Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

balloonsThe secret to keeping kiddos entertained for hours on end (and on a budget, no less)? Why simply fill a room full of balloons! (Cup of Jo)

Stuck inside during mid-winter break due to inclement weather? Fret not and simply take a look at this fab list of things to do while snowed in! (Mommyish)

NYFW may have wrapped up, but we still have high style on the brain, thanks to the just-announced line of Dsquared2’s kids’ clothing line. Now your little ones can look hipper than ever! (Elizabeth Street)

Ever take a moment to reflect on the “lore of labor” and the varied history of the practices surrounding how and where women give birth. One mom gives her perspective — and an informative history lesson! (New York Times)

We couldn’t be happier for two of our fave celebs — John Krasinski and Emily Blunt — as they welcome their first child (adorable daughter Hazel) into the world! (NY Daily News)

If you live in Mexico, you may want to say goodbye to your breams of naming your child something totally out of the box — the Mexican government recently passed a ban on super-weird children’s names (think “Robocop” and “Rolling Stone”). (Babble)

Does your tween-age daughter sometimes adopt a childlike speech pattern or infuse a bit of baby-ish upspeak into her cadence? Turns out, there may be a science behind it all. (The Atlantic)

Feeling parental snow day frustration? One couple is with you all the way! Check out this viral snow day video that one funny mom and dad created. (Mashable)

If you’re decking a nursery for your baby-to-be, don’t miss this fab roundup of the season’s latest nursery trends! (Daily Candy)

Relevant Directory Listings

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British Swim School - Long Island

<p>The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.  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’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!</p>

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

<p dir="ltr">With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children & Teens provides young movers ages 3-18 with exceptional training. BDC delivers the finest all-around dance experience for students by offering a wide variety of styles and levels, performance opportunities, and the highest caliber dance instruction that only New York City and BDC Children & Teens can provide.</p> <p dir="ltr">This studio is so much more than a training course for young dancers; it is a diverse, family-friendly community for budding creatives. It has an exemplary faculty who follow the vision to not only develop a dancer’s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-16583089-7fff-d8a9-61c2-8f689f7348b2"></span></p>

Elf the Musical

<p>They'll sing loud for all to hear. You can bring the Christmas cheer.</p> <p>Start decking the halls, people – <em><strong>it's Elf The Musical</strong></em>!</p> <p>After a decade away, the beloved holiday classic is back on Broadway for a strictly limited run. Whether you’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.</p> <p>A musical comedy adaptation of the hit 2003 film, <em><strong>Elf The Musical</strong></em> 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® nominee Sean Astin ("Lord of the Rings") is Santa Claus alongside Tony Award® 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 – known for his appearances on "The Ellen Show" – as the hilarious store manager.</p> <p>Called “a slickly irresistible and fizzily enjoyable confection of a show” (<em>Time Out</em>), this holly-jolly hit is one you won't want to miss. Through January 4 only!</p>