Best Of The Web: July 6-July 12

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

After years of anguish, the Casey Anthony verdict is finally decided. Whether you agree with the decision or not, here’s what you can do to help children in need. (NY Times)

Toddler not talking? No need to fret. A recent study from Australia
finds that late-talking tots are as behaviorally and emotionally healthy as
those who are communicative earlier. (MSNBC)

A study sponsored by the U.K.
government aims to achieve fetal programming—in which medication is used to
alter the in-utero environment of pregnant women to enhance the baby’s health.
The effects of this programming, such as those on metabolism, supposedly last
until later life. (Wall Street Journal)

Working mom Ann Curry shares some advice on how she balances
work at NBC’s Today and family life:
accept imperfection and divide and conquer! (USA
Today
)

LZ Granderson sounds off on permissive parenting and
encourages moms and dads to realize the power of “the look” in nonverbal
discipline. (CNN)

The Archives of General Psychiatry published a study that
downplays the role of genetics in autism. While the report is being criticized
by many experts, it highlights the need for further investigation into the role
of environmental factors. (LA Times)

A follow-up on the recent Atlantic piece on over-parenting. The Post chats with Lori Gottlieb
about over-protecting and micro-managing. (Washington Post)

New statistics released by the U.S. Census Bureau imply that
marriage is becoming obsolete for most Americans. For the first time ever, less
than half of all US
households contain married couples. (Huffington
Post
)

The family tree has become more complex as adoption, use of
surrogates, divorce and same-sex households are all on the rise. Some families
grapple with tough questions, as their tree begins to “look more like a tangled
forest.” (NY Times)

The number of sites serving free school food this summer has
been reduced by nearly a quarter. The decrease is part of the city Education
Department’s $10.8 million food budget cutback. (Daily News)


Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Play On! Studios

<p>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!</p> <p>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!</p> <p>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!</p> <p>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’ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us.</p> <p> </p>

Joe's Music & Dance Academy

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Private and group music lessons & dance classes for Guitar, Bass, Voice, Violin, Viola, Cello, Upright Bass, Drums, Piano, all woodwind & 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!</span></p>

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">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’ll never hear “I’m bored,” when you climb aboard Intrepid. A non-profit, educational institution featuring the legendary aircraft carrier Intrepid, the space shuttle Enterprise, the world’s fastest jets and a guided missile submarine.<br /></span></p>