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/New Rules to Cut Confusion on Sunscreen Claimshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/new-rules-to-cut-confusion-on-sunscreen-claims/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/new-rules-to-cut-confusion-on-sunscreen-claims/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/new-rules-to-cut-confusion-on-sunscreen-claims/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Watch Videos Related to Sunscreen UVA Ratings

sunscreen

Devon Garrison plays in the pool at the clubhouse of his sub-division in Montgomery, Ala., Tuesday, June 14, 2011. Garrison wears sunscreen with an SPF factor of 100. Credit: AP

WASHINGTON (AP) - Help is on the way to consumers confused by the jumble of sun protection numbers, symbols and other claims on sunscreens. Starting next summer, consumers can start looking for SPF 15 bottles with the label "broad spectrum" and feel confident they're being protected from an increased risk of cancer.


Currently, standards of protection apply only to one part of the sun's spectrum, ultraviolet B rays, which cause sunburn. Under new rules published Tuesday, they will also have to protect against the more penetrating ultraviolet A rays associated with skin cancer.

The guidelines, which spent more than 30 years in bureaucratic limbo, are designed to enhance the effectiveness of sunscreens and make them easier to use.

The key takeaway for consumers: Look for a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 15 and above that also says "broad spectrum." That's the new buzzword from the Food and Drug Administration to describe a product that does an acceptable job blocking both types of damaging rays.

Starting next summer, sunscreens with less than an SPF of 15 or that aren't "broad spectrum" will have to carry a warning label: "This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging."

That will help people like Paul Woodburn, 55, who says he mainly buys brands he trusts and judges sun screen by one factor

"The SPF number is what counts for me," the Indianapolis resident said as he sat next to a public pool. "Beyond the SPF, I don't think anybody really watches." Woodburn said he wasn't familiar with the difference between UVA and UVB rays or the broad spectrum label.

"These changes to sunscreen labels are an important part of helping consumers have the information they need so they can choose the right sun protection for themselves and their families," said Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of FDA's drug division.

The new regulations require testing for the more dangerous ultraviolet A rays, which can penetrate glass and pose the greatest risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Now, the FDA only requires testing for ultraviolet B rays that cause sunburn. That's what the familiar SPF measure is based on.

"For the first time, the FDA has clearly defined the testing required to make a broad-spectrum protection claim in a sunscreen and indicate which type of sunscreen can reduce skin cancer risk," said Dr. Ronald L. Moy, president of The American Academy of Dermatology Association.

Under the new rules:

- The FDA will prohibit sunscreen marketing claims like "waterproof" and "sweatproof," which the agency said "are exaggerations of performance."

- The FDA also proposes capping the highest SPF value at 50, unless companies can provide results of further testing that support a higher number.

- FDA says manufacturers must phase out a four-star system currently used by some companies to rate UVA protection.

In reviewing more than 3,000 comments submitted to the agency, the FDA decided the star system was too confusing. Instead, protection against UVA should be proportional to protection against UVB, which is already measured using SPF.

The SPF figure indicates the amount of sun exposure needed to cause sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin compared with unprotected skin. For example, an SPF rating of 30 means it would take the person 30 times longer to burn wearing sunscreen than with exposed skin.

The rules were decades in the making.

FDA announced its intent to draft sunscreen rules in 1978 and published them in 1999. The agency delayed finalizing its guidelines for years until it could address issues concerning both UVA and UVB protection.

Some consumer advocates complained that the agency's final guidelines were less strict than draft proposals circulated over the years.

"About 20 percent of products that meet the new FDA standards could not be sold in Europe, where UVA standards are strict," said David Andrews, senior scientist with the Environmental Working Group.

Many companies have already adopted the some of the labeling outlined by the government. For example, all Coppertone products from Merck & Co.'s Schering-Plough unit and Neutrogena sunscreens from Johnson & Johnson already boast "broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection."

Most dermatologists recommend a broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every two hours while outside.

Last year an estimated 68,130 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with melanoma - the most dangerous form of skin cancer - and an estimated 8,700 died, according to the National Cancer Institute. Nearly $2 billion is spent treating the disease each year.

Copyright 2011 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. This article was written by MATTHEW PERRONE, Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

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How to Understand Sunscreen UVA Ratings

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]]>sunscreenAssociated PressWed, 15 Jun 2011 10:30:00 ESTWhat to Buy Teachers for an End of the Year School Gifthttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/what-to-buy-teachers/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/what-to-buy-teachers/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/what-to-buy-teachers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

End of the Year School Gift

What teacher gifts will make the grade? Credit: Getty Images

School is nearly out -- and the annual hunt for the perfect end-of-year teacher gift is on. What do you get that won't collect dust, garner a (private) yawn or duplicate what every other mom buys?

Here's our unofficial guide to teacher-gift giving:

Follow the rules. Does your kid's school have a policy limiting the amount that can be spent on gifts? If so, honor it. It's also smart to check with other parents in your school to find out what they're doing; this helps you avoid feeling sheepish if your gift is out of step with everyone else's. And don't forget to recognize teacher aides with a small token, too.

Consider a group gift. Ask for a small donation ($5 to $10 per family) towards something larger (a massage! a Kindle!) It's an easy, budget-friendly way to gift a nice present while taking the burden off individual parents. If you're coordinating the gift, remember that not everyone can -- or will -- participate. Regardless, include every student's name on the card. It's just classier.

Gift cards are always appreciated. Yes, it's a little impersonal, but you know it's going to get used! Consider a gift certificate towards something the teacher may not splurge on herself -- a manicure, a restaurant, a class, that kind of thing.

"Things" are great -- if you know your teacher's taste. Imagine getting 15 gifts from well-meaning pseudo-strangers. Some you'll love, but most will likely miss the mark. By all means, buy your teacher a monogramed tote bag, an umbrella or a pretty scarf if you're confident you know her taste. But if you don't, stick to the gift certificate or the group gift.

Make the packaging personal. Whatever you gift, include drawings or handwritten notes from the kids! Consider using the drawings as the gift wrap itself.

Finally, remember that no teacher needs a mug/pen/frame with the words No. 1 Teacher on it -- no matter how cute it looks in the store.

More from ivillage:

12 Tips to Keep Your Kids Busy Without TV
Best Family Vacations
Creative Kid's Birthday Cake Ideas

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]]>End of the Year School Giftgiftsteacher giftsthe editors at iVillage.comWed, 08 Jun 2011 11:30:00 ESTGPS Tracking: Should Your Teens Use Location Services?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/03/gps-tracking-teens/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/03/gps-tracking-teens/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/03/gps-tracking-teens/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GPS Tracking

Do you know where your children are? Foursquare does! Credit: AP

Location apps change the game by identifying your physical location:

  • Location apps let kids post their actual, physical location.
  • According to a 2010 study by McAfee Inc., 69 percent of kids ages 13 to 17 have included their physical location in their social networking status update.
  • Safety and privacy are the major areas of concern.
  • Marketers use these programs to send highly targeted ads.
  • If you're going to use them, set privacy controls to the strictest settings.
Social Networking Gets Really Personal

Social networks connect kids online. But a new technology takes connecting a step further -- to face-to-face meet-ups. New programs called location-sharing use geographic information from your smartphone to connect people to specific places, as well as to each other.

You may have heard of some of the most popular ones: Loopt, Foursquare, Gowalla and Facebook Places. Most of these programs are designed for smartphones, but they also can be accessed on the Web. Once you join, you can post your actual physical location.

And that's what makes location sharing a no-go for kids and teens. These programs bring up two big issues: safety and privacy. Since they let you post your location, they can expose your kid's whereabouts to anyone they "friend" -- or, in some cases, to any other user of the program. Also, advertisers are already using social mapping to target users with ads and incentives to visit their businesses (most of which are bars and restaurants).

Foursquare was one of the first entries into the location-sharing game. Here's how it works: When you sign up, you import contacts from other programs like Facebook, Twitter and Gmail. Using Foursquare's mobile website or its smartphone app, you "check in" -- send a message saying where you are and what you're doing -- and the program alerts your friends to tell them where they can find you. (Foursquare does allows you to hide your location, so you can check in without revealing it.) Foursquare uses a gaming motif, which makes it especially appealing for kids.

Facebook Places is available on iPhones or accessible through the company's touch.facebook.com site. It gives you the option of sharing your location with your Facebook friends and checking specific locations to see if your friends are there. For users younger than 17, Places is an "opt in" feature, meaning you have to enable it to use it. But make sure you check your kid's privacy settings anyway.

Gowalla works very much the same way as Foursquare, with a gaming aspect that rewards people for visiting certain places and doing interesting things. Unlike Foursquare's more finely customizable privacy settings, Gowalla's privacy settings are either on or off -- allowing people to view you or not. But Gowalla retains certain features that are publicly available even if you've checked "off." For example, if you recommend something, your recommendation appears under your user name.

Another popular program in this category is Loopt, which is currently only available as a downloadable app with phones using GPS. It's also geared more for singles looking for relationships -- the personal profile asks you to check boxes indicating your relationship status and what type of relationship you're looking for.

Like Facebook, Loopt gives its users the ability to send messages to friends, and while its ability to connect people face-to-face is highly targeted, it does offer fairly customizable privacy settings, including the ability to hide your location and block people.

What Parents Need to Know

1. These programs aren't for your kids. Ignore the "ratings" you may see online. The apps must be downloaded, and even though they're free, you'll get a receipt for it, so you'll know whether it's been installed. Either way, check your child's phone for these apps. You need to know what they're doing.

2. If you think it's OK for your kid to use one of these apps, then you must make sure that their privacy settings are set to the strictest options (as in, designated "friends only). That said, there are no guarantees that your child will be 100% protected from strangers or unwanted advertisers.

3. Since the programs allow users to post directly to Facebook or Twitter from any location, questions of safety and responsible behavior must be addressed. You don't want someone telling everyone about a party at someone else's house.

4. Finally, don't our kids have enough ads in their lives? These programs have the ability to send highly targeted ads -- to your kids' favorite store at the mall, for example. Constant advertising has a tendency to give people the "gimmes." Reinforce the fact that they can use the word "no."

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]]>facebook placesfoursquareGPS Trackinggps tracking teenslooptteens and mediathe editors at Common Sense MediaFri, 03 Jun 2011 12:00:00 ESTInternet Safety for Middle School Kidshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/internet-safety-for-middle-school-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/internet-safety-for-middle-school-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/internet-safety-for-middle-school-kids/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Internet Safety

Middle schoolers lead digital lives, so why not make sure they do it safely? Credit: Getty Images

In the middle school years, teens begin social networking, creating and uploading comments (blogs, videos, pictures), downloading music and other files, researching subjects for school, chatting on IM, video-chatting and more. In short, middle schoolers are leading digital lives.

At this age, the Internet is no longer a solitary or passive experience. For preteens and teens, the Internet is social. Teens are using the Internet to express themselves and to experiment anonymously with different identities. While the desire to strike out on their own is age-appropriate, these kids still need parental guidance (sometimes from a respectful distance) on how to conduct themselves safely online.

The facts

  • Most teens are online: 91 percent have an email address; 60 percent have an instant-message screen name; and 72 percent have profiles on social networking sites (Harris Interactive, 2009).
  • Seventy-seven percent of 8- to 15-year-olds said they'd rather give up TV than give up the Internet (Pangea Media and YPulse, 2009).
  • Twenty-seven percent of all 9- to 17-year-olds work on blogs or other online spaces at least three times a week (Grunwald Associates, 2008).
  • One in five kids ages 8 to 17 say they do things online that their parents would not approve of (Norton Online Living Report, 2007).
Why Internet safety matters

Young teens don't yet have an "off" switch in their brains, meaning they often act impulsively. This lack of impulse control combined with online anonymity could lead middle schoolers toward dangerous behaviors: cyberbullying, inappropriate photo or video uploads, illegal downloads, meeting strangers, even cheating. Because socializing is so important to young people, online interactions can become pretty intense -- whether they're playing games, chatting with friends or sharing work.

Teens are creating a digital footprint that can last a long time in cyberspace. Things they post can be forwarded by others and viewed by vast anonymous audiences. If you teach them to self-reflect before they self-reveal, their online experiences are more likely to be safe.

The first step to keeping your preteens and teens safe on the Internet is to find out what they're doing online to make sure they're behaving respectfully and responsibly. Talk to them about what's appropriate to say to others, what kind of content is okay to upload and download and what kinds of interactions are important to avoid. Helping your children become responsible digital citizens is what will ultimately keep them safe online.

Internet safety basics

  • Never share names, schools, ages, phone numbers or addresses.
  • Never open an email from a stranger -- it may contain viruses that can harm a computer.
  • Never send pictures to strangers or view pictures that strangers send to them.
  • Keep passwords private (except to parents).
  • Tell a trusted adult if something mean or creepy happens on the Internet.
Strategies for responsible -- and safer -- online life

  • Visit age-appropriate sites. Find sites that promote learning and creativity and that deepen your kids' interests. Also check out popular websites before your kids visit them. Despite what your kids might tell you, social networks such as MySpace or Facebook are not meant for middle-schoolers.
  • Minimize chatting with strangers. Tell your kids people aren't always who they say they are on the Internet. Anyone can pose as a "buddy of a buddy." If kids are playing online games with people they don't personally know, they should be careful not to disclose anything personal.
  • Help kids think critically about what they find online. Young people need to know not everything they see is true. You may wish to use safe-search settings or filtering software for younger kids. And you can always check browser histories to see where your kids have been.
  • If they wouldn't do it in real life, they shouldn't do it online. Remind them: Don't say mean things, and don't cheat in games or at school.
  • Have some rules about time and place. Set limits on the amount of time your kids spend online. Don't let them Instant Message (IM) while doing homework. Restrict time and sites for online gaming.
  • Agree on downloads. What music is OK? Which video sites? Don't just hand out your credit card information to your kids. If they need to buy something, you should be involved.
  • Talk about privacy. Remind your kids that when they post something online, they lose control of it. It can be cut and pasted and sent around the Web. Show kids where privacy settings are on their favorite sites and help them think about the settings they should use.
  • Make sure kids feel safe reporting bad behavior. It doesn't have to be you, but if anything suspicious, mean or scary happens, they need to know they won't get in trouble if they tell a trusted adult.
  • Be involved and view your own habits carefully. Parents are their role models for safe and smart use. Enjoy the good stuff together!
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Get more information for parents on media and technology by checking out Common Sense Media.

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]]>computersinternetInternet Safetymiddle schoolersthe editors at Common Sense MediaTue, 31 May 2011 17:00:00 EST'The Girl's Guide to Homelessness' Author Brianna Karp Offers Advice to Young People on the Streetshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/26/brianna-karp-girls-guide-to-homelessness/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/26/brianna-karp-girls-guide-to-homelessness/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/04/26/brianna-karp-girls-guide-to-homelessness/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Brianna Karp

Brianna Karp tells the story of how she got off the streets in "The Girl's Guide to Homelessness." Credit: Harlequin

Brianna Karp thought she had it all together. At 23, the Orange County, Calif., executive assistant was employed, making $50,000 a year, and living in a cozy cottage with her mastiff, Fezzik.

But she would soon face a downward spiral.

"I was laid off in July 2008, along with over half of my company," Karp tells ParentDish. "For the next six months, I struggled to stay afloat on unemployment, which didn't cover rent and food. I searched for work every day; I signed up with several temp agencies and took as many opportunities as I could. This was at the peak of the recession, and nobody was hiring."

No longer able to pay her rent, Karp says she attempted a short-term stay with her mother and stepfather, "which really was a last resort, as there's a very toxic history there."

She writes of her family situation in her new book, "The Girl's Guide to Homelessness," (Harlequin) released today, and of how she soon found herself without a home.

ParentDish recently caught up with Karp, now 26, about the book, advice she can offer young people facing homelessness and how she was able to not only land on both feet, but land a book deal, as well. An edited version of the interview follows.

ParentDish: Where did you end up staying, after leaving your mother's house?
Brianna Karp: I ended up living in my deceased biological father's camper in the middle of a Walmart parking lot -- taking advantage of their policy allowing travelers and campers to stay overnight on their lots for free. It wasn't fun, but you do what you have to in order to sort of eke out an existence and try to find a sustainable routine.

PD: You had no electricity or running water.
BK: I showered at a nearby mom-and-pop gym where I purchased a membership for $9.99 a month. If I needed to use a restroom in the middle of the night, there was a 24-hour gas station on the same block. I'd learned from a book I'd read years before that you can boil water on a car radiator to cook food. I purchased a large high-powered flashlight that I shone at the ceiling of the trailer at night, and it would give me enough light to read by.

the girl's guide to homelessness

Credit: Harlequin

There were many other homeless people staying on the lot in campers and cars: a married couple in their 60s, a former doctor, a man who spoke four languages. I was by far the youngest. Many of them had lost their jobs and homes in the recession, as well.

PD: What was a typical day like?
BK: During the day I'd usually sit in Starbucks with my laptop and send out résumé after résumé. I also started an anonymous blog, which was how I began meeting other homeless and formerly homeless people and activists. It had never occurred to me that there would be such a vast, global online network of homeless people.

PD: The idea of a homeless girl with a laptop and cell phone is a new one. How is job hunting different when you're homeless?
BK: Everyday life has become so technology-driven that things like a cell phone and Internet access are essential. Yet, people are still amazed to see homeless people utilizing resources, or conclude that they must not "really" be homeless. Why should a person entering a crisis like homelessness be expected to give up items they may already own, like a cell phone or laptop, which may be their most valuable tools for finding work and digging their way out? Without a laptop or cell phone, I would be without means of accessing job boards in the most efficient manner possible, of sending out résumés and being contacted by potential employers.

Another thing that many are unaware of is that there are government programs providing homeless people with voice mail boxes, cell phones and even used laptops. Often, homeless individuals use public libraries to access the Internet. These tools are invaluable and critical in today's society, and they also allow homeless people a means by which to share their experiences, stories and offer one another moral support or solutions even from long distances apart.

PD: What did you learn about other homeless people from your experience?
BK: It was a topic I'd never really thought about until it happened to me, as I suspect is usually the case for most people. It did force me to take a look at the personalities and stories behind the labels and stereotypes. What I found is that these are really just people, and that there is no basis for the automatic presuppositions that I hear over and over: "Homeless people are all druggies/mentally ill/dirty/lazy/unloved."

