Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

Scientists say sleep should be an essential family value. A new study suggests that more parental sleep is related to more child sleep, which is related to decreased child obesity. (ScienceDaily)

Some say the more improvement is made in baby-related technology, the more paranoid parents become—and manufacturers are cashing in on the frenzy. (BBC)

Nezo art is officially the coolest (and cutest) naptime craft of all time! The Japanese “sleep posture art” that transforms napping babies into colorful adventurers crosses the Atlantic. (Distractify)

Is 2014 the “Year of the Dad’? Just in time for Father’s Day, a tally of this year’s successful “dad books” show promise of equality in parenting. (The Daily Beast)

Mother and writer Catherine Newman makes a bold claim: give kids your undivided attention or no attention at all—and it sounds about right. (The New York Times)

Who doesn’t love a party in the summer, especially a birthday party! Check out these cool ideas for a birthday theme that the kids will love! (Martha Stewart)

Disney movies wouldn’t be complete without a villain that we root against. These villains’ are actually based off of real people, which should come as no surprise because of Disney’s creative and thoroughness. (Flavorwire)

If you thought being an adult was stressful, try being a baby again! A spa in Texas now offers a spa for babies, giving the infants a relaxing break from their everyday life. (Today)

If you have a tween, chances are they have John Green on the brain! Get the scoop on just what the kids are reading (and watching) these days. (The New Yorker)

Hey dads–looking for the ultimate in Father’s Day chic? Follow Brad Pitt’s lead and sport a shirt with your child’s artwork on it! (The Stir)

Following the concept of the latest LEGO Ideas winner, LEGO is about to release its “Research Institute” collection, which will include, for the first time, female scientists! (Mentalfloss)

Pregnant Mila Kunis tells Jimmy Fallon she wants dads-to-be to stop saying “we’re pregnant” when announcing that their wives are expecting. (Time)

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.

Dance Workshop - Long Island

Nestled in the heart of Lynbrook Village, Dance Workshop is a community-focused studio committed to dance education in a loving and safe environment. Dance Workshop offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre and Acro for ages 2+. They also offer a Pre-Professional Company track for dancers interested in taking their technique to the next level. Trial classes may be scheduled with the studio at the start of the season. Dance with the Dance Workshop! MaryAnn Grasso founded Dance Workshop in 1979. Her daughter Nanci later joined her at the helm and in 2016 established Dance Workshop on the Upper East Side of NYC. MaryAnn and Nanci have devoted their lives to dance education, community and the development of children; raising dancers and sound human beings alike. Dance Workshop has seen thousands of dancers pass through the doors. They believe dance has the power to elevate and change lives!

Broadway Dance Center Children and Teens

With more than 35 years of experience, Broadway Dance Center Children &amp; Teens provides young movers ages 3-18 with exceptional training. BDC delivers the finest all-around dance experience for students by offering a wide variety of styles and levels, performance opportunities, and the highest caliber dance instruction that only New York City and BDC Children &amp; Teens can provide. This studio is so much more than a training course for young dancers; it is a diverse, family-friendly community for budding creatives. It has an exemplary faculty who follow the vision to not only develop a dancer&rsquo;s love and ability in dance, but to do so in a nurturing and supportive way.