Best Of The Web: August 8-14

Mary Poppins may have been onto something with the whole “spoonful of sugar” deal, minus the medicine. Take a look at why experts are advising parents to steer clear of cough syrup and go straight to the pantry to soothe kids’ nighttime coughs. (Chicago Tribune)

We all know new parents tend to become sleep-deprived when a new baby is born, but what about during pregnancy? Here are some smart tips to help mothers-to-be fight insomnia so they can have sweet dreams with the baby bump. (Babble)

“School’s out for summer” may soon become, “school’s out for a couple of weeks,” as many institutions are choosing to extend the school year to optimize learning. Find out why more schools are downsizing downtime, and working through summer. (New York Times)

Feeling like a good pity party? Commiserate with this mom about having a horrible day. (Huffington Post)

Looking to shed those lingering post-pregnancy pounds? Who better to lend advice on the subject than an Olympian mother? Be sure to check out her training tips, here! (Huffington Post)

It’s time to get down and dirty! Read this mother’s confession on how her daughter’s favorite play-space is a germ emporium: McDonald’s Ball-pit. (Mommyish.com)

Teenage years may be even worse than the “terrible two”s, especially considering adolescents’ raging hormones. For parents raising teens, it may be wise to check out these tips on a sometimes awkward conversation: steering your children away from harmful porn sites. (New York Times)

Put a fresh, summer twist on your children’s favorite food: grilled cheese. Try these tasty and easy recipes for a new and yummy sandwich this August. (Lil Sugar)

We’ve all heard about postpartum depression, but what about the prenatal kind? One woman tells her story and makes a cry for help to bring attention to this very real issue. (Slate)

In China, the Olympics start at state-run facilities and kids are handpicked for medal-worthy glory. CBS gets a peek into the minds of tiny Olympic trainees. (CBS)

Magnets have a greater attraction for one woman than most. They are what saved her baby’s life when doctors performed an experimental surgery. (CNN)

Manhattan Mandarin

Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We look forward to working with you. - Jamie Keyte, Founder

The Little Gym of Bay Ridge- Bensonhurst

At The Little Gym of Bay Ridge-Bensonhurt, we specialize in unique, educational classes that revolve around active play. We give children a safe and inspiring space to direct their energy, build confidence, and develop key skills. Explore the range of classes we offer at The Little Gym of Bay Ridge-Bensonhurst to find the one that&rsquo;s just right for your child.&nbsp;

Super Soccer Stars

Soccer Stars is New York&rsquo;s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps. At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace. Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent &amp; Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week: Connecticut: <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> &nbsp; Westchester: <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> &nbsp; New York City: <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> &nbsp; Can&rsquo;t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available!&nbsp;