ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gif ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/How to Make the Best of Summer 'Down Time'http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/how-to-make-the-best-of-summer-down-time/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/how-to-make-the-best-of-summer-down-time/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/how-to-make-the-best-of-summer-down-time/#commentsFiled under: , , ,




Sometimes, we get so caught up in planning summer activities that we forget about the simple ways to have fun in the sun. Whatever happened to just relaxing by the pool? So, in between vacation and summer camp, here a few ways to enjoy your summer "down time":

1. Go swimming! But don't forget to remind your kids to drink water while out at the pool -- it's easy to get dehydrated in the summer heat.

2. Plant a vegetable garden. Make sure to water your plants regularly.

3. Go for a run, conduct a relay race, be active. Staying active boosts vitamin D and improves sleep and your mood.

4. Read a masterpiece. Pick up that book you've always meant to read. Encourage your kids to read your favorite childhood classic, too.

5. Go camping in your own back yard. Hold a contest to see who can catch the most fireflies.

6. Star gaze. Use a star chart to find constellations.

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]]>summer funways to have fun in the summerJessica SamakowFri, 15 Jul 2011 10:00:00 ESTCreative Summer Games: How Kids Can Entertain Themselveshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/13/creative-summer-games-how-kids-can-entertain-themselves/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/13/creative-summer-games-how-kids-can-entertain-themselves/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/13/creative-summer-games-how-kids-can-entertain-themselves/#commentsFiled under: ,


Most kids count down the days until summer vacation in anticipation of three months of carefree fun. But it doesn't take long for parents to realize there are only so many hours of the day they can spend at the pool. You see, summer also is a time when boredom can take over.

Dr. Michelle Borba, author of "The Big Book of Parenting Solutions" lends some tips to help kids learn how to entertain themselves and keep them from whining about having nothing to do. And, as she says, it's equally important to keep learning in tact so their brains don't turn to mush.

Here are some ideas:

  • Create a summer activity box. Brainstorm activities that kids can do on their own: Build a fort, read a book, go on a nature walk. Write each idea on a slip and drop it in the box. Point to the box at the onset of boredom.
  • Start a journal. Kids can write, sketch and doodle; it's a great way to track summer memories.
  • Buy fun, educational gadgets. The MobiGo is perfect for younger kids.


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]]>games for kidsKids gamesJessica SamakowWed, 13 Jul 2011 10:00:00 ESTOctomom Speaks Out: 'I'm the Ultimate Societal Scapegoat'http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/08/octomom-speaks-out/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/08/octomom-speaks-out/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/08/octomom-speaks-out/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Nadya Suleman, aka the Octomom, appeared on NBC's Today for her first on-air interview since she gave birth to octuplets two-and-a-half years ago.

The single mom of 14 brought a taste of her daily life to the morning show as her toddlers ran around the set, falling and taking over Matt Lauer's anchor chair. Suleman attributed their high jinks to only getting two hours of sleep on their way to New York City.

The cost of raising her "village," as she calls it? About $15,000 a month, Today reports. Suleman says she finally is able to make ends meet after securing professional management just last month -- and by appearing in celebrity boxing matches.

Despite buzz in the media, Suleman says she has never been on public assistance.

In Touch magazine reported that, in an interview she said, "I hate babies, they disgust me. My older six are animals, getting more and more out of control, because I have no time to properly discipline them. ... Obviously, I love them -- but I absolutely wish I had not had them."

Suleman denies the report completely and tells Today that she is considering suing the magazine for slander. "I love my children. I would do anything for my kids,'' she says.

This isn't the first time the public has been outraged by Suleman's behavior. She received hundreds of death threats when the octuplets were born and says she developed debilitating panic attacks as a result. Exercising and working toward a license as a fitness trainer has helped her cope with the stress.

"That's been my way to self-medicate, through exercise,'' she tells Today.

And, as far as a social life, Suleman says she'd rather not go out in public these days. "I don't have Internet,'' she said. "I don't socialize. I keep to myself as much as humanly possible."

She adds that she could have avoid more public criticism if she were in a relationship. "If I had a mate, that would have defused a lot of the animosity,'' she said. "I'm the ultimate societal scapegoat, I believe.''

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]]>nadya sulemanoctomomoctomom nadya sulemanoctupletsJessica SamakowFri, 08 Jul 2011 11:30:00 ESTNatalie Portman Reveals Baby Namehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/07/natalie-portman-baby-name/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/07/natalie-portman-baby-name/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/07/natalie-portman-baby-name/#commentsFiled under: , ,

natalie portman

Pregnant Natalie Portman in January. Credit: Christopher Polk, Wire Image

Weeks after Natalie Portman gave birth to a boy, she and fiance Benjamin Millepied have finally revealed the name of their son. Drum roll please...

The chosen name: Aleph, People magazine reports.

And what does Aleph mean exactly?

"Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, much like alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet," reports the magazine. "Its esoteric meaning in Judaic Kabbalah, as denoted in the theological treaty Sefer-ha-Bahir, relates to the origin of the universe, the 'primordial one that contains all numbers.' "

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]]>natalie Portmannatalie portman babynatalie portman baby nameJessica SamakowThu, 07 Jul 2011 11:00:00 ESTCasey Anthony: 'I've Thought About Adopting'http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/07/casey-anthony-adopting/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/07/casey-anthony-adopting/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/07/casey-anthony-adopting/#commentsFiled under: ,

casey anthony

Credit: Joe Burbank, AP

When Casey Anthony was declared not guilty Tuesday of murdering her 2-year-old daughter, Caylee, the country was in shock -- many were outraged. Anthony was sentenced to four years in jail for lying to police during the murder investigation, but will be released on July 13th because of time already served, AP reports.

Because Anthony has become one of the most hated woman in America, many are wondering what kind of life will she live when she is free.

Letters Anthony wrote to inmate Robyn Adams shed light on how the notorious mother views her future freedom, according to People Magazine. "I've thought about adopting, which even sounds weird to me saying it, but there are so many children that deserve to be loved," Anthony writes. "Let's make a deal? Let's get pregnant together?"

And that's not all -- the magazine reports that Anthony also reveals her desire to write a book. A "partial memoir ... to settle many rumors and to share my insight about love, life and most important - God," she writes to Adams.

Her letters reflect her desire to one day lead a normal life: "I could use a day at Target myself," she wrote to Adams. "Just to walk around the store, to be a part of society. I want to go grocery shopping."

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]]>casey anthonycasey anthony adoptioncasey anthony verdictcaylee anthonyJessica SamakowThu, 07 Jul 2011 10:30:00 ESTKate Middleton's Baby Comment Suggests Parenthood for Royal Couplehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/05/kate-middleton-baby/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/05/kate-middleton-baby/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/05/kate-middleton-baby/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Watch: William and Kate tour Canada!
royal tour canada

Prince William and his wife, Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, smile in the state landau in Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island as they continue their Royal Tour of Canada, Monday, July 4, 2011. Credit: AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

Just four simple words spoken by Kate Middleton were enough to spark an international conversation.

The newly minted Duchess of Cambridge visited Quebec recently with her husband, Prince William, and one man wished Middleton well in starting a family, according to the Daily Telegraph. Her response, "Yes, I hope to," has the press buzzing that a baby -- and heir to the throne -- may soon be in the cards.

Though her comment was brief, it was the first time she had spoken publicly about having children, the Telegraph reports.

Now, tabloids and news outlets alike are splashing headlines like the Daily Express, "KATE: I WANT TO START A FAMILY."

An exaggeration, perhaps, but because "royal couples typically have children early on in marriage," according to the Telegraph, it might be a good idea to start watching out for that royal baby bump.

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]]>Kate Middletonkate middleton babyroyal babyroyal coupleJessica SamakowTue, 05 Jul 2011 10:30:00 ESTTeen Victim of Brutal Beating Lives to Talk Forgivenesshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/28/teen-victim-of-brutal-beating/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/28/teen-victim-of-brutal-beating/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/28/teen-victim-of-brutal-beating/#commentsFiled under:



On June 20, 18-year-old Carter Strange hurried home to make his curfew. Little did he know, his race against the clock soon would be the least of his worries.

As Strange headed toward his house in Columbia, S.C., a group of eight teens, ranging in age from 13 to 19, viciously attacked him, fracturing his skull. When Strange didn't show up at home, his parents, John and Vicki Strange began to monitor his cell phone use online, "Today" reports.

When they began seeing suspicious activity, they went into a panic mode. And, after a long time of not knowing where Carter was, his parents were finally called to the hospital.

Upon arrival, Vicki Strange recalls feeling sorry for an injured man on a gurney.

"I saw his hands and realized that was Carter; I didn't recognize him," she tells "Today."

Police say surveillance cameras captured the teens before the attack attempting to capture and rob four others earlier that night.

And, although none of the suspects have made a plea yet, the defense is saying they are "basically good kids who did a very bad thing," according to "Today."

Carter's father disagrees. This isn't the first time several of the suspects have been in trouble, and John Strange claims they are just making excuses. During a court appearance, he says forgiveness may be in the future, but "I don't have that in my heart right now."

As he appeared on "Today" wounded and bandaged, Carter expressed that he does his best to not think about his attackers.

"I don't know about forgiveness, but I don't really think about it that much," he tells the news show.

The city of Columbia is now considering a new curfew for teens 17 and younger.
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]]>bullyingcarter strangeColumbiaSouth Carolinateen attackedteen beatingJessica SamakowTue, 28 Jun 2011 12:00:00 ESTVideo: Kid Calls Mom from Obama's Limohttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/video-kid-calls-mom-from-obamas-limo/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/video-kid-calls-mom-from-obamas-limo/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/video-kid-calls-mom-from-obamas-limo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Earlier this week, we saw President Obama soothe a crying baby after the first lady had no such luck. Mr. Prez shows his soft side for kids once again when he advises this young boy to call his mom -- and leave a voicemail when she doesn't pick up. We're betting mom wishes she hadn't missed that call!

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]]>obamapresident obamaJessica SamakowFri, 24 Jun 2011 16:30:00 ESTOne-Quarter of Gay Couples Raising Children, Census Revealshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/23/gay-couples-raising-children-census/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/23/gay-couples-raising-children-census/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/23/gay-couples-raising-children-census/#commentsFiled under:

Just as New York legislators are voting on a bill that would legalize gay marriage in the state, the U.S. Census has released data that could have a huge impact on the vote.

The census counted same-sex couples and their children for the first time in 2010, and shows that about a quarter of gay American couples are raising kids.

"Data released today on five more states showed that 28 percent of families in Wyoming are raising children. In California, the percentage is 21 percent; Delaware, 19 percent; Kansas, 26 percent; and Pennsylvania, 20 percent," ABC reports.

If New York does pass the bill, it will become the sixth state to legalize gay marriage after Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and New Hampshire -- as well as the District of Columbia.

According to ABC, this kind of census information is vital in political debates, advocates say, as the data helps in forming policies that ensure the best interest of children.

Stuart Gaffney, a spokesman for the gay rights group Marriage Equality USA, says these families have always existed, but this is just the first time they are accurately reflected in the population.

"It's something we find out when they are lobbying in legislatures like Albany right now and reps say they don't have someone in their district who it matters to," he tells ABC. "That's why it's so critical to show we are in every state, every city and every county in the United States. There are constituents and they need to know we are here."

