Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

angry catOne Oregon family (mom, dad, baby boy, and dog) found themselves in a scary situation when their Himalayan cat flew into a rage holding them “hostage” in their bedroom. (ABC)

Think your baby is safe with BPA-free products? Think again! Scary new findings are showing that there may be chemicals in BPA-free items that are just as bad as BPA itself. (Mother Jones)

Christian Bale and his beautiful wife Sibi Blazic are expecting their second child–congrats to the couple and big-sister-to-be, Emmeline! (Elizabeth Street)

The SATs have evolved in terms of meaning and significance over the years–but what do recent and soon-to-come shifts mean for today’s students? (The New York Times Magazine)

The father of Adam Lanza speaks to the press for the first time since his son’s rampage in Newtown. Andrew Solomon reports his interviews with Peter Lanza in a solemn and poignant way. (The New Yorker)

We all hate Daylight Saving Time (Editor’s note: our associate editor, Mia, despises it more so than most) but some would say that parents complaining about on social media are going too far. What do you think? (Mommyish)

We love that comedian Hank Azaria has started up an awesome new web series in which he talks about the complexities (and joys) of fatherhood with fellow celeb dads as well as renowned parenting experts. (Daily Candy)

Would you use an app to gauge your fertility and plan your pregnancy? Apparently, 50,000 expectant mamas say “yes!” (Babble)

Have you heard about the “Ban Bossy” campaign by Cheryl Sandberg and the Girl Scouts? Check out this movement to help close the confidence gap between young girls and their male counterparts. (Cup of Jo)

One study finds that about half of the relatively newly-minted millennial moms out there aren’t married. Find out what the statistic means! (The Frisky)

Get your daily dose of cuteness here: watch as a sleeping baby literally wakes up dancing! And her two boppin’ sisters are pretty adorable as well! (The Stir)

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Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 – 12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry – all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>

Play On! Studios

<p>Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games!</p> <p>Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun!</p> <p>Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show!</p> <p>During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we’ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us.</p> <p> </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>