Our Favorite Parenting Stories Of The Week

Kuster & Wildhaber Photography

This past weekend, JetBlue airline teamed with nonprofit group Autism Speaks and invited families with autistic children to test out airplane travel. JetBlue volunteers went through typical take-off procedure and were able to gauge their kids’ reactions as the plane taxied for 20 minutes before returning to the gate. It was a welcome service for families with autistic kids who may be apprehensive about flying. (The Mercury)

Will Ferrell and his kids stole the spotlight at the Emmy’s this year! Watch Magnus, 9; Mattias, 6; and 3-year-old Axel help their father present an award at this year’s show. (Wet Paint)

Unless you’re one of the 8 percent of new moms lucky enough to discover that breast-feeding your newborn is a breeze (for 92 percent of new mothers, it tends to be anything but), don’t lose heart or patience. In a recent study by Pediatrics, it has been recently revealed that most new mothers struggle with the process and are encouraged to speak with lactation specialists for assistance. (NPR)

The 3D version of The Wizard of Oz, which opened on Friday, is definitely something you should treat your kids to. Let them experience the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man intensified in this 75th Anniversary edition of the classic. (The Village Voice)

It was her second Emmy win for her role as sassy little Lily on the hit comedy, Modern Family, and Aubrey Anderson-Emmons looked as precious as ever on the red carpet. (Zimbio)

Just in time to get an early jump on holiday shopping, J. Crew’s full baby line has officially hit the market. While parents of older children have long delighted in Crew Cuts, new moms and dads can know get in on all the fun. (Pop Sugar)

Moms everywhere know that naps are key to mommy-sanity, but did you know that a regular afternoon slumber may actually tangibly help your toddler learn better? A new study is showing that naps are great for memory strength. (US News & World Report)

Celebrate Muppets creator Jim Henson’s birthday this week by concocting a Kermit-inspired “swamp” salad for your family. As it turns out, it is being green! (Elizabeth Street)

Looking to make Halloween decorations on a budget? You don’t have to be a master crafter or DIY diva to pull off these easy and festive projects.  (Mommyish)

Turn your kitchen into a baby-version of a European coffee shop with Baby Brezza’s brand new Formula Pro machine. It’s like your Keurig machine combined with your bottle warmer and became magically filled with milk and formula instead of coffee. (Daily Candy Kids)

The lessons of Dr. Seuss come to the senate floor as Senator Claire McCaskill quotes the wisdom of Green Eggs and Ham in regards to Obamacare. (Talking Points Memo)

And you thought your kids were nervous about the current school year’s academic demands? One mom admits that between complex goals, educational jargon, and convoluted curriculum requirements, she’s really not sure about what exactly is going on in her child’s classroom. (Slate)

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Asphalt Green

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Asphalt Green’s high-quality sports programs start at 4 months old. Two beautiful facilities in vibrant Manhattan neighborhoods provide the optimal space for children to learn the fundamentals, play for leisure, or compete at the highest level.<br />As the leading sports and fitness facility in Manhattan, Asphalt Green’s never-before- seen training methods focus on improving your mental and physical game. Whether participating in swim, soccer, flag football, martial arts, basketball, baseball, tennis, or volleyball, coaches instill values that set athletes up for success in life and bring out their full potential in sports.</span></p>

The Ailey School – First Steps and Bounding Boys

<blockquote style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <div dir="ltr"> <div class="m_-3740164643787738207m_4977048992707393770WordSection1"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0070c0;">At The Ailey School, FIRST STEPS offers a structured creative movement curriculum that allows girls (ages 3-6) and boys (age 3), to develop body awareness and control and learn the basics of dance technique. BOUNDING BOYS (ages 4-6) provides a more athletic experience, and an energetic approach to teaching dance skills.</span></p> </div> </div> </blockquote>

Polaris Productions Theater Camp

<p>Kids will learn, rehearse, and perform the wonderful Maurice Sendak and Carole King musical, Really Rosie. For 10 weekdays, campers will take part in physical and vocal warm-ups and learn choreography, staging, and vocal parts. They’ll develop skills in acting, singing, character development, and more. This camp will ignite your child’s imagination and passion for performing, build their self-esteem, and help them form lasting friendships. They’ll have fun! At camp’s end, the kids will perform Really Rosie for family members and friends. Kids of all levels of experience, ages 8 through 13, are welcome to join.</p>