ParentDish

Meet Martha and Friends

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: In The News, Media, Video Games, Activities: Big Kids, Activities: Tweens, Activities: Family Time, Celeb News & Interviews

How does a 10-year-old Martha Stewart prepare for the holidays? A2

Ever wonder what a 10-year-old Martha Stewart was REALLY like?

MarthaandFriends.com aims to show you!

According to Martha Stewart's newly launched website, MarthaandFriends.com, even at the tender age of 10, Martha was as crafty and creative as ever. The new site offers 'tweenaged girls the opportunity to watch episodes of the new series, as well as to recreate projects they see on the show and play fun games.

As one would expect from someone who is as iconic to holiday and event planning as any one person could be, Martha is airing a special holiday themed episode of "Martha and Friends," called "Martha and the Christmas Tree" on the Hallmark Channel tonight at 7PM ET. Young girls will enjoy seeing how Martha and her pals prepare for the upcoming holiday.

Tune in!

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Cheat Sheet: Ultimate Holiday Wish List, Diabetes Awareness Month and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Holidays, Medical Conditions, Movies, Tween Culture, Teen Culture, New In Pop Culture

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" -- the beginning of the end is here. Your children are likely to be very excited (hey, we are, too) about the release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part " this weekend. Some of the scenes and themes might be a bit dark for young viewers, so think carefully about whether you take your children. If you're not sure how dark see some sneak pics from the movie (with over 80 pics there are definitely some spoilers in there) and watch the trailers.

Tis the season ... to make a wish list. There's only a week until Thanksgiving, insert groan here, we don't know how it crept up this year, but in the spirit of the holiday season, AOL Kids is building an Ultimate Holiday Wish List and they need your children's help. After weeding through thousands of entries and comments, they have picked the top 30 items and need to narrow the list down to 12 final items. So have your kids hop over to the site and vote on their top five items.

Did you know that November is Diabetes Awareness Month? Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined. After being diagnosed with diabetes several years ago, Nick Jonas has been very involved in raising awareness for the disease. See how he copes with the disease as well as get even more information on diabetes, and what you can do to help loved ones who suffer from it , on Cambio.com.

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Cheat Sheet: Hair Whipping, Bieb-er-lantern and More Halloween

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Holidays, Tween Culture, Activities: Tweens

Willow's hair whipping is a bad idea. Credit: Sony

Willow Smith has two incredibly famous parents and a brother, Jaden Smith, who's slowly making a name for himself. But it's Willow's hair whipping that has caused quite the stir. With her hot, new single 'Whip My Hair', she brags about turning her swagger on as she hops up out the bed ... but it's the physical act of her hair whipping that has us concerned. JSYK spoke with Dr. Eric Liss a chiropractor for Pure Precision Chiropractic in San Clemente, Calif., and he pointed out that, "The way that Willow 'whips her hair' in the video is pretty aggressive and extreme. The reason that it could be potentially dangerous is because there's a lot of soft tissue and delicate nerve fibers in the neck that can be injured by whipping the head back and forth, especially if you don't warm up first." The effects of whipping your hair about like Willow does in her music video could be similar to getting whiplash -- YIKES! To read more about hair whipping, why it's dangerous and how you can do it in a safer way, read the article on JSYK.com.

Want to really impress your tween this Halloween? Carve a Bieb-er-lantern! Yes, that's right, you, too, could carve Justin Bieber's face into your pumpkin. We aren't sure your neighbors will be that into it, but just imagine the look of wonder on your daughter's face! See the amazing Bieb-er-lantern for yourself and then check out a gallery that tells you how to make one yourself.

And speaking of Halloween, it's only four days away ... that means you have four days left to panic over costumes, plan a great party or create some truly spooky and creative decorations. Check out AOL Kids' 31 Days of Halloween calendar and stop worrying, today!

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Cheat Sheet: Boobies Ban, Camp Rock 2, Selena Gomez's New Vid

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Celeb Kids, In The News, Shopping, Music, Movies, Tween Culture, Teen Culture, Celeb News & Interviews

Are you keeping abreast of the fads? Amazon.com

This is one story we can't get enough of, and neither can the teens on JSYK.com, either. Hoping to raise awareness about breast cancer, a group of California students are now sporting rubbery bracelets that say "I Love Boobies" -- similar to Lance Armstrong's Livestrong bracelets that benefit cancer research. Even though these accessories promote an important cause, school officials in the Clovis Unified district say no-way to wearing them during class time. The reason? Their dress code contains a clause that states "any jewelry that contains any sexually suggestive language or picture" is not allowed. We don't get the big deal, in fact we expect to see "Save the Testicles" rubber bracelets any day now.

If you missed the 'Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam' phenomenon this past weekend, consider us impressed. Some of us weren't as lucky ... if you are however dealing with CR2PPWS ('Camp Rock 2' Post Premiere Withdrawal Syndrome) in your household, you will be thrilled to know that you can catch clips from the movie, exclusive interviews and webisodes over on AOL Kids. There's also a quiz on the new movie, where you can see how well you paid attention. (Our cheating hint: Take it once, memorize the answers and then screenshot your amazing results after you retake it. You never heard that tip from us.)

In other Disney news, Selena Gomez premiered her brand-new video, 'A Year Without Rain,' this week. The concept of the video is a pretty literal take on the lyrics of the song. The Disney star sings about the desert, the guy she's in love with and, wait for it, rain. We're just grateful she isn't scantily clad and writhing around on the floor. Watch the full video and score the 'A Year Without Rain' on iTunes right now. Selena Gomez and the Scene's new album will be released on September 28.

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Cheat Sheet: Bieber Bandz, KIDZ Star USA Talent Search and Youth Sports

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:16:00 EST

Silly Bandz announced a special Justin Bieber pack. Credit: Silly Bandz

If you've encountered the Silly Bandz craze, or the Justin Bieber craze, you're about to see the two collide. In a brand new Justin Bieber Silly Bandz pack, you'll find 24 bracelets in six different shapes: headphones, hat, music note, I Heart JB, Bieber Heart and Justin Singing. As you probably know, the bands bounce right back to their original shape when you take them off your wrist. Of course, they come in purple, which is the 16-year-old pop star's favorite color. FYI: Moms seen sporting one of these particular Silly Bandz are likely to send off Cougar Alerts!

Think your child could be the next big thing on the music scene? The people behind the KIDZ BOP CDs are looking for talented young singers in their KIDZ Star USA Talent Search. To enter, your kid needs to be a member of KIDZBOP.com born after Aug. 31, 1994. Then all they have to do is submit a video singing any song of their choice by Aug. 31, 2010! The winner will get a recording contract with KIDZ BOP, a role in a KIDZ BOP commercial and music video, as well as the chance to sing on a KIDZ BOP album. And you get the chance to show the Dina Lohans and Lynn Spears of the world how being a stage parent is done!

Continue reading Cheat Sheet: Bieber Bandz, KIDZ Star USA Talent Search and Youth Sports

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Cheat Sheet: Joe Jonas' Birthday, Weekend Without Oil and Back to School

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Big Kids, Tweens, Teens, Music, Tween Culture, Teen Culture

Joe Jonas will be celebrating his 21st birthday in high style, we're sure. Credit: WireImage

If you have a JoBros fan in your house, you're probably already aware that Joe Jonas' birthday is this week, his 21st to be exact (that's Aug. 15, 1989, if you want to impress your kids)! AOL Kids is celebrating the event with a Joe Jonas quiz so your favorite fan can put their middle JoBros knowledge to the test.

Raise your eco-consciousness and get your family involved by signing DoSomething.org's Weekend Without Oil pledge. By signing the pledge for the Weekend Without Oil, you'll be promising to be conscious of your actions from Aug. 21-22. Just by walking or riding your bike; not buying new sports equipment, makeup or electronics; and using reusable bags and aluminum water bottles, you could offset six gallons of oil in just two days. Isn't that amazing?

It's the middle of August and while for some of us that means heat waves and days spent on the beach, for many of us it mainly signals the end of summer break, or back to school! Whether you consider going back a blessing or a curse, AOL Kids has a back to school special feature that's sure to help. It's packed with ideas for great first day looks, as well as activities and games to keep kids from stressing out over the return.

Related: 10 Backpacks to Load Up on as Kids Head Back to School

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Cheat Sheet: Emma Watson, the Great AOL Kids Giveaway, Taylor Swift

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Celeb Kids, In The News, Celeb News & Interviews

Emma Watson is rocking a new, pixie 'do. Credit: @EmWatson on Twitter

A collective gasp went out among Harry Potter and Emma Watson fans alike today, as she unveiled her new super-short, pixie hairdo. With her tiny frame and face this haircut is actually extremely flattering on her, and we'll admit we're insanely jealous of how FAB she looks ... we'd rather see this 'do everywhere than that horrid Kate Gosselin cut from a couple months back. Though we feel it's our duty to warn you that this cut is very youthful and won't work if you don't have a youthful, carefree personality!

To celebrate their new relaunch, and re-branding, AOL Kids (formerly KOL) is doing a month of giveaways. Every single weekday during The Great AOL Kids Giveaway there are amazing prizes up for grabs. Mid month there's an iPod Touch, yes you read that right, an iPod Touch, and it will culminate in the mother of all prizes for the finale, to be revealed Aug. 16. Don't miss a single prize, check out the breakdown of all the prizes.

Taylor Swift is back with new music, but not without drama. Her new single, "Mine," was scheduled to be released on Aug. 16, but after the MP3 leaked online on Wednesday, her label rushed to release the song 12 days early. Big Machine Records issued a statement saying the leak was "low-quality," and fans should hear the true version of single on iTunes or country radio. After downloading both versions, the label is right the leak was really bad quality. This might be a good time to remind your children of how Internet piracy of music hurts everyone, even our very own ears.

Related: Too Much Makeup? Don't Worry, Experts Say, the Clown Look Doesn't Last

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Cheat Sheet: BooBoo Stewart, Marmaduke and Teens Getting Hurt at the Gym

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Movies

Booboo Stewart is the latest edition to the 'Twilight Saga' movies' cast.

There's a new hottie in the pack -- the wolf pack, that is! Booboo Stewart will be joining "Eclipse," the third movie in the Twilight saga, in theaters June 30, as lovable Seth Clearwater. And we know you're thinking it, so yes, that is really his name. But alas, his too-cute-for-words name probably only adds to the too-cute-for-words appeal he'll have over your tween daughters (look at that face -- he really is a Booboo!).

Opening in theaters this weekend is 'Marmaduke,' the "tail" (we couldn't resist the bad pun, forgive us) of larger than life dog who tries desperately to fit in in small-dog heaven, a.k.a. Los Angeles. While this movie isn't at the top of our summer movie list, it is a great family film with good humor for the little ones and even us parents! Check out the trailer and see if you think your family would like it.

Is your teenage girl hitting the gym? If so, you might want to know that teen girl gym-related injuries are on the rise. Men and boys still have the most gym-related injuries, but girls are suffering from more sprains and crushed fingers than their male counterparts. The trick is learning to use equipment correctly and not pushing their bodies too far. Get your teen an appointment with a personal trainer. The initial consultation is usually free, and that way you'll ensure that she knows how to properly use the equipment.

Related: Has Twilight Ruined My Favorite Baby Names?

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Cheat Sheet: Joe Jonas, 'American Idol' and Sleep Deprivation

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Celeb Kids, In The News, Tween Culture, Teen Culture, New In Pop Culture, Celeb News & Interviews

Joe Jonas is going solo. Credit: Getty Images

If your teenager recently replaced the JoBros with Justin Bieber, they might be intrigued to know that Joe Jonas is working on a solo album. In an exclusive interview with the Just Jared Jr., the 20-year-old member of the Jonas Brothers confirmed that he's following the footsteps of his younger brother Nick Jonas and putting out his own record. The bigger question is whether this album will make us want to stick knitting needles in our ears or not?

If you haven't been following along, "American Idol" is down to the final two. Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox are set to square off next Tuesday, May 25 on Fox. Check out KOL's winner prediction with their Idol in a Minute video recap. Will it be Crystal, the Janis Joplin-y, raspy voiced, hippie chick? Or will it be Lee, the vulnerable, sometimes self-deprecating, loaner, dark horse? Does anyone even care anymore?

As parents we know how hard it is to get a good night's sleep, but do you ensure that your children get a good night's sleep? A recent study observed 723 teens and recorded their sleep patterns during the week and on weekends, how often they had trouble sleeping, and how many calories their diet typically consisted of. What researchers found is a link between sleep deprivation and a higher body mass index, which means your child is more likely to gain weight if they're burning the midnight oil too often. This is of course in addition to the toll lack of sleep will take on their grades, attentiveness and overall demeanor. Come to think of it, maybe our inability to sleep at night is the reason we're still fighting with these last 10 pounds?! It's a thought!

Related: Justin Bieber Makes Preschooler Happy

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Cheat Sheet: Miley Cyrus, Shrek and the Futterwacken

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Celeb Kids, In The News, Tween Culture, Teen Culture, Celeb News & Interviews

Miley Cyrus proves she can't be tamed. Credit: Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com

We've seen the rise and fall of many a Pop Princess over the past decade. So pardon us if we're slightly cringing at Miley Cyrus' new video "Can't Be Tamed." We're having flashbacks to Britney Spears circa "I'm a Slave 4 U." It was around this time that a young Ms. Spears tried to take on an edgier role and shortly thereafter crashed and burned. The new video is certainly more edgy than anything we've seen Miley/Hannah do in the past, and we'll now sit back and watch Miley embark on this Pop Princess rite of passage.

The fourth and final "Shrek" movie, "Shrek Forever After" opens May 21! Poor Shrek is feeling a bit bored by domestic bliss (we sympathize a bit!) and is lured into signing a pact that will flip his life upside down. Your kids are sure to want to see this, and if the movie is as funny as previous ones you won't mind watching it, too. Check out the trailers and a clip from the movie to decide if this will be on your must-see list.

Disney, to support the release of 'Alice in Wonderland on Blu-Ray and DVD in June, is conducting a 'Show Us Your Futterwacken' contest. In the world of Alice's Wonderland, the Futterwacken is a dance that the Mad Hatter performs to show his unbridled joy. Up for grabs in the contest are two iPads! So get out your camera, convince your kids to get down and GOOD LUCK!

Related: Tyra Banks to Write Book Series for Young People

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Cheat Sheet: Buffet Bucks, Wonder Girls and Staying Safe on Prom Night

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Tween Culture, Teen Culture, Expert Advice: Tweens, Expert Advice: Teens

Have you talked to your prom-bound teen about drinking and driving? Credit: Getty Images

While you're sipping your margarita at dinner tonight in celebration of Cinco de Mayo, maybe you should talk to your prom-attending teenager about the dangers of underage drinking.

A national survey given to high school juniors and seniors by Liberty Mutual Insurance and SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) found that 90 percent of teens believe their peers are more likely to drink and drive on prom night. Almost 80 percent say the same is true for graduation night as well.

Regardless of how you feel about your teen drinking, this would be a great time to set some ground rules!

Remind them not to drink and drive, not to let their friends drink or drive or even get in a car with someone who's been drinking.

Continue reading Cheat Sheet: Buffet Bucks, Wonder Girls and Staying Safe on Prom Night

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Cheat Sheet: Justin Bieber, Miranda Cosgrove and a Bad-Girl Cheerleader

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:39:00 EST

Filed under: Celeb Kids, Weird But True, Tween Culture, Teen Culture, New In Pop Culture, Celeb News & Interviews

Can't fight the fever: Justin Bieber fans in Sydney, Australia, show their support.Credit: Graham Denholm, Getty Images

"Bieber Fever" hit a new high this week when a Justin Bieber outdoor, scheduled performance had to be cancelled due to lack of crowd control. Seriously, when will this madness end? Maybe when his voice changes a couple of octaves ... We can hope, right?

As if we needed another multi-threat Miley Cyrus type, "iCarly" star Miranda Cosgrove released an album this week. At least it seems that Miranda has a good head on her shoulders, we don't expect to see her pulling any crazy antics, though stranger things have happened. Let your kids give "Sparks Fly" a listen before they waste their money, errr we mean, buy the CD.

And in news we wish we'd never heard, a JV cheerleader in Fort Worth, TX, was suspended for urinating in teammates' soda. Two members of the team received in-school suspensions after the prank, that involved two of their fellow cheerleaders drinking a soda laced with a teammate's urine. Let's all take a moment to teach our kids that, 1.) Urinating (or performing any other number of bodily functions) into someone else's cup is foul and 2.) If you didn't prepare the drink yourself, you should be cautious in your acceptance of it.

Related: How to Play: Horse

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Dinner Time Cheat Sheet

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:47:00 EST

Filed under: Books for Kids, Movies

If you were curious about what happened to Brendan Fraser, star of "With Honors" and "Encino Man," then stop wondering!

Apparently he drank some of Eddie Murphy's Kool-Aid, because he's doing children's movies now. Unfortunately your kids will probably find this one hysterical, so be prepared to be forced to see it! Get the scoop on "Furry Vengeance," in theaters April 30.

The movement to call comics "graphic novels" seems to lose steam when we find ones like the Fame series. These books feature celebrity biographies told through classic comic book styles. Their latest edition? Taylor Swift, of course. Anyone ever use comic books to build a bonfire? We expect the Taylor Swift Fame book to be on shelves later this year.

Now here's a good laugh -- SpongeBob SquarePants is going all activist for an Earth Day-themed episode of the hit show, airing tonight on Nickelodeon. When he finds out his beloved Jellyfish Fields will be affected by a new highway he, and Patrick Star, try to save the day. This has got to be good! Check out clips from the episode.
Related: Opinion: SpongeBob is Living in My Brain ... And He Won't Leave!

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Cheat Sheet: Glee, American Idol, Justin Bieber

the editors at KOL/JSYK — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 18:12:00 EST

Filed under: Celeb Kids, In The News, Tween Culture, Teen Culture, New In Pop Culture, Celeb News & Interviews

Trying to keep up with the news and gossip of a tween or teenager can be like landing in a foreign country. Use our cheat sheet to start tonight's conversation with your kids.

Glee is back! It's one of those smart and funny shows that happens to span generations (we know many adults secretly who watch it). This season kicks off with Rachel trying to hide a relationship with the lead singer of Vocal Adrenaline, AKA the enemy! Is he playing her to mess with the competition, or is there really a spark there?

Last week on American Idol, we almost saw Michael Lynche (a front-runner favorite) go home. But thanks to what we like to call the Chris Daughtry Rule he was saved from elimination and gets to come back this week to sing his heart out. The drama intensity will be turned up as we find out which two contestants will be going home. If you missed out on this season, KOL has Idol in a Minute recaps to get you all caught up.

And as if we can't get enough of Justin Bieber ... he'll be performing for the Today Show's Annual Summer Concert series on June 4. Also slated to take the stage are Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood, Ke$ha and others. Feeling like SuperMom or SuperDad? Offer your teen the chance to go to New York and watch it happen live. Warning: At The Bieber the crowds will be intense.

Related: More from JSYK and KOL.

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