Best Of The Web: March 14-20

Contributors: Meghan
Gearino

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

Want to lean how to be a pirate? Go to MIT! Legend has it,
if you fulfill phys. ed. classes in pistol shooting, archery, sailing and
fencing, the institute will bestow upon you a pirate
certificate. We’re not kidding. Shiver me timbers. (The Mary Sue)

Could your teen already be addicted to caffeine? A new
survey shows that teenagers actually prefer caffeinated drinks. (The New York Times)

When one couple moved to NYC, everything changed. Roles
reversed and dependency took on new forms. Read why one former stay-at-home mom
loves
her current stay-at-home-husband—and the sacrifices they both must make. (Her Bad Mother)

Style gurus deconstruct time-tested, mom-approved fashion DOs and DON’Ts. Check out what this
panel of experts had to say about breaking the rules of yesterday and
today. (Real Simple)

Looking for a new, affordable house for your family? See how
you can get this Arizona
home for a penny! Hey, why can’t we find a Central Park West condo for a
cent? (ABC News)

How young is too young to model? Hailey Clauson is suing
retail giant Urban Outfitters for using her provocative image on clothing when
she was just 15 years old. (The
Huffington Post)

Are you smarter than a kindergartner? Meet Lori Anne
Madison, 6-year-old
spelling bee champ! (Fox News)

Did you know that 85% of college graduates return home to
live with Mom and Dad? Looking ahead, will you be ready to welcome Junior back
into your house? Actually, there are a surprising number of benefits to this boomerang
trend. (TIME)

Only after insulting dads did Huggies finally pull one of
its gender-conforming
ads. News flash: dad are not duds at parenting. (The Huffington Post)

A fascinating study indicates that caring mothers can
actually change
the brain structures of their children, leading to a child’s ability to
fend off brain illness, handle stress and remember life events. (CNN)

If you want to make your baby laugh, check out this video
for four
foolproof ways to induce mini giggles! (A Cup of Jo)

The Music Institute of Long Island

Established in 1990, the Music Institute of Long Island (MILI) is a classical music school staffed by exceptional instructors from many of the most prestigious conservatories and graduate music schools in the United States and Europe. Long Island&rsquo;s foremost musical academies, its instrumental programs include violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone and voice classes. MILI has been voted # 1 BEST MUSIC SCHOOL Consistently.&nbsp; They teach the Traditional, Suzuki, and ABRSM methods. Students participate in All-National, All-Eastern, All-State, youth orchestras, and score highly in NYSSMA and Royal Academy Music Festivals. First prize winners of competitions earn solos at Carnegie Hall and with orchestras. MILI offers Fall/Spring semesters plus Summer Sessions. Semesters include 15-17 weeks of private lessons, solo recitals with a final GALA Concert featuring chamber music. About the Directors: Carol &amp; Geri Kushner: The sisters are violinists, violists, chamber coaches &amp; performers. They believe in instilling the love of music, &nbsp;fostering proficiency, success, confidence &amp; believe all MILI students achieve success. Degrees BM, MM (+), K-12 certifications, attended Manhattan School of Music, Queens College &amp; Stonybrook University.They have been adjunct professors at Syracuse University, Aaron Copland School of Music Pre-College &amp; Five Towns Colleges, Stonybrook University &amp; have taught in L.I. public schools.

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!

PaleyLand Holiday Experience

Celebrate the holidays at PaleyLand at the Paley Museum, New York's must-visit destination for a holiday adventure, just steps from Rockefeller Center! Our five-floor immersive holiday extravaganza, includes photos with Santa and holiday characters, crafts, giveaways, screenings of classic holiday favorites, hot chocolate, a magical train display, and more. Escape the cold and the crowds, and enjoy our indoor wonderland where families can play, relax, and create timeless memories together in our holiday oasis in the heart of midtown Manhattan. General Admission to PaleyLand is free for children under 12. The holiday extravaganza is open from November 20 &ndash; January 5 at the Paley Museum, 25 W 52 Street, NYC. Paley Members enjoy free access. Come to PaleyLand again and again to see all your favorite characters and screenings. After just one visit, membership pays for itself! &nbsp;