Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

Electric Breast Pump 1In the technologically advanced society we live in–where phones are smarter, smaller, and sleeker than ever, and there’s an app for everything–why are breast pumps still designed like old-fashioned milk machines? (Motherlode)

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists  is urging doctors to regularly discuss the weight of a woman who is looking to become pregnant. Studies show that there is a connection between obesity and unhealthy pregnancies. (Time)

While a 3-year-olds ability to use a smartphone is sometimes seen as a negative, in this case, it is seen as a lifesaver. (WHDH)

This blogger compared notes with some of her fellow working moms and came up with a list of habits that have made their life (and their family’s) a little more easier. (Babble)

The most sarcastic fetus has created a Twitter handle. It may just be a joke, but it brings up an interesting question: ever wonder what you’re fetus thinking? (The Stir)

In a joint piece written with his son, children’s author, Walter Dean Myers, brings light to the lack of minority characters in children’s books. (New York Times)

Get ready to smile as you look at these fun photos of young adults from around the world and their older relatives swapping outfits side-by-side. (My Modern Met)

Kristin Cavallari is the latest celeb to come out against vaccinating her children, citing too much info pointing towards negative effects. What do you think? Personal choice, or misinformed celebrity? (Elizabeth Street)

While there’s no one perfect formula for every family, these seven tips promise to be easy, achievable ways to improve any family’s happiness. (Time)

We all love the sweet sound of the ice cream truck — but these two enthusiastic youngsters love it so much, they can’t even stand up! (Mashable)

How cute! An elementary school choir covers Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.” (Huffington Post)

One dad blogger gets a kick out of dressing his adorable toddler up as famous TV characters. (Babble)

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CK Kids

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">CK Kids offers various classes and programs, including Afterschool Program, Lil Chefs, Boys Hip-Hop, Ninja Starz, Lil Artists, CK Kids Athletic Programs, Acrobatics, Dance and Drama, and Karate. </span></p>

Manhattan Mandarin

<p>Manhattan Mandarin runs the Mandarin after-school programs at over 40 schools</p> <p>nationwide, including St. Bernard's, Chapin, Allen-Stevenson, and Buckley. Whether</p> <p>in schools, students' homes, in the office, online, or on our beloved China trips, our</p> <p>teachers and tutors have helped hundreds of students of all ages master the Mandarin</p> <p>language on their own unique paths to fluency. Our philosophy has always been to</p> <p>make private lessons and classes perfectly tailored for each individual student. We</p> <p>look forward to working with you.</p> <p>- Jamie Keyte, Founder</p>

New York Society of Play Summer Camp and Classes

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Summer Game Camp</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">There are many who do not feel safe sending their children back out into the world with summer camp, this year. To serve those parents and keep the children connected and stimulated during this challenging time, we are offering NYSP Digital Summer Camp. The name of the game with NYSP Summer Camp is community. We have made a large effort to make our camp feel like a living space, with features including –</p> <p dir="ltr">- Role-Playing games familiar and new, led by our master storytellers!</p> <p dir="ltr">- Enriching electives such as Chess, World Building, Character Acting, Crafts, Drawing, and more!</p> <p dir="ltr">- Discussion and media screening rooms during lunch!</p> <p dir="ltr">- A digital campus!</p> <p dir="ltr">- Moderated chat hours!</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Join us for a summer of games, friends, and more!</p> <p dir="ltr">Mon - Fri 10am - 2:30pm</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Roleplay Expeditions: Dungeons & Dragons</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">No experience is required to join one of our Dungeons & Dragons games. Our game masters have pre-made character sheets, so you'll be able to start playing the game right away! We adapt the rules of traditional Dungeons & Dragons to make them more approachable to children of various ages. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons & Dragons workshop! </p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr">Public games meet once per week, with different groups every time. Private games meet 1 to 2 times per week with the same group of kids. Since the players and the storyteller in the group are consistent, this enables us to tell epic tales of adventure together!</p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>Dungeons & Dragons Junior</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">No experience is required to join one of our drop-in Dungeons & Dragons games. Our Dungeons & Dragons Jr. game provides a D&D storytelling experience without character sheets. Battle in dungeons, search for relics, and make new friends in our one-of-a-kind Dungeons & Dragons workshop! A great way to introduce young children to D&D so they can eventually move onto the main game.</p>