Our Favorite Parenting News Stories Of The Week

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Photos via Twitter/KensingtonRoyal

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have sent their little Prince George off to his first day of school! Just like any ordinary parents, they captured his first-day look on camera. (Mommyish)

Have you ever been stumped by why your baby is crying? This new app will help you figure it in just seconds. (Mommy Nearest)

Teach your children about the stock market following these six steps. (The New York Times)

Everyone wants to be a little bit happier in the new year. Here are ten ways you can work towards becoming the best, happiest parent you can be. (Mashable)

Congrats are in order! Award-winning actress and New York City mom Liv Tyler is expecting her third child with fiancé Dave Gardner (their second together). (Just Jared)

Check out this year’s top tech inventions from CES Kids and Technology Marketplace–like the toothbrush that will make kids want to take care of those pearly whites. (Tech Crunch)

A new study shows that the old pregnancy adage of “eating for two” should be really “eating for 1.15.” (New York Magazine)

From Agnes to Zephyr, this list breaks down predictions of which names will be the hottest baby names in 2016. (BuzzFeed)

Forget putting your iPhone’s earphone to your bump, this new device is a vaginal speaker that delivers the music straight to the baby. (Huffington Post)

First Response unveils a first ever Bluetooth enabled pregnancy test. (USA Today)

