Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

Your instinct to sing lullabies to soothe your baby may be a lot more pragmatic than you once thought! A study reveals that the singing can not only comfort your little ones but also help to relieve their pain. (The Stir)

Think you got an “extra” hour of sleep last weekend thanks to the end of Daylight Savings Time? It turns out that DST could actually have negative consequences for the whole family’s  sleep patterns as well as the economy. (Elizabeth Street)

One mom declares that it’s okay to take your children’s Halloween candy. She reasons that it’s hard being a grown-up what with all the cleaning, bill paying, and never sleeping. So go ahead, mom and dad, enjoy that Kit Kat. Nosh on some Skittles. Polish off those Junior Mints. We’re sure there’ll be plenty leftover for the kids. (Babble)

These hip soon-to-be parents decided to eschew the traditional baby announcement and instead created a video to share their happy news with friends and family. It’s cute and sweet and full of awesome swagger. It’s the Taylor Baby… (Huffington Post)

November is National Adoption Month and all week long, “The Today Show” will be featuring adoption stories and reports. The show’s own Al Roker notes that when he adopted his daughter over 25 years ago, open adoption wasn’t an option, and so the morning news show pays special recognition to the increase in open adoptions and the impact it has on the whole family. (Today)

Which nation is apparently churning out a nation of bratty kids? Sweden, says a new book. Find out why some are accusing the Swedes of spoiling their little ones. (Telegraph)

Congratulations to one of our favorite Long Island natives (and former on-screen mob princess)! Actress Jamie Lynn Sigler and her fiance have just welcomed a healthy baby boy! (People)

If you thought Kim Kardashian would be laying low through motherhood and marriage, think again! The newly-engaged mom has announced plans to collaborate with her style-savvy sisters to start a baby clothing line, ensuring that baby North will be the most fashionable tot in nursery school. (Elle)

Experts begin to pinpoint the effects of “toxic stress”–what occurs when kids are exposed to prolonged trauma, or lack of protection and attention in traumatic situations–on children’s well-being. The results are as sobering as they are illuminating. (The New York Times)

Grilled cheese sandwiches are a lunch time staple for tots but they can get a bit stale. Here are some times about how to bring excitement back into a classic dish. (Bustle)

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Visit Schoharie County

<p>The Schoharie Valley is home to things grown well - trees, crops, produce, people. It is filled with inviting farms and businesses beckoning visitors to experience what locals love about the region. Its enchanting vistas, rich farmland, and strong sense of community are what make Schoharie County such a fascinating place to visit and to live.</p>

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;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For 40 years, the Youth Programs at the internationally celebrated Steps on Broadway have nurtured young dancers, ages 18 months to 18 years.  Whether seeking a fun dance experience or comprehensive pre-professional training, there is a program suited for everyone.  Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, contemporary, modern, pointe and more.  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. </span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Classes are offered throughout the academic year and summer.</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">First Steps (ages 18 mos – 5 yrs)</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Kids & Teens (ages 6-18 yrs)</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Pre-Professional Program (ages 7-18 yrs, by audition only)</span></p>

British Swim School - Long Island

<p>The premier learn-to-swim provider for people of all ages, offering programs for children ages 3-months through adults.  British Swim School uses gentle teaching methods and a survival-first approach to help people of all experience levels become safer, stronger swimmers. British Swim School’s safe, fun, and effective instructional program has made it the preferred choice for parents and students for over 40 years. Come see the British Swim School difference!</p>