Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

We’ve all heard of helicopter parents, but now the term “snowplow parents” (read: those who attempt to clear any obstacles for their children at all costs) is gaining traction. Director of Residence Life at Sarah Lawrence College Carolyn O’Laughlin makes a case for easing up on the reigns. (The Washington Post)

Those who fell in love with the viral photos of a toddler and his puppy sharing some shut eye are about to see a lot more of the adorable napping duo! Theo and Beau (or rather their mom—our friend Jessica Shyba) just scored a book deal, with the first of two volumes set to hit shelves in 2015. (Huffington Post)

Playtex has issued a recall on its popular Hip Hammock Infant Carriers. Parents are urged to stop using the carriers after the company received 87 reports of buckles breaking and, in some cases, causing injury to babies. (The Stir)

Technology has helped reinvent many things, and Santa is no exception! Check out some of the clever ways kids can now interact with Santa digitally. (Babble)

With Christmas now being so entrenched in mainstream culture, it can be tough for parents who don’t celebrate to explain their sensibility to their kids…and even more so when one parent celebrates and the other doesn’t. One Jewish mom reflects on her feelings about Christmas as kid, and now as a mother. (Motherlode)

Still trimming the tree? Check out some fab (and super-easy) DIY ornament suggestions, all perfect for family bonding time and keeping kids engaged over winter break! (Elizabeth Street)

The eternal debate of whether or not to screen newborns for disease continues. This particular story about Matthew and Brianne Wojtesta concerns Krabbe disease, a deadly, neurological disorder. (NPR)

When a baby has two film/photography buffs for parents, what happens? The Cardboard Box Office happens, a project that recreates famous movie scenes using a few homemade props and a lot of creativity. (Today.com)

Would you name your baby after your favorite forest critter? Kate Winslet would—and in fact, she did! Kate just gave birth to baby Bear Winslet! (Crushable)

Young Actors at Strasberg

Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;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! Young Actors&nbsp;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&nbsp;July and August. About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute: Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; 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.

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children &amp; 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 &amp; Teens can provide. 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&rsquo;s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center

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&rsquo;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.