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]]>censusgay parentingGay parentssame sex marriageJessica SamakowThu, 23 Jun 2011 13:00:00 ESTHigh School Special-Needs Softball Team Hits a Homerunhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/22/special-needs-softball-team/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/22/special-needs-softball-team/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/22/special-needs-softball-team/#commentsFiled under:



Megan Taylor, a junior at James Hubert Blake High School in Silver Spring, Md., deemed herself a "huge loner" on her eighth grade softball team.

But the teen, who has attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, is now the proud captain of her high school's corollary softball team -- a team designed to include kids with special needs, the Washington Post reports.

The team, according to the newspaper, was created following a state mandate that schools help special-needs students stay active. .

Teacher and coach Derek Ritzenberg started the team last year with the hope to mix both special-needs and general-education students who had never played a school sport before, the Post reports. However, the team is currently made up of just special-needs students.

And, the team's victories aren't quite measured in wins. According to the newspaper, the team won one of five games played during the spring season, but, more importantly, the kids are having fun.

"And they get to put on a Blake uniform and represent their school, just like any other athlete. For once, they feel like they are contributing, like they are a part of the school," Ritzenberg says.

The field is not the only place that Montgomery County schools are actively trying to blend special-needs students with general education students. The Post reports that self-contained "learning centers" for special-needs kids are being phased out, and those students are being mixed into regular classes when possible.

Before this blending learning atmosphere was prevalent, about a quarter of special-needs students in Montgomery County were in learning centers. Now, only 2 percent of these students remain.

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]]>blake high schoolMontgomery Countymontgomery county schoolsspecial needsspecial needs studentsJessica SamakowWed, 22 Jun 2011 12:00:00 ESTBaby Shower Gifts for Dadhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/20/baby-shower-gifts-for-dad/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/20/baby-shower-gifts-for-dad/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/20/baby-shower-gifts-for-dad/#commentsFiled under: ,

When it comes to baby showers, mom seems to be the one who is showered in gifts. But, dad deserves presents too. These dads from DadLabs asked around to find out what the best gifts for new dads are. Hint: burp cloths are not at the top of the list. Golf stuff, tools and beer seem to be common themes. Shocking, right?

Baby Shower Gifts For the Dad?

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]]>baby shower giftsgifts for DadJessica SamakowMon, 20 Jun 2011 17:00:00 ESTCelebrate Dad's Quirks this Father's Dayhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/celebrate-dads-quirks-this-fathers-day/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/celebrate-dads-quirks-this-fathers-day/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/celebrate-dads-quirks-this-fathers-day/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Still scrambling for a last minute Father's Day gift? Our friend Amy Preiser at Shelterpop appeared on ABC 7 to show off unique gift ideas that dad is sure to love. Like what you see? Click here to check out Shelterpop's full gift guide!

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]]>fathers dayfathers day gift guidefathers day giftsJessica SamakowWed, 15 Jun 2011 10:00:00 ESTTop 10 Toys for Surf and Sandhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/14/top-10-toys-for-surf-and-sand/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/14/top-10-toys-for-surf-and-sand/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/14/top-10-toys-for-surf-and-sand/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When the sun is blazing, staying dry outside just isn't an option. Adding water toys to the mix can make the outdoors bearable -- and even enjoyable! From slip 'n' sides to water floats, this guide has everything your kids need to beat the heat and have fun in the sun!



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]]>water toysJessica SamakowTue, 14 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST12 Baby Bathing Suits Making a Splash This Summerhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/baby-bathing-suits/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/baby-bathing-suits/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/baby-bathing-suits/#commentsFiled under: ,

An itsy-bitsy-teenie-weenie-yellow-polka-dot bikini isn't the only way to be the most stylish babe at the kiddie pool this summer. These adorable swimsuits make us wish that we could still fit more than a pinky into them. So, slap on that sunscreen, fasten those floaties and hit the waves!



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]]>baby swimsuitsswimsuitsswimwearJessica SamakowTue, 07 Jun 2011 13:00:00 ESTGetting Braces: When to Bring Kids to the Orthodontisthttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/getting-braces/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/getting-braces/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/getting-braces/#commentsFiled under: ,

Some kids look forward to getting braces; they see it as a sign of growing up and love picking out colored rubber bands. But, after they've been braced for a few months, they're dying to rip them off. So when is the right time for your kid to get braces? Watch this video and find out!

Learn About Getting Braces

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]]>bracesbringing kids to orthodontistgetting bracesJessica SamakowTue, 07 Jun 2011 11:00:00 ESTDiaper Rash: Get the 411 on Preventing and Treatinghttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/06/diaper-rash/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/06/diaper-rash/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/06/diaper-rash/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you've been through the diaper stage before, you know the saying "as soft as a baby's bottom" doesn't apply when diaper rash is involved. Get the 411 on preventing and treating diaper rash from Thebump.com.

How to Treat Diaper Rash

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]]>diaper rashdiapersJessica SamakowMon, 06 Jun 2011 05:59:00 ESTHead Lice: How to Get Rid of Those Creepy Crawlershttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/03/head-lice-how-to-get-rid-of/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/03/head-lice-how-to-get-rid-of/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/03/head-lice-how-to-get-rid-of/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When one kid in school gets head lice, you know your kid is likely to be stuck in a hairy situation. It isn't long before your kid is itching and scratching his scalp, too. But, the misery doesn't have to last too long. In this video, pediatrician Dr. Su Laurent explains how to get rid of head lice.

Getting Rid of Head Lice

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]]>Head Licehead lice treatmentliceJessica SamakowFri, 03 Jun 2011 17:00:00 ESTFetus Has More Than 260 Facebook Friendshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/02/fetus-facebook-friends/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/02/fetus-facebook-friends/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/02/fetus-facebook-friends/#commentsFiled under:


Using paper announcements and photo albums to document a birth are so 2010. To spread the word of their pregnancy, Ellie and Matt Greene started a Facebook profile for their unborn baby, Marriah.

The Texas couple sent friend requests and the fetus had more than 100 friends in just one day. To date, her friends number 260.

The mom-to-be updates the page from the point of view of Marriah and people respond directly to her, especially when she tells friends she is kicking Mommy. "Oh, do somersaults this way," one friend suggests.

Marriah's parents have gotten creative, adding that Marriah attends Tummy University.

The page is not just for entertainment and laughs, however.

"We wanted to keep the page going, so she could go back and look at it," Ellie Greene tells KLTV, adding that she and her husband will continue to update the page to share her birth story.

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]]>birth announcementEllie and Matt Greenefacebookfetus facebookunborn baby on facebookJessica SamakowThu, 02 Jun 2011 13:30:00 ESTBoy Delivers Motivational Speech After Learning to Ride His Bikehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/boy-delivers-motivational-speech-after-learning-to-ride-his-bike/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/boy-delivers-motivational-speech-after-learning-to-ride-his-bike/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/boy-delivers-motivational-speech-after-learning-to-ride-his-bike/#commentsFiled under: ,

We adore this little boy, who gives hope to any kid who has ever failed at riding a bike with an inspirational speech to rival the best rhetoric out there. A recently accomplished rider himself, he reminds his peers with training wheels to believe in themselves and to keep practicing.

We can't wait to buy a T-shirt that reads, "Thumbs up to rock and roll!"

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]]>boy rides bikeJessica SamakowWed, 01 Jun 2011 16:30:00 ESTMorning Sickness Excercise Video for Your First Trimesterhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/morning-sickness-excercise/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/morning-sickness-excercise/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/morning-sickness-excercise/#commentsFiled under: ,

This instructional exercise video can help alleviate morning sickness during the first trimester of pregnancy. So, move the furniture, grab a yoga mat and follow these tips and tricks to relieve the common pregnancy symptom.

First Trimester with Morning Sickness Exercises


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]]>morning sicknesspregnancy exerciseJessica SamakowWed, 01 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST