Best Of The Web: December 7-13

Contributors: Veronica
Torok and Briehn Trumbauer

Here’s a weekly roundup of parenting articles that piqued
our interest. Enjoy! —

Does anyone actually think the Muppets
are communists? Fox News does. (Slate)

Sarah Jessica Parker doesn’t really know “how she does it.”
Unlike her movie character, she’s highly
realistic about family life. “Kids can really distract you from your
relationship,” she tells The Telegraph,
“maybe in good ways and bad ways.” (The
Telegraph)

Here’s a news piece for the kiddos. Two little ones play
Ebert & Roeper and review
Arthur Christmas—they give it a 10 out of 10! (Bored Mommy)

The Bronx
Science principal may rub some teachers the wrong way, but is she making the
high school a better place for learning? Decide for yourself after reading this
detailed story. (New York Magazine)

Some bloggers believe the Times was foolish to interview Jerry
Sandusky and give him a platform on which to speak. What do you think? (Slate)

Should the 200-pound boy really be taken
from his parents? Mom and Dad are being accused of medical neglect. (Huffington Post)

Coloring book apps and karaoke games turn the iPad
into a toddler’s most exciting toy, giving parents more reasons to
rationalize making an expensive technology purchase. (USA Today)

The problem of sexting has had parents worried for awhile, and many are still
unsure of how to teach kids awareness about the consequences of these actions.
Luckily, it may not be as big
a problem as we thought. (Detroit Free
Press)

These totally adorable tots got caught on camera catching
some ZZZs in hilarious poses. (MSN)

Learn the lingo, ya noob: HuffPo Canada
rounded up the 10
words and phrases teenagers are using these days. (HuffPo Canada)

A highly controversial campaign
against parent/baby co-sleeping has recently surfaced. Decide for yourself
if the ads are effective or if they cause unnecessary drama. (NY Times)

Tired of your family’s old heirloom holiday cookie recipe? Here are 25 new ones to get you baking. (Washington Post)

Now, we leave you with a nice steamy
mug to warm up on a cold winter day. (Dooce)

Play On! Studios

<p>Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games!</p> <p>Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun!</p> <p>Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show!</p> <p>During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

CK Kids

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">CK Kids offers various classes and programs, including Afterschool Program, Lil Chefs, Boys Hip-Hop, Ninja Starz, Lil Artists, CK Kids Athletic Programs, Acrobatics, Dance and Drama, and Karate.&nbsp;</span></p>

The Ailey School – First Steps and Bounding Boys

<blockquote style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <div dir="ltr"> <div class="m_-3740164643787738207m_4977048992707393770WordSection1"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0070c0;">At The Ailey School, FIRST STEPS offers a structured creative movement curriculum that allows girls (ages 3-6) and boys (age 3), to develop body awareness and control and learn the basics of dance technique. BOUNDING BOYS (ages 4-6) provides a more athletic experience, and an energetic approach to teaching dance skills.</span></p> </div> </div> </blockquote>