Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

smartphoneIs 12 really the perfect age for a child to get their first smart phone? Watch this clip to find out what parents polled in a recent survey conducted by American Express think. (TODAY)

A donation campaign has been set up to feed children in Ferguson,MO since the school system has shut down in light of protests and unrest over the fatal shooting of an unarmed teenager. For many kids, school-provided meals is their main source of nutrition. (Huffington Post)

Feeling called by his parental duty, a Swedish journalist took his sons to a real war zone to show his children, rather than tell them, how insensitive video games depicting war can be. His results may make you want to: “Buy a ticket and go somewhere and show them war.” (The Guardian)

Talk about eager! One Texas mom recently gave birth at elementary school while dropping off registration paperwork to ensure her sons’ spot for the coming year. (NBC)

After being transient for many years, the Bronx Children’s Museum–famous for being housed in a roving purple bus–finally has a permanent spot in sight to park its wheels! (The New York Times)

Congrats to pop star Christina Aguilera on the birth of her second child–Summer Rain! What do you think of the ethereal moniker? (The Gloss)

Moving during your kids’ childhood is almost inevitable in a city like NYC with such a wild real estate world. Check out some of these great tips for moving with kids in the city. (Cup of Jo)

We’re LOLing over this cute note written by a 9-year-old to her “strict” parents–if they won’t change their “attitude” she’s saying no to bedtime reading! (The Stir)

Hey new mamas! Looking to reduce your stretch marks with easy at home solutions? It turns out that the healthy secret is right there in your kitchen (think sweet potatoes and honey)! (Mommy Nearest)

Back-to-school season is right around the corner–and that means that so are PTA meetings. Lighten the mood with this hilarious list of “moms you meet at PTA.” (Mommyish)

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PaleyLand Holiday Experience

<p>Celebrate the holidays at PaleyLand at the Paley Museum, New York's must-visit destination for a holiday adventure, just steps from Rockefeller Center!</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>General Admission to PaleyLand is free for children under 12.</p> <p>The holiday extravaganza is open from November 20 – 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!</p> <p><span style="color: #888888;"> </span></p>

BAMkids

<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">BAMkids presents adventurous art and ideas for young audiences, igniting the imaginations of creative kids ages 3—11 with a fun and engaging lineup of workshops, movie matinees, and live performances from around the world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">BAM Education connects learning with creativity, engaging imagination by encouraging self-expression through programs for students, teachers, and audiences of all ages. Explore the programs on their website to learn more about their opportunities for creative online engagement!</span></span></p>

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>