Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

6-18_siri_2One mom reflects on how her autistic son has bonded with–and learned a lot from–the iPhone assistant Siri. What do you think of using iPhones as a teaching device for kids? (New York Times)

Feeling lonely and isolated as a new mom? Looking for some parenting advice and a person to spend the time with? Why not try out speed dating with new moms like you and find your own MFF! (Today)

Six second-graders were treated to a fancy dinner at a two-star Michelin restaurant. Can you guess how they responded? (Huffington Post)

Being a working mom and being unable to spend the time with your kids is not a bad thing! It is scientifically proven that working moms are actually good for the kids. Your kids will love you more, you will be seen as a great role model and more. (The Stir)

Attention royal baby fans! Kate Middleton recently made her first public appearance since announcing her second pregnancy…and of course she looked radiant! (The Telegraph)

It can be devastating when you are unable to afford the toys that your loved one wants. Here are a list of cheaper alternatives to expensive toys your kids keep begging for. (Mommyish)

Think the streets of New York City make trick-or-treating tough? One Canadian community recently had their Halloween festivities stopped short by some unruly polar bears! (Mashable)

Some families just get all the genetic luck! Check out this list of lovely models on the scene today with famous (and famously good-looking) parents. (The Gloss)

Most health-savvy parents know the deal about why lots of sugary sodas aren’t good for kids (or adults, for that matter), but a new study is suggesting that the health risks are worse than suspected. Apparently, too much soda can make cells age faster. (Huffington Post)

Hiring a babysitter is a big deal for any family–it’s so important to know just who is watching your kids and how they’ll handle issues that could arise. One of our fave bloggers gives the scoop on eight great questions to ask a new babysitter. (Cup of Jo)

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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>

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>

Asphalt Green

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Asphalt Green’s high-quality sports programs start at 4 months old. Two beautiful facilities in vibrant Manhattan neighborhoods provide the optimal space for children to learn the fundamentals, play for leisure, or compete at the highest level.<br />As the leading sports and fitness facility in Manhattan, Asphalt Green’s never-before- seen training methods focus on improving your mental and physical game. Whether participating in swim, soccer, flag football, martial arts, basketball, baseball, tennis, or volleyball, coaches instill values that set athletes up for success in life and bring out their full potential in sports.</span></p>