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/Kids' Music Roundup: A Slew of New Family CDshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/11/kids-music/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/11/kids-music/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/11/kids-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

There have been so many new kids' music albums released in the past couple of months that it's hard to narrow down our picks to just a handful. But, here are some of the best, most noteworthy new releases for your wee ones' next impromptu dance party.

Jamie Broza i want a dog



Jamie Broza: "I Want a Dog!"
Broza is one of the few artists who has children singing on his album and the results aren't cloyingly sweet. Most of these songs -- several of which have a groovy, "Girl from Ipanema" feel to them, speak directly to little kids. Although, there's a nice bit of parent-guilting in there, too, on "Turn That Phone Off". Young ones will enjoy both the pleasant tunes and the funny, not-corny skits. As a side note, 20% of all proceeds go to the North Shore Animal League.



moona luna pinata party



Moona Luna: "Piñata Party!"
For a deviation from your standard kid-pop, try the bilingual, Latin-tinged tunes of Moona Luna. Never mind that the disc can help kids pick up a little Español (or at least augment the Spanish they learn from Dora), it's also the kind of can't-help-but-make-you-happy music that will give them lots of exercise with all the dancing they'll do, too.




david weinstone: music for aardvarks and other mammals: all i want!



David Weinstone: "Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals: All I Want!"
As usual, Weinstone offers a real mix of music. Some track's sounds come off like the interactive sing-a-longs of a children's music class (which is how Music for Aardvarks got its start), while Weinstone channels his inner Kurt Cobain with grinding grunge guitars on others. There's a big mix, but all of the 19 tracks stand a good chance of making little kids happy.


ella jenkins: a life of song



Ella Jenkins: "A Life of Song"
This album, part of Smithsonian Folkways' African American Legacy Recordings series, is without a doubt, the most edifying of the new year. On this CD, octogenarian and national treasure, Jenkins sits down with a bunch of kids, chatting about her own life and history -- while singing her way through classic African American folk, blues, and spiritual tunes. It's a first-person history lesson set to music.

daddy a-go-go: grandkid rock

Daddy A-Go-Go: "Grandkid Rock"
If you haven't heard any of Daddy A-Go-Go's previous seven albums, this "greatest hits" compilation is a great way to introduce yourself and your kids to John Boydston's pop-culture-strewn rock songs. Some of the references may feel a little old at this point (Backstreet Boys, Johnny Bravo), but the puns, "For Those About to Walk, We Salute You," and "Eat Every Bean and Pea on Your Plate," still have as much zing as the guitars.




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]]>childrens musicChildrensMusicella jenkinsEllaJenkinsjamie brozaJamieBrozakids musicKidsMusicmusic for aardvarksMusicForAardvarksChristopher HealyFri, 11 Mar 2011 17:15:00 ESTHow to Play: Musical Heartshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/31/musical-hearts-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/31/musical-hearts-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/31/musical-hearts-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

musical hearts picture

Have my heart. Credit: Getty Images

What you need: You need paper hearts, music, and small prizes like candy and stickers.

How to play: Before the game, cut out paper hearts. Write a prize on each heart and then fold the hearts in half. Have players stand in a circle and count them out loud, asking each player to remember her number. Give each player a heart.

The rules: When the music starts, players will pass their hearts clockwise as the music plays. Pause the music and pull out a number. The player who has that number will open her heart and receive the prize written on the heart. Keep playing the game until you run out of prizes.

The winner: All players whose numbers are called are winners.

What else you need to know: You can play songs with "heart" in the title to apply to the theme.

Related: More Kids' Games

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]]>circle gamesCircleGamesindoor gamesIndoorGamesmusical heartsMusicalHeartsSally WorshamMon, 31 Jan 2011 07:00:00 ESTDate Night In: Fun Ways to Include the Kidshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/03/date-night/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/03/date-night/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/03/date-night/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

date night

Spend time with the kids on your date night in. Credit: Getty Images

OK, so it's not a five-star restaurant or a Broadway play. But if you can't find a babysitter or you're feeling a bit pinched for money, at-home date nights can be fun and romantic -- even if the kids tag along.

"It's so important to have date night because when you have children you can build your whole identity around them," Lindsey Rietzsch, the Utah-based author of "How to Date Your Spouse," says in a phone interview with ParentDish. "You're still a couple and not just a family. You need to model a healthy relationship for your children and grow as a couple."

She recommends including the kids in the date night and creating specific themes:

  • Box Car Drive-In Date: Have the kids decorate cardboard boxes to look like cars, while you find a larger box that you and your spouse can sit in together. After the boxes are decorated, "drive" them into the TV room and park, drive-in movie-style, with Mom and Dad's car in the back. Serve finger food, turn on the movie and cuddle while kids watch the movie in their own cars.
  • Snow Blast: This a winter date where the kids help build a snow fort in the yard -- or a cozy blanket fort inside. Serve dinner and hot chocolate in the fort, tell ghost stories and pay attention to one another in the cozy confines. Later, roast marshmallows by a fire pit or indoor fireplace. The kids will fall asleep early from sheer exhaustion, leaving time for parents to relax by the fire.
  • Family Restaurant Date: Your kids can set up a "restaurant" with menus they create with crayons and paper listing items they can prepare. Keep it simple: anything from peanut butter and jelly to microwave burritos, Rietzsch says. You and your spouse should get dressed up as though you were going out to dinner. Let the kids take your order, serve you and clean up when you're done.
  • Let Fate Plan Your Date: For this one, each family member should write a couple of suggestions on pieces of paper for three different categories: a place in the house, main dishes and desserts and finally games. Put all suggestions in separate jars and pick one from each. Date night could mean eating lasagna and ice cream for dinner in the attic while playing Chutes and Ladders.
  • Dance Club Date: Transform your family room into a dance club with your favorite music. Kids love to dance -- and the activity wears them out. Set up a "bar" to make smoothies or chocolate shakes, and be sure to record the event on video. After the kids go to sleep, you can slow dance the rest of the night away.
Regardless of which date you choose, it's important to prepare for some time alone with your spouse when the kids finally pass out. Have candles and soft music ready so you can unwind together.

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]]>at-homedate nightDateNightevergreenfamily-funEllen Rooney MartinMon, 03 Jan 2011 12:27:00 ESTFive Ways to Celebrate the First Day of Winterhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/21/five-ways-to-celebrate-the-first-day-of-winter/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/21/five-ways-to-celebrate-the-first-day-of-winter/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/12/21/five-ways-to-celebrate-the-first-day-of-winter/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

gingerbread picture

Make cookies for a cookie swap. Credit: Getty Images

This year, when Dec. 21 rolls around, why not celebrate the first day of winter with fun activities that can become your family's tradition? Here are five entertaining ways to usher in the winter season.

1. Host a cookie swap. A cookie swap is a great excuse to get together with friends -- and eat cookies and drink hot chocolate, too. Traditionally, you invite seven people, and they bring seven and a half dozen cookies, along with the recipe, to the party. That way, everyone leaves with seven dozen cookies (the half dozen is for sampling at the party). And, voila!, you have plenty of cookies for the holiday season.

Hosting one of these parties is simple because all you need to provide is a beverage (mulled cider or hot chocolate, for example). Of course, the number of guests can vary, and this can be a wonderful get-together for your playgroup. If you need a cookie recipe, KitchenDaily has great ideas.

2. Have a gift wrapping day. Children love to help wrap holiday presents, so dedicating Dec. 21 as a special day to get gifts ready can be an exciting way to welcome the winter holiday season. Play "Jingle Bells," light a fire in the fireplace, serve hot chocolate and get wrapping. Hold an informal contest to see who wrapped the prettiest gift to inspire kids to do their best. Don't forget to make the holiday a bit more valuable for your children by wrapping a special gift to donate to The Salvation Army's Angel Tree.

3. Learn about winter holidays around the world. Make Dec. 21 an opportunity to teach your children about the different holidays celebrated around the world during this season. Scholastic has a worthwhile winter holiday activity where kids look at online scrapbooks about Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, complete with a slide show of holiday songs, foods, symbols and rituals, as well as printable activities and recipes. A teacher's guide is also provided with questions and instructions for how your children can make their own holiday scrapbook.

4. Enjoy a snow day. Many areas in the U.S. will be snowy on Dec. 21, but even if you live where there is no snow, you can still have a good time making snow-themed crafts indoors. Disney Family Fun offers some great ideas for both outdoor and indoor snow fun. If you're lucky enough to have snow, bundle everyone up and build a snow fort and make snow angels. If the weather is too frightful or not snowy enough, there are many craft projects you can do inside -- from making paper snowflakes to sculpting snowmen out of soap.

