Our editorial board is working on an editorial that local parents are likely to have an opinion on, and you can weigh in -- before they finish it!

You may recall that the local Joseph and Harvey Meyerhoff Family Charitable Funds recently announced plans to shift its focus to Baltimore's middle class, with the aim of keeping such families in the city by helping with college tuition, shoring up city parks and improving computer access at the Enoch Pratt Free Library.

The editorial board is arguing that the best way for the foundation to keep middle-class families here would be to dedicate money to improving the Baltimore city public school system.

You can add your comments by following the link above or sending an e-mail to talkback@baltimoresun.com. The best comments will be published alongside the editorial in the print edition.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Liz Atwood is here with Tween Tuesday: 

In the grand scheme of being a parent, this is a small matter. It's not as serious as dealing with illness, a call from the principal, or a bad grade on the report card. It's not like dealing with rudeness, a broken curfew or a broken heart. But this summer my 12-year-old son has passed a milestone. He now is taller than I am.

Of course, we've seen this coming for a while. In the last couple years, he's enjoyed measuring himself against me and gauging how much longer it would be before he would be taller than I was. And now that day has arrived. He enjoys calling me shorty. I remind him I'll always be his mother.

I want my boys to grow up to be tall, handsome men. But it is a little unsettling when your baby is bigger than you are. Has this happened to you? Does looking up to your son or daughter change the relationship you have with them?

Posted by Liz Atwood at 6:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

After their big divorce announcement last week, Jon & Kate Plus 8 are on hiatus, with a recap show scheduled for tonight. In the meantime, USMagazine.com reports, they're planning a media blackout to focus on their family.

In that spirit, John & Kate Plus 2 will also take a J&K-watching break to focus on their family. OK, maybe just on the laundry to start.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 5:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: John & Kate Plus 2 watch Jon & Kate Plus 8
        

AP is reporting that Michael Jackson's mother, Katherine Jackson, has filed for guardianship of the late singer's three children. The biological mother of two of them, Debbie Rowe, may want her children back, though, and the mother of his third -- who hasn't been publicly identified -- may surface as well.

This line from the story leapt out at me: "If he did indicate a preference, that will be given great weight, but that will not be determinative," said Los Angeles attorney Gloria Allred. "Children are not property, they cannot be willed to another person."

I'm not sure what directions Jackson left behind, or how legally binding they were -- apparently his affairs will take a while to sort out. In the meantime, though, his death should remind those of us of more modest means that we should take steps now to plan for our children's care if the unthinkable happened. This primer from NPR lays out some of the issues and steps to take when you are planning for your children.

UPDATE: Katherine Jackson was awarded temporary guardianship of the children by a judge today.

(AP Photo/Robyn Beck, 2005)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

BBC Mom asked for help redirecting her 5-year-old's anger. "His instinct is to hit, but I'm having trouble coming up with an alternative that clicks with him -- blowing out a deep breath, saying, "Pickles!" or "I'm frustrated" -- none of that seems to stick," she wrote.

Susan Parks, director of Kennedy Krieger Institute's Behavior Management Clinic, sent this reply:

"Answering the question of how to re-direct a 5-year-old's "rage" may seem simple and straight forward on the surface, but in fact could be complicated depending on the severity and intensity of the behavior and how well-established the pattern.  Unlike "tantrums," which are developmentally typical among 2- and 3-year-olds (where a child becomes easily upset and show anger by crying and striking out) behavior labeled as "rage" may indicate a more intensive expression of anger and could even be associated with more severe mood dysregulation. 

"Developmentally, we would expect to see 4- and 5-year-olds beginning to exhibit better control of their emotions than younger toddlers.  Hence, "rage" episodes at age 5 that are intensive, lengthy, and include high rates of disruptive behavior (such as physical aggression, property destruction, hard crying and screaming) may require professional advice and counsel. 

"If on the other hand, such events are mild in nature (e.g. short lived, minor disruptions) parents should attempt to discern the underlying function or purpose of the behavior. Does the child want attention, access to preferred items or wish to escape from unwanted demands? The parent can then respond accordingly, ignoring disruptions fueled by attention, withholding tangibles in the face of disruptive behaviors, and preventing escape from directives following crying jags.

"Instead, caregivers should consistently remain calm, wait quietly until the child regains composure, specifically label and praise desired behavior, and redirect and attend to appropriate behavior or suitable alternatives (e.g. self-quieting, using words rather than lashing out physically). Physical aggression, specifically, may require other planned interventions (e.g. time-out) and may require consultation with a child mental health professional to assure the procedure is implemented appropriately."

Photo of child hiding her face courtesy of Mel B's photostream on Flickr via Creative Commons

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Guest Dad Joe Burris loves music, and he wonders whether kids are getting as much out of their music today as he did when he was coming of age. He's shared his list of seven songs with great lyrics to share with your children as they grow: 

"I am a music lover whose tastes know no boundaries, and as my 12-year-old daughter Nyaniso has grown, I have delighted in adding many of her music favorites to my personal collection.

"If it were not for listening to Radio Disney with her in the car, I would have likely never heard Bad Day by Daniel Powter, If We Were A Movie by Hannah Montana and Pon De Replay by Rihanna. Occasionally, I’ll blast those tunes from my car radio even when she’s not around.

"Yet sometimes it appears that the age gap in our music preferences is finally rearing its ugly head.

"Recently while riding home from work I tuned into a station that she and her friends listen to, and out of my speakers came the sound of a young artist rapping in a slow, southern drawl.

“Do da stanky leg! Do da stanky leg!”

"Actually, the song, Stanky Leg by the GS Boyz has grown on me, sort of. Certainly, my generation had its share of novelty songs, and I believe that every generation should have its own brand of cultural expression.

"Yet the more I digest much of today’s music, and the more it seems as if the airwaves are saturated with offerings like Stanky Leg, I wonder: Which artists are planting seeds of awareness for today’s youth?

"I ask because I was only eight years old when Marvin Gaye’s classic album, What’s Going On? was released in 1971. I was still a pre-teen when I heard Wake Up Everybody by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes and a young teen when I heard Dust in the Wind by Kansas.

"At the time, I was drawn primarily by the songs’ melodies; the lyrics didn’t resonate as much. Yet as I grew older, their messages became more and more relevant, and now they're timeless words of wisdom.

"I’ve searched for such messages in modern music, and often they’re difficult to come by. That’s why I’ve made a CD of songs for my daughter going back to the early 1960s and as recent as the late 80s. I’ve included seven songs from the track list is below, along with a memorable verse from each song. Hopefully, she’ll add a few of these songs to her personal collection.

1. Take A Look (1986), Aretha Franklin: “Take a look at your children before it’s too late and tell them nobody wins when the prize is hate.”

2. Respect Yourself (1971), The Staple Singers: “Keep talking ‘bout the President won’t stop air pollution./Put your hand over your mouth when you cough, that’ll help the solution.”

3. Wake Up Everybody (1975) Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes: “Wake up all you teachers, time to teach a new way./Maybe then they’ll listen to what you have to say.”

4. Why (1988), Tracy Chapman: “Why do the babies starve, when there's enough food to feed the world?”

5.  Dust In The Wind (1977) Kansas: “Nothing lasts forever, but the earth and sky./It drifts away, and all your money won’t another minute buy.”

6.  Mercy Mercy Me (1971), Marvin Gaye: “Where did all the blue skies go?/Poison is the wind that blows …”

7.  Blowin’ In The Wind (1963), Bob Dylan: “How many ears must one man have before he can hear people cry?”

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Going to see the Orioles tomorrow night? AAA Mid-Atlantic reports that the game against the Washington Nationals is "traffic safety night," which might be a good opportunity for passive-aggressive education of your teen or tween about being safe in and around cars.

There will be traffic safety tips offered and several vehicles to see there, including Otto the Auto, a 3-foot-tall remote controlled talking car, along with a AAA stock car that has a racing simulator.

AAA members can purchase upper-reserve tickets for $6, and swipe their membership cards for a free tote bag. They can also get half off admission to the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards Friday.

(Baltimore Sun file photo of Otto the Auto by Sun photographer David Hobby)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

If you haven't hit the beach yet this summer, you might check out City Sand this weekend, which brings the sand to the Inner Harbor. You can also take in  concerts around the harbor, and check out LatinoFest at Patterson Park.

It's also Great American Backyard Campout weekend.

Here's our list of fun, with help from intern Kayla Cross: 

Thursday, June 25:

Mutts Gone Nuts Family Night: Kids 6 and under with an adult can enjoy comedy and activities with special dogs at 7 p.m. at the Catonsville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library.

Friday, June 26:

Fourth Friday Family Campfires: Toast marshmallows and learn about the moon at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center in Abingdon, 8 p.m.-10 p.m. $2 person or $8 per family; call 410-612-6188 to register. Registration is required.

Saturday, June 27:

Great American Backyard Campout: The National Wildlife Federation encourages families to camp out this weekend and enjoy the outdoors, even if it's in the backyard. Check this site to see where you can attend campouts in Maryland.

Breakfast with the Animals: Watch the residents of the Irvine Nature Center enjoy breakfast and discover what types of food the animals like from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Ages 4 and up. $6 for members of the center; $10 for non-members.

City Sand: Watch teams vie for prizes to design the best sand sculpture on an Edgar Allen Poe theme, noon-4 p.m., Harborplace Amphitheater.

Carnival Science Day:  The Maryland Science Center hosts a "Carnival Science Day" from noon-4 p.m., featuring carnival games such as the bean bag toss, juggling and face painting, with lessons on the science that applies to them. Free with admission.

Celebrate Your Style" Family Fun Day: Enjoy a free day at Power Plant Live! with the family, and Grammy Nominated artist Brady Rymer & The Little Band That Could. The event, presented by CREATE Everyday Genuises, lasts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and features music, face painting, a balloon bounce and other fun activities.

Waterfront Wiggle Free Concert Series: Listen to free, live entertainment on Saturdays though September 5 at West Shore Park. The concerts feature music ranging from steel drums to DJs. The concerts start at 4 p.m.

Summer Live! Concert Series: Enjoy free entertainment at the Harborplace Amphitheatre  Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m., with live performances of jazz, pop and rock. If there is inclement weather, call 1-800-HARBOR1 to check on the status of a concert.

LatinoFest: Celebrate Latin culture at LatinoFest in Patterson Park, with entertainment, traditional food and booths featuring pottery and jewelry. The event lasts from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $5 per person; free for children under 12.

Sunday, June 28:

Weekend Story Time: Kids 2-5 can listen to stories and songs at the Towson branch of the Baltimore County Public Library at 10:30 a.m. Free. 

Evening hike: Take a scenic hike from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. along the Patapsco River at Patapsco Valley State Park in Ellicott City. Meet at the McKeldin area. Bring water and good hiking shoes. Ages 11 and up. $2. Register at 410-461-5005.

(Photo of City Sand 2004 by Baltimore Sun photographer Doug Kapustin)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Every kid's got or has had a toy he loved, whether it's a dog-eared teddy bear he's got to sleep with every night or there's hell to pay, or a play kitchen that's seen better days, or a treasured doll.

For our snazzy new baltimoresun.com parenting page (you've seen it, haven't you?), we'd like to display pictures of your child's favorite toy. Upload the photos here, along with a sentence or two about the toy and what makes it special. Your child will probably get a kick out of seeing it there, and we will, too.

(Baltimore Sun file photo)

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

Sometimes in the world of Dinner Together, it's all about the presentation.

Take these salmon skewers, which I found in Annabel Karmel's book Cook It Together. There was nothing too unusual about the recipe itself, which features a honey-soy-ginger marinade, but the skewers of salmon looked so cute in the book's picture, perched in a halved lime, I thought they might have novel appeal to my children.

The recipe, which you could prepare with your kids, was very easy and quite tasty. Unfortunately I couldn't get the skewers into the limes without tipping over the limes, but toothpicks worked well. The children were suitably intrigued, and ate their dinner (though my son was more interested in the lime). Yay.

Bonus tip: I learned from the recipe how to make little scallion curls like the ones you see at right. Just slice the scallions thinly -- I ran a knife point down my scallions vertically, then sliced a couple more times -- and drop slices into a bowl of ice water.

Here's how to make these:

Salmon Skewers

Serves 4

1/2 cup honey

2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon grated ginger

12 ounces skinless salmon fillet, cut into cubes

2 teaspoons water

Scallions and limes for garnish, optional

10-12 wooden skewers

Soak skewers in warm water for 30 minutes. Heat broiler to high.

Mix together the honey, soy sauce and vinegar. Put half into a saute pan and set aside. Add ginger to the remaining mixture in the bowl. Add the salmon to the bowl with ginger mixture and mix to coat. Thread the salmon onto the skewers, then put them on a foil-lined baking sheet. Spoon on sauce from the bowl.

Broil the salmon for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked. Add the water to the sauce in the pan. Simmer for 30 seconds, then serve with the salmon. If you like, serve skewers stuck into a lime half, garnished with curls of scallions. (To make them curl, cut them into thin slices and put in icy cold water.)

--Adapted from Cook It Together by Annabel Karmel

Per serving: 302 calories, 20 grams protein, 10 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 36 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 61 milligrams cholesterol, 922 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

(Photo by me)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Dinner Together, Food and Recipes
        

It's Tween Tuesday -- and tweens are often headed to overnight camp in summer. Here's Liz Atwood's take on that: 

"The first time I sent my older son to overnight camp he was 10 years old. He had never spent the night away from home. In fact, the one sleepover he had been invited to ended at 11 p.m. when he called us to come get him because didn't want to sleep in someone else's house.

"Naturally, it was with some trepidation that we packed him up for that first camp in western Maryland. The staff prohibited parents and kids from talking to each other over the phone except in an emergency, although the kids were given access to e-mail. I wrote him every day, but he didn't respond. Midway through the week, I asked another family whose son was at the camp to find out if my son was all right. Turns out he was fine.

"That doesn't mean he wasn't homesick. He later confided to me that the first two nights, he cried. He said that while he liked the camp activities, he hated sleeping in a strange place. He complained about sleeping in a cabin full of other boys, he didn't like the practical jokes the counselors pulled, and he didn't like the rowdiness that is bound to happen with 15 kids sleeping together.

"But the following year, he again went to an overnight camp. That time, he called the second day and said he hated it. But I urged him to stick it out and at the end of the week, he said it was the best camp he had ever attended.

"Since then, he's gone on weekend camping trips with his Scout troop and each time, he has had a good time.

"This is the time of year many parents of tweens are getting ready to send their kids off to overnight camp. Some kids will love it; some will hate it. The American Camp Association reports that 96 percent of kids who spend two or more weeks away from home will be homesick at least one day. The organization has lots of tips to help get your child ready for camