Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

toddler-with-phone-babyzone-comWondering whether the latest so-called educational app for kids is really doing your child all that much good? Here are four great tips for testing the validity of what your child is tapping away on-screen. (Mashable)

From the “it’s so ridiculous it has to be true” files. A game show in the delivery room while the mom is delivering. (The New York Times)

Mom-of-three Victoria Beckham’s thoughts on motherhood – it’s the best thing she’s ever done. (PopSugar)

As comedian John Oliver brilliantly points out, America is on par only with Papua New Guinea when it comes to legally mandating that mother’s get the option of substantial paid leave after having a baby. All other developed counties have laws in place to support moms–what do you think? (Vox)

Breakthrough IVF treatment helps one couple have miracle baby. (CBS News)

Parents committed to eco-friendly parenting may often choose cloth diapers by default, but it turns out that many types of disposable diapers may in fact be better for the environment when all things are considered. (Washington Post)

One couple in Florida got some great news this week–their conjoined twins’ separation surgery was successful! Don’t miss this sweet story and video! (ABC News)

If you secretly roll your eyes at parents who complain that their precious little kiddos don’t get enough attention in school, get ready to laugh at this awesome piece of satire! (The Onion)

Would you leave your child in the care of Lindsay Lohan? Turns out, as part of her most recent round of court-ordered community service, the former child star may be helping to look after kids at a Brooklyn daycare. (Mommyish)

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Music Together

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">Music Together® is for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and their parents/caregiver. The classes include songs, rhythmic rhymes and movement, and instrument play activities that are developmentally appropriate for the children and easy for parents and caregivers, regardless of their own musical ability.</span></p>

Advantage QuickStart Tennis

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">A proven teaching method, customized by age and ability for ages 3 and up. Special kid-sized racquets and playing area, plus slower-bouncing balls, make it fun from day one!</span></p>

Explore MetroWest Boston

<p><span style="white-space: normal;"> </span></p> <h1>Turn Whining into Winning in MetroWest Boston</h1> <p>From beer gardens to corn mazes, state parks to beautiful art, MetroWest Boston is a great destination for a weekend trip! Enjoy <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/get-outside/?imgoing-place=hopkinton-state-park-61a91acef30b531a665ab64d">Hopkinton State Park</a>’s gorgeous foliage while kayaking on the lake or hiking, mountain biking, or snowshoeing on the amazing trails.</p> <p>In the evening, catch a play, musical, concert, art exhibition, dance performance, or immersive theatrical event at <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/culture/?imgoing-place=hopkinton-center-for-the-arts-63c03d7e0d792d753263b4d1">Hopkinton Center for the Arts</a>.</p> <p>Get a great night’s sleep at one of the region’s hotels, such as <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/where-to-stay/?imgoing-place=the-verve-hotel-boston-natick-tapestry-collection-by-hilton-61aa4790f30b531a666119e4">The VERVE</a>, with its fun and funky pop art décor, or <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/where-to-stay/?imgoing-place=aloft-framingham-6216279ccc891d1d0862c8c2">Aloft</a> with their pool tables and lobby games. In the morning, visit the <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/culture/?imgoing-place=danforth-art-school-61a8e11cf30b531a66592d90">Danforth Art Museum</a>, a jewel box housing 3,500+ artworks from three centuries, including groundbreaking sculptures depicting the African and African American experience by Meta Vaux Warrick Fuller.</p> <p>Cross the street to the <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/culture/?imgoing-place=framingham-history-center-61a8e11cf30b531a66592d92">Framingham History Center</a> to explore their new multilingual exhibit that traces the city’s immigration story, from those fleeing the 1690s Salem Witch trials, to the Irish and Italian influx in the 1800-1900s, to the current migration of Brazilians. “Framingham’s Collective Journeys” includes oral histories, interactives, and artifacts.</p> <p>No visit to Framingham is complete without stopping at legendary <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/eat/?imgoing-place=jacks-abby-craft-lagers-61a8e11cf30b531a66592da0">Jack’s Abby Craft Lagers</a>, one of 17 breweries in MetroWest, where you can enjoy a flight with a schnitzel sandwich or their famous Framinghamburger. Afterwards, spend a few hours at <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/activities/?imgoing-place=level99-64a8389c51f92a351a6a3f06">Level99</a> testing each other with 50+ mental and physical escape rooms and challenges.</p> <p>The next day, tour the <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/where-to-stay/?imgoing-place=longfellows-wayside-inn-61aa7aa3f30b531a66621f57">Wayside Inn</a>. The oldest inn in America’s 100-acre property includes the Old Barn, now a farm stand with displays of antique farming tools, the historic Grist Mill, and beautiful grounds containing the Longfellow Memorial Garden, the Redstone Schoolhouse from the poem “Mary Had a Little Lamb”, the Martha-Mary Chapel, and Josephine's Pond for fishing. Stay for a delicious gourmet meal in their historic dining room.</p> <p>Spend the afternoon at the <a href="https://www.metrowestvisitors.org/culture/?imgoing-place=american-heritage-museum-61a92852f30b531a665b17bf">American Heritage Museum</a>. Start your tour in the depths of a WWI trench listening to a nurse’s first-hand account from the Western Front while bombs explode above you and the floor begins to shake. This extraordinary museum features one-of-a-kind historic aircraft, tanks, cars and rare relics from the Revolutionary War to today, in immersive exhibits and living history events. Afterwards, wander the charming shops and boutiques of downtown Hudson.</p> <h3>MetroWest Boston offers these and many other attractions, activities and events for the whole family!</h3>