ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com/media/feedlogo.gif ParentDish http://www.parentdish.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Stroller Review: Combi Twin Sporthttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/stroller-review-combi-twin-sport/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/stroller-review-combi-twin-sport/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/stroller-review-combi-twin-sport/#comments

Credit: Amazon

$230, Amazon

Combi Twin Sport

The Basics: 22.25 pounds. Good from birth to 45 pounds per seat. 29.75 inches at the widest point when it's unfolded. Collapses to 24.5 by 16.25 by 40.5 inches.

The Lowdown: For parents looking for a compact, lightweight stroller, Combi's Twin Sport may be the perfect buy. In the compact double stroller market, it's difficult to beat Maclaren's outstanding Twin Techno, but the Twin Sport comes pretty close. The frame feels slightly less durable, but the Twin Sport weighs five pounds less and is $100 cheaper than the Twin Techno.

The best thing about the Twin Sport is its fold. It's quick and simple to collapse, it's self-standing, and it's no bigger than a large vacuum. Sedan-owning or apartment-living families will love the Twin Sport. Popping it open is a cinch, too. A quick shake and a press of the foot and it's set to go.

Another big plus is that the Twin Sport is suitable even for newborns, thanks to a infant safety boot and a flat recline. Still, the seats are wide and tall enough to accommodate larger toddlers.

Where the Twin Sport is lacking is in its canopies and its storage. The canopies are short and incredibly flimsy. The storage basket is minimal and the stroller doesn't feature an adult storage tray or cup holder. Parents who like to take everything with them for the day may want to look for a different stroller.

You'll Want It If: A lightweight stroller that's easy-to-use and easy-to-store is on your must-have list.

The Combi Twin Sport Side by Side Double Stroller is available for $230 on Amazon.

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]]>combi strollerscombi twin sportErin RenzasWed, 17 Mar 2010 18:00:00 ESTCPSC Chief Inez Tenenbaum Says China Has 'Gotten The Message'http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/cpsc-chief-inez-tenenbaum-says-china-has-gotten-the-message/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/cpsc-chief-inez-tenenbaum-says-china-has-gotten-the-message/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/cpsc-chief-inez-tenenbaum-says-china-has-gotten-the-message/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


CPSC Chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum. Credit: Robert Giroux/MCT

"Made in China."

It's the calling card of a staggering percentage of products that Americans buy. And what does that phrase conjure for you? Poorly made? Dangerous? Ask America's top product safety official about Chinese-made products and you're going to get a different answer. She said change is already here -- asserting there's a new awareness among Chinese government officials and manufacturers that has led to a noticeable difference in imports from that country meeting U.S. standards.

Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairwoman Inez Tenenbaum said recent law changes in the U.S. and a constant dialogue with the Chinese government is yielding results that should end up with American consumers feeling better about Chinese products.

"They have gotten the message," Tenenbaum said. "And it's very important to the Chinese that the brand 'Made in China' have a positive meaning to Americans, since we are probably the largest consuming nation of Chinese products ... Our economies are tied, but we do not jeopardize safety for trade issues."

She said the Chinese have closed some factories that violated U.S. safety laws.

To watch the interview and read more about this issue, visit WalletPop.com/consumer-ally.

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]]>chinaconsumer allyconsumer product safetycpscdangerous productsInezTenenbaummade in chinarecallsMitch LipkaWed, 17 Mar 2010 17:00:00 ESTAmy Poehler and Will Arnett Expecting Baby #2http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/amy-poehler-and-will-arnett-expecting-baby-2/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/amy-poehler-and-will-arnett-expecting-baby-2/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/amy-poehler-and-will-arnett-expecting-baby-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Funny parents-to-be. Redux. Credit: Jason Merritt, Getty Images


Ridiculously hilarious couple Amy Poehler and Will Arnett are going to be parents again.
Poehler confirmed to E! Online that she's expecting a sister or brother for the couple's first child, 16-month-old son Archie Arnett.

Her pregnancy isn't expected to interfere with her NBC show, "Parks and Recreation."

An NBC rep tells E!, "We'll continue production of season three as soon as production of season two concludes. And we'll be back next season with new episodes."

As for Will Arnett, the "Arrested Development" alum is slated to shoot the new Fox pilot, "Wilde Kingdom," which costars Keri Russell. We have no idea how Fox is getting away with riffing a name from the famed NBC show of the '60s, but we'll just wait and see.

In the meantime, here's a look back at a very-pregnant Poehler rapping with Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live in 2008:




Related: Will Arnett Talks Baby Helmets, 'Arrested' Secrets and Loving Conan

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]]>amy poehlerAmyPoehlerParks and RecreationParksAndRecreationwill arnettWillArnettColleen EganWed, 17 Mar 2010 16:10:00 ESTAre Hospitals That Give Out Free Formula Sabotaging Breastfeeding?http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/hospitals-that-give-out-free-formula-sabotaging-breastfeeding/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/hospitals-that-give-out-free-formula-sabotaging-breastfeeding/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/hospitals-that-give-out-free-formula-sabotaging-breastfeeding/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Toronto's Medical Officer of Health has a message for Toronto hospitals: Stop giving out free formula.

According to a new study by Toronto Public Health, hospitals that provide free formula to new moms reduce the likelihood that women will exclusively breastfeed to six months. The study surveyed 1500 first-time mothers in 2007 and 2008, and found that 39 percent of mothers in the study were given formula at discharge. Women who didn't receive the free samples were 3.5 times more likely to be breastfeeding exclusively after 2 weeks.

The study, entitled "Breastfeeding In Toronto, Promoting Supportive Environments," found that although almost all new mothers tried breastfeeding in hospital, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding (breast milk only -- no formula) was only 63 percent by the time they were discharged from hospital. And the rate of exclusive breastfeeding dropped to only 17.5 percent, six months later.


Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health said that because of the proven nutritional and health benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, the low rates are cause for concern. "There is room for significant improvement," he says.

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, gastrointestinal, ear and respiratory infections during infancy, plus it reduces the risk of diabetes and obesity later in life.

Dr. McKeown wants Toronto hospitals to improve exclusive breastfeeding rates by becoming Baby-Friendly facilities (a World Health Organization designation). "This includes having a comprehensive breastfeeding policy, help for mothers to initiate breastfeeding within a half-hour of birth, and ensuring newborns are not given food or drink other than breast milk unless medically indicated."

Right now, the only hospital in the city that is designated Baby-Friendly is Toronto East General Hospital. Linda Young, director of maternal newborn and child health for that facility, told The Toronto Star that the impact of promoting formula as moms leave the hospital gives off mixed messages to new mothers.

"They give it to the women 'just in case'," she said. "But the real message is that you will probably fail... One bottle leads to another."

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]]>bottle or breastBottleOrBreastbreastfeedingbreastfeeding ratesbreastfeeding supportBreastfeedingRatesBreastfeedingSupportformulamaternitytoronto hospitalstoronto public healthTorontoHospitalsTorontoPublicHealthShelley WhiteWed, 17 Mar 2010 16:05:00 ESTGirl Scouts Distribute Planned Parenthood Sex Guide at United Nations Meetinghttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/girl-scouts-distribute-planned-parenthood-sex-guide-at-united-na/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/girl-scouts-distribute-planned-parenthood-sex-guide-at-united-na/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/girl-scouts-distribute-planned-parenthood-sex-guide-at-united-na/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Planned Parenthood brochure encourages young people to explore their bodies.

The World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides hosted a "no-adults-welcome panel" at the United Nations this week, where Planned Parenthood was allowed to distribute a sex guide during the annual UN Commission on the Status of Women.

The "Happy, Healthy and Hot" (PDF) brochure is geared towards young people living with HIV and encourages them to explore their sexuality: "Masturbation is a great way to find out more about your body and what you find sexually stimulating." The guide also encourages young people to "Talk about or act out your fantasies. Talk dirty to them."

The brochure says national laws requiring HIV-positive people to reveal their status to their partner(s) "violate the rights of people living with HIV" and calls for advocacy to "change laws that violate your rights," C-FAM reports.

Planned Parenthood's involvement has drawn the ire of some conservative organizations. Wendy Wright, president of Concerned Women for America tells C-FAM, "Governments and NGOs should be aware of Planned Parenthood's insidious plan to work with UN agencies and girls' organizations in order to profit from encouraging kids to be sexually active."

The Girl Scouts weren't alone in their efforts to promote sex education and HIV issues. The heads of several powerful UN agencies at CSW last week released a "UN Joint Statement" under the name of the "UN Adolescent Girls Task Force," which calls for their agencies to promote and support programs "that empower ... adolescent girls, particularly those aged 10 to 14 years," C-FAM reports, and a priority for empowerment is ensuring access to "life-skills based sexuality education, HIV prevention, and sexual and reproductive health."

The UN Population Fund and the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization also recently co-sponsored controversial curriculum that included teaching children as young as five to be sexually active and training adolescents to advocate for abortion.

Related: California Sets Sex Ed Guidelines

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]]>girl scoutsGirlScoutsPlannedParenthoodsex educationSexEducationColleen EganWed, 17 Mar 2010 16:00:00 ESTOpinion: Tenn. Legislator Who Wants Divorced Parents to Always Get Equal Parenting Time Has No Idea What He's Talking Abouthttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/opinion-should-divorced-parents-always-get-equal-time-with-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/opinion-should-divorced-parents-always-get-equal-time-with-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/opinion-should-divorced-parents-always-get-equal-time-with-kids/#commentsFiled under: , ,


sad girl and father

Divorce is hard on kids, and a new law forcing parents to split custody down the middle would make it even harder. Credit: Getty Images

A new bill under consideration by the Tennessee State Legislature would evenly split custody between divorcing parents with exceptions only being made when one parent can prove the other is completely unfit.

The bill, which is in committee, is drawing standing room-only crowds and appears to be dividing parents right across gender lines, the Tennessean reports. Mothers are protesting what they see as a law that could force women to stay in abusive relationships, and some fathers are lauding the bill, saying current divorce laws in the state prevent many dads from having meaningful relationships with their children.

If the bill makes it through the Tennessee House and Senate, that state would become the only one with a so-called gender-neutral custody policy. I'm all for gender-neutral policies and laws -- as long as they aren't crazy, which this one absolutely is.

Proponents of the bill say it would eliminate nasty custody battles and, in the end, give kids what they need: Equal time with both parents, not a custody arrangement that makes sense for the parents' logistics. In theory, they're right. Divorce is disruptive enough without the added emotional distress of, in some cases, drastically reducing the time children spend with one particular parent.
And dads do tend to lose out more often than not. Traditionally, most children remain with their mother and spend a predetermined amount of time with their father. Shuttling between two households can be hard on kids, especially small ones -- that's why some couples are opting for what's called "bird's nest custody," which is when the children remain in the family home and the parents come and go. Even notoriously fractious couples such as Jon and Kate Gosselin are choosing this option in an effort to mitigate the upset caused by their split.

Gender roles have shifted dramatically over the past several decades. But while, in most cases, it no longer makes sense to just award Mom full custody of the kids and be done with it, there are nuances to consider when parents end their marriages.

What happens if Dad or Mom decides to take a job in a city or state hundreds of miles away? What happens if the two live in the same city but not the same school district? What happens when one parent fears she or he can't prove that abuse is taking place in the household, and so decides to remain in a dangerous environment in order to maintain a relationship with the children?

All of these scenarios are realistic. And a law that doesn't take into account the individual subtleties of a family's situation is one that should never make it onto the books. Not to mention the fact that giving parents no other option besides the nuclear one of proving that the other is unfit could lead to vicious, protracted and in some cases, fabricated, court cases.

Tennessee Rep. Mike Bell (R) tells the Tennessean he proposed the bill in order to make parents think twice before pursuing divorce. While his sentiment is admirable, it is misguided at best. This proposed law can only serve to pit parents against one another -- even in amicable splits -- and will make life harder, not easier, for children of divorce.

Related: Divorce Vouchers -- the Gift You Don't Want to Be Getting

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]]>50-50 custody50-50Custodydivorceequal custodyEqualCustodytennesee custody billTenneseeCustodyBilltennessee divorce billTennesseeDivorceBillAmy HatchWed, 17 Mar 2010 15:00:00 ESTDo Athletic Kids Fare Better as Adults?http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/do-athletic-kids-fare-better-as-adults/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/do-athletic-kids-fare-better-as-adults/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/do-athletic-kids-fare-better-as-adults/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As a parent of three kids, I make it a priority to sign them up for as many different sports as possible, hoping they will continue one or two of them into their teenage and adult years. When I look back at my reasoning behind signing them up, it seems purely physical. I want them to be healthy, strong and fit. Like many other parents, I also want to fill up their time to keep them busy and out of trouble as they get older.

I recently came across an article on the benefits of girls in sports, which discussed the impact of of a federal education law called "Title IX" and showcased some of the "non-physical" benefits of female participation in sports. Aside from the disease-preventing benefits associated with physical activity, it emphasized that kids who engage in sports are developing character traits that will help them in every aspect of their lives.

What Is Title IX?
"No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any educational program or activity receiving federal aid." -- Patsy T. Mink


This 1972 landmark civil rights legislation later became known as Title IX. It spawned the boom of female participation in sports and women have never looked back. U.S. schools are required to provide both sexes with equal opportunities for sports participation and equal numbers of athletic scholarships. They also have to treat male and female teams equally in terms of allocating resources, scheduling events, publicity and access to coaches.

Prior to this legislation, girls rarely participated in sports at the high school and college level. The positive impact on their lives as adults is now evident in the workplace and all social settings.

What are the Benefits of Participating in Sports?
A study published in 2002 showed that athletics help student academic performance in high school more than any other extracurricular activity. Decreased drug use, improved health, better grades, increased confidence and other benefits also have been found by various researchers.

In another recent publication, an economist by the name of Betsey Stevenson showed that increasing girls' participation in sports had a direct effect on women's education and employment. She found that the changes set in motion by Title IX explained about 20 percent of the increase in women's education and about 40 percent of the rise in employment for 25-to-34-year-old women.

Although the article was focused on girls, it is safe to say that the impact of sports on a child's development holds true for boys as well.