I found a warm, supportive network of people that did their best to help one another out, even if all they had to offer was encouragement despite their personal circumstances. In my experience, I've found that there's as many reasons and causes behind homelessness as there are homeless people. No one should be pigeonholed. I believe all homeless people need help. Shelter is a basic human need and right, as far as I'm concerned.

PD: Talk about how your religious upbringing and your mother have affected your life.
BK: I was raised a Jehovah's Witness. I knew early on that I didn't believe what the other Jehovah's Witnesses did, and I also knew that would affect the relationship with my mother. ... My mother has a reputation as a very difficult person and was highly physically and verbally abusive, emotionally manipulative ... which I talk more about in the book. Together, they really made it a very claustrophobic environment to grow up in. It's taken some time, out on my own, to figure out how the outside world and normal human interaction works and it's an ongoing process.

PD: Through your blog you connected with Elle magazine columnist E. Jean Carroll.
BK: I had been reading her column for about nine years, and, on a complete whim, I wrote her a letter explaining my situation and asking for advice. I never expected to hear back and promptly forgot all about it. Several months later, my letter was not only published in her advice column in Elle magazine, but she offered me a three-month, telecommuting internship.

The story ballooned in the media and was picked up all over the world. Suddenly, I found myself in newspapers and on CNN and the "Today Show." It was all very overwhelming, but definitely exciting and quite a thrill. E. Jean is absolutely one of the warmest, most generous human beings I have ever met, and I'm so grateful for the opportunity she gave me and the doors that it ended up opening.

PD: Do you have full-time work now?
BK: A few months ago, I received a call for an interview at South Coast Repertory, a local theatre in Orange County, looking for a marketing assistant. I had applied there, along with hundreds of other assistant jobs in Orange, Riverside and L.A. counties. The interview went great and I landed the job!

I love the company, the people and the culture at the theater. I commute 80 miles round-trip per day, which is about three hours total in traffic. I'm picking up a lot of valuable new skills to add to my repertoire. As it's nonprofit work and wages are not what they used to be, I live paycheck-to-paycheck, like most people these days.

PD: And benefits?
BK: It's the first time since becoming homeless that I've had health and dental benefits. It's taken two years of job searching to reach this point. I tried to keep my residence status and the media attention on the DL at work, but Google never forgets, so pretty soon everybody at work knew about it. My co-workers and bosses have actually been so nonjudgmental and supportive. I feel so incredibly lucky and privileged to work here.

PD: What advice do you have for young people who may find themselves homeless?
BK: As "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" would put it, don't panic. Be as savvy as you can with the resources you have available to you. Technology and social media are your friends, so use them. With them, a world's entire wealth of information is at your fingertips.

Online, you can search for jobs, stock up on survival tips, reach out to others who've been there and might be able to point you towards available resources or programs that can help you. There is an entire community to help you through what you're experiencing. And, of course, take care of yourself and your mind. You are your own most valuable resource right now.

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]]>brianna karpBriannaKarpgirls guide to homelessnessLesley KennedyTue, 26 Apr 2011 11:30:00 ESTJapan Relief T-Shirt Round-Uphttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/18/japan-t-shirts/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/18/japan-t-shirts/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/03/18/japan-t-shirts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Watching the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan makes us want to open our hearts -- and maybe our wallets -- to help. And, with so many products with proceeds going to relief efforts popping up, it's easy to support those in need.

Just because your baby can't walk yet, doesn't mean he can't make a difference, too. We rounded up our favorite Japan relief kids T-shirts and baby onesies.

japan t-shirts

Credit: CafePress.com

Baby Onesies from CafePress.com: $15

A portion of the profits from sales will be donated to the American Red Cross - Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami.



japan t-shirts

Credit: CafePress.com

Kids T-Shirts from CafePress.com: $18-$20

A portion of the profits from sales will be donated to the American Red Cross - Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami.




japan-t-shirts

Credit: MyShirtHelps.com

My Shirt Helps: $20

Funds are going to the International Medical Corps, Save the Children and Samaritan's Purse.



japan-t-shirts

Credit: Hide & Seek Clothing


Hide & Seek Clothing: $22

Profits will go to Save the Children: Emergency Response, Japan Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Fund: A GlobalGiving Project, Hands on Tokyo, American Red Cross



Credit: Merchline.com

Merchline.com: $20

One hundred percent of the proceeds of the sales of this shirt will go toward The Salvation Army's relief efforts in Japan.

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]]>japan earthquakejapan relief effortsjapan t-shirtsjapan tsunamiJapanT-shirtsJessica SamakowFri, 18 Mar 2011 15:30:00 ESTGiveaway: Flip MinoHD Video Camera!http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/24/giveaway-flip-minohd-video-camera/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/24/giveaway-flip-minohd-video-camera/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/24/giveaway-flip-minohd-video-camera/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

flip camera picture

The new Flip MinoHD can fit in your pocket! Credit: Flip Video


How many times a day do your kids do something hilarious or adorable and you wish someone else could have seen it? Well, wish no longer. The Flip MinoHD video camera is all you need to capture your memories.

Flip has revolutionized home videos, so capturing them is nothing like the old days when your dad carried his tripod around to film you. The Flip MinoHd is so small that it can fit in your pocket. When you're done, the Flip plugs right into your computer and uploads easily to your own Flip channel, YouTube, Facebook or Twitter.

All of the celebrity parents are flipping too. You can watch Brooke Burke on the trampoline with her kids, Jenna Elfman pushing her adorable son on his bike, plus many more at doyouflip.com.

To enter to win, leave us a comment telling us what one moment in your kids' lives you wish you could have caught on camera.

GIVEAWAY RULES

o. To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us what one moment in your kids' lives you wish you could have caught on camera.
o. The comment must be left before 5 pm ET on Friday, January 28, 2011.
o. You may enter only once.
o. Three winners will be selected in a random drawing.
o. Three winners will receive a Flip MinoHD. Retail value of each prize is $179.99.
o. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
o. Click here for complete Official Rules. Winners will be notified by email, so be sure to provide a valid address!

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]]>giveawayJessica SamakowMon, 24 Jan 2011 11:30:00 ESTTop 100 Books for Teens: ParentDish Pickshttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/13/top-100-books-for-teens-parentdish-picks/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/13/top-100-books-for-teens-parentdish-picks/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/13/top-100-books-for-teens-parentdish-picks/#commentsFiled under: ,

Judy Blume is a favorite among teenage girls. Credit: Amazon


While your teen might have some idea of what to read, the 100 listed below might give her some new ideas. Regardless of whether your teen enjoys fantasy books or not, many books a teen may pick up mimic their lives with "coming-of-age" stories as they begin to explore more adult subjects.

1. "1984" by George Orwell (1949): Life in a totalitarian regime that, although dated, is thought-provoking.

2. "The Amulet of Samarkand (The Bartimaeus Trilogy, Book 1)" by Jonathan Stroud (2003): In a country where magicians rule, Nathaniel has been sold by his parents to apprentice for a magician. The trilogy includes "The Golem's Eye" and "Ptolemy's Gate."

3. "Abhorsen" by Garth Nix (2003): The final of the Abhorsen Trilogy and a continuation of the stories of Sabriel and Lirael.

4. "Al Capone Does My Shirts" by Gennifer Choldenko (2004): Moose, who cares for his autistic older sister, is 12 years old when his family moves to Alcatraz.

5. "Alanna" by Tamora Pierce (1999): The adventures of a girl knight is the first in the quartet of the "The Song of the Lioness" novels.

6. "Annie on My Mind" by Nancy Garden (1982): A blossoming romantic love between two 17-year-old girls, Liza and Annie.

7. "Angus, Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging: Confessions of Georgia Nicolson" by Louise Rennison (2000): A humorous, journal-entry inspired novel about Georgia, a 14-year-old British girl, coping with her adolescence, which includes the announcement that her family may be moving to New Zealand.

8. "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer (2001): In seven novels, Colfer follows the life a a teenage criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl.

9. "Anthony Burns: The Defeat and Triumph of a Fugitive Slave" by Virginia Hamilton (1988): Set during the Civil War, this is a "historical reconstruction" of a common man's life.

10. "Art Attack: A Short Cultural History of the Avant-Garde" by Marc Aronson (1998): An introduction to the avant-garde for young adults, exploring its politics, culture and, of course, the arts.

11. "Big Mouth & Ugly Girl" by Joyce Carol Oates (2002): A prolific writer's first young adult novel, which explores the relationship between Ugly Girl (Ursula) and Matt through heavy high school tribulations.

12. "Birdland" by Tracy Mack (2003): What happens when 13-year-old Jed, who is making a documentary for school, meets a homeless girl and her dog.

13. "Bloody Jack" by Louis Meyer (2002): Orphaned in the 1790s, Mary transforms from a street-criminal into seafaring Jack.

14. "Buddha Boy" by Kathe Koja (2003): The novel's protagonist Justin navigates high school while trying to avoid Martin, also known as the Buddha Boy.

15. "Catalyst" by Laurie Halse Anderson (2002): Cross-country runner Kate keeps her focus on her running and off dealing with her mother's death and her father's ministering.

16. "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller (1961): The modern classic satire about the nonsense of war.

17. "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier (1974): A boys' boarding school -- with a secret society that dictates the norm -- sets the stage for abuse of power, which the protagonist Jerry challenges.

18. "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" by Mark Haddon (2003): A mystery with an autistic 15-year-old who finds his neighbor's dog and is accused of killing it.

19. "Chinese Cinderella: The True Story of an Unwanted Daughter" by Adeline Yen Mah (1999): The autobiography of Mah, whose mother died shortly after she died. Blamed for her mother's death, she is treated poorly by her family, including her stepmother.

20. "Cirque du Freak: A Living Nightmare" by Darren Shan (2000): Set up as a true story, Darren and his friend go to see a traveling freak show with consequences.

21. "A Corner of the Universe" by Ann M. Martin (2002): During Hattie's quiet summer of 1960, the arrival of Hattie's uncle she didn't know existed stirs up the calm.

22. "Cut" by Patricia McCormick (2000): A 15-year-old is sent to a psychiatric hospital to deal with the guilt she feels over her brother's death.

23. "A Day No Pigs Would Die" by Robert Newton Peck (1973): A coming-of-age story of a 13-year-old Shaker living on a Vermont farm.

24. "Dogsong" by Gary Paulsen (1985): Paulsen's love affair with the natural environment continues in this coming-of-age novel about an Eskimo boy on his bobsled.

25. "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card (1985): Boy-wonder Ender must save the world. The first is followed by Speaker for the Dead, Xenocide, and Children of the Mind.

26. "Eragon: Inheritance, Book I" by Christopher Paolini (2003): The first in the Inheritance Cycle about Eragon, a dragon rider, and his dragon Saphira in the fantasy world of Alagaësia.

27. "Eva" by Peter Dickinson (1989): A 14-year-old wakes up from a crash in a hospital in the future, where they decide to put her brain in a monkey's body.

28. "Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury (1953): Set in the future, where books are burned by firemen and the books' owners are put away.

29. "Fallen Angels" by Walter Dean Myers (1988): A novel about Perry, a Harlem teen, who ends up on the frontlines of the Vietnam War.

30. "Fat: A Love Story" by Barbara Wersba (1987): Rita, an overweight 16-year-old, charts her way through romances.

31. "Fault Line" by Janet Tashjian (2003): Becky, a seemingly healthy and happy 17-year-old girl, finds herself in an abusive relationship.

32. "Feed" by M. T. Anderson (2002): A tale of the future about a boy living where computers and televisions are implanted in people's brains.

33. "Fire Bringer" by David Clement-Davies (1999): A young buck tries to survive and is chased by a cutthroat herd of deer that murdered his father.

34. "The First Part Last" by Angela Johnson (2003): New father Bobby is struggling at the age of 16 to deal with his increased responsibilities, as well as school.

35. "The Folk Keeper" by Franny Billingsley (1999): The only Folk Keeper in her town, Corinna is summoned to the estate of Lord Merton where she learns about her family.

36. "Forever" by Judy Blume (1975): Seniors in high school, Katherine and Michael struggle to determine if theirs is a love forever.

37. "Frankenstein" by Mary Shelley (1818): Scientist Victor Frankenstein creates a being who has a likeness to man.

38. "Gingerbread" by Rachel Cohn (2002): Cyd is kicked out of boarding school and is sent to the other coast to live with a father she's barely met.

39. "Girlosophy: A Soul Survival Kit" by Anthea Paul (2000): A book to encourage girls to be true to themselves.

40. "Go and Come Back" by Joan Abelove (1998): Two anthropologists spend a year studying Alicia's Peruvian jungle village.

41. "The Gospel According to Larry" by Janet Tashjian (2001): While Josh pines away for Beth, he creates a website that becomes wildly popular.

42. "Green Angel" by Alice Hoffman (2003): Green decides not to travel with her family to the city and must deal with the repercussions of her decision.

43. "The Haunting" by Margaret Mahy (1982): A solid ghost story featuring Barney, who communicates with dead relatives.

44. "A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich" by Alice Childress (1973): The fictional life of a 13-year-old heroin user.

45. "Holes" by Louis Sachar (1998): Stanley Yelnats IV is sent to Camp Green Lake instead of jail and begins to adapt as he realizes there is something strange going on with the Warden.

46. "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer (2002): Set in the future in a land ruled by a feudal drug lord, Matt plots to escape.

47. "How I Live Now" by Meg Rosoff (2004): American Daisy and Edmond, her British cousin, deal with the invasion of England in this novel set in future years.

48. "I Am the Cheese" by Robert Cormier (1977): In this suspenseful novel, Adam Farmer deals with the shifting truth of his life.

49. "If There Would Be No Light: Poems from My Heart" by Sahara Sunday Spain (2001): Divided in three parts, this book of poetry is written by a youthful Spain.

50. "I Hadn't Meant to Tell You This" by Jacqueline Woodson (1994): This novel about the friendship between Marie and Lena confronts difficult subjects, including incest.

51. "In My Hands: Memories of a Holocaust Rescuer" by Irene Gut Opdyke with Jennifer Armstrong (1999): This autobiography tells a 17-year-old nursing student helping some Jews to escape from the Jewish ghetto.

52. "The Ink-Keeper's Apprentice" by Allen Say (1974): Post-World War II is the backdrop for this autobiographical novel about a young boy moving alone to Tokyo to apprentice with an illustrator.

53. "The Killer's Cousin" by Nancy Werlin (1998): Although David has been acquitted of killing his girlfriend, he finds himself trying to convince those of his harmlessness while finishing high school and living in his aunt's home.

54. "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini (2003): The story of the friendship of two Afghani boys from different classes as they live during peaceful and turbulent times.

55. "Knocked Out by My Nunga-Nungas: Further, Further Confessions of Georgia Nicholson" by Louise Rennison (2002): More journal-like entries about a British teen as she faces life as the girlfriend of Sex God.

56. "Learning to Swim: A Memoir" by Ann Turner (2000): Divided into three parts, this portrait tells of when the author was molested by a neighbor and the shame it brought.

57. "Life is Funny" by E.R. Frank (2000): The stories of 11 Brooklyn teens preparing to enter adulthood.

58. "The Life History of a Star" by Kelly Easton (2001): Kristin handles life as a 14-year-old, with her parents arguing and her brother who has returned from Vietnam, but now lives behind a locked door.

59. "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel (2001): Shipwrecked, 16-year-old Pi finds himself adrift in the Pacific Ocean on a raft with wild animals as his companions.

60. "Looking for Alaska" by John Green (2005): Floridian Miles begins boarding school in Birmingham and falls for Alaska, a friend of his roommate's.

61. "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold (2002): Susie was 14 when she was murdered and now, from heaven, watches life on earth unfold.

62. "Lucy the Giant" by Sherri L. Smith (2002): A 15-year-old leaves her home, finding a job on a crabbing boat and pretending to be older than she is.

63. "Make Lemonade" by Virginia Euwer Wolff (1993): A single mom of two gets some help from a 14-year-old babysitter, which sets up the following two parts of this trilogy.

64. "Maus" by Art Spiegelman (1986): Interviews with the author's father, a Holocaust survivor, are the basis for this (and sequel) graphic novel about the experiences.

65. "The Middle Passage: White Ships, Black Cargo" by Tom Feelings (1995): A picture book that depicts the horrors of the slave trade and the passage of slaves to America.

66. "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers, illustrated by Christopher Myers (1999): A 16-year-old faces murder charges when he participates in a robbery that turned deadly.

67. "The Moonlight Man" By Paula Fox (1986): That Catherine had to wait at her Canadian boarding school for weeks before her father picks her up is the beginning to this novel.

68. "My Sister's Keeper" By Jody Picoult (2004): Anna has spent her life literally helping to keep her sister Kate alive. At 13, Anna hires a lawyer to gain control over her own body.

69. "Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America" by Barbara Ehrenreich (2001): A nonfiction account of writer Ehrenreich as she sets out to discover what it means to earn a living wage.

70. "A Northern Light" by Jennifer Donnelly (2003): In 1906, 16-year-old Mattie is torn between what she wants to do with her life and the responsibilities she feels towards her family.

71. "Nothing but the Truth: A Documentary Novel" by Avi (1991): A ninth grader gets in trouble because he hums to the national anthem.

72. "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton (1967): A suspenseful novel depicting gang members, their lives and their relationships.

73. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky (1999): Charlie, a high school freshman, discloses his social awkwardness and difficulties in a series of letters in this novel.

74. "Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood" by Marjane Satrapi (2003): An autobiographical comic book about a young girl during the Islamic Revolution in Iran.

75. "The Pigman" by Paul Zindel (1968): Sophomores John and Lorrain are bored with their lives and play lots of pranks, until they meet Mr. Pignati.

76. "Pirates!" By Celia Rees (2003): Minerva and Nancy couldn't have come from more different backgrounds in this novel set in the 1700s. Yet, the pair sail off and become pirates.

77. "Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution" by Ji Li Jiang (1997): A teenager during the Chinese Cultural Revolution, Jiang details a harsh life.

78. "Revolutions of the Heart" by Marsha Qualey (1993): Corey's sorting out difficulties in her life, including her mother's failing health, when she finds herself falling for a boy of a different race.

79. "Rodzina" by Karen Cushman (2003): In the 1880s, Rodzina is packed up and put on an orphan train, which takes her from Chicago to where she fears she will end up in servitude.

80. "Ruby in the Smoke: A Sally Lockhart Mystery" by Philip Pullman (1987): Sally's father has been murdered in this thriller set in Victorian England.

81. "Rules of the Road" by Joan Bauer (1998): High school sophomore Jenna isn't the strongest student, but she excels at selling shoes.

82. "Season Songs" by Ted Hughes, illustrated by Leonard Baskin (1975): Capturing the changes in life, this is a celebration of the seasons by one of the world's most well-known contemporary poets.

83. "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd (2001): It's the early 1960s and Lily is on the run, finding refuge with some ladies who let her work their bee hives.

84. "Shizuko's Daughter" by Kyoko Mori (1993): A Japanese coming-of-age story about a 12-year-old girl coping with her mother's suicide.

85. "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" by Ann Brashares (2001): Four good friends spending a summer apart, sharing a pair of pants that seem magical. The first book spawned sequels.

86. "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson (1999): Melinda, a high school freshman, is dealing with the loss of her voice during the school year and she's not quite sure what might be causing it. Or does she?

87. "A Step from Heaven" by An Na (2001): The tale of the difficulties faced by Korean immigrants to the United States, told through the story of a young protagonist, Ju.

88. "Stormbreaker" by Anthony Horowitz (2001): Alex is the hero of this British spy thriller, in which his uncle is not who he claims to be. Readers will enjoy this novel into the next installments.

89. "Stranded in Harmony" by Barbara Shoup (1997): Lucas is a successful high school senior who seems to have his future figured out. But he's not too sure.

90. "Straydog" by Kathe Koja (2002): Rachel is a high school misfit, which doesn't bother her as long as she can keep up her volunteering at the dog shelter.

91. "Stuck in Neutral" by Terry Trueman (2000): Born with cerebral palsy, Shawn McDaniel is a 14-year-old whose father is now considering euthanasia.

92. "Talk to Me: Stories and a Novella" by Carol Dines (1997): Six stories and a novella creatively explore teenage subjects, such as romance and family.

93. "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor (1997): Visually-impaired Paul excels at intuiting the lies of others, including his parents and brother.

94. "Tiger Eyes" by Judy Blume (1981): After her father dies, Davey and her family visit family in New Mexico and she begins to slowly heal.

95. "Time Stops for No Mouse" by Michael Hoeye (2002): Hermux Tantamoq, a watch-making mouse, finds a new career as a detective trying to find what has happened to the light of his life.

96. "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee (1960): This coming-of-age story features a feisty heroine who is growing up in the prejudicial South as her lawyer father works against injustices.

97. "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer (2005): Star-crossed love between a beautiful-yet-blood-thirsty vampire and Bella. This popular book sets the scene for "New Moon," "Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn."

98. "Uglies" by Scott Westerfield (2005): In a future world, 16-year-olds get an operation that wipes out any nonconforming ugliness. Until then, the Uglies spend their time plotting against those who are not ugly. The Uglies is followed by "Pretties" and "Specials."

99. "Whale Talk" by Chris Crutcher (2001): High school senior T. J. Jones has had a tough life, but he doesn't like it when he sees someone treated unjustly.

100. "Whirligig" by Paul Fleischman (1998): Brent must pay the consequences after driving drunk and killing a young girl.

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]]>booksteenteenagerteensElizabeth HumphreyThu, 13 Jan 2011 15:00:00 ESTGiveaway: Kymaro Prize Packhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/03/giveaway-kymaro-prize-pack/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/03/giveaway-kymaro-prize-pack/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/01/03/giveaway-kymaro-prize-pack/#commentsFiled under: , ,

kymaro picture

Some goodies included in the Kymaro Prize Pack Credit: Kymaro


Was your New Year's resolution to step it up in the beauty department? Are you making an effort to blow dry and straighten your hair? Are you making sure that your winter skin isn't looking pasty?

This week, we're giving away a Kymaro Prize Pack, which includes eyelash extensions, a mini hair straightener, a portable hair dryer, a rollaway facial threader and a sunless tanning system.

To enter to win, leave us a comment telling us what your New Year's resolution was!

GIVEAWAY RULES

o. To enter, leave a confirmed comment below telling us what your New Year's resolution was.
o. The comment must be left before 5 pm ET on Friday, January 7, 2011.
o. You may enter only once.
o. Two winners will be selected in a random drawing.
o. Two winners will receive a "Kymaro Prize Pack." Retail value of each prize is $170.00.
o. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older.
o. Click here for complete Official Rules. Winners will be notified by email, so be sure to provide a valid address!

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]]>Mary Kate BaumannMon, 03 Jan 2011 16:14:00 ESTHot Toys for the Holidayshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/hot-toys-for-the-holidays/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/hot-toys-for-the-holidays/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/hot-toys-for-the-holidays/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sure, you can watch the toy commercials on TV and read the advertising inserts in your local newspaper. But if you really want to know what the hot toys are this holiday season, listen to the playtime experts at the Toy Industry Association.

Click on these links to find what's hot right now. Then, if you want to play even further, go to ToyAwards.org and register your vote for the 2011 Toy of the Year awards. Winners will be announced in early 2011.

In the meantime, happy shopping and merry everything!











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]]>the editors at ParentDishMon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:00 ESTTop Toys for Girlshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/top-toys-for-girls/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/top-toys-for-girls/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/top-toys-for-girls/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sure, you can watch the toy commercials on TV and read the advertising inserts in your local newspaper. But if you really want to know what the hot toys for girls are this holiday season, listen to the playtime experts at the Toy Industry Association.

Click on these links to find what's hot right now. Then, if you want to play even further, go to ToyAwards.org and register your vote for the 2011 Toy of the Year awards. Winners will be announced in early 2011.

In the meantime, happy shopping and merry everything!

Barbie video

Toy Industry Association

Barbie(R) Video Girl Mattel
barbie.com/videogirl
Ages 6+
$49.99
Barbie(R) Video Girl features a camera lens in her necklace, a color LCD screen on her back and 'real time playback' capability. With close to 30 minutes of recording time, Barbie(R) Video Girl provides girls the opportunity to capture moments through her point-of-view, which they can then turn into real movies with the free downloadable editing software.

Furreal Friends

Toy Industry Association

Furreal Friends GOGO, My Walkin' Pup
Hasbro, Inc.
furrealfriends.com
Ages 4+
$59.99
Girls can em-"bark" on their very own adventures with the Furreal Friends GOGO, My Walkin' Pup pet. She'll wag her tail, pant, and bark just like a real pup to let you know she is excited to get moving. GOGO loves to be petted and will respond to your touch.
Justin Bieber

Toy Industry Association

Justin Bieber Music Video Collection Singing Figures
The Bridge Direct, Inc.
justinbiebertoys.com
Ages 6+
$27.99
The Justin Bieber Music Video Collection Singing Figures are based on the music videos and personal style of the critically-acclaimed, chart-topping recording artist, songwriter and teenage superstar. Each highly-detailed 12" figure sings one of Justin's biggest hits and comes with accessories to match the music videos.
Monster High

Toy Industry Association

Monster High[TM] Doll Assortment
Mattel
monsterhigh.com
Ages 6+
$16.99
These four students are the coolest ghouls in school with their trendy fashions and scary (but cute) pets. Draculaura[TM] is the daughter of Dracula, Clawdeen Wolf[TM] is the daughter of the Werewolf, Frankie Stein[TM] is the daughter of Frankenstein and Lagoona Blue[TM] is the daughter of the Sea Monster. Includes 1 fully articulated doll, pet, accessory, diary, brush, and stand.
Princess and Me

Toy Industry Association

Princess & Me 18" Dolls
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
disneyprincessandme.com
Ages 5+
$49.99
The Princess & Me collection features beautifully sculpted 18" "friend" dolls based on favorite Disney princesses (Cinderella, Aurora, Ariel, Tiana and Belle). The collection features doll fashions and accessories and stunning matching dress-up for girls. Authentic details and high-end fabrics draw girls into a royal world and allow them to "grow" with their favorite Disney Princess.
Squinkies Cupcake

Toy Industry Association

Squinkies[TM] Cupcake Surprize!
Bake Shop Blip(R) Toys
squinkies.com
4 to 12 years
$19.99
From the popular Squinkies[TM] friend and pet mini-doll world, Squinkies[TM] Cupcake Surprize! Bake Shop deluxe playset lets girls cook up fun and fantasy! Load the Squinkies[TM] bubbles into the Cupcake dome. Insert the coin and twist the dial for a Squinkies[TM] surprise! And what looks to be a yummy looking Cupcake from the outside changes into a bake shop play environment on the inside complete with surprise themed accessories! Squinkies[TM] Cupcake Surprize! Bake Shop includes 9 exclusive Squinkies[TM] figures each in their own bubbles!
Zoobles

Toy Industry Association

Zoobles[TM]
Spin Master Ltd.
zoobles.com
4 to 9 years
$5.99
There are over 100 new Zoobles characters to collect, and each comes with a Happitat equipped with a hot spot to magnetically transform and display your Zooble. Happitats also open to reveal a rest area to tuck away your Zooble. Each pack comes with One Zooble and One Happitat.

More Hot Toys for the Holidays.

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]]>the editors at ParentDishMon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:00 ESTTop Specialty Toyshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/specialty-toys/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/specialty-toys/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/specialty-toys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sure, you can watch the toy commercials on TV and read the advertising inserts in your local newspaper. But if you really want to know what the hot specialty toys are this holiday season, listen to the playtime experts at the Toy Industry Association.

Click on these links to find what's hot right now. Then, if you want to play even further, go to ToyAwards.org and register your vote for the 2011 Toy of the Year awards. Winners will be announced in early 2011.

In the meantime, happy shopping and merry everything!

Furnished School Building

Toy Industry Association

Furnished School Building
Playmobil(R) USA
playmobilusa.com
Ages 4+
$169.99
The Playmobil(R) Furnished School Building includes nine figures, a school building with a functioning bell, a furnished classroom, a science room, an art and music room, and many other accessories. Kids can even write on the chalkboard.
HEXBUG

Toy Industry Association

HEXBUG(R) Nano Habitat Set
Innovation First Labs, Inc.
hexbug.com/nano
Ages 3+
$29.99
The HEXBUG Nano Habitat Set challenges kids to build unique environments for their lifelike HEXBUG Nano Micro Robotic Creatures to explore. Kids use connecting track parts to create an infinite variety of mazes for their Nano to explore. The expandable set comes with two tiny, collectible, robotic creatures which scurry and explore, unpredictably finding their way through each new maze. The physics of vibration propels the bugs forward in a surprisingly lifelike way.
Puppet Theater

Toy Industry Association

My Take Along Puppet Theater
Playmobil(R) USA
playmobilusa.com
Ages 4+
$49.99
Create your own show and have the Playmobil(R) characters act it out with My Take Along Puppet Theater. The set comes with six figures, changeable scenes, four different sound effects, and many accessories that can all be stored in the puppet theater so you can take it along with you anywhere.
Shrinky Dinks

Toy Industry Association

Shrinky Dinks(R) Deluxe
Creativity for Kids/Faber-Castell USA
creativityforkids.com
Ages 7+
$24.99
This kit contains 10 sheets of pre-printed film with a variety of designs, including butterflies, flowers, cupcakes. Color in the designs using the 8 color pencils in the kit, shrink them in an oven, then use your creations to make charm bracelets, gift tags, hair clips, and more. The kit also includes a pencil sharpener and hole punch.
Solitaire Chess

Toy Industry Association

Solitaire Chess[TM]
ThinkFun Inc.
ThinkFun.com
Ages 8+
$19.99
In this addictive logic game, players set up the chess pieces on the board according to one of the 60 challenge cards, and then eliminate all but one piece using only the moves allowed in traditional chess. The innovative board stores all game components, making this game perfect for home or travel.
UPPY

Toy Industry Association

UPPY[TM] Uglydoll(R)
Pretty Ugly[TM] LLC/Uglydoll(R)
uglydolls.com
All ages
$20
You'll never meet anyone more optimistic than UPPY[TM], the UGLYDOLL(R). He's super positive! He's positive that the snack you have in your hand belongs to him, and that your bank account should be in his name, not yours. He's sure that you guys would make the perfect team, and that your team should make it's way down to the bakery to order something really delicious. You handle the money part and UPPY[TM]; he can do all the eating. UPPY[TM] stands 14" tall.


More Hot Toys for the Holidays.

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]]>the editors at ParentDishMon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:00 ESTTop Big Media Toyshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/big-media-toys/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/big-media-toys/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/big-media-toys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sure, you can watch the toy commercials on TV and read the advertising inserts in your local newspaper. But if you really want to know what the hot big media toys are this holiday season, listen to the playtime experts at the Toy Industry Association.

Click on these links to find what's hot right now. Then, if you want to play even further, go to ToyAwards.org and register your vote for the 2011 Toy of the Year awards. Winners will be announced in early 2011.

In the meantime, happy shopping and merry everything!

Ben 10

Toy Industry Association

Ben 10 Ultimate Alien
Cartoon Network Enterprises
cartoonnetwork.com
6 to 11 years
The Ben 10 franchise has solidified its position as a top global evergreen brand, becoming a multi-category success since debuting on shelves in the U.S. in 2006. Led by a master toy line from Bandai, a top-selling interactive franchise from D3Publisher and a wide range of product categories, Ben 10 has enjoyed consistent global growth because of its high-quality products and CNE's commitment to keeping the brand and its consumer products line relevant to today's consumers.
Chuggington

Toy Industry Association

Chuggington[TM]
Ludorum
chuggington.com
2 to 6 years
Chuggington is a modern television series that appeals to children ages 2 to 6. Using feature-quality CGI animation, Chuggington follows the adventures of Koko, Wilson and Brewster - Chuggington's 'trainees' - as they learn to 'ride the rails' of life. Chuggington features fast-paced action, social readiness lessons and stories that resonate with kids and parents around the world.
Dinosaur Train

Toy Industry Association

Dinosaur Train
The Jim Henson Company
PBSKIDS.org/dinosaurtrain
3 to 6 years
Dinosaur Train embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains while encouraging basic scientific thinking and skills. The Dinosaur Train is a colorful locomotive customized to accommodate all kinds of dinosaurs. It has the ability to visit the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous worlds, while the Trains' Conductor, a knowledgeable Troodon, provides passengers with fascinating facts along the way.
Monster High

Toy Industry Association

Monster High[TM]
Mattel
monsterhigh.com
Tween to teen
Monster High[TM] brings together the teenage descendants of the world's most famous monsters to brave high school. Grounded in a fun and humorous storyline that captures the awkward moments teens experience, Monster High[TM] explores the powerful bonds of friendship and the challenges of fitting in -- all delivered through a "monster" chic aesthetic and tone. Mattel offers rich publishing, web and entertainment content, as well as an array of consumer products like apparel, accessories and toys.
Thomas and Friends

Toy Industry Association

Thomas & Friends[TM]
HIT Entertainment
www.thomasandfriends.com
2 to 5 years
Thomas & Friends has been making tracks to great destinations for over 65 years with classic stories of adventures from the railways on the Island of Sodor. The #1 blue engine and his friends invite children to enter a world of imagination through the tracks of a train and the words of a story. As children embark for fun and excitement with their engine friends, adventures unfold that lead to timeless life lessons such as discovery, friendship and cooperation.
Toy Story 3

Toy Industry Association

Toy Story 3
Disney Consumer Products
www.disney.com/toystory
All ages
Toy Story first delighted audiences 15 years ago when Woody, Buzz and the rest of the gang jumped out of the toy box and into our hearts. Proving that you can't take the toys out of the Toy Story, Disney Consumer Products and its best-in-class toy manufacturing partners created a robust selection of toys and an unprecedented retail marketing program inspired by Toy Story 3, the highest grossing animated film of all time.

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]]>the editors at ParentDishMon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:00 ESTTop Outdoor Toyshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/outdoor-toys/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/outdoor-toys/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/outdoor-toys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sure, you can watch the toy commercials on TV and read the advertising inserts in your local newspaper. But if you really want to know what the hot outdoor toys are this holiday season, listen to the playtime experts at the Toy Industry Association.

Click on these links to find what's hot right now. Then, if you want to play even further, go to ToyAwards.org and register your vote for the 2011 Toy of the Year awards. Winners will be announced in early 2011.

In the meantime, happy shopping and merry everything!

Toy Industry Association

Flickin' Chicken[TM]
Haywire Group, Inc
haywiregroup.com
Ages 6+ $
19.99
Flickin' Chicken is a wacky fun game that'll get everyone up and moving. The flying target is thrown and then each player takes a turn flickin' their rubber chicken at the target. Keep flicking until every player's chicken lands on the target. After nine rounds of chicken throwing, the player with the lowest score is the winner.

Toy Industry Association

Makin' Mudpies[TM]
Little Tikes
littletikes.com
Ages 2+
$39.99 Make a perfect mud pie every time with this amazing outdoor kitchen set, featuring a hand-crank mud mixer. The mixer head pivots up and down just like a real one, a working sink uses a water reservoir, and a pump button releases water. Best of all - no batteries needed.

Toy Industry Association

Nerf Super Soaker Shot Blast
Hasbro, Inc.
supersoaker.com
Ages 6+
$19.99
The NERF Super Soaker Shot Blast can drench your opponents from up to 25 feet away. All you need is a single pump to unleash a huge blast of water and soak them all. The water blaster is compatible with the Tactical Rail System accessories and features adjustable and removable shoulder stock for maximum customization.

Toy Industry Association

Razor(R) Siege[TM]
Caster Scooter Razor USA, LLC
razor.com
Ages 8+
$89.99
The Razor(R) Siege[TM], the latest in hybrid ride technology, is a mash-up of the original Razor(R) kick scooter and the RipStik(R) casterboard, so riders can kick like a scooter or twist and propel for a totally new ride. With the steel, reinforced twistable deck and 360-degree inclined rear caster wheel, the Razor(R) Siege[TM] enhances turning performance and sideways drifting.

Toy Industry Association

Sky Ball(R) and Bat
Maui Toys (R)
mauitoys.com
Ages 6+
$14.99
With a bounce of up to 75 feet, Sky Ball(R) is the world's highest bouncing ball ... And it can bounce up to 300 feet if you hit it with the Sky Bouncin' Baseball bat, which is the farthest hitting plastic bat.

Toy Industry Association

Whiplash[TM]
Street Surfing
whiplashscooter.com
Ages 5+
$69.99
Whiplash[TM] is part Wave Casterboard, part scooter. Kids can ride it like a traditional scooter when they're young, and as they grow older and have better coordination they can learn to carve and drift like the Wave Casterboard. Whiplash[TM] teaches balance, coordination and works core stability all while having fun!

Toy Industry Association

YBIKE
National Sporting Goods
ybikeusa.com
2 to 4 years
$79.99
The YBIKE's unique design enables toddlers to meet the challenge of independently riding a bike. It includes an extended front fork angle to allow for safe turning, as well as two closely aligned rear wheels that help with balance but still allow a child to lean from side to side while turning. Other design features include high ground clearance to ensure safety regardless of terrain and large wheels for safe riding.


More Hot Toys for the Holidays.

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]]>the editors at ParentDishMon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:00 ESTTop Innovative Toyshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/innovative-toys/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/innovative-toys/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/innovative-toys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sure, you can watch the toy commercials on TV and read the advertising inserts in your local newspaper. But if you really want to know what the hot innovative toys are this holiday season, listen to the playtime experts at the Toy Industry Association.

Click on these links to find what's hot right now. Then, if you want to play even further, go to ToyAwards.org and register your vote for the 2011 Toy of the Year awards. Winners will be announced in early 2011.

In the meantime, happy shopping and merry everything!

Toy Industry Association

iXL[TM] Learning System
Fisher-Price(R), Inc.
fisher-price.com
3 to 7 years
$79.99
iXL[TM] Learning System is a 6-in-1 smart device that wraps learning and fun into the ultimate handheld gadget. The System includes six great applications - digital e-reader, game player, learn-to-write notepad, art studio, music player and photo viewer - for endless creativity and fun. Character licensed software is sold separately.

Toy Industry Association

LEGO(R) Games Minotaurus
LEGO Systems, Inc.
games.lego.com
Ages 6+
$24.99
The mighty Minotaur, a mythical creature, protects a secret temple hidden deep inside a labyrinth. Players must be the first to lead their three heroes to the temple, avoiding the Minotaur and cleverly placing walls to block opponents. By changing the LEGO(R) dice, players can change game play, and by re-building the maze, every game is a new adventure

Toy Industry Association

Spy Net[TM] Video Watch
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
SpyNetHQ.com
Ages 5+
$49.99
The Spy Net[TM] Video Watch features a hidden video camera and audio system with onboard memory to record and store video, audio, and photos, all displayable on a built-in, full color video screen. Easily and safely upload files to SpyNetHQ.com to analyze evidence with lie detector software, conduct video/audio analysis, crack secret codes, receive mission briefings, and more.

Toy Industry Association

The Sing-a-ma-jigs![TM]
Mattel Inc.
thesingamajigs.com
Ages 3+
$12.99
The Sing-a-ma-jigs![TM] are plush characters that set off unexpected laughter and excitement with each squeeze of their tummies. When The Sing-a-ma-jigs![TM] sing, their little mouths open wide for each note, showing off their cute little teeth and creating an engaging look and sound. First they chatter, then they each sing their own song, and when kids put them all together and squeeze their tummies one more time, they erupt in harmony.

Toy Industry Association

V.Reader[TM]
VTech Electronics North America
vtechkids.com/vreader
3 to 7 years
$59.99
V.Reader is the first interactive e-reading system for children. Stories come to life with animation, sound and touch screen features. Reading games help build critical early language skills while keeping the play pattern fun and engaging. And the Learning Lodge, an online library of downloadable content, ensures that kids and parents have a constant stream of new stories to explore.

Toy Industry Association

Paper Jamz[TM] Guitar
WowWee
paperJamz.com
Ages 8+
$24.99
Paper Jamz lets kids fill the shoes of their favorite rock stars by playing along with one of the three built in songs ... or kick it into Freestyle and create their own "Jamz Session" with real chords for limitless play.

Toy Industry Association

Scrabble Flash
Parker Bros.
hasbro.com/scrabble
Ages 8+
$29.99
Scrabble Flash provides a fast, frantic play experience as players slide, swap and shuffle five electronic letter tiles in a race to try to find as many 3, 4, and 5 letter words as they can in 75 seconds. Digital letter tiles contain 'Wonder-Link Technology' which recognizes formed words when the tiles are placed side by side, and keeps score of correctly spelled words. Players can compete individually against the game and try to earn the highest score possible or as an elimination game in a social setting.


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]]>the editors at ParentDishMon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:00 ESTTop Gameshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/games/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/games/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sure, you can watch the toy commercials on TV and read the advertising inserts in your local newspaper. But if you really want to know what the hot games are this holiday season, listen to the playtime experts at the Toy Industry Association.

Click on these links to find what's hot right now. Then, if you want to play even further, go to ToyAwards.org and register your vote for the 2011 Toy of the Year awards. Winners will be announced in early 2011.

In the meantime, happy shopping and merry everything!

5 Second Rule

Toy Industry Association

5 Second Rule(R)
Patch Products
patchproducts.com
Ages 10+
$24.99
Time's not on your side when you're playing 5 Second Rule, the game that asks you questions - like "Name 3 breeds of dogs" - as time twirls down on the unique twisted marble timer. Say the first things that come to mind...and risk ridiculous answers slipping out!
LEGO

Toy Industry Association

LEGO(R) Games Creationary
LEGO Systems, Inc.
games.lego.com
Ages 7+
$34.99
Imagine playing charades by building with LEGO bricks! Players roll the dice to select one of four exciting building categories, and then sift through the LEGO pieces to build their object. Cards offer three levels of difficulty, challenging players' creative building skills so that others can guess what is being created.
Lego

Toy Industry Association

LEGO(R) Games Minotaurus
LEGO Systems, Inc.
games.lego.com
Ages 8+
$24.99
The mighty Minotaur, a mythical creature, protects a secret temple hidden deep inside a labyrinth. Players must be the first to lead their three heroes to the temple, avoiding the Minotaur and cleverly placing walls to block opponents. By changing the LEGO(R) dice, players can change game play, and by re-building the maze, every game is a new adventure.
LOOPZ

Toy Industry Association

LOOPZ[TM]
Radica
playloopz.com
Ages 7+
$29.99
Loopz[TM] is an interactive memory game consisting of four independent semi-circular rings or "loops." Combining music, motion and memory, Loopz[TM] gets people moving as they match the patterns of light and sound that emerge. As each ring pulsates, players must quickly put their hand through the lit loop to keep the music sequence going.
Rory's Story Cubes

Toy Industry Association

Rory's Story Cubes(R)
Gamewright
gamewright.com
Ages 8+
$7.99 Rory's Story Cubes is a pocket-sized creative story generator, providing hours of imaginative play for all ages. With Rory's Story Cubes, anyone can become a great storyteller. Simply roll the cubes and let the pictures spark your imagination ... Cubes reinforces artistic expression and vocabulary development.
Scrabble Flash

Toy Industry Association

Scrabble Flash
Parker Bros.
hasbro.com/scrabble
Ages 8+
$29.99
Scrabble Flash provides a fast, frantic play experience as players slide, swap and shuffle five electronic letter tiles in a race to try to find as many 3, 4, and 5 letter words as they can in 75 seconds. Digital letter tiles contain 'Wonder-Link Technology' which recognizes formed words when the tiles are placed side by side, and keeps score of correctly spelled words. Players can compete individually against the game and try to earn the highest score possible or as an elimination game in a social setting.
Spot it

Toy Industry Association

SPOT IT!
Blue Orange Games
blueorangegames.com
Ages 7+
$12.99
Spot It! contains four fast, challenging mini-party games in which all players play simultaneously. With fast action and endless fun, this unique card game is sure to be a splash at your next party and to become a family favorite. There is always one, and only one, matching symbol between any two cards in this game. Spot it and you win!


More Hot Toys for the Holidays.

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]]>the editors at ParentDishMon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:00 ESTTop Toys for Boyshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/toys-for-boys/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/toys-for-boys/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/toys-for-boys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sure, you can watch the toy commercials on TV and read the advertising inserts in your local newspaper. But if you really want to know what the hot toys for boys are this holiday season, listen to the playtime experts at the Toy Industry Association.

Click on these links to find what's hot right now. Then, if you want to play even further, go to ToyAwards.org and register your vote for the 2011 Toy of the Year awards. Winners will be announced in early 2011.

In the meantime, happy shopping and merry everything!

Air Hogs

Toy Industry Association

Air Hogs(R) Hawk Eye[TM]
Spin Master Ltd.
airhogs.com
Ages 12+
$64.99
The Air Hogs(R) Hawk Eye[TM] is the first-ever, indoor, remote-controlled helicopter that can take pictures and capture video while flying. Once done flying, simply hook the Hawk Eye up to your computer via the included USB cable and instantly upload the files to view, share and edit.
Hot Wheels

Toy Industry Association

Hot Wheels(R) RC Stealth Rides[TM]
Mattel
stealthrides.com
Ages 8+
$24.99
Stealth Rides[TM] is the first remote control vehicle to fold flat and fit in a super slim carrying case. A touch of a button transforms the flat vehicle into a fully functioning RC vehicle with the carrying case now doubling as the remote control.
NERF

Toy Industry Association

NERF N-Strike Stampede ECS blaster
Hasbro, Inc.
nerf.com
Ages 8+
$49.99
The NERF N-Strike Stampede ECS blaster is the first fully automatic NERF Clip System blaster. The blaster features a new pop-out bipod, which doubles as a handle, and a removable shield allowing players to transition to attack mode. Also comes complete with one six-dart clip and three extended clips which hold 18 darts each, offering the highest clip capacity from NERF yet.
Real Construction

Toy Industry Association

Real Construction[TM] Deluxe Workshop
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
realconstructiontoys.com
Ages 6+
$24.99
Real Construction[TM] reinvents construction play by using Kid Wood[TM], a durable foam material that looks, saws and nails just like real wood, but is safe and easy-to-use with little clean-up required. Real Construction playsets come with cool, safe, easy-to-use tools that work just like real tools on Kid Wood material, allowing kids to safely design and build real projects.
Spy Net

Toy Industry Association

Spy Net[TM] Video Watch
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
SpyNetHQ.com
Ages 8+
$49.99
The Spy Net[TM] Video Watch features a hidden video camera and audio system with onboard memory to record and store video, audio, and photos, all displayable on a built-in, full color video screen. Easily and safely upload files to SpyNetHQ.com to analyze evidence with lie detector software, conduct video/audio analysis, crack secret codes, receive mission briefings, and more.
Blast off Buzz

Toy Industry Association

Toy Story 3 Blast Off Buzz Lightyear
Thinkway Toys
thinkwaytoys.com
Ages 4+
$34.99-$39.99
Buzz's rocket pack comes to life with awesome bursts of light and blast-off sound effects. Press the 'Mission Mode' button and he responds with related phrases and sounds. The 12-inch tall figure comes with pop-out wings, a retractable helmet, and an arm button for laser sounds and light.
TRON

Toy Industry Association

TRON: Legacy Zero Gravity Light Cycle
Disney and Spin Master
www.spinmaster.com/tron
Ages 8+
$34.99
The remote control TRON: Legacy Zero Gravity Light Cycle, featuring industry leading Air Hogs technology, can be driven on walls or ceilings as kids act out their favorite movie moments from TRON: Legacy or their own stories. The Light Cycle features light-emitting trails as it drives, and different frequencies for the Sam Flynn and Clu Light Cycles allow for simultaneous racing.


More Hot Toys for the Holidays.

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]]>the editors at ParentDishMon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:00 ESTTop Activity Toyshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/top-activity-toys/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/top-activity-toys/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/11/22/top-activity-toys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Sure, you can watch the toy commercials on TV and read the advertising inserts in your local newspaper. But if you really want to know what the hot activity toys are this holiday season, listen to the playtime experts at the Toy Industry Association.

Click on these links to find what's hot right now. Then, if you want to play even further, go to ToyAwards.org and register your vote for the 2011 Toy of the Year awards. Winners will be announced in early 2011.

In the meantime, happy shopping and merry everything!

Toy Industry Association

Crayola Color Wonder Sound Studio[TM]
Crayola, LLC
crayola.com
Ages 3+
$29.99
The Crayola Color Wonder Sound Studio[TM] gives a voice to a child's imagination. Children can add sound effects to their coloring pages and play them back as they color ... and hidden images make every coloring page an adventure. Once a child has created an imaginative story, he or she can play back the sounds or erase and start all over.

Toy Industry Association

LEGO(R) Atlantis Neptune Carrier
LEGO Systems, Inc.
atlantis.lego.com
Ages 6+
$59.99
LEGO(R) builders help treasure hunting heroes construct awesome underwater vehicles and overcome dangerous sea creatures that guard the mythical treasures that lead to the greatest discovery of all... the portal to the lost city of Atlantis!

Toy Industry Association

LEGO(R) Toy Story Western Train Chase
LEGO Systems, Inc.
lego.com/toystory
Ages 6+
$79.99
Buzz Lightyear and Woody are joined by other favorite characters in minifigure form as the adventure builds in the playroom with LEGO sets inspired by the classic Toy Story franchise.

Toy Industry Association

Paper Jamz[TM] Guitar
WowWee
paperjamz.com
Ages 8+
$24.99
Paper Jamz lets kids fill the shoes of their favorite rock stars by playing along with one of the three built in songs ... or kick it into Freestyle and create their own "Jamz Session" with real chords for limitless play.

Toy Industry Association

Play-Doh Mega Fun Factory
Hasbro, Inc.
playdoh.com
Ages 3+
$29.99
The brand new Mega Fun Factory set takes classic play to a whole new level! A motorized conveyor belt provides nonstop action as kids crank out favorite toys and "treats" in this lively Fun Factory world.

Toy Industry Association

Real Construction[TM] Deluxe Workshop
JAKKS Pacific, Inc.
realconstructiontoys.com
Ages 6+
$24.99
Real Construction[TM] reinvents construction play by using Kid Wood[TM], a durable foam material that looks, saws and nails just like real wood, but is safe and easy-to-use with little clean-up required. Real Construction playsets come with cool, safe, easy-to-use tools that work just like real tools on Kid Wood material, allowing kids to safely design and build real projects.


More Hot Toys for the Holidays.

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]]>the editors at ParentDishMon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST10 Halloween Costumes for Twins, Triplets and Morehttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/29/10-halloween-costumes-for-twins-triplets-and-more/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/29/10-halloween-costumes-for-twins-triplets-and-more/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/29/10-halloween-costumes-for-twins-triplets-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

twin picture

A bumble-bee and lady bug on Halloween! Credit: Getty Images



Choosing a creative, cute, but not too expensive -- or labor-intensive -- Halloween costume can be a bit of a chore. And for moms of multiples, the challenge is doubled, tripled, quadrupled or more.

Not sure how to dress your brood for Halloween? Take inspiration from these creative ideas:

1. Got a sense of humor? Dress them up as mom's constant companions, the washer, dryer and laundry basket.

2. Pick any animal (duck, cat, monkey, bunny, etc.), double it and you've got a Noah's Ark-themed Halloween.

3. Thing 1 and Thing 2 from Dr. Seuss's "The Cat in the Hat" are classic favorites. You could also make your own costumes with red sweatsuits and blue wigs. Then, draw "Thing 1" and "Thing 2" on white felt and glue to the shirts.

4. Whether you have two, three, four or more kids, you can dress them as any of the characters from "The Wizard of Oz," including Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Wicked Witch, Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion.

5. Yeah, your kids may be too young to know who these two are, but what "Flinstones"-loving mom could resist these Pebbles and Bamm Bamm costumes?

6. Can't get your kids away from their video games? Maybe these Nintendo Mario and Luigi get-ups will help.

7. If you're not sick of the peas in a pod analogy yet, dress your baby in these adorable costumes.

8. For the mini-foodie, ketchup and mustard are an easy solution (for triplets or quads, add a burger and hot dog!)

9. In honor of "Toy Story 3," Buzz Lightyear (with wings and goggles that light up) and Woody are sure to please.

10. Dress your sugary-sweet babies as Peeps.

Prefer to make your own costume? Natalie Stemp, creative director of Calliope and a former event planner, suggests these unique ideas: Box of cupcakes, assorted crayons, the three blind mice, the three billy goats gruff or a school of fish.

Got multiples? How will you be dressing them for Halloween?

This story was originally published on October 1, 2009.

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]]>halloweenhalloween costumeshalloween costumes for multipleshalloween costumes for tripletshalloween costumes for twinshalloweencostumesHalloweenCostumesForMultiplesHalloweenCostumesForTripletsHalloweenCostumesForTwinsPatty BontekoeFri, 29 Oct 2010 09:30:00 ESTYour Kid Crazy? Don't Worry, It's a Big Clubhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/14/your-kid-crazy-dont-worry-its-a-big-club/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/14/your-kid-crazy-dont-worry-its-a-big-club/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/10/14/your-kid-crazy-dont-worry-its-a-big-club/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

crazy child picture

Is moodiness in teens a medical condition? Credit: Getty Images

Teenagers are nuts.

Tell you something you don't know? Very well. Let's get clinical.

At least one in five adolescents in the United States has some kind of mental disorder that makes day-to-day life a pain in the butt for themselves, those around them or both.

That's not exactly how the National Institute of Mental Health put it. But that's the gist.

And if your kid has asthma or diabetes, watch out. Researchers for the institute claim in the October issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry that those kids are more likely to have more intense emotional and behavior disorders.

But not to worry. Researchers say a high percentage of kids experience some kind of mental disorder in puberty in various shades and degrees.

Kathleen Ries Merikangas and her colleagues at the institute looked at psychological statistics from 10,123 teens ages 13 to 18 across the United States.

One of five teens suffered from disorders such as panic attacks and anxiety disorders (especially in social situations), as well as attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, depression and general moodiness.

Moody, depressed and hyperactive teens with short attention spans who don't handle themselves well in social situations? Sounds like a nasty case of puberty. Who knows were it will lead. Left untreated they could become ... [just like the rest of the human race.]

And ask anyone in the universe. That species is really crazy.

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]]>mental disordersMentalDisordersteen depressionTeenDepressionteens and depressionTeensAndDepressionTom HendersonThu, 14 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST