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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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>

Atlantic Acting School

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Looking for a fun and exciting theater program for kids and teens? Join us at the Atlantic. Our programs are intense, exciting and fun!</span></p>

Super Soccer Stars

<p>Soccer Stars is New York’s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps.</p> <p>At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace.</p> <p>Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent & Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week:</p> <p><strong>Connecticut:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Westchester:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>New York City:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Can’t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available! </p>