Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

Photo by masiarpasquali.it
Photo by masiarpasquali.it

The assumption that all kids love Santa is—if these comical photo ops are to be believed—is apparently a myth. Cheer up about any awkward family holiday photos in your past by taking a look at these LOL-worthy snapshots. (Red Tricycle)

Based off a personal experience, columnist Ellen Goodman urges families to have “The Conversation” about end-of-life wishes early. She stresses that being prepared prevents confusing and emotional discussions in the heat of the moment later. (The Washington Post)

It is a common thought that the youngest children are babied more than their siblings, but this research on the “Baby Illusion” provides new insight into the matter. (LiveScience.com)

The Obamas have the holiday spirit, how about you? The first family recently attended a “Christmas in Washington” concert as a benefit for the Children’s National Health System. (New York Daily News)

In heartwarming holiday news, a history buff in St. Louis returned long lost photos of ancestors to families who were happy to receive them. (HLN TV)

It’s important to remind your children that the holiday season is also about giving back to those who are less fortunate. Here are nine ways to encourage your little ones to care about charity. (The New York Times)

For those parents who try to maintain an image of being perfect, this bold blogger is blowing your cover—and her own! A mother of two decided to come clean about her mediocrity and share the real story behind some of her seemingly flawless family photos. (Huffington Post)

When two deaf parents went to see their daughter sing in her school’s holiday concert, they were treated to a sweet surprise. The compassionate kindergartner cheerfully signed along to each song, allowing her parents to fully enjoy the performance. (Babble)

An Xbox isn’t an unusual Christmas request from a six-year-old, but this Long Island boy also asked Santa for a prosthetic arm that would allow him to play the video game system. When the local community heard about his gift wish list, they jumped into action to make it happen. (The Stir)

While holiday parties in the classroom may be a dream to little sugar plums, they’re often a nightmare for the parents volunteering at school. Get through the stretch between now and winter break with some hilarious solutions and timely GIFs. (Mommyish)

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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>

Monster Mini Golf

<p>Upon entering Monster Mini Golf, all perceptions of traditional mini golf will be spirited away by the indoor, 18-hole, monster-theme, glow-in-the-dark miniature golf course! The locations in <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Deer Park</a>, and <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/gardencity/">Garden City, NY</a> invite guests to experience a host of family-oriented fun activities. Whether visiting for the first time or the one hundredth, mini golfers feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf amidst spooktacular monsters and custom, glow-in-the-dark, hand-painted artwork. While testing their skill on the fairways, lively music flows over the course from the unique “WEIRD Radio” station” and an interactive DJ entertains golfers with contests, awarding cool prizes for the wackiest reasons. While the course is challenging enough for adults, it is also quite playable for children. Monster Mini Golf is open year-round and frightfully fun for the entire family. In addition to miniature golf and thrilling arcade and redemption games, the locations offer additional attractions. <a href="https://monsterminigolf.com/deerpark/">Monster Mini Golf in Deer Park, NY</a> offers a Laser Maze and a Virtual Reality experience. The Garden City location offers a Laser Maze, Bowling, and a Virtual Reality Experience. Two very posh, private party rooms are also available and are perfect for any event. Monster Mini Golf looks forward to making it a monstrous success. Monster Mini Golf is indoors, ensuring that the event will always take place, regardless of the weather. It is a climate-controlled, affordable source of family entertainment. For more details please visit <a href="http://monsterminigolf.com">monsterminigolf.com</a> or find them on Facebook.</p>

Collina Italiana, The Italian Language and Cultural Center

<p>Learn Italian the fun way. Children practice and absorb the language through arts & crafts, activities, games, songs and stories!</p>