« August 2008 | Main | October 2008 »
In lieu of a Guest Dad today, I thought I'd pass on this interesting piece about the new president-elect of the National PTA. He's a father, and he's on a mission to get other fathers more involved in their children's schools. Watch this story about it from CBS News:
It's time for more questions for the Monday Consult. You can ask about school issues, potty training, what to do when your kid yells at you, and more. I'll look for an expert to provide a good answer.
Today's question comes from a friend whose second-grader has been saying "I hate school." Over and over. What, if anything, should his parents do?
I sent the question to Richard E. Bavaria, senior vice president for education outreach for Baltimore-based Sylvan Learning. Before joining Sylvan, he was executive director of the department of curriculum and instruction for Baltimore County Public Schools. He has a blog, DrRickblog.com, with tips for parents and educators.
Here's his answer:
"First of all, don’t panic. Lots of kids go through a stage like this, especially right after the fun days of summer vacation, when “the livin’ is easy.” Here are some ideas to consider.
"Stay positive. Do all you can to talk about the “fun” aspects of school. Learning new things. Doing new activities. Making new friends. Talk about the fun you had in school when you were his age. Show how you’re still using the skills you learned in school. Stories from your childhood will show him you understand. Ask other family members for their favorite memories. This is not the time to share stories about your horrible fourth-grade math teacher, though. The whole purpose is to stay positive.
"Inject your own fun. Are there ways you can make learning at home fun? Make homework time easier by setting up predictable routines, so important for young learners. Story times at home can be loads of fun, and they’ll develop a love of reading. Get a library card for your child and read his selections together. Ask the children’s librarian for suggestions. Talk about your favorite books from when you were in second grade.
"Get a 'study buddy.' From time to time, invite some of your child’s friends and classmates over to your house to work on homework together – maybe the science fair project, or a weekly spelling test, for example. You can learn a lot by watching kids working together. Maybe your son needs some help in organizing himself. Maybe he’s too shy to ask for help. Having a study buddy can help your child stay on track and make sure he understands assignments. It gives him a social outlet, too. Monitor the study buddies, of course. The operative word is 'study.'
"Be realistic. A good lesson to learn is that sometimes – not all the time – learning is difficult. It doesn’t have to be painful, though. Lots of support from you and the other important adults in his life will go a long way in smoothing the rough spots of school. Celebrating small successes builds the right skills and attitudes.
"Involve the teacher. If his dislike for school continues, it’s a good idea to talk to the teacher. How’s he doing in class? Does he have friends? Do other kids seem to enjoy his company? Is he having trouble seeing the board or hearing instructions? There are many professionals who are able to help if necessary. Stay on top of it.
"It’s painful to hear so young a child say he “hates” anything, especially school. Do your best to stay positive, showing him the fun and joy he can experience from what school has to offer: leaning, activities, music, art, sports, friendships, new skills and knowledge. Encourage him to tell you what he likes about school – there must be something – and stick with that as a starting point. Never give up."
If you're expecting or just had a baby, you'll want to check out this piece from the Boston Globe that examines which is better for the environment -- disposable diapers, or cloth. The story may leave you more confused than ever, though, because it says it's far from clear that one has a better overall carbon footprint than the other.
There's a useful discussion among parents who have used both kinds of diapers here.
(Associated Press photo/Danny Johnston)
Today's Tip Sheet comes courtesy of the site myfirstpaycheck.com, dedicated to helping young people find jobs. With our economy said to be in crisis these days, it can be quite a challenge for a teen to find an after-school job to help save for college and pay for expenses.
But it's not an insurmountable one, says Austin Lavin, the young man who founded the site with his sister. He sent these tips for teen job-seekers and their parents:
"1. BE BRAVE. Even in this economy, there are plenty of employers who are looking for the affordable, enthusiastic, and energetic help that teenagers provide...but you do have to go out and ask for it. Don't let yourself be discouraged by news of the economy, and don't be afraid to apply for jobs.
"2. BE PREPARED. Bring a resume and a cover letter whenever you apply for a job. Teens are now competing for jobs with adults, so having a well-written resume is essential. It shows that you are serious about the position, and that you are mature and responsible. (There's a model resume for teens at myfirstpaycheck.com).
"3. BE POLITE. You are applying for a job: dress up, make eye contact, shake hands and avoid using slang. First impressions matter -- they are the only chance to prove that you will be a good hire, so take advantage of the opportunity.
"4. BE PERSISTENT. Persistence pays off: send a thank you note to interviewers and follow up if you do not hear about the job after a week. Apply for several jobs, not just one.
"5. BE CREATIVE. Look for work in places other than the mall. The weakening economy means that people are going to be looking to cut costs in areas such as lawn and child care. Get a few friends together and start a landscaping or a babysitting business. "
Do any of your successful teen workers have extra tips to pass along?
It's Baltimore Book Festival weekend, of course, and that offers a lot for Baltimore kids.
The festival starts tomorrow at 5 p.m. in Mount Vernon and runs through Sunday. Here's the schedule for the Children's Bookstore stage, which features appearances by a number of Caldecott Honor and Newbery Medal-winning authors. There will be a storybook parade with costumed characters at 11 a.m. Saturday.
Other things to do follow, thanks to Sun intern Lindsey Citron:
Thursday, Sept. 25:
Pinch Pot Party: Build fun and easy clay bowls at 3:30 p.m. the Southeast Anchor branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library, Ages 6-12. Call 410-396-1580.
Friday, Sept. 26:
Farm Heritage Days: See working blacksmiths, take children on wagon rides for children, and attend an antique autoshow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today through Sunday at Howard County Living Farm Heritage Museum, 12985 Frederick Road, Friendship. Gospel church service at 10 a.m. Sunday. Adults $12, kids under 12 free. Call 410-489-2345 or visit www.farmheritage.org.
Moths, Mantises, and Millipede--Oh my!: Learn about mysterious nighttime insects from 8 p.m.-10 p.m. at the Carrie Murray Nature Center, 1901 Ridgetop Rd., Baltimore. Registration required; call 410-396-0808. For all ages. $2.
Saturday, Sept. 27:
Birding Hike: Older children and adults can learn about several species of birds in their natural habitats along a leisurely two-mile hike from 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Bring a water bottle, tennis shoes, and a pair of binoculars. Group will meet at the Visitor Center, Patapsco Valley State Park, Soldiers Delight, 5100 Deer Park Rd., Owings Mills, 8-11 a.m. For ages 12 and up. Registration required; call 410-461-5005.
There's more going on through the weekend...
(Photo courtesy of the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts)
Fire Expo ‘08: Take a ride on a firetruck, watch propane demonstrations, and learn to stay cool in the event of a fire emergency from 10 a.m-3 p.m. at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, 410-887-4885. All ages. Free. More information here.
Blacksmith Day at the B&O Railroad Museum: Ellicott City Station: Kids ages 5-12 can learn about blacksmithing at the B&O Railroad Station Museum, Ellicott City Station, from 11 a.m-4 p.m.; call 410-461-1945. Organized by the Blacksmith Guild of Central Maryland. Two blacksmiths can be seen working on the grounds for free. To see more inside the museum, you'll need to pay regular admission: adults $5, seniors $4, children 2-12, $3.
How People Make Things: This new exhibit, which opens today at Port Discovery Children's Museum, was inspired by Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Children can use real factory tools and machines to make things, including a replica of the trolley from the PBS show. Admission to the museum is $11.75 (free for children under 2).
Sunday, Sept. 28:
Many of the festivals continue today. Plus --
K'NEX -- Building Thrill Rides: This exhibit, which features building stations where kids can learn about constructing amusement-park thrill rides, opens today at the Maryland Science Center downtown. The exhibit is included with admission to the science center: $14.50 for adults, $10 for children 3-12, free for children under 3.
Don't miss these great ideas for cheap Halloween costumes from the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. They're fun ideas for these lean times. (That's a "Bubble Bath" costume made with balloons on the right.)
Speaking of Halloween costumes, I'm curious about when you get yours together. Every year, I wonder about the timing. If we decide on and buy (OK, yes, I'm not the crafty type) costumes too early, invariably the kids have changed their minds by Halloween. (Then, my rule is that they have to come up with something in the house after all, which usually works quite well as long as I do not have to sew.) But if you wait too long, your favorite costume might be hard to find.
What do you do?
I felt obliged to use some stray eggplant in my vegetable drawer the other day. I hadn't usually liked eggplant parmesan much in the past, but was intrigued by a recipe from Mitchell Davis' book Kitchen Sense that calls for grilling, not frying, the veggie before it goes into the casserole.
As I put this simple dish together, I thought it looked a little spare, so I decided to add some zucchini, grilled and tossed in cornmeal the same way. (Davis had posed that as an alternative to eggplant parmesan.)
The combination turned out to be delicious, my husband and I thought...
(Photo by me)
I found the eggplant perfectly done -- toothsome without being tough, and not overly greasy. The zucchini added color.
Unfortunately, this dish committed a cardinal kid sin: It had too many ingredients mixed up together. It was nixed by my young ones, even though we told them it was a lot like pizza.
By the way, since we didn't have room for Dinner for $12 or Less (the print version of this feature) in our You & Taste section today, I've included the shopping list you usually see with that below the recipe.
Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini Parmesan
Serves 4
1 1/2 pounds to 2 pounds eggplant, sliced crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick disks
1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
1 large or 2 medium zucchini
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
freshly ground black pepper
1 cup prepared tomato sauce
About 1/4 cup finely ground yellow cornmeal
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, very thinly sliced
2 ounces parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/2 cup)
Arrange the eggplant slices on a large plate in a single layer. Sprinkle with 1/2 tablespoon salt, turn the slices over, and sprinkle the other side with another 1/2 tablespoon salt. Let the eggplant sit for 30 to 45 minutes. Meanwhile, slice the zucchini lengthwise into 1/4-inch strips.
Rinse the eggplant under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Heat a grill pan over high heat or fire up a grill. Brush the eggplant and zucchini slices on both sides with olive oil and set on the grill. Season the slices with black pepper. Grill until the begetables are nicely marked and begin to become tender, about 3 minutes for the zucchini and 4-5 minutes for the eggplant. Turn over the slices. Season with salt and pepper, and grill for another 3-5 minutes. The eggplant should be almost cooked through, but not soft or mushy. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Spread 1/4 cup or so of tomato sauce over the bottom of a deep 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the grilled eggplant with a light coating or cornmeal. Arrange a layer of grilled vegetables, about one third of the slices, on top of the sauce. Spoon 1/4 cup of sauce on top of the vegetables and spread out evenly to cover. Arrange about one third of the thinly sliced mozzarella in an even layer on top. Sprinkle with a third of the parmesan. Make another layer of vegetables, sauce, mozzarella and parmesan. Repeat, ending with parmesan.
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese has melted and browned. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow the vegetables to set. Slice and serve.
--Adapted from "Kitchen Sense," by Mitchell Davis
Per serving: 389 calories, 18 grams protein, 28 grams fat, 12 grams saturated fat, 19 grams carbohydrate, 6 grams fiber, 59 milligrams cholesterol, 1,294 milligrams sodium. Analysis provided by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.
Shopping list
Eggplant: $3
Zucchini: $1
Olive oil: 77 cents
Tomato sauce: 53 cents
Mozzarella cheese: $1.85
Cornmeal: 19 cents
Parmesan cheese: $1.12
Green beans: $1.49
Baguette: $1.99
TOTAL: $11.94*
*Note: Prices are calculated based on the amounts of each ingredient used in the recipe
We've heard a lot the past few years about adult kids moving in with their parents -- or, more often, never quite leaving the nest. But our current economic woes have created a twist on that. According to this story from USA Today, parents are moving in with their children.
And they're not just elderly parents -- the number of adults under 65 who joined households headed by another adult was up by 75 percent from 2000 to 2007, according to the story.
The piece points out that this means "helicopter parents" can now hover for life. What do you think?
Today Soccer Dad, aka local blogger David Gerstman, is back as Guest Dad, with a post on the passage of his youngest from baby to little girl. Here's his post:
"When our baby was born two years ago, I decided that I wanted to remember her different stages. So for the past two years, I've been noting her development month by month.
"But as I prepared my two years post, I noticed something. She was no longer a 'toothless wonder.' Teeth were popping up (a bit late) and she no longer had that brilliant gummy smile. It struck me that an era is ending. It's not just the toothlessness that's gone, something else is going. She's approaching the stage when she's no longer a baby and becomes a little girl. But what developments would mark that transition?
1) The most obvious, I suppose, is toilet training. I don't think she's that far from that. She is very good about letting us know when she's 'gusting, ' and I suspect that she may even know when she has to go.
2) She talks very well. But when will she reach the stage that a conversation consists of more than a single exchange?
3) When the majority of her sentences no longer start with 'I want...'
4) When she goes a whole day without crying.
5) When she starts walking with a more even gait and not looking like she's bouncing with every step.
As I think about these upcoming changes, it makes me a little sad. I'll miss the baby a lot."
When do you notice your baby was turning into a little boy or girl?
(Photo courtesy of David Gerstman)
Kelly asked for tips transitioning a 20-month-old toddler from the crib to a "big-kid" bed.
Kim West, a Severna Park social worker who specializes in helping families get children to sleep, has a simple answer: Don't do it yet. She says many parents make the mistake of trying to get a child into a big bed too early, perhaps to free up the crib for a new sibling.
"I worry a lot about a 20-month-old roaming around in his room at night, pulling out drawers, unplugging lamps, exercising all that wonderful but potentially hazardous curiosity," she wrote in a recent newsletter from her practice. "Even if the child is trying to climb out of the crib, I almost always advise parent to keep him in his crib as long as possible, definitely until two and a half, and preferably until three. By then, a child has the cognitive and verbal skills to understand the 'big bed' rules."
If your toddler is climbing out of the crib, West recommends lowering the mattress and putting pillows on the ground in case he does tumble out. If he does get out, she says, put him back in the crib and say "No climbing," but don't interact with him much beyond that. A long nightshirt or T-shirt might make it harder for him to climb out.
I caught up yesterday with David Honick, the attorney in Salisbury whose firm is the only one in Maryland listed on the Babies in the Workplace web site as allowing employees to bring their offspring. (You'll remember this came up when we were talking about Sarah Palin bringing her infant to the governor's office.)
Honick, who specializes in civil litigation on land-use matters, said his office has formally hosted one baby so far -- but the child, now a toddler, has been around for a while. He's the son of Honick's paralegal, who works part-time. Honick started the policy to keep her happy, but he says he's been very happy with the arrangement, too.
"It's gone very well," he said. "I've actually enjoyed having her son around."
Honick said he was receptive to the idea because he has three children -- now 3, 6, and 10 -- and has struggled as well with getting the right child care. "It never crossed my mind to say no," he said. "Now if I hire new employees, and I'm looking for a secretary, if she wanted to bring her baby, I'd say that's fine."
Of course, it helps that right now he and the mom in question are the only employees in the office, so there's no one else to consult. But clients do visit. If they minded having a young one toddle around, they haven't said it, Honick said.
Sanket Akerkar, general manager for Microsoft's Mid-Atlantic states district, agreed to do a guest post for today's Tip Sheet Thursday on some aspects of online safety for back to school social networking. This obviously isn't going to cover everything that could be said about the topic, but it can get us (often befuddled) parents started.
Here's his post:
"Young adults use social networking sites more than any other age group, and they often underestimate the potential dangers that can be associated with this medium. As a parent, I understand the importance of creating an open dialogue about social networking with our children.
"The good news for parents is that there are a few easy steps to take to help keep your kids protected from cyber bullying and identity theft. By talking to your kids, you can empower them with the "cyber smarts" they need to enjoy all the benefits of social networking, without the negative effects.
The first step is educating yourself...
(Photo of Sanket Akerkar courtesy of Microsoft)
"Get familiar with social networking yourself: If you, as a parent, are uncomfortable with online social networking sites, spend some time getting familiar with them. It will then be easier for you to sit down with your kids to have an open discussion about how they use the sites, which sites they are on, and the type of content they provide on their sites. Microsoft has developed a site at http://safety.msn.com to provide even more guidelines for what children of different ages should be able to access online. When parents educate themselves about social networking, they and their children reap the benefits.
"Talk with your kids: I encourage you to sit down and walk through your kids' social networking sites to help them identify if they have appropriate information posted.
The following can be used as a guideline in that discussion to ensure the best online experience possible:
"Lose the last name on your site. Also, do not post other people’s full names. To be even safer, don’t use your first name or a nickname that would attract the wrong kind of attention and make you vulnerable to potential predators.
"Drop any info that locates you. Omit details about your school, place of employment or the town where you live.
"Consider whether or not you really want your social networking space completely public. Think of this as a sliding scale - the more personal or identifiable the information you want to share, the fewer people you should share it with.
"Be smart about photos. What’s on your shirt? Avoid posting photos that include clothing with the name of a high school, sports team or last name on a jersey. What’s in the background? Do not post photos that show street signs or addresses of local landmarks or even your house. These visuals will give strangers too much information.
"Be savvy about what your friends include about you on their sites and blogs. You may not be the one putting yourself at risk. Consistently check friends’ sites to see what they are writing about. They could be saying how you and your family are going on vacation, so you won’t be around to hang out with. This flags the fact that your home will be empty and vulnerable to burglary. Make sure to openly talk to your friends about what is appropriate to post. A good friend will respect your privacy and take information down that you do not wish to share.
"If you think there’s a problem, report it immediately. It doesn’t matter if you have to admit that you may have done something unwise without thinking about the implications. It is important to tell your parents or police as soon as a problem arises."
Thursday, Sept. 18:
Preschool story time: Kids 2-5 can enjoy songs, stories and activities at 10:30 a.m. at the Cockeysville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library.
Friday, Sept. 19
Child safety seat check: Safety-seat technicians will tell you whether your child is riding as safely as possible, and whether you're complying with new Maryland booster seat law from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at Harbor Hospital, 2990 S. Hanover St. Appointments required in advance; call 410-350-2563.
Rainbow Theatre presents Uncle Pete with Kids: See an interactive musical presentation geared to preschoolers and prekindergarteners at 10 a.m. at Slayton House, Wilde Lake Village Center, Columbia. $5 in advance, $6 at the door.
Tot Shabbat: Kids up to 5 years old can celebrate Jewish culture through songs and a snack from 1:15 p.m.-1:45 p.m. Fridays through Dec. 19 at the Light Street branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in South Baltimore.
American Girl gatherings at Barnes and Noble: The downtown branch of the bookstore will have American Girl-themed events at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. today and 10:30 a.m. Saturday, with crafts, book discussions, "tea time" and a boutique. Free.
The Jones Falls annual celebration, now called Rally for the River, is coming up on Sunday...
(Kayakers take part in the 2005 annual celebration of the Jones Falls. Photo by Baltimore Sun photographer Algerina Perna)
Saturday, Sept. 20
Learn about writer Frances E.W. Harper: Kids 6 and up can learn about the works of the 19th century Maryland poet and novelist from 12 p.m.- 1:30 p.m. as the Reginald F. Lewis Museum celebrates her birthday with the youth group Imagine Our Ancestors. Free with museum admission.
Free yoga classes and more: A new yoga studio, evolvewell, will hold an open house from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., featuring free classes for adults and children and kids' craft sessions. The studio is at 4800 Roland Ave. More details here.
"Seussical The Musical": Pumpkin Theatre presents a show full of Dr. Seuss’ most famous characters, including the Cat in the Hat, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. today and Sunday at the Hannah More Arts Center at St. Timothy’s School, 8400 Greenspring Ave., Baltimore. $12 in advance, $13 at the door.
Sunday, Sept. 21
Rally for the River: Formerly the Jones Falls Valley Celebration, this annual event closes the northbound lanes of I-83 for biking, hiking, skating, kayaking and more around the Jones Falls from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Adults $5; kids 17 and under free. Registration required; you can do it online (and get more details) here.
Learn about honeybees: Kids 7and up can learn about bee behavior and get a look at the honeybee hive from 1 p.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Irvine Nature Center in Owings Mills. $6 members, $8 nonmembers.
Bel Air Festival for the Arts: Shop for handmade crafts, watch performers and take part in children's activities from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Shamrock Park on Hickory Avenue in Bel Air. Free. Learn more here.
I don't know quite what to say about this one. According to this story in the Chicago Tribune, some parents are taking their children to chickenpox parties because they don't trust the chickenpox vaccine. The theory is to give the kids natural immunity at a time when, because of their young ages, the symptoms of the disease are likely to be mild (although an infection can become serious).
Most pediatricians oppose this idea, the article says.
Have any of you heard of this happening around here?
When I saw this recipe in a new pasta cookbook from Woman'sDay magazine, it reminded me of a dish I used to throw together often as a single gal long ago.
I kept cans of clams in the pantry along with boxes of pasta, so it was easy to make at the last minute.
Since the kids generally like spaghetti, I figured it was worth a try...
(Photo from Woman'sDay Tuesday Night Is Pasta Night)
My daughter ate about half of hers after scraping off the parsley, clams and bits of onion. Oh well. My son ate a bit but didn't love it, but I'll keep after him. After all, shrimp, a cousin from the sea, is his favorite thing to eat.
Linguine with Clams and Parsley
Serves 4
12 ounces linguine pasta or thin spaghetti
1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
13 ounces chopped clams, drained, juice reserved
3/4 cup chicken broth
3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest
Juice from 1 medium lemon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Cook pasta in a large pot of lightly salted boiling water as package directs. While pasta cooks, put wine or broth, onion and garlic in a large saucepan over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 5 minutes or until onion is soft. Add reserved clam juice and 3/4 cup chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered 3 to 5 minutes for flavors to blend. Stir in clams; heat through. Drain pasta; return to pot. Add clam sauce and remaining ingredients; toss to mix and coat.
--Adapted from Woman'sDay Tuesday Night is Pasta Night
Per serving: 478 calories, 32 grams protein, 4 grams fat, trace saturated fat, 76 grams carbohydrate, 5 grams fiber, 88 milligrams cholesterol, 550 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.
Today's Guest Dad is Michael Cross-Barnet, op-ed page editor here at The Baltimore Sun. He probably won't be able to look at this post for a while, because he's probably still trying to get all of his kids to school this morning...
Here's his post:
"Four years ago, I pulled into town after moving across the country with my wife, three kids, two dogs, one cat, one rabbit and one fish, all stuffed into our Toyota Sienna. We were plagued by all the usual doubts and fears attending a major relocation. But at least one aspect of our lives would be simple and straightforward: All three of our kids would be attending the same school, Roland Park Elementary/Middle School, a little less than two miles from our new home.
"Our youngest was starting kindergarten; the middle child was entering second grade; the oldest would be a fifth-grader. And because it was K-8 and one of the best public schools in Baltimore, we had every reason to expect to be there for a very long time. Indeed, one of the main reasons we chose our neighborhood and our home was to be able to send our kids to that school. So if you see us driving around Baltimore in a white minivan weekday mornings between 7:15 and 8:45, looking a little dazed and more than a little tired, please understand: We're disoriented. Our morning routine used to be a "simple" matter of getting three groggy kids out of bed, dressed, fed, prepped for school and out the door to one place...
"This year, a funny thing happened. Actually, a few funny things. One of them is called high school. Yes, our not-so-little girl Emily is now 14, and a freshman at City College High School.
"Then there's our 11-year-old. We had a choice: Keep Joshua at Roland Park for middle school or move him to a different school where he could take the higher-level math and science courses offered by the city's Ingenuity Project. (They have Ingenuity at Roland Park too, but his test scores were just not quite high enough to get him into his first-choice school.)
"As for our youngest child, he never really thrived in a traditional classroom setting. So when we found out a public school was opening in the city using the Montessori educational philosophy, we jumped at the chance to put Zeke, 9, in an environment that we felt was a better match for his personality and learning style.
"For those of you keeping score at home, that's three kids in three different schools. And none of them is the one in our neighborhood! Thus, our daily, drowsy (from waking at 6:30) sojourn through the streets of Baltimore.
"Starting from our home base of Tuscany-Canterbury, we traverse at least a dozen city neighborhoods daily, representing the highs, lows and in-betweens of Baltimore: Guilford, Radnor Springs, Northwood, Hillen, Lauraville, Hamilton, Mayfield, Ednor Gardens, Coldstream-Montebello, Oliver, Greenmount West, and probably a few others whose names I don't know. Ah, you may be thinking: But at least the girl can take the bus to school, can't she? So we thought, too. After all, the No. 22 stops just three blocks from our door and drops her off right in front of City College. Unfortunately, as many of you reading this are no doubt aware, a teenager can be somewhat -- how to put it nicely? -- sluggish in the morning. And more often than not, there's a page or two of homework that somehow got missed the night before. All of which means that, most mornings, riding the bus becomes more of an aspiration than a reality. She piles into the van with the others.
"Now, as for getting them all home in the afternoon? Ugh. Don't get me started ..."
The New York Times devotes its Well section today to child health. You'll find stories on discipline, eating, exercise and more.
A few highlights from the articles:
--Don't pressure kids to "take a bite" of a particular food, and don't offer them a reward to do it. That might get them to try something, but they won't end up eating it as a habit. Instead, offer a variety of healthful foods and encourage, but don't force, them to try things.
--The TV debate isn't just about time limits. Pediatricians are starting to care more about the quality of the content children watch, and parents should too.
--We aren't giving our kids enough attention when they're being good. As one article points out, we use the times when they're busy to send e-mails or get on the phone. When they start acting up, that's when we turn to them....so they have incentive to do it again. (Yikes.)
This week, Momof2 is looking for advice on how to keep grandparents "from going completely overboard with expensive, elaborate, space-consuming gifts that don't reflect our parenting values." She writes that even though she has given her kids' grandparents specific suggestions for modest gifts, they've ended up giving costly gifts that don't fit in her house.
This is a tough one, but Jan Faull, a Seattle parent educator and author of several parenting books, addressed it well in an article published on Healthykids.com and parents.com. Here are some of the tips she offered in that piece for managing grandparents who give too much, especially if they are bent on spending a lot:
--Instead of something your child doesn't need, put the grandparents in charge of buying a big-ticket item he does need, such as a big-boy bed. Or they could contribute to a backyard play set.
--Ask grandparents to put money in the kids' college fund instead of buying a present.
--If space is an issue, have grandparents purchase a membership for the child to the local science center. (That way, they could take the child and enjoy each other's company, too.)
--If grandparents have their hearts set on buying an object that's large and expensive, ask them to keep it at their house, so Junior can have something exciting to play with there.
One of the many issues raised by the candidacy of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for vice president is the idea of caring for an infant while you're working in any kind of office. Palin's solution, as reported by several newspapers, has been to keep her baby, Trig, with her as much as possible, whether that's in the governor's office or while traveling to appearances, as in the picture on the left.
So I thought it might be interesting to talk about our own experiences bringing (or not) babies to work and to find out how many workplaces are truly baby-friendly.
A reader pointed me to the site Babies In the Workplace, which lists 104 companies around the country classified as "baby-friendly" and the number of "babies hosted" at each office to date.
I could find only one workplace listed there from Maryland -- the Law Offices of David Honick, P.A. (The Web site says that firm has hosted one baby so far.) I left a phone message there this morning to see if I could talk with the employees about babies at work. I'll report back if I hear from them.
Have you brought your babies to work, or worked alongside the babes of others? How did it go?
(Associated Press photo/Eric Risberg)
Seven years ago today I was playing with my baby girl's toes, and she was happily chortling, when my husband called to tell me that two planes had crashed into the World Trade Center towers.
As I turned on the TV and digested what had happened, I felt the need to keep smiling at the baby, to not project onto her the awfulness of what was unfolding. Even though the baby is now in second grade, I find myself still trying to avoid the subject.
But, of course, the world doesn't avoid it. Leah learned last year about what had happened during her school library time. Turns out that the librarian had the right idea about how to address the topic with a group of first-graders, many of them born in 2001. "You were the good news" that year, my daughter reported she told them. "And this was the bad news."
So I thought today's Tip Sheet might address how to talk to kids about the 9/11 anniversary. Feel free to add your own:
(AP Photo/Biswaranjan Rout)
--This site from the University of Missouri says to plan ahead and to be extra vigilant about today's television viewing, since footage of the disaster is likely to be played repeatedly.
--Talk with your child if she seems interested, says the University of Missouri site, but keep in mind her age and maturity level. This is a time to do more listening than talking; let her finish her sentences, and find a time when you can give her full attention. Young children may be frightened by too many details.
--Validate your children's feelings, even if school events or some other exposure to the topic has frightened them, says a guide from the New York University Child Study Center that was developed for the fifth anniversary of the attacks. Reassure kids that you'll do everything you can to keep them safe.
--There's more on dealing with childhood trauma and teaching about Sept. 11 here.
--This article posted on the TeacherVision web site, written shortly after the attacks, give some age-specific ideas on how to deal with the subject.
This weekend we hit a September sweet spot, when farm activities and a fair for the Jewish holidays coexist with still-summery activities such as the dragon boat races in the Inner Harbor. And don't miss the half-off child's admission coupon the National Aquarium is offering (details under the dolphin's birthday announcement below.)
Let the fun begin:
Thursday (Sept. 11)
Elmo's Green Thumb: Elmo and friends come to First Mariner Arena in a live show through Sunday. Details here. $13-$35.
Friday (Sept. 12)
Celebrate a dolphin's birthday: Foster, the baby Atlantic bottlenose dolphin at the National Aquarium, had his first birthday this week. Through Sunday, you can send birthday messages to him at the dolphin shows and buy special birthday cupcakes in the aquarium's cafes. (Part of the proceeds go to "enrichment items" for Foster and the other dolphins.) You can get half off a child's admission (with another child's full admission) through Oct. 29 by printing this coupon.
Star-Spangled Banner Weekend: This weekend Fort McHenry honors Defenders Day, Baltimore’s oldest holiday commemorating the bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and the writing of The Star Spangled Banner. There will be re-enactors, parades, military bands and fireworks. $7 for adults, free for kids from 10 a.m-4 p.m. today through Sunday, 2400 E. Fort Ave. Call 410-962-4290 or go to nps.gov/fomc.
Free class with baby: The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore will hold a free class to help first-time parents introduce babies 3 weeks to 4 months old to the outside world...
(Photo of dragon boat races courtesy of Catholic Charities)
..including sensory stimulation activities and support discussions for parents Fridays through Oct. 3 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at The Healing Path, on the second floor of the Cross Street market in Federal Hill. Call Sharon Seigel, 410-356-5200 x. 347, or visit www.thehealing-path.com.
Custom Car Cruise: This Friday night event continues weekly through Halloween. The Centre at Glen Burnie, at the corner of Ritchie Highway and 8th Ave. in Glen Burnie, hosts weekly Street Survivors of Maryland Classic and Custom Car Cruise shows Fridays from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through Oct. 31. Call 410-573-3800 or go to streetsurvivorsofmaryland.com. Free for spectators.
Saturday (Sept. 13)
Dragon boat races: This biannual event returns to the Inner Harbor today from 8 a.m.-6 p.m., where about a dozen area corporate teams will race from the World Trade Center to the Maryland Science Center. Free to watch.
Children's weekend at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum: The museum at 901 W. Pratt St. will host a festival featuring performances by the kids' band Milkshake, moon bounces, an "All Aboard" calling contest, face painting and free train rides from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free with museum admission; here's a $1 off admission coupon.
Hampden Fest: Bring the kids to the Avenue (36th Street) in Hampden to enjoy live music, a children's area, an "eco lounge" and more from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. More at hampdenfest.com.
Irvine Nature Center reopens: The nature center holds a two-day festival from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday to celebrate its new facility at 11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills. Watch puppet shows, play nature games, walk trails. Here's the schedule. Free.
All Aboard Thomas at the Strasburg Railroad: If you're up for a day trip to Pennsylvania Dutch country, you can ride a train pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine and meet Sir Topham Hatt (if you have a 3-year-old boy, you know what I'm talking about) at the Strasburg Railroad, One Historic Drive, Strasburg, Pa. Through Sept. 21. Here are the details; advance ticket purchases recommended. $18 for ages 2 and up; free for those under 2.
Sunday (Sept. 14):
Some of Saturday's activities carry over to today, of course. And there's...
Free Family Sunday at the BMA: This week's theme is "Resting at home" for family art workshops, which begin at 2 p.m. at the Baltimore Museum of Art. Free.
Rosh Hashanah Family Fair: The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore will hold a family fair with kids' activities and a holiday boutique from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. at the Rosenbloom Owings Mills JCC, 3506 Gwynbrook Ave., Owings Mills. Children can make a shofar, design Rosh Hashanah greeting cards, and put together family books to reflect on the year's accomplishments. $5 per child. Registration required; call Eileen Berman, 410-356-5200, x324 or email eberman@jcc.org
As I wrote in the newspaper version of this column today in You & Taste, cooking your own whole chicken can save you money over chicken parts and those rotisserie chickens you pick up in the market for a quick meal. While they're tasty and the next best thing to home-cooked, their prices are creeping up.
It's not as hard as it seems to cook your own whole chicken, and it's a great option for grilling season.
This easy marinade offers spicy skin for the grownups, and moist, tender meat for the kids. Take the skin off theirs so they won't get a hit of the cayenne...
(Photo by me)
My son liked it a lot; my daughter, a little. Leftovers can be tossed into a salad, with pasta, into quesadillas or enchiladas.
Tomato-Orange Grilled Chicken
Serves 4
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds), well rinsed, patted dry, and untrussed
Prepare hot coals for grilling. Start coals in a charcoal chimney, put a foil drip pan in the middle of the barbecue and put hot coals on either side. Replace your grill grate and spray with cooking spray.
Stir all the ingredients, except the chicken, together in a bowl until smooth. Brush the chicken well with the sauce. Put the chicken directly on the grill and grill over low heat, preferably covered, for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 165 degrees in the thigh (turn the chicken a quarter turn and brush with sauce every 15 minutes). Let the chicken stand 10 minutes before carving and serving.
--Adapted from The New Basics Cookbook, by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins
Per serving: 441 calories, 44 grams protein, 24 grams fat, 7 grams saturated fat, 10 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams fiber, 134 milligrams cholesterol, 390 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.
Two recent stories on men and their biological clocks might be interesting to discuss for Father's Day Tuesday:
--The New York Times reports that more single men, gay and straight, are becoming fathers through surrogacy and adoption.
--Time has a report on the fertility of men as they age. There's more evidence, the story says, that men face some of the same issues as women who want to have children as they grow older. A recent study, for example, suggests that the father's age had as much effect as the mother's on rates of pregnancy and miscarriage, the story says.
Today's Guest Dad is Mark Hyman, a Baltimore resident and BusinessWeek contributing editor for sports (and a former colleague here at the newspaper). Mark's book about impact of parents, coaches and other adults on youth sports, "Until It Hurts," will be published by Beacon Press next April. Meanwhile, he blogs about youth sports at Youth Sports Parents.
Now that fall sports are starting, it's time for Mark to sift through his family's equipment -- and to make some interesting discoveries in the process. Here's his post:
"The fall sports season is upon us, already. That means weekends spent watching our kids play soccer, field hockey, and in my case, fall baseball. At our house, it also means it's time again to root through the chest of drawers, the equipment bins and other known hiding places for outgrown and forgotten-about sports stuff.
There's always at least one garbage bag of things we can easily part with. Some years, it seems we could load up a U-Haul. How do we acquire these things, anyway? (I just lugged an overflowing sports-gear container into my office, so I can blog and sort simultaneously. This might be a U-Haul year.)
I have pulled out these items: blue Frisbee emblazoned with the logo "GW Proud," a regulation sized day-glo basketball, three wiffle baseballs, a football tee, a baseball belt, five unmatched batting gloves and three tennis balls.
I wasn't aware that anyone in my family played tennis. The tee and tennis balls are going. I need to think more about the glowing basketball.
The next stop is my 17-year-old's sports socks and pants drawer. This could take a while."
Today’s Monday Consult question comes from a reader who was concerned about a lesson taught in her son’s kindergarten classroom. Because she suspects the lesson plan comes from higher up in the school than her son’s teacher, she was reluctant about taking it to the teacher. And she didn’t want to be seen as one of those pushy “helicopter parents” when the school year has just begun.
But our expert for today, Mariale Hardiman — former principal of Roland Park Elementary-Middle School and now assistant dean for urban school partnerships at the Johns Hopkins University School of Education, says it would be worse to leave the teacher out of the discussion.
If you complain to the principal, or the superintendent, the teacher will eventually be asked about it — and she probably won’t appreciate that you didn’t come to her first. “I think it’s always best to start with the teacher,” Hardiman says. “Getting the teacher’s perspective first before going anywhere else is really very helpful.”
Start by seeking a meeting with the teacher using her preferred method of communication, whether that’s a note in your child’s take-home folder or an e-mail, if she’s given out the address. Say you have a question about the lesson rather than a “problem” — that shows you’re willing to learn more about what’s behind the curriculum and are receptive to the teacher’s and the school’s point of view, Hardiman says.
Depending on the issue, things might be resolved during this discussion. If they’re not, and if the teacher’s not the one who controls this lesson plan, she can help guide a parent about where to go next, Hardiman says.
We finally caved in and bought a minivan last weekend. And I feel that I've reached another strange milestone as a mom.
If you have two children or more these days, it seems the minivan looms as some kind of inevitability. You may fight it as literal baggage, as a very large albatross around your once-single, once cooler, once more spontaneous neck. But gradually, as playdates beckon, bicycles multiply and relatives visit, you are seduced by power doors and the promise of easy carpooling.
A few days into driving this thing, here are my thoughts:
AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza
--I have now become an actual bus driver. (Before, I just felt like one.)
--Parallel parking is best avoided. And I'm sorry, fellow parkers, but whenever I can I'm leaving a wide berth between you and me.
--I feel the urge to fill up the seats, because otherwise, driving the minivan feels strangely lonely. Anybody need a ride?
--My son, at 5, already loves cupholders and compartments more than he loves me. He sits way in the back corner.
--Comfort is good. Even if it's uncool.
Where do you stand on the minivan?
Your child cries out in the middle of the night that his leg hurts. You ask the doctor the next day, and she says it's probably growing pains. Growing pains aren't just a concept; they're a physical symptom, and they can be quite painful.
In the September issue of Wondertime magazine, Dr. Jack Maypole, a Boston pediatrician, offers these tips on growing pains:
--Growing pains commonly diagnosed as pains or aches that come and go, usually in the muscles of the calves and thighs or behind the knees, Maypole says.
--They occur in about 25 to 40 percent of all children, peaking at ages 3 to 5 and 8 to 12.
--Pain can be mildly irritating or severe and can last for minutes to several hours.
--Maypole recommends having the child stretch and/or rubbing his legs after periods of intense activity to avoid these pains. If they come anyway, a pain reliever (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) can be given. But if your child needs it for several nights in a row, it's probably time to visit the doctor.
--A heating pad can help, but use it carefully.
--Another technique Maypole says often works: Help your child use visualization techniques, such as imaging his pain "hurtling into outer space," or thinking about a place or activity he likes.
--The good news: Maypole says that for most children, growing pains begin to go away as adolescence begins.
The Maryland Science Center kicks off its Egg Drop, Price Drop Saturdays this weekend through Dec. 27. If you come before 11:30 a.m., you'll get an egg to drop from the atrium. Your challenge is to keep it from breaking by wrapping it in a host of available materials. (You'll also get $5 off admission.)
We've always had a good time taking part in this activity...until, despite our best cushioning efforts, our carefully packaged eggs go splat on the ground. Help out your fellow parents and share your secrets for getting the eggs to land safely. What packing material do you use?
Meanwhile, here are a few more events to consider over the next few days:
Thursday, Sept. 4:
--Remember the Titanic: Kids 6-12 can learn about the Titanic from 3:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. at the Herring Run Branch of the Enoch Pratt Library. Free.
And more...
Friday, Sept. 5:
--Mother Goose on the Loose: At 10:30 a.m., children up to 3 can enjoy this interactive nursery rhyme program at the central branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library with their caregivers. Free.
Saturday, Sept. 6:
--Many Moons Festival: This celebration of Asian culture features dance and music performances, Asian food and a marketplace from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Towson University's Center for the Arts. The schedule and admission prices are here.
--Pigtown Festival. If your kids didn't get enough of the pig races at the state fair, head for the Pigtown Festival from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. ("running of the pigs" at 1 p.m.) Performances of The Three Not So Little Pigs by Blue Sky Puppet Theater are on the schedule at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
--Make a game at Home Depot. I learned recently from The Forge Flyer that Home Depot has monthly workshops for kids. This Saturday, kids 5-12 can learn to make a paper football game with goal post at 9 a.m. Free.
Sunday, Sept. 7:
Children's day at Ladew Topiary Gardens: From noon - 5 p.m., kids can enjoy face painting, crafts, live performers and plant learning station at the gardens. Details are here.
Do you have something fun for the family to add? Please post details.
Spirited discussions continue all over the country about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's work-family balancing act as she runs for vice-president with five children and a grandchild on the way. Here are some related links I thought might interest you:
--This ABC News piece has interesting stats on what working mothers themselves think about whether it's ideal for high-powered moms to be gone from home as much as they are.
--The Los Angeles Times' health blog examines the issue of genetic testing, highlighted by the fact that Palin's infant son, Trig, has Down Syndrome.
--Here at The Baltimore Sun, we're looking at the state of teen pregnancy.
--For lots of different views from female bloggers, here's the Palin link at BlogHer.
No matter where you stand, John McCain's choice of a running mate has definitely renewed discussion of what many of us see as a hidden, daily struggle -- how women can live up to their own expectations (let alone society's) as both mothers and individuals.
Now that it's September, it feels like time for more serious dinners, somehow, even though autumn is officially a couple of weeks off.
Pork chops are an easy way to get there. This recipe from a recent Weight Watchers cookbook comes together quickly. And if the wine sauce scares you for the kids, just leave it off for them.
I did, and my kids took to these pretty well...
(Photo by me)
I was surprised not to get any complaints about the bits of rosemary. It may have helped that my daughter harvested it from our backyard.
Pork Chops with Rosemary-Wine Sauce
Serves 4
4 (1/4-pound) boneless center-cut pork loin chops, trimmed
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
1/2 cup dry red wine
Season the pork with the salt and pepper. Spread the flour on a sheet of wax paper. Coat the pork with the flour, shaking off the excess; discard any leftover flour.
Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork and rosemary; cook until pork is golden brown and until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the side of a chop registers 160 degrees, about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Transfer the pork to a platter; keep warm.
Add wine to the skillet; bring to a boil. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, until reduced to 1/4 cup, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour over the pork and serve.
--Recipe and nutritional analysis from Weight Watchers All-Time Favorites
Per serving: 203 calories, 9 grams fat, 3 grams saturated fat, 66 milligrams cholesterol, 194 milligrams sodium, 5 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 24 grams protein.
Among the many conversations about Republican presidential nominee John McCain's vice-presidential pick, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, is the one summed up in this New York Times piece today. Moms and dads are debating how a woman who gave birth just five months ago to a child with Down Syndrome can subject herself to the punishing rigors of this campaign.
This Washington Post story offers a clue: The baby's with her in the office, even being discreetly nursed during a meeting.
On one hand, it's a bit of a sexist argument: Would anyone ask these questions if the candidate were the father of a new baby? Palin's husband is reportedly on leave from his job and prepared, at least for the moment, to be a full-time dad.
On the other, at least one woman in the Times story says Palin's willingness to spend long hours on the trail doesn't jibe with her notion of putting a new baby first.
What do you think?
(Photo by Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images)
Occasional Guest Dad Andrew Ratner is back with an account of his brief glimpse into the Facebook world of his daughter, who just left for college:
"After reading Jill Rosen's piece in the You & Your Digital World section last Tuesday about 6 1/2 reasons you're not too old to join Facebook, I didn't leap to join just yet. But I was thrilled when my younger son, after calling up his Facebook page, showed me several photos that my daughter had posted to her page of her first few days away at college.
She looked happy, like she had made several friends in her dorm and was fitting in.
I didn't feel like a voyeur. Quite the contrary, I was delighted to get a sense of her first week away at school in a way she probably couldn't communicate to me as well as she would to her friends on Facebook.
The photos were worth a thousand words. I'm still considering joining up, though I doubt she'd "friend" me onto her page anyway."
Today’s question comes from Momof2, who asks:
"Ok, here’s one from a friend who is a stay-at-home dad: how to deal with taking a potty-training or preschool girl to the bathroom? When boys go in a public bathroom with mom, no problem because everyone is in a stall. In the men’s room, there are often men using urinals. Ignore it and take the girl to the men’s room? Ask a stranger to take the girl into the women’s room and help her? Keep her in diapers forever...?"
I asked Molly Brown Koch, a local parent coach for about 50 years and author of the recent book 27 Secrets to Raising Amazing Children, to respond. In an e-mail, she wrote:
"Taking a little girl into the men’s room could present a problem to her if she has not had such ‘exposure’ earlier. If the little girl is old enough to position herself on the toilet and take care of her hygiene, she might be able to handle the visit to the women’s room herself. Perhaps a cell phone left on, tucked in the child’s pocket, could reassure Dad that everything is fine.
"Boys and girls need explicit instructions as to what to do when they do go in alone. I remember seeing a little girl in the women’s room who was by herself and was well trained in what to do. This included not touching handles with her bare hands and washing her hands after using the toilet. If the child is too young to understand the rules, he/she may be too young to go in alone."
