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Reviews: What's New This Week

Fun & Activities

Here is a look at what's new this week in family entertainment as adapted from reviews and ratings by Common Sense Media. Click on the links to read the reviews in full.

In Theaters Now: The Twilight Saga: New Moon
A dark and moody film, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" is based on the second of Stephanie Myer's four novels. This installment is more violent than the first and takes the theme of obsessive love to new heights. Despite all the longing looks, passionate embraces and intense kisses, the film avoids being too explicit and the language remains fairly tame. Rated PG-13, OK for Kids 13+

My Sister's Keeper

Amazon.com

DVD: My Sister's Keeper
A weepy drama about a terminally ill child and her family's fight to save her life, "My Sister's Keeper" is ultimately a love story. Many scenes are painful to watch and, despite the message of love, it's a heartbreaking story that may upset younger audiences. Rated PG-13, Iffy for Kids 14-15

Fine Motor Skills: A Timeline

Newborns, Babies, Toddlers, Development

Fine motor skills refers to the coordination of the small muscles of the body. These include the hands, wrists, fingers, feet, toes, lips and tongue. There are two types of motor skills: fine motor and gross motor skills, which are the movements of the larger muscles, whcih include those of the arms, legs and feet. Both fine motor skills and gross motor skills develop over time and build upon one another. Below is a general timeline for fine motor skills development during the first two years of life.

Birth-2 months
Babies will extend their arms towards objects but are unable to grasp them. As vision develops, their accuracy improves. When their vision and grasping work together, they can make contact with the desired object.

3-4 Months
At this stage, hand-eye coordination begins to develop and babies can sometimes grasp and hold larger objects. Babies may hold and shake a rattle and bring hands together.

4-5 Months
Children should be able to sit up now. Babies can begin to transfer larger objects from one hand to the other. They can crumple paper and splash water in the bath.

6 Months
Babies can now hold objects with a palmar grasp and are refining their ability to manipulate objects with their hands and mouths. They may grasp at their feet and bring their toes to their mouths.

7-9 Months
Children can now successfully grab smaller objects between their thumb and the sides of their forefingers. They should be able to transfer toys from one hand to the other and bang objects on a table. Will often put objects in their mouths.

9-10 Months
At this stage, babies begin to develop a pincer grip. This allows them to grip larger objects with all four fingers against the thumb. This is the grasp that the child will use to pick up and drink from a cup. The pincer grasp also allows children to stack and nest objects.

10-12 Months
Toward the end of their first year of life, babies can pick up very small objects and begin to use their hands independently of one another. They will also be able to point at objects using their index finger.

12-15 Months
Most children will be better able to explore the world around them at this stage. They can roll a ball on the floor and begin using their hands for more than just playing and eating. Toward the end of this period, children will begin to use tools such as cups, spoons and crayons like adults would. This allows them to begin feeding themselves.

15-18 Months
At this stage, children can use a crayon to scribble on paper in a more controlled manner. They should also be able to build towers from a few large blocks.

18-21 Months
By the end of this period, babies may be able to help dress themselves by manipulating large zippers and buttons.

21-24 Months
By the end of their second year, most toddlers can use their hands to unwrap presents and do simple puzzles. They can fold sheets of paper and string large beads. They can build a tower of six to seven blocks and turn doorknobs and unscrew lids. They can wash and dry their hands and have mastered the use of a fork and spoon.

Children continue to develop fine motor skills throughout their childhoods. There are many toys and activities designed to help develop a child's fine motor skills. Parents who are concerned that their child may have a fine motor skills weakness should contact a doctor for an evaluation.

Read more about development at ParentDish.

Roald Dahl: Children's Author

That's Entertainment

Roald Dahl (Sept. 13, 1916 - Nov. 23, 1990) was a British-Norwegian novelist, short story writer and screenwriter most famous for "James and the Giant Peach," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Matilda" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox."

Dahl developed his love of writing and storytelling from his parents. Dahl has described his mother, Sofie, as a a great storyteller. Harald, his father, has been described as a prolific diary-writer.

Dahl spent many unhappy years as a student in various schools until he joined the Royal Air Force at age 23. While in the Royal Air Force, he became a World War II flying ace and intelligence agent. His autobiography, "Going Solo," includes action-packed adventures and harrowing details of Dahl's life as a wingman fighting enemy troops.

Although Dahl has written many books for readers of all ages, he is most famous for his children's books that were based on people he knew as a child.

Many of Dahl's books have become popular children's movies, too. The book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was adapted into two movies. The first, "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory," was a 1971 movie starring Gene Wilder about a candy man who invites a handful of children into his secret factory. Once inside the factory, the children's bad behavior leads to disaster when they break Willy Wonka's rules and find themselves in embarrassing -- but not too dangerous -- situations. Charlie Bucket, the poor child with a heart of gold, is rewarded by being told he'll inherit the factory when Wonka dies. The movie was re-released in 2005 under the title "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" featuring Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka.

"James and the Giant Peach" was adapted to the big screen in 1996. James, a happy boy whose life is turned upside down when his parents are killed by a rhinoceros, is sent to live with his two evil aunts. With the help of a little magic, a giant peach grows in his aunts' yard. James is then able to plan an escape, living in the peach with his new friends, human-sized bugs.

"Matilda," a tale about a girl genius who outsmarts her parents and evil headmistress using her untapped brain power, was also released in 1996.

Roald Dahl's "Fantastic Mr. Fox," which is the story of a domesticated fox yearning for a wilder life, was adapted for the big screen and set to be released on November 25, 2009. This animated film has an all-star cast -- including George Clooney and Meryl Streep -- and was directed by Wes Anderson.

ParentDish is your source children's books and movies.

Tough Love for Parents and Kids

Teens & tweens

Tough love is an expression used to describe a parenting technique that combines toughness and warmth to raise children. The principles of tough love hold that children, especially teenagers, should take responsibility for their actions.

Tough love is often considered a last resort for parents dealing with troubled children. The parenting style forces parents to resist manipulation by their children by stepping back and allowing their kids to suffer the natural consequences of their behavior. This doesn't mean that parents should humiliate or harshly discipline a child. Instead, parents who practice tough love are compassionate but firm. Most importantly, they are consistent in allowing their children to experience the results of their actions.

There are many examples of tough love. For example, parents who refuses to intervene when a child is suspended from school for drug possession would be acting from a "tough love" perspective. Permissive parents, who are the exact opposite of "tough love" parents, might attempt to help the child resolve the situation.

There are therapists who specialize in helping families learn to apply tough love principles. Additionally, there are wilderness therapy camps, boarding schools and many other resources to aid parents of troubled teens.

According to a study by the think tank Demos, children who are raised with tough love are more likely to mature into adults with more well-developed characters and personalities than children raised by authoritarian or permissive parents. The same study found that children raised with tough love were also more likely to be empathetic, have the ability to control their emotions and deal with disappointment. In addition, tough love children were found to be more capable of concentrating and completing tasks.

Once you've perfected your parenting style, make sure that your child is surrounded by caregivers who follow your lead. ParentDish's childcare advice can help.

Adrienne Bailon, Cheetah Girl on Her Own

That's Entertainment

Adrienne Bailon is an actress, singer, songwriter and dancer who became famous during her days with The Cheetah Girls, a popular girl group.

Born October 24, 1983, in New York City, Bailon's first taste of stardom came in 1999 when she sang at Madison Square Garden with her church choir. Pop star Ricky Martin, who was looking for backup singers, asked the the choir director to choose the four best vocalists from the choir. Bailon was chosen and performed with Martin that evening.

Bailon's performance with Martin was only the beginning. Her big break came in 2000 with the release of 3LW, the self-titled debut album of the R&B group that included Naturi Naughton and Kiely Williams.

In 2003, Bailon was cast with Williams, Sabrina Bryan and Raven-Symoné in the Disney channel original movie "The Cheetah Girls."

The Cheetah Girls soundtrack was certified two times platinum. Based on the Cheetah Girls' success, Walt Disney Records turned the actresses into a singing girl group that stayed together until November 2009 when the women broke up to pursue solo careers.

Like many other celebrities, Bailon became a controversial figure in 2008 when nude photographs of her were released on the Internet. Bailon said the photos were intended for then-boyfriend Rob Kardashian and were obtained from a stolen laptop. A gossip blogger, however, claimed that Bailon leaked the photos to gain publicity. Though the incident was never officially resolved, Bailon's career suffered from the bad press. Shortly after the photos were released, The Cheetah Girls were dropped from the 2008 Thanksgiving Day Parade lineup.

Bailon didn't let that setback stop her. Since the Cheetah Girls broke up, she has been an MTV host and begun work on her first solo album set to be released in late 2009 or early 2010.

Read more about entertainment at ParentDish.

Tamra Barney: Real Housewife

Celeb Parenting

Tamra Barney is a former stay-at-home mom and real estate agent from Orange County, Calif., who gained fame starring on the Bravo reality show "The Real Housewives of Orange County."

Tamra and her husband, Simon Barney, have four children : Ryan, Sidney, Spencer and Sophia. Tamra Barney joined "The Real Housewives of Orange County" in season three.

As a member of the reality show, Barney quickly made a mane for herself because of her outspoken ways. Early on, Barney acknowledged that her mouth gets her into trouble.

Throughout the show, she has also proudly proclaimed that she's the "hottest housewife in Orange County." During the filming, viewers see how much time and money she pours into her appearance.

In August 2009, Tamra Barney's home in Ladera Ranch, Calif., was listed as a pre-foreclosure short sale at an asking price of $1,149,000 -- several hundred thousand dollars less than what she bought it for.

The foreclosure only increased the gossip that had been growing for some time on the web. Among the most popular rumors are that the financial trouble that has strained the Barneys have endured has strained their relationship. Some believe that they are headed for divorce ala Jon and Kate Gosselin, another famous reality show couple.

In addition to starring on "The Real Housewives of Orange County," Barney works as a part-time real estate agent. She also launched a makeup line with her plastic surgeon, Dr. Ambe.

Read more about Celebrity Parents at ParentDish.

Mark Ballas: Two-Time Dancing With the Stars Champion

That's Entertainment

Mark Ballas is a professional actor, dancer and musician who became famous after joining the cast of the ABC reality show "Dancing With the Stars" in 2007.

Ballas was born on May 24, 1986, in Houston. At a young age, Mark, the only child of Corky and Shirley Ballas, moved with his family to London, England. At age four, he enrolled in the Italia Conti Academy of Dramatic Arts Associate School where he eventually earned a full scholarship to the college.

After being named the "Performer of the Year" there, Ballas began competing professionally around the world. Some of his accomplishments include winning the Junior Latin American Dance Championship and a gold medal at the Junior Olympics.

During the show's fifth season, Ballas began his "Dancing With the Stars" career by partnering with Cheetah Girls star Sabrina Bryan. The pair's dancing earned them rave reviews and unprecedented high scores from the judges. Despite being the first couple in the history of the show to receive a perfect score, Ballas and Ryan were voted off the show on October 30, 2007.

Since then, Ballas has won "Dancing With the Stars" twice. In 2008, he partnered with Olympic gold medalist figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi.The next season, he won again. This time his partner was Olympic gold medalist gymnast Shawn Johnson, the youngest competitor in the show's history.

In November 2009, "Dancing With the Stars" viewers were asked to vote for a former contestant they would like to see dance again. Fans were asked to choose the partner, dance style, music and costume for the returning contestant. Ballas and Bryan were chosen. They were reunited on the show to perform the Latin Ballroom dance, the Paso Doble.

Read more about entertainment at ParentDish.

Ancestors

Relatives

An ancestor is someone from whom another person is descended. Two people have a genetic relationship if one is the ancestor of the other or if they share a common ancestor on their family tree.

Establishing a connection to your genealogy is one way to learn more about yourself. Discovering and understanding your relatives connects you to the past and can help you understand your own and your family members' traits, strengths and weaknesses.

Another reason for learning about your ancestors is to uncover health information that might impact you and your descendants. A study of your ancestors can reveal a predisposition to certain ailments or hereditary conditions.

With the advent of the Internet, tracing your ancestors has never been easier. Many great web sites exist to help others find long lost family members. Today's online libraries, public records and other resources make finding your ancestors a lot less expensive and time-consuming. Two good places to research your family tree are The USGenWeb Project and Ancestors.com.

More Genealogy Terms defined at ParentDish:
Birth Records
Death Records
Family Tree
Marriage Records


Slumber Party Ideas

Fun & Activities

Slumber parties, also known as sleepovers and pajama parties, are a fun way for kids to spend some quality time with their friends. Boys like slumber parties, but girls love them. If you are hosting a slumber party at your house, you should plan ahead to ensure that things run smoothly. Keep them happy and busy all night long with these great slumber party ideas.

The Basics
  • Invitations - When sending out the invites, ask everyone to bring pajamas, slippers, a stuffed animal, a sleeping bag, a pillow and a toothbrush.
  • Sleeping Arrangements - To minimize squabbles, designate couches and beds as off-limits. Everyone sleeps on the floor.
  • Food - Set up an area in the room where the guests will be sleeping and stock it with drinks, popcorn, candy and other snacks. Make sure you've got breakfast covered with easy-to-prepare foods like bagels, fruit and cereal.
Games
  • Stuffy Game - On the invitation, tell each guest to bring their favorite stuffed toy. Throw them all in a pile together, blindfold each guest in turn, and have them try to find their own stuffy without looking.
  • Board Games - Load up on games that allow for multiple players.
  • Scavenger Hunt - Create clues and get prizes for a treasure hunt.
Other Activities
  • Salon - Make it a 'spa night' with face masks and manicures.
  • Music - Set up CDs and a player or an mp3 player and speakers.
  • Movies - Rent a selection of age-appropriate films.
  • Magazines - Have some reading material and flashlights on hand.
As parents, remember that when hosting a sleepover that there will be a lot of noise and very little sleeping. Try to relax and enjoy the party!

Read more about Fun and Activities and ParentDish.

Native American Names

Baby Names

Native American names have become popular with parents in recent years. There are many web sites dedicated to helping parents choose Native American names for their children, but not all are reliable sources.

According to Native Languages, many names that are thought to be traditional Native American names are in fact made-up names from books and movies or distortions of genuine names. Some popular Native American names are inaccurately translated and often don't mean what parents believe they do. Other names are mistakenly thought to be Native American when, in fact, they originate from other languages.

Parents wishing to give their child a Native American name should be aware that tribal names have special meaning in Indian culture, and it is considered disrespectful to give these names to children who are not part of the tribe. If you want to give your child a traditional Native American name, you must speak to a tribal elder or religious leader, according to Native Languages. Another option is to give your child a Native American variant of a Hebrew or Christian name or to use a word from a Native American language.

Read more about Baby Names at ParentDish.
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