Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

One 16-year-old boy recently made the 5.5-hour long journey from San Jose, CA, to Maui…by hiding out in the wheel well of an airplane! Lucky to be alive, authorities and CPS agents in Hawaii are still investigating his circumstances. (ABC)

To celebrate the wonderful news of Chelsea Clinton’s pregnancy, check out this hilarious fictional baby shower gift guide! What would gift baby Clinton? (Mashable)

The debate rages on over the merits of taking young children on an off-the-grid family adventure. (In Transit)

Would you bring your child to a major music festival? Super-model Alessandra Ambrosio brought her daughter to Coachella and is now suffering the internet backlash. (The Gloss)

One mom explains the physical toll and on-going heartache that often come hand-in-hand with IVF treatments in today’s fertility-aware society. (Mother Lode)

C’mon parents! We know you’re guilty of at least one of these Top 21 Lies Parents Tell Their Kids! (BuzzFeed)

In true modern fashion, one couple recently turned to the internet to crowd-source for the name of their baby…you’ll never guess what the result was! (Brit & Co.)

If you’re looking to nudge your little one into celebrating Mother’s Day the old fashioned way (that is, with a gift homemade with love), you’ll swoon for this sweet DIY project. (Cup of Jo)

Wary of the danger of the long-term effects of overly-sweet snacks, one family of four went for a whole year without sugar. (Fox News)

Yum! We sure are berry ready for spring–thanks to this sweet strawberry dessert roundup! (Elizabeth Street)

Play On! Studios

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! 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! 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! 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&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Speakitaly NYC

SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.&nbsp; Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress.&nbsp; Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge. Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City&hellip; Who doesn&rsquo;t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history &amp; in the arts? Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor&rsquo;s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"

Chickenshed NYC

Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed&rsquo;s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change. Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen. Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.