Our Favorite Parenting Stories Of The Week

We’re hoping these will brighten everyone’s spirits: 15 uplifting photos of Newtown students returning to school. (BuzzFeed)

In the aftermath of the tragedy in Newtown, a thought provoking piece on how we should perhaps reconsider the “if we can save just one child” argument. (The Atlantic)

The Motherlode blog considers how you shouldn’t talk to your children about Newtown, and offers some suggestions on how you should. (New York Times)

Twenty years since their last episode on divorce, Sesame Street released a video segment on “Big Feelings” this week, featuring Abby, a fairy with not one, but two homes. TIME examines how Sesame Street is a tool that allows parents to tackle the topic of divorce in a manner that doesn’t overwhelm or frighten children. (TIME)

New moms and dads–you’re not alone!  One dad relays his experience on having a newborn, the five things he forgot, and a variety of misplaced memories about the wonders of being a parent. (Huffington Post)

Scientist Jared Diamond thinks that traditional hunter-gatherer methods for raising children are best, which means you hold them, share them, and then let them run around by themselves. (The Daily Beast)

Is it really more beneficial to purchase toys from an independent store than from a mass-market chain? Not necessarily, says this parenting blogger. (New York Times)

A new study explores the benefits of marginally-below-birth-weight babies taking iron supplements. While babies with slightly low birth weights are typically overlooked for supplement intake, research suggests that iron supplements may prevent behavioral issues down the road. (Yahoo News)

The best quotes from Mister Rogers through the years. Share them with your family. (Mental Floss)

Has your child’s wish list to Santa left you scratching your head? This piece comments on the sensitive matter of dealing with outlandish and difficult requests such as magical powers, expensive gifts, and reconciliation between divorced parents. (Huffington Post)

Here’s something to mitigate parents’ guilt about the man in red: Lying to your children about Santa may, in fact, be beneficial to their development. (LiveScience)

The ethics of iPads: Why being old-fashioned by waiting to introduce your child to the digital age—at least until after their toddler years—may be a good idea. (The Washington Post)

Be your child’s reading role model. Demonstrating good reading habits to children makes them more likely to achieve higher levels of literacy in school—but  a new study finds the number of children who never see Dad read is on the rise. (Daily Mail)

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Speakitaly NYC

<p>SPEAKITALY NYC offers stimulating and entertaining lessons for children 0 to 16 years through a wide combination of activities based on the communicative approach anchored in the Common European Framework of Reference: active learning (group work, role plays, etc.) and practice exercises aimed to improve listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Kids will start speaking and using Italian in a very natural way.  Small classes capped at 6 students to make sure each one gets the needed attention and facilitate learners' progress. </p> <p>Our method is driven by a didactic method that is the result of constant updates, professional certifications and more than 10 years of experience in working with non-native speakers from different native languages and levels of knowledge.</p> <p>Our aim is to develop a range of Italian language skills while improving accuracy that will enable the students and participants to interact without stress or feeling rushed. We want to help those in the community really embrace not only the true culture in Italy but the Italian culture within New York City… Who doesn’t love what Italy represents in the kitchen, in history & in the arts?</p> <p>Speakitaly wants to support multilingual families who want to learn a new language or pass along their ancestor’s heritage and culture. Raffaella, the founder said: "We see language awareness and intercultural sensitivity as the milestones for an inclusive society. Italian, like all other languages, is an enrichment and a growth in every way. Vi aspettiamo!"</p>

Laurissa Jane Music

<p>Laurissa Jane Music Studio is a dedicated institution that offers a solid foundation for students to explore the captivating world of music and arts. With experienced instructors, we offer private and group lessons in piano, voice, and guitar, for all ages and skill levels. We provide year-round training for renowned programs such as NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association) and ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). LJMS runs an annual Summer Musical Theatre Arts Program from July-August which offers a creative environment for young individuals with a passion for acting, singing, and dancing. We are proud to serve the vibrant communities of Jamaica Queens and can also provide classes virtually. At LJMS, we firmly believe in the transformative power of the arts. Call us today!</p>

A-Game Sports

<div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">A-Game Sports is a premier provider of sports camps, programming and instruction for kids of all ages ranging from toddlers to teens. As an instructional and recreational youth sports facility, our goal is to make athletics a rewarding experience for all kids. A-Game Sports is located in New Rochelle, NY, and offers camps, lessons, customized programs for more than 10 sports and rental space for private events. A-Game Sports was founded in 2013 by two guys who decided that it was time to do what they truly love in life. Since then, we've made the ideology of fusing hard work and fun into a reality. Our dedicated staff of professional coaches share their enthusiasm with kids of all ages and skill levels that take part in our programs.</p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"> </p> </div> <div style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;">With turfed fields for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and flag football, batting cages and tunnels for baseball and softball, and various basketball programs, A-Game Sports is one of the premiere sports facilities for kids and adults of any age. Aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts will benefit from our many strength and conditioning programs, while children new to sports will learn skills and techniques within their chosen sport, all while having a great time and keeping the game fun.</p> </div>