Our Favorite Parenting Stories Of The Week

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)

New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

Summer Game Camp There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including &ndash; - Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers! - Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more! - Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch! - A digital campus! - Moderated chat hours! &nbsp; Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more! Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm &nbsp; Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons &amp; Dragons No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons &amp; Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop!&nbsp; &nbsp; Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together! &nbsp; Dungeons &amp; Dragons Junior No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons &amp; Dragons games. Our Dungeons &amp; Dragons Jr. game provides a D&amp;D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons &amp; Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&amp;D so they can eventually move onto the main game.

Academics West

Academics West is an accredited high-support college preparatory school designed to meet the academic and social-emotional goals of its students. Our unique model allows for each student to benefit from a customized educational experience to ensure they are acquiring the skills necessary to navigate their post-secondary lives whether they attend college or pursue another path to future success. Students can select different tracks to construct the most beneficial program to suit their needs and goals. Unlike conventional education, this innovative model enables students to prepare for an ever-changing world that requires young people to have advanced executive functioning, interpersonal and leadership skills to become independent and resilient adults. &nbsp;

The Music Institute of Long Island

Established in 1990, the Music Institute of Long Island (MILI) is a classical music school staffed by exceptional instructors from many of the most prestigious conservatories and graduate music schools in the United States and Europe. Long Island&rsquo;s foremost musical academies, its instrumental programs include violin, viola, cello, piano, flute, clarinet, saxophone and voice classes. MILI has been voted # 1 BEST MUSIC SCHOOL Consistently.&nbsp; They teach the Traditional, Suzuki, and ABRSM methods. Students participate in All-National, All-Eastern, All-State, youth orchestras, and score highly in NYSSMA and Royal Academy Music Festivals. First prize winners of competitions earn solos at Carnegie Hall and with orchestras. MILI offers Fall/Spring semesters plus Summer Sessions. Semesters include 15-17 weeks of private lessons, solo recitals with a final GALA Concert featuring chamber music. About the Directors: Carol &amp; Geri Kushner: The sisters are violinists, violists, chamber coaches &amp; performers. They believe in instilling the love of music, &nbsp;fostering proficiency, success, confidence &amp; believe all MILI students achieve success. Degrees BM, MM (+), K-12 certifications, attended Manhattan School of Music, Queens College &amp; Stonybrook University.They have been adjunct professors at Syracuse University, Aaron Copland School of Music Pre-College &amp; Five Towns Colleges, Stonybrook University &amp; have taught in L.I. public schools.