Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

Pope Francis has officially said a-okay to women breastfeeding their babies in public! In fact, he encourages it…because babies tend to get hungry when out and about. What do you think? (Mashable)

The push for academic excellence and the trend of teaching to the test are both well-known issues that parents deal with when their kids enter school, but what about teaching personality traits? Get the scoop on grit, perseverance, and more. (The New York Times)

Looking for hot parenting tips? Look no further than a little help from your friends! One of our fave local bloggers shares some of the sage advice she’s received from her besties over the years. (Cup of Jo)

Need a reason to smile today? This adorable video of Kelly Clarkson’s baby girl is sure to brighten your mood! (Crushable)

A revolutionary program called Providence Talks is aiming to close the word gap in lower-income families. But just what are the pros and cons of this new approach to vocab-building? (The New Yorker)

Raising a child with special needs in the modern world? Check out these 10 tips that help quell the stresses of having a special needs child (Parents)

Get ready to say awwww! We’re loving this adorable video of a woman telling her husband she’s pregnant in a photo booth! (Buzzfeed)

Everyone’s favorite handsome otter, Benedict Cumberbatch, is expecting his first child with his fiance Sophie Turner–congrats to the happy couple! (The Gloss)

Birth photos may be a trend surfacing with women today, but it turns out that sharks are also getting in on the action! A photo of the rare thresher shark giving birth was recently published–and it’s believed to be the first photo ever of this particular species experiencing the miracle of life! (Washington Post)

Most parents need no incentive to encourage their babies to take long, restful naps–but it turns out that naps can actually aid a baby’s memory development. (Philly.com)

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center

The School at the Mark Morris Dance Center offers year-round, community-based dance and music programming in a fully inclusive and nurturing environment, located in the heart of the Brooklyn Cultural District. The School&rsquo;s diverse and professional faculty provides progressive and non-competitive instruction with all of our classes accompanied by live music. Though we are a non-recital school, there are opportunities for students to perform and for parents to see their dancers in action.

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;

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.