Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

Violin Soloist Barbie

Barbie hasn’t been a big hit in China, but Mattel, the makers of the blond, leggy, blue-eyed doll, are hoping to change that with the addition of a violin (presenting: Violin Soloist Barbie). By making Barbie appear more educational, Mattel hopes sales will increase, particularly among “Tiger Moms and Dads.” (The Gloss)

College-bound teens and tweens take note: it turns out that most college admissions pros are very social media savvy and definitely track mentions of their institutions on twitter. So be careful before tweeting negatively during a campus visit! (The New York Times)

Health officials are reporting four Tennessee cases of a rare infant illness that have been linked to parents refusing a routine shot for newborns. (The Huffington Post)

Pregnant moms ought to look to Drew Barrymore for inspiration and fighting off body image woes. Barrymore, expecting her second child, says that worrying about looking perfect while you’re pregnant is beside the point. The perfection, she says, is in the baby-making. (Parents)

Nhung Nguyen, one half of the duo behind chic clothing label and shopping destination Gargyle, is also a mom. Writer SuChin Pak gets the scoop on how the busy mom manages to look so put together, run a successful business, and raise a child in NYC. (Daily Candy)

Puppies and babies: was there ever a cuter combination? Blogger Jessica Shyba (click here to see her cityscape photo gallery on our site) took some incredibly cute photos of her toddler taking his daily nap with the family’s 7-week-old puppy. (The Mirror)

It’s a well-known fact that twins share a special bond, but few videos have captured it as exquisitely as this one by a French nurse of baby siblings who just can’t stop hugging. (The Huffington Post)

Though long-regarded as a sacred saying, “mom is the most important job” is being called into question by one mother that sees over-glorifying moms as diminishing to every other relationship in a child’s life, as well as patronizing to motherhood itself. What do you think? (The Guardian)

Getting ready to set the table for Thanksgiving? Try one of these festive and fun DIY place card crafts! Let you kiddos join in the fun to make holiday décor a family affair. (Elizabeth Street)

Who ever thought that diapers could be functional, eco-friendly, and super-stylish all at once? One our fave bloggers and local moms—Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo—ones our eyes to Honest Fall Diapers (think prints with foxes, anchors, and more)! (A Cup Of Jo)

Relevant Directory Listings

See More

Instituto Cervantes

<p><span class="" style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Children and teenagers learn to understand and express themselves in Spanish, while improving their communication skills through a dynamic immersion program taught by NATIVE TEACHERS that combines CLASSES, ARTISTIC WORKSHOPS and FUN ACTIVITIES! All of our high-qualified teachers are native Spanish speakers who adapt the structure of the class to the needs and levels of each group while conducting the classes entirely in Spanish. We offer both Spanish Summer Camps and Regular Courses for children along the year to foster language learning and multicultural understanding.</span></p>

Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 – 12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry – all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>

BAMkids

<p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">BAMkids presents adventurous art and ideas for young audiences, igniting the imaginations of creative kids ages 3—11 with a fun and engaging lineup of workshops, movie matinees, and live performances from around the world.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{"><span style="background-color: #ffffff;">BAM Education connects learning with creativity, engaging imagination by encouraging self-expression through programs for students, teachers, and audiences of all ages. Explore the programs on their website to learn more about their opportunities for creative online engagement!</span></span></p>