Final Thoughts
All of the intangible skills that kids develop as they play on a team are directly useful in real life as an adult. Learning to work as a team, hard work and commitment, importance of practice, competitiveness and discipline are all skills developed in sports that directly impact a child's life. Learning success in sports enables young people to succeed as adults.

Reggie Reyesis a certified kinesiologist and personal trainer. He is the president and founder of pt4kids a company that creates specialized training programs for kids all ages and fitness levels.

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]]>benefits of sportsBenefitsOfSportschildhood developmentChildhoodDevelopmentfemale athletesFemaleAthletesgirls and sportsGirlsAndSportskids in sportsKidsInSportstitle ixTitleIxReggie ReyesWed, 17 Mar 2010 14:05:00 ESTBamboo at its Besthttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/petit-collage-mobile/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/petit-collage-mobile/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/petit-collage-mobile/#commentsFiled under: ,

Petit Collage Forest Friends mobile

Go wild. Credit: Petit Collage


Cutest. Mobile. Ever.

With adorable animals laser cut from sustainably-harvested bamboo plywood, the Forest Friends design by Petit Collage will win fans in mom and baby alike. It strikes the perfect balance between sweet and modern, and, like a great pair of blue jeans, goes with everything.

Our favorite part? The baby bear cub, nestled under his mama.

Available for $68 at petitcollage.com.

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]]>green decoratingGreenDecoratingmodern mobileModernMobilenursery decorNurseryDecorpetit collagePetitCollageMeryl LevinWed, 17 Mar 2010 14:00:00 ESTDanish Artist Dresses Her Baby Like Hitler, Other Evil Dictatorshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/danish-artist-dresses-her-baby-like-hitler-other-evil-dictators/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/danish-artist-dresses-her-baby-like-hitler-other-evil-dictators/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/danish-artist-dresses-her-baby-like-hitler-other-evil-dictators/#commentsFiled under: ,

A Danish artist dressed up her baby girl as Adolf Hitler and Saddam Hussein. Courtesy of Haaretz.com

Can you dress your baby like Hitler and call it art?

Danish-Norwegian artist Nina Maria Kleivan did. Plus Joseph Stalin, Benito Mussolini, Saddam Hussein, Ayatollah Khomeini, Chairman Mao, Idi Amin, Augusto Pinochet and Slobodan Milosevic.

But why?

"We all have evil within us. Even small children are evil towards each other," Kleivan tells Israeli newspaper Haartetz.

Kleivan embarked on the project when, after giving birth to her daughter, Faustina -- now 11 years old -- serious pelvic joint pain kept her hospitalized for two months and wheelchair-bound at home for an additional four months. Out of boredom, she started sewing costumes of dictators and dressing up and photographing her daughter.


Her husband didn't support the project, and he lost it when he saw a swastika armband on the desk, Haartetz reports.

"'I'm aware that you're an artist, but this is wrong,' he told me," Kleivan tells Haaretz. "I've pondered that a lot myself: Could I really do this? I agree it's on the verge, especially Hitler, whom I and most others view as the incarnation of evil. He and Stalin were the hardest to do. It hurt."

Kleivan's Jewish aunt also wasn't pleased when she saw the exhibit in Sweden. "Most of her family disappeared in the German camps, I felt so bad telling her it was my work, because she didn't know, and was sickened by it," Kleivan says.

The photo series, "Potency," which also has been exhibited in Denmark, Italy and Germany, aims to illustrate one thing: "We all begin life the same. We all have every opportunity ahead of us. To do good, or inexplicable evil."

A doctor specializing in psychopathy penned a text to accompany a Kleivan exhibition in Stockholm, describing what evil is, its occurrence in men and women and how it affects us all, Haaretz reports.

He also wrote Kleivan that he had been discussing with colleagues whether or not her daughter would sustain long-term mental damage from being dressed up as these modern psychopaths. They decided that she wouldn't, but added, "Nevertheless, I recommend you save this letter."

Related: Film Exposes Nazi Germany's Olympics Gender-Bending Scandal

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]]>artdictatorshitlerNina Maria KleivanNinaMariaKleivanphotography exhibitPhotographyExhibitstalinColleen EganWed, 17 Mar 2010 13:30:00 ESTMom's Fight to Hang Her Laundry Outside Gets Dirtyhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/moms-fight-to-hang-her-laundry-outside-gets-dirty/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/moms-fight-to-hang-her-laundry-outside-gets-dirty/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/moms-fight-to-hang-her-laundry-outside-gets-dirty/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's not easy being green. Credit: NBC Philadelphia

A Philadelphia-area mom is letting it all hang out, and her neighbors don't like it.

Patty Pozeynot of Skippack Township, Pa., was fined $100 by her Hunter Ridge neighborhood association for hanging her laundry to dry on her back porch clothesline.

"I wanna hang out my laundry because I think it's better for our environment, it's the green thing to do," Pozeynot tells NBC Philadelphia.

The development banned residents from hanging clothes a year after she moved in. She has to get more than half of her 55 neighbors to sign a petition to allow her to legally hang her clothes. Pozeynot so far has gotten only 19 of the 38 signatures needed, but another neighbor has gotten enough and hangs clothes out to dry, NBC Philadelphia reports.

Some residents don't want to see the anti-clothesline rule changed.

"You change one rule, what's going to be next," says resident Karen Kelly. "I think if everybody did it, I don't think it would look appealing."

Watch video of Pozeynot discussing the laundry ban:

View more news videos at: http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/video.



Related: Kelly Osbourne's $2,400 Laundry Bag

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]]>environmentgoing greenGoingGreenhomeowners associationHomeownersAssociationlaundryColleen EganWed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 ESTThe Importance of Play Houses for Kidshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/play-houses-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/play-houses-for-kids/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/play-houses-for-kids/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With dreams of summer and backyard camp-outs -- and the early spring reality of chilly mud advancing to the doorstep -- the children have requested that Cabin Fever haul out the play tents from the basement. I have a love-hate relationship with these tents, which tend to become catch-alls for blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and, occasionally, children, and which provide us with yet another obstacle course through which to weave. There's nothing like a block-littered structure made of neon fabric, teetering in front of the couch to announce: Kids live here!

I'm glad that kids live here. But I like our scheme of storage bins behind closed cupboard doors, which, after 9 pm, gives the adults in the house the illusion that it is ours. Upon reflection, it occurs to me that the children are doing something similar with their play tents: they are creating a house of their own, filling it with objects that have meaning for them, and staking out their territory.

Play tents are not essential to this favourite childhood game. The most important ingredient is a parental willingness to let go: Let the mess pile up. Let the blanket box be emptied. Let the play happen.

My children have made houses out of blankets and chairs and couch cushions, underneath the dining room table, in the top bunk, and on the carpeted landing halfway up the stairs. The crucial ingredient is containment: space is being marked out and claimed, whether it's beneath a stool at the breakfast bar, or behind a curtain.

My children began playing in this way from a very young age -- perhaps by two years old. And they continue to play in this way, though for the older children, the "house" is now a spaceship, or a distant planet, or Hogwarts.

If you've ever watched children play like this, you'll know that the most occupying part of the activity comes from the set-up: what goes where, what belongs to whom, who performs which tasks, what props are needed to do various jobs, etc. Rules are being laid out. Stuff is acquired. Often, a hierarchy of sorts is formed. Cooperative effort blooms naturally. It is quite an amazing process to observe.

I use the word "observe" word deliberately. The play houses, inside our larger family home, belong to the children, and not to me. There is considerable controversy and heated discussion about how much we should entertain and/or play with our children. Parenting is an individual and creative balancing act, and it must meet constantly changing needs. Every parent figures out this balance for himself or herself. This is my personal rule of thumb: I do activities with my children, but I don't play with them.

I don't crawl into their play houses, and I take care not to insert my ideas into their imaginary games. This doesn't mean I don't engage with them. I will pet imaginary dogs and agree to be "Grandma" as I do the dishes and they run through the kitchen, and I am a willing -- if somewhat distracted -- audience for their many performances. I will brew them a pot of tea for a tea party, and zip up a zipper on a costume. And I love doing things with them: cooking, reading, making crafts, completing puzzles. But play belongs to them. It is theirs, just like the play houses are theirs.

We all need our illusions.

(Now, to work on convincing them that clean-up time is theirs, too).

How do your kids like to play at home? And how do you feel about getting in on the fun?

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]]>campingcamping indoorsCampingIndoorscleanupcleanup timeCleanupTimecooperationHogwartshousesillusionsimaginationmessplayplay housePlayHouseplaying housePlayingHousesupervisiontentstoysCarrie SnyderWed, 17 Mar 2010 13:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Find the Leprechaun's Pot of Goldhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-play-find-the-leprechauns-pot-of-gold/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-play-find-the-leprechauns-pot-of-gold/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-play-find-the-leprechauns-pot-of-gold/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Help Willy find his pot o' gold. Credit: jpmpinmontreal, Flickr

What you need: Construction paper, aluminum foil and/or chocolate coins.

How to play: Cut circles out of construction paper and decorate to look like coins -- you will need around five coins per player. Then, select two or three coins to be gold or silver. If you go with silver, just wrap these in aluminum foil to look shiny. You can also use chocolate coins for gold coins. Select an area or room in which to hide the coins for your game. Depending on age, it can be easy or difficult; however, you want to make your gold or silver coins the hardest to find.

The rules: Tell the players the story of Leprechaun Willy who was visiting this morning and shared a tale of woe. He was out the other day with his Pot of Gold when he was distracted by a rainbow. Leprechaun Willy wanted to see the rainbow, so he put his Pot of Gold down to get a better look. While Willy was away, some squirrels came upon his Pot of Gold and thought the coins in his pot were nuts, so they took the coins and hid them. When Willy returned, he was shocked to see someone took all his gold and silver coins. Willy has been searching for his coins all day, but has yet to find them. Ask the kids if they would like to help Willy find his coins, tell them that you remember seeing Willy in the room where you hid the coins, and that Willy mentioned he lost a lot of them -- a few were even gold (or silver). Willy is willing to give a prize to whoever finds the most coins.

How to win: The player who finds the gold or silver coins is the winner.

Related: How to Play: Leprechaun, Leprechaun, Where Is Your Shamrock?


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]]>evergreenfind the leprechauns pot of goldholiday gamesst patricks dayst patricks day gamesSally WorshamWed, 17 Mar 2010 12:00:00 ESTHow to Play: St. Patrick's Day Cornershttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-play-st-patricks-day-corners/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-play-st-patricks-day-corners/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-play-st-patricks-day-corners/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Print St. Patrick's Day-related images to play this game. Credit: SuperFantastic, Flickr


What you need: Music, a room with four corners, a hat or box and two copies of four St. Patrick's Day-themed images, such as an Irish flag, a leprechaun, a gold coin and a four leaf clover.

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

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

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

Related: Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

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]]>evergreenholiday gamesst patricks dayst patricks day cornersSally WorshamWed, 17 Mar 2010 11:00:00 ESTHow to Set a Nap-Time Routinehttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-set-a-nap-time-routine/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-set-a-nap-time-routine/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-set-a-nap-time-routine/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rubbing eyes? Time for a nap. Credit: jamiesdesigns, Flickr

Figuring out your baby needs more sleep can be a humiliating experience, as anyone with a screaming child in the grocery store or on an airplane can attest. Coming up with a nap time routine has a big payoff: a few hours of peace for mom and dad and a happier baby.

So how do you make it happen? Experts say there are a handful of telltale clues that your child needs a nap before they completely fall apart. Classics like fussiness and rubbing of the eyes are two obvious symptoms. But keep an eye out for when they lose interest in playtime or get frustrated with toys -- both indicators that it might be time for some shut-eye.

They may not be able to tell you themselves, but you can learn to read the signs of a nap calling.
"A lot of what we're talking about is paying attention to your child," says Dr. Jeffrey Cain, chief of family medicine at The Children's Hospital in Denver.

As they get older, babies' sleeping habits space out a bit and become more routine. Most babies need two naps a day -- mid-morning and mid-afternoon -- for about two to three hours each. Then, sometime after their first birthday, most children will drop down to one nap a day.

For an 18-month-old, one two-and-a-half hour nap is sufficient, Cain says.

Growth spurts also require more sleep, so the baby might take longer naps during those times.

Once parents notice the cues of crankiness, get into a regular nap time pattern. Because kids thrive on routine, setting one for nap time can help ease even the most reluctant child to sleep. Start with a quiet room, maybe give them a light snack. If it's noisy, turn on some soft music or white noise and give the baby a special blanket or other snuggle item. Reading is a great way to calm a baby or toddler down. Make sure the room is dark.

By 3 or 4 years old, your child will likely shorten the nap to an hour and a half or so. By the time they are 4 or 5, most children are ready to give up their naps, even if their mothers aren't.

You'll know they are done with napping when they are happy and full of energy without some midday sleep.

Related: Bedtime Sleep Patterns

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]]>evergreenfussy babiesnapnap timenapsNapTimesleepEllen Rooney MartinWed, 17 Mar 2010 10:00:00 ESTHow to Play: Leprechaun, Leprechaun, Where Is Your Shamrock?http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-play-leprechaun-leprechaun-where-is-your-shamrock/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-play-leprechaun-leprechaun-where-is-your-shamrock/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/how-to-play-leprechaun-leprechaun-where-is-your-shamrock/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guess who has the shamrock to win. Credit: theogeo, Flickr

What you need: A group of children and a cut-out paper shamrock.

How to play: The children sit in a circle, and one child is chosen to be the leprechaun who sits in the middle with his or her eyes closed. One of the children in the circle gets the shamrock and hides it behind his or her back. The children in the circle say, "Leprechaun, Leprechaun, where is your shamrock? Somebody has it in his pocket! Guess who? Maybe you? Maybe a monkey from the zoo? Come on, Leprechaun, find your shamrock!" The leprechaun opens his or her eyes and gets three guesses to discover who has the shamrock. Whoever has the shamrock becomes the next leprechaun.

The rules: An adult should hand out the shamrock to be sure everyone gets a turn.

How to win: Correctly guess who has the shamrock.
.

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]]>duck duck gooseevergreenholiday gamesleprechaun leprechaun where is your shamrockst patricks day gamesSally WorshamWed, 17 Mar 2010 09:00:00 ESTGirls Outperform Boys in Reading, Study Sayshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/girls-outperform-boys-in-reading-study-says/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/girls-outperform-boys-in-reading-study-says/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/girls-outperform-boys-in-reading-study-says/#commentsFiled under: ,

A book is a powerful tool in the classroom gender wars. Credit: Getty Images


The battle of the sexes isn't just for boardrooms anymore. Gender wars continue to play out in classrooms across the nation -- and girls appear to be winning when it comes to reading.

A new study by the Center on Education Policy (CEP) that analyzed data from standardized test scores from school districts across the United States, finds boys lag behind girls in reading proficiency by 10 percentage points. In reading, boys did not outperform girls in any state and in any achievement level -- whether it was the basic, proficient or advanced level.

However, the same study reveals that, when it comes to math proficiency, girls show more ability in some states while boys are equally competent in math in other states. According to the CEP, using the standardized test scores from fourth, eighth and 11th graders shows the reading and math results prove to be consistent in elementary, middle or high school students.

The CEP study notes that the test scores, compiled from 2002 through 2008, include "at least three years of comparable test data for a particular subject, grade and achievement level."

Taking the data from test scores provided by all 50 states, the CEP analysis indicates that boys' reading skills lag behind girls' in some states, but in math, there was no state in which either gender outperformed the other by such a large margin.

In a press release, the center calls the disparity in reading the "most pressing gender-gap issue facing our schools."

"Our analysis suggests that the gap between boys and girls in reading is a cause for concern," Jack Jennings, CEP's president and chief executive officer states in the release. "Much greater attention must be paid to giving boys the reading skills they need to succeed in early grades and throughout their education."

The CEP determined that from 2002, when No Child Left Behind federal legislation was enacted, through 2008, more states had improved reading and math scores than had lagged behind. In fact, 24 states have narrowed gender gaps in reading. However, the gap has widened in another 14 states, the CEP release says.

"Researchers and state officials might investigate ways in which the school environment may be changed to better address the needs of boys," the report concludes.

Related: Toys 'R' Us Chided for Reinforcing 'Outdated Gender Roles'

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]]>educationgender differencesgender gapmathreadingElizabeth HumphreyWed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 ESTCelebrating St. Patrick's Dayhttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/celebrating-st-patricks-day/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/celebrating-st-patricks-day/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/17/celebrating-st-patricks-day/#commentsFiled under:

The Chicago River is dyed green each St. Patrick's Day. Credit: Flipped Out, Flickr

St. Patrick's Day, traditionally celebrated on the religious feast day of St. Patrick, isn't just about green beer and parties. It is an Irish holiday that has been observed in that country for more than 1,000 years.

What is St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day typically falls during the Christian season of Lent, according to History.com, and on this day Irish families would attend church in the morning and celebrate the Irish saint's feast day and the anniversary of his death, which occurred in the fifth century. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and legend tells that he banished all the snakes from that country. Lenten traditions prohibiting the consumption of meat were lifted on this day and people would drink, dance and eat a traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.

When is St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated on March 17, the anniversary of the Irish saint's death. It is also his feast day on the Christian religious calendar.

Who celebrates St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day was originally celebrated by the Irish, but a great influx of Irish immigrants to the United States during that country's Great Potato Famine of 1845 brought the tradition to America. In fact, the first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in the U.S., when Irish soldiers serving in this country marched through New York City on March 17, 1762. Major cities like New York, Boston and Chicago have large Irish-American populations and hold large parades and celebrations that day. Chicago even dyes the Chicago River green!

What are some St. Patrick's Day traditions?

Modern St. Patrick's Day traditions are much like those that were celebrated hundreds of years ago. A traditional St. Patrick's Day meal in the United States is corned beef and cabbage, and many cities celebrate with parades. Other traditions include wearing green clothing to declare your allegiance to Ireland and eating Irish soda bread.

Where can I learn more about St. Patrick's Day?

History.com has an extensive section about St. Patrick's Day.

Related: St. Patrick's Day Recipes

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]]>evergreenholidaysirishst. patricks daySt.PatricksDayAmy HatchWed, 17 Mar 2010 08:00:00 ESTStoller Review: Graco Quattro Tour Duohttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/16/stoller-review-graco-quattro-tour-duo/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/16/stoller-review-graco-quattro-tour-duo/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/16/stoller-review-graco-quattro-tour-duo/#comments

Credit: Amazon


Graco Quattro Tour Duo Stroller

The Basics: 39 pounds. Good from birth to 90 pounds. 22.3 inches at the widest point when it's unfolded. Collapses to 40 by 22.3 by 18 inches.

The Lowdown: The Graco Quattro Tour Duo is a sturdy tandem. The rear seat of the stroller is suitable for newborns, but also accommodates two car seats for families with twins. The rear seat is raised to provide maximum comfort for the back rider, and it also fully reclines. However, the front seat has a limited recline and is better suited for older children.

The Graco Quattro Tour Duo is made for families who like to use their stroller as an alternative to their vehicle. It's great for taking to a picnic or on a daytime outing. The storage basket is ample and has a unique function that lowers the basket for easy access. Both seats are outfitted with a snack and drink holder. The stroller also has two cup holders and a storage tray for parents.

The major drawback to this tandem, however, is its size. At less than 23 inches, the frame is relatively narrow, but it's heavy. Many double strollers on the market weigh almost half as much as the 39-pound Quattro Tour Duo. Add in the weight of two children and everything that's in that enormous storage basket, and this stroller is a beast. Parents will find it difficult to maneuver with two hands over even smooth terrain, despite the U-shaped handle which was designed to aid maneuverability. Tackling playground mulch or grass is impossible. Even going up a curb is difficult.

You'll Want It If: You're in the market for a budget-friendly tandem stroller with tons of storage space.

Editor's note: In January 2010, Graco recalled more than 1.5 million strollers produced between 2004 and 2008. The Graco Quattro Tour Duo was not a part of this recall. More information about the recall, including what models were recalled can be found here.

The Graco Quattro Tour Duo Stroller is available for $249 at Amazon.

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]]>gracograco tour duoErin RenzasTue, 16 Mar 2010 17:00:00 ESTBill Would Require Teachers to Be Fired for Having Sex With Studentshttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/16/bill-would-require-teachers-to-be-fired-for-having-sex-with-stud/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/16/bill-would-require-teachers-to-be-fired-for-having-sex-with-stud/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/16/bill-would-require-teachers-to-be-fired-for-having-sex-with-stud/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If a new bill passes, the Washington, D.C. school system will be required to fire teachers who are found to have engaged in a sex act with a student.

The emergency legislation, sponsored by D.C. Council member Kwame Brown (D-At Large), does not make it a crime for a public school teacher to have sex with a student who is older than 16, the age of consent in the District, The Washington Post reports. According to Brown's staff, he initially wanted to make it a crime, but his legislative staff decided Brown needed more time to draft a proposal.

The legislation was prompted by concerns by D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee that no charges could be brought against a teacher she believes impregnated an 18-year-old special needs student, The Post reports. The teacher was laid off last October. Brown drafted the bill after meeting with Rhee last week.

"We absolutely support any policies that would make it illegal for a teacher to have sexual relations with a student regardless of the student's age," Rhee tells The Post through a spokeswoman.

Related: 'Pregnancy Pact' School Commits to Contraceptives

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]]>sex with studentsSexWithStudentswashington dcWashingtonDcColleen EganTue, 16 Mar 2010 16:00:00 ESTMars and Venus Share a Dorm Room: Mixed-Gender Housing Trend Growinghttp://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/16/mars-and-venus-share-a-dorm-room-mixed-gender-housing-trend-gro/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/16/mars-and-venus-share-a-dorm-room-mixed-gender-housing-trend-gro/http://www.parentdish.com/2010/03/16/mars-and-venus-share-a-dorm-room-mixed-gender-housing-trend-gro/#commentsFiled under: ,


Dude, your roommate's a girl. Awesome.

Mixed-gender student housing is catching on at colleges nationwide, and about 50 colleges are now offering the option, says Jeffrey Chang, who co-founded the National Student Genderblind Campaign in 2006, to encourage gender-mixed rooms.

UC Berkeley, Stanford, Cornell, Dartmouth, Sarah Lawrence and the University of Michigan are among the participating schools, The Los Angeles Times reports. Couples are discouraged from participating, and most heterosexuals in the programs are platonic friends, according to officials.

The mixed-gender housing movement was started in an effort to accommodate gay, bisexual and transgender students who may feel more comfortable living with a member of the opposite sex, according to college officials, the Times reports.
While the mixed-gender trend is growing, officials at the Association of College & University Housing Officers - International tell the Times they don't expect most schools to adopt it.

Some colleges don't want to upset parents, legislators and donors who consider mixed-gender dorm rooms "immoral or even dangerous," the Times reports.

Participation is low at schools where the mixed-gender housing option is offered. Only 1 to 3 percent of students at participating schools choose a roommate of the opposite sex, Chang estimates.

Lindon Pronton, 21, who has a female roommate at Pitzer College in Claremont, Calif., says, "Over the years, this division between men and women, which was so big, is slowly closing."

Related: College Girl Accused of Making Roommates Fat

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]]>collegedormroommatesColleen EganTue, 16 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST