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Toby Reiter
Vanessa Hudgens on 'Bandslam,' Celeb Gossip & Kissing Co-Stars
Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Teens & tweens, Life & Style, In The News, Media
Vanessa Hudgens Photo Credit: Van Redin, Summit Entertainment
Vanessa Hudgens goes from popular teen to rocker chick
The beautiful and sweet Vanessa Hudgens, who rose to fame as the perky, adorable Gabriella in the insanely popular "High School Musical" series, is back in a new film, "Bandslam." This time around, Hudgens plays a moodier role, in which she falls for another teenage outcast and totally gets to rock out. Our friends at MovieFone recently got the opportunity to sit down with the actress and singer for a one-on-one chat, where Vanessa dished about her new movie (including making out with her co-star), coping with the constant glare of the media's spotlight, her inspirations and hobbies and much more. Here's just a taste...
MovieFone: What's your response to all of the misconceptions that celebrity bloggers like Perez Hilton have of you?
VH: [Laughs] I think I'm a cool girl. But now because I'm saying that they're going to say I'm conceited, see? That's just the way it is [laughs]. I don't know, I think I'm a very laid back, go-with-the-flow person. At the same time I'm passionate about what I do, so I have strong feelings towards that, but, yeah, I'm totally chill.
Read the entire interview!
Little Girl Catches Big Fish With Her Bare Hands
Sooooo cute! In this YouTube home video, two little girls go wading in a shallow creek...and one of them goes fishing with her bare hands!
Readers, do you think this is real?
My Child Refuses to Potty Train: What Can I Do?
Parents of toddlers are constantly surrounded by other parents whose kids are the same age. Whatever your activity of choice -- a play group, an art/music class, a visit to the playground or a Gymboree class -- it's relatively standard for parents to gather and share war stories, advice and tips on their parenting experiences. When these conversations pop up, it's also somewhat inevitable for parents to create comparisons between their little one and other kids of a similar age. Is my child is on track developmentally? Is he or she keeping up with their peers?
Potty training is one of those milestones that parents use as a measuring stick for their child's progress. Experts say that two years old is the average age for children to develop an interest in potty training. So what do you do when your child is 3½ and still resistant to learning? From a practical standpoint, every parent knows that children develop at different rates. But from an emotional standpoint, it's hard not to be concerned when YOUR child is the one lagging behind.
ParentDish recently heard from a frustrated mom looking for reasons why her 3½-year-old son was so resistant to using the potty and what she could do at this point to speed up the process. We asked Dr. Mark Wolraich, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Child Study Center at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City, OK, for his expert opinion, in the hopes that the answer would not only help this frazzled mom, but other parents facing the same frustration.
We have a very strong-willed son who is 3 ½. We've been potty training for the last 9 months. Our initial strategy was to put him in underwear (except for nighttime) and gave him rewards and praise when he went on the potty. He has been pretty good pooping on the potty, but peeing on the potty has been a real struggle. He was motivated and fairly successful at first, but the novelty wore off fast. Since then we have tried most everything -- different types of rewards, cumulative rewards, sticker charts, praise, taking stuff away, timed bathroom breaks, etc. He almost always puts up a fight and almost always is wet even before we get him on the potty. In retrospect, we know that we started too early and that the rewards didn't work for him...but now we're 9 months in and not sure how to proceed. Lately we have totally backed off – kept him in the underwear, not mentioned the potty at all and had no reaction when there have been accidents or successes, in the hopes that he will feel in control and motivated to try again. So far, it has only resulted in messy accidents. He doesn't seem very bothered to be wet and simply points it out and asks for another pair (as if they are disposable!) We question whether we should put him in a diaper/pull-up during the day, but feel like he'll just start peeing in those and we will be even worse off. We are at our wits end and desperately need help!
--Lisa from Short Hills, NJ
Dr. Mark Wolraich: My response to the parent is: It sounds like your son has figured out that he can get a good deal of attention for not urinating where he should. I think your backing off has been a move in the right direction. I would suggest putting him back in Pull-Ups so that you don't have to deal with messy accidents. He will reach a point where not going in the potty will not get any attention and will be bothersome because other children are not in Pull-Ups (like he is). If there is a preschool program that will not take him without being trained and it is one he would like to go to, you might find him training himself more quickly. The less you push him about toileting and the more he experiences the natural consequences of not urinating where he should, the more likely you are to make progress. Good luck and stick with it.
Top Ten Potty Training Videos
Looking to inject some fun into the potty training process? Potty training videos -- filled with sing-a-long tunes, loveable characters and valuable lessons -- can be a great way to help teach your little one the basics of bathroom etiquette. There is a wide spectrum of different videos to choose from to get your toddler interested in potty training, but these DVDs are some of our favorites. Whether your child prefers animated characters or more of a live action format, there is a training aid for everyone here!
Top Ten Potty Training Videos
POTTY POWER - FOR BOYS & GIRLS
Known as one of the more popular potty training videos, this DVD helps initiate and motivate a child's interest in potty training using narration, songs and stories.
Buy the DVD!
Amazon
SESAME STREET - ELMO'S POTTY TIME
Elmo says, "Potty training can be fun!" Create a positive potty experience for your child with Elmo and other Sesame Street friends. This amusing and song-filled DVD teaches children that everyone has to learn how to use the potty. Your child will dance, sing, and laugh as he/she learns helpful, healthy bathroom habits.
Buy the DVD!
Amazon
GO POTTY GO! POTTY TRAINING FOR TINY TODDLERS
Catchy songs, silly stories and fun, interactive games inform, inspire and motivate tiny toddlers to use the potty. Along the way, appropriate toilet skills are demonstrated. Join Paige & Parker Panda and a gaggle of other lovable animated characters as they show kids how to go potty all by themselves.
Buy the DVD!
Amazon
ONCE UPON A POTTY FOR HIM
This video expands upon Alona Frankel's popular children's book by the same name in two ways: there's a sing-along potty song and a 13-minute doctor's statement for parents. And the animated retelling of main character Joshua's potty progress is good, too. But it's the "music video" of the oh-so-catchy "Potty Song" that makes this half-hour video.
Buy the DVD!
Amazon
ONCE UPON A POTTY FOR HER
Prudence, the adorable heroine of Alona Frankel's book of the same name, can provide further inspiration to young girls with her video adventure. Prudence gets a grand introduction to the potty in the form of a music video of "The Potty Song," complete with toddlers frolicking among portable potties.
Buy the DVD!
Amazon
I GOTTA GO! A MUST-HAVE FOR EVERY STAGE OF POTTY TRAINING
Whether or not this catchy 10-song music video will inspire your tot to master the potty, it will certainly provide a happy diversion. The songs address all aspects of potty training from washing hands, to sticker rewards, to toilet-training's role as a rite of passage.
Buy the DVD!
Amazon
THE POTTY MOVIE FOR GIRLS: HANNAH EDITION
The star of the DVD is Hannah, the main character from "The Potty Book for Girls" by Alyssa Satin Capucilli, a toddler who is graduating from diapers and learning to use the potty. Kids can watch Hannah's growing-up adventure and sing "Bye-Bye, Diapers" with her.
Buy the DVD!
Amazon
THE POTTY MOVIE FOR BOYS: HENRY EDITION
A companion DVD to the popular picture storybook, "The Potty Book for Boys" by Alyssa Satin Capucilli. The star of both the book and the DVD is Henry, a toddler who is moving on from diapers and learning to use the potty. Children can watch Henry's right of passage and sing "Bye-Bye, Diapers" with him.
Buy the DVD!
Amazon
IT'S POTTY TIME
Bathroom etiquette is much more than just going to the potty. "It's Potty Time" teaches children when, where and how, using a birthday party setting to illustrate the process. With the help of Dr. Barbara J. Howard M.D. and adorable songs, kids learn to close the door, how to wipe, flush the toilet, wash their hands and boys are taught to lift the lid and put it back down.
Buy the DVD!
Amazon
NO MORE DIAPERS
A delightful animated story about a little bear who gives up diapers for big kid underwear. A proven toilet training aid, "No More Diapers" is guaranteed to jump-start your child's potty training. Includes fun original sing-along songs, and a potty training diploma and coloring book can be downloaded free!
Buy the DVD!
Amazon
Mommy and Me: Celebrity Moms and Their Kids
A-list celebrity moms have it all -- fabulous careers, enviable relationships and marriages, access to the finest in fashion, style, beauty and travel and of course, the adoration of their fans. But for these busy, multi-tasking moms, the only adoration they seem to care about is that of their delightful children! Despite demanding schedules and commitments, these moms always find time to slow down and enjoy their tots' childhoods.
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Mommy and Me: Celebrity Moms and Kids
Tori Spelling
Actress and author Tori Spelling takes her daughter Stella on a bike ride in Malibu, CA. Tori and her actor husband, Dean McDermott, have two children together -- daughter Stella and son Liam.
Actress and author Tori Spelling takes her daughter Stella on a bike ride in Malibu, CA. Tori and her actor husband, Dean McDermott, have two children together -- daughter Stella and son Liam.
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Mommy and Me: Celebrity Moms and Kids
Tori Spelling
Actress and author Tori Spelling takes her daughter Stella on a bike ride in Malibu, CA. Tori and her actor husband, Dean McDermott, have two children together -- daughter Stella and son Liam.
X17online
Jamie Lynn Spears
Jamie Lynn Spears looked every inch the young mom, in a rare appearance with daughter Maddie. Spears, 18, was dressed for the scorching summer day in a bright pink T-shirt, cut-off jean shorts and sunglasses, carrying 1-year-old Maddie on her hip. Maddie's dad is Jamie Lynn's boyfriend, Casey Aldridge.
Winslow/Graeme, Splash News
Jennifer Garner
Actress Jennifer Garner and her younger daughter, Seraphina, enjoy a Sunday morning at the Farmers Market in LA. Garner's husband, actor/director Ben Affleck, is the proud papa of Seraphina and her big sister, Violet.
Ramey Photo
Geri Halliwell
Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell (aka Ginger Spice) gives daughter Bluebell Madonna, 3, a lift. The child's father is reportedly screenwriter Sacha Gervasi.
Bauer-Griffin
Katie Holmes
Actress Katie Holmes and daughter Suri go shopping at The Grove in LA. Katie treated Suri to a giant chocolate croissant, which the 3-year-old managed to get all over her face. Dad is actor Tom Cruise, who also has two other children -- daughter Isabella and son Connor -- from his previous marriage to actress Nicole Kidman.
Owen Beiny, Agent 47 / WENN
Kate Winslet
Academy Award-winning actress Kate Winslet walks her children Mia, 8, and Joe, 5, and to school in New York City. Daughter Mia's dad is Winslet's first husband, Jim Threapleton, and son Joe's father is current hubby Sam Mendes.
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First Lady Michelle Obama
First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, read stories to children at the annual White House Easter Egg Roll in Washington, D.C. Dad is President Barack Obama.
Michael Reynolds, Pool / Getty Images
Angelina Jolie
Actress and philanthropist Angelina Jolie takes three of her six children with actor Brad Pitt -- daughter Shiloh, 3, daughter Zahara, 4, and son Pax, 5 -- for a walk in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Not pictured: Oldest son Maddox and twins Vivienne and Knox.
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Heidi Klum
Supermodel Heidi Klum and her sons, Henry and Johan, play and enjoy some snacks in a park in Beverly Hills. Heidi, who is pregnant again with her fourth child with husband Seal, also has a daughter, Leni (not pictured).
X17online
Gwen Stefani
Singer and fashion designer Gwen Stefani watches her older son, Kingston, while holding her younger son, Zuma, at an event in La Quinta, CA. Dad of the two boys is Stefani"s husband, singer Gavin Rossdale.
Brian To, FilmMagic
Day Out with Daddy: Celebrity Dads & Their Kids
We all know that A-List celebrities and public figures have tons of adoring admirers, but for these celebrity dads, their kids are their #1 fans! Despite their often-demanding schedules, the celebrity dads (and stepdads!) on this list always make time for family fun and togetherness.
Day Out with Daddy: Celebrity Dads and Kids
Matt Damon
Actor Matt Damon gives his daughter, Isabella, a lift at LAX Airport. Damon and his wife, Luciana Barroso, have two daughters together -- Isabella and Gia. Luciana also has a daughter, Alexia, from a previous marriage.
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Tom Brady
The New England Patriots' star quarterback, Tom Brady, visits with his son, John Edward Thomas Moynahan. Mom is Brady's former girlfriend, actress Bridget Moynahan. Brady married Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen in February 2009 in Los Angeles.
Revolutionpix / Fame Pictures
President Barack Obama
Despite his insanely busy and important schedule, President Barack Obama makes it a point to spend as much time as he can with daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7.
Getty Images
Brad Pitt
Actor Brad Pitt, who has six children with actress Angelina Jolie, visits the playground with three of their kids -- daughter Zahara, and sons Pax and Maddox. Not pictured are daughter Shiloh and twins Vivienne and Knox.
James Devaney, WireImage
Will Smith
Will Smith and two of his children with actress wife Jada Pinkett Smith -- daughter Willow and son Jaden -- enjoy a night out in New York City. Smith also has a third child, son Trey , from his previous marriage to Sheree Zampino.
Eric Charbonneau, Le Studio/Wireimage
Tom Cruise
Actor Tom Cruise walks the streets of Manhattan with his daughter, Suri Cruise; mom is actress Katie Holmes. Tom also has two other children -- daughter Isabella and son Connor -- from his previous marriage to actress Nicole Kidman.
James Devaney, WireImage
Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey sits in the sand with son Levi on the beach in Malibu. Levi is McConaughey's first child with model/handbag designer girlfriend Camila Alves.
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Seal
Sexy crooner Seal, seen here playing in the park with one of his sons, has three children with supermodel wife Heidi Klum -- daughter Leni, son Henry and son Johan. The couple recently announced that baby #4 is on the way!
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Gavin Rossdale
Singer Gavin Rossdale hanging out on the slopes with his oldest son, Kingston. Rossdale and his singer/fashion designer wife Gwen Stefani have two sons, Kingston and Zuma.
Michael Buckner, Getty Images
Ben Affleck
Actor/director Ben Affleck picks up his oldest daughter, Violet, from school. Ben and his wife, actress Jennifer Garner, have two daughters – Violet Ann Affleck and Seraphina Rose Elizabeth Affleck.
Bauer-Griffin
They Still Got It! Celebrity Grandparents
It's hard to believe that some of our era's sexiest, most talented and well-respected actors, musicians and pop culture icons are now old enough to be grandparents. But regardless of their "Nanny" or "Poppy" moniker -- they still got it! Check out these fabulous-at-any-age stars -- all of whom include "glowing grandparent" in their extensive resumes.
They Still Got It! Celebrity Grandparents
Ron Howard
Hard to believe, but Opie is a grandpa! Ron Howard, the Oscar-winning filmmaker, who also starred as Richie Cunningham in "Happy Days," became a grandfather when his eldest daughter, actress Bryce Dallas Howard, gave birth to her first child, son Theo Gabel (seen here). Sources say there is a strong family resemblance between Theo and Papa Ron; the little man has some "Opie" in him and is reportedly a spitting image of his grandpa! Ron and his wife Cheryl are also parents to 23-year-old twin girls, Jocelyn Carlyle and Paige Carlyle, and 21-year-old son Reed Cross.
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Goldie Hawn
Goldie Hawn is a grandma to two boys: Ryder Russell Robinson, now 5 (seen here), from her daughter Kate Hudson's marriage to Black Crowes rocker Chris Robinson, and to Wilder Brooks Hudson, who turns 2 this summer, from her son Oliver Hudson's marriage to actress Erinn Bartlett.
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Steven Tyler
Now past the age of 60, rock legend -- and proud grandpa -- Steven Tyler and Aerosmith are still going strong. Tyler's daughter, actress Liv Tyler, has one son, 4-year-old Milo, from her marriage to Royston Langdon.
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Blythe Danner
Actress Blythe Danner, mother to Oscar-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow, is the proud grandma of two grandchildren -- granddaughter Apple, turning 5 this spring (seen here), and grandson Moses, 3. Their dad is Paltrow's husband, Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin.
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Marian Robinson
Here's to you...first grandma Mrs. Robinson! President Barack Obama's mother-in-law, Marian Robinson, has two children -- First Lady Michelle Obama and son, Craig Robinson. Mrs. Robinson currently lives in the White House with her daughter, where she helps care for her two granddaughters -- Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7.
Saul Loeb, AFP / Getty Images
Donny Osmond
Fans remember Donny as the young star they grew up watching in the '60s and '70s -- but Osmond is now a grandfather of two! Osmond became a first-time grandpa in 2005, when his second son Jeremy and his wife Melisa welcomed Dylan James Osmond. The family welcomed a granddaughter, Emery, in 2008. This is the first girl born into Donny's immediate family, as he is father to five boys.
Kevin Mazur, WireImage
Sally Field
A celebrated film and television actress, currently starring in the TV series "Brothers and Sisters," Sally Field has three grandchildren. In 1998, she became a grandmother of Isabel Craig; in 2001, Sophie Craig; and in 2006, Noah Craig (seen here).
Fame Pictures
Priscilla Presley
Priscilla Presley is still celebrating the arrival of her newest grandchildren by daughter Lisa Marie Presley this past fall. Fraternal twin girls, Harper and Finley (dad is Lisa Marie's husband Michael Lockwood), join siblings Danielle Riley and Benjamin Storm from Lisa Marie's marriage to Danny Keough.
Jason Merritt, FilmMagic
Dustin Hoffman
Award-winning actor Dustin Hoffman has two children (Karina and Jenna) with his first wife Anne Byrne, and four more (Jacob, Maxwell, Rebecca and Alexandra) with wife Lisa Gottsegen. Hoffman also has two grandchildren -- he is seen here with granddaughter Daisy Jo.
Marsaili McGrath, Getty Images
Harrison Ford
Veteran film actor Harrison Ford -- best known for his starring role in the "Indiana Jones" franchise -- has four children from two previous marriages and three grandchildren. Ford's first grandson, Eliel, was born in 1993, his granddaughter, Giuliana, in 1997 and his second grandson, Ethan, in 2000.
Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage
