I'm looking for ideas for next Thursday's tip sheet.

Do you want to know about:

 --Fun, free stuff to do with kids home from school (without leaving the house);

 --Best kid-friendly ice cream places;

-- Best presents for a 1-year-old (we'll start a birthday series!);

--or something else?

I'm thinking of scheduling the next installment in our child care series for July 10, when we'll look at options in southern Baltimore County. It's never to early to send your recommendations for that one, too.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Karen asked for expert advice on positive versus negative discipline. At first I was stumped; it seemed like such a large topic, so open to interpretation and situation (can you be positive when your child is pummeling another kid? Or running into a busy street?).

But then I found the web site of Jane Nelsen, a marriage, family and child counselor who has written a series of books called "Positive Discipline" (for various ages of children and types of parents).

Her site seemed like a good place to start. On it, she has a list of "18 Ways to Avoid Power Struggles."

Here are some of the highlights:

--Decide what you will do. I will read a story after teeth are brushed. I will cook only in a clean kitchen. I will drive only when seat belts are buckled. (I will pull over to the side of the road when children are fighting.)

--Get children involved in the creation of routines (morning, chores, bedtime). Then the routine chart becomes the boss.

--Ask what and how questions: How will we eat if you don't set the table? What is next on our routine chart? What was our agreement about what happens to toys that aren't picked up? What happened? How do you feel about what happened? What ideas do you have to solve the problem? (This does not work at the time of conflict, nor does it work unless you are truly curious about what you child has to say.)

--Make a "Wheel of Choice" together. Draw a big circle and divide into wedges. Brainstorm lots of solutions to problems. Draw illustrations for each solution. During a conflict, invite the child to pick something from the wheel.

--Use your sense of humor: Here comes the tickle monster to get little children who don't pick up their toys. This creates closeness and trust.

--No words: Use pantomime, charades, or notes. Try a hug to create closeness and trust -- then do something else. Use non-verbal signals planned in advance with the child. An empty plate turned over at the dinner table as a reminder of chores that need to be completed before dinner; a sheet over the television as a reminder that homework needs to be done first."

Have you used any of these strategies? How have they worked for you?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Did your mom, dad, or both have a "look" they gave you when you were growing up? A look that made you stop doing whatever you were doing wrong, immediately?

Whoopi Goldberg demonstrates her mom's look on this clip from The View last year that I found on YouTube. She and her co-hosts go on to argue that parents' looks don't carry weight anymore. Instead, we're too busy explaining ourselves.

Discuss.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: School's Out
        

How strict are you when it comes to imposing rules on your dating teen? An associate professor at McDaniel College in Westminster has done a study that finds your rules may speak volumes about your own relationship.

Parents with healthier bonds tended to require teens to have curfews and check in about where they were going, but weren't overly controlling. And the teens, in turns, seemed to have healthier relationships.

A Wall Street Journal columnist discussed the study in this piece.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Teens
        

Tomorrow is the Great American Backyard Campout, a campaign sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation to get families to camp out together for one night. There are community campsites forming around the country for the event, and you can look on the web site to find them in Maryland. Or you can just pitch a tent with your own kids in the backyard.

On the community page of the web site, you can find campfire songs, recipes and spooky stories to tell.

(Photo by Sun photographer Monica Lopossay)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 9:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

This ended up being a tough Tip Sheet to write, and in a sense it's not finished yet. As one poster said last week, choosing a place for your child to spend his or her days while you're at work is one of the most important and personal decisions you can make as a parent.

So it feels like more than any other, this list depends on specific recommendations from parents who have actually used child-care providers in Baltimore City. We didn't get many different names, which I think is in part a reflection on the paucity of good options out there in the city. Especially for infants, the competition can be tough, and the monthly cost easily higher than your mortgage.

We did get a lot of one name: Downtown Baltimore Child Care. (You can read what parents had to say here and here.) My children didn't attend, but I know lots of parents whose children did, and all the families seemed to love it. There are two locations in the downtown area, and one takes babies as young as 4 months.

Here are a few others I've heard good things about:

--Tide Point Day Care in Locust Point announced it would close in August, but has apparently found a way to stay open. It's one of the few day care centers that takes small infants and stays open past 5:30 p.m., if that's what you need.

--I've mentioned Govans Presbyterian Preschool before. We were there for years and loved it, but it's only for kids over 2. It does, however, have uniquely flexible hours, which let families choose everything from a couple of hours of morning preschool a couple times a week to full-time care.

--Cleo likes Cedarcroft School, 419 Cedarcroft Road, 410-435-0905, for preschool, as do other parents I know.

--Baltomommie mentions Bryn Mawr Little School, which also takes infants, and A Child's Place, for kids 3 - 6.

Now I'm hoping you'll chime in with your experiences at these places and others, with tips for parents just wading into this.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

Here's the short list of fun stuff:

Thursday (June 26):

Little Stars: Bricks and Boards: The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, 844 E. Pratt St., teaches 3-5 year old children a little about American history through a story, tour and craft activity. The event runs 11 a.m.-noon. Reservations are required. Call 410-837-1793 or go to flaghouse.org. Free.

Friday (June 27):

The African-American Heritage Festival starts today....

The program includes live performances by local and national acts-including Fantasia and Mario-a carnival, exhibits, food, pavilions with educational information on a variety of topics, including financial literacy, health and wellness and home ownership. Hours are 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Lots B and C of M&T Bank Stadium, 333 Camden St. Call 410-235-4427 x 211 or go to aahf.net. Free.

Corbit’s Charge Commemoration Weekend: Downtown Westminster celebrates the bravery of Captain Charles Corbit and his cavalry of 90 Union soldiers, who charged 5,000 Confederate Soldiers during the Civil War. The event includes re-enactments, tours, speakers, children’s activities, artisans, exhibits and more at 224 N. Center St. 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-dusk Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Call 410-848-5294 or go to pccwrt.addr.com. Free.

Fairy Ball 2008: Children are encouraged to dress as a fairy or in pajamas or wear mismatched socks and hear stories and participate in crafts at Barnes & Noble, 1 E. Joppa Road, Towson. Bobbie Hinman, author of The Sock Fairy, will be in attendance. The “ball” starts at 7 p.m. Call 410-296-7021 or go to barnesandnoble.com. Free.

Saturday (June 28):

Bubble Fest: The Chesapeake Children’s Museum, 25 Silopanna Road, Annapolis, hosts outdoor activities with various types of bubble makers from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 410-990-1993 or go to theccm.org. $3 for ages 1 and older.

Fourth of July Spectacular: The celebration, which features a 6 p.m. performance by The Rob Levit Trio followed by an Annapolis Symphony Orchestra concert, takes place at Anne Arundel Community College Stadium, 101 College Parkway, Arnold. Fireworks begin at 8 p.m. Call 410-269-1132 or go to annapolissymphony.org. Free.

The Great Scale Model Train Show: Dealers of model trains and related products from around the nation offer various items 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium. Visitors can sell their items and view operating layouts. Call 410-730-1036 or go to gsmts.com . $14 per family and $7 per individual, with free return admission Sunday.

Sunday (June 29):

Animal Communication: Retired wildlife biology professor Glenn Dudderar explains how some wild animals, such as wolves, turkeys, frogs and geese, communicate. The program is interactive, and each participant gets a free turkey caller. The Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Rd., Abingdon, hosts the event from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. For ages 6 and older. Reservations required. Call 410-612-1688 or go to otterpointcreek.org. $3 per person and $10 per family.

Free Family Sundays: “Drawings from Ordinary Objects” features an interactive family tour, which starts at 2 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore. Call 443-573-1700 or go to artbma.org. Free.

Uke-pop Party: Various musicians present live ukulele music in front of Atomic Books, 1100 W. 36th St, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Call 410-662-4444 or go to atomicbooks.com. Free.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 8:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Here's a free event tomorrow for Baltimore city fathers, courtesy of Jennifer Choi:

The New Shiloh Family Life Center, 2100 N. Monroe St., will host the 2008 Young Fathers Conference from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday. This event, which features speakers, workshops and panel discussions, aims to help young, local fathers build stronger, healthier family connections and learn about the various community resources available to them.

Speakers include Maryland Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown; Salima Siler Marriott, Deputy Mayor, Community and Human Development; and Raymond L. Torres, executive director of Casey Family Services, among others. The program features workshops and panel discussions on healthy relationships, employment, domestic violence, financial success, mental health and permanent family connections. A complimentary continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Call 410-342-7554 or go to caseyfamilyservices.org.

The sponsors are the Baltimore Division of Casey Family Services, the direct service agency of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the Maryland Department of Human Resources. 

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 3:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Break out the booster seats, if you haven't already, for kids 4-7. Starting Monday, Maryland's new booster seat law takes effect. According to our primer on the new law, it's one of the strictest in the nation.

Now kids must use a child-safety seat until they turn 8, unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall or weigh 65 pounds. Here's a helpful graphic on how kids should be riding.

In our story, a few kids and parents were quoted saying it might be tough to get an older child who had been riding with just a seat belt back into a booster seat. Do you anticipate resistance from your kids? How will you handle it?

 (Photo by Paul Sancya, Associated Press)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Travel
        

I thought that for this week's Dinner Together, I'd serve one of the kids' favorite things: Grilled cheese.

Only instead of being an ooey-gooey comforting sandwich, I'd ease them into a different kind of cheese, halloumi, that can actually be grilled on its own. Its interior gets nice and gooey, but the exterior stays firm enough to handle.

This recipe from Rose Elliot, a vegetarian cookbook author in Britain, was fast and easy, and dresses up the halloumi with a lemon-honey glaze.

The adults had it over salad, as pictured. The kids had it between two slices of bread...

(Photo by me)

and guess what?

They knew it was the bait-and-switch, and basically rejected it.

Lesson: Don't try to fool the kids at their own game. They're the grilled-cheese experts.

But the adults, or very adventurous kids, might like this.

Lemon-Glazed and Seared Halloumi with Herb Salad

Serves 4

two 8-ounce packages halloumi cheese, drained

4 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons honey

For the herb salad:

6 cups mixed baby leaf and herb salad

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

Cut the halloumi into slices about 1/4 inch thick. Place on a plate in a single layer.

Mix the lemon juice with the honey and pour over the halloumi, turning it to coat the slices all over. Set aside for at least 1 hour.

When you are ready to serve, toss the leaves with the olive oil and some salt and pepper and divide among 4 plates.

Put the slices of halloumi into a dry skillet over a moderate heat, reserving any liquid. fry on one side until golden brown, then flip them over and fry the second side. This is a very quick process as they cook fast.  When the second sides are done, pour in any liquid that was left and let it bubble up until it has mostly evaporated and becomes a sweet glaze.

Arrange slices of halloumi on top of salad and serve at once.

--From Rose Elliot's Sumptuous Suppers

Per serving: 470 calories, 25 grams protein, 35 grams fat, 21 grams saturated fat, 17 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, 77 milligrams cholesterol, 1,145 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitan Jodie Shield.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 8:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Dinner Together
        

I often fret about how far away we live from our parents. My children adore their grandparents, and we call each other frequently, but something about the phone can make my kids very shy and uncommunicative.

Kind of the way they are any time a parent asks them about their day.

So I marvel at my dad's creativity in sparking their imaginations. Recently, he sent them an e-mail with some great questions. I "interviewed" the kids and helped them send the answers back. They were very interested in the project, and my dad got a kick out of reading the answers.

Here are his questions:

To Leah:

Which do you like better--camp or a peanut butter sandwich?

Which would you rather do--read a book or dress your dolls?

What is the difference between running and sleeping?

Would you rather be a dish of ice cream or a robot?

To Sam:

How do you spell "Speed?" (He had to answer this without looking.)

Which do you like better--stickers or lollipops?

Does Speed Racer live in Baltimore?

Which would you rather do--have a strawberry or go to the park?

Do you have any ideas for questions grandparents can ask? Or other ways for grandparents and grandkids to stay connected across the miles? Please post below.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Food and Recipes
        

Our Guest Dad today is Frank Roylance, known to many of you already as our weather blogger extraordinaire.

Frank's daughter is getting married this week to a great guy. So why does her father feel like crying?

Here's his post...

"My daughter is getting married. I get a lump in my throat just thinking about it. She is a beautiful, funny, smart and loving child - a grown woman now, of course, but always a child to me. It has been a joy to watch her blossom and grow. I have been astonished to see our families' (my wife's and my own) genes bubble up in her face, in her talents and her foibles. And it has been equally fascinating to see her own delightful uniqueness and strength unfold over the years.

Her fiance is a lucky man. I think he knows it. He's smart that way. And I sense that he will be a good, strong partner for her.

A child's marriage is a two-edged sword. I am sad that the time has come to turn this corner in our lives. I have loved this child so much, for so long.  And I sort of dread having to hold myself together during the festivities.

But at the same time I am so proud of her, and so filled with joy that she has found a fine partner with whom to share her life. As a husband of almost 38 years, I know well what a tonic and a blessing that is. And I am comforted that she will have that love and friendship to rely on as the years roll by, and long after her father and mother exit stage left.

So why do we cry at weddings? I know I'm not "losing" my daughter. I genuinely like and respect her fiance, and welcome him into the family. She's not marrying him and moving to Berzerkistan. They'll live in Fells Point! And if we're lucky, the family will grow.

So why the tears? I'm not sure I really know the answer. It's something about the transition, about turning points, about the inexorable march of time. It's at once the successful conclusion of a very happy childhood, a testament to good parenting, I hope. And it's the beginning, for her mother and me, of a new chapter in our lives. Somehow, we're onlookers now, consultants and cheerleaders, maybe, but no longer the CEOs in her life.  There's satisfaction, relief, gratitude, nostalgia, and an acute awareness of the passing of time. It's all intermingled, a powerful dram that grabs at the heart and throat, and wets the eyes.

What a happy day. Where's the Kleenex?"

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 8:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

I'm starting a separate thread here to gather more tips for this week's Tip Sheet Thursday on great places to send your child for day care in Baltimore city. This will be the first in a series of tip sheets on the all-important question of day care, based on location.

When you post, please tell us as much as you can about why you like the child care provider or center (licensed home providers count too) and what ages you think it's best for. Let's try to get as many different recommendations as possible. I know a lot of you love Downtown Baltimore Child Care, but it wouldn't be convenient for everyone in the city. Let's hear about some others, too.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

My colleague Jill Rosen is investigating the notion that the rising cost of food, gas, and utilities are prompting stay-at-home parents to at least consider going back to work, part-time or full-time. Of course there aren't a lot of jobs out there, and some parents might end up doing the opposite -- staying home after cutbacks at their companies.

If the economy is changing the work-parenting balance at your house, and you'd be willing to talk about it for the story, please e-mail Jill. And please feel free to talk about it here, too.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Work-life balance
        

Lyme Disease, and how to avoid it, is the subject of today's Consult, because it's the time of year to be outside. Readers wanted to know how to remove a tick, how to look for symptoms of the disease, and whether they should subject their kids to an annual Lyme disease test.

As it happens, the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene has a great web site on the subject. Here's a primer on how to remove the tick. You'll need tweezers.

As for how to recognize the symptoms of Lyme disease. ...

(Associated Press photo)

As for the blood test, he said that it may not always be helpful because it can take weeks after an infection for the test to register a positive result. 

Our sometime expert Dr. Daniel Levy got back to me with a few other thoughts; I'm posting them as a comment below.

Now, as for next week: Karen, we'll get to positive vs. negative discipline then if possible. In the meantime, can you provide a few more details on what you want to know that might help the expert and other parents weigh in?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 8:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Which movies are right for your kids? Even Disney can easily be too scary for some. Today's Web site, Kidspickflicks, offers insights from kids and parents to help guide your viewing.

Let me know if you agree with the site's picks, and whether you have other kids-review-movies sites to recommend.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: On the Web
        

Remember, you have until 9 p.m. tomorrow to vote in the Guilty-Mom poll on how close to her due date an expecting mom should start her maternity leave.

So far, votes are running in favor of working right up to the due date if you're feeling well, which surprises me a little. And one question I didn't ask was whether, in this era of so many scheduled inductions, the idea of planned delivery dates enters into your thinking about this.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Guilty-Mom polls
        

That's the message of this interesting (but -- warning -- long) Reason magazine piece about the coming "depopulation" crisis. It says, in essence, that after worrying about overpopulation for years, countries around the world now fear alling fertility rates (though not so much in the U.S.). In turn, gender roles in those countries are changing.

If we move to Europe to have our babies, the article says, the moms among us might get a lot of great bennies (time off, subsidized day care, etc.) ... but also, a not-so-subtle message to "return to home and hearth."

What do you think?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 8:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Expecting
        

I got this idea from a keyword search that someone used to find this blog. Yes, Virginia, I can look at those through Google Analytics, and a few of them are not quite printable. (No worries; your names and browsers are not attached.)

But occasionally they can give you ideas. Like this one: "bad teachers, end of year gift."

Interesting subject. I've been lucky enough so far to be blessed with talented teachers for my kids, so I never hesitated about recognizing them. But it would be awkward to have to buy something for a teacher you really didn't get along with. Yet you might worry that your child would suffer somehow if you didn't give a gift, especially if it was at mid-year holiday time.

What would you give a bad teacher?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

My poor expecting friend. She started her maternity leave two weeks ago today, a week before her due date, and only now is she showing signs that labor has started. I urged her to start her leave early, knowing that it would really be the last chance she had to do some of the things she likes to do, like go to big-people movies and eat in restaurants without springing for a sitter. Or just to sit and enjoy silence.

Then again, both my kids were a little bit early -- one by several days -- so I never really got that time. Now I suspect she's gotten too much. Then there's the discomfort factor of being that pregnant; how much fun can you really have? Maybe the distraction of work would have made the time go faster.

So it's time for....a Guilty-Mom poll. You have until 9 p.m. Sunday to give advice to the other expecting moms out there.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Babies and Toddlers, Guilty-Mom polls
        

Thanks for all your tips about how to get away with the family on one tank of gas. Here are some of your and my favorites:

--Knoebels. Several people have recommended this spot north of Baltimore in Elysburg, Pa., which bills itself as "America's Largest Free Admission Park." You pay just for the rides you go on, which beats the usual all-inclusive fee if your family tends to get pooped halfway through the day. There are roller coasters and all the usual rides, along with a Carousel Museum and a Mining Museum.

--Dutch Wonderland, Lancaster, Pa. This is our family's favorite destination for a summer weekend getaway. If you're staying over, the Preview Plan is a particularly good deal; you can enter the park three hours before it closes for free if you've bought tickets for the next day. The rides are the perfect scale for toddlers, preschoolers and younger elementary-schoolers, and the setting is charming and laid-back. I love the trees, which keep you in the shade during a long amusement park day. Now, if the food offerings could be improved...

(Associated Press photo at Colonial Williamsburg by Steve Helber, 2006)

--While you're in Amish country, take a ride on the Strasburg Railroad, which features Day Out with Thomas (the Tank Engine) this week. You can also visit the National Toy Train Museum and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

--Check out the Maize Quest Fun Park in New Park, Pa., suggested by Michelle, which is even closer to the Baltimore area.

--Colonial Williamsburg. It says something when a destination's URL is simply history.org. Here's a link to the resort's monthly specials.

--Historic St. Mary's City. Closer to Central Maryland than Williamsburg; open Wednesday through Sunday in summer, this living-history site of Maryland's first years as a 17th-century English colony makes for an educational trip. That's a reconstructed 1675 building on the site in the Mystery Destination picture.

--Chincoteague Island/Assateague Island. Of course there are the ponies. For details on Chincoteague, check out Baltomommie's recommendations.

--Ocean City. Lots of folks love it. This summer, we've got dispatches from the beach on our new Beach Life blog.

--The other Ocean City. When The Sun did a story in 2004 on one-tank getaways because of the "high price of gas" (oh, aren't we nostalgic for those days?), we profiled the family-friendliness of Ocean City, N.J.

Please add to the list below. For more help in planning your trip, check out What's the Deal, The Sun's travel blog, and the Beach Life blog.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

The American Visionary Art Museum's Flicks on the Hill summer film series kicks off at 9 p.m. tonight with an outdoor showing of The Sound of Music. (Hey, it's practically summer -- maybe the kids can stay up late.)

There are more outdoor movies on offer (see below). Here are some other things to do with the family the rest of this week:

Thursday (June 19):

Go Buggy: Preschool Storytime: Hear stories and songs and make crafts about insects at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Crofton branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library, 1681 Riedel Road, Crofton. For ages 2-5 with an adult. Free. Call 410-222-7915 or go to aacpl.net. 

Peter Rabbit's Adventure Puppet Show: Staff members of the North Carroll branch of the Carroll County Public Library, 2255 Hanover Pike, Greenmount, put on a show at 10 a.m. for families. Reservations are required. Call 410-386-4488 or go to library.carr.org. Free. 

You're a Good Book, Charlie Brown: Teen Actors Coming Together in Carroll County perform at the Eldersburg branch of the Carroll County Public Library, 6400 W. Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg at 10:30 a.m. For ages 4 and older. Free. Reservations are required. Call 410-386-4488 or go to library.carr.org. Free.

Friday (June 20):

(Associated Press photo)

2008 Hunt Valley Mediterranean Festival: Sample authentic Mediterranean food and watch Greek and Arabic dance troupes at this three-day festival at St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church, 909 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley. Free. Hours are 4 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Call 410-785-0909 or go to stmarysorthodoxchurch.net.

Game Night: Families can join each other for a night of board games from 7 p.m.-9:45 p.m. at Ukazoo Books, 730 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson. You can bring your own game or borrow one of the store’s. Free, Call 410-832-2665 or go to ukazoo.com.

Nature Story Hour: The Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave., hosts a preschool story hour with nature stories followed by a nature walk (weather permitting) from 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. For ages 3-6. Free. Call 410-367-2217 or go to cylburnassociation.org.

Spongebob: The National Aquarium in Baltimore’s Beyond the Boardwalk celebration features an outdoor showing of Spongebob Squarepants: The Movie. You can test your marine knowledge and win prizes during the preshow trivia contest, hosted by WMAR-TV. The movie starts at 9 p.m. at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Waterfront Park, outside of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, 501 E. Pratt St. Free. Call 410-576-3800 or go to aqua.org.

Summer Sounds at the Square: Alternative country rock band the New Relics performs at Belvedere Square, York Road and Belvedere Ave., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Free. Call 410-534-2358 or go to belvederesquare.com. Free.

Saturday (June 21): 

City Sand: Teams of architects, builders and design professionals compete against each other to build the best sand sculptures that fit this year’s theme: Reasons to Smile. Kids can create their own sculptures in a giant sandbox. St. Veronica’s Steel Drum Band will play during the day, while the Singing Swamis perform jazz and funk in the evening. The competition, children’s sandbox activity, photo booth and St. Veronica’s Steel Drum Band’s performance run noon-4 p.m. The Singing Swamis perform from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. All activities take place at the Harborplace Amphitheater, between the Pratt and Light street pavilions. Free. Call 410-332-4191 or go to harborplace.com.

Festival on the Pier: The aquarium hosts this two-day event, which runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Waterfront Park, outside of the National Aquarium in Baltimore, 501 E. Pratt St. Families can listen to live music, examine oceanic artifacts and learn about ocean conservation. Kids can meet Spongebob Squarepants from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. both days. Call 410-576-3800 or go to aqua.org. 

Latino Fest: The celebration of Hispanic culture includes music, dancing, food and artisans from Latin American countries. Nine-time Grammy Award winner Eddie Palmieri, La Perfecta II and the Los Hermanos Flores orchestra perform. Festivalgoers can also enjoy rock-climbing walls, face-painting and clowns. The festival runs noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. Sunday at Patterson Park, located at Linwood and Eastern avenues. $5 for adults; free for children younger than 12. Call 410-783-5404 or go to latinofest.org.

Main Street Movies Series: The Patapsco Masonic Lodge, 2 Trading Place, Dundalk, hosts a screening of My Fair Lady at dusk. Preshow entertainment begins at 7:30 p.m. Free. Call 410-282-0261 or go to dundalkchamberofcommerce.org/community_events.html.

Sunday (June 22): 

Annual Summer Tea Party: From 11 a.m.-1 p.m, the Chesapeake Children’s Museum, 25 Silopanna Road, Annapolis, presents a Victorian magic show and offers "tea" (most likely lemonade or another beverage) to visitors. $3 for ages 1 and older. Call 410-990-1993 or go to theccm.org. 

Antique Car Show: The Chesapeake Region of the Antique Automobile Club of America presents a display of a variety of rare, classic and vintage cars from noon-4 p.m. at the B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St. Call 410-752-2490 or go to local.aaca.org/chesapeake. Admission to the museum is $14 for adults, $12 for seniors and $8 for children 2-12 years of age. Visitors can view some vehicles parked in the front lot for free. 

Oldies Block Party and Buddy Deane Reunion: Monumental Life Insurance celebrates the Buddy Deane era with a block party filled with ‘50s and ‘60s tunes. Bob Mathers, producer and host of the Ultimate Oldies Countdown, hosts the party, and former members of the "Committee," the core group of dancers from the Buddy Deane Show, participate in the festivities. Prizes go out to those with the best costumes and hairdos from the era. The celebration runs 4 p.m.-8 p.m. on Biddle Street, between Charles and St. Paul streets. Free. Call 410-685-2900 or go to ultimateoldiesradio.com or bosscompany.com. Free.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

I know I'm asking a lot of you all today, with my calls for favorite close-by family vacation spots and great child-care providers in Baltimore City. But it's also time to submit more questions for the Monday Consult.

In case you're new to the blog, this is a Monday feature in which I get an expert on a topic of interest to parents to answer a reader's question, or to provide general tips on something that's timely. I always like it better if I can answer someone's question, because I know I have a million of them.

So ask away.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

OK folks, we're going with best family vacation spots less than a tank of gas away from Central Maryland for this week's Tip Sheet. It's already Wednesday, so I'm counting on you to flood me with recommendations. Remember, this works best when everybody shares.

At least until The Sun decides to send me to all these places to check them out personally. Which would be a sacrifice, but I'd do it for you.

And thanks to Michelle, next week's Tip Sheet will be the first in a series on places folks recommend for child care. At Debra's suggestion, we'll break this up geographically. Why don't we start with Baltimore city, since many of our readers seem to either live or work here, and expand out to some suburban locations with the next installment.

I'd like to get child-care suggestions started early, since it may be harder to come up with a good list. Please post those here as well.

Meanwhile, can you identify by name and location the mystery building in the photo? It's at a place that fits the parameters of our family-spots tip sheet.

(Photo by Sun photographer Jed Kirschbaum)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (11)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

As I was planning this week's Dinner Together, I was looking at our weekly delivery from One Straw Farm -- a major haul of lettuce, spinach and chard.

How to get my family to eat all that? Well, maybe if I hid the greens in some pot stickers...

I found this recipe in a new cookbook from Robin Miller, a quick-fix chef on the Food Network. The pot stickers are really easy to put together with won ton wrappers. And though the recipe called for cabbage in the filling, it was easy to substitute a mixture of spinach and chard, and to use the red onion I had instead of the green onions I didn't.

Sadly, on the kid front this wasn't a big success. They could tell there was "something" in there. It was one of those times when Leah rejected the meal first, then Sam picked up on the vibe and ate very little as well.

But if your kids do like pot stickers, this recipe is a great alternative to takeout...

...and a great way to use up greens before they go bad. You can make many batches of these and freeze the pot stickers to have at the ready for a quick meal.  

I liked them with some gyoza dipping sauce. (Husband was away and couldn't weigh in, but I know he'll like them.)

Veggie Pot Stickers

Makes 16 pot stickers

2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1/2 cup shredded red or green cabbage (or chopped spinach or Swiss chard)

1/4 cup chopped scallions (white and green parts) or red onion

1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce

16 wonton wrappers

1 tablespoon peanut or canola oil

Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the carrots, cabbage, and scallions and cook, stirring, until the cabbage softens, about 3 minutes. Add the soy sauce and cook until the liquid evaporates, about 1 minute.

Arrange the wonton wrappers on a flat work surface. Spoon 1 heaping teaspoon of the vegetable mixture onto the center of each wrapper. Fold over the wrapper, making a triangle, and, using wet fingers (dip your fingers into a small bowl of water), press the edges together to seal.

Heat the peanut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the wontons, in batches if necessary to prevent crowding, and cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Serve warm.

Note: The pot stickers can be assembled and stored, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before cooking. Or, to freeze, arrange on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a sealable container or plastic bag and store for up to 3 months. There's no need to thaw the pot stickers; cook as directed above, then cover the pan and cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, until the filling is hot.

--Adapted from "Robin to the Rescue," by Robin Miller

Per pot sticker: 39 calories, 1 gram protein, 2 grams fat, trace saturated fat, 5 grams carbohydrate, trace fiber, trace cholesterol, 73 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 5:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Dinner Together
        

What's your preference for this week's Tip Sheet Thursday?

Here are a few ideas I have:

--Best books for summer reading, preschool-second grade (with an older installment to follow);

--Best family movies;

--Best local ice-cream spots for kids;

--Best "vacation" spots no more than a tank of gas away.

Vote for one of these, or submit your own!

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

In lieu of a Guest Dad today, I wanted to bring you news of an interesting study of why some dads and moms go ballistic on the sidelines of their children's games.

Kinesiology Ph.D student Jay Goldstein of the University of Maryland School of Public Health surveyed 340 parents of youth players 8-16 before and after their children's soccer games in suburban Washington.  More than half of the parents, 53 percent, reported getting angry, to some degree, during the game.

Goldstein, along with Maryland kinesiology professor Seppo E. Iso-Ahola, found that "sideline rage" was triggered by the same factors as road rage. If you're easily angered while driving, you're probably quicker to scream at the ref over a close call.

Goldstein is offering tips for keeping yourself in line when your child plays. I particularly like the last one:

• Do controlled deep breathing exercises (inhale for 4 seconds and exhale for 8 seconds.)
• Suck on a lollipop (Occupies your mouth and reminds you that you’re there for your child.)
• Visualize a relaxing experience like floating on water.
• Repeat a calm word or phrase.
• Do yoga-like muscle stretches.
• Replace angry thoughts with rational ones, such as "This is my child’s game, not mine," or "Mistakes are opportunities to learn."
• Don’t say the first thing that comes into your head. Count to 10 and think about possible responses.
• If you did not see the game, first ask your child "How did you play?" rather than "Did you win?"
• Praise your child’s effort, then, maybe, comment on the results.
• Use humor, but avoid harsh or sarcastic humor. Picture the referee wearing Elton John glasses.

Do you have any tips to add?

(Photo by Sun photographer Andre Chung)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

It was one of those mornings. My kids got ready early, all excited for summer camp, wearing their matching camp shirts.

We got a bit of a late start, but took a detour to avoid traffic and were almost to our destination. When....I looked in the rear-view mirror and saw my son looking like something out of Friday the 13th. He had a major nosebleed.

I pulled over quickly, tilted his head back briefly to keep the blood from running everywhere (including further onto the beloved shirt) and pinched his nose to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding had stopped and my daughter had gotten over the fact that blood had even flecked on the car window, we headed home for a more comprehensive cleanup and a new shirt.

Once I got to work, I surfed around the Web to see if I had done the right things. According to Kidshealth, which was created by the Nemours Foundation's Center for Children's Health Media, I went about it all wrong. (And, not surprisingly, he had another, smaller bleed later that morning.)

I should have had him sit up and tilted his head forward, not back, which can cause a child to gag or even vomit. I should have pinched the soft part of the nose just below the bridge for at least 10 minutes (my doctor recommended 15 when we called her) to stop the bleeding. No rushing allowed.

I think I knew some of these things, but forgot in the heat of the moment. So here's a handy instruction sheet from KidsHealth you might want to print. I may keep it in my car.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Health
        

I couldn't resist reporting that during a rare date-sans-kids with my husband this weekend, I noticed a boy and a girl, perhaps 6 and 9, eating with their parents in the enoteca at Cinghiale.

I didn't witness their entire meal, but I watched them while they were there, and they appeared to behave perfectly. Even more impressive, they appeared to actually eat something.

(Then again, Cinghiale just updated its enoteca menu to including something called R.F.C., a Roman-style fried chicken. There's also a simple spaghetti dish.)

Anyway, in light of our discussions about kids and restaurants, I thought this was worth a mention. Even though I wouldn't have brought my kids -- and was happy to be having a grown-up date in a grown-up place -- I was proud of their parents for representing us well.

(Photo of Cinghiale by Sun photographer Lloyd Fox)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Food and Recipes
        

Are you going to a clothing-swap party soon? We'd like to hear about it for a story we're preparing here at The Sun. These are get-togethers in which each guest brings clothes she or he doesn't want, and offers them to the group. One woman's trash is another one's treasure, especially in this economy.

It's been a while since I went to one of these, but I remember it was a great way to score a few "maternity" items that weren't designed as such (which made them a bit more wearable). They were just a few sizes larger, and sometimes that works fine.

If you're hosting or attending a swap soon and would be willing to talk to a reporter about it, please e-mail Liz Atwood as soon as you can.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Is your teen going to be (gulp) driving this summer, and either getting new wheels or inheriting yours? AAA Mid-Atlantic has some tips for choosing the right car that I thought would be a good Monday Consult.

Here are the highlights, condensed from the AAA's press release:

--Safety features are especially important, considering that teen drivers are more than twice as likely to be involved in a crash as adults. You'll at least want antilock braking systems, daytime running lights, electronic stability control, airbags and adjustable/lockable head restraints, AAA says. (ConsumerReports.org has a list of specific recommendations for teen cars.)

--Your budget should factor in insurance on your teen, plus the rising cost of gas. A previously-owned model with good safety features might be the best option. And don't forget the cost of maintenance. 

--Check reliability factors, especially on a used car, before you buy. See that the car has a warranty or purchase an extended warranty. Check its maintenance and crash histories. Get the car inspected before you buy, and look for cars without too many miles on them....

The AAA has more details in a pamphlet called So Your Teen Wants a Car? A Parent’s Guide to Choosing a Vehicle, available at AAA clubs.

Now, you say you want to know more about how to keep your teen safe, get him licensed, and to talk to your teen about driving rules? It's all in this section of the AAA web site. And you might want to check out the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, which has crash-worthiness ratings.

Do those of you who've been through this have tips and stories to share?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 5:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Happy Father's Day! Here's a little something to make all of you hard-working fathers and mothers smile:

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

More Father's Day fun:

--If you're interested in what heavyweight champ, grillmeister and dad-of-10 George Foreman has to say about his fatherhood journeys and other life struggles, you can read an excerpt of his new book.

--And if taking my poll about jobs wasn't enough interaction for you, check out our quiz on celebrity fathers. I was pretty proud of my 90-percent score.

(2005 photo of George Foreman by Mel Evans/Associated Press)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 8:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

How equally are the parenting duties really divided in your household? A fascinating story coming in Sunday's New York Times magazine, previewed on the web site, looks into that question. In light of our ongoing polls on fathers' jobs, I thought it was particularly timely.

I'd love to know your thoughts on the article, which really explores some unspoken assumptions about parenting roles.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Work-life balance
        

This may be a little off-topic for Father's Day Week, since it seems that moms are still the ones who keep up (or, in my case, don't) the scrapbook that chronicles Junior's life. But I've been getting word lately of several Web sites that are vying to help you handle your memories virtually.

Totspot calls itself "Facebook for Babies," which I personally find just a little scary, even though the site assures you your page stays very private. (A Newsday story offers tips on how to use the site effectively.) You can upload photos and video, make a growth chart and record 'firsts' like first tooth, first meltdown, etc....and family members and friends can comment and write their own memories.

Kidmondo, a similar site, also launched recently.

Are you likely to use these, and if so, how widely will you share them? Or would you rather stick with paper journals?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 8:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: On the Web
        

Daddies have guilt just like moms, right? So it only seems fair to have a Guilty-Dad poll during Father's Day week. I came up with the idea for this one after reading results of a survey of 1,000 moms on parenting.com, who were asked what they'd change about their spouses.

Half of them reportedly said they'd change his job over his looks, bedroom performance, or parenting style.

I thought that was interesting, and wanted to know more. Were the jobs taking too much time away from the family? Or was it because the husbands didn't make enough? Or they complained too much about their bosses?

So I'm turning to you. I'm structuring this as two polls, so that moms and dads can answer. You have until Saturday morning at 10 a.m. to cast your votes.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

Fathers were curiously quiet this week when asked what they wanted for Father's Day. Even my husband, after being directly called out, claimed he was getting an "error message" when he tried to go to the blog to comment. Likely story. (But if you're getting an error message, too, do let me know so I call tell the techies.)

Thanks to those who did contribute ideas, particularly my pal David Hobby, who put the word out to his fans through Strobist, a great blog for learning how to improve your photography.

So I've come up with this little list. If you'd like to add to it, please do:

--David wants a laser slingshot. If he does, all the dads who refuse to speak probably do, too.

--In the same vein, I'll suggest The Dangerous Book for Boys, which has lots of laser slingshot-ish activities for fathers and sons to do together.

--Kayris found a great deal on Omaha Steaks. In my experience, you can't go wrong with red meat (unless, of course, dad is vegetarian).

--Busy dads prize time with their friends as much as moms do. Once I happened into two tickets to an Orioles game. I secretly invited a good friend of my husband's whom he hadn't seen in a while and gave him one of the tickets. Then I gave my husband the other and told him to report to his seat to meet a "mystery guest." They had a great afternoon catching up, and I think the surprise added to the fun.

--Joe Burris makes a good case for roses, which wouldn't have occurred to me. And Soccer Dad wants something handmade from the kids.

--Geek Dad has some suggestions for those who love gadgets.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

Flag Day celebrations, Father's Day picnics, and Honfest -- looks like there's something to do out there for everybody this weekend.

Thursday, June 12: 

Blues to Bluegrass Concert: Cuttin’ Grass performs at the Flag House and Star-Spangled Banner Museum, 844 E. Pratt St., from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Free food and admission. Call 410-837-1793 or go to flaghouse.org.

Hoorah for Dads: The Orleans Street branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 1303 Orleans St., hosts stories and crafts at 6:30 p.m. for ages 6-12. Free. Call 410-396-0970 or go to prattlibrary.org.

Friday (June 13):

Father's Day Storytime: The program, at the Eldersburg branch of the Carroll County Public Library, 6400 Hemlock Drive, Eldersburg, includes stories, fingerplays, songs and a craft at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Children younger than 4 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Call 410-386-4488 or go to library.carr.org.

Fridays at the Walters: Hear poetry readings by Gregory Orr and Clarinda Harris from 5 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Free. Call 410-547-9000 or go to thewalters.org.

Kim's Krypt Haunted Attraction Friday the 13th Weekend: Kim's Krypt Haunted Attraction opens for the Friday the 13th weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday,at 1748 Merritt Blvd., Dundalk. Hours are 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m. $12 for adults; $7 for kids 11 and younger. Call 410-391-7726 or go to kimskrypt.com.

Summer Sounds at the Square: From 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Donegal Xpress performs Irish rock at Belvedere Square, York Road and Belvedere Ave. Free. Call 410-464-9773 or go to belvederesquare.com.

(Associated Press photo by Tina Fineberg)

Saturday (June 14): 

Baltimore Folk Music Society Family Dance: From 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m., families can participate in American folk dancing at St. Mark's on the Hill Parish Hall, 1620 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville. $20 for member families and $28 for non-member families. $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Call 410-366-0808 or go to bfms.org.

The Fire Museum of Maryland 31st Annual Steam Show & Bull Roast: From 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., the museum, 1301 York Road, Lutherville, brings out its collection of steam engine models, including a 1899 engine, and hosts contests for children and demonstrations of a horse-drawn hose wagon.  The steam show is free. The bull roast is $35 for adults and $17.50 for children 14 and younger. Call 410-321-7500 or go to firemuseummd.org.

Flag Day Celebration: The Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, 844 E. Pratt St., hosts signal flag demonstrations and flag-making activities for children from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. Call 410-837-1793 or go to flaghouse.org. 

Honfest: The annual celebration takes place 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday on 36th Street in Hampden with Baltimore’s Best Hon Contest, live music and a lip synching contest. Free. Go to honfest.net.

TRI It Fun Festival: As the kick-off for the Truxtun Youth Triathlon, this event aims to encourage active lifestyles for both children and parents. Become familiar with the Truxtun park and pool, including its elaborate trail system. Visitors can participate in soccer, fly fishing, karate and other outdoor activities. The festival begins at 11 a.m. at Truxtun Park, which is off Hilltop Lane in Annapolis. Call 410-263-7958 or go to ci.annapolis.md.us. Free.

Sunday (June 15):

Downs Park Bayside Concert Series: U.S. Navy Band the Cruisers, whose specialty is top 40 and Motown, perform from 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Alcholic beverages not permitted. Free. Call 410-222-6230 or go to http://www.aacounty.org/recparks..

Free Family Sundays: "Watercolors Outdoors" features interactive art workshops, gallery tours, and other activities for families starting at 2 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. Free. Call 443-573-1700 or go to artbma.org.

Elvis Tribute: Jesse Garron sings the Billboard hits, concert favorites and ballads during a three-set tribute to Elvis. The concert starts at 5 p.m. at the Inner Harbor. Free. Call 410-332-4191 or go to harborplace.com. 

Father's Day Picnic at the B&O Railroad Museum: The museum at 901 W. Pratt St. offers a picnic lunch, special gifts, train rides and museum discounts for dads, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Train rides are at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. $25.00 for members. $35 for non-members. $16 for children ages 2-12.Call 410-752-2462 x 221 or go to borail.org.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 5:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Here are Michele's choices for her prize as Charm City Moms commenter 700. This grab bag has a CD and a video on offer along with books. Feel free to give her advice on which item to choose:

-- Disney Music "Block Party," which has music from Ralph's World, They Might Be Giants, Johnny and the Sprites, and more.

--Bob the Builder "The Three Musketrucks" DVD.

--The New Parents' Fun Book: Laugh Yourself Silly Through Baby's First Year, by Kelly and David Sopp.

--There When He Needs You: How to Be An Available, Involved, and Emotionally Connected Father to Your Son, by Neil Bernstein

--Dinner Parties from Williams-Sonoma.

Michele, you can either choose your prize in public, by posting a comment, or send me a private e-mail.

(Photo by me)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: How to Use and Comment on This Blog
        

I was looking through Great Food Fast, published last year by the folks who produce Martha Stewart's Everyday Food magazine and show, when I saw a picture almost exactly like this one (only, of course, better.)

Now, normally you might not ever think of serving your under-10 kids a salad nicoise. But if you deconstructed it in this way? The kids could easily see things they liked, unmolested by things they didn't. They could pick and choose, and might even eat one of the vegetables if they didn't have to eat it all.

Indeed, we had some success with this Salmon Nicoise Salad (the recipe follows). Hard-boiled eggs were the key. ...

(Photo by me)

since both kids like them.

Daughter ate eggs, a little potato, and some green beans. Son ate a bit of everything (he's been getting really into seafood lately, and he loved the olives.) Parents mixed it all together with the zingy vinaigrette. Cool, refreshing, balanced, easy, especially if you prepare the eggs in advance.

Note: This dinner happened before this week's tomato scare. It's easy to leave them out, or substitute your own home-grown variety.

Salmon Nicoise Salad

Serves 4

Coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper

12 ounces (4 to 5) new potatoes

8 ounces green beans, trimmed

2 skinless salmon fillets (about 8 ounces each)

2 heads Boston lettuce (I substituted romaine)

4 plum tomatoes

3 large eggs, hard-cooked

1 medium red onion

1 /4 cup kalamata or black olives

Dijon Vinaigrette (see recipe below)

In a 5-quart pot, bring 1/2 inch water to a boil; add salt and the potatoes. Cover; cook, turning occasionally, until tender, 14 to 16 minutes.

With a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to a bowl. Set aside to cool. Add the green beans to the pot of boiling water. cover; cook, turning occasionally, until tender, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon. Rinse under cool water, and set aside.

Fill a deep skillet with 1/4 inch water. Season the salmon on both sides with salt and pepper; place in the skillet. Bring the water to a gentle simmer; cover and cook until the salmon is opaque throguhout, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to a plate; flake with a fork and let cool.

While the salmon is cooking, tear lettuce into pieces, quarter potatoes and tomatoes, peel and quarter the eggs and thinly slice the onion. Arrange everything on a large platter. Serve with vinaigrette.

--From "Great Food Fast," from the kitchens of Martha Stewart Living

Per serving (includes dressing): 455 calories, 34 grams protein, 27 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 19 grams carbohydrate, 5 grams fiber, 231 milligrams cholesterol, 706 milligrams sodium.

Dijon Vinaigrette

Makes about 1/2 cup

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon salt

freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup olive oil

In a medium bowl, whisk the juice, mustard, salt and a pinch of pepper until combined. Whisking constantly, add the olive oil in a steady stream; whisk until thickened and creamy. Or shake all ingredients in a small jar.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 8:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Since we had a tip sheet with what mothers really wanted for Mother's Day, it seems that Father's Day gifts might be a good subject for this week's tip sheet -- IF we can get enough dads to participate. Remember this is your bully pulpit; you can be gloriously anonymous or pseudonym-ous; and, if you're stumped on what to suggest for your own gift, you can get ideas from others.

Women, please post tips for gifts that have gone over well for you before. This is also a self-interested tip sheet. Memo to husband: Tell me what you want before I buy you another shirt!

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

Michele asked about local father-son look-alike contests. So far, I've found her one at White Marsh Mall scheduled for this Friday at 6:30 p.m. (Follow the link to register ahead of time.)

Anyone know of others?

And Michele, you get a two-fer -- an answer to your question, plus the prize for being our 700th commenter! (And you regulars thought I had forgotten, because it took a little while to get here.) I'll post later with some choices for your fabulous prize, so stay tuned.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

Our frequent Guest Dad Joe Burris recalls a favorite unexpected Father's Day gift -- a rose. 

Here's his post:

"Roses make a great Father's Day gift. They're lightweight, require no assembly, smell better than Old Spice, and, given the right presentation, pierce even the toughest outer shell to touch the heart.

"I've given roses to my wife for Valentine's Day, anniversaries, birthdays and, along with my mother, Mother's Days. Yet it scarcely occurred to me how meaningful such a gift was until I attended a Father's Day celebration at a church in Cambridge, Mass., five years ago...."

"Back then, I had been a father for six years, yet I rarely felt comfortable in fatherhood. By the time I had become a father at age 33, most of the men on both sides of my family had passed away (including my own father, who died when I was 15), and most fathers I knew had, like my father, come up when men were expected to be only breadwinners and disciplinarians, rarely immersed in the day-to-day throes of their child's life.

I had to carve out my own definition of a loving, caring daddy, and along the way positive reinforcement was rare at best. Then my daughter Nyaniso, then 6, and I attended the Father's Day service at St. Paul AME Church. During one portion of the program, the pastor asked all the fathers in the church to stand. And for the first time, I stood as a proud father with dozens of other fathers, as the packed church gave us a thunderous ovation.

Then the pastor beckoned children who had come with their fathers to the altar, where they would receive a white rose to give to their dads as a gift. Nyaniso joined hundreds of youngsters who scurried up the aisle.

As they reached for roses, the pastor began extolling our efforts as if he had known us personally: How we were there for the sniffles and scrapes; how we were providers and caregivers; how our children turned to us to fix their broken toys and broken hearts. My daughter extended her rose and gave me a hug, and scores of memories filled my head.

When Nyaniso was 2, she required a biopsy for a cyst (benign) beneath her jawbone. Doctors summoned me just before the procedure, anxious that they couldn't calm her down for the anesthesia. I leaned over her and sang mellodies, the anesthesiologist chimed in, and soon she drifted off with a smile.

When she was 4, she put me in the middle of a dispute she was having with Jessica, her imaginary friend. "She's got nothing to say to me," Nyaniso exclaimed, "and I've got nothing to say to her!" I still have yet to hear Jessica's side of things.

Two years later, friends and babysitters said that she refused to allow them to read to her, because they "didn't do it the way daddy does it," with sound effects and gentle pokes in all her ticklish spots.

I clutched the rose like a keepsake; for me it spoke words I sought to hear from others, yet I needed only to tell myself: As fatherhood goes, I'm doing all right.

Now, as a father of two, I've enjoyed 11 years of Father's Day gifts. Yet one has always stood out, even if I never get another. That's another thing about Father's Day roses: It's a heartstring tugger that keeps on tugging."

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

You knew we'd have to get to this eventually. Two recent items, and the fact that this is the ultimate topic for both men and women to talk about during Father's Day Week, propelled me to (excuse the expression) do it now:

--If you didn't catch the piece on two married couples who had sex every day for an extended period, you'll want to read it now. The story doesn't mention whether these couples have children, which, as we all know, adds an extra wrinkle...

--Meawhile The Poop, the San Francisco Chronicle's "baby blog," has a post on fitting in sex when you have kids that talks about the challenges of doing the deed when you're cosleeping with a young child. Another one we can talk about: what to do when you have a small house and a pre-teenager who doesn't fall asleep until 11 p.m. -- later than you do.

And where do we stand on "date nights" -- scheduled appointments for sex -- versus spontaneity? How often should "date nights" occur?

Post below -- but keep your comments G-rated, please.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Here come the free food offers for Father's Day. At TGI Friday's, moms got free mini desserts for Mother's Day; dads get free beer-battered onion rings.

Hmm.

Anyway, you'll need to show a coupon to take advantage of the offer.

Also, TCBY is offering a free small cup or cone of its frozen yogurt to Dads on Father's Day this Sunday, same as they did for mothers on Mother's Day.

Do you know of any other free food offers for fathers? Please post them below.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

The Sleep Lady of Annapolis, also known as Kim West, often e-mails thoughts about getting kids to sleep in her newsletter. I thought her strategies for helping kids with their summer sleep would make for a good Monday Consult as we head into the final days of school.

I've condensed her ideas into a few quick tips:

--Getting off schedule can be inevitable when you're traveling. The key is to minimize disruptions and return to the routine as soon as you can. 

-- If you've been working hard to eliminate a child's "sleep crutch," such as being rocked to sleep or nursing to sleep, trying not to fall back on that, even if there are other changes to the sleep routine. You can soothe and comfort more than usual; just don't go back to the crutch.

--Remind kids of the sleep rules even when they're being bent. You might say: "You are sleeping in the same bed as Mommy and Daddy while we are at the lake, but as soon as we get home you and Teddy Bear will be back in your princess bed and Mommy and Daddy will be back in our bed. But we'll come and check on you every night."

--When you return home, consider keeping activities especially light for a day or two to leave plenty of time for rest, and for returning to the usual sleep schedule.

--Be prepared to have to do a little more "sleep coaching" (a method West outlines in her book, Good Night, Sleep Tight.) But the coaching should go faster than it did the first time, because you'll be reinforcing a learned skill.

(2005 photo of Kim West by Sun photographer Andre Chung)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Did you wait with bated breath for pictures of Suri Cruise? Stay up at night wondering whether Ashlee Simpson really got married because she was pregnant? Then Celebrity Baby Blog, our Web-surfing destination for this Sunday, is the place for you to feed your addiction. It's got news on all the Hollywood moms and dads.

Then come back here and tell us if there's any hot gossip we missed.

(Photo of Halle Berry, who recently gave birth to a baby girl, by Toby Canham, Getty Images)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: On the Web
        

I got a press release recently about a new DVD of Beverly Cleary's The Mouse and the Motorcycle, coming out from Scholastic this month. It reminded me of all the time I spent during summers with Beverly Cleary books as a young reader, eating up the antics of Ramona the Pest.

Now lots of classic tales are being presented as DVDs, and I'm wondering what effect that might have. On one hand, if kids are going to watch "TV," it might as well be a great, educational story with themes to help them grow. On the other, does this make them gravitate to the DVD at the expense of the book? Or could an argument be made that it might it get them interested in reading the book, too, when they might not have otherwise?

I'd love to know how your kids have reacted to classics on DVD, and how it has affected their interest in reading the stories.

(Photo courtesy of Scholastic)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It's summer reading time at local libraries. Many are kicking off their annual programs to get kids to read with activities this weekend and in the coming week.

The statewide theme is "Catching the Reading Bug." Some libraries have separate programs for teens, featuring Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis.

Some highlights, with links to the full schedule of events:

--Kickoff parties are scheduled tomorrow at most branches of Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library, with games, activities and the like.

--Baltimore County's program starts Monday, with events throughout the summer. Its web site has companion crafts you can do at home. Wacky Paper Plate Bugs, anyone? There is also a preschool program, with links to web sites for learning letters, numbers and beginning sounds.

--Anne Arundel County's kickoff events start the week of June 16, though you can sign up starting Monday.There will be several concerts by the group Milkshake at branch libraries during the summer, and students entering sixth grade and up can participate in a program on the history of hip-hop at the West County, Severna Park and Annapolis libraries.

--Howard County's celebration is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow at the East Columbia branch, featuring an "edible insects cooking show" and performances by Barry Louis Polisar and Flumpa and Friends.

Got favorite bug books to recommend?

 (Photo taken at the East Columbia branch of the Howard County Library by Saul Stoogenke)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Books
        

Next week will be Father's Day Week on Charm City Moms (which, as we all know, is for dads too.) We'll be talking about all kinds of fathering topics, passing along Father's Day offers, and looking for a dad-related Tip Sheet Thursday.

It's never too early for fathers to start talking about what they want (and don't) for Father's Day.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 9:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

It's part-time preschool for Edamommy's daughter, if she goes by the results of our Guilty-Mom poll. Of the 41 folks who voted, slightly more than half thought the 4-year-old should go to school just 2 days a week next year, as her mother would prefer, instead of 4-5 days.

I was mulling this over as I said goodbye to my son's preschool teachers on their last day together yesterday. He's off to kindergarten after a year of full-day (in our case, extended-day) preschool. Now this was a kid who actively loved school and his pals there, so it was easy to feel good about sending him. But I'm also confident that he's prepared for kindergarten.

As some posters noted, kindergarten now is what first grade used to be. The kids are expected to already know counting and letters. They're learning to read and expected to know how to behave.

The key to feeling good about it all in our case was that our preschool struck a great balance between learning and just plain fun. When my daughter left and started kindergarten, she missed all the time they had to play outside and make up their own games at her old school.

So do we need less preschool? Or less rigorous kindergarten? Or both?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Guilty-Mom polls
        

What do you when the Baltimore humidity climbs, the kids are home and everybody's cranky? Here are your (and my) tips for those days, which are upon us:

--Get thee to the library. It's easy to overlook these public spaces in favor of more whiz-bang kid venues, but how can you beat air-conditioned, free and full of kids' books? Lots of libraries are kicking off their summer reading programs with parties in the next few days (I'll give you the lowdown in a separate post later.)

--Kids' bookstores often schedule free story times, and I'll do a separate post on those soon, too. You might have to spend a little money, but these are also good places to hang out on a sweltering day.

--Visit a museum. Free is especially good (if you've gotta leave suddenly, you haven't lost anything.) So you might head to the Baltimore Museum of Art or the Walters Art Museum, which are always free now. At the BMA, your kids can venture out briefly to play in the sculpture garden if they start to get antsy inside. Both museums have regular family activities.

--Take in a movie. This is an obvious one, and probably worth its own Tip Sheet later on best theaters for taking the kids. Meanwhile, I'll tell you about Regal Entertainment Group's Free Family Film Festival, which shows free family-friendly movies on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings throughout the summer starting the week of June 16. There are participating local theaters in Hunt Valley, Bel Air, Westminster and Marley Station.

(Photo of First Lady Katie O'Malley reading with son Jack at Rosedale Library's Storyville by Sun photographer Algerina Perna)

--Ikea is a kid-friendly place to shop and hang out; we've used its Smaland, where kids who meet certain age, potty-training and height ranges can be left for an hour. Our kids also just like playing pretend games in the kids' bedroom area, and eating lunch in the cafe.

--Have a toy wash. This tip comes from MJ, who writes, "It's the same as having them wash the car, but more on their scale." And a way to get some cleaning done while having fun, a two-fer I can always use.

--Go bowling. A suggestion from Chris, who likes Taylor's Stoneleigh Bowling Center, 6703 York Road, 410-377-8115.  We were at the AMF lanes on York Road in Timonium for a birthday party recently; I liked the gutter guards that kept the kids' balls in play.

--Go ice skating. What's cooler than an indoor rink?

Other suggestions?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

Family-friendly doings in our area this weekend include nature outings, some unusual festivals, and library activities -- always a good bet, especially if it's raining. If it's not, it might be fun to hit the celebration of a new trailhead along the Gwynns Falls trail. 

Thursday (June 5):

Dinosaur Babies with DinoRock Productions: The Maryland City at Russett branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library, 3501 Russett Common, Laurel, hosts a program featuring puppets and music at 7 p.m. Free. Call 301-725-2390 or go to aacpl.net.

Magic and Wit and Bugs: Magician Mike Rose presents interactive magic, comedy and sleight-of hand tricks, along with educational information about bugs and insects, at 7 p.m. at the Arbutus branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 1581 Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus. Free. Children younger than 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Call 410-887-1451 or go to bcplonline.org.

St. Nicholas’ Greek Folk Festival: From today through Sunday, St. Nicholas’ Greek Orthodox Church, 520 S. Ponca St., hosts the festival, which features traditional Greek food and gifts, live music and entertainment, church tours and folk and Greek dancing. Noon-11 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Call 410-633-5020 or go to greekfolkfestival.com. Free.

And that's just Thursday. ...

(Photo courtesy of Baltimore Clayworks)

Friday (June 6): 

Clayfest!: Baltimore Clayworks hosts a festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday featuring activities like raku firing (which provides a unique finish to completed sculptures); exhibits; artist demonstrations and the Seconds Sale, during which patrons can purchase heavily discounted pottery. The Clay Olympics, held on both days, includes competitions for Longest Handle, Tallest Cylinder and Foot Centering. The festival runs 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday, noon-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday at 5707 Smith Ave. Call 410-578-1919 or go to baltimoreclayworks.org. Two-day passes for Friday and Saturday are $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Passes for Saturday are $10 for adults and $5 for children 5 and older. Admission is free on Sunday.
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“The Tempest” and “The Comedy of Errors”: The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company performs both works outdoors at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 5 p.m. Sundays through July 13 at the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park, 3691 Sarah’s Lane, Ellicott City. Call 866-811-4111 or go to chesapeakeshakespeare.com. $15-$25; free for those younger than 18. <
   
Nature Story Hour: Story hour with nature stories is followed by a nature walk, weather permitting, at Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave., 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. For ages 3- 6. Call 410-367-2217 or go to cylburnassociation.org. Free.

Towson Feet on the Street: Live music, food, and children’s activities will be offered from 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m. along Allegheny Ave., between York Road and Washington Ave. Free parking will be available in the lot above Towson Fitness Center. Go to towsonchamber.com. Free.

Saturday (June 7): 

Art in the Park: Art for sale, live music and a children’s activities tent will be offered from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Westminster City Hall Park, at the corner of Locust Street and Longwell Avenue in Westminster. Call 410-848-7272 or go to http://www.carr.org/arts. Free. <
   
Concert: After the monthly Station North Flea Market, the Todd Marcus Quartet, Karter Jaymes, Let the Monkey Go and Larzine perform. Patrons are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. The concert begins at 3 p.m. in Station North, at the corner of N. Charles and Trenton streets. Call 410-962-7075 or go to stationnorth.org. Free.

National Trails Day Celebration: Baltimore celebrates National Trails Day with the opening of a new trailhead along the Gwynns Falls Trail. The program begins with 5K and 10K races followed by the opening celebration. Addditional activities include bike tours, nature walks, rowing lessons and fly fishing demonstrations. Registration for the race opens at 7 a.m., with the race beginning at 7:30 a.m. The opening celebration is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. The trail is located at the I-70 Park & Ride. Call 410-396-0440 or go to gwynnsfallstrail.org. Registration is $25 for the 5K and $35 for the 10K. All other activities are free.<
   
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104th annual St. Anthony Festival: The festival, benefiting St. Leo’s Church in Little Italy, features live entertainment from several bands, games and traditional Italian food from noon-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday along Stiles Street from High to Lloyd streets and along Exeter Street from Pratt to Fawn streets. There will be a two-man team bocce tournament Saturday and a four-man team tournament Sunday. A silent auction will also be held.  Go to littleitalymd.com for more information. Admission is a $1 donation. <
   

Annual Wade-In: Otter Point Creek provides canoe and pontoon rides, face painting, fish printing(crafts for kids), food, drinks, live music and more, from 2 p.m.-5 p.m.at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Road., Abingdon. Call 410-612-1688 or go to otterpointcreek.org. Free. <
   
Keep Your Cool Family Fun Fair: This fair sponsored by the Family Tree has activities, games, food, and information for families on how to have a fun, safe summer from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at Druid Hill Park’s Chinese Pavilion, located between Swann and Druid Hill Park drives. Performers will include Mambo Combo and the Black Cherry Puppet Theater. Call 410-889-2300 or go to familytreemd.org. Free.


Sunday (June 8):
   
17th Annual Philippine-American Festival: The festival, featuring live music, folk dancing, and traditional dishes, takes place 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at Courthouse Plaza and Chesapeake Ave. in Towson. Call 443-831-5036 or go to katipunan.org. Free.

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Celtic Festival: Celebrate Celtic culture with pipe band music, highland games, tours, sheepherding, and more from noon - 5 p.m. at the Steppingstone Museum, 461 Quaker Bottom Road, Havre de Grace. Call 410-939-2299 or go to steppingstonemuseum.org. $5. < 
   
Free Family Sundays: “Larger Than Life,” at the Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, includes interactive art workshops and gallery tours, starting at 2 p.m. Call 443-573-1700 or go to artbma.org. Free. 
    < 
Merchant Block Party: The Lauraville Merchant’s Association hosts a block party including a candy tasting, children’s activities, shiatsu massages, bee hive hairstyling, a native plant sale, a garden swap, and a live performance by the Red Canoe Singers from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the 3000 block of Montebello Terrace. Call 410-444-9188 or go to greaterlauraville.com. Free.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Things to Do
        

in the latest Guilty-Mom poll. Tell Edamommy whether she should send her daughter to preschool four days a week or just two. You have until 6 p.m.

And the comment contest is still underway -- we have a few more to go before we hit 700. Why not vie for the prize with a suggestion for places to beat the heat this summer for tomorrow's tip sheet? I could use some right now; my kids are home and it's sweltering outside.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 3:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Guilty-Mom polls
        

Need dinner delivery after your own delivery? Let's Dish!, the meal-assembly company, has an offer for new moms -- free delivery of its 8-meal DishDelivery orders for up to three months after a baby is born.

Details and rules of the offer are on the Let's Dish blog.

If you know someone who's expecting, a nice group gift might be to spring for the meals, then take advantage of the offer for free delivery of them. I know that when I had babies, all I really wanted was for dinner to be taken care of (and cleanup too!).

When my first was born, one of our favorite gifts was a big spiral sliced ham with biscuits, with a tray of fresh fruit. Whenever we were hungry and had a moment to eat, we'd grab it.

What food gifts have you received in the early days of having a baby that you liked best?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Babies and Toddlers, Expecting, Food and Recipes
        

I already told you about my son's scrumptious birthday cake. Now here's the birthday dinner. The boy chose shrimp, "my favorite seafood."

I figured a simple shrimp preparation with pasta would please everyone. I could serve the pasta without the shrimp to my daughter, and the shrimp without the pasta to my son. And a lot of everything to my husband and me.

Darn that parsley, though. ...

(Photo by me)

It's amazing the histrionics that can be caused by a few little flecks of green.

Adults give this dish two thumbs up, especially if you like garlic. (If you don't so much, it should be easy to dial down.) Birthday boy gives it the nod, minus pasta. Daughter? Big no.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 5:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dinner Together