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TADA! Youth Theater

<div> <div style="text-align: center;">Endless Options-Endless Fun! TADA! is so excited to offer weekend and after school classes, week long private and public school camps, and our Broadway 1-Day camps available for ages 3-14!  </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Winter/Spring Semester Classes</strong><br />Gotta Sing! Gotta Dance! Gotta Act! Join TADA! Youth Theater this Winter and Spring for after-school and weekend musical theater classes available to students ages 3-14! Throughout the semester students will engage in musical theater training, learn vocals and choreography to the latest Broadway hits, and experience ensemble based instruction with two NYC teaching artists.  Not only does our musical theater training inspire creativity, foster self-expression, and build confidence, but our classes also encourage students to explore and connect with others, creating lifelong friendships and a love for the arts.</div> <div style="text-align: center;">Limited spots available! All of our classes take place in person at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/15+W.+28th+Street?entry=gmail&source=g" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/maps/search/15%2BW.%2B28th%2BStreet?entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&source=gmail&ust=1736890280366000&usg=AOvVaw2_eBpQuG9WbMH_ETP9cDKN">15 W. 28th Street</a> (between Broadway & 5th) and culminate in a final sharing for an invited audience</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Classes Schedule:</strong><br />Mondays:<br />Mondays, Ages 4-5 | 3:45PM-5:15PM<br />Mondays, Ages 6-8 | 3:45PM-5:15PM<br />Tuesdays:<br />Tuesdays, Ages 12-14 | 4:15PM-5:45PM<br />Wednesdays:<br />Wednesday, Ages 8-12 | 4PM-5:30PM<br />Saturdays:<br />Saturdays, Ages 3-4 | 10AM-11AM<br />Saturdays, Ages 5-7 | 10AM-11:30AM<br />Saturday, Ages 8-12 | 12N-1:30PM</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Class Descriptions:</strong><br />AGES 3-5, MUSICAL THEATER MINIS: Creativity takes center stage! In this upbeat, high-energy class, your Musical Theater Mini will learn new introductory skills in the areas of singing, dancing, and acting. Each session, students participate in fun, creative-play activities as well as learn vocals and choreography to popular Broadway songs. At the end of the semester, your young star will belt out their favorite show tunes for an invited audience.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">AGES 5-8, JAZZY JUNIORS and AGES 8-12, RISING STARS: This class offers the perfect blend of musical theater exploration and fun theater games to keep kids creative and active all semester long!  Each session, students participate in musical theater training as well as learn vocals and choreography to popular Broadway songs. By the end of the semester, they’ll be ready to confidently shine in their final sharing for an invited audience.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">AGES 12-14, BROADWAY BOUND: Let passion ignite, talent soar, and dreams take center stage!  Watch as students step into the spotlight and unleash their inner Broadway star in our advanced musical theater class for tweens & teens!  Throughout the semester, students will immerse themselves in the world of Broadway, learning iconic songs and exploring diverse theatrical styles. By the semester’s end, they’ll proudly showcase their talents in a spectacular cabaret-style musical revue. This isn’t just about performing—it’s about embracing the magic of musical theater, forging lasting friendships with fellow performers, and stepping into a world where every moment onstage feels like a standing ovation.</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Week Long Private and Public School Camps:</strong><br />When School is out, TADA! is in!  Now offering Week-long Public & Private School Break Camps for ages 4-5 & 5-9 this February, March, and April!  </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Write it! Rehearse it! Perform it! Immerse yourself in the magic of storytelling. Each week, students co-create an original musical in just five days!  Have your child unleash their inner star, share their voice, and create memories that will last a lifetime.  Join us for a week of laughter, creativity, and applause! Don't miss out on the most epic musical theater adventure of the school year!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Spots are limited so don’t miss out! Our in-person camps take place at <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/search/15+W.+28th+Street?entry=gmail&source=g" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.google.com/maps/search/15%2BW.%2B28th%2BStreet?entry%3Dgmail%26source%3Dg&source=gmail&ust=1736890280366000&usg=AOvVaw2_eBpQuG9WbMH_ETP9cDKN">15 W. 28th Street</a> (between Broadway & 5th).  </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">*On the last day of all camps, we invite friends and family to attend the debut of your child’s original mini-musical!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Week-long Public School Break Camps:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />February 17-21 |  Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | I Wish My Life Was A Musical! | | $795 <br />April 22-26 | Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | The Show Must Go On! | | $795</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Week-long Private School Break Camps:</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br />March 17-21<br />Ages 4-5, M-F, 9AM-1:30PM | Pirates & Princesses! | | $500 <br />Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | The Show Must Go On! | | | $795 <br />March 24-28<br />Ages 4-5, M-F, 9AM-1:30PM | Unicorns, Mermaids, Dinosaurs, OH MY! | | $500<br />Ages 5-9, M-F, 9AM-5PM | I Wish My Life Was A Musical! | $795</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Learn more & register today! </strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/school-break-camps-3/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/school-break-camps-3/&source=gmail&ust=1736890280366000&usg=AOvVaw2R13yNUGcd6RlQy0FsVMm1">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/school-<wbr />break-camps-3/</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Looking for a sample class? Join us at our In-person Open House on January 11th, 2025!<br /><a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/open-house/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/open-house/&source=gmail&ust=1736890280366000&usg=AOvVaw0Nt2sRC86LUUhaw4DgKX5N">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/open-house/</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">No child should be turned away because of their inability to pay. Financial Assistance available.<br /><a href="https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/financial-assistance/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tadatheater.com/education-overview/financial-assistance/&source=gmail&ust=1736890280366000&usg=AOvVaw0W6olBN_Kib7HEmnv4Bq3Y">https://tadatheater.com/<wbr />education-overview/financial-<wbr />assistance/</a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Broadway 1-Day Camps</strong></div> <div style="text-align: center;">When School is out, TADA! is in! Join us for a fun-filled day learning vocals and choreography to a show-stopping musical number from a hit Broadway or movie musical. Our 1-day camps include vocal training, dance technique, exhilarating choreography, and fun theater activities led by two professional NYC Teaching Artists. Don’t miss a jam-packed day of musical theater fun!</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: center;">Monday, January 20th (MLK Day) | Wicked <br />Wednesday, January 29th (Lunar New Year) | The Little Mermaid <br />Monday, March 31 (Eidal-Fitr) | Frozen <br />Thursday, June 5th (Eidal-Adha) | Matilda <br />Friday, June 6th (Clerical Day) | The Greatest Showman <br />Thursday, June 19th (Juneteenth) | Moana <br />Friday, June 27th (Public School is out) | The Lion King <br />Monday, June 30th (July 4th week) | Trolls <br />Tuesday, July 1st  (July 4th week) | Wicked <br />Wednesday, July 2nd (July 4th week) | Newsies <br /><br /></div> </div> <div> <div dir="ltr" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div dir="ltr"> <div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

The Ailey School – First Steps and Bounding Boys

<blockquote style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <div dir="ltr"> <div class="m_-3740164643787738207m_4977048992707393770WordSection1"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0070c0;">At The Ailey School, FIRST STEPS offers a structured creative movement curriculum that allows girls (ages 3-6) and boys (age 3), to develop body awareness and control and learn the basics of dance technique. BOUNDING BOYS (ages 4-6) provides a more athletic experience, and an energetic approach to teaching dance skills.</span></p> </div> </div> </blockquote>

Visit North Central Massachusetts

<p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Discover North Central Massachusetts: Everything You Love About New England, Close to Home!</strong></span></p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"> </p> <p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Experience the charm of North Central Massachusetts, where New England’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and family-friendly activities come together. Conveniently located near Boston, Providence, and Worcester, this region offers something for everyone.</span></p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"> </p> <p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Outdoor Adventures: Explore year-round outdoor activities with stunning trails, meadows, and rail trails. Hike to panoramic views at <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/wachusett-mountain-state-reservation/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Wachusett Mountain State Reservation</span></a> and enjoy diverse terrains at Mount Watatic, <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/leominster-state-forest/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Leominster State Forest</span></a>, and Royalston Falls.</span></p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"> </p> <p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Music and Art: Dive into the vibrant cultural scene with world-class performances at <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/groton-hill-music/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Groton Hill Music Center</span></a> and A-list concerts at Winchendon Community Park’s Amphitheater. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/fitchburg-art-museum/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Fitchburg Art Museum’s</span></a> contemporary collection and <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/museum-of-russian-icons/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">The Icon Museum and Study Center’s</span></a> extensive Russian icon collection.</span></p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"> </p> <p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Orchard Discoveries: Embrace the local charm of Johnny Appleseed’s birthplace. Discover fresh apples, apple cider donuts, and hot apple dumplings at renowned orchards and farms like <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/red-apple-farm/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Red Apple Farm</span></a>, <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/friends-of-sholan-farms-inc/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Sholan Farm</span></a>, <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/davis-farmland/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Davis Farmland</span></a>, <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/bolton-orchards/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Bolton Orchards</span></a> and <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/carlson-orchards-inc/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Carlson Orchards</span></a>, complete with live animal displays, hayrides, and unique gift shops.</span></p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"> </p> <p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Family Fun: Beyond popular attractions like <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/davis-farmland/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Davis Farmland</span></a> and <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/great-wolf-lodge/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Great Wolf New England</span></a>, explore Sterling’s Mary Sawyer’s lamb legacy, enjoy yoga at <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/in-the-meadow-farm/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">In The Meadow Farm</span></a>, and experience horseback riding at <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/cornerstone-ranch/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Cornerstone Ranch</span></a> and <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/wildwood-farm-llc/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Wildwood Farm</span></a>.</span></p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"> </p> <p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Culinary Delights: Indulge in a variety of dining options, from farm-to-table eateries to historic taverns and modern bistros. Savor local craft beers at <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/wachusett-brewing-company-inc/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Wachusett Brewery</span></a>, <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/moonhill-brewing/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Moon Hill Brewing and Gardner Ale House</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.visitnorthcentral.com/activity/thirsty-robot-brewing/"><span class="s1" style="color: #0000ff;">Thirsty Robot</span></a>, among others.</span></p> <p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 14px;"> </p> <p class="p1" style="margin: 0px; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-size-adjust: none; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-feature-settings: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">North Central Massachusetts offers everything for a fantastic trip, from exciting activities and cultural gems to delicious food, all in one charming spot!</span></p>