Best Of The Web: December 14-20

Contributors: Sharon Beesley and Briehn Trumbauer

Here’s a weekly roundup of parenting articles that piqued
our interest. Enjoy! —

76% of parents think their kids are spoiled during the
holidays—but the same amount also feel guilty telling them “no,” according to a
Parenting Magazine and Today Moms survey.
To get past the guilt, here are some tips they shared for raising
kids who aren’t spoiled. (The
Washington Post and Today Moms)

OBAMA BREAKS WORLD RECORD! Let’s be clear: the First Lady
recently shattered the group record for the most people doing
jumping jacks in a 24-hour period. Of the 300,265 people across the globe
who participated, she led about 400 students in the physical activity on the
White House South Lawn. (Huffington
Post)

Hate shopping for holiday gifts? New studies are supporting
the theory that the most
thoughtful gifts—at least according to the recipient—don’t require time or
even money. (NY Times)

Masala Mama has a licker on her hands. And some hilarious
kid questions to go with him! (Babble)

Are you a generous
spouse? Recent research from the University
of Virginia’s National Marriage
Project shows that generosity is highly important in a marriage. (NY Times)

Here’s a quick-and-easy winter art project for kitchen-bound
kiddos. Paper
snowflakes made out of coffee filters. (Parent Hacks)

A new study indicates that working
moms are, on average, happier and healthier than stay-at-home mothers. And
part-time working moms are rated highest in well-being. (Science Daily)

We love that Nigella Lawson believes in simple recipes that
are full of carbs! Find her Pumpkin
and Goat’s Cheese Lasagne here. Also, her tips for a fugal holiday are
brilliant. (WNYC)

Don’t sweat it: You still have time to learn a few dance
moves before that hoppin’ holiday party. Shape
gives us a step-by-step
d-floor guide (with video demos!). (Shape)

Getting your kids interested in science can be as easy as
getting them to do arts & crafts. Here’s a helpful article with some gift
ideas for sparking creativity and curiosity about the outside world. (USA Today)

Meet this Babble “Mominee:” After her baby was diagnosed
with neuroblastema, mom Shanna
Marsh used Twitter to transform her grief into doing good. (Babble)

Dance Workshop - Long Island

Nestled in the heart of Lynbrook Village, Dance Workshop is a community-focused studio committed to dance education in a loving and safe environment. Dance Workshop offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre and Acro for ages 2+. They also offer a Pre-Professional Company track for dancers interested in taking their technique to the next level. Trial classes may be scheduled with the studio at the start of the season. Dance with the Dance Workshop! MaryAnn Grasso founded Dance Workshop in 1979. Her daughter Nanci later joined her at the helm and in 2016 established Dance Workshop on the Upper East Side of NYC. MaryAnn and Nanci have devoted their lives to dance education, community and the development of children; raising dancers and sound human beings alike. Dance Workshop has seen thousands of dancers pass through the doors. They believe dance has the power to elevate and change lives!

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Joe's Music & Dance Academy

Private and group music lessons &amp; dance classes for Guitar, Bass, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Drums, Piano, all woodwind &amp; brass instruments, Choir, Preschool Dance, Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Step, African and Modern Dance and more. Helping thousands of students begin and continue on their musical journey since 1998!