It's getting to be gazpacho season, but my kids have already pretty much rejected tomatoes. A cool, easy soup is so appealing in summer, though, and bell peppers should be at the farmer's markets soon.

Since I had good luck with Mollie Katzen's Tiny Tacos a couple of months ago, I thought I would give her Cream of Red Pepper soup a try. It's meant to be served warm, but I thought I'd see if it would work as a cool soup.

Indeed it does work, warm or lightly chilled. Though the title sounds a little heavy, there's no actual cream... 

(Photo by me)

And it's easy -- mild and slightly sweet. We served it with hummus and whole-wheat pitas, edamame and applesauce for the kids.

My kids were in a rejecting mood on the night we had this soup, though. It was one of those times when they shook their heads before the first bite even entered their mouths.

But I imagine some kids might be attracted by the color. Let's hope yours are!

Cream of Red Pepper Soup

Serves 4 to 5

1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil)
2 cups minced onion
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin
5 medium-sized red bell peppers- stemmed, seeded, and sliced
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups milk (soy okay) - at room temperature or warmer
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional, for the top:
Sour cream (thinned by whisking slightly)
Torn cilantro leaves

Melt the butter and/or heat the oil in a soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and swirl to coat the pan. Add the onion and garlic, and cumin, and cook over low heat, stirring, for 5 minutes.

Add the bell peppers and salt, stir well, cover, and continue to cook over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Gradually sprinkle in the flour. Cook, stirring, for another 3 minutes or so. Remove from heat. Purée in a blender, bit by bit, with the milk. Pour the puréed soup back into the soup pot. You may wish to strain the soup to get a smoother texture.

If serving cold, chill slightly (or allow to cool to room temperature). If serving warm, heat very gently (do not boil), then add black pepper to taste. Serve topped with sour cream and/or torn cilantro leaves, if desired.

--Adapted from molliekatzen.com

Per serving (based on 5 servings): 158 calories, 6 grams protein, 5 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 23 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams fiber, 536 milligrams sodium, 6 milligrams cholesterol. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

I've been meaning to post about this story on the preteen exercise slide from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Some interesting research is finding that kids tend to be active for about three hours a day up to the age of 9. But by the time they're 15, the active time has gone down to less than an hour a day, and to just about 35 minutes on the weekends.

These seem to be telling numbers as we face the continuing child obesity crisis, which affects nearly a third of U.S. kids, according to the story.

I'm wondering what we can do about it. Schools have been squeezing out recreation time, especially for older kids, to make room for academics. After school, if your child doesn't make a sports team, it may be tough to draw him into activities when he'd rather be texting, text-messaging, or playing video games.

What are you doing to keep your kids active?

(Associated Press photo of young gymnasts in Beijing by Greg Baker)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 3:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Health
        

What are your ideas for this week's tip sheet?

Some possibilities:

--Best presents for a 2-year-old (continuing the birthday series)

--Favorite local libraries, and why

--Top ways to pass the time on a car trip

What's your pleasure?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

With all the comments under the GBMC parent education thread this weekend, I thought I'd give a call to Dee Dee Franke, who left the hospital recently after running new moms' groups there for years.

Franke said she would like to find a way to keep ministering to new parents. When she does, she said, she'll let me know what form it's taking, and I'll let you know.

In the meantime, she said to thank the parents who have commented here -- and the others whom she worked with over the years -- for their support. "Tell them I really miss them," she said. "I learned as much from them as they did from me."

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Babies and Toddlers
        

Though it seems impossible with the ailing housing market, there are families who will use the opportunity of the summer break to make a move -- back to the grandparents, forward to a new job, etc. If they have young children, moms and dads will need to prepare the kids for all the changes that come with new schools and new surroundings.

For our Monday Consult, here are some highlights from a tip sheet on the subject from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry:

• Explain clearly to the children why the move is necessary.
• Familiarize the children as much as possible with the new area with maps, photographs or the daily newspaper.
• Describe advantages of the new location that the child might appreciate such as a lake, mountain or an amusement park.
• After the move, get involved with the children in activities of the local church or synagogue, PTA, scouts, YMCA, etc.
• If a son or daughter is a senior in high school, consider the possibility of letting him or her stay with a trusted family until the school year is over.
• Let children participate in designing or furnishing their room.
• Help children keep in touch with friends from the previous neighborhood through telephone, letters, e-mail, and personal visits.

Do any of you who've recently moved have tips and stories to share? And I'm sure we could also use tips for the flip side: How to console a child whose friend is moving.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

We've gotten a number of calls and e-mails over the past few days from new moms worried about changes in new-parent support at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, one of the area's largest maternity hospitals. GBMC has been known for its free new-mom support group and for its Lactation Station store, which along with breastfeeding supplies offered consultations for new parents and -- my personal favorite -- a free baby scale, where you could make sure your brand-new child was getting enough food without hysterically badgering your doctor.

The sad news is that Dee Dee Franke, whom many moms loved for her real-world approach to the overwhelming task of bringing up baby, has left GBMC. And the Lactation Station has moved to the "parent education" part of the hospital. Here's what my colleague Susan Reimer learned when she called Lanny Dowell, parent education coordinator for GBMC:

Of the Lactation Station, Dowell said: "We are not going to close. We have just relocated it to the Parent Education office. We have all the same services, except maternity bra fittings and maternity clothes. We're waiting on some construction so we have room for those."

Dowell said Franke resigned last Friday after the hospital asked her to keep her meetings within the 10 a.m. to noon time frame as a cost-saving measure. They had been running into the afternoon, Dowell said. "We had been hoping she would stay," Dowell said.

There was concern among the Lactation Station's faithful that the free services were pushed out by an expansion of GBMC's genetics department. But Dowell said none of the services have been cut.

And, she said, if the two-hour troubleshooting sessions on Tuesday (for mothers with babies up to 12 weeks old) and Friday (for mothers with babies older than 12 weeks) are not able to solve all the problems (generally nursing and sleeping issues), individual counseling sessions can still be made.

"I don't understand the miscommunication," she said. "We had signs everywhere and pamphlets about the move.

"If you are a new mom," she said, "please stop by and introduce yourself to us."

Still, I know a lot of folks will miss Franke. Full disclosure: I attended her group with my first child. Without her, that baby might not have ever learned to nap.

What do you think?

 (2004 photo of Dee Dee Franke by Sun photographer Amy Davis)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: Health
        

Well, I'm still not feeling so great, so this tip sheet on how to stay well in a house with kids might be just a leeetle thin. You're still welcome to help me out with ideas, though. (Would begging be unseemly in my weakened state?)

The thing is, while you might be wiping everything down, washing hands often, etc., moms can't go into complete quarantine when someone in the house is sick. If it's a child, that child probably needs some cuddling, which brings you in close proximity to the germs. Not to mention you might have to get pretty darn close to help get any medicine down.

And if it's mom who's sick, you're really in trouble. Unless you're lucky enough to have full-time household help, sick mom probably still has to perform at least some of her duties. She may have to make some meals, supervise baths, hand the kids things, etc. I find the germ-spreading potential of this a little scary.

So here are a few ideas:

--Kitchen tongs are my new best friend. I used them this morning to get cereal down from the cupboard and open it; and even to carry some little plates to the table. You could use a different pair to hand your child a pair of socks or a lunchbox he forgot. The kids got a kick out of this, and I worried less about spreading my germs, even though my hands were clean.

--Wash, wash, wash your hands. I know you all know this, and it still doesn't always work, but health professionals have long said this is the best way to prevent the spread of bugs. Remember to wash for at least 20 seconds, using plenty of soap. Teach younger children to sing "Happy Birthday" twice (or maybe something cooler) to pass the time.

And parents, take a few minutes to wash your hands after being at the office before those babies run up with their irresistible hugs at day's end. (Or keep hand sanitizer in the car -- not a bad idea anyway -- and slather it on before you come in.) That way the office germs should stay at the office.

--This Babycenter article points out the most important surfaces to disinfect when anyone is sick. They're things that everybody touches, like doorknobs, television remotes, toys, and (I would add) the phones and computer keyboards.

--This pediatrician reminds us to teach children to cover their noses and mouths when they cough or sneeze. I've taught mine to cough into an elbow (as long as it's a dry cough) to keep germs off those hands, which are the key spreaders. When they're coughing every five seconds, there's no way you can wash your hands that much.

Your ideas?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

Artscape is upon us! And there's more to do with the family over the next few days:

Thursday (July 17):

Animals, Animals, Animals: Irvine Nature Center gives presentations with animals, including snakes and insects, at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Cockeysville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 9833 Greenside Drive, Cockeysville. For ages 2-5 with adult. Call 410-887-7750 or go to bcpl.info. Free.

Concerts In The Park: Pet Rock performs at Dundalk Heritage Park, 10 Dunmanway, Dundalk at 7 p.m. Call 410-282-4116 or go to dundalkchamberofcommerce.org. Free.

From Bugs to Superheroes: Librarians discuss Spiderman, The Wasp, Antman, lead craft activities, and more at the Glenwood branch of the Howard County Library, 2350 Rt. 97, Cooksville, starting at 2 p.m. For ages 3-8. Reservations required. Call 410-313-5579 or go to hclibrary.org. Free.

Summer Evening at Evergreen: The Evergreen Museum and Library, 4545 N. Charles St., hosts  an after-hours open house of the museum’s first floor and outdoor Sculptures at Evergreen exhibit and a full dress rehearsal of The Twelfth Night by the Baltimore Shakespeare Festival. The open house runs 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., and the performance starts at 8 p.m. Call 410-516-0341 or go to http://www.museums.jhu.edu/evergreen. Free, but there is a suggested donation of $5.

Friday (July 18):

Artscape: The nation’s largest free public arts festival features more than 150 artists, craftspeople and fashion designers; live concerts; performing arts; visual art exhibits on and off site; family activities; and a variety of food vendors. The event runs noon-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and noon-8 p.m. Sunday along Mount Royal Avenue and Charles Street. Call 877-225-8466 or go to artscape.org. Free.

There's also a Greek Festival in Harford County...

(Photo of 2007 Artscape by Sun photographer Karl Merton Ferron)

Saints Mary Magdalene and Markella Greek Orthodox Church, 3714 Dublin Road, Darlington, celebrates Greek culture with traditional dancing and food and live music. Hours are 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, 10 p.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Call 410-241-9690 or go to gochc.org. Free.

The Milk Mustache Mobile Tour: The tour encourages healthy living, celebrates moms who create nutrition-conscious homes and allows visitors to get milk-mustache photos taken, sample low-fat and fat-free milk from local dairies, win prizes, get exercise advice from fitness experts and speak with a registered dietitian. Baltimore residents can also submit a 30-second video nominating a local mom for the inaugural Chief Health Officer Contest. The winning mom receives the title of America’s Chief Health Officer and has the chance to appear in a milk mustache advertisement. Events take place 11 a.m.-1 p.m Friday at Sam’s Club, 424 George Clauss Blvd, Severn; 5 p.m.-7 p.m.. Saturday at Greenbelt Consumer Co-op, 121 Center Way, Greenbelt; noon-2 p.m Saturday at Lauer’s Supermarket, 8095-A Edwin Raynor Blvd., Pasadena; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday at Bi-Rite Supermarket, 5950 Belair Road; and 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Sunday at Shopper’s, 6500 Eastern Ave. Go to whymilk.com. Free.

The Sean Grace Band: The group, which fuses classical, celtic-folk, progressive rock and jazz music, gives a concert at 7 p.m. at Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park, 3691 Sarah’s Lane, Ellicott City. Patrons can bring blankets, chairs, food and beverages, but alcohol is prohibited. Call 410-313-7275. Free.

Saturday (July 19):

Animal Enrichment Weekend: From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, at Druid Hill Park, will have special activities. The river otters will receive ice treats with fish inside, chimpanzees will have to find a way to use tools to extract honey from a feeder, keepers will blow bubbles for penguins to chase and more. Call 410-396-7102 or go to marylandzoo.org. Free with admission, which is $15 for ages 12-64, $12 for seniors, $10 for ages 2-11 and free for children younger than 2.

Blueberry Festival and Auction: The event, which includes face painting, a dunking booth, live music, food vendors, fresh blueberries, pies and baked goods, an auction and a plant sale takes place from 10 a.m to 2 p.m at the Deer Creek Friends Meetinghouse of the Harford Friends School, 1212 Main St, Darlington. Call 410-452-5507 or go to harfordfriends.org. Free.

Civil War Encampment: Watch Civil War re-enactments and listen to lectures, including one on Union Mill’s role in the Battle at Gettysburg from 9 p.m.-dusk Saturday and Sunday at the Union Mills Homestead, 3311 Littlestown Pike, Westminster. Call 410-848-2288 or go to unionmills.org. Free.

Saturday Cinema: The Canton branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 1030 S. Ellwood Ave., presents a screening of A Bug's Life and provides popcorn and lemonade at 2 p.m. For ages 6-12. Call 410-396-8548 or go to prattlibrary.org. Free.

Surf & Turf Summertime Fun Festival: The summer celebration includes a variety of food, live music, crafts, demonstrations, educational seminars and more from noon-7 p.m. at the Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S. Center St., Westminster. Call 410-386-3880 or go to carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org. $5 general admission. $3 for ages 7-17 and 60 and older. Ages 6 and younger are free with a paying adult.

Sunday (July 20):

Antique Auto Show: Various makes and models of antique cars from the 1920s to the 1990s will be at Meadowood Regional Park, 10650 Falls Road, Lutherville-Timonium, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 410-527-0953 or go to freestateregionvcca.org. $15 to register a car. Free for spectators.

Downs Park Bayside Concert Series: The Bay Jazz Project performs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Downs Park, 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets. No alcoholic beverages. Call 410-222-6230 or go to aacounty.org/recparks. Free.

Family Workshop: "Kaleidoscopes: features interactive workshops, gallery tours and more starting at 2 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive. Activities begin at 2 p.m. Call 443-573-1700 or go to artbma.org. Free.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Things to Do
        

This week's tip sheet topic comes to me as I slowly emerge from the fog of a nasty, flu-like virus that has been pummeling our household. For the kids this time, it mostly took the form of a bad cold, but it knocked their doddering parents on their backs with fever, chills and major headaches.

And it's not even the sick season. But it occurs to me that people with young kids are always trying to dodge the germs. And no matter how hard you try to wipe everything down with disinfectants and not share towels, those germs seem to find you sometimes.

Also, I must admit it's hard to keep from having those little ones hug and kiss you when they're sick.

So post your tips. How do you keep the germs at bay? And when a virus does enter the house, how do the rest of you avoid it?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Health
        

Check out our story on the slew of kids' cookbooks coming out this summer. Cooking with your kids is all the rage, and author Maria Blackburn road-tested a few of the books with her tribe and some friends.

Even some of the adults in the office here thought the recipe for Peanut Butter Globe Globs at the end of the story sounded like the best thing ever.

Now we'd like to hear from you. What are your favorite books or web sites for cooking with kids? And we'd love to have you post some of your favorite kid-involved recipes for us all to try. 

(Photo of Maria Blackburn cooking with daughter Mia by Sun photographer Barbara Haddock Taylor)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 9:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Food and Recipes
        

In times of economic stress, I always think about my mother. How did she manage to feed a family of four on just one salary?

The answer: Sometimes we had pancakes for dinner. Turns out that's what my mother-in-law, who had seven children, did too.

Pancakes for dinner is also convenient if you have picky eaters, and if you can somehow fortify your pancakes to give them a little extra nutrition.

My mom's sweet little cookbook had this recipe for Cottage Cheese Pancakes, which I hadn't eaten in years. She wrote that "with sausage and applesauce on the side, this makes a nutritious 'main meal.' "

The kids downed several without asking questions. Then my ever-sharp daughter said: "I've discovered the secret ingredient. ..."

(Photo by me)

and held up an incriminating cottage-cheese curd.

Then she proceeded to wolf down two more pancakes. Thanks, Mom!

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Makes about 16 pancakes

1 cup yogurt or sour cream

1 cup small-curd cottage cheese

4 eggs

1 cup flour

2 tablespoons sugar

Mix together yogurt, cottage cheese and eggs until well combined. Fold in flour and sugar until no flour streaks remain. Batter will be thick.

Butter a pancake griddle and heat to medium. Use a ladle or a large spoon to form pancakes. When bubbles form and start to pop on the top, flip the pancakes and cook for another minute or two.

--Pat Shatzkin

Per pancake: 73 calories, 5 grams protein, 2 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 9 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 56 milligrams cholesterol, 78 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield. 

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Which celeb moms do you want to emulate (rather than gawk at)?

The folks at BettyConfidential.com, a site that covers "women's life stages," have chosen their 10 favorite celebrity moms. Julia Roberts tops the list because she shields her kids from paparazzi and is raising them out of the limelight in New Mexico.

Also lauded: Jenny McCarthy (for her autism advocacy), Maria Shriver, Gwen Stefani and Kelly Ripa, among others.

Despite now being a mother of six, Angelina Jolie only made the list as .... Most Controversial. "Some find her admirable and devoted; some find her off-putting and exploitative," the site says.

What say you?

(2004 Associated Press photo)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Infertility is a growing problem that some of you have probably faced. So it may be no news to you that there's an emerging network of blogs dedicated to the quest for a positive pregnancy test, as our story says today.

It's an incredibly intimate subject, so the anonymity-yet-community of the blogosphere seems the perfect forum for sharing tips and travails about this. Have you visited infertility blogs?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Expecting
        

Our Guest Dad today is book blogger Dave Rosenthal, who shares his favorite bedtime reads for children:

"Over on Read Street, we've been discussing children's books -- the good, the bad, the macabre. I think reading, at bedtime, at the breakfast table or otherwise, is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child. There's a tremendous sense of closeness and sharing in those moments, as you sit perched on the edge of a bed or huddle together in an armchair.

When our children were small, we wore out Goodnight Moon, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, numerous pop-up books and anything by Dr. Seuss. My daughter was drawn to classic tales such as Madeline; my son preferred illustrated compendiums and could identify the markings of various airlines before he could read (he was especially partial to American).

Because of the memories attached to these books, most have survived moves and house cleanings. In fact, I was shouted down a year or so ago, when I tried to sell a few at a yard sale ... 

Our daughter is an avid reader; our son less so. Still, I haven't given up hope for him. I'm heading out to Denver soon to help him through a knee operation, and I'm already assembling a list of books for him."

What are your favorites?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

If you missed it yesterday, you must catch up with Jill Rosen's story on stay-at-home moms who are trying to head back into the work force because the economy has made it very difficult to live on one income.

There's an interesting discussion below the story. These moms aren't getting much sympathy. Some of you might have a different take, and I'd love it if you'd share that here.

(Photo by Sun photographer Doug Kapustin of Jennifer Hart-Walters, mother of two, (Elizabeth Walters (5) and Zachary Walters (3) ) who has gone back to work part-time.)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (16)
Categories: Work-life balance
        

A reader e-mailed me asking for a Consult on tips for a child who will start wearing glasses soon. How many pairs to buy? When should he wear them, and when should he take them off?

I called Dr. Mary Louise Collins, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Greater Baltimore Medical Center. Here's some of what she had to say:

--First, talk to your doctor. This may sound obvious, but each child is different and may need to wear glasses at different times, Collins says. Understand the child's situation: is this simple nearsightedness, or is there a problem like lazy eye, for which the instructions might be more complicated?

--For most young children, try keeping glasses on all through the school day. "It's a practical thing for kids," Collins says. Even if the child doesn't need them for close work, it shouldn't hurt his eyes to keep the glasses on, and it will help keep the glasses from being broken or lost, she says. As long as it's OK with the child's doctor, he can take them off when he gets home from school.

If kids do need to take glasses off during the day -- for, say, gym or recess -- Collins has a little saying...

(Associated Press photo)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Summer is great -- for parents and kids. But do you ever worry that as they while away the days, kids are forgetting what they learned in school last year? It's a real problem, says Johns Hopkins' Center for Summer Learning, which notes that teachers typically spend 4 to 6 weeks at the beginning of each school year going over forgotten material.

But learning in the summer can and should be fun. If you're looking for ideas, check out ReadWriteThink, a Web site from the International Reading Association. It has age-appropriate, interactive activities, such as a "Comic Creator" for kids ages 8-11.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: On the Web
        

New research is helping to explain why breakthroughs can occur when autistic children undergo intensive education programs. According to this Associated Press story, six new genes have been linked to involvement in autism.

The good news is that the research published in today's edition of the journal Science found that the genes weren't necessarily missing in children with autism spectrum disorders. They were merely turned off, so to speak, instead of processing experiences that help a child's brain develop normally. In some cases, experts believe, intense therapy can get those genes working again.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Health
        

Don't forget to vote in our latest Guilty-Mom poll on whether having children makes us happier or brings on surprising amounts of depression and stress, as some studies have found. You have until noon today to add your vote.

So far, the happiness quotient among our readers is high.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Guilty-Mom polls
        

Clearly, we need more time for recommendations for child care in southern Baltimore County. Instead, here is an off-the-top-of-my-head tip sheet on another topic we batted about briefly -- presents for a first birthday.

 Besides, today is my adorable nephew's first birthday. Happy birthday, Jay!

To me, this is a harder birthday to buy for than you might think. One-year-olds are still sort of babies, yet in another way worlds away from that state -- they're on the move walking (or about to be); they're talking (or about to be). But many toys still aren't quite safe for a 1-year-old. Here are a few ideas. I hope you'll add more:

--I like Dahlink's suggestion of a big, empty box. Low to no cost, high play value.

--A sturdy drum might be a headache for parents, but it's a great, safe tactile and audio experience for the emerging toddler. There's one on this list from a mom on Yahoo!'s Shine, along with some other ideas.

--Simple bath books (waterproof, tearproof) are a great way to get squirmy 1-year-olds to settle down in the tub. We had "One Fish, Two Fish" by Dr. Seuss.

--A sturdy, adjustable basketball hoop with mini ball. This is a gift that keeps on giving, because you can move the hoop higher as the child grows.

--Money for college. I'm no financial adviser, but it seems like stocks are in buying mode at the moment. Your gift could gain great ground by the time your little friend is 17.

--A CD of listenable kids' music. (That should be its own TS Thursday topic soon.) Local band Milkshake's Happy Songs would be perfect for this age.

--Good, old-fashioned, and large (for safety) wooden blocks with letters and/or numbers.

Your favorites?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

Little Italy Film Festival: Watch Moonstruck, the Oscar-winning romantic comedy that stars Cher and Nicolas Cage, at 9 p.m. at High and Stiles streets in Little Italy. Aldo and Corrado Locco play traditional Italian music before the screening. Go to littleitalymd.com. Free.

Shore Leave 30: This fan-run, sci-fi convention features a variety of events: a costume contest; a dance; a Klingon banquet; scientific presentations; meet and greets with George Takei, Malcolm McDowell and other celebrities; and more. The event runs noon Friday-1 a.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. Saturday-3 a.m. Sunday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday at the Hunt Valley Marriott Inn, 245 Shawan Road, Hunt Valley. Call 410-496-4456 or go to shore-leave.com. Three-day admission is $75. One-day admission is $20 for Friday, $50 for Saturday and $40 for Sunday. $15 for children 5-12. Free for children younger than 5.

Saturday (July 12):

15th Annual Howard County Pow-Wow/American Indian Show and Festival: Learn about Native American culture and watch performances by dancers, singers, drummers, craftspeople and artists 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday at the Howard County Fairgrounds, 2210 Fairgrounds Road, West Friendship. Call 410-442-1022 or go to howardcountyfair.com. $8 for adults. $5 for children younger than 13.

67th Annual Turtle Derby: Races will be held in three categories: box turtles, tortoises and other turtles, beginning at 11 a.m. at Patterson Park, at Eastern and Linwood avenues. Prizes go to winning turtles, and anyone interested in participating can bring their own turtle. Call 410-396-6136 or go to ci.baltimore.md.us. Free.

Drop-In Art Activities: Tasty Delights: Families can make crafts based on ancient dried foods and food traditions from around the world at the Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 410-547-9000 or go to thewalters.org. Free.

Family Workshop: Quilting: The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, hosts interactive art workshops and gallery tours Saturday and Sunday. Activities begin at 2 p.m. both days. Call 443-573-1700 or go to artbma.org.

Quiet Waters Park Summer Concert Series: Jazz artist David Bach performs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Quiet Waters Park, 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Alcoholic beverages not allowed. Call 410-222-1777 or go to http://www.acounty.org/recparks. Free.

Summer Saturday Family Fun Day: River Valley Ranch, 4443 Grave Run Road, Manchester, offers a picnic, horse rides, hayrides, a rodeo and a chuckwagon supper. Visitors can also enjoy the skate park, pool and shops. A concert takes place 6:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Other activities run noon-6 p.m. Call 443-712-1010 or go to rivervalleyranch.com. Free admission. All activities except the rodeo require fees.

Sunday (July 13):

Downs Park Bayside Concert Series: Jazz group the Commodores performs 6 p.m.-7 p.m. at Downs Park, 8311 Johns Downs Loop, Pasadena. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Alcoholic beverages not allowed. Call 410-222-6230 or go to http://www.aacounty.org/recparks. Free.

Maryland Circuit Table Tennis Tournament: Matches for advanced players begin at 9 a.m. and run until about 4 p.m. at the Carrolltown Center, Liberty Road and Ridge Road, Eldersburg. Call 410-579-8462. Free for spectators and player registration.

Play Like a Rock Star at Power Plant Live!: Families can play Guitar Hero and Rockband; watch "mini rockstars," and enjoy other activities, including a moon bounce and obstacle course. There will also be a vendor area. The event takes place 1 p.m.-6 p.m. at Power Plant Live!, at Market Place and Water St. Call 443-799-1649 or go to http://www.plarskids.com. Free.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Spotted this on NPR's web site: Studies Show Kids May Not Be 'Bundles of Joy.'

First of all, love the headline. I don't think most parents need studies to tell us that no babe is a bundle of joy all the time.

But the story, which reports that sociologists are finding that parents today may be more depressed than their childless friends, was interesting. The most telling quote, I thought, was from a sociologist who says the depression doesn't come from having children, but from the environment in which we have them. We lack support systems and family-friendly policies that would give us more enjoyment of our children, and less anxiety about giving them a good life.

This seems like the perfect topic for a Guilty-Mom poll. You have until Friday at noon to weigh in:

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Guilty-Mom polls
        

 Remember back when I made Portobello Pizzas for this feature? Even though she didn't really like them, my wants-to-be vegetarian daughter said she might be willing to try a portobello mushroom "burger" instead of the hamburgers she guiltily loves.

When we made said burger the other night, she claimed she'd never said it.

But she still ate some of this super-easy grilled portobello. Her brother did, too.

My husband, who did the honors this time, just cleaned the gills from the portobello caps with a spoon, brushed them with some olive oil, and seasoned them with salt (we were out of pepper, believe it or not). Then he threw them on a medium-hot grill...

(Photo by me)

where they cooked in no time. We served them on grilled whole-wheat hamburger rolls with sliced red onion and tomato (for us) and mustard and ketchup (for the kids).

It was a lovely evening, so we ate outside. It was nice enough to be eating together, and a bonus to be eating something that tasted almost as meaty as a burger without so much fat.

My daughter did protest, of course, but more mildly than usual. And she ate three bites. I call this a victory.

Grilled Portobello Burgers

4 large portobello mushroom caps

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper

4 hamburger buns

Tomato, onion and pickle slices for garnish

Heat a grill to medium-high. Clean gills of portobello caps with a spoon and brush with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place on grill and turn after one minute. Cook until tender, about another minute or two. Grill buns. Serve with mushrooms and fixings.

Per burger, without garnishes: 207 calories, 6 grams protein, 9 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 26 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams fiber, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 212 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Dinner Together
        

As I mentioned before, I'd like to make the next installment of our child care tip sheet series about places readers can recommend in southern Baltimore County.

Please post your nominations below, because I'm not personally familiar with anything in that neck of the woods. If we need more time to get nominations on this one, I'll choose another topic for this Thursday. So stay tuned.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 3:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

The online babysitting service Sittercity is now offering a video monitoring system you can use to covertly check on your babysitter or nanny from your computer or video-enabled phone. "See when they eat, how long they watch TV, how often the sitter checks in on sleeping children and everything in between," the ad says.

Sounds like that'll make for a relaxing evening out. "Sorry, honey, we won't be able to order the vanilla bean creme brulee with gooseberry sauce after all. I see Suzie has bamboozled Holly into letting her watch a second hour of Hannah Montana." (Although you can record the video to watch later, and have your creme brulee too.)

It reminds me of the days when my daughter was much smaller and attended Tide Point Day Care, which offered video monitoring. At first I was thrilled with this idea, and checked in constantly. Then it occurred to me that if I missed her that much, I should just bite the bullet and go get her. Or, I should get back to work.

Do you use video monitoring to check up on caregivers? Would you if you could?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Frequent Father's Day Tuesday contributor Joe Burris is back as Guest Dad. This time, he's observing how family car trips have changed since he was a child.

Here's his post:

"It's amazing what you spot sometimes while stuck in traffic. The other day, for example, I saw what appeared to be a family of four riding in a minivan, with each person blabbing away on their cell phones. The four riders were all looking out their windows - off their own little worlds (cells?) and seemingly oblivious to everyone else in the van. I guess riding in the family car isn't what it used to be.

For many fortysomethings like me, trips in the family car ushered in some of the most colorful moments while we were growing up - singing songs, inventing word games and engaging in sibling arguments that ended with the passenger parent roaring from up front: "Don't make me come back there!"

A few years ago, while my family and I were driving down South, I conjured up what's become our own family-car tradition: two games involving license plates. With the first, we see who's quickest at adding numbers on plates of the cars that pass. With the other, we see how many words can we create out of the letters on plates.

My 11-year-old daughter Nyaniso has become quite good at it, often adding faster and coming up with more words quicker than her parents. I'd like to believe that it'll help bolster her interest in math and vocabulary.

Besides, anything beats a riding game that's popular with kids her age. As soon as they spot a Volkswagon Beetle, they denote the color while hitting a person in the car and yelling, "Punch buggy, no punches back!"

Tell us your strategies for bonding -- or not -- on long car trips.

And -- would you like to be a Guest Dad? Please send me a sample post.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

The American Academy of Pediatrics is releasing a new policy statement today that calls for widespread screening of children as young as 2 for high cholesterol and other risk factors for heart disease. The academy says alarming rates of high cholesterol in children, caused in part by our obesity epidemic, make the screening necessary.

If high cholesterol is found, young children might be treated with medication that physicians say could lower their risk for heart disease later in life.

What do you think? Is this a promising development that will save lives, a sad sign of our failure to provide healthful food and exercise for our children, or both?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Health
        

I was going to look into my mosquito-bite question this week, when I spotted this question-and-answer exchange on the web site of the American Academy of Pediatrics. (Look for the link under "early childhood.") While it's not a question any of you suggested, I think the answer might be helpful to some of you:

The question is how to get a child to stop sucking his thumb. The answer, the experts at the AAP say, is basically to ignore it. Harsh words and punishment, they say, won't work.

What will? Praise and star charts for when the child does leave his thumb alone. And distraction is also recommended, especially for a child who sucks him thumb while he's bored in the car, watching TV, etc.

The AAP says that if you notice changes in the roof of your child's mouth or in the way his teeth are lining up because of thumb-sucking, you should talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist. There may be a device he can wear to help him stop.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

So the word is that Angelina Jolie's twins are due....sometime soon. She's checked into a French hospital, as we all already know, but her doctor is mum on exactly how soon she's due. So all that's left for us is to name her new babies.

Here's your chance to suggest that perfect name you never got to use for the girl you never had, or the boy's name your sister took first. Nobody seems to have a firm bead on the sex of the babies, so feel free not to let gender limit your suggestions.

Just so there's no duplication, here are the names of the four other Brangelina kids: Maddox, Pax, Zahara and Shiloh.

(AP Photo/Evan Agostini)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Babies and Toddlers
        

Hope you're enjoying your Fourth so far, and that you've scoped out yesterday's Tip Sheet for some places to watch the fireworks with your kids.

That's the happy part. The not-so-great part is that kids are often injured by fireworks on the Fourth of July. I was surprised to learn that for kids under the age of 5, a third of all fireworks injuries come from ordinary sparklers, which can burn at nearly 2,000 degrees.

That information comes from the American Academy of Opthalmology, which has released an information sheet with safety tips for the Fourth. I hope they'll help you and yours stay injury-free.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Health
        

Every kid loves fireworks, right? In theory. Sometimes it's late, it's loud, and it's not so much fun. Then you just want to beat it home, only you might be stuck in downtown traffic. And that's when the real fireworks might begin....

That said, here's a list of fireworks shows with some activities that the kids might enjoy. And if you're braving the harbor show, look for my tips on that at the end.

--If the family's up for the big show in D.C., a friend suggests renting a kayak from Jack's Boathouse and watching on the Potomac. The web site indicates they have a few boats left.

--Robert likes the Fullerton fireworks located just off Belair Road at the athletic fields at Fullerton Elementary.

--Several parents enjoy taking their kids to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra concert and fireworks at Oregon Ridge, partly because of the nice playground on the premises.

--Columbia hosts a Fourth of July festival on the Columbia lakefront from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with a children's area, food vendors and fireworks.  

--Catonsville hosts a full day of events, including children’s games and races, live music, a parade, a pre-fireworks musical salute, color-guard tribute and fireworks. Events start at 9:30 a.m., and the fireworks show begins at 9:15 p.m. at Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Ave. Call 410-744-9655. Free.

--The Dundalk Heritage Fair is a 3-day festival with live entertainment, carnival rides, a rock-climbing wall, a beer garden, a fireworks display, arts and crafts for sale and more. Hours are noon-10 p.m. Friday through Sunday at Dundalk Heritage Park, 2700 Playfield St., Dundalk. Call 410-284-0591. $5. Free for children 12 and younger with adult.

--Another family hikes to the University of Maryland College Park, where you can take advantage of plentiful campus parking to see the fireworks.

And, if you're planning on braving the Inner Harbor fireworks....

(Photo by Candus Thomson)

1. Know someone with a deck and a parking place.

2. Consider getting there at the crack of dawn, and having a sleepover.

3. Can't sleep over? Bring pajamas and toothbrushes. The kids will have fun watching the fireworks in their jammies, and they can fall asleep in the car on the long ride home.

Got more suggestions/strategies? Please share.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

Here's our list of stuff to do with the family this weekend. You won't find fireworks events here because we're saving them for Tip Sheet Thursday later today. (There's still a little time to post nominations for that one.)

But there are plenty of other goings-on this holiday weekend:

Thursday, July 3:

Aly & AJ: The teen sisters, who opened for Hannah Montana’s The Best of Both Worlds Tour, perform from 7 p.m.-9 p.m at Six Flags America, 13710 Central Ave., Bowie/Mitchellville. Call 301-249-1500 or go to sixflags.com. Tickets required. Free with admission, which is $24.99 and free for ages 2 and younger.

First Friday Outdoor Festival: The event, which features live rock and dance music performed by Spiral, a beer and wine garden and local vendors and retailers, takes place on Thursday this month, due to Fourth of July festivities. The festival takes place 5 p.m.-9 p.m. along Office Street in Bel Air. Call 410-638-1023 or go to downtownbelair.com. Free.

Fourth of July Fun: Children can create patriotic crafts and listen to patriotic stories at the Patterson Park branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 158 N. Linwood Ave, at 1 p.m. For ages 6-12. Call 410-396-9068 or go to prattlibrary.org. Free.

Friday, July 4:

AVAM’s Visionary Pets on Parade: The program, beginning at 10 a.m., includes various pet contests. Pet registration opens at 9:30 a.m. The American Visionary Art Museum is at 800 Key Highway. Pets must be leashed or carried. Call 410-244-1900 or go to avam.org. Free for participants and spectators.

Saturday (July 5):

Drop-In Art Activities: As part of "Tasty Delights," visitors can make artwork creations based on ancient dried foods and traditional foods from around the globe. The event runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. Call 410-547-9000 or go to thewalters.org. Free.

Family Building Sidewalk Arts Festival: Individuals and groups can create chalk art for fun and competition at assigned spots in Centennial Park, 10000 Rt. 108, Ellicott City, from 9 a.m.-noon. Reservations required by July 5. Call 443-896-6504 or go to cadefoundation.org. On-site registration is $25. Up to four people can share a sidewalk. Each registration includes one t-shirt, and one box of chalk.

Greater Baltimore Antique & Collectible Summer Toy Show: The show, which features dealers from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, takes place 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Tall Cedars Hall, 2501 Putty Hill Ave., Parkville. Call 443-506-5205 or go to davehartshows.com. $4. Free for children younger than 12 with adult.

Healthy First Saturdays: Port Discovery, 35 Market Place, hosts activities and presentations focused on healthy living. Tickets Required. Call 410-727-8120 or go to portdiscovery.org. $11.75. Free admission for children younger than 2.

Quiet Waters Park Summer Concert Series: Country music group The Basement Band performs Bob Dylan songs as well as pieces from its own repertoire. Bring lawn chairs or blankets. Alcoholic beverages not allowed. Quiet Waters Park is at 600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis. The performance runs 6p.m.-8 p.m. Call 410-222-1777 or go to aacounty.org/recparks. Free.

Sunday (July 6):

First Sunday Arts Festival: Visitors can view dance performances, painting and artisanry while checking out the shops along West Street in Annapolis, from noon-5 p.m. Call 410-741-3267 or go to goweststreet.com. Free.

Patriotic Program: Hancock’s Resolution, 2795 Bayside Beach Road, Pasadena, hosts the Historic U.S. and Maryland Colonial Flag presentation and provides live patriotic music. Events run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Call 410-255-4048 or go to historichancocksresolution.org. Free.

Summer Concert Series: Jericho Bridge, a Baltimore-based Bluegrass group, performs at 6 p.m. at Jerusalem Mill Village, 2813 Jerusalem Road, Kingsville. Call 410-877-3560 or go to jerusalemmill.org. $5. Free for children younger than 12.

Summer Concert Series 2008: Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, hosts a performance by Trinidad & Tobago Baltimore Steel Orchestra. The concert runs 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Tickets Required. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Call 410-557-9570 or go to ladewgardens.com. $13-$15. $7 for members. $3 for children 12 and younger.

(2006 photo of the pet parade courtesy of the American Visionary Arts Museum)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 8:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

It's time to ask something I can't answer, but an expert can.

I would like to know the best way to soothe a mosquito bite, but that's just me.

You?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

 Here's a shameless promotion link to my story this morning about Cockeyed Cake, also known as Wacky Cake. I used to make it as a kid -- and had forgotten about until recently. If you don't already know about it, you might have fun checking it out and making it with your kids.

In its easiest form, you can make it right in the pan in about five minutes. Kids especially like the chemical reaction that gets the cake to rise -- vinegar and baking soda, which make bubbles together.

I also got a recipe from a reader that makes great, super-easy chocolate cupcakes -- a busy mom's dream. Scroll down to the bottom of the story, and look for the recipe for Wacky Cake in a Tube Pan.

(Photo by me)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Food and Recipes
        

This week I was looking for something super-easy and familiar for the kids to eat with us. I found this recipe for Baked Chicken Fingers in a cute little cookbook called Picnic, by Dee Dee Stovel. I also thought that if it worked out, it might be easy fare for a Fourth of July picnic.

But, of course, my daughter is still eschewing meat. That would be fine if she ate vegetables, but though Dinner Together has helped her make some progress in trying new things, she still hasn't expanded her repertoire much.

I decided to serve this anyway and ask her to try it. I suspected my son, who loves chicken nuggets, would really like and benefit from this more healthful version. ...

(Photo by me) 

She did try a couple of bites, then ate edamame, applesauce and whole-grain bread to fill out the meal. My son lapped it up; I think he liked the honey-mustard dipping sauce best. I liked the chicken fingers, too; though they're on the bland side, they can also be cut up to use in a salad, shredded into quesadillas, etc.

Baked Chicken Fingers with Dipping Sauces

Serves 8 preschoolers

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders

1 egg

1 cup coarse bread crumbs or panko

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a jelly-roll pan with vegetable cooking spray.

Rinse and pat dry the chicken. Cut each tender into strips. In a pie pan, beat the egg. In another pie pan or shallow bowl, mix the bread crumbs and seasonings. Dip pieces of chicken into the egg and then roll in bread crumbs. Arrange the chicken on the prepared pan.

From Picnic, by DeeDee Stovel

Per serving: 309 calories, 17 grams protein, 15 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 2 grams fiber, 69 milligrams cholesterol, 790 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitan Jodie Shield.

Dipping sauces

Offer a selection of these:

1 cup cocktail sauce

1 cup honey combined with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 cup plum sauce

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 8:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dinner Together
        

Favorite kid-friendly places for Fourth of July fireworks, a suggestion from Robert.

Please nominate your favorite venues for fireworks, and tell us why they're particularly kid-friendly. For example, if you take the family to the Inner Harbor, tell us where you watch the fireworks, how you handle the late bedtime and how you navigate the traffic afterwards. If you attend a suburban parade and party, tell us why the kids like that.

Meanwhile, care to guess where the Fourth of July photo to the left was taken?

(2006 photo by Steve Ruark/Special to the Sun) 

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 3:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

Have you heard about the Bowie mom who's facing criminal charges because her 14-month-old daughter was found alone, locked in the woman's car in the Annapolis Harbour Center parking lot?

Fortunately, the girl is OK, but according to our story, 33 children in the U.S. die in cars from heat-related causes each year. Check out our graphic on how heat stress affects the body.

According to police, the mother said she had forgotten the child was with her and unintentionally left her behind. 

It's hard to imagine forgetting your child is still in the car, but it has happened before. Safe Kids USA  recommends parents put a stuffed animal in the front seat, or leave their briefcases or purses in the back, to remind themselves a child who may not be able to speak yet is with them.

Have you ever left a child behind? 

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Today's Guest Dad is Steve Sullivan, assistant managing editor for multimedia at The Sun, with a tale of how he solves problems among his kids while his wife's on the road.

"Let me preface this post by saying that my wife, Marcy, and I have three wonderful, smart kids who regardless of what they say and do really love each other. Most of the time. I think.

 A few weeks ago Marcy was on a week-long business trip and I was in charge of our brood, which consists of our 17-year-old son Courtland and his two sisters, Flannery, 13, and Moira, 10. When I arrived home from work, I was pleased to find the girls peacefully sitting in the family room doing their homework, while big brother was doing same upstairs. I asked how their days went and was answered with a nonchalant "good" from all.

Soon there was a call from mom, checking in from the road. She talked to the girls, then the phone was passed to me. We traded a few updates on our day, then Marcy slipped in, "Did Flannery mention that Mo threatened her with a knife?"

"Uh, no"....

"Maybe you should talk to them about it."

"Uh, yeah."

And that I did. First off, I asked Flannery why she didn't bother to say anything about this to me. She shrugged and told me it wasn't a big deal. Oh, yeah. Having a knife pulled on you is never a big deal.

Next, I interrogated Moira. "Did you pull a knife on your sister?"

There was no hesitation in her answer. She admitted it, but chalked it up to frustration over some petty argument. She said she went into the kitchen and pulled out the equivalent of a butter knife, brandished it a few seconds, then calmed down.

I explained to both that there are other - MANY OTHER - ways to settle arguments than using knives. Both acknowledged my wisdom and quickly returned to their homework, likely figuring out what other items in their arsenals they would use next.

Next it was time to check in with the boy. His day had been "good," too. Then he asked if he could sign up for "agility classes." I asked what they were, and he explained that a friend had taken a series of lessons, the result of which was that he could run faster. I said that if he wants to run faster, he should simply start by going out and doing some jogging.

Courtland said that wouldn't work, because he wouldn't have the motivation to do it by himself. He said he needs someone to push him, give him a reason to run. That's when the lightbulb clicked on over my head. "What if we get Moira to chase you with a knife?"

My perspective - I'd found a creative way to channel Mo's rage, help Courtland run faster and save us $100 per session in agility classes. Marcy's perspective - maybe it was time to stop traveling so much."

Hmm. Your thoughts?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday