It's been too long since our last Guilty-Mom poll. In addition to being a really fun kid holiday, Halloween is prime guilty-mom time.

Have you sewn original costumes, brought homemade orange-and-black cupcakes to three different school parties, watched and captured on video all Halloween parades, made a spooky buffet of healthy Halloween food, and festooned the house with Martha Stewarty jack-o-lanterns?

Or are you staying zen, ordering pizza and taking the kids to a couple of houses nearby?

Whatever your Halloween stance, how do you feel about it?

You have until tomorrow at 10 a.m. to vote. Happy Halloween!

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Guilty-Mom polls
        

Today begins the transition of our Father's Day post/focus to Friday. That's to make room for the new Tween Tuesday.

Editor and blogging columnist Andrew Ratner is back as our Guest Dad today. While some of us are sweating face-paint and princess costumes, he's looking back on those days longingly:

"I've been feeling melancholy lately when I walk through the discount and grocery stores with their aisles brimming with Halloween costumes and candy. With my older two children away at college and the third in high school, Halloween, for me, is a shell of the spectacle it was when they were little.

"Halloween was often a mystical, magical hoot as a kid. And if you have children, you get a second bob at the apple when they're young. I enjoyed getting to do Halloween all over again, seeing it through their eyes: Going to hay rides and pumpkin farms with the kids, enjoying their delight in dressing up, escorting them on Halloween night to go trick or treating, sampling their candy afterward. I'm probably glossing over some of the pressure once felt to devise a clever, inventive costume, but by and large Halloween was a ton of fun.

"Though I haven't unfortunately outgrown my sweet tooth, All Hallows Eve now seems mostly hallow. The other holidays change, too, as a family grows older, but their relevance remains. Halloween seems just a ghost of itself, however.

"Elvis memorably sang of a "Blue Christmas." Is there anyone who sings about Blue Halloween?"

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

Boo; Halloween is tomorrow! Scared yet? (That your kid will get chocolate on his costume at the daytime Halloween party; that your boss will see you sneaking out for the Halloween parade and stop you in your tracks; that those cute olive eyeballs you made won't go over well?) Aside from those fears, there's the serious issue of safety for trick-or-treaters. AAA has these tips for us:

"--Select highly visible costumes. Look for light, bright and reflective costumes that make trick-or-treaters easy to see. Add reflective tape to costumes and treat buckets and bags to increase visibility.

"--Make sure costumes fit well. Have trick-or-treaters try on, walk and play in costumes and shoes in advance to check fit. Make sure nothing comes loose or might cause the child to trip. Check that wigs or other accessories do not obstruct the child’s view.

"--Review safety precautions with children. Include traffic safety rules in the review, such as staying on the sidewalk, crossing the street at crosswalks, avoiding walking in front of, behind or between parked cars and stopping at driveways to make sure no vehicles are coming in and out.

"--Plan trick-or-treating route and supervision in advance. Avoid areas with heavy vehicle traffic and look for well-lit streets with sidewalks. Make arrangements for an adult or a responsible teen to accompany younger trick-or-treaters.

"--Get a flashlight with fresh batteries. A flashlight can help trick-or-treaters see and be seen, but it should never be directed at someone’s eyes including those of passing motorists.

And here are more tips from local law-enforcement agencies, courtesy of Peter Hermann's Baltimore Crime Beat blog. Remember that the big pumpkin sign you might see outside a house actually may mean a sex offender is living there, so keep away. (The pumpkin, according to Hermann, will look "stern" and have a sign saying "No candy at this residence.")

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

I got so busy yesterday that I forgot to link to a You & Taste cover story that will be of interest to any of you who are trying to figure out how to actually get your kids to eat a reasonably healthful dinner on Halloween before they gorge on candy.

It includes a yummy-sounding turkey meatloaf and sweet potato "spiders" recipe (pictured on the left) from a local mom that is simple and fun. I'm going to try out a recipe for cheese souffle in mini pumpkins for a future Dinner Together column. Watch this space to see how it goes over.

(Photo by Baltimore Sun photographer Chiaki Kawajiri)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Food and Recipes
        

Here's our weekly short list of things for the kids to do (and, in most cases, for you to do with them). That's if you have any energy after Halloween parades, parties and trick-or-treating... 

Thursday, Oct. 30:

HopeWell Cancer Support’s Kids’ Circle: A support group for kids who have a loved one with cancer includes activities and open forums. Orientation: 6-7 p.m. Thursday, First Class: Saturday, 10-11:30 a.m., Hopewell Cancer Support, 10628 Falls Road, Lutherville, Kids ages 5-18. Free, but you must pre-register. Contact 410-832-2719; hopewellcancersupport.org.

Teen Halloween Party Enjoy a chance to meet other teens; includes a costume contest at the Harford County Public Library, Jarrettsville, 6- 7:45 p.m. Grades 6-12. Free. Must register, 410-692-7887.

Wilde Community Center Halloween Celebration: See a puppet show and trick or treat in the village center from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Wear your costume. Slayton House/Wilde Lake Community Center, Columbia. Ages: 2- 10. $5. To purchase tickets in advance: 410-730-3987, columbiavillages.org/wildelake

Night of the Gargoyles: Hear spooky tales and create a gargoyle stick puppet and "stained glass" window from 7 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Howard County Library in Elkridge. Ages: 5+, Free, Must register, 410-313-5085.

There's more than just Halloween fun on Halloween:

(Photo from "Snow White's Magic Prince," playing Sunday, courtesy of the Gordon Center for Performing Arts)

Friday, Oct. 31:

St. Thomas Aquinas School’s Annual Fun Fair: Enjoy an afternoon of games, face-painting, bingo, raffles, and fun food, 1:30 p.m.-3 p.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas School, 3710 Roland Ave., Baltimore. Free admission. 410-889-4618, sthomaaquinasschool.us.

Saturday, Nov. 1:

Bird Banding at Eden Mill: Join Mark Johnson and Les Eastman as they band birds from 7 a.m.-noon at Eden Mill Nature Center, 1617 Eden Mill Rd., Pylesville. Banding will be at the Joe Vangrin memorial pavilion with intermittent walks. Free. No registration required. 410-836-3050.

Free museum visits: Bank of America offers Cardholders free admission to the American Visionary Art Museum, the Flag House and Star Spangled Banner Museum (closed Sunday), and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture as part of yearlong Museums On Us program Saturday and Sunday. See bankofamerica.com/museums for more information.

Fall'n Leaves: Explore falling leaves and the colors of the season from 1 p.m.-2 p.m. at the Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Road in Owings Mills. $3 members, $5 non-members. For all ages.

Fall Foliage Family Hike: Bring a bag to collect leaves, pods, and natural treasures to make a nature collage, and learn why trees they drop their leaves from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. at Marshy Point Nature Center, 7130 Marshy Point Rd., Baltimore. $2. Reservation required, 410-887-2817. 

Sunday, Nov. 2:

Snow White’s Magic Prince: Watch a magical fairy tale come to life at 3 p.m. at the Gordon Center for Performing Arts, 3506 Gwynnbrook Ave., Owings Mills. Ages 4-9. $7 per child (ages 10 and under); $9 per adult. Purchase tickets at gordoncenter.com or 410-356-SHOW.

The Turkey That Wanted to Read: Take part in an interactive story event with face-painting at 2 p.m. at the Baltimore County Public Library in Randallstown. All ages; under 6 should be accompanied by an adult. Free. 410-887-0770.

Pirate Jamboree: Who doesn't love playing pirates? The Annapolis folk duo Calico Jack offers an hourlong “Pirate Jamboree,” featuring music and fun about pirates real and fictional, at 4 p.m. Sunday at the Studio 194 Theatre in the Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane, Brooklyn Park. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children. Call 410-636-6597 or go to chesapeakearts.org.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 5:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

This recipe goes out to all of you who fear to cut into a pumpkin for anything other than a jack-o-lantern.

Until recently, I was like you. Until a cute little sugar pumpkin arrived in our share from One Straw Farm, and sat on our counter staring at me for a couple of weeks as I pondered whether to eat it, or put it out as a porch decoration.

I decided on the former course when I read that sugar pumpkins are actually very easy to peel. Unlike their hard-skinned squash cousins, these pumpkins can be shaved with a Y-style vegetable peeler. Easy as, well, pie.

But this is a dinner column, not a pie column (though I know my kids would have eaten that....)

(Photo by me)

So I adapted a recipe from Martha Stewart's Everyday Food magazine. I roasted the pumpkin with some One Straw Farm shallots and rosemary from our little herb garden in the morning, then tossed the roasted veggies with some rigatoni, a little butter and some parmesan cheese when I got home.

And then I was rejected by both children, who only want their pumpkin in a pie.

Rigatoni with Roasted Pumpkin and Parmesan

Serves 4

1 medium sugar pumpkin (about 4 pounds), peeled, seeded and cut into 2-inch chunks

4 shallots, peeled and quartered lengthwise

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup fresh rosemary leaves

coarse salt and ground pepper

12 ounces rigatoni

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Toss pumpkin, shallots, oil, rosemary and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl until combined. Spread on a large rimmed baking sheet (use two if the sheet is too crowded). Roast until pumpkin is tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Toss vegetables halfway through, and rotate sheets if necessary.

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water; drain pasta and return to pot. Add butter, cheese and pasta water; toss until butter has melted. Gently fold in pumpkin mixture and season with salt and pepper. Divide among serving bowls and serve immediately.

--Adapted from Everyday Food

Per serving: 589 calories, 18 grams protein, 20 grams fat, 6 grams saturated fat, 89 grams carbohydrate, 6 grams fiber, 19 milligrams cholesterol, 86 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 5:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dinner Together, Food and Recipes
        

As promised, here's Liz Atwood's first Tween Tuesday post:

The approach of Halloween this year has brought a new issue for my 12-year-old son and his friends: Go for the tricks or go for the treat?

According to a recent survey from MyBuys.com, about one-quarter of U.S. adults are annoyed by teenage trick-or-treaters.

While not quite a teen, my older son is thinking of abandoning the door-to-door candy hunt this year and instead staying home to hand out treats and wear a costume to frighten the little kids who come to the door. He skipped the neighborhood Halloween parade, saying he was too big. Meanwhile, he worries that the middle school’s Halloween dance will be “boring.” Ah, such as is the life of a tween, those awkward years from about 8 to 13 when nothing quite seems to fit.

I’m trying to remain neutral on the trick-or-treating issue and not to feel too nostalgic for the good ol’ days. His first Halloween, I made him a bunny costume. The second year, I sewed a lion costume. But by the time he was 4 he had had enough with homemade “cute” and wanted to be scary: a long line of vampires, zombies and ghouls followed. In the 5th grade, he stripped down to his underwear and wore a diaper for the school’s Halloween parade. Last year, he opted for fun over frightening and dressed as Mario. But now it seems those trick-or-treating days are numbered.

Do you have a tween or teen trying to decide what to do Friday night? Do you think there’s an age when kids should hang up the goodie bags and stop trick-or-treating?

Posted by Liz Atwood at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Parents of 8- to 13-year-olds, take note -- tomorrow marks the debut of Tween Tuesdays, which will feature a guest post from my colleague Liz Atwood, a fellow editor here in The Baltimore Sun's features department. She'll write about this age group through the prism of her experience as the mother of 7- and 12-year-old boys.

Our Father's Day guest posts will move to Fridays, which makes for better alliteration anyway.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 4:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Baltomommie wrote to ask for advice on how to help her preschooler stop grinding his teeth at night. She also wanted to know whether a sealant that dentists apply to children's teeth these days to prevent cavities would help protect his teeth from the wear and tear of grinding.

I sent the question to Shari Kohn, a pediatric dentist at Dentistry for Kids in Hunt Valley and a clinical instructor at the University of Maryland Dental School. She counsels patience.

"Many preschoolers grind their teeth," she wrote in an e-mail. "There are many different theories as to why - nothing has been proven. One theory is that grinding is a subconscious stress release. Another is that it is an inherited trait from a parent who grinds. Many parents tell me that their children started grinding when they started school. We also see grinding commonly in children who have a malocclusion or poor bite alignments who will need braces in the future."

There's not much a parent can do when a child is a preschooler, Kohn says, because night guards are a choking hazard at this age. She says most young kids won't suffer anything more than mild wear on their teeth from grinding, and that can be treated with desensitizing products. Most kids will lose their baby teeth before the wear from grinding becomes more severe; if they're still grinding and causing damage to permanent teeth, they'll probably be old enough to wear a night guard then. Children whose bite alignments are causing grinding can be referred to an orthodontist at that point, too.

Anti-cavity sealants aren't an answer to grinding, Kohn says, because they are designed to fill in grooves and pits of teeth, while grinding affects the cusps of teeth.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Health, The Monday Consult
        

Two more events to tell you about for the weekend, and they're both free:

  -- The Family Festival of Treasures takes place at the Walters Art Museum from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow in celebration of the its exhibit Bedazzled: 5,000 Years of Jewelry. Families can hunt for treasure, make projects inspired by gems of the past, and pose for pictures dressed as royalty. And admission to the Bedazzled exhibit itself will be free during the festival.

 --On Sunday, the Baltimore Museum of Art holds its ArtBlast from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring art-making activities on the theme of its exhibit Franz West, To Build a House You Start With The Roof. A concert by Milkshake kicks things off. Later, you can watch stilt walkers and enter a big hair contest.

(Photo of Pansy Brooch by Rene Jules Lalique, 1903, courtesy of the Walters Art Museum)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Today's Tip Sheet is on how to take great Halloween pictures. Kodak.com has a nice multimedia presentation with tips on how to make the most of your photos of the spooky holiday. They include:

 --Tell a story. Photograph your child turning into his Halloween alter-ego, as well as the finished look. You can use the photos to make a flip-book that documents the transformation.

--Avoid flash reflections. (See good "do" and "don't" examples here.) If you're using a flash (and since some of these pictures are taken when it's dark out, you might be), stay away from reflective surfaces like mirrors and windows. They can project a big, irritating reflection of the flash onto your shot. If you can't avoid those surfaces, Kodak.com recommends standing diagonally from your subject while you shoot.

--Move in close. Fill the frame with your subject. (This tip works year round, especially when it comes to taking kid pictures.)

--Stay in flash range, about 6-10 feet for digital cameras and 15 feet for cameras that use film, Kodak.com says. Otherwise, your pics will be too dark or too light.

--Get kids into character. Urge them to act the part they're playing...

(AP Photo/Shizuo Kambayashi)

and don't be afraid to get a little action into the shot.

--Capture the mood. Trying turning off the flash and using the glow of a pumpkin or the fading light of the sky to get an atmospheric shot. When you're shooting without flash, be sure to hold the camera very steady to avoid blur from the slower shutter speed, the site says. Don't forget to switch your camera to night mode, which adjusts for low light.

--For great jack-o-lantern photos, cut bigger holes when you carve; they'll let out more light. If the pumpkin needs brightening, use a flashlight or turn on a nearby porch light.

--Create a ghostly photograph. This looks fun, if a bit more advanced: Try setting your camera exposure for 8 seconds, then have your subject leave the photo after 5 seconds, which will make the subject's image appear transparent. Have the person move very slowly as you take the picture.

What are your favorite Halloween picture-taking tips? If you'd like to also share the pics, e-mail them to me and I'll post some.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

This weekend brings many Halloweeny activities, including the free Young People's String Program concert Sunday at the Peabody Institute, pictured on the left. How cute is that?

Also on tap:

Thursday, Oct. 23:

Anime Club: Share, compare, and browse anime and manga, from 3-5 p.m. at Anne Arundel County Public Library, 4730 Mountain Rd., Pasadena. For teens. Free, 410-222-6699, http://www.aacpl.net/.

Friday, Oct. 24:

Abingdon Freak Fest: Play Dance Dance Revolution, join a scavenger hunt, and explore a garage of horrors at the Harford County Public Library, Abingdon Branch, 6-8 p.m. Grades 6-8. Register 410-638-3990, http://www.hcplonline.info.

After Dark...At the Library: Enjoy games and food after hours at the Howard County Library, Glenwood Branch, 6:30-10 p.m., Ages 7-12 plus adult, Register at 410-313-5579; http://www.hclibrary.org

Pumpkin Walk: A traditional autumn celebration featuring old-time favorites such as apple-bobbing, story-telling, a costume parade, and face-painting at Hammond-Harwood House, 19 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, 4-6 p.m. $6 for ages 1+. No rain date, Call 410-263-4683; hammondharwoodhouse.org

(Photo courtesy of the Peabody Institute)

Saturday, Oct. 25:

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Keep this recipe handy for Thanksgiving leftovers. Since it had eggs, which the kids like, and sweet potatoes along with the turkey for an easy one-pot meal, we decided to try it early.

The kids ate a good bit of it, especially the poached eggs. The sweet potatoes get nice and crispy, which makes this a good dish for brunch or dinner.

(Photo by Eskite Photography, from the book "Not Your Mother's Weeknight Cooking")

Sweet Potato Turkey Hash

Serves 4

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¼-inch dice

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 small red onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 pound skinless cooked turkey breast, cut into ½-inch dice

Salt and freshly ground black or white pepper

4 large or extra-large eggs

Place the sweet potatoes in a saucepan; add enough water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the potatoes are just barely tender. Drain well and set aside.

Heat the butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for about 5 minutes, until lightly brown. Add the drained sweet potatoes. Cook, stirring with a spatula, for about 8 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are browned and crispy. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the cooked turkey; season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 2 minutes, to heat the turkey.

Make 4 depressions (3 inches in diameter each) into the hash and break 1 egg into each. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, until the eggs are firm and cooked to the desired degree of doneness. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper, if desired. Cut the hash into 4 portions and serve immediately.

--Adapted from Not Your Mother’s Weeknight Cooking, by Beth Hensperger

Per serving: 374 calories, 36 grams protein, 15 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 22 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams fiber, 293 milligrams cholesterol, 151 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dinner Together, Food and Recipes
        

The popular crib maker Delta Enterprise has issued a recall of 1.6 million cribs with drop sides made between 1995 and 2007. If the cribs are missing safety pegs or if a spring peg on one type doesn't work properly, there's a risk that a baby could become trapped and suffocate. The company says that if you have one of these cribs and safety parts are missing, you should stop using it until you have received and installed replacement parts or a retro-fit kit.

Here's Delta's site on the recall, with photos that will help you determine if your crib is included and request the parts you need to fix it. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has more information here and here.

Because of this recall and others, the commission is urging parents with any kind of drop-side crib to inspect their cribs for stability. Make sure the drop-side mechanism is operating smoothly and securely on its track. Here's more information on how to inspect your crib.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Today's Guest Dad is Bernie Kohn, investigations editor here at The Sun. He writes about how hard it is to communicate with your teenagers, often a challenging group for parents under any circumstances, when you're going through a divorce. And it sounds as if he could use the perspective of those of you who've been there, so feel free to chime in.

Here's his post:

"My teenaged boys were already at that stage when they came to believe their father is an alien. As a father, you just sigh, realize they'll think you're a whole lot smarter in a few years, and take advantage of every natural opportunity in front of you for meaningful conversation and male-bonding time to keep the connection going.

"But what happens when you lose that opportunity? When suddenly you're not there every day? When someone else controls their access to you? When you find yourself longing for dismissive grunts?

"This divorce thing is still new to me, as it is to them, and this is the part of the new life that was both expected but is also hardest to fight through. Visitation agreements don't mean much with teenagers. They know just enough about human behavior to know conflict when they see it, but may be more ill-prepared than younger ones to find their own way through it.

"In my case, it's my younger child who seems able to see each parent as a separate entity and build relationships with each; for my older one, it's just one more thing piling on to the many trust issues so typical in the older teenager looking to soon head off on his own. Can I make him have a relationship with me? Do I? Or do I give him his distance, and rely on faith he'll come around when the lawyers are no longer the uninvited people crashing this dance, or when he needs advice in college and has no one else to turn to?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

It's time for you to send your questions for the Monday Consults to come. With holidays, economic woes, the upcoming election, and many other topics occupying the minds of parents, there should be ample material for experts to tackle.

Post your questions in the comments section below, and I'll get to work finding experts to answer them.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Crayon marks are welcome on paper, but as parents know, they often end up on painted walls, wood floors, and other places where they don't belong. A friend asked the best way to get them out, which I thought was a good question for the Monday Consult.

It turns out that Crayola.com has a helpful series of stain removal guides for its products. Here's some of the advice you can find there for regular crayons:

--For brick, carpet, plastic, and a number of other surfaces, WD-40 is the magic bullet. The site outlines various ways to use it, depending on where the mark is. Sometimes you'll need dishwashing detergent as well.

--For unfinished wood, try rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth.

--For unwashable materials, you'll probably want to consult a professional dry cleaner, the guide says, but Amodex ink and stain remover may work.

--The guide includes tips for Crayola activities and toys. You can get Silly Putty out of a child's hair with a generous amount of baby oil or hair conditioner and warm water, which you massage around the Silly Putty and then gently comb out. (Shampoo the hair afterwards.)

The guide is careful to say that you should test the method you're thinking about using on an "inconspicuous area" of the surface to be cleaned. It also says results are not guaranteed. And you should check the box of the product that made the mark before you go to the guide, because the advice changes depending on what your child was using when his coloring went off the reservation.

(Photo by Baltimore Sun photographer Christopher Assaf)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Sad news for lovers of poor little rich girl Samantha Parkington, one of the first American Girl dolls -- she's being "archived." That means the 1904-era doll and her collection -- including best friend Nellie -- soon won't be available for purchase, though Samantha books will continue to be.

This had particular resonance for me because, as faithful readers will remember, after months of deliberation my daughter decided Samantha was the American Girl she wanted. We went to the American Girl Place in Los Angeles, where my in-laws live, to pick her out. I'll always remember how Leah scanned those rows of Samanthas to choose just the right one.

I asked American Girl spokeswoman Susan Jevens when the collection would officially go off the market...

(Photo courtesy of American Girl)

She wrote back that there's no date set yet, and that it will depend on inventory and demand for Samantha products. She said fans should watch the catalogue and web site for more information.

She wrote that since Samantha has been around for 22 years, it seemed the right time to "preserve her place in history" and make room in the catalogue and retail stores to introduce new characters and products.

How do you American Girl fans feel about the news?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (25)
        

Here's our short list of tips for cheap and easy Halloween costumes for both kids and adults. We'd all love it if you add more ideas in the comments:

--Hit your local kids' consignment shop. Even if you don't see what you're looking for, your kids might get inspired by something they see. (My son fell in love with a too-short-but-still-cute dalmation puppy costume.)

--Host a last-minute costume swap with your fellow parent friends. Each family brings costumes the kids have outgrown and/or no longer want.

--Fay Hite posted some good tips on two very different Halloween looks -- "Spa Girl" (sounds like a costume Mom would like to save for herself) and an adult costume based on Hitchcock's The Birds (that movie always freaked me out).

--Kim Tilley has posted some very good ideas at childfun.com. My favorite is to buy superhero pajamas for winter and dress them up. Nothing like a Halloween costume that's actually useful after Halloween.

--If you like conceptual costumes, try this one from Parent Hacks on a baby: "Easy baby halloween costume: Use a permanent marker and write "E=mc^2" on a onesie. Apply mousse to hair. Ta-da! Baby Einstein."

--Stretcher.com has some basic ideas easy enough even for people like me, including help for Robert on his little guy's ghost costume. With just the cost of spray-on hair coloring, your tween can be a rock star, and it's easy to make ninja weapons by covering cardboard with foil.

 --Scott Harris mentioned sortprice.com, and while I didn't find any fantastic deals in my brief spin on the site, I did come up with an actual child's Alice in Wonderland costume for $32.99. (Only now, of course, my daughter has changed her mind and wants to be Annie instead.)

--This site has lots of ideas for costumes made out of a box, and a recipe for homemade makeup.

(Photo by Baltimore Sun photographer Doug Kapustin)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

Here's this weekend's short list, compiled by Lindsey Citron, with the Baltimore Russian Festival and more. Don't forget it's still Free Fall Baltimore month.

Thursday, Oct. 16:

Get to know an unlikely hero duo: Meet a police officer and his dog companion at 7 p.m. at Anne Arundel County Public Library, 400 Shipley Road, Linthicum. Free. Ages 7+. 410-222-6265.

In Our Family: Portraits of All Kinds of Families: Explore a traveling photography exhibit that portrays household diversity, through Oct. 31 at Friends Middle School, 5114 N. Charles St., Baltimore, 7-9 p.m., 410-649-3273. familydiv.org.

Friday, Oct. 17:

Russian Festival: Celebrate Russian culture with food, arts and crafts, dancing, and more at the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church, 1723 E. Fairmount Avenue, Baltimore, noon-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon-6 p.m. Sunday. Free. www.russfest.org.

Egg Carton Creations: Turn trash to treasure with recycled, egg carton animal creations at the Eden Mill Nature Center, 1617 Eden Mill Road, Pylesville, 10-11 a.m. Ages 3-5. Register at 410-836-3050..

Gross and Disgusting: Get messy making slime at the Carroll County Public Library, North Carroll. 2 p.m. Ages 7-10. 410-386-4488.

Chesapeake Fencing Club’s Fenceathon: Participate in an all-night and all-levels fencing competition along with kids' activities and refreshments at Liberty Christian School, 11303 Liberty Road, Owings Mills. 9 p.m. Friday-9 a.m. Saturday. Donations accepted. Fencing participants are to be sponsored. All proceeds benefit the CFC and the Sisters Academy of Baltimore. Register at 410-332-9714 or http://www.fenceathon.com.

Detect the Detective: Play fun mystery games and learn about mystery storybooks at the Crofton branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library, 3-4:30 p.m. Children grades 3-6. 410-222-7915.

(Photo of the 2005 Baltimore Russian Festival by Baltimore Sun photographer Elizabeth Malby)

Saturday, Oct. 18:

Comcast Family Toon Day: Meet and greet famous cartoon characters such as Scooby-Doo and Spongebob Squarepants from 10 a.m. -4 p.m. at the Maryland Science Center, 601 Light Street, Baltimore. Kids of all ages. Regular Maryland Science Center admission prices;$5 off for arriving before noon.410-685-2370. kidslovedowntownbaltimore.com

Irvine Nature Center’s Pumpkinfest: Enjoy fall fun including pony rides, hay rides, scarecrow making, face painting and more from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Irvine Nature Center, 11201 Garrison Forrest Road, Owings Mills. $15 per car. Call 410-738-9200.

Story Time at Barnes and Noble: Join children’s author Diane Delaney for a Halloween-themed show as she reads her book Spooks in my Boots, at 1 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Power Plant, 601 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore. Free. Call 410-385-2086.

Sunday, Oct. 19

Ikea Safety Day: Join Ikea and the Baltimore County Fire Department for games, demonstrations, food, and prizes in an effort to keep children safe from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at the Ikea Baltimore store, 8352 Honeygo Boulevard, Baltimore. Free for all ages. Call 410-931-5400 ext.1932, or e-mail bill.meiswinkel@memo.ikea.com.

A Sukkot Celebration: It Is Easy Being Green Celebrate Sukkot in an environmentally friendly way from 12-3 p.m. at Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center & Camp Milldale. Bring your own lunch. Register at 410-429-4400 ext. 219 or greensukkot.com.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Do you have a fabulous holiday cookie that your friends, families and coworkers look forward to each year? We'd love to consider the recipe for The Sun's annual cookie contest.

Send recipes to Kate Shatzkin, Food Editor, The Baltimore Sun, 501 N. Calvert St., Baltimore, MD 21278; fax them to me at 410-783-2519; or e-mail them to food@baltsun.com with "cookie contest" in the subject line. Please include your name, address and phone number. The deadline is Nov. 5.

We will select the best to be published in early December. This year, we’re upping the ante and offering cookbook prizes for those whose recipes are chosen for publication.

You can post recipes here if you like, but I'll need you to follow up with me by e-mail with your name, address and phone number in order for them to be considered for testing.

Good luck...

 (Photo by Baltimore Sun photographer Amy Davis)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 4:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Food and Recipes
        

Country-style ribs are not only an economical option for those who like barbecue, they're also good for slow cooking. We've often braised them in barbecue sauce (for a super-easy dish), but I was intrigued by this recipe from the new book Cheater BBQ, in which the ribs are coated with dry rub, drizzled with liquid smoke and baked in a very hot Dutch oven.

I must admit to committing a cardinal culinary sin when I tested these...

(Photo by me)

I got distracted by my children (that's my story, anyway) and forgot to turn down the oven as directed after I added the ribs. I didn't realize my mistake until the cooking time was almost up, and I was sure they'd be tough as leather. But the ribs turned out nicely. It may have helped that mine were bone-in ribs, when the recipe originally called for boneless. 

And the kids? Well, we recently read Charlotte's Web, which may have contributed to Leah's refusal to try this. Sam lapped it up.

Hot Pot Country-Style Ribs

Serves 6

Dry rub:

1/8 cup paprika

1 tablespoon kosher salt

1 tablespoon coarsely ground black pepper

1/2 tablespoon garlic powder

1/2 tablespoon dry mustard

1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)

Ribs:

3 pounds country-style pork ribs

2 to 3 tablespoons bottled smoke

Heat the oven to 500 degrees. Mix together rub ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake to blend.

Place a large enamel-coated cast-iron pot or Dutch oven (about 7 quarts) with its lid on in the oven for 15-20 minutes. The pot should be piping hot. Meanwhile, work the rub into all sides of the ribs.

Carefully place the ribs in the hot pot, add the bottled smoke, cover, and immediately reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees. Cook the ribs for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the internal temperature is 190 degrees.

--Adapted from Cheater BBQ, by Mindy Merrell and R.B. Quinn

Per serving: 388 calories, 25 grams protein, 31 grams fat, 11 grams saturated fat, 1 gram carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 122 milligrams cholesterol, 345 milligrams sodium. Analysis provided by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

I'm starting to panic.

It just figures that the only Alice in Wonderland costume that comes up in a Baltimore shoplocal search is a sassy "adult" version, complete with garters, for $39.99.

Something's wrong here. Actually, several things. Not only can you not find a simple child's costume meant for a child, but the kind you find is $40. In this economy, I just don't think that flies.

I'm not the only one having this problem. Reader Robert wrote to ask for a Tip Sheet on costumes because his 2-year-old wants to be a ghost, and they can't find a costume. For a ghost!

Robert also wants tips on making the costume. I think a lot of us could use that help; I've told you before, I have a craftiness deficit. But I know a lot of you readers have craftiness in spades.

So please post your tips so we can help each other, both for making costumes, finding inexpensive costumes, and helping kids think about affordable costumes. (Here are some ideas from an earlier post to get you started.)

(Photo by Sun photographer Amy Davis)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

It turns out that post-partum depression doesn't affect just mothers. According to a psychotherapist quoted in this CNN piece yesterday, 1,000 new fathers become depressed in the U.S. each day. An earlier story from U.S. News and World Report quotes another psychologist who says that 10 percent of fathers develop postpartum depression, but are less likely to recognize the signs than the 14 percent of mothers who do.

While mothers' depression is typically caused by the hormonal changes that take place during pregnancy and birth, the sudden changes in lifestyle can trigger depression in the fathers, the U.S. News story says. Sleep deprivation is one of the primary contributors.

There are ways to try to head off male post-partum depression before it starts. Here's a list of ideas and resources.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

The American Academy of Pediatrics is doubling its recommendation on the amount of vitamin D kids should get each day, noting new research that suggests it may help prevent serious diseases. Most kids would have to take supplements to get the 400 units the organization now advises.

The best source of Vitamin D is sunlight, as this story about the change in recommendation points out, but we've all been slathering sunscreen on our kids to avoid skin cancer (which we still need to avoid). And kids who are breast-fed (which many pediatricians recommend for the first year of life) probably get less vitamin D than formula-fed babies, though they reap other benefits.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Health
        

A reader wrote to say that her third-grade daughter is already saying that girls just aren't good at math. "Where in the heck did she get that??," the reader e-mailed me. "Are there any resources for parents who want their girls to not fall into that trap?"

I sent the question to Penny Rheingans, associate professor of computer science and interim director of the Center for Women and Information Technology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She wrote that this is largely a problem of perception, and that girls actually perform as well as boys at math at least through high school.

"Unfortunately, the perception alone can be damaging, convincing girls that they're not supposed to succeed at math," she wrote. "Those who belong to groups not typically expected to succeed in a setting . . . are more vulnerable internalizing the inevitable rough spots in a challenging subject. A minor difficulty in a math class can leave a girl convinced that she's the problem and just not suited for math. A boy in a similar situation would be more likely to conclude that the teacher or the test or some other external factor was the problem, since it couldn't possibly be him."

Here are a few tips Rheingans offered to help:

"Offer encouragement. It's important to recognize and reinforce things that go right. Concrete, specific praise tends to be more believable to those skeptical about their abilities, so "Wow, I was impressed by how you solved that problem" works better than "You're great at math."

"Enlist a group. Being a majority of the (group you're working in) helps counter the effects of not being stereotypically expected to excel. Experiments have shown girls to do better on math tests in majority-girl groups than when they're in the minority. Even a single buddy will provide a sounding board for experiences and expectations, as well as peer-pressure to persist.

"Emphasize practical applications of math. Point out math aspects of activities she enjoys: probability in card games, fractions in cooking, score differentials and trends in sports, and discounts in shopping.

"Girls are frequently more motivated by math and technology as a means to an end, rather than as an end to itself," Rheingans wrote. "Ways in which math, science, and technology can help people, animals, and the environment are particular engaging."

Rheingans offered a couple of web resources she thought would help. "Sally Ride Science runs programs and provides materials and links to cool websites for educators, parents, and girls. The Ada Project (named after the first computer programmer -- Ada Byron, Lady Lovelace) maintains a great list of math and computer science links for girls."

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

A reader named Cathryn Lee is putting together a reunion to be held at 4 p.m. Oct. 26 for mothers who have been part of the mom-baby groups at Greater Baltimore Medical Center, where Dee Dee Franke has such a following.

Here are some of the details:

 "Hey ladies/babies/toddlers/husbands from GBMC and/or the Tuesday/Friday groups.... Let's get together & see each other. The Charcoal Deli ("my beef shack") will be cooking up pit beef, turkey and hot dogs and serving fruit salad and pasta salad (trying to stay away from anything with major allergy problems) & non-alcoholic beverages. This will also be an opportunity to honor Dee Dee, our baby whisperer. We (as in all of us) will be presenting her with a yearbook (details below).

"The cost will be $25.00 per couple (or $12.50 if you're flying solo), which can be paid the day of the party. This event is not restricted to 2007/2008 mom's group attendees, so if you know anyone from the old school, please pass this along. Hoping this will be a great way for all to catch up.

"Oregon Ridge has a nice playground and room to roam. We will be outside. Might be a little chilly, so bring a layer. If anyone wants to add a few decorations/desserts/activities/favors or whatever, please let me know (cmcl27@verizon.net). Any help is appreciated. We really want to make this a great day for all of us and for Dee Dee, who is such a treasure.

"Please RSVP by October 18th and please mail your yearbook pages by then too, so I will have some time to put it together. Thanks everyone!!"

If you'd like to respond or get details on the yearbook project...

you can view the full evite here.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Here's our Tip Sheet on farms our readers like to visit. More details can be found in a story this morning by Lindsey Citron:

 --Granny likes Clark's Elioak Farm in Howard County, and so do my kids. The play equipment from Enchanted Forest is a plus, as is the petting farm.

--Kelly is a fan of Baugher's Orchard in Westminster, where you can pick apples on October weekends through the "third weekend in October or so," according to the web site. (It might be best to call ahead if you're set on apples.) There's also play equipment and a free petting zoo.

--We've got a map mashup of farms here. If you're in the city or the northern part of Baltimore County, the closest-in farms look to be Weber's and North Run Farm, which appears to have a huge corn maze. (Those things have always freaked me out, since my kids love to "hide" in them. But maybe that's just me.) 

More tips for a great farm experience?

(Kenneth Lam/Sun photographer)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

Halloween candy won't come soon enough for your kids? Today is the start of the 26th annual Lexington Market Chocolate Festival, where you can take part in a chocolate eating contest. The festival runs through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free Fall Baltimore and kids' month are still going on, too, with many activities and some free destinations. And there's more, thanks to help from intern Lindsey Citron:

Thursday, October 9:

Stop Bullies: Learn how to peacefully settle a bullying problem at 7 p.m. at Anne Arundel County Public Library's Linthicum Branch. For children ages 7+. 410-222-6265, www.aacpl.net.

Friday, October 10:

Nature walk: Explore the outdoors with children’s stories and a nature walk, Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave, Baltimore, 10-11:30 a.m., Children ages 3-6. 410-367-2217,

Urban Pirates’ Pirate Story Time: Play games and sing songs like a pirate on a real pirate ship at 10 a.m. at Ann Street Pier, Fells Point. Children of all ages. Free story time; cruise prices vary, Register at 410-32-QUEST, www.urbanpirates.us.

(Photo of last year's chocolate festival by Sun photographer Kim Hairston)

Saturday, Oct. 11:

B&O Railroad Museum Public Safety and Health Day: Take a ride on a fire truck, learn safety tips, and update immunizations with the Baltimore City fire and health departments, at the B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt Street, Baltimore, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., $2 off standard admission prices and free for members. 410-752-2490, http://www.borail.org/.

Annual Thrill Show, Baltimore City Fire Department: Support fire prevention month with tips on everything from a controlled fire demonstration to blood pressure screenings, Baltimore City Fire Academy, 6720 Pulaski Highway, Baltimore, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Free, 410-396-5616. http://www.baltimorecity.gov/government/fire/

Expanding Your Horizons Career Discovery Day: Get hands-on experience, lessons, and interaction with women working in the fields of math and science at Stevenson University, 1525 Greenspring Valley Road, Stevenson, 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., Middle school girls only. Register with Dr. Susan Slattery, 443-334-2875, f-slatte@mail.vjc.edu.

Fall Harvest Festival (Cromwell Valley Park): Celebrate fall with face painting, apple cider, hay rides, pony rides, music, and more, from noon-4 p.m. Oct. 11 and 12 at Cromwell Valley Park, Willow Grove Farm, 2175 Cromwell Bridge Road. $5 per car. 410-887-2503, http://www.cromwellvalleypark.org.

Fall Harvest Festival (Kinder Farm Park): Enjoy family-friendly fall activities such as pumpkin painting, pony rides, hay rides, scarecrow making, and more from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m., Kinder Farm Park, 1001 Kinder Farm Park Road, Millersville, 410-222-6115.

Free Fall Carnival: See the Kinderman, play games, get your face painted, and more, Lakeshore Learning Store, 1620 E. Joppa Road, Towson, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., 410-296-5888, www.lakeshorelearning.com.

Kids’ Fun Run at the Under Armour Baltimore Running Festival: A running event for those too young for the festival, 6610 Amberton Drive, Elkridge, 9:20 a.m. (red division), 9:30 a.m. (blue division), Ages 7 and under (red division) and 8-12 (blue division). Register online: www.thebaltimoremarathon.com.

Youth Service Saturday: Get information about fundraising, hands-on experience, and working for the Chesapeake Habitat for Humanity, Chesapeake Habitat Office, 3326 Keswick Road, Baltimore, 9:30 a.m- 12 p.m. Ages 5-15. Register 410-366-1250, http://www.chesapeakehfh.org.

Sunday, Oct. 12:

Story Hour: Listen to a story, take a museum tour, and maybe win a free book at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, 830 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore. 3-5 p.m. Children of all ages. Free. 443-263-1800.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Things to Do
        

If your kids are young and you're wondering whether they'll be able to escape the wrath of bullies when they get to school, you'll want to read this piece from Newsweek. It describes new research that suggests, contrary to what you may have thought, that kids who display aggressive tendencies early in life are actually more likely to be bullied later than gentler kids.

It makes sense, says one psychology professor quoted in the story, because it's easy to get a rise out of such kids. Bullies will pounce on that.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Found myself paging again through my mother's little book of dinner favorites for economical meals. This simple meat loaf with a sweet-spicy glaze is one I remember fondly.

It's nice and moist, and makes a great sandwich the next day. Kids had a split verdict... 

(Photo by me)

with a sort of tepid thumbs-up from my son and no enthusiasm from my daughter. 

Red Wine Meat Loaf with Brown Sugar Glaze

Serves 6 to 8

Meat Loaf:

1/2 cup red wine

2 pounds ground beef

1 cup soft breadcrumbs

1 small chopped onion

2 eggs, beaten

3 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Glaze:

3/4 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1/2 cup water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Stir all ingredients except those for the glaze together in a bowl and mix until combined. Pat the mixture into a loaf pan and bake for 30 minutes. While meat loaf is baking, combine all the ingredients for the glaze in a small saucepan and stir over low heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil without stirring, then turn off heat and let glaze cool slightly.

When the meat loaf has baked for 30 minutes, drain off liquid and continue to bake another 30 minutes, basting with glaze every 8-10 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 

--Pat Shatzkin

Per serving (based on 8): 337 calories, 25 grams protein, 11 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 32 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, 122 milligrams cholesterol, 220 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

I'm excited to say today marks the return of Guest Dad Will Morton, whose post about being a stay-at-home dad early on in the life of the blog drew lots of response.

Today, he writes about why he lets his kids do pretty much as they please on the playground. Here's his post: 

"Am I a hypocritical parent? Is it because I am: (a) a man, (b) an at-home dad or (c) just plain lazy? Or do I just need to communicate better with my wife?

"The playground in our neighborhood is the place where outgrown toys go to die. The selection usually includes a half-dozen plastic houses, six or eight plastic cars with at least one broken wheel (they go backwards best), and dozens of dump trucks, backhoes and bulldozers. It sounds like paradise, yet it's where my wife and I disagree most: should our playground rules directly suit our own children or should they reflect the parents and kids around us?

"My wife doesn't let our 5-year-old son climb on top of the plastic houses if someone is inside. I'm okay with that, however, but I draw the line at jumping up and down on the houses, occupied or not. And our preschool's policy is that "all slides are down slides." Yet on the elementary school playground after hours, our almost-3-year-old daughter follows all the kindergarteners up the slide like a monkey up a tree. I let it go.

"As an avowed "non-hoverer," I tend to be pretty liberal and let my two children do whatever they want – crash plastic cars into each other, dump the sand in the mulch and vice versa. My approach to conflict is just short of Lord of the Flies. If they're not bleeding or using "ugly voices," I rarely intervene. My theory is that I'm teaching them to work it out themselves.

"My wife points out that since I see the kids more, so I have a better sense of what they're capable of. I agree that I could do better at telling her. But I don't agree that just because some other parent's 3-year-old might break his neck following my kindergartener that I should rein it in. I already harp on my son about enough. Maybe other moms or dads should actually parent and set appropriate rules for their own children. Tell them, "Sometimes you're not allowed to do what other kids can do. I'm your dad, not theirs!"

"When our son was 3, we told him he was too little to climb on the plastic house roof. He wasn't especially physical and would have fallen off. He fussed, but we held firm. Once he could get up there under his own power, though, we told him he earned his "climbing license."

"It puzzles my wife that I'm absolutely rigid on meal times and bed times, yet I can bend like a reed on playground behavior. It puzzles me, too."

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

Are your kids starting to hear the news about our financial crisis, and to worry about what it will mean for your family?

This story in Sunday's Washington Post lays out some startling figures about the anxieties young people are starting to feel. And it has some good advice about what to do to help your kids feel more secure.

I'm remembering now that my daughter was reluctant to see the Kit Kittredge movie last summer because she didn't want to see people suffering during the Great Depression.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Every mom and dad has a huge, very basic question that he or she might feel embarrassed to ask out loud. It's "how can I be a good parent?"

Fortunately, the American Academy of Family Physicians has actually answered this question on its web site with a concise set of guidelines. I thought they made a perfect Monday Consult:

"Show your love. Every day, tell your children: "I love you. You're special to me." Give lots of hugs and kisses.

"Listen when your children talk. Listening to your children tells them that you think they're important and that you're interested in what they have to say.

"Make your children feel safe. Comfort them when they're scared. Show them you've taken steps to protect them.

"Provide order in their lives. Keep a regular schedule of meals, naps and bedtimes. If you have to change the schedule, tell them about the changes ahead of time.

"Praise your children. When your children learn something new or behave well, tell them you're proud of them.

"Criticize the behavior, not the child. When your child makes a mistake, don't say, "You were bad." Instead, explain what the child did wrong. For example, say: "Running into the street without looking isn't safe." Then tell the child what to do instead: "First, look both ways for cars."

"Be consistent. Your rules don't have to be the same ones other parents have, but they do need to be clear and consistent. (Consistent means the rules are the same all the time.) If two parents are raising a child, both need to use the same rules. Also, make sure baby-sitters and relatives know (and follow) your family rules.

"Spend time with your children. Do things together, such as reading, walking, playing and cleaning house. What children want most is your attention. Bad behavior is usually an attempt to get your attention."

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

This sad and perhaps telling story from the New York Times is getting a lot of attention. In Nebraska, a broad law designed to allow mothers unable or unwilling to care for newborn babies to leave them at hospitals has prompted a number of overwhelmed parents to abandon much-older children.

Is this a sign of our times?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

It's getting to be time to pick your pumpkin. If your preschool or school doesn't have a field trip scheduled, perhaps you're going on your own this weekend or next. But which pumpkin patch is best to visit?

I thought local pumpkin farms would be a good subject for next Thursday's tip sheet. As usual, the tips depend on you. Even more so this time than usual, because my heretofore favorite destination, the charming Belvedere Farm in Fallston, is not holding fall activities this year.

To start the discussion, here's our list of local pumpkin farms. Which is your favorite? Are there others you'd recommend?

(Patrick Smith/Sun photographer)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 8:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Things to Do, Tip Sheet Thursdays
        

Today's tips come from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, who want to see your kids' feet and ankles stay free of injury during the fall sports season. The organization sent along tips from Kansas City foot and ankle surgeon James Good, who says kids who play football, soccer, and basketball are most likely to suffer sprains and broken bones.

Here are his tips: 

"Have old sprains checked by a doctor before the season starts. A medical check-up can reveal whether your child's previously injured ankle might be vulnerable to sprains, and could possibly benefit from a supportive ankle brace during competition.

"Buy the right shoe for the sport. Different sports require different shoe gear. Players shouldn't mix baseball cleats with football shoes.

"Children should start the season with new shoes. Old shoes can wear down like a car tire and become uneven on the bottom, causing the ankle to tilt because the foot can't lie flat.

"Check playing fields for dips, divots and holes. Most sports-related ankle sprains are caused by jumping and running on uneven surfaces. That's why some surgeons recommend parents walk the field, especially when children compete in non-professional settings like public parks, for spots that could catch a player's foot and throw them to the ground. Alert coaching officials to any irregularities.

"Encourage stretching and warm-up exercises. Calf stretches and light jogging before competition helps warm up ligaments and blood vessels, reducing the risk for ankle injuries. 

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

It's October, which makes it kids' month in downtown Baltimore, as well as Free Fall Baltimore month. There are lots of events, museum deals and cultural happenings for families to enjoy.

I've listed some family-friendly events for the next few days below. The complete schedule can be found at Freefallbaltimore.com.

This weekend is also the big Michael Phelps celebration, which lots of kids won't want to miss. The "Parade of Gold," honoring Phelps and other Maryland Olympians, starts at 3 p.m. Saturday on York Road at Burke Avenue in Towson, and travels south to Rodgers Forge. A festival and salute to Phelps begins at Fort McHenry around the same time, featuring performances by local bands. The official program, including a Q-and-A with the Olympian, starts around 7 p.m.

Here's the rest of the lineup, compiled with help from intern Lindsey Citron:

Thursday, Oct. 2:

Hooray for Presidents!: This program offers a fun, child-friendly approach to presidential trivia at 7 p.m. at the Anne Arundel County Public Library's Provinces branch in Severn. Ages 9+. Call 410-222-6280.

Friday, Oct. 3:

The Village Learning Place Sound Off: This event celebrates hip-op culture with interactive activities for teens and families, including an open mic session and special guest performances, from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday at Village Learning Place, 2521 St. Paul St. Call 410-235-2210 x206. Free.

More...

(Photo of Michael Phelps at Disney World by Joe Burbank/Orlando Sentinel)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Today marks the beginning of Free Fall Baltimore, and the day that admission to the Maryland Zoo will be free. It's open until 4 p.m. Details here.

I'll have more on Free Fall Baltimore events for families in tomorrow's events post. In the meantime, if you have anything to suggest for this weekend's activities, please post below.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

I know -- capers. But the great thing about a recipe like this (from the new book Two Dudes, One Pan) is that the sauce comes at the end.

Until then, the fish (I used tilapia here to keep costs low, but any white fish should do) is simply seared in browned butter.

I saved some plain pieces for my kids before putting the sauce on the adults' portions.

The kids gave this a split verdict...

(Photo by Kathryn Russell from "Two Dudes, One Pan," by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo. Published by Clarkson Potter)

My daughter had a few bites, but didn't like it. But my son loved this fish so much that he asked for leftovers (still plain, thankfully) constantly the next day -- for snacks as well as dinner. He declared it as good as shrimp, and that's saying something.  

Fish with Lemon-Caper Butter

 Serves 4

4 6- to 8-ounce skinless fillets tilapia or other white fish

1 teaspoon kosher salt

4 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon unsalted butter (divided use)

1/4 cup capers (rinsed if salt-packed; drained if brine-packed)

juice of 2 lemons

2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Sprinkle all sides of the fish fillets with the salt. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a stainless skillet over medium-high heat. Add the fish and sear until it is opaque halfway through, about 2 minutes for tilapia. Add 2 more tablespoons butter to the skillet and, once it has melted, flip the fillets and sear on the second side until completely cooked through and the fillets slightly resist semifirm pressure, another 2-3 minutes. (Note: If you need to cook the fish in batches to prevent crowded, wait until your first batch of fish is completely cooked before adding the second 2 tablespoons of butter for the next batch.)

Transfer the fish to plates. Add the capers to the hot skillet and let them sizzle for 15 seconds. Pour the lemon juice over the capers, sprinkle with the parsley, and stir to combine. Swirl in the last teaspoon of butter. Drizzle the lemon-caper butter over the fillets and serve immediately.

 --Adapted from "Two Dudes, One Pan," by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo

Per serving: 335 calories, 45 grams protein, 17 grams fat, 9 grams saturated fat, 3 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 130 milligrams cholesterol, 832 milligrams sodium. Analysis provided by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)