Best Of The Web: January 18-24

Contributors: Sharon
Beesley, Elizabeth Raymond

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

One in three kids in the United
States is obese or overweight. And now a new
law states that health insurance and employers have to pay for the cost of screening
children for obesity while providing counseling as needed. Will this help
get our kids accustomed to a healthy lifestyle? (NY Times)

Red Carpet Maternity: Have you ever
had to wear something really fancy while pregnant? Check out this stunning red
carpet maternity dress! (Design Mom)

Unbelievable! 31-year old Rabita Sarker successfully gives
birth on the PATH train on Monday. (Gothamist)

Even more unbelievable. Did you hear about the local school
employee who faked her own daughter’s death…to take
a vacation? (Fox News)

Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater: Kids
find it’s easier
to cheat at school today more than ever. Read these tips to help your kids
avoid the temptation. (CNN)

Happy
Birthday Michelle! The FLOTUS, and mom of two, turns 48 Check out this
slideshow of her sweetest moments of the year. (Huffington Post)

Feeling a little isolated every since the arrival of your
new little bundle of joy. Author K.J Dell’Antonia offers up a simple solution: get
blogging! (NY Times)

The Tiger Mom debates continue. An assistant professor of human
development and family studies has found that high-achieving Chinese-American
students are more
depressed and anxious than white children. (TIME)

Two of the funniest mom bloggers out there, Samantha Bee and
Allana Harkin reveal some of the
best (read: funniest) comments they’ve received from their posts. (Babble)

Steps on Broadway Youth Programs

<p class="m_6201101365486487057m_1751229968981391907gmail-m-6447730382188674378msonospacing" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;">For 40 years, the Youth Programs at the internationally celebrated Steps on Broadway have nurtured young dancers, ages 18 months to 18 years.&nbsp; Whether seeking a fun dance experience or comprehensive pre-professional training, there is a program suited for everyone.&nbsp; Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, contemporary, modern, pointe and more.&nbsp; Taught by a faculty of internationally-recognized concert, ballet, Broadway and celebrated guest artists, every student is encouraged to discover their artistic uniqueness, deepen their passion for the art form, while growing as dancers and individuals.&nbsp; Classes are offered throughout the academic year and summer. First Steps (ages 18 mos &ndash; 5 yrs) Kids &amp; Teens (ages 6-18 yrs) Pre-Professional Program (ages 7-18 yrs, by audition only)

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

Looking for something to do with the kids in New York City that is fun, exciting, and educational? The Intrepid Museum offers family-friendly activities and programs all year long that keep children engaged, entertained, and curious about history and science. Fun rain or shine, the Museum offers both indoor and outdoor interactive exhibits and activities. With so many things to do and see, you&rsquo;ll never hear &ldquo;I&rsquo;m bored,&rdquo; when you climb aboard Intrepid. A non-profit, educational institution featuring the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world&rsquo;s fastest jets and a guided missile submarine.

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.