5. Have fun with a family game day. Dedicate the entire day to playing your family's favorite board games. If you need help selecting some good games for your family, here's a list of classic games, including Candyland, Operation, Sorry and The Game of Life.

If your family prefers video games, why not hold a video game competition? Whether your family favors Wii, Xbox or PlayStation, there are many family-friendly games available including "Guitar Hero," "Dance Dance Revolution," Disney or other cartoon character-based games and "Madden NFL." The most important thing about a family game day is to have fun spending time with each other, no matter which game you play.

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]]>Christmasevergreenfamily gamesholidaysnow daywinterSally WorshamTue, 21 Dec 2010 09:00:00 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 ESTTeaching Children the Meaning of Thanksgivinghttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/23/teaching-children-the-meaning-of-thanksgiving/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/23/teaching-children-the-meaning-of-thanksgiving/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/23/teaching-children-the-meaning-of-thanksgiving/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Teach your children about the meaning of Thanksgiving! Credit: Getty Images

Thanksgiving can mean many things: family, turkey, football (not necessarily in that order). None of those topics, however, have anything to do with the history behind the holiday. So how do you teach the meaning of Thanksgiving to your children?

The first Thanksgiving in the United States is generally considered to be a feast held by the Pilgrims at the Plymouth colony with the Wampanoag Indians in 1621, though there's controversy over what the actual "first Thanksgiving" was.

Speaking of controversy, there is no shortage of it when it comes to the holiday. What should we call the non-Pilgrims who were in attendance? The term "Indians" is generally frowned upon, but is still used in some schools, so your kids may have heard the term. "Native Americans" is the most politically correct term, although Native Indians and American Indians are acceptable to some. Being politically correct isn't the only controversy of Thanksgiving. Some folks even feel that celebrating with a turkey is offensive.

Vegetarians want a piece of Thanksgiving as well, but without the meat. Actress Ginnifer Goodwin suggests adopting a turkey from Farm Sanctuary; you even get an adoption certificate - so everyone can have their turkey.

Since the name of the holiday is Thanksgiving -- as in "giving thanks." DIY Life suggests asking "each family member take a turn saying out loud what they are thankful for." (However, answering "football" is only acceptable in Minnesota and Wisconsin.)

And for those who prefer to teach by example, Thanksgiving crafts are always a hit. Holidash has several adorable suggestions, or, to keep things simple, make your basic "trace your hand" turkey.

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]]>evergreenholidaysNative American IndiansNative AmericansthanksgivingBrett SingerTue, 23 Nov 2010 10:36:00 ESTHow to Find or Start Playgroupshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/02/playgroups/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/02/playgroups/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/02/playgroups/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Playgroups can help cure a case of cabin fever. Credit: Getty Images

Think you might lose it if your little one asks you to play Candy Land one more time? Was your last trip out of the house a visit to your child's pediatrician ... more than three weeks ago? Are you simply craving a little adult interaction?

Cabin fever, going stir crazy -- whatever you call it -- can be a recipe for disastrous parenting. What you need is a playgroup, because, let's be honest, they're as much for the parents as they are for the kids.

Luckily, there are many existing playgroups and new ones are being started all the time, so there's a good chance you'll find one that suits you. Seek them out at your local library, place of worship, school, pediatrician's office or coffee shop. You can find online sites devoted to playgroups: Playgroups USA, Mommy & Me, Raising Them and Mothers & More are some of the bigger ones. But don't forget Craigslist, Meetup or any other local parent-centric listservs or groups, as they may be even better targeted to your area.

Things to consider while you search:
  • Location: How far are you willing to travel?
  • Frequency: How often can you attend?
  • Time: Weekdays or weekends? Mornings or afternoons?
  • Children's ages: Is there at least one other child within six months of your child's age.
  • Activities: What types of activities they do? Do they go on outings?
Do a trial visit to see how you both feel about the group. Do you feel like you can be yourself? Do you feel a sense of camaraderie or kinship with any of the other parents? Does your child gravitate towards any of the kids? Although your parenting philosophies don't have to match perfectly, you still need to feel comfortable and respected. Go with your gut.

If you're interested in starting your own group, you can recruit other parents to join in the same places mentioned above. Hanging fliers at local establishments frequented by parents can elicit a good response, as can posting on any of the aforementioned online entities.

Establish the particulars such as date and time, frequency and location. If you can be somewhat flexible to accommodate the needs and quirks of others, that can only help in terms of getting your group off the ground. As the group's founder, you are the assumed leader, but feel free to enlist the help of other parents when needed.

Both you and your child stand to gain a lot through participating in a playgroup. You get the much-needed sanity break, support, advice and camaraderie, while your child learns how to interact with others, share, communicate and problem-solve.

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]]>cabin-feverevergreenplay groupsPlaygroupplaygroupsJulie Z. RosenbergTue, 02 Nov 2010 16:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Spooky Walkhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/26/spooky-walk-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/26/spooky-walk-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/26/spooky-walk-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

spooky walk game picture

Print pictures of Halloween images to play. Credit: rkramer62, Flickr

What you need: A box, creepy Halloween music and cut-outs or printouts of Halloween images, such as pumpkins, witches, ghosts and scarecrows. You will need one image per player. You also will need to write down what each image is on slips of paper to draw out of the box.

How to play: Place the images in a circle on the floor. Have the children stand on the pictures, and then start the music. Have the kids walk around the circle stepping/standing beside or on the things you cut out. At random intervals, stop the music and everyone freezes by the image next to him or her. There should only be one child at an image.

The rules: Once everyone has stopped, draw the name of one of the images (such as a witch) from the box. The person standing on or next to the witch would be out of the game. The witch image would then be pulled from the game so there are only as many images left as there are children still playing the game. The game continues until only one person remains.

How to win: The last remaining player is the winner.

Related: More Kids' Games

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]]>evergreenhalloweenholiday gamesmusical-chairsSpookyWalkSally WorshamTue, 26 Oct 2010 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Halloween Cornershttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/20/halloween-corners-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/20/halloween-corners-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/20/halloween-corners-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Print Halloween-themed images to play this game. Credit: riptheskull, Flickr

What you need: Music, a room with four corners, a hat or box and two copies of four Halloween-themed images, such as a witch, a black cat, a ghost and a jack-o-lantern.

How to play: Place one Halloween image in each of the four corners. Let the players know that when the music plays, they can move around. However, once the music stops, they need to proceed to one of the four corners of the room. Once the players have selected a corner, the music operator pulls out an image from a hat and those players standing in that corner are eliminated from the game. Then, start the music back up, mingle and repeat the process.

The rules: The Halloween image you pulled from the hat is returned before the music starts again, so this game can have as many rounds as necessary.

How to win: The last player remaining is the winner.

Related: More Kids' Games

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]]>evergreenhalloweenhalloween cornersholiday gamesSally WorshamWed, 20 Oct 2010 11:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Head Catchhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/14/head-catch-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/14/head-catch-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/14/head-catch-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Do the opposite to win the game. Credit: Getty Images


What you need: You need a standard red kickball and an outside wall.

How to play: All players line up against an outside wall. One player is chosen to be the thrower. This player gets the ball, throws it and tells the receiver whether to head or catch the ball.

The rules: As the first player throws the ball to the next player, she yells out either "Head!" or "Catch!" The person receiving the ball must do the opposite of what the thrower yells. If "Head!" is yelled, the receiver must catch the ball. If "Catch!" is yelled, the receiver must head the ball. If the receiver misses the ball or does the wrong action, he is out of the game, and the play continues to the next player.

How to win: The last player remaining is the winner.

What else you need to know: A variation of this game is the thrower either throws the ball or fakes throwing it. If it is thrown, the receiver must catch it, or he is out of the game. If it is faked, the receiver must not move at all, or he is out of the game.

Related: More Kids' Games

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]]>ball gamesBallGameshead catchHeadCatchoutdoor gamesOutdoorGamesSally WorshamThu, 14 Oct 2010 07:00:00 ESTDad Who Stormed Bus Apologizes for Some Actionshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/04/dad-who-stormed-bus-apologizes-for-some-actions/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/04/dad-who-stormed-bus-apologizes-for-some-actions/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/04/dad-who-stormed-bus-apologizes-for-some-actions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

James Willie Jones bus incident picture

James Willie Jones, left, with his wife Deborah McFadden Jones, spoke about the events that transpired on a public school bus involving his disabled daughter. Credit: Reinhold Matay

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - A Florida father who stormed onto a school bus and threatened children because his 13-year-old disabled daughter had been bullied is apologizing for the way he handled the situation.

James Willie Jones said in a statement to The Associated Press on Monday that he is sorry for his "inappropriate use of language and for the way I handled the situation." But he says his daughter suffers from cerebral palsy and he "could not stand by and helplessly watch her suffer."

"As a dad, my No. 1 priority is providing for and protecting my children," he said in a statement released to the AP. "Since the school year started, my wife and I noticed that our daughter had become increasingly distraught about school and riding the school bus, but she wouldn't tell us exactly why.

"As the involved parent of a child who suffers from cerebral palsy, it broke my heart. When I walked my daughter to the bus that morning, she broke down in tears and finally told me about the bullies who had tormented her on the school bus. She was afraid.

"In the heat of the moment, I wanted to confront the individuals who had bullied my daughter and the authority figure who failed to protect her. I sincerely apologize for my inappropriate use of language and for the way I handled the situation. As the protector of my daughter I could not stand by and helplessly watch her suffer."

Jones plans to hold a news conference with his attorney Tuesday to answer questions related to his arrest.

He was charged last week with disorderly conduct and disturbing a school function for the Sept. 3 incident in Sanford, just north of Orlando. He later posted $2,000 bail and was ordered to stay away from the driver and county school buses.

The girl had to be hospitalized because of stress from the confrontation, Jones' attorney, Natalie Jackson, said last week. She said Jones told deputies he complained to Seminole County school administrators in the past but nothing had been done to help the girl.

School spokeswoman Regina Murray Klaers said in an e-mail that Jones did not express his concerns to school administrators. He did report an incident involving another girl, not his daughter, Klaers said. That incident was fully investigated, and appropriate action was taken, Klaers said.

Jones boarded the school bus because several boys were allegedly bullying his daughter, according to the sheriff's office report. He told deputies the boys placed an open condom on his daughter's head, smacked her on the back of her head, twisted her ear and shouted rude comments at her, the report said.

Video surveillance from the bus - which fueled fodder on national talk shows - displays Jones asking his daughter to point out the students accused of harassing her. Jones is heard on the video threatening those who bully his daughter, and he also threatens the bus driver.

Jones said in the statement that he plans to advocate and raise awareness against bullying.

"Bullying has become an epidemic in our country," he said. "Even though some schools are adopting 'zero tolerance' anti-bullying policies, it hasn't eliminated the problem. Parents need to work with their children to let them know this kind of behavior is unacceptable and we all need to be aware of what's happening with our kids.

"I hope that there are lessons we can all learn from this situation. I know I have," he added. "It is my prayer that your children, whether disabled or not, will never have to endure anything like what my daughter went through."

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 ANTONIO GONZALEZ, Associated Press Writer.

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]]>James Willie JonesAssociated PressMon, 04 Oct 2010 10:31:00 ESTHow to Play: Dead Boxhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/31/dead-box-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/31/dead-box-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/31/dead-box-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dead box game

Enter the dead box and you're out! Credit: Leo Reynolds, flickr


What you need: You need a concrete surface outdoors, chalk, and bottle caps.

How to play: Draw a large box with the chalk on the concrete surface. In the middle of the box, draw a small box with a skull and cross bones inside it. This is the dead box. Then you will draw and number 13 small boxes around the deadbox. You will use the bottle caps as playing pieces.

The rules: The object of the game is to flick the bottle caps into each of the 13 numbered boxes. If your bottle cap lands in the dead box in the center, you are out of the game.

How to win: The player who is able to flick bottle caps into all 13 boxes and avoid the dead box is the winner.

What else you need to know: You can change the dead box rule from the player being out of the game to the player having to remove all his previously landed bottle caps and start over.

Related: More Kids' Games

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]]>dead boxDeadBoxoutdoor gamesOutdoorGamesSally WorshamTue, 31 Aug 2010 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Hole in the Buckethttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/30/hole-in-the-bucket-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/30/hole-in-the-bucket-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/30/hole-in-the-bucket-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hole in the Bucket game

Holes in the coffee cans ensure that extra bit of fun! Credit: vfowler, Flickr


What you need: You need two large coffee cans, three large trash cans or 30-gallon tubs, and a water source.

How to play: To prep the coffee cans for the game, you will punch several holes in the sides and bottoms of the cans using a hammer and nails. Be sure to hammer from the outside of the cans to prevent sharp edges on the outside of the cans. To make sure there are no sharp edges around the top of the cans, hammer around the inside edge against a hard surface. To play the game, divide the children into two teams. Fill up one of the large trash cans or 30-gallon tubs up with water and place at the starting line. At the finish line, place the other two large trash cans or 30-gallon tubs as receiving containers for the two teams.

The rules: The first people on each team go to the container filled with water, dip their cans into it, put their cans on their heads or carry them, and go down to their team's receiving container and dump in whatever water is left in their cans. Then they run back to the starting line and pass the cans on to the next players. This continues until a receiving bucket is filled.

How to win: The first team to fill their receiving bucket wins.

What else you need to know: You can spray paint the cans, if you wish, to differentiate between the two teams' cans.

Related: More Kids' Games

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]]>hole in the bucketHoleInTheBucketoutdoor gamesOutdoorGameswater gamesWaterGamesSally WorshamMon, 30 Aug 2010 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Time to Searchhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/27/time-to-search-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/27/time-to-search-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/27/time-to-search-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

time to search game

What's behind that tree?? Credit: cdsessums, Flickr


What you need: You need some sort of tokens to hide. You can use Matchbox cars, dolls, ping pong balls, or even sticks and rocks.

How to play: Choose one player to be the leader. Establish a starting point and a finish line. While the rest of the players stand with their back to the game's course, the leader will hide the tokens throughout the game's course. Hiding places include behind trees, under rocks, in the dirt, etc.

The rules: Once all are hidden, the leader will say "Time to search!" Players will turn around and run from the starting line to hunt for the hidden tokens. Once a player has found a token, she will run for the finish line.

Continue reading How to Play: Time to Search

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]]>outdoor gamesOutdoorGamestime to search gameTimeToSearchGameSally WorshamFri, 27 Aug 2010 07:00:00 ESTCrayola Goes Green for Back-to-Schoolhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/26/crayola-goes-green-for-back-to-school/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/26/crayola-goes-green-for-back-to-school/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/26/crayola-goes-green-for-back-to-school/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


crayola crayons

Crayola's fave color is green. Credit: Crayola


Are Screamin' Green, Granny Smith Apple, Asparagus, Fern, Mountain Meadow, Shamrock and Tropical Rain Forest among your favorite Crayola colors?

Well, it's time to take your love of green one step further this back-to-school season with the brand's new eco-friendly crayons, markers and colored pencils. Here's some of the new stuff to check out as you shop:
  • Crayola markers will now have black barrels instead of white, which allows more recycled plastic to be used and gives new life to more than 1 million pounds of plastic bottle caps.
  • Starting this summer a billion crayons will be made using solar power each year -- look for specially-marked boxes of Crayola crayons. And, during the crayon making process, any chipped or broken crayons are remelted in the mixer, so there's no waste.
  • All wood used in Crayola colored pencils comes from reforested trees and for each tree used, another of the same kind is planted.
Just another step in saving the planet. At most mass retailers and Crayola.com.

Related: Oh! The Places Your Sneakers Will Go

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]]>crayolacrayonseco-friendlygreenLesley KennedyThu, 26 Aug 2010 14:00:00 ESTOpinion: 'Imagination Playground' Lives Up to Its Namehttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/25/opinion-imagination-playground-lives-up-to-its-name/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/25/opinion-imagination-playground-lives-up-to-its-name/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/25/opinion-imagination-playground-lives-up-to-its-name/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


"Imagination Playground" at the South Street Seaport in Manhattan officially opened to the public this summer, with a press conference featuring New York City's Mayor Michael Bloomberg -- and a $7.5 million price tag.

The South Street Seaport has a long history as the city's maritime commerce center, dating back to the early 1800s. In 1983, through a city redevelopment initiative, the Seaport was opened to the public with dozens of shops and restaurants. Since then, it has grown into a major tourist area with a schedule of events and amenities that attract scores of visitors and locals to the area.

Imagination Playground was clearly built to honor and celebrate the area's rich maritime tradition, using design elements such as ship's masts and a crow's nest, and featuring water and sand as the two core play elements. It spans an entire city block, replacing a parking lot that had been used by one of the city agencies, which helped develop the project.

I heard of the plans for the playground about four years ago, when the concept was first announced by the city. Architect David Rockwell is well-respected and pretty well known in these parts, so the fact that he was turning his talents to design a playground for kids was certainly newsworthy.

Yet, when I read about the playground's opening and its hefty price tag, I have to admit I was outraged, as my thoughts turned to the battle of the budget fought this year by New York parents to ensure their kids still receive free transit cards for travel to and from school.

Continue reading Opinion: 'Imagination Playground' Lives Up to Its Name

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]]>new yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCityplayplaygroundHoney BerkWed, 25 Aug 2010 17:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Pom Ponhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/25/pom-pon-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/25/pom-pon-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/25/pom-pon-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

Pom pon game

Be the last player standing. Credit: Getty Images


What you need: You need a large outdoor area with a boundary (a tree, a building or a rope) on each side.

How to play: Choose one player to be "it." "It" will stand in the middle of the playing area. All other players will line up along one of the boundaries.

The rules: At the starting signal, players must run to the opposite boundary without getting tagged by "it." If players are tagged, they must help "it" tag other players. Players continue to run from boundary to boundary until only one player remains untagged.

How to win: The last player remaining untagged is the winner.

What else you need to know: The winner has the option of being "it" in the next round.

Related: More Kids' Games

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]]>chasing gamesChasingGamesoutdoor gamesOutdoorGamespom ponPomPonSally WorshamWed, 25 Aug 2010 09:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Red Devilhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/24/red-devil-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/24/red-devil-game/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/24/red-devil-game/#commentsFiled under: ,

Red Devil game

Red Devil, Red Devil, what are you thinking of now? Credit: Getty Images


What you need: You need a group of at least 4 players.

How to play: Choose a player to be "it" or the "red devil." All players gather in front of a house. The "red devil" will be facing the players.

The rules: The "red devil" says, "I'm thinking of a certain shoe (or candy bar, video game, restaurant, grocery store, etc.)." The other players will guess what type of shoe he is thinking of. The "red devil" will let the person who guesses correctly know when she says it. At this point, she and the "red devil" will run around the house in opposite directions.

How to win: The person who gets back to the front of the house first is the winner and becomes the new "red devil."

What else you need to know: The rule can be changed that whoever gets back to the front of the house first is not the new "red devil."

Related: More Kids' Games

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]]>chasing gamesChasingGamesoutdoor gamesOutdoorGamesred devil gameRedDevilGameSally WorshamTue, 24 Aug 2010 07:00:00 ESTHow to Play: T-Shirt Balloon Relayhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/23/how-to-play-t-shirt-balloon-relay/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/23/how-to-play-t-shirt-balloon-relay/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/23/how-to-play-t-shirt-balloon-relay/#commentsFiled under: ,

T-Shirt Balloon Relay

Tuck that balloon in! Credit: Getty Images


What you need: You need a swimming pool, balloons, and a t-shirt for each team.

How to play: Divide players into two to four teams of four to eight members. Give each team a large t-shirt and blown-up balloons.

The rules: At the starting signal, the first person on each team will put the t-shirt on, take one balloon, and jump in the water. Once he is in the water, he has to put the balloon under his shirt before he can swim. Once he has the balloon under the shirt, he must swim to the other side and back. If the balloon pops out, he must return to the place where the balloon came loose and start over. Once he makes it back to his team, he will take off the t-shirt and pass it to the next player. Play continues until all players have gone.

Continue reading How to Play: T-Shirt Balloon Relay

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]]>outdoor gamesOutdoorGamesswimming pool gamesSwimmingPoolGameswet t-shirt balloon relayWetT-shirtBalloonRelaySally WorshamMon, 23 Aug 2010 07:00:00 ESTCry, Laugh, Shiver, and Learn: New Picture Bookshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/30/new-picture-books/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/30/new-picture-books/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/07/30/new-picture-books/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Reading a good book can be an emotional experience. Here's a selection of new picture books that can run you through the full gamut.

Amazon


"City Dog, Country Frog" by Mo Willems, illustrated by Jon J. Muth (Hyperion, $18)
We all know Mo Willems from his comedic kids' classics like "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! " and "Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale," but never before have we seen him tug those heartstrings the way he does here. This sweet and warm story, told over the course of five seasons, recounts an urban dog's visits to his human family's bucolic vacation house. With no canine companions to be found, the pooch bonds with an affable frog who teaches him the ways of the country. The ending -- aided by the wonderfully realistic paintings of Jon J. Muth ("Zen Shorts") -- packs quite an emotional wallop. Adults and kids alike can expect to get weepy.

Continue reading Cry, Laugh, Shiver, and Learn: New Picture Books

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]]>childrens booksChildrensBookskids booksKidsBooksmo willemsMoWillemspicture booksPictureBookstad hillsTadHillsChristopher HealyFri, 30 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST