ groups available. </p> <p>I am a parent, a certified elementary school and middle school math teacher and last summer in the midst of the mess started Adventuring Portal, an online Dungeons & Dragons business for kids. There are so many benefits to playing D&D and I hope you will consider us as a great way for your child to safely socialize, grow as people and have a great time.</p>

Gaga Madness

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Gaga is the hottest new sport in NYC. We've taken the fun of GAGA and pushed it into overdrive. Energetic coaches, pumped up music, sideline commentary, gear giveaways and more. Stay active and keep fit with this new craze that's sweeping the city.</span></p>

Joe's Music & Dance Academy

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Private and group music lessons & dance classes for Guitar, Bass, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Drums, Piano, all woodwind & brass instruments, Choir, Preschool Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Step, African and Modern Dance and more. Helping thousands of students begin and continue on their musical journey since 1998!</span></p>