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/Pippa Gaining Ground on Top Baby Name List in 2011http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/27/pippa-gaining-ground-on-top-baby-name-list-in-2011/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/27/pippa-gaining-ground-on-top-baby-name-list-in-2011/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/27/pippa-gaining-ground-on-top-baby-name-list-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

pippa middleton

Pippa Middleton. Credit: Getty Images

She's been capturing headlines all over the globe since her famous sister Kate became British royalty, and now Pippa Middleton is sparking a baby naming trend, too.

Reuters reports the baby name website Nameberry analyzed 23 million page views of baby name pages on various naming sites and found celebrities are having a serious impact on the monikers folks are bestowing on their little ones.

"Five years ago, I might have said that the biggest overarching factor was personal meaning, now the biggest factor is celebrities," Nameberry's Pamela Redmond Satran tells the news service.

True, Isabella, Sophia and Emma were the top names for girls last year, with Jacob, Ethan and Michael winning out among boy names, but names such as Pippa, Elula (the name actress Isla Fisher and actor Sacha Baron Cohen chose for their daughter), Mila (as in "Black Swan" actress Kunis) and Flynn (the name of Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr's son) are gaining steam.

"There is a culture of the celebrity baby," Satran tells Reuters. "The whole world goes on name watch. By not telling the name, it becomes a big news event."

Satran tells the news service the number of searches for a baby name can help predict how popular that name will become.

Nameberry compiled a list of hot names so far for 2001, posted on Today.com. Here's what people are searching.

Pippa: "Both the familiar Pippa and the more formal Philippa is the Number 1 hottest baby name of the year on Nameberry. Pippa ranks 35 on our most-searched list so far this year, after not appearing at all among our 200 most popular girls' names of 2010. While Kate is up too, it's not nearly as hot as Pippa.

Asher: "The soft, Biblical Asher takes the Hottest Boys' Name spot by virtue of having unseated Henry as the all-time Number 1 name for boys on Nameberry."

Elula: "Elula, the unusual Hebrew calendar name chosen by Isla Fisher and Sasha Baron Cohen for their second daughter, was not even in our database last year and now is the Number 38 most-searched name on Nameberry."

Everett: "The popularity of Everett, up 50 places on our most-searched list, was inspired by such stylish girls' choices as Eva and Evelyn."

Hadley: "The success of the bestselling novel 'The Paris Wife' has catapulted the intriguing name of Hemingway's first wife, Hadley Richardson, 50 spots up our list this year over last."

Arlo: "... Arlo, as in folksinger Guthrie, (is) enjoying a popularity surge. Other o-ending names for boys heating up in 2011: Nico, Hugo, Otto."

Mila: "It's the name of a gorgeous young star, Mila Kunis, PLUS it resembles a handful of trendy names -- Mia, Maya, Lila -- that are due for a hiatus."

Flynn: "Finn is already hot, but cousin Flynn, baby name choice of Orlando Bloom and Miranda Kerr, is taking off."

Ada, Adele, Adeline, Adelaide: "If it's a vintage girls' name that starts with Ad-, it can't miss this year, it seems."

Archer: "Archer, as in Henry James' 'Portrait of a Lady' and Edith Wharton's 'Age of Innocence,' is perfect: It's unusual, classic yet contemporary-feeling, and there's no danger of anyone actually having read the books."

Luna: "The real hottie launched by the Beckham name quest was otherworldly Luna, the name rumored to be their girls' pick for most of Posh's pregnancy."

So, don't be surprised if the kindergarten class of 2016 is full of Pippas, Milas, Elulas and Flynns. Kinda sounds like a new sort of British invasion, now, doesn't it?

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]]>baby namesceleb baby namescelebrity baby nameselulaflynnmilamila kunispippapippa middletonpippa nameLesley KennedyWed, 27 Jul 2011 11:00:00 ESTMedicine Turns to the Magical World of Harry Potterhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/18/medicine-turns-to-the-magical-world-of-harry-potter/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/18/medicine-turns-to-the-magical-world-of-harry-potter/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/18/medicine-turns-to-the-magical-world-of-harry-potter/#commentsFiled under: , ,

daniel radcliffe

Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris, WireImage

Harry Potter, as readers of his adventures know, is prone to headaches.

Concerned, researchers the New England Center for Headache published a study in 2007 examining Harry's head.

They diagnosed his headaches as migraines. However, despite all their scientific expertise, they could not explain how these migraines are triggered by the presence of a certain evil wizard.

Uh, guys? Could it have something to do with Harry being fictional?

People sometimes forget Harry Potter and the other characters who inhabit his popular adventures are not real.

These people are not just 12-year-old kids who go to midnight movie debuts dressed in black robes. Scientists, researchers and medical professionals also get sucked into Harry's magical realm.

For instance, did you know there is a real-world ailment called "Hogwarts Headache"? It was cited in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2003 as a condition that occurs from spending too much time reading Harry Potter books.

The Hartford Courant in Connecticut reports another study found fewer children go to the emergency room when new Harry Potter books go on sale.

In all, PubMed, an online database of medical studies, lists 30 studies that mention Harry Potter. So, if you're starved for fresh Harry Potter literature, you might turn to "Harry Potter and the Recessive Allele."

A recessive allele, by the way, is an allele whose phenotypic effect is not expressed in a heterozygote. Maybe Hermione Granger can explain it to you.

Or, you might try Martha Driessnack, an assistant professor at the college of nursing at the University of Iowa.

The Courant reports she published a study in the Journal of Pediatric Nursing on how the books can help explain complex ideas about genetics.

Then, there's Jennifer Pfeifer, a professor of psychology at the University of Oregon. The Courant reports she found most children have as much familiarity with Harry Potter as adults do with President Obama. And both Potter and Obama are expected to magically change things.

That could explain the appeal of Harry Potter books -- both to the public and scientific community, Colman Noctor, a psychotherapist in Ireland, tells the Courant.

"Who wouldn't fantasize about using magic to overcome life's challenges?" he said. "Also, isn't it reassuring that wizards struggle, too?"

Noctor examined how the use of metaphor and symbolism in Harry Potter books can be incorporated into psychotherapy with children.

"The books deal with racism, anger, feeling different, love, hate, loss and lots more," he tells the Courant. "As an adolescent psychotherapist, this is really useful stuff."

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]]>harry potterharry potter headachesharry potter researchharry potter studiesTom HendersonMon, 18 Jul 2011 17:00:00 ESTLego Harry Potter: Years 1-4http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/lego-harry-potter-years-1-4/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/lego-harry-potter-years-1-4/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/lego-harry-potter-years-1-4/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Can't get tickets to opening day? Play "Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4" at home. Credit: Lego

With "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2," the final installment in the beloved magical movie Potter series, hitting theaters today, it seems only fitting to remind you of a must-have game inspired by our favorite wizard.

The "Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4" video game lets you play as Harry, Ron, Hermione and other favorite characters as you attend Hogwarts classes, cast spells, mix potions, fly on broomsticks and earn house points.

The game, which came out last year, focuses on Harry's first four years at the school of witchcraft and wizardry; expect a game surrounding years five through seven to be released later this fall.

Get the game for $15 at amazon.com. Now, excuse us, please. We have movie tickets to track down.

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]]>harry potterHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part IIlegolego harry potterlego harry potter video gamevideo gameLesley KennedyFri, 15 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST'Harry Potter' Works New Charms With $43M Overseashttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/harry-potter-overseas/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/harry-potter-overseas/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/15/harry-potter-overseas/#commentsFiled under: , ,

harry potter

Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe. Credit: AP

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Harry Potter has conjured up a tidy sum from the first overseas debuts of his final film on its way to a potentially record-shattering opening weekend.

Distributor Warner Bros. says "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" took in $43.6 million in 26 countries outside the United States on its first day Wednesday.

Studio executives said Thursday the franchise finale had the biggest opening day ever in several countries, including Australia with $7.5 million, Italy with $4.6 million and Sweden with $2.1 million. In France, the studio said "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" had the biggest Wednesday opening ever at $7.1 million.

In the countries where the film opened Wednesday, total revenues were 82 percent higher than they were on the first day for "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" last November, according to Warner Bros.

The finale got a boost from the franchise's first 3-D installment. Admissions for 3-D screenings, which cost a few dollars more than 2-D showings, accounted for 65 percent of revenues, the studio said.

"Deathly Hallows" continues opening worldwide Thursday and Friday.

In the United States, the film is expected to put up franchise-record numbers as it debuts just after midnight Friday. "Deathly Hallows: Part 1" had the franchise's biggest opening weekend domestically with $125 million.

"The franchise record, you can consider that history. That we're going to do. It's not a question," said Dan Fellman, head of distribution at Warner Bros., which also holds Hollywood's all-time record for domestic debuts with a $158.4 million weekend on 2008's "The Dark Knight."

"The only question is 'Dark Knight,' whether we can put that together. My feeling at this time is that it's very, very do-able."

The 3-D price advantage for the "Harry Potter" finale will help, given that "The Dark Knight" and other top domestic debuts, including "Spider-Man 3" at $151.1 million and "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" at $142.8 million, played only in 2-D.

If fan frenzy is strong enough, "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" could become the first of the eight "Harry Potter" films to top $1 billion at the box office worldwide.

The record-holder remains the franchise's first film, 2001's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," with $974.8 million globally.

By splitting the film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's seventh "Harry Potter" adventure into two parts, Warner Bros. essentially is doubling its box-office revenue. The first installment of "Deathly Hallows" pulled in $955.4 million worldwide.

"Deathly Hallows: Part 2" picks up where the first film left off, as young wizards Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) return to Hogwarts school for a final showdown against dark Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes).

The finale generally has earned glowing reviews from critics.

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. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

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]]>Deathly Hallows Part 2harry potterharry potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2harry potter overseasAssociated PressFri, 15 Jul 2011 13:00:00 ESTSpongeBob SquarePants on Twitterhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/14/spongebob-squarepants-on-twitter/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/14/spongebob-squarepants-on-twitter/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/14/spongebob-squarepants-on-twitter/#commentsFiled under:

Follow the new SpongeBob tale on Twitter! Credit: Nickelodeon

It's a rare day that Nickelodeon's "SpongeBob SquarePants" isn't being watched in our household, and now, everyone's favorite cartoon sponge is taking over Twitter, too.

Now through July 15, a new SpongeBob story, "The Ice Race Cometh: A Twitter-Tale," can be found on the social media site. Find several daily tweets and images setting the stage for the newest SpongeBob TV episode, "Frozen Face Off," set to premiere on Nick July 15 at 8 p.m. EST.

The Twitter tale begins with a tweet from Bikini Bottom Action News about an anonymous "wealthy entrepreneur" who is offering up a million clams to the winner of The Bikini Bottom Great Sleigh Race. SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Mr. Krabs, Plankton and even Gary, add their own tweets as they prep for the race.

Check it out for yourself on Twitter or Facebook.

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]]>facebookspongebobspongebob squarepantstwitterLesley KennedyThu, 14 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST'Happily Ever Moey' Children's DVD and CDhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/13/happily-ever-moey-childrens-dvd-and-cd/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/13/happily-ever-moey-childrens-dvd-and-cd/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/13/happily-ever-moey-childrens-dvd-and-cd/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fairy tales get a New York modern spin from Moey's Music Party. Credit: Moey's Music Party

Looking for a new way to entertain your pint-sized princes and princesses? The new DVD and CD from award-winning children's band Moey's Music Party will have them singing, dancing and busting a magical move.

"Happily Ever Moey: A Fairy Tale Lark in Central Park," was released this week, bringing 15 fairy tales set in Central Park -- aka the enchanted forest -- to life with modern music video spins on the classics starring New York children. "The Three Bears" becomes a parable about saving the environment, in "Little Red Riding Hood," the girl saves herself with a well-placed Judo kick and in the "Princess and the Pea," our heroine donates all those mattresses to the homeless.

Whether you live in the Big Apple or not, we definitely think you should take a bite.

Get it at moeysmusicparty.com, CDBaby.com and iTunes for $19.95.

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]]>childrens musicfairy taleskids cdkids dvdmoeys music partynew york cityLesley KennedyWed, 13 Jul 2011 14:00:00 ESTOctomom Speaks Out: 'I'm the Ultimate Societal Scapegoat'http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/08/octomom-speaks-out/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/08/octomom-speaks-out/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/08/octomom-speaks-out/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Nadya Suleman, aka the Octomom, appeared on NBC's Today for her first on-air interview since she gave birth to octuplets two-and-a-half years ago.

The single mom of 14 brought a taste of her daily life to the morning show as her toddlers ran around the set, falling and taking over Matt Lauer's anchor chair. Suleman attributed their high jinks to only getting two hours of sleep on their way to New York City.

The cost of raising her "village," as she calls it? About $15,000 a month, Today reports. Suleman says she finally is able to make ends meet after securing professional management just last month -- and by appearing in celebrity boxing matches.

Despite buzz in the media, Suleman says she has never been on public assistance.

In Touch magazine reported that, in an interview she said, "I hate babies, they disgust me. My older six are animals, getting more and more out of control, because I have no time to properly discipline them. ... Obviously, I love them -- but I absolutely wish I had not had them."

Suleman denies the report completely and tells Today that she is considering suing the magazine for slander. "I love my children. I would do anything for my kids,'' she says.

This isn't the first time the public has been outraged by Suleman's behavior. She received hundreds of death threats when the octuplets were born and says she developed debilitating panic attacks as a result. Exercising and working toward a license as a fitness trainer has helped her cope with the stress.

"That's been my way to self-medicate, through exercise,'' she tells Today.

And, as far as a social life, Suleman says she'd rather not go out in public these days. "I don't have Internet,'' she said. "I don't socialize. I keep to myself as much as humanly possible."

She adds that she could have avoid more public criticism if she were in a relationship. "If I had a mate, that would have defused a lot of the animosity,'' she said. "I'm the ultimate societal scapegoat, I believe.''

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]]>nadya sulemanoctomomoctomom nadya sulemanoctupletsJessica SamakowFri, 08 Jul 2011 11:30:00 ESTNatalie Portman Reveals Baby Namehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/07/natalie-portman-baby-name/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/07/natalie-portman-baby-name/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/07/natalie-portman-baby-name/#commentsFiled under: , ,

natalie portman

Pregnant Natalie Portman in January. Credit: Christopher Polk, Wire Image

Weeks after Natalie Portman gave birth to a boy, she and fiance Benjamin Millepied have finally revealed the name of their son. Drum roll please...

The chosen name: Aleph, People magazine reports.

And what does Aleph mean exactly?

"Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet, much like alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet," reports the magazine. "Its esoteric meaning in Judaic Kabbalah, as denoted in the theological treaty Sefer-ha-Bahir, relates to the origin of the universe, the 'primordial one that contains all numbers.' "

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]]>natalie Portmannatalie portman babynatalie portman baby nameJessica SamakowThu, 07 Jul 2011 11:00:00 ESTKate Middleton's Baby Comment Suggests Parenthood for Royal Couplehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/05/kate-middleton-baby/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/05/kate-middleton-baby/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/05/kate-middleton-baby/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Watch: William and Kate tour Canada!
royal tour canada

Prince William and his wife, Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, smile in the state landau in Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island as they continue their Royal Tour of Canada, Monday, July 4, 2011. Credit: AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty

Just four simple words spoken by Kate Middleton were enough to spark an international conversation.

The newly minted Duchess of Cambridge visited Quebec recently with her husband, Prince William, and one man wished Middleton well in starting a family, according to the Daily Telegraph. Her response, "Yes, I hope to," has the press buzzing that a baby -- and heir to the throne -- may soon be in the cards.

Though her comment was brief, it was the first time she had spoken publicly about having children, the Telegraph reports.

Now, tabloids and news outlets alike are splashing headlines like the Daily Express, "KATE: I WANT TO START A FAMILY."

An exaggeration, perhaps, but because "royal couples typically have children early on in marriage," according to the Telegraph, it might be a good idea to start watching out for that royal baby bump.

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]]>Kate Middletonkate middleton babyroyal babyroyal coupleJessica SamakowTue, 05 Jul 2011 10:30:00 EST'Toddlers and Tiaras' Mom Aggressively Whitens Kids' Teethhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/01/toddlers-and-tiaras-whitens-kids-teeth/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/01/toddlers-and-tiaras-whitens-kids-teeth/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/01/toddlers-and-tiaras-whitens-kids-teeth/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Mothers who enter their preschool tots in beauty pageants are usually gentle, laid-back souls who just want their little ones to meet other kids and have some fun.

Meanwhile, back in this universe, TV viewers are supposedly horrified by a pageant mom shown bleaching her daughter's teeth.

The London Daily Mail reports that viewers of "Toddlers and Tiaras" were taken aback by June 29's episode and the ferocity with which Lori, a mother of two from Chillicothe, Ohio, bleached her kids' teeth.

Lori's 8-year-old daughter Alaska protests while wearing an expression straight out of a cell block at Guantanamo Bay -- yet Lori is relentless.

"I bleach my children's teeth at least once a week, whether we have a pageant coming up or not," she explains on the show. "There's no harm in bleaching their teeth, as long as you use something that the children can stand the taste of, you're all right."

She might ask her 5-year-old Brandon for a second opinion. Given his whimpering, bleach buries the needle on Yuck-O-Meter.

The Daily Mail reports reaction to the bleaching scenes has been swift and indignant.

"This show just makes me so sad, and now we have another torture method to add to the heap these sorry moms make their children undergo like fake tans and body waxing," Jule Ryan Evans writes on CafeMom.

"I just can't imagine how parents think these things are OK to do to children," she adds. "Besides the physical pain and potential harm, the message they're sending their children -- that this is what's important -- is heartbreaking."

Others shocked by the bleaching include Lori's husband, Jay. On the show, he appeared surprised when he realized what she was doing. "I didn't know Lori bleached the kids' teeth," he said on the show. "I had no idea."

Lori tells the show she would rather bleach the kids' teeth than use "flippers" -- false teeth many child pageant contestants wear. "Flippers I think are kind of silly, because you're literally altering what God gave them," she says.

On the show, she keeps the bleach right next to the book, "The 7 Worst Things Parents Can Do." Any votes for No. 8?

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]]>mom bleaches kids teethpageantstlctoddlers and tiarasToddlers and Tiaras TLC Pageants Bleach Whitening Lori OhioTom HendersonFri, 01 Jul 2011 15:00:00 ESTMartha Stewart & AOL Launch 'Martha & Friends'http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/01/martha-and-friends/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/01/martha-and-friends/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/07/01/martha-and-friends/#commentsFiled under: , ,

martha and friends

Martha and her friends are cooking up crafts, games and activities at marthaandfriends.com. Credit: Martha & Friends

Why should grown-ups have all the Martha Stewart fun?

It's time for kids to get in on the queen of craft action with "Martha & Friends," a new animated multimedia series for children that is sure to get the creativity flowing.

The Stewart collaboration features an animated 10-year-old Martha, described as creative and resourceful, along with her BFFs Kevin, Lily and Hannah and her two dogs, Francesca and Sharkey.

On marthaandfriends.com, kids can watch webisodes, which begin airing today, play games like Supermarket Dash or Kevin's Treehouse and learn how to do activities and projects such as making lemonade, personalizing pet bowls, decorating flip flops or whipping up homemade lip balm.

Wanna catch the gang on TV? On July 3, the Hallmark Channel will air "Martha's Fourth," a July 4th special following Martha and her pals as they take a trip to the beach.

Who couldn't use a mini Martha around the house?

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]]>kids activitieskids craftskids websitemartha and friendsmartha stewartLesley KennedyFri, 01 Jul 2011 14:00:00 ESTWhy has 'Go the F**k to Sleep' Struck Such a Nerve With Parents?http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/29/go-the-f-to-sleep/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/29/go-the-f-to-sleep/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/29/go-the-f-to-sleep/#commentsFiled under: , ,

go the f to sleep

Credit: Amazon

I admit, it's funny. And there's another thing I like about Adam Mansbach's "Go the F**k to Sleep": It exposes the underbelly of parenting -- that dark, secret part of us that needs a little time to ourselves when we can do grown up things -- or maybe just crawl into our own bed for some desperately needed sleep.

In the book, the author uses expletives to convince his child to release him from endless cuddles or drinks of water. Who among us hasn't visited moments (for some, every night) when our longing to escape the clutches of a sleepy child has prompted the type of sentiments Mansbach uses in his take on a children's bedtime story?

So much of parenting is done behind closed doors. We rate ourselves against the behavior of imaginary parents, falling prey to insecurities that have us convinced we're the worst of the bunch. Surely Danny's mommy and daddy never lose their patience at bedtime. They always appear so calm, so on top of things.

But, the fact is every parent reaches a breaking point, nearly weeping when, after believing little Trudy has finally dropped off to sleep, she grabs our arm as we try to make our escape, starting yet another round of, "Don't go!!!"

Raising kids is exhausting. Children are relentlessly demanding, needy and egocentric. They love us in their own precious way, but they don't really care if we're tired, or if we'd rather spend time with our spouse or a good book.

Mansbach has highlighted our need to talk openly about how tough it can be to raise children, especially at the end of a long day. Most of the parents I see for counseling are running on empty, getting significantly less sleep than bodies require. Sleep rejuvenates, nourishes and restores us not only physically, but emotionally. Chronically exhausted parents are more stressed, impatient and likely to explode and/or become abusive toward their child.

We simply need sleep to function well. If you've gotten to the point where you're thinking (or saying) "Go the f**k to sleep," it's time to create some clear bedtime rituals.

Mind you, it takes time and commitment to establish end-of-day routines that work with children. Kids love our company, and don't like being alone when they fall asleep. It's human nature to snuggle with other humans when we sleep. And, frankly, a child left alone in the dark often doesn't know what to do with his active mind, which means without your calming presence, he might end up lying there for hours, triggering those endless rounds of "Mommy, I'm scared/need to go the bathroom/have a tummy ache..."

When parents are clear about how they want bedtime to go, it's easier to implement a realistic strategy. Depending on the child's age and temperament, that might mean two stories, a 10-minute cuddle and a lava lamp to occupy an active mind while the child drifts off to sleep. Or, it could be that after your goodnight kisses, your youngster can use a headlamp to look at books until she's drowsy. Still, other children may end up sleeping in their parent's room.

I'm not defining how bedtime should look -- that's for each parent to decide. I'm simply suggesting that if a parent is committed to a plan, most children will relax into it. It's when we change our minds from one night to the next, or deliver ultimatums that we have no intention of enforcing, that children push, and the nightly craziness persists.

Mansbach opened up an important conversation about parents' need for grown up time, and for a good night's sleep of their own. Some say the book is funny, and others call it downright crass. Mostly, I'm concerned about how easily it could fall into the hands of a child; no little one should stumble across this book, geared for adults with a particular brand of humor.

But if his book is helping moms and dads feel less guilty about being imperfect, that's a good thing. Parents who feel like failures tend to take their frustrations out on their children, perpetuating a vicious cycle of anger and drama.

We all reach a point when we long for "Goodnight" to mean, "I'll see you in the morning." Bedtime rituals can go a long way toward helping reduce long, drawn out nighttime drama. So can getting our own healthy dose of sleep, exercise and grown up time. But, if all else fails, just fast forward to imagine the day when your little one is off on her own life adventure. You might just find yourself wanting to read one more bedtime story, or to hang on for a little more snuggling.

AdviceMama, Susan Stiffelman, is a licensed and practicing psychotherapist and marriage and family therapist. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in developmental psychology and a Master of Arts in clinical psychology. Her book, Parenting Without Power Struggles, is available on Amazon. Sign up to get Susan's free parenting newsletter.

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]]>Adam MansbachbedtimeGo the F.... to SleepsleepSusan Stiffelman, MFTWed, 29 Jun 2011 11:30:00 ESTHarry Potter Website With New Content, Ebook Sales to Launchhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/harry-potter-website/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/harry-potter-website/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/harry-potter-website/#commentsFiled under: , ,

harry potter website

Author J.K. Rowling. Credit: Akira Suemori, AP

Harry Potter fans devastated that the books are done and the movie series is soon ending are getting a new reason to cheer: Pottermore.

Potter author JK Rowling announced the new interactive site Thursday, thrilling Potter devotees with the news that new material will be available, and that it will be the only place folks can buy the Harry Potter books digitally, London's Guardian reports.

During a press conference, Rowling said she has already penned some 18,000 words for the site, according to the newspaper, including how Prof. Minerva McGonagall once fell for a Muggle, how the Dursleys met and new scoop on the houses Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.

"I had more than half of the new material already written or in note form," she said at the conference. "I dug some out of boxes."

As for the ebooks, the Guardian reports they will only be sold on Pottermore.com, but will be compatible with all ebook readers.

Could Rowling be starting a new trend?

"This does feel like a significant moment," book agent Jonny Geller tells the newspaper. "If I was a brand author I would be asking my publisher how to get to the online communities that JK Rowling is getting to. It might be a wakeup call to think of a new way of getting to readers."

The site opens to the first million users who register on July 31 (that's Harry's birthday, by the way), according to the Guardian, and will launch to the rest of the world in October. That's when the ebooks will be available, as well.

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]]>harry potterharry potter ebooksharry potter websitejk rowlingpottervilleLesley KennedyFri, 24 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST'Spy Kids 4' Really Smells ... On Purposehttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/spy-kids-4/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/spy-kids-4/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/spy-kids-4/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The director of the fourth "Spy Kids" movie wants people to be able to smell the action.

Good luck with that.

Remember Smell-O-Vision? That was an attempt 50 years ago to introduce smells into the movie-going experience. It involved a system that strategically released different scents into the theater, cued by the movie's soundtrack.

The smells came with a distracting hissing noise, and people in the balcony often complained the smells reached them too late. Or not at all. This caused audience members to sniff loudly to catch the faint whiffs.

Robert Rodriguez swears it will be different this time. The director of "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4-D" tells USA Today his fragrant plans doesn't rely on fancy machines that can go horribly awry. He's using good old-fashioned scratch 'n' sniff technology.

Everyone who goes to the movie will be given a card to smell at the appropriate time. The movie will tell you when.

The movie follows baby-toting spy mom Jessica Alba as she and her twin stepchildren save the universe. Wait a minute. Baby-toting? Let's hope there isn't a scratch 'n' sniff card for that.

Rodriguez admits he's always appreciated the often-cheesy artistry behind B-movie showmanship.

"After 'Spy Kids 3,' I had to do something new, add another surprise," the director tells USA Today.

It was fun making the movie, he adds, especially keeping his smelly plans a secret. He didn't even tell his actors.

"I had actors smelling things on set," he tells USA Today, "but they never questioned it."

He adds that the cards will work a lot better than Smell-O-Vision.

"It's very fun and interactive since you never know where and when a smell will come next," he says. "It adds a lot of extra laughs."

His Aromascope idea has been a bit hit in testing screenings, he tells USA Today. Will it work with nationwide audiences when the movie opens Aug. 10?

"You never know," he says. "It would be great if it caught on and everyone started doing it."

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]]>kids movierobert rodriguezscratch n sniffsmell-o-visionspy kidsspy kids 4Tom HendersonFri, 24 Jun 2011 15:00:00 ESTCeleb Clan Close-Up: Sheryl Crow and Wyatthttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/sheryl-crow-and-wyatt/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/sheryl-crow-and-wyatt/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/24/sheryl-crow-and-wyatt/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sheryl Crow

Sheryl Crow and son Wyatt hit the "Cars 2" Los Angeles premiere. Credit: Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage


Rockin' mama Sheryl Crow made her kids happy over the weekend, when she took them to the Los Angeles premiere of "Cars 2."

Crow was chic in jeans and a black tuxedo jacket, while her 4-year-old son Wyatt was just cute as can be. We hear the singer's younger son, Levi James, 1, was also in tow.

They joined a slew of celeb fans at the movie's opening, including Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy, Emily Mortimer and Eddie Izzard (voices in the animated flick), "Modern Family" stars Sarah Hyland and Rico Rodriguez, Oscar nominee Hailee Steinfeld, rocker Anthony Kiedis and soap star and "The Biggest Loser" host Alison Sweeney.

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]]>cars 2movie premiereSherylCrowLesley KennedyFri, 24 Jun 2011 12:00:00 ESTVideo: 'Sesame Street' Spoofs 'Spider-Man' Musicalhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/16/sesame-street-spoofs-spider-man-musical/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/16/sesame-street-spoofs-spider-man-musical/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/16/sesame-street-spoofs-spider-man-musical/#commentsFiled under: ,



"Sesame Street" always seems to have its finger on the pop culture pulse, and this funny preview of the kid show's newest season, set for September, takes a jab at the Broadway opening of the musical "Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark."

After a series of much-publicized delays, accidents and injuries, the comic book-adaptation opened June 15 in New York to lousy reviews.

"It is only our 17th opening night, sir," Grover tells the lone audience member in the "Sesame Street" spoof. "We still have a few kinks to work out."

Perhaps an appearance by our favorite blue Muppet would boost the Broadway show.

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]]>groversesame streetspider-man musicalLesley KennedyThu, 16 Jun 2011 12:00:00 ESTLego 'Cars 2' Tokyo International Racing Circuithttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/lego-cars-2-tokyo-international-racing-circuit/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/lego-cars-2-tokyo-international-racing-circuit/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/15/lego-cars-2-tokyo-international-racing-circuit/#commentsFiled under: ,

Get your speed on with this "Cars 2" Lego set. Credit: Toysrus.com

Moms and dads, start your engines. "Cars 2" vrooms its way into theaters June 24, and what better way to celebrate than with a little Lego action?

In the sequel, Lightning McQueen is in Tokyo at the World Grand Prix. Now, kids can build their own international racetrack, complete with a pit area, start line, pit crew members and McQueen, Mater, Luigi, Guido, Francesco Bernoulli, Shu Todoroki cars.

Just don't rush out too fast -- no speeding tickets on the way to the store, please.

LEGO 'Cars 2' Tokyo International Racing Circuit, $89.99, at toysrus.com.

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]]>cars 2cars 2 legolegostoy carsLesley KennedyWed, 15 Jun 2011 14:00:00 ESTCute Kid Video: 'Mini Warbler' Takes on 'Glee'http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/mini-warbler-glee/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/mini-warbler-glee/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/06/08/mini-warbler-glee/#commentsFiled under: ,



So, yes, there are haters out there who say this little boy is singing inappropriate lyrics, but we think he's just as adorable as the singer from "Glee" he's impersonating.

Dressed like Blaine, the character played by Darren Criss on the show, this "Mini Warbler" sings along to Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream."

Plus, he's giving us Gleeks something tide us over with until the next season begins. We say, warble on, little man, warble on!

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]]>darren crissgleemini warblerteenage dreamLesley KennedyWed, 08 Jun 2011 10:30:00 ESTWatch the 'Happy Feet Two' Trailer - Get Your Fluffy Onhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/happy-feet-two-trailer/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/happy-feet-two-trailer/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/happy-feet-two-trailer/#commentsFiled under:



Mumble is back! The tap-dancing penguin who stole our hearts in "Happy Feet" is bringing fluffy back in the sequel "Happy Feet Two" this fall, and this time in 3-D.

This time around, Mumble's son, Erik, who is reluctant to dance, runs away and meets up with The Mighty Sven -- a penguin who can fly. Of course, forces shake up the world and Mumble must call on all the penguin nations and other animals to make things right.

Erik learns of his father's "guts and grit" as Mumble brings together the penguin nations and all manner of fabulous creatures-from tiny Krill to giant Elephant Seals-to put things right. Oh, and this time around, Brad Pitt and Matt Damon join the voices in the cast.

Check out the trailer preview and just try not to get happy over it.

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]]>happy feethappy feet 2happy feet twohappy feet two trailerLesley KennedyTue, 31 May 2011 15:00:00 ESTSummer Movie Preview: Coming Soon to a Theater Near Youhttp://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/summer-movie-preview/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/summer-movie-preview/http://www.parentdish.com/2011/05/31/summer-movie-preview/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Summer Movie Preview

Kung Fu Panda 2. Credit: Disney

With so many sequels, comic book-hero adventures and big-budget action and animated flicks hitting multiplexes near you this summer, we've provided a month-by-month cheat sheet to help you with your movie-going choices.

May

"Thor"
Release Date: May 6
Target Age: Tweens and Teens
What's the Buzz: Even in the pantheon of superheroes, Thor is unique because he's an actual god. Starring Chris Hemsworth and Academy Award winner Natalie Portman, this is one action adventure that's sure to appeal equally to boys and girls, not to mention grown-ups curious about director Kenneth Branagh delving into the genre.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"
Release Date: May 20
Target Age: Tweens and Teens
What's the Buzz: Yo, ho -- Johnny Depp returns for the fourth time as Captain Jack Sparrow in Disney's popular pirate franchise. Gone are Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley, but Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane are on board for this high-seas adventure that looks equal parts rummy comedy and special-effects-heavy action.

"Kung Fu Panda 2"
Release Date: May 26
Target Age: Young Kids
What's the Buzz: Just in time for Memorial Day weekend, Po (voiced by Jack Black) is back for some more kung fu fighting. The Furious Five are all reprising their roles, as well, and now there's a group of fellow martial arts masters who team up with Po and pals to defeat a common enemy. Even kids who aren't familiar with the original will want to kick and chop their way to this adventure.

June

"X-Men: First Class"
Release Date: June 3
Target Age: Tweens and Teens
What's the Buzz: If seeing Professor Xavier (James McAvoy) and Magneto (Michael Fassbender) back when they were friends isn't compelling enough, this Cold War-set origin story also features a who's who of Hollywood's rising stars as young mutants, including Nicholas Hoult, Lucas Till and Oscar nominee Jennifer Lawrence (who's set to play Katniss in the upcoming "Hunger Games" adaptation).

"Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer"
Release Date: June 10
Target Age: Young Kids
What's the Buzz: Like Ramona Quimby, Judy Moody is a favorite literary heroine of young readers everywhere. Judy, her brother Stink and their carefree Aunt Opal are going to have a thrills-filled summer on the big screen, and we can assure you that the kindergarten-to-third-grade set will be ready to go on a virtual adventure with them.

"Super 8"
Release Date: June 10
Target Age: Teens
What's the Buzz: A collaboration between writer-director J.J. Abrams ("Star Trek," "Lost") and producer Steven Spielberg, this sci-fi thriller/coming-of-age story set in 1979 Ohio is one of the most highly anticipated movies of the summer. Starring a young cast led by Elle Fanning and Joel Courtney -- who play wannabe filmmakers using the titular Super 8 camera -- this could be the movie of the season.

"Green Lantern"
Release Date: June 17
Target Age: Tweens and Teens
What's the Buzz: Unlike Thor, the Green Lantern wasn't born with super powers -- he acquires them like Spider-Man or The Hulk. The ever-popular Ryan Reynolds stars as DC Comics hero Hal Jordan, a test pilot who's given a ring of nearly unlimited power that lets him create whatever he imagines. Expect tweens and up -- especially comics fans -- to want to check it out.

"Mr. Popper's Penguins"
Release Date: June 17
Target Age: Young Kids
What's the Buzz: Comedian Jim Carrey stars as the titular Mr. Popper, a businessman who inherits six penguins that quickly turn his apartment -- and his life -- into their personal wintry playland. If anyone can pull off an adaptation of the classic children's book by Richard and Florence Atwater, it's Carrey. And unlike most animal comedies, these penguins don't speak!

"Cars 2"
Release Date: June 24
Target Age: Young Kids
What's the Buzz: Lightning, Mater and the rest of everyone's favorite Radiator Springs vehicles return for this Pixar sequel that takes the four-wheeled friends to international locales to compete against the world's fastest race cars. Despite the five-year gap between the original and the sequel, families will be driving in the fast lane to see another Pixar release.

July

"Monte Carlo"
Release Date: July 1
Target Age: Tweens
What's the Buzz: Mistaken-identity comedies have been popular for centuries, so it's no surprise Hollywood is still making films about characters who pretend to be someone else. Disney star Selena Gomez plays a teen whose dream trip to Paris takes a luxurious turn when she's mistaken for her look-alike, a British heiress with a penchant for five-star jet-setting.

"Transformers: Dark of the Moon"
Release Date: July 1
Target Age: Tweens and Teens
What's the Buzz: Even director Michael Bay has admitted "Transformers 2" was sub-par, and he's promised Autobot fans that this "threequel" is more like the original than the critically panned sequel. Megan Fox is no longer Shia LaBeouf's object of affection, but he's got another starlet, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, on hand to help defeat the Decepticons.

"Zookeeper"
Release Date: July 8
Target Age: Young Kids
What's the Buzz: Talking animal movies always draw kids in, and this family comedy about an unsuspecting zookeeper (Kevin James) who discovers his wild charges can speak looks like the kind of silly, slapstick-filled adventure that even younger elementary-schoolers can appreciate.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2"
Release Date: July 15
Target Age: Tweens and Teens
What's the Buzz: Unless you've literally lived off the grid for the past, say, 14 years, chances are you and your brood have seen or read at least one of the Harry Potter series, so you know this final film will be epic -- and full of action and intense moments. Harry, Ron and Hermione have one last shot to defeat You Know Who, and if you want to witness it on screen, you'll probably need to buy tickets ASAP.

"Winnie the Pooh"
Release Date: July 15
Target Age: Young Kids
What's the Buzz: Honey-loving Winnie and his Hundred Acre Wood friends Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet and the gang return to the big screen for an old-fashioned adventure that should be a perfect pick for families. With a G rating and a built-in fan-base of any kid familiar with the classic A.A. Milne stories, even the youngest viewers will want to see what Pooh and pals are up to.

"Captain America: The First Avenger"
Release Date: July 22
Target Age: Tweens and Teens
What's the Buzz: One of America's most beloved superheroes gets a reboot for a new generation of fans, so this big-budget adaptation should have pretty universal appeal. Although some kids may not be as keen to see a "period" adventure set in the '40s, they may be more enticed since Captain America (and Thor) will be in 2012's "The Avengers."

"Cowboys & Aliens"
Release Date: July 29
Target Age: Tweens and Teens
What's the Buzz: What could be more appealing than this Wild West-meets-sci-fi adventure, starring James Bond (Daniel Craig) and Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford)? This is already one of the most buzzed about releases of the year, and it's just the sort of action-driven popcorn flick that fathers and sons will enjoy.

"The Smurfs"
Release Date: July 29
Target Age: Young Kids
What's the Buzz: For parents of a certain age, The Smurfs were little blue friends who accompanied the Saturday mornings of childhood. The children of those parents are now the target audience for this computer-generated 3-D adventure starring Hank Azaria as Gargamel, comedian Jonathan Winters as the voice of Papa Smurf and pop star Katy Perry as Smurfette.

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes"
Release Date: Aug. 5
Target Age: Teens
What's the Buzz: This violent-looking prequel to the "Planet of the Apes" series isn't going to be uplifting -- we know the apes will get the upper hand even before the first test subject is given that fateful intelligence-boosting pill -- but that won't stop droves of teens from wanting to see James Franco and Tom Felton (aka Draco Malfoy) try to fend them off.

August

"The Help"
Release Date: Aug. 12
Target Age: Teens
What's the Buzz: Based on Kathryn Stockett's best-selling novel about the complicated personal and social interactions between white Southern women and their African-American nannies and maids, this 1960s-set dramedy starring Emma Stone and Viola Davis is likely to appeal most to teen girls and their mothers, especially if they've read the book.

"Conan the Barbarian"
Release Date: Aug. 19
Target Age: Teens
What's the Buzz: The original, R-rated "Conan" launched Arnold Schwarzenegger's career, and this PG-13 adaptation could do the same for Hawaiian actor Jason Momoa. But the trailer's violence and scantily clad women make it more of an older-teen pick.

"Spy Kids 4: All the Time in the World"
Release Date: Aug. 19
Target Age: Tweens
What's the Buzz: Director Robert Rodriguez is resurrecting his super-sleuth franchise with Jessica Alba as an undercover spy whose twin tween stepchildren are the new Spy Kids. But fans of the original shouldn't despair: The twins receive gadgets and guidance from older super sleuths Carmen and Juni Cortez and their parents.

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]]>cars 2Cowboys and Aliensharry potterjudy moodykung fu panda 2moviesspy kidsSummer Movie Previewsummer moviessuper 8the helpthe editors at Common Sense MediaTue, 31 May 2011 10:30:00 EST