ParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gifParentDishhttp://www.parentdish.comen-usCopyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/How to Limit What Kids Watch on TVhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/29/how-to-limit-what-kids-watch-on-tv/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/29/how-to-limit-what-kids-watch-on-tv/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/29/how-to-limit-what-kids-watch-on-tv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Limit What Kids Watch

Limit the amount of time your child spends in front of screen with the help of these tips! Credit: Getty Images

Between the computer, the TV, the DS, and the Wii, a lot of screens are vying for your kids' attention. Parents try lots of different things to limit screen time -- everything from outright bans to "only on weekends" to setting a timer. Being The Enforcer of Screen Time Limits may solve your "right now" goal of getting kids to turn off. But raising kids with an understanding of healthy screen limits and the ability to self-regulate takes a little more work.

Like everything in parenting, media management is a process -- one that requires balancing your long-range goals with the daily reality of the various devices in your kids' lives. Here's an age-by-age media-management plan with some practical tips to try along the way.

Preschool age. Creating consistent, healthy media habits starting when kids are just beginning to be exposed to screens is essential. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises no more than 1 to 2 hours per day of total screen time for children older than 2 (and zero screen time for children under 2). Use that as a maximum amount and work down from there to find the amount that feels appropriate in your family, factoring in all the things required for healthy preschool brain, body, and social development.

  • Provide distractions. Diversions work well for this age group -- and preschoolers love to help out. At dinner time, instead of busying them with the TV while you cook, ask them to sort all your pots and pans from biggest to smallest.
  • Practice togetherness. What kids this age need is a close, loving relationship with an active, involved caregiver. It's actually OK to do nothing but count dust bunnies, as long as you're together.
  • Do activities. Find a book of rainy-day activities that use household objects for easy little projects you can set up (and clean up!) easily.

Elementary and Middle school. At this age, friends take on a much more significant role in kids' lives. Kids also begin to develop their own interests -- some of which they might want to research on the computer. Explaining the reasons why you're choosing to limit screen time will help your kid begin to understand the consequences of their choices. Help them understand that spending excessive amounts of time in front of a screen impacts their ability to develop a rich and full life -- and takes precious, non-retrievable time away from all the things they need to do (like eat, sleep, do homework, read, and play sports).

  • Delegate chores. Working parents can feel guilty asking kids to do chores, but it's actually really good for them -- and it helps you, too. Just remember to keep them manageable.
  • Schedule play dates. If kids are going to use the computer or game console, invite a friend (or two) and make it social. That removes the isolating aspect of gaming, which can lead to game addiction, loss of empathy, and social withdrawal.
  • Grant privileges. Use screen time as a goal that kids have to work for.
  • Encourage creativity. If kids start exploring digital arts, encourage some of the off-line aspects, like drawing, sketching scenes, writing, costume design, etc.

High school. Teenagers still haven't developed the judgment to always make great decisions, but they're smart enough to understand the influences of risky practices. For high schoolers, you'll have more success if you explain the reasons why too much screen time is harmful. For example, too much exposure to violent video games raises aggression and lowers empathy. Your kids may actually be able to see evidence of this in their peers who spend too much time playing games.

  • Don't give up. Continue to require household participation like chores, and maybe up the ante by asking teens to make dinner once a week and do their own laundry.
  • Make quality choices. You still have a say in what they see, hear, and play. Put in your two cents about the importance of quality media.
  • Keep up grades. Pull back on screen time if grades are slipping.

Every family will have different amounts of time that they think is "enough." What's important is giving it some thought, creating age-appropriate limits (with built-in flexibility for special circumstances), making media choices you're comfortable with, and modeling responsible screen limits for your kids.

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]]>Limit What Kids Watchscreensthe editors at Common Sense MediaWed, 29 Jun 2011 09:30:00 ESTHow to Help Summer Learning Go Onhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/summer-learning-go-on/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/summer-learning-go-on/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/10/summer-learning-go-on/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Click here for a sneak peek of one of our favorite documentaries, "Spellbound."
Summer learning

Carefully chosen books, movies and games can get your kids learning. Credit: Getty Images

How do you prevent kids' brains from turning to mush over the summer? Well-chosen books, movies, games, websites, apps and TV shows that slip in some lessons along with the entertainment.

Here's what our editors love for summer learning.

TO WATCH

On TV

Best Educational TV Shows
Shhh! Don't tell them it's educational -- just let them learn while they watch.

"The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That"
Everyone's favorite feline makes natural science fun for kids.

"Word Girl"
Fighting the bad guys with a silver-tongue -- now that's smart!

On DVD

Best Documentaries
Few stories are as affecting and inspirational as the true ones that take place in the world every day.

"Under the Sea 3D"
Next time they go to the beach, your kids will certainly have lots to say about what's below the surface of the ocean.

"Young Mr. Lincoln"
Rather than a bloated, boring biopic, this is a thoroughly engaging glimpse into the iconic president's early years.

TO READ

Best Educational Books
During the summer, kids can take their time exploring subjects like math, science and history at their own pace.

"Of Thee I Sing"
A diverse selection of American heroes profiled by Barack Obama offers kids a wide range of inspirational stories.

"Goddess Girls: Athena the Wise"
Let your kids disappear in Ancient Greece with this updated version of the Greek myth.

TO PLAY

Free Educational Games
From word problems to weather to world hunger, these free games offer lots to learn.

Starfall
This outstanding learn-to-read site is sure to engage little ones.

Ansel & Clair's Adventures in Africa
This educational adventure app introduces kids to the three major regions of Africa.

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]]>Summer Learningthe editors at Common Sense MediaFri, 10 Jun 2011 12:00:00 ESTAnti-Prom Offers No Tuxedos and No Judgmenthttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/anti-prom/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/anti-prom/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/07/anti-prom/#commentsFiled under: ,

anti-prom

Anti-Prom was held at the main branch of the New York Public Library on June 3. Credit: AP

Were you one of those kids too nerdy or too cool to go to the prom? Did you loathe the very idea of the end-of-year dance?

Imagine spending the night at the public library instead.

Well, maybe you actually already did that. But did you get to do that while snarfing on fast food and hanging out with your fellow misfits and iconoclasts -- all courtesy of adults who actually "get" you?

Then imagine the prom night held at the main branch of the New York Public Library June 3.

The New York Times reports library workers offered an anti-prom for kids who, for one reason or another, just don't fit it at the conventional prom. It's a big come-as-you-are party.

Take 17-year-olds Dijon James and Jo Doodle.

"Some kids come because of their sexual orientation or the way they dress," James tells The Times. "We're just coming to have a good time."

James and Doodle, The Times report, came in skinny jeans and sneakers -- hardly the powder blue tuxedos practically required at a traditional prom. And there was nary a gown, corsage or limousine in sight.

Chris Shoemaker, who oversees the teen program for the library, tells The Times library workers came up with the idea of the anti-prom seven years ago after hearing teenagers' increasingly negative comments about traditional proms.

"Prom is a big theme in young adult books, and the reaction we got from a lot of teens is that they hated the prom and wanted to do something else," Shoemaker tells the newspaper. "The reaction we got was that 'prom isn't for us.' Some teens felt that because they might want to attend with a same-sex partner, they wouldn't be accepted at their prom."

Jimmy Van Bramer, an openly gay councilman from Queens, took the microphone at this year's event and urged the group to "celebrate as themselves."

"Does everybody like Lady Gaga?" he yelled to screams of approval. "Was everyone born this way?"

The first anti-prom attracted about 100 kids, according to The Times. Some 600 teenagers attended this year.

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]]>Anti-Promgay teensnew york public librarypromTom HendersonTue, 07 Jun 2011 14:30:00 ESTVideo Games Make Kids Fat? Well, Yes and Nohttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/video-games-make-kids-fat/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/video-games-make-kids-fat/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/video-games-make-kids-fat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

video games

Playing interactive video games helps kids stay fit. Credit: Getty Images

Playing video games makes kids fat.

So say researchers at the Eastern Ontario Research Institute in Canada who ... ZAP!

Oops, those guys just got vaporized by researchers at Auckland University in New Zealand, who say playing interactive video games actually helps kids stay fit.

According the New Zealand Herald, researchers looked at 320 kids ages 10 to 14 and found that all leaping and swinging in PlayStation 3 helped them lose a small but definite amount of weight and helped them ... ZAP!

The Canadians are back. They got a second life.

Reuters news service reports those researchers looked at 22 teenage boys with normal weights and found they eat more in an hour of gaming than during the rest of the day combined. They also tend to eat bigger lunches after playing video games.


On average, teenage gamers pack away 163 more calories on days spent with aliens, ogres and orcs.

But just hold your orcs. Here come the New Zealanders, waving data like the Seven Flaming Rings of Raggador.

They say the kids who played dancing, tennis and boxing games put on weight more slowly than the more slothful control groups. All kids gain weight, of course. They're growing. But singing and dancing gamers put on weight at a healthier rate.

Lead New Zealand researcher Ralph Maddison tells the Herald the lesson here is clear. If you're going to kill an ogre, at least swing the virtual sword with your own arm. Don't let a joystick or push button do your dirty work.

"Parents may have more success encouraging the substitution of sedentary video games with more active ones, instead of trying to stop children and young people from gaming altogether," he tells the Herald.

In that regard, New Zealand and Canadian researchers are reading from the same page. Or sacred scrolls, for you gamers out there.

Video games will make you fat unless they make you move.

Related: Video Gamers: The Overeating Defenders of the Universe

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]]>childhood obesityfithealthylkvideo gamesTom HendersonWed, 01 Jun 2011 11:30:00 ESTGetting Your Child Ready for Camphttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/17/getting-your-child-ready-for-camp/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/17/getting-your-child-ready-for-camp/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/17/getting-your-child-ready-for-camp/#commentsFiled under: , ,

camp

I remember once speaking about camp with parents of a 12-year-old girl I'd been seeing in my psychotherapy practice. The girl had expressed an interest in going to a horseback riding camp in Vermont and the father was balking at the cost.

"Two thousand dollars seems like a lot of money to pay for my daughter to learn how to ride a horse!" the father complained.

I sat back for a moment then answered, "If all you think your daughter is going to learn is how to ride a horse, then don't send her!"

"What do you mean?" he asked.

I explained that many parents, especially ones who have never been to camp as children themselves, make the mistake of thinking camp is about the activities or the facilities. While those are important aspects of camp, that's not what camp is. Camp is about making some of the best friends of your life. It's an exercise in self-reliance and social learning. Kids not only make some of their best friends at camp, they learn what real friendship is.

Since campers live in groups, it is also about learning the give-and-take of making decisions and getting along with all those "brothers" or "sisters" you suddenly inherit when you arrive. In a time when resilience -- the ability to stick with something and recover from a setback -- is a great quality to cultivate in our children, camp is an increasingly attractive option. I can't tell you how many parents have told me how much more confident, calm, purposeful or focused their children seem after a couple of weeks of camp.

But Are We Ready?

Many parents wonder when the best time is to send their kids to camp. The answer depends on your individual child. There are some 6- and 7-year-olds who march eagerly off to camp without a problem, while some 11 year-olds cower with a fear of becoming homesick.

If your child has been able to sleep over at Grandma's or a friend's house, he or she is probably ready for camp. If your child consistently has trouble making or keeping friends, then speak with the director. While camp is a great place for making friends, don't expect camp to magically do what your child hasn't been able to do at home.

The biggest question to ask is, are you ready as a parent to let your child go? Children are like little membranes -- they pick up all of the subtle emotions of their parents. It helps to be clear with yourself about what your child signed up for in the first place, whether it is to make new friends, learn new skills or try out some new exciting activity or program.

Think of camp as "life experience with training wheels." Camp professionals have been helping kids separate and become more independent for years. This is their true business. They tell you they teach swimming or arts and crafts or canoeing, but what they really teach is self-reliance and resilience--in other words, coping skills for kids!

Reassure yourself, as a parent, that you've done your job. All the advice, coaching, caring and goodwill you've given your child over the years is in there. Trust the job you have done. Let him try out his wings, even if it means he takes a little nosedive once in a while. You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

How Do We Get Them Ready?

I created a few tips for parents to help them and their children get ready for the adventure of camp:

  • Involve them in shopping for camp, maybe even doing some packing together.
  • Pack a favorite personal item, such as a T-shirt, cap or small stuffed animal.
  • Have them "practice" showering, sleeping over at friends or relatives and writing letters.
  • Talk with them about the fun things they are looking forward to doing at camp. Watch the camp DVD together.
  • Parents should share stories about their own first times away from home. (Keep it positive!)
  • Parents can point out what a child does well and how that will be an asset at camp.
  • Post a letter to your new camper one or two days before she departs for camp, so that it will be there on her first full day at camp.
It also helps to have a few conversations with your child, before he heads off to meet his new friends. Here are a few things you can say -- not all at once, but a little over time in the week before he goes:

  • Every camper is part of a group and, as your parents, we expect you to cooperate and help out.
  • If you are having a problem, your counselor is there to help you. Don't wait to tell us, you can tell your counselor. Be honest and ask for what you need.
  • If your counselor doesn't help or is part of what makes you uncomfortable, talk to your division leader.
  • Clean-up is part of camp; you do it everyday; we expect you to participate.
  • There are many new things at camp, and you may not like them all or be as good at some as you are at others. We expect you to try!
  • Go about making a new friend or two. If you are timid about meeting someone new, ask about what she likes and be a good listener.
  • Not everyone has to be your friend, and you don't have to be everyone else's friend. If you have one or two good friends at camp, that's great!
  • Have fun and tell us all about it on your first call home!
So, good luck and congratulations on giving your child the "gift" of growing up -- it will serve him for years to come.

This article was originally published on PBSParents and was written by Bob Ditter. Bob is a senior level clinical social worker who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of children, adolescents and their families. He maintains a clinical psychotherapy practice in Boston, Massachusetts, and consults nationally with agencies that work with young people, including the Salvation Army, the Girls Scouts of America, the YMCA, the American Camping Association, Jewish Community Centers, Sea World (Busch Entertainment), the Disney Channel, private and public schools, and others.

More From PBSParents.org:

Child Development Tracker

Expert Q&A

Activity Search

Kitchen Explorers

The Parent Show

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]]>campsummer campPBSParents.orgTue, 17 May 2011 17:00:00 ESTBest Family Movies: Bringing Back the Classicshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/05/best-family-movies/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/05/best-family-movies/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/05/best-family-movies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Picking a movie that will be fun for the whole family can be quite the harrowing experience. Sometimes we forget -- even in a time before Pixar -- there were movies that had something for everyone.

Family movie nights can actually be a great way for parents to revisit old favorites they might have forgotten about, sharing the experience with their kids. With this list of family favorites you might have forgotten about, all you'll need is a bowl of popcorn.

family movies

Credit: Amazon

"Singin' in the Rain" (1952)
True to its original tagline -- a "Singin' Swingin' Glorious Feelin' Technicolor Musical" -- "High School Musical" has nothing on this Gene Kelly/Debbie Reynolds classic. "Singin' in the Rain" teaches the values of hard work, good diction and how to have fun in surprise showers.


family movies

Credit: Amazon

"Swiss Family Robinson" (1960)
Getting harder to recall your dreams of living in a tree house as a kid? "Swiss Family Robinson" can refresh your memory. This Disney classic is the loose adaptation of Johan Wyss' tale of a European family who gets shipwrecked on an island paradise while on their way to the New World. Full of exotic animals, lush wildlife, evil pirates and coconut booby traps, this is fun for the whole family.


family movies

Credit: Amazon

"Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" (1948)
Universal's classic horror stars meet prolific comedic duo Abbott and Costello, in a film Reader's Digest selected as one of the top 100 funniest films of all time and the United States Library of Congress deemed "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant." The entire family will be laughing.


family movies

Credit: Amazon

"Bringing Up Baby" (1938)
Infamous for tanking at the box office, "Bringing Up Baby" is now a classic rental. A screwball comedy that pairs Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn with a leopard named Baby, this movie might make kids pull for an exotic pet.


family movies

Credit: Amazon

"Stand By Me" (1986)
A group of 12- and 13-year-old boys go on an overnight journey to find the body of a missing boy. Heartwarming, funny and scary at the same time, "Stand By Me" celebrates the profundity of childhood friendship.


family movies

Credit: Amazon

"The Goonies" (1985)
Another buddy film, "The Goonies" follows a group of misfits on an adventure through underground tunnels, waterfalls and pirate ships to get to a buried treasure. Steven Spielberg wrote the screenplay of this family classic that deals with, you know, the easy issues of good versus evil. Oh, and it has a friendly monster who teaches that true beauty comes from the inside.


family movies

Credit: Amazon

"Hitchcock's Greatest Hits"
Way before the "Saw"-genre of horror took over, there was Hitchcock. The master of suspense directed 53 films, and even with that many titles to choose from, it's kind of hard to go wrong. (Although you might want to consider if you want your kid to be afraid of taking a shower or scream at the sight of birds for the foreseeable future.)



family movies

Credit: Amazon

"Sixteen Candles" (1984)
If you haven't watched "Sixteen Candles" with your teen daughter yet ... do. Perfect for the big kid crowd, the movie follows Molly Ringwald through what starts out as the worst birthday ever. Another potential bright side: After this movie, you'll get automatic bonus points for remembering your child's birthday.

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]]>best family moviesfamily moviesgoonieshitchcocksingin in the rainsixteen candlesstand by meLaura StamplerThu, 05 May 2011 15:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Sequencehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/01/sequence-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/01/sequence-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/01/sequence-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Form sequences, win the game! Credit: Getty Images

What you need: Two to 12 players and the Sequence board game.

How to play: This game is played by two players, two teams, three players or three teams. Players are dealt a certain number of cards, and then take turns playing them, placing a chip of their color on one of the corresponding card images on the board. The object of the game is to form sequences -- one or two rows of five chips (be it horizontally, vertically or diagonally) before the other player or players, team or teams.

The rules: The jacks fulfill a special role. If a player plays a two-eyed Jack, he or she may place a chip anywhere on the board (except, of course, on the wilds). If a one-eyed Jack is played, the player may remove an opposing player's token from anywhere on the board. Sequence employs some distinct hard and fast rules that include no table talk, and an order in which you must play your hand: card, chip, replace your card.

How to win: If there are two players or two teams, two sequences must be formed to win the game. When there are three teams or three players, only one sequence needs to be formed in order to win.

What else you need to know: There is also a version for younger children, ages four to seven, Sequence for Kids.

Related: More Kids Games

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]]>board gamescard gamesevergreensequencesequence for kidsSally WorshamFri, 01 Apr 2011 07:00:00 ESTGetting Kids to Dig Gardeninghttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/23/getting-kids-to-dig-gardening/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/23/getting-kids-to-dig-gardening/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/23/getting-kids-to-dig-gardening/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

gardening with kids

Let kids help with planting. Credit: Getty Images

You don't have to hire a baby-sitter when you head out this spring to plant -- little ones can help your garden grow.

You're ready to dig into gardening as a family as soon as your child understands dirt is not for eating, Sarah Pounders, education specialist for the National Gardening Association, tells ParentDish. She knows from experience: Her toddler helps her out in her own Houston garden.

Herbs grown in containers are a great way to introduce your child to the pleasures of the garden because they grow fast and offer all kinds of scents and colors to pique your child's curiosity. Be creative with containers -- anything from an old shoe to a wagon can hold plants as long as there are drainage holes for water at the bottom, Pounders says.

Mint is a hearty herb that grows easily and has a child-pleasing scent when picked. Remember, children like to touch plants, so don't expect a perfect garden. You might even want to plant your child's garden off to the side from your main gardening area because young hands like to pull plants out of holes, sometimes a little too early.

Pounders says her carrots never made it to the table because her daughter pulled them out too early when she saw the tops turn orange.

If you want to really dig in the dirt, consider planting seeds or young plants in rows. Planting seeds is fun, but spacing them far enough apart can be hard with tiny seeds. Try cucumber, beans and sunflowers -- all have big seeds that your child can easily plant.

Pounders suggests a variety of options for kid-friendly gardens:

  • Pizza garden: Plant tomatoes, basil and parsley.
  • Rainbow garden: Plant a wide variety of colors.
  • Soup garden: Grow different root vegetables for the soup pot.
  • ABC garden: Pick a plant that begins with a letter from the alphabet.
  • Sunflower house: Plant sunflowers in a square to grow your own play house.
"You can't help but be successful when you plant lettuce or marigolds," Greg Stack, author of the University of Illinois Extension program's "My First Garden," tells ParentDish. "Maybe you can grow your future salad."

He recommends giving children different seed catalogs and letting them cut out pictures of what they want to grow. Then, you can order the seeds or go to a plant store to pick out your first plants.

Gardening teaches discipline to your children while they wait for the plants to grow, water them, stake them and even weed them, Stack says.

"It's just like having a pet, but you don't have to walk it," he says.

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]]>gardeningGardeningWithChildrengardenskids-gardensplantingEllen Rooney MartinWed, 23 Mar 2011 10:00:00 ESTWhat Kids Should Learn From President Obama's State of the Union Addresshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/26/what-kids-should-know-from-obamas-sotu-speech/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/26/what-kids-should-know-from-obamas-sotu-speech/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/26/what-kids-should-know-from-obamas-sotu-speech/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



For many kids, the night a United States President delivers the State of the Union address is the most productive night for homework -- the mood is somber, the parents inattentive and there's absolutely nothing on TV.

But it's a shame, really, because few things are more life-as-classroom relevant than a real-time civics lesson. If you break the State of the Union address down into kid-inspiring bites, there's a lot for them to chew on.

Below are 15 parts of President Obama's 2011 State of the Union address that kids can understand (with a little help from you). These quotes are not just hopeful, but they teach history and inspire curiosity. Just be sure to stand by to answer questions!

"We have fought fiercely for our beliefs. And that's a good thing. That's what a robust democracy demands. That's what helps set us apart as a nation."

------------------

"We believe that in a country where every race and faith and point of view can be found, we are still bound together as one people."

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"We are the first nation to be founded for the sake of an idea -- the idea that each of us deserves the chance to shape our own destiny. That's why centuries of pioneers and immigrants have risked everything to come here. It's why our students don't just memorize equations, but answer questions like "What do you think of that idea? What would you change about the world? What do you want to be when you grow up?"

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"We need to out-innovate, out-educate, and out-build the rest of the world."

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"What America does better than anyone else is spark the creativity and imagination of our people. We're the nation that puts cars in driveways and computers in offices; the nation of Edison and the Wright brothers; of Google and Facebook. In America, innovation doesn't just change our lives. It is how we make our living."

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"Half a century ago, when the Soviets beat us into space with the launch of a satellite called Sputnik, we had no idea how we would beat them to the moon. The science wasn't even there yet. NASA didn't exist. But after investing in better research and education, we didn't just surpass the Soviets; we unleashed a wave of innovation that created new industries and millions of new jobs.This is our generation's Sputnik moment." (Click here for more kid-friendly info about Sputnik.)

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"We need to teach our kids that it's not just the winner of the Super Bowl who deserves to be celebrated, but the winner of the science fair. We need to teach them that success is not a function of fame or PR, but of hard work and discipline."

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"If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation; if you want to make a difference in the life of a child -- become a teacher. Your country needs you."

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"In the coming year, we'll also work to rebuild people's faith in the institution of government. Because you deserve to know exactly how and where your tax dollars are being spent, you'll be able to go to a website and get that information for the very first time in history."

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"Thanks to our intelligence and law enforcement professionals, we're disrupting plots and securing our cities and skies. And as extremists try to inspire acts of violence within our borders, we are responding with the strength of our communities, with respect for the rule of law, and with the conviction that American Muslims are a part of our American family."

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"The United States of America stands with the people of Tunisia, and supports the democratic aspirations of all people." (Click here for more kid-appropriate info about Tunisia.)

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"Tonight, let us speak with one voice in reaffirming that our nation is united in support of our troops and their families. Let us serve them as well as they've served us -- by giving them the equipment they need, by providing them with the care and benefits that they have earned, and by enlisting our veterans in the great task of building our own nation."

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"Starting this year, no American will be forbidden from serving the country they love because of who they love."

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"As contentious and frustrating and messy as our democracy can sometimes be, I know there isn't a person here who would trade places with any other nation on Earth. We may have differences in policy, but we all believe in the rights enshrined in our Constitution. We may have different opinions, but we believe in the same promise that says this is a place where you can make it if you try. We may have different backgrounds, but we believe in the same dream that says this is a country where anything is possible. No matter who you are. No matter where you come from."

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"From the earliest days of our founding, America has been the story of ordinary people who dare to dream. That's how we win the future."

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Joel Schwartzberg is an award-winning essayist and the author of "The 40-Year-Old Version."

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]]>Joel SchwartzbergWed, 26 Jan 2011 12:49:00 ESTLooking for Next Semester's Elective? Think Journalismhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/18/looking-for-next-semesters-elective-think-journalism/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/18/looking-for-next-semesters-elective-think-journalism/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/18/looking-for-next-semesters-elective-think-journalism/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Whether it's Introduction to Journalism, Newspaper, Yearbook or Video Production, a class that gets your teenager involved in the art of interviewing and writing under deadline -- like a regular Barbara Walters or Anderson Cooper -- is sure to nurture invaluable skills. And, by being on a media production staff, your teen might even find that ever-so-needed niche in the swirl of a big campus.

Take Yvonne, one of my students from a few years ago. As a freshman, she was short, overweight, bespectacled, quiet and a C student -- your typical wallflower. A semester spent in a beginning journalism class gave her the writing bug, though, and she soon began to shine as an interviewer.

When an assignment required someone to interview the principal on the dress-code policy, gang vandalism and homecoming preparations, Yvonne was all over it. By senior year, she was editor-in-chief of the school paper and an A student. Not only had her circle of friends grown (she organized staff jaunts to Jack-in-the-Box after putting the latest issue to bed, for instance, but her self-confidence as a writer improved, as well. Her English teachers noticed this change and named her the outstanding graduate in language and literature for that year.

Elective classes such as journalism and media production compete for students' time with old standbys including art, band, drama, chorus, or the latest computer programming trickery. Teachers, myself included, almost have to resort to bribery to recruit students into their classes. Kids often snub journalism, thinking they lack the writing and photography skills needed, or fearing it will be too hard. On top of that, adults often give journalism in today's society a bad rap, assuming all media distorts and sensationalizes the news.

But I'm here to tell you -- and your kids -- that media classes rock. Here are a few reasons why:
  • You get to carry a digital voice recorder, or go old-school and stick a reporter's notepad in your back pocket.
  • You get to wear a media pass and roam campus. Oh, the places you'll go ...
  • You often carry and use a high-end digital camera or a Flipcam and learn how to edit your soon-to-be masterpieces.
  • When you ask principals and staff for an interview, they might actually smile and agree to it because it might be their most pleasant student interaction all day.
And, on the more serious side:
  • You will work as part of a team to create a product that will be seen by hundreds, if not thousands, at your school, whether the product is a newspaper, yearbook or newscast. Your media class buddies will probably be your closest friends because of the amount of time spent together in class and after school, meeting deadlines.
  • You will gain skills that could lead to a career in print, online or broadcast journalism.
  • Even if a journalism career is not your aim, a media class will guide you in learning how to write with precision, clarity and balance. You will learn the importance of accuracy and objectivity whenever you observe a situation and have to tell a story about it later.
  • Journalism isn't just about the five Ws and the H (who, what, where, when, why, how). It compels you to judge what is and isn't news and to consider ideas such as privacy and defamation of character. In other words, journalism promotes critical thinking skills, which students today need to tap into more often.
  • You will be engaged in the kind of pure and simple journalism that our founding fathers found so vital, they instituted press freedom in the First Amendment. How's that for old school?
  • Through your photography and videography, you will capture moments in time that might otherwise be lost: the touchdown that capped a winning season, the student protest against the dress code, the classroom presentation that brought tears to a teacher's eyes.
  • You will gain computer and software skills as you type stories, edit photos, design pages, edit videos and more.
  • If you rise to be an editor or director, you will have an excellent credential for college applications.
  • Throughout your stint in a media class, you will be the eyes and ears for all that's going on at your school, recording stories for posterity. Some stories will be less important than others; but some stories will beg for more discussion on blogs and social networking sites -- fueled by you and your classmates. There's a very good chance that a story will catch the attention of mainstream media, and just think: the world would not have known about these stories if not for your role as citizen journalist.
As for the impact of a media production class on your student's school life, the Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication put it this way in a 2008 statement: "... those with student media experience get better high school grades overall, outscore others on ACT tests and earn higher grades in college."

So, stop by your school's media production labs sometime. You will be impressed by not only the high-spirited camaraderie and teamwork, but also by the learning environment.

Like Yvonne and so many other of my former students, you just might find -- sharing hamburgers or pizza or sodas late into the afternoon as you meet a deadline -- that journalism is your thing.

Just for fun, here's another view on the journalism business!


Deborah Ross writes about art, health, lifestyles and education from Phoenix, where she has lived for more than 30 years. She is a former reporter and copy editor for the Arizona Republic and is the co-author of the first edition of The Insiders' Guide to Phoenix, part of a national travel series. She spent 10 rewarding years in public education, as an English teacher and adviser to her high school's newspaper and yearbook students.

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]]>Deborah RossTue, 18 Jan 2011 09:00:00 ESTJanuary: Lookin' for Luck? Try Hoppin' Johnhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/07/january-lookin-for-luck-try-hoppin-john/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/07/january-lookin-for-luck-try-hoppin-john/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/07/january-lookin-for-luck-try-hoppin-john/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Our family celebrated the holidays recently in the north Mississippi town of Holly Springs, and as the New Year approached, I happened upon a stash of Southern cookbooks that helped rekindle memories of my upbringing in this lovely antebellum town. It's a place where local food tends to be buttered, deep-fried or drenched in the "pot likker" of a salty, smoky ham hock.

So, with the New Year at hand, there was one dish that our family had to have on the menu: Hoppin' John. This quintessentially Southern concoction is a ham-hock-infused combination of black-eyed peas and rice, typically eaten with cooked greens and cornbread, all in the name of securing good luck for the New Year.

Hoppin John

Good food = good luck? Credit: Deborah Kloha

Now, truth be told, we're not big believers in luck, but we do love our traditions -- particularly those that remind us of who and where we've been over the years. And Hoppin' John does just that for many families who want to start off the new year with savory, simple fare -- the type that their forebears may also have eaten as they celebrated the start of a brand-new 12-month cycle.

Our daughter, Anna, who is my cooking partner in crime, is not usually a rice-and-beans (or peas) fan, but she, too, appreciates the culture of food and the sense of place it conjures. With that in mind, she dove into the prep work of quick-soaking and rinsing dried peas, trimming greens and keeping a watchful eye over the simmering pot of meat and vegetables. And as we occasionally lifted the lid to see how things were stewing -- OK, there were a few teen breaks for Facebook and texting -- we got to talk over our thoughts on the seasonings (she wanted less garlic) and our questions about how Hoppin' John got its name.

We speculated plenty, but never answered the question of who this Hoppin' John guy was, but what good luck we had to have found a few hours this month to spend some time together in the kitchen, in the shared pursuit of meal preparation.

Hoppin John

Get your ingredients prepped before you start cooking. Credit: Deborah Kloha

Hoppin' John With Greens from KitchenDaily

Ingredients:
1 bag (16 oz.) dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
2 smoked ham hocks, split
2 cups chopped onions
2 medium cloves garlic, peeled
2 bay leaves
1/2 t. ground black pepper
1/2 t. crushed red pepper
1 1/2 lbs kale, collard, or turnip greens, rinsed, tough stems removed, leaves cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
2 t. salt
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Directions:
To rehydrate the dried peas before cooking, use one of the following methods. Quick soak: Put peas in a large pot with cold water to cover by 2 inches. Bring to a boil, remove from heat and let stand 1 hour. Drain and rinse. Long soak: Put peas in a bowl with cold water to cover by 2 inches. Let stand at room temperature at least 12 hours. Drain and rinse.

Put ham hocks, 8 cups water, the onions, garlic, bay leaves, and black and red pepper in a heavy 5-quart pot. Bring to a boil; skim off and discard foam from top. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 1 1/2 hours.

Stir in soaked peas, the greens and salt. Simmer, uncovered, 1 hour 15 minutes or until meat and peas are tender. Remove bay leaves and discard. Remove ham hocks and let stand until cool enough to handle.

Meanwhile ladle 2 cups "pot likker" (cooking liquid) into a 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir in rice. Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Remove meat from ham hocks. Cut or shred into very small pieces. Add meat and rice to pot with peas. If mixture is soupy, continue cooking until liquid is absorbed, but mixture isn't dry. (Cool, cover and refrigerate at this point if making ahead.)

To serve: Add up to 2 cups water (rice and peas will continue to absorb liquid). Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 8 to 10 minutes.

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]]>Deborah KlohaFri, 07 Jan 2011 12:00:00 ESTIs Your Child Going Outside in the Snow? The Advice Every Parent Must Read!http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/04/is-your-child-going-outside-in-the-snow-the-advice-every-parent/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/04/is-your-child-going-outside-in-the-snow-the-advice-every-parent/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/04/is-your-child-going-outside-in-the-snow-the-advice-every-parent/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Brrr! It's a snowy day and you know what that means: Snow advice! From the "experts!" Advice-givers who can turn any childhood activity into a disaster waiting to happen. Or, of course, an educational bonanza. Or both!

For God's sake, do not send your kids out into the deadly white powder until you consider these life-saving, grade-boosting, treat-you-like-a-total-moron tips!

1. Before your children leave the house, make sure they are wearing something on their feet. Best bet: Boots!

2. Kids love snow and may try to eat it. That's fine -- if first they come inside and let you inspect the snow they are considering eating. Microwave it on high for five minutes to kill any dangerous bacteria and then, enjoy! Note: This goes double for icicles.

3. Some children may try to form the snow into a small sphere. This is ideal for developing fine motor skills, but can turn deadly if they child attempts to project the ball. Nip this danger in the bud by simply following your kids around all day and taking away any ball small enough to poke out an eye, or large enough to bruise a kidney. Hint: Use a toilet paper tube to see if the ball is too big. Or small.

4. Large spheres of snow can be balanced atop one another to form a "snow person." (Try to avoid the phrase "snow man," because little girls are people, too!) Making a snow person can foster a sense of accomplishment, which fosters self-esteem, which has been shown to foster better test scores. That is, until the day the snow person disappears. Can your child accept this kind of loss? No way! Make the rule and stick to it: "No snow persons." A better idea: Suggest building a "snow lump" instead, as it will be less traumatic when the "snow lump" melts.

5. Sledding? Just make sure the kids are wearing helmets, knee pads, mouth guards, goggles, lip balm, hand warmers, long underwear and a non-stocking cap, as long caps can get tangled in the razor-sharp blades of the sled, which could then slide over your child's throat. Ouchie! Safety first: It's also not a bad idea to mount a video camera at the back of the sled for when your child is backing up.

6. Have you ever told your kids about the time you made your own igloo? Tip: Don't.

7. Remind the children of their No. 1 job: Have fun! When they come back inside 3-4 minutes later, warm them up with hot cocoa. Good idea: To avoid mouth trauma, instead of a marshmallow, use an ice cube!

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]]>Lenore SkenazyTue, 04 Jan 2011 11:00:00 ESTNew Year's Eve Craft: Party-Perfect Hat to Make and Wearhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/30/new-years-eve-craft/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/30/new-years-eve-craft/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/30/new-years-eve-craft/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

New Year's Eve Craft

Cut and paste the perfect party hat to ring in 2011 in crafty kid-style. Credit: Gina Provenzano



Your special prince or princess will love welcoming the New Year in a glittery party hat they make themselves.

Don't let these directions put a cap on their creativity; let them go even further by adding glittery pipe cleaners and fun foam shapes to their creations. Then, let the countdown begin ...

What you'll need:

o.Fun foam glitter sticker letters and numbers, 1 1/4" tall
o.Fun foam glitter sticker sheets, 8 1/2" x 11" in desired colors
o.2 fun foam glitter sheets, 8 1/2" x 11" in black
o.Glitter gold fabric paint
o.Tacky glue
o.Safety scissors
o.Tape measure

What to do:

1. Help children sort through and pull out letters/numbers to spell out their desired New Year's message: "Happy New Year 2011," "New Year's Prince," "New Year's Princess," etc.
2. Arrange letters on one sheet of black glitter fun foam. Keep letters/numbers to approximately 10 inches wide and 6 inches high. Children can peel off backing and apply small dabs of glue to back of letters and adhere in place.
3. For balloons, draw small circles in desired colors on fun foam glitter sheets. Cut out balloons, peel and glue onto black glitter fun foam as before. Allow to dry one hour.
4. Kids can cut black foam leaving a slight edge around entire message.
5. Measure, mark and cut two 9-inch x 2-inch bands from the second sheet of black glitter fun foam. Overlap ends and glue a band to each side of cut out message along bottom edge. Allow to dry thoroughly.
6. Help children cut a notched tab at the end of one band and cut slits at the end of the other band for securing hat in desired size.

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]]>craftskidsnew years eveNewYearsEveparty hatPartyHatGina ProvenzanoThu, 30 Dec 2010 08:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Find Santa's Reindeerhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/25/how-to-play-find-santas-reindeer/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/25/how-to-play-find-santas-reindeer/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/25/how-to-play-find-santas-reindeer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

reindeer picture

Santa's Reindeer. Credit: Patrick Norman, Corbis

What you need: You will need nine toy reindeer. You also can make reindeer out of brown construction paper -- don't forget a red nose for Rudolph.

How to play: Hide the nine reindeer around the room, making some easy to find and some more difficult. Tell the children that Santa needs their help because he cannot find his reindeer.

The rules: Let the children search for the reindeer. You can set a time limit to see if they can find all nine by a certain time.

How to win: The person who finds the most reindeer is the winner. You also can give a special prize for the person who finds Rudolph (the reindeer with the red nose).

Related: More Kids' Games

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]]>christmas gamesevergreenfind santas reindeerholiday gamesSally WorshamSat, 25 Dec 2010 09:00:00 ESTThis Holiday Season, Let Them Be Kidshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/23/this-holiday-season-let-them-be-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/23/this-holiday-season-let-them-be-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/23/this-holiday-season-let-them-be-kids/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

A woman who attended my workshop took me aside to tell me about her son and his friend. They are 15, and the friend was dealing with some really upsetting issues at home. He felt comfortable and safe at her house and she and her son had taken this boy under their wings. What she found remarkable was that in his overly stressed state, he found refuge in the simplest video games from his youth.

She explored this further and began to closely observe more of her son's friends. She noticed that all of them, when they were relaxed and comfortable, loved to revert to playing the games they enjoyed when they were 10. Her theory is that these boys are under so much pressure to behave older than they feel that it is a complete relief when they can allow themselves to let their hair down and really relax with their friends. And sometimes it makes them feel happy and comfortable to play like kids.

This is true whether your teen is a boy or girl, in middle school or high school, in the "popular" crowd or not ... teens often feel as though they are on a stage performing when they go to school. They feel evaluated and judged, and if they don't measure up they feel worse.

One of the greatest gifts you can give your teen this Christmas vacation is the opportunity to relax and be a kid. When the snow comes, encourage sledding, skating and have the hot chocolate ready. Rent old movies from when they were little. Get out old fashioned games -- even board games. And if they get silly and act like they did when they were 10 -- all the better. To be able to relax that much, to feel that comfortable with family or a few chosen friends is a great gift. Not just this vacation, but anytime.

Your teens have a lifetime in front of them to learn to be an adult. And these days of their youth are fading fast. Help them make a few more memories.

Reprinted with permission from Sue Blaney. Read more of her two-minute parenting tips on PleaseStopTheRollerCoaster.com.

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]]>Sue Blaney From Please Stop The Roller CoasterThu, 23 Dec 2010 18:35:00 ESTDo You Monitor Your Children's Internet Usage?http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/30/do-you-monitor-your-childrens-internet-usage/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/30/do-you-monitor-your-childrens-internet-usage/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/30/do-you-monitor-your-childrens-internet-usage/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

internet usage

What are your kids checking out online? Credit: Getty Images


Kids are getting online earlier and earlier. When our little ones are still very little, it's easy to keep them locked in to PBS Kids, AOL Kids, Nick Jr. and other kid-friendly destinations.

It's when they get older that we have to worry about who they are chatting with and what videos they watch on YouTube.

Sure, we trust them. But there are some creepy people in the world. And while they will eventually see any, shall we say, adult video that they want to see, that doesn't mean they have to see it now.

So, parents, what do you do?

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]]>InternetBrett SingerTue, 30 Nov 2010 11:09:00 ESTToday's Riddle Me Thishttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/30/todays-riddle-me-this/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/30/todays-riddle-me-this/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/30/todays-riddle-me-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

What starts with "P" and ends with "E" and has more than 1000 letters?

Click on this link for the answer.

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]]>Jessica SamakowTue, 30 Nov 2010 06:00:00 ESTToday's Riddle Me This Answer -- Nov. 30, 2010http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/30/todays-riddle-me-this-answer-nov-30-2010/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/30/todays-riddle-me-this-answer-nov-30-2010/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/30/todays-riddle-me-this-answer-nov-30-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

What starts with "P" and ends with "E" and has more than 1000 letters?

Answer: Post office

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]]>Jessica SamakowTue, 30 Nov 2010 06:00:00 ESTToday's Riddle Me Thishttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/29/t/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/29/t/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/29/t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

What starts with the letter "t," is filled with "t" and ends in "t"?

Click on this link for the answer.

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]]>Jessica SamakowMon, 29 Nov 2010 06:00:00 ESTToday's Riddle Me This Answer -- Nov. 29, 2010http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/29/todays-riddle-me-this-answer-nov-29-2010/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/29/todays-riddle-me-this-answer-nov-29-2010/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/29/todays-riddle-me-this-answer-nov-29-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

What starts with the letter "t," is filled with "t" and ends in "t"?

Answer: A teapot

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]]>Jessica SamakowMon, 29 Nov 2010 06:00:00 EST