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/Meant to Be: A Letter to My Daughter on Her Birthdayhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/meant-to-be-a-letter-to-my-daughter-on-her-birthday/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/meant-to-be-a-letter-to-my-daughter-on-her-birthday/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/01/meant-to-be-a-letter-to-my-daughter-on-her-birthday/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Long ago, before there was you, when Daddy was not yet Daddy and I was not yet Papa, he and I promised each other that someday we would be parents. We had a wedding and bought a house, but then let more than a decade pass while we waited to be "ready" for a child. (We didn't realize there is no ready, only willing.)

In the early fall of our 11th year together, Daddy's beloved Nana passed away, one week after deciding it was her time to go. But first, she'd called her children and their children to her bedside, sharing her love one last time and commanding us all to live full, happy lives.

When Nana died, Daddy and I both felt something stirring inside, a clear impulse that it was time to move forward with our plans to adopt a baby, adding a new life to the now smaller family. Many of the people who would become your relatives, godmothers and aunties were thrilled when we announced this decision.

But my own mother didn't think God approved of two men raising a child, an opinion also shared by the governor of our home state and some of the most prominent men in the land. The doubters didn't stop us: Our course was set.

It was almost spring when Daddy and I filled out the paperwork to start the adoption process. We were told it would take 18 months or even longer for us to become parents, and we believed that would be true -- until the first surprise of many came our way. Your birth mom picked us to be your dads a mere eight weeks later, just weeks before her due date.

Everyone involved was amazed; the process never happened that fast. Moreover, there was a coincidence we couldn't ignore: We learned that you had been conceived the week that Nana died. Destiny.

Then, to our great sadness, things fell through. The agency told us to try and forget it, to move on -- such a speedy match was a fluke, after all. But every night of the week we'd been told you were due, I went to bed imagining a baby out there somewhere, and thinking that maybe, just maybe, it would all still work out. I dreamed of you, not yet knowing who -- or if -- you were.

The next week, your birth mom called us from the hospital, still wanting us to be your dads, after all. We heard your voice for the first time, a distant cry that tethered you to us for good, even across the miles. In the thrill of our connection that morning, we almost missed an impossibly wonderful detail: arriving five days late, you had been born on Nana's birthday.

How could you be any child but ours? Even my mother, who had been praying to understand what God wanted, had to agree: It seemed miraculous. If her Creator was strong enough to command a universe into being, He could certainly have disrupted one small adoption, but had not chosen to. She changed her prayer, instead asking God to watch over us as we flew across the country to her new granddaughter.

There were a couple of twists still lying ahead in the road that brought us to you, but they fade in memory next to the sun-soaked summer morning I held you in my arms for the first time. So tiny, a fluttering thing, a bird. We passed you back and forth, terrified and in love, and began to earn the names you call us: Daddy and Papa. There are no words, written or spoken, for what that moment meant (and means) to me.

Today, you are 6. You are too young to care what so many politicians and pundits are still saying about families like ours, but I know someday you will hear and understand their callous words, the harsh proclamations they utter without regard for their effect on children like you. I am sure those comments will sting when they land, but when that happens, I want you to remember this story.

I am not a mystical person, but there was a kind of magic in the making of our family. Nana somehow knew this; in her last night on earth, she told the granddaughter at her side that a baby was coming, that there was a little girl on the way to the family. Nana was right, for here you are.

As you celebrate your birthday -- and hers -- you're exactly where you are meant to be.

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]]>adoptiongay parentingDavid Valdes GreenwoodWed, 01 Jun 2011 11:00:00 EST12 Kids Party Tips From a Celebrity Event Plannerhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/21/12-kids-party-tips-from-a-celebrity-event-planner/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/21/12-kids-party-tips-from-a-celebrity-event-planner/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/21/12-kids-party-tips-from-a-celebrity-event-planner/#commentsFiled under: , ,

kids party

Party City's punky princess party calls for balloons, funky hats and tutus everywhere! Credit: Party City

Never ones to turn down a great party, ParentDish was all too happy to take party specialty retailer Party City up on its offer to host an all-expenses paid mother/daughter trip to Hilton Head, S.C., earlier this month for a whirlwind of family festivities.

Party City partnered with celebrity event and home stylist Tara Riceberg to throw the event, and we suffered for our craft, attending seven parties in three days. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it. And, amid the games, food and fun, we picked up a slew of great kid party tips along with our goodie bags.

kids party

Use pinatas as fences or decorations. Credit: Party City

Put this advice to use and you'll be saving money while dazzling your guests with your creativity and party-throwing know-how. We'll assume our invitations are in the mail.

1. Use your space. All of your space. "Most people think windows are simply for looking out," Riceberg says. "I, personally, interpret window space as actually being a wall space."

So, try taping streamers to the windows in a criss-cross pattern or hanging plastic tablecloths on the walls.

"Put décor down on the floor," Riceberg adds, "so you really get a full effect."

For a punky princess party, place tutus over lamp shades or hang them from ceiling fans. You can also place tutus around the base of candles or serving bowls, or layer two or three on top of each other and hang them on the front door like a wreath. Tie funky hats to the backs of chairs for guests to later take home.

2. Layering isn't just for fashion. "There's the table top and then table cloth, and then we layer it with a fishnet over it," Riceberg says, describing a SpongeBob SquarePants-themed party. "That just gives more dimension and texture to the room and more visual interest."

3. Budget wisely. Riceberg says if budget is an issue, put your money into the table.

"It's such a focal point to your party that, if you really have to budget your money, go all out when you do table scaping," she says.


kids party

Don't go in there! Paper lanterns are a chic way to block a room or area. Credit: Party City

Get creative, too. For a SpongeBob buffet, Riceberg made food cardholders by standing whole pineapples upright and placing cards in the stems.

"Instead of just saying 'hamburger' or 'french fries,' hamburgers are now 'Krabby Patties' and french fries are now 'Plankton Sticks,'" she adds. "So, for very little money and a little creativity you can really personalize the party to the theme."

4. Blend your theme. When Riceberg was asked to come up with a SpongeBob-themed party, she says she added a pirate element to keep the look less generic.

"By combining it with a pirate party, you now have this dynamic one-of-a-kind look that nobody else is going to have," she says. "So, I think, the pirate ship has sunk to the bottom of Bikini Bottom. Help SpongeBob and Patrick find the treasure. When you narrow and really focus the theme, it really kind of explodes."

5. Get your game on. Activities are a must, so plan something fun. Try a treasure hunt for a pirate party, complete with maps and clues -- with a piñata reward.

Buy plain mini cakes or cupcakes, along with lots of different colored icings, sprinkles and toppings and let the kids decorate. Plan a carnival theme, and offer trinkets for winning simple games like the ring toss or have a face-painting station.

For a Halloween party, hand out baskets, place candy and small toys around the house and let the kids trick-or-treat the room.

6. Shop the entire party store. Don't limit yourself to one particular event aisle. For a Halloween-themed party, Riceberg used candles from the wedding section, and items from the premium and servicewear departments, as well.

"Don't get hemmed in," she says. "Halloween is not just four aisles. Halloween is the entire store."

kids party

Get creative: Cover windows with banners, the ceiling with streamers, use pineapples as card holders. Credit: Party City

7. Plan, plan, plan. "(When) trying to save money, a big mistake people make is they go shopping and they're really not sure, so they buy stuff they may not need or they don't buy enough," Riceberg says. "And, then, that last minute, it's 'oh, my gosh, I'm not really prepared,' and instead of going to Costco to buy food they have to dash to Whole Foods or Publix and they're paying more because it's a last minute fix."

8. Face your fears. "I think a lot of people don't celebrate because they're afraid -- are people going to judge me?" Riceberg says. "If you have fear, you can't go wrong with balloons (or) using candy as a decoration. Start off simple. If you're really challenged and scared about menu, just have game night. Have your friends over for something simple just to get comfortable with actually becoming an entertainer."

9. Don't think you have to break out the good stuff. Riceberg says it's totally acceptable these days to worry about people breaking Grandma's crystal when you're having a large party.

"There is nothing wrong with using faux," she says. "In the same way you travel and take costume jewelry -- you don't take the good stuff with you. Even your guests may not feel comfortable using your grandmother's Waterford. So, if you are having company and you want to make them comfortable and put them at ease, use the faux stuff that still has the look (of being real)."

10. Mark your space creatively. "Laterns you expect to see on the ceiling (can) block the doorway," Riceberg says.

Likewise, votives placed on several steps of a staircase make it obvious no one should be walking up the stairs. You can eve use several pinatas to create fencing around the yard.

11. Don't skimp on supplies. "My peeve is not enough party supplies," Riceberg says. There's (drinks), but there's no cups. There's food but there are no plates. Overbuy on the supplies."

Use the extras for playdates or lunchboxes. When it comes to napkins, get a few packs of pricier printed styles, but combine them with a solid color.

"You can stretch that look and you have the extras on hand, but then you can use them again for Mother's Day or a bridal shower or whatever the next party's going to be."

12. Don't forget the favors. Send kids home with fun, thoughtful goodies. For a pirate theme, think eye patches, bandanas, pirate hats and hooks. For a punky princess theme, offer sequined hair bands, neon accessories and fun sunglasses. Halloween? Trick-or-treat baskets filled with candy, eyeball rings and glow sticks.

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]]>birthdayshalloweenkids gameskids partiesKidsGamesKidsPartiesparty cityparty themesPartyCityPartyThemespirate partyPiratePartyprincess partyPrincessPartyspongebob partySpongebobPartytara ricebergTaraRicebergLesley KennedyMon, 21 Mar 2011 12:00:00 ESTGreat Birthday Party Ideas for Kidshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/03/birthday-party-ideas/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/03/birthday-party-ideas/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/02/03/birthday-party-ideas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

birthday party ideas

Choose a classic theme for your child's birthday party. Credit: Getty Images

While certain trends in kids' birthday party ideas come and go, there are some themes that never grow old.

Whether you enjoy being creative with decorations and invitations or you prepare to purchase everything ready-made from a party supply store, these three can't-miss ideas are easily adaptable to your own personal party-hosting style.

1. Princess Party
Invitations: Send out royal scrolls and make them as fancy and elegant as you wish. Decorations: A pink balloon archway entrance makes for a memorable first impression, and a throne for the birthday princess is an important detail. Metallic curtains in a doorway can lend a dramatic flair, and white Christmas lights can add to the magical atmosphere.
Games: Play princess-themed games such as Pin the Diamond on the Tiara or hold a musical princess walk. More games such as a royal dress-up relay and sifting for gems can be found on Coolest Kid Birthday Parties.

2. Superhero Soiree
Invitations: Want to send out homemade invitations for a superhero party? Just use the emblem and the mask of your chosen superhero. For mask invitations, use a variety of superheroes and ask guests to wear them to the party.
Decorations: You can make decorations using comic book pages, printed images from the Internet, and superhero posters. Another idea is to make action signs such as "BAM!", "POW!" and "KAZAAM!"
Games: Game ideas range from a superhero obstacle course to an X-ray vision game to costume contests to strength competitions.

3. Tropical Luau
Invitations: Cut out beach objects (palm trees, starfish, coconuts) from card stock for invitations, or you could even send the invites as messages in bottles.
Decorations: Leis, tiki lights, palm trees, hibiscuses and coconuts are good party props, and it's always good to set the mood with hula music. A bonfire in the backyard would add even more to the scene.
Games: Luau games include limbo, pineapple bowling, hula dancing contests and pin the coconut on the palm tree. Birthday Party Ideas has instructions for these games, along with other Hawaiian-themed games and activities.


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]]>birthday partiesbirthday party decorationsbirthday party gamesbirthday party invitationsBirthdayPartiesBirthdayPartyDecorationsBirthdayPartyGamesBirthdayPartyInvitationsevergreenSally WorshamThu, 03 Feb 2011 10:00:00 ESTToday's Riddle Me Thishttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/18/todays-riddle-me-this/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/18/todays-riddle-me-this/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/18/todays-riddle-me-this/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


A man took a walk outside for an hour under heavy rain on an open road without an umbrella or anything covering his head. Yet his hair didn't get wet. How could this be?

Click on this link for the answer.

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]]>Tom HendersonMon, 18 Oct 2010 06:00:00 ESTTake the Bite Out of Your Kid's Fear of Petshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/15/take-the-bite-out-of-your-kids-fear-of-pets/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/15/take-the-bite-out-of-your-kids-fear-of-pets/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/15/take-the-bite-out-of-your-kids-fear-of-pets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

child st. bernard dog picture

Help your kids overcome their fear of furry, four-legged creatures. Credit: Corbis

Here's another issue to give parents -- oh, we're saying it -- "paws": Lots of little ones are afraid of Fido.

However, since experts claim it's good for kids to be around dogs and other pets, it pays to help your children overcome their fears of the four-legged set.

"Your children's pets are much more than pals -- they can also teach them some valuable lessons about life," Cesar Millan, who has been called the Dr. Phil of pets, says on his website. Milan, who hosts National Geographic's popular TV series, "Dog Whisperer," says he believes it's good for all kids to grow up around dogs.

So, what's a parent to do if a child loses it at the sight of Lassie?

Heidi Ganahl, founder, president and CEO of Camp Bow Wow, one of the largest pet care franchises in North America, offers a five-step program to get kids physically and psychologically acclimated to animals.

"Let's face it: Animals can be scary to some children," Ganahl says in a release. "They make loud noises, jump and lick your face, which, to a child, can be traumatizing."

What's more, children need to be taught how to behave around dogs. Pulling tails and grabbing food or toys out of the dog's mouth are no-nos, she says. Here are her tips for helping kids face their animal fears:

1. Don't force contact. Forcing your child to pet an animal or insisting that a pet is harmless may only increase your child's fear. It's important to keep your child calm around the dog or cat. If they are forced to make contact it may only frighten your child (or the animal) even more.

2. Create story times. Read your child stories about happy pets and owners. Depending on your child's age, this can greatly impact how your child feels about dogs and cats.

3. Practice petting. Try showing your child how to properly act around pets with a stuffed animal. Show him or her how to gently pet and safely play with their furry friend. This makes for a lovable practice buddy that your child can feel more comfortable around.

4. Arrange play dates. Once your child stops fearing pets at a distance, it may be time to try introducing him or her to a friend or relative's dog or cat in doses.

5. Adopt a pet. Take your child to a pet adoption site, and try letting your child pick out a new pet. The excitement of having a pet of his or her choice may be the incentive needed to lose the fear.

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]]>children and petsChildrenAndPetsfamily petsFamilyPetspet fearsPetFearspetsMary Beth SammonsFri, 15 Oct 2010 12:14:00 ESTAre Some Halloween Costumes Too Scary?http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/12/are-some-halloween-costumes-too-scary/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/12/are-some-halloween-costumes-too-scary/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/12/are-some-halloween-costumes-too-scary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

halloween costume picture

Leave the fake axes to the adults. Credit: Tim Sloan/AFP/Getty Images




When my mother took me to see "Burnt Offerings" at the vulnerable age of 8 and "The Shining" at 12, instead of leaving the theater traumatized, I developed a healthy, even ravenous, taste for terror. And in accordance with my love for horror films, Halloween is my favorite holiday. Now that my kids are nearing that age range, I'd love to pass my passion onto them.

The costume search is perhaps the most exciting part of Halloween for my family and each year, we take delight in choosing costumes together. As the seasons have come and gone, my kids have dressed as The Cat in the Hat, Power Rangers, Mad-Eye Moody, Sam I Am and various witches and Star Wars characters.

But, these days, a trip through the Halloween costume section of any drugstore, mall, or website reveals something absolutely sinister. Even as a self-proclaimed terror junkie, I am appalled by some of the violent costume options that are hanging on the shelves for kids.

Co-mingling with colorful cowboys, benevolent ghosts and family-friendly TV characters are kid-sized costumes for sadistic murderers, knife-wielding rapists, and deformed homicidal lunatics. Most costumes are for children under 12, but in many cases, they shockingly also come in sizes 4-6.

To name a few: Michael Myers from "Halloween 1 and 2", Leatherface from "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," Pinhead from the "Hellraiser" series, Jason from "Friday the 13th," and Freddy Krueger from "A Nightmare on Elm Street" all come in kids' sizes. Just slapping an R rating on these films is like putting a surgeon general's warning on a hand grenade. Kids are likely to be drawn to these costumes and ignore the rating no matter how hard we as parents pull them in another direction.

The inappropriateness doesn't stop at the characters themselves. The costumes are accessorized with life-like bloody machetes, blood-stained knives, axes, chainsaws, severed limbs with bloody or bony ends, and other torture and murder toys.

Now, I am all for parents taking responsibility for teaching their kids good values, but when companies go out of their way to market patently inappropriate products to kids, it makes it that much harder for parents to instill and enforce these values.

And it's naive to think a kid would wear a movie-themed Halloween costume yet not be curious about the movie itself. Try to explain to your kid the difference between Leatherface and Bob the Builder. If kids in school are raving about how "cool" this Leatherface costume is, trying to convince your kid that what it represents is not-so-cool will send all kinds of mixed messages.

The real world is already saturated with violence; our kids don't need to be hosed down with it via Halloween costumes.

I admit that if my kids do develop cravings for creepy movies like I did, it may be my fault. But until then, there's plenty for them to sink their tiny teeth into, like R.L. Stine, Harry Potter and bowl after bowl of candy corn.

Joel Schwartzberg is a nationally-published essayist and author of "The 40-Year-Old Version: Humoirs of a Divorced Dad"

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]]>halloweenhalloween costumesHalloweenCostumesJoel SchwartzbergTue, 12 Oct 2010 16:00:00 ESTHaunted Amusement Parks, Attractions Aim to Scarehttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/07/haunted-amusement-parks/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/07/haunted-amusement-parks/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/07/haunted-amusement-parks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Knott's Berry Farm haunted amusement park picture

Knott's Berry Farm shows their Halloween event in Buena Park, Calif. Credit: Knott's Berry Farm, AP

NEW YORK (AP) - If you're too old for trick-or-treating but still love getting spooked on Halloween, it's time to trade in the superhero costume for a ticket to a haunted house or theme park.

But attractions like Universal's Halloween Horror Nights and Atlanta's Netherworld Haunted House are not for the faint of heart. You'll be trapped in creepy mazes, disoriented by strobe lights and fog, and confronted by crazed monsters. Experiences like these are not recommended for kids under 13, but even some grown-ups may not be able to handle them. If watching a Stephen King movie keeps you up all night, or you're prone to panic attacks in small spaces, better stick to apple-picking or the child-friendly "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party" at Walt Disney World.

On the other hand, if you love the tingle of terror that comes with a really creepy horror movie, this is your kind of fun.

David Mandt, spokesman for the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions, noted that a number of parks have added new elements to their Halloween events this year: "They're figuring out new ways to scare the daylights out of you."

Mandt said this year's Halloween offerings include a number of behind-the-scenes tours, including, at Busch Gardens Williamsburg in Virginia, "All-Access Insider," ''Eerie Insider" and "Monster Stomp Revamped Insider" tours for the park's Howl-O-Scream, http://www.howloscream.com. The tours include cast introductions, front-of-the-line access to a haunted house and a chance to have your makeup done like one of the performers.

Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, which was a real prison until 1971 and today is a National Historic Landmark, hosts an annual Halloween event called Terror Behind the Walls. The attraction also offers an after-dark VIP tour, where you get an hourlong flashlight-guided tour of cellblocks, including Al Capone's cell, isolation cells, and Death Row; http://www.terrorbehindthewalls.com.

Knott's Berry Farm, a theme park in Buena Park, Calif., boasts one of the oldest Halloween theme park events in the country, dating to 1973. when "it was a few decorations and a few employees putting on some masks," said spokeswoman Jennifer Blazey. The event, now called Knott's Berry Farm Haunt, has grown dramatically. This year it features 13 mazes (including "Terror of London" with foggy streets and Jack the Ripper), three "scare zones," 1,000 monster-actors, and seven live shows ranging from improv comedy to a hypnotist. While Knott's does not release attendance figures, Blazey said the month that the Haunt runs makes more money for the company than any other time of year.

And while Knott's does have a weekend daytime event for ages 3 to 11, with a costume party and trick-or-treating, the after-7 p.m. Haunt is for ages 13 and up; http://haunt.knotts.com/ for dates and tickets.

Universal Orlando in Florida began its Halloween attraction as "a tiny little experimental event with one haunted house over one weekend" in 1991, according to Jim Timon, senior vice president of entertainment. This year, hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the country are expected for the park's 20th annual Halloween Horror Nights, with eight haunted houses, six scare zones and 1,000 "scareactors" in the park. The content is newly created each year for the Horror Nights, with original story lines and characters. This year's characters include an evil master named Fear who drives all the other monsters' diabolical deeds. Details about the back stories in the park attractions can be found on Universal's website; fans can then see them come to life in the park.

Timon said the costumes, stories and sets are so rich, realistic and detailed that they are "film-quality. We could literally make our own new movies from these characters. The lighting, the special effects, the visuals - we do everything we can to suspend your disbelief and take away your illusion of control."

One of Universal's haunted houses this year is called Legendary Truth, an estate home with a history of murders that have resulted in paranormal activity. Timon said the house has an unusual set-up in which visitors trigger the special effects themselves. "People are used to us scaring them," he said. "When they are the ones triggering the effects by how they are interacting with the haunted house, that's even scarier. It's a cool trick when they eventually realize, 'I'm the one causing this.'"

A note to Harry Potter fans: Universal Orlando consists of two parks. Halloween Horror Nights takes place at Universal Studios Florida, not at its sister park, Islands of Adventure, where The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is located.

Universal Studios Hollywood theme park in Los Angeles has its own Halloween Horror Nights, which are mostly themed on horror films like "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Friday the 13th." For a new maze this year unrelated to the movies, Universal created an original graphic novella, "Vampyre: Castle of the Undead," which can be seen online. The park also created a new scare zone haunted by La Llorona, based on a Latin American legend of a crying woman who drowned her children in anger over her philandering husband.

Details and tickets for Universal parks on either coasts can be found at http://www.HalloweenHorrorNights.com.

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Ill., is also counting two decades of Halloween events with the 20th season of "Fright Fest." The park's new "Saw Live" haunted house is themed on the "Saw" movie series, with props, characters and scenes from the films. For younger children, the park has spook-free zones. Details at http://bit.ly/cVcqyq.

Netherworld Haunted House in Atlanta - http://www.fearworld.com - ranks No. 1 on a list of top scariest attractions compiled by Larry Kirchner, editor of Hauntworld Magazine, an online industry publication. Netherworld promises that visitors will find themselves fleeing flying gargoyles, escaping from a house where the floors crack open and furniture comes to life, and trying to avoid capture by a mad scientist known as the Mangler, whose victims meet their fate in a drowning tank, flesh compactor and acid room.

"When you go through a haunted house on the level of Netherworld, you're totally immersed in an environment as detailed as a movie," Kirchner said.

But he added that there's a major difference between watching a movie and visiting a haunted house. "When you see a horror movie, you're sitting in a theater seat 100 feet away from a screen and nothing is going to shake your seat or fall in your face. In a haunted house, you're living in the horror movie," Kirchner said.

He added that part of what makes haunted houses so compelling is that they are also "unscripted live shows" that change every night depending on how the actors interact with guests, so no two visits will be exactly alike. The complete list of Kirchner's 13 favorite Halloween attractions is at http://www.hauntworld.com.

Another list of Halloween bests comes from Haunted Attraction Magazine, which lists "Must-See Haunted Houses" at http://www.hauntedattraction.com, starting with House of Shock in New Orleans. Others in the Haunted Attraction top 10 are Kevin McCurdy's Haunted Mansion in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Scarehouse in Pittsburgh; Dead Acres in Columbus, Ohio; House of Torment, Austin, Texas; Fear Itself, Mishawaka, Ind.; Dent School House, Cincinnati; Nightmare on 13th, Salt Lake City; Wisconsin Feargrounds, Waukesha, Wis.; and Blood Manor, New York City.

But how do the creators make these experiences so scary? Timon, from Universal, said one of the fundamentals at the Orlando park is disorientation. Strobe lights and ultraviolet lights dilate your eyes; maze-like corridors and darkness make it hard for you to figure out where you're going; mirrors make you think someone is next to you when they're actually some distance away.

"People are terrified of losing control," Timon said. "So we love taking away that control."

Another technique is distracting guests with an elaborate scene, like a gory body on a gurney. "You're focused on it because it's really elaborate, so you're not paying attention to the four people who are sneaking up on you," Timon said.

Just remember at all of these attractions, actors are trained to invade your space without ever touching or harming you, so you're always safe even when you're scared out of your wits.

It's terror "as a form of entertainment," said Timon. "People like the scare, but they know they're in a safe environment."

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL. This article was written by BETH J. HARPAZ, Associated Press Writer.

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]]>Associated PressThu, 07 Oct 2010 11:30:00 ESTBorn on September 11: A Birthday Forever Changedhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/10/born-on-september-11-a-birthday-forever-changed/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/10/born-on-september-11-a-birthday-forever-changed/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/09/10/born-on-september-11-a-birthday-forever-changed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Born on September 11th Dinetta and Gabrielle Wallach

Dinetta Wallach and her daughter Gabrielle, whose birthday is on September 11. From their downtown Manhattan neighborhood, they had a direct view of the World Trade Center. Credit: Damon Dahlen, AOL

When your birthday falls on the same date as one of the worst tragedies of humankind, yearly celebrations take a backseat to memorial services. Four families with children born on that horrific day share their stories.

Gabrielle Wallach doesn't want to celebrate her 12th birthday with cake this year. Actually, the seventh-grader told her parents that she never wants cake on her birthday. Instead of marking the occasion with indulgent sweets, Gabrielle prefers to quietly honor the 2,975 people who lost their lives eight years ago on her birthday -- September 11.

Dinetta Wallach, Gabrielle's mother, still cries when she thinks about how her little girl woke up in the family's downtown Manhattan apartment on the morning of her 4th birthday, Sept. 11, 2001, eagerly anticipating her SpongeBob SquarePants birthday cake, and how her daughter's world -- along with everyone else's -- changed.

Mother and daughter were home alone when they heard a giant boom at 8:45 a.m. It was the hijacked passenger jet, American Airlines Flight 11 out of Boston, Mass., slamming into the north tower of the World Trade Center. Minutes later, while taking in the horrifying view from a neighbor's apartment, they witnessed the second plane hit and, soon after the buildings collapse.

"Why is that building burning?," Wallach remembers her daughter asking over and over again. Then, the little girl, who was starting pre-kindergarten the next day asked, "Did my SpongeBob cake blow up, too?"

"She thought the whole city was coming down," said Wallach.

Born on September 11th Dinetta and Gabrielle Wallach

Dinetta Wallach gets emotional when she thinks about how many birthday celebrations her daughter, Gabrielle, has voluntarily given up. Credit: Damon Dahlen, AOL

Continue reading Born on September 11: A Birthday Forever Changed

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]]>911 birthdays911Birthdayssept. 11 birthdaysSept.11Birthdaysseptember 11 birthdaysSeptember11BirthdaysJulia HalewiczFri, 10 Sep 2010 09:30:00 ESTBetsey Johnson Talks Grandkids and 'Stayin' Alive' at Her Birthday Bashhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/12/betsey-johnson-talks-grandkids-and-stayin-alive-at-her-birthd/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/12/betsey-johnson-talks-grandkids-and-stayin-alive-at-her-birthd/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/12/betsey-johnson-talks-grandkids-and-stayin-alive-at-her-birthd/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Betsey Johnson

Betsey Johnson recently designed an Eloise-themed suite at the Plaza in New York. Credit: Henry S. Dziekan III, Getty Images

As a woman who still does cartwheels down the catwalk, designer Betsey Johnson won't settle for a quiet birthday dinner.

So, to celebrate her 68th birthday, Johnson threw a lavish bash at her Soho Boutique in Manhattan, complete with cocktails, cupcakes and, of course, lots of dancing. But before Betsey boogied down, she took a moment to chat with ParentDish about her favorite things in her extraordinary life.

ParentDish: Happy birthday! What does turning 68 mean to you?
Betsey Johnson: It means O-L-D. Old but feeling happy and young!

PD: What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment?
BJ: Stayin alive!

PD: Aside from your success in the business world, you are also a devoted mom. Why is this role so important to you?
BJ: It's the most important thing in the world. My daughter Lulu and my grandkids (Layla & Ella) are everything. Having my family are the best things in life.

PD: It makes you feel that special?
BJ: You don't really know till you're a mom and when you are. It's a trip, it's beyond a MasterCard moment! It was more important to me to have a kid than a career.

PD: How has living in the same apartment building as your daughter and grandchildren strengthened your relationship?
BJ: I love to have them there to have coffee in the morning. As for the grandkiddos, I love having them come up and sleep with me at night.

PD: What do you like to do with your grandchildren when you are not designing something fabulous?
BJ: We go the park and they love to walk Lucy, my Maltese dog.

PD: Would you ever consider creating a children's line?
BJ: I would love to! I did before (back in April 1975, the same time her daughter was born) and I want to do again.

Related: Betsey Johnson Unveils 'Eloise' Suite at the Plaza

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]]>betsey johnsonBetseyJohnsonIlyssa PanitzThu, 12 Aug 2010 16:30:00 ESTPaper Chains Are a Fun Way to Start a Birthday Countdownhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/28/paper-chains-are-a-fun-way-to-start-a-birthday-countdown/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/28/paper-chains-are-a-fun-way-to-start-a-birthday-countdown/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/28/paper-chains-are-a-fun-way-to-start-a-birthday-countdown/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1... Birthday! Credit: Big Day Chains


Big Day Chains puts a new spin on an old tradition with its 30-day countdown chains for birthdays, weddings and baby's arrival.

The Days 'til Birthday kit is a great way to help little ones manage the seemingly endless wait until their big day, and definitely provides more fun than crossing off days on the kitchen calendar. Each kit comes with 30 perforated paper links that feature colorful printed designs on one side, and outlined birthday shapes to color in on the other. It also includes non-toxic glue dots for easy, mess-free assembly.

Rebels that we are, we love the idea of letting the kids count up, not down, coloring and adding a link to the chain each day so it can be used as a birthday decoration when it's done.

Available at Big Day Chains for $14.95.

Related: Summer Birthday Parties: 5 Fun Ideas

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]]>birthdaycraftsshoppingHoney BerkWed, 28 Jul 2010 14:00:00 ESTTips for Planning a Family Summer Vacationhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/16/tips-for-planning-a-family-summer-vacation/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/16/tips-for-planning-a-family-summer-vacation/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/16/tips-for-planning-a-family-summer-vacation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Family Summer Vacation Disneyworld

Oh, Mickey, you're so fine! Credit: Raymond Brown, Flickr


You've kept the kids' summer schedule busy with trips to the pool, the movie theater and play dates all over town. But if you're ready to get out of town for a bit, it's not too late to plan a family vacation.

Here are some ParentDish tips for planning a family vacation that will be fun and maybe even a little bit relaxing.

Where to Go?

  • In case you hadn't heard, kids love this place in Orlando, Fla., called Disney World. It's referred to as the happiest place on Earth, and there's a reason for that. There's so much to do, you won't be able to get to all of it in one trip. But, as great as Disney World is, sometimes you want to do something else. For nine other ideas, check out AOL's list of the Top 10 U.S. Family Vacation Destinations.
  • If everyone has their passports in order and you're willing to venture to a country where, to paraphrase Steve Martin, they have a different word for everything, you could try Paris. You'll find the Eiffel Tower, great food and more museums than you ever knew existed. Or, you could do as the Jolie-Pitts do, and go somewhere really exotic, such as Cambodia.
  • If you want to stay stateside, and maybe save a few bucks, go the road-trip route. Here are some tips to stay sane while your entire brood is in the car with you.
  • If you think you can stand being trapped at sea with your children without throwing them or yourself overboard, consider a cruise. Make sure to factor in such things as what activities they have for kids the same age as yours, and whether they offer child care for when you want to hit the midnight buffet.

Continue reading Tips for Planning a Family Summer Vacation

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]]>disney-worldevergreenfamily vacation spotsfamily vacationsroad-tripsvacationBrett SingerFri, 16 Jul 2010 15:00:00 ESTAlternative Summer Sports Activities for the Entire Familyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/16/alternative-summer-sports-activities-for-the-entire-family/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/16/alternative-summer-sports-activities-for-the-entire-family/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/16/alternative-summer-sports-activities-for-the-entire-family/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

NASCAR star Matt Kenseth and his family. Credit: Getty Images

NASCAR star Matt Kenseth and his family enjoy a day at the race track. Credit: Getty Images

You've practically been living at the swimming pool, tennis courts and soccer fields this summer. If you love those games and other summer sports -- but you're getting a little tired of the same old thing, ParentDish is here to help. Here are some great alternative summer sports activities the entire family will enjoy.

NASCAR: FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals
Like watching racing on television? Why not check it out live? NASCAR is one of the most popular sports in America, in part because of its family-friendly live events. Tickets for the FRAM Autolite NHRA Nationals (July 16-18, Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, Calif.) start at $50 for adults and $20 for children. For other NASCAR races and events, visit NASCAR.com.

NASCAR RV Resorts
Racing fans who enjoy camping can combine the two activities by visiting the new NASCAR RV Resorts. These are NASCAR-sponsored campsites where you can hook up your RV, watch live racing on a big screen and participate in activities for the entire family. Visit nascarrvresorts.com for more information.

Unusual Sports Museums
Been to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.? Bet you've never seen the Bowling Museum in Arlington, Texas, the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen, N.Y., or the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum in Indiana.

Continue reading Alternative Summer Sports Activities for the Entire Family

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]]>baseballmuseumsnascarsportssummersummer sportsSummerSportswnbaBrett SingerFri, 16 Jul 2010 13:00:00 ESTTLC's 'Table for 12' Hayes Family Prepares for a Puppyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/06/tlcs-table-for-12-hayes-family-prepares-for-a-puppy/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/06/tlcs-table-for-12-hayes-family-prepares-for-a-puppy/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/06/tlcs-table-for-12-hayes-family-prepares-for-a-puppy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



When you have two sets of twins and a set of sextuplets like Betty and Eric Hayes of TLC's "Table for 12," you have a pretty full house. Not full enough, apparently. Check out this clip of the Hayes brood stocking up on supplies to prepare for their new puppy! The new special, "Table for 12: Hayes Get a Puppy," airs tonight at 10 pm on TLC.

Related: Jon Gosselin Gets Huge Dragon Tattoo to Symbolize His 'Rebirth'

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]]>table for 12TableFor12the editors at ParentDishTue, 06 Jul 2010 10:49:00 ESTSummer Birthday Parties: 5 Fun Ideashttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/01/summer-birthday-parties-five-fun-ideas/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/01/summer-birthday-parties-five-fun-ideas/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/01/summer-birthday-parties-five-fun-ideas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Summer birthdays mean you can take the party outside. Credit: Getty Images


Birthdays are so much fun for kids to celebrate at school -- you get to bring treats, everyone sings to recognize your special day and you might even get a little gift or two to top it all off.

But for kids who were born when school's not is session, birthdays can get lost in the busy summer shuffle. We don't want that to happen, so we scoured the Web for five great birthday party ideas that will let your little Leos, Geminis, Cancers and Virgos know that, even through they were born when the weather is hot, their parties can still be cool.

1. Garden Tea Party: Does your little one love "Alice in Wonderland?" Set her up with a tea party of her own in your backyard. Party.Kaboose.com offers lots of tips on creating the theme: Send teacup-themed invitations and hang pastel decorations -- balloons, streamers, maybe hang a canopy if it's extra hot out. "Tea" can be lemonade or punch for younger kids and food can include little sandwiches cut in fun shapes with a cookie cutter, cookies and other fun desserts. Don't forget to set up an area for dolls and teddy bears. And if Dad chooses to dress as the Mad Hatter? Even more fun!

Continue reading Summer Birthday Parties: 5 Fun Ideas

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]]>birthday partiesbirthday party ideasBirthdayPartiesBirthdayPartyIdeaskids birthday partyKidsBirthdayPartymartha stewartmartha stweartMarthaStewartpartiessummer birthdaysSummerBirthdaysLesley KennedyThu, 01 Jul 2010 13:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Jump Rope Water Splashhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/30/jump-rope-water-splash-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/30/jump-rope-water-splash-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/30/jump-rope-water-splash-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jump rope without spilling any water. Credit: Corbis


What you need: You need a jump rope, plastic cups, and water.

How to play: Give each child a cup filled with water. Designate two people to swing the jump rope.

The rules: One at a time, players attempt to jump the rope three times while holding their cup of water, trying not to let any water spill.

How to win: The player with the most water left in her cup is the winner.

What else you need to know: You can keep playing this game until only one player has water left in her cup.

Related: More Kids' Games

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]]>jump rope water splashJumpRopeWaterSplashoutdoor gamesOutdoorGameswater gamesWaterGamesSally WorshamWed, 30 Jun 2010 07:00:00 ESTLinks We Love: Grab Bag Editionhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/25/links-we-love-grab-bag-edition/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/25/links-we-love-grab-bag-edition/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/06/25/links-we-love-grab-bag-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Chug it, dude! Credit: Getty


The kids are out of school and we're busy looking for ways to while the day away without losing our marbles. When we've had a spare minute this week, this is what we've been reading. Enjoy!

If you thought your days of living in a frat house were over when you became a parent, think again. Read this absolutely side-splitting comparison of Greek life and toddler life from blogger Brenna at Suburban Snapshots.

Speaking of toddlers, they grow up fast. Got a birthday coming up soon? Don't panic: LilSugar has a great inspiration guide for fantastic -- and doable -- birthday cakes for even the most persnickety birthday prince or princess.

You know who is scared of babies? Lady Gaga, that's who. That's OK, because we're a little scared of her, too. Parents Ask reveals the pop sensation's fears.

Does having a kid make you want to give up sex forever? It doesn't have to. Get your mojo back in the sack with these four sex tips every mom should know from our friends at HybridMom.

Have a great weekend!

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]]>birthday cakesBirthdayCakesblogsfunnyhybrid momHybridMomLady GagaLadyGagaLilSugarlinksstuff to readStuffToReadsuburban snapshotsSuburbanSnapshotsAmy HatchFri, 25 Jun 2010 14:35:00 ESTHow to Play: Pin the Tail on the Donkeyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/28/pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/28/pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/28/pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Pin the tail, or the horn, or the ... Credit: Getty Images

What you need: A poster of a donkey with a missing tail, paper tails, thumbtacks and a blindfold.

How to play: As each child takes a turn, he or she is given a paper tail with the thumbtack pinned through, is blindfolded and spun around. The child then tries to pin the tail on the donkey in the proper position.

The rules: You can substitute anything for the tail and the donkey, such as Pin the Ball on the Catcher's Mitt or Pin the Tiara on the Princess.

How to win: The winner is the player who pins the tail closest to the target.

What else you need to know: You can find free printouts of donkeys and tails at Family Games Treasurehouse.

Click here for More Kids' Games

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]]>birthday party gamesevergreenpin the tail on the donkeySally WorshamFri, 28 May 2010 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Hot Potatohttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/18/hot-potato-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/18/hot-potato-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/18/hot-potato-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Pass the "hot potato" to play this classic game. Credit: jupiterimages

What you need: A group of children and an item (such as a ball, book or toy) to serve as the "hot potato." You also need some sort of stereo system for playing music.

How to play: The kids get in a circle, and the music starts. As the music plays, players must pass the "hot potato" around. The player caught holding the "hot potato" when the music stops is out, and the game begins again.

Continue reading How to Play: Hot Potato

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]]>birthday party gamesBirthdayPartyGamesevergreenhot potatoindoor gamesSally WorshamTue, 18 May 2010 07:00:00 ESTParty Paperhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/11/9spotmonk-imprintable-sets/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/11/9spotmonk-imprintable-sets/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/05/11/9spotmonk-imprintable-sets/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

9spotmonk Imprintable Sets

Rad invites, reasonable prices. Credit: 9spotmonk


In search of sweet and special invitations for your tot's birthday party? Get the look of letterpress at a much lower price with the new imprintable sets from 9spotmonk. Sets feature eight invitations with cool letterpress graphics, and you fill in the text with your computer and any ink-jet printer. As an added bonus, you also get eight thank-you notes and eight gift tags that can be used as place cards or for personalizing goody bags. Choose from cute Cupcakes (shown), boyish Space Travels, or girly Dress Up.

Available for $38 at 9spotmonk.com.

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]]>9spotmonkbirthday invitationsBirthdayInvitationsimprintable invitesImprintableInvitesMeryl LevinTue, 11 May 2010 14:00:00 ESTScore Some Swaghttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/04/13/sunshine-swag/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/04/13/sunshine-swag/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/04/13/sunshine-swag/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mahar Drygoods Sunshine Swag

String up a little sunshine. Credit: Robert Mahar


A little garland can go a long way in decorating or entertaining. One sweet string will fill an empty wall or transform a back patio into party central. The 8-foot sewn-paper Sunshine Swag, by Robert Mahar of Mahar Drygoods, is made up of die-cut hearts, flowers and circles in every color of the rainbow. It will spruce up any space -- and put a smile on your face.

Available for $13 at mahardrygoods.com.

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]]>garlandsmahar drygoodsMaharDrygoodsrobert maharRobertMaharsunshine swagSunshineSwagMeryl LevinTue, 13 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST