Best Of The Web: January 18-24

Contributors: Sharon
Beesley, Elizabeth Raymond

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

One in three kids in the United
States is obese or overweight. And now a new
law states that health insurance and employers have to pay for the cost of screening
children for obesity while providing counseling as needed. Will this help
get our kids accustomed to a healthy lifestyle? (NY Times)

Red Carpet Maternity: Have you ever
had to wear something really fancy while pregnant? Check out this stunning red
carpet maternity dress! (Design Mom)

Unbelievable! 31-year old Rabita Sarker successfully gives
birth on the PATH train on Monday. (Gothamist)

Even more unbelievable. Did you hear about the local school
employee who faked her own daughter’s death…to take
a vacation? (Fox News)

Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater: Kids
find it’s easier
to cheat at school today more than ever. Read these tips to help your kids
avoid the temptation. (CNN)

Happy
Birthday Michelle! The FLOTUS, and mom of two, turns 48 Check out this
slideshow of her sweetest moments of the year. (Huffington Post)

Feeling a little isolated every since the arrival of your
new little bundle of joy. Author K.J Dell’Antonia offers up a simple solution: get
blogging! (NY Times)

The Tiger Mom debates continue. An assistant professor of human
development and family studies has found that high-achieving Chinese-American
students are more
depressed and anxious than white children. (TIME)

Two of the funniest mom bloggers out there, Samantha Bee and
Allana Harkin reveal some of the
best (read: funniest) comments they’ve received from their posts. (Babble)

Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND® New York Resort

Monstrous Family fun returns with Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND&reg; New York Resort! &nbsp; The signature children&rsquo;s Halloween event kicks off October 3rd&nbsp;when the Park transforms into a bewitching party filled with candy, seasonal shows, and Halloween themed LEGO characters. The event runs on all operating dates in October, with all festivities included in general admission. Meet LEGO Monster characters like Spider Lady and Wacky Witch and make your way to the treat stations around the Park. Don&rsquo;t forget your costumes! &nbsp; New for 2024: Monster Party Nights at LEGOLAND New York Hotel! Book a Brick-or-Treat overnight package in October to enjoy extra sweet Halloween-themed fun after a day in the Park. Hotel guests will have the opportunity to eat breakfast with a Monster, participate in themed crafts and LEGO builds, rock out at the Monster Dance Party each night, and more! &nbsp; AWESOME AWAITS at LEGOLAND&reg; New York Resort, the ultimate LEGO&reg; theme park destination, for kids ages two through twelve and their families. Ride, climb, and build your way through seven LEGO themed lands. &nbsp;

Elf the Musical

They'll sing loud for all to hear. You can bring the Christmas cheer. Start decking the halls, people &ndash; it's Elf The Musical! After a decade away, the beloved holiday classic is back on Broadway for a strictly limited run. Whether you&rsquo;re searching for the perfect stocking stuffer or a festive outing for the whole family, this family-friendly show is packed with joy, laughter, and snow-covered magic. A musical comedy adaptation of the hit 2003 film, Elf The Musical follows Buddy the orphan who, after being raised by elves at the North Pole, embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and help the people he meets rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. Academy Award&reg; nominee Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings") is Santa Claus alongside Tony Award&reg; nominee Grey Henson as Buddy, Drama Desk Award nominee Ashley Brown as Emily, and rising star Kayla Davion as Jovie. Plus, keep an eye out for social media celebrity Kalen Allen &ndash; known for his appearances on "The Ellen Show" &ndash; as the hilarious store manager. Called &ldquo;a slickly irresistible and fizzily enjoyable confection of a show&rdquo; (Time Out), this holly-jolly hit is one you won't want to miss. Through January 4 only!