Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

Electric Breast Pump 1In the technologically advanced society we live in–where phones are smarter, smaller, and sleeker than ever, and there’s an app for everything–why are breast pumps still designed like old-fashioned milk machines? (Motherlode)

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  is urging doctors to regularly discuss the weight of a woman who is looking to become pregnant. Studies show that there is a connection between obesity and unhealthy pregnancies. (Time)

While a 3-year-olds ability to use a smartphone is sometimes seen as a negative, in this case, it is seen as a lifesaver. (WHDH)

This blogger compared notes with some of her fellow working moms and came up with a list of habits that have made their life (and their family’s) a little more easier. (Babble)

The most sarcastic fetus has created a Twitter handle. It may just be a joke, but it brings up an interesting question: ever wonder what you’re fetus thinking? (The Stir)

In a joint piece written with his son, children’s author, Walter Dean Myers, brings light to the lack of minority characters in children’s books. (New York Times)

Get ready to smile as you look at these fun photos of young adults from around the world and their older relatives swapping outfits side-by-side. (My Modern Met)

Kristin Cavallari is the latest celeb to come out against vaccinating her children, citing too much info pointing towards negative effects. What do you think? Personal choice, or misinformed celebrity? (Elizabeth Street)

While there’s no one perfect formula for every family, these seven tips promise to be easy, achievable ways to improve any family’s happiness. (Time)

We all love the sweet sound of the ice cream truck — but these two enthusiastic youngsters love it so much, they can’t even stand up! (Mashable)

How cute! An elementary school choir covers Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.” (Huffington Post)

One dad blogger gets a kick out of dressing his adorable toddler up as famous TV characters. (Babble)

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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>

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center offers year-round, community-based dance and music programming in a fully inclusive and nurturing environment, located in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District. The School’s diverse and professional faculty provides progressive and non-competitive instruction with all of our classes accompanied by live music. Though we are a non-recital school, there are opportunities for students to perform and for parents to see their dancers in action.</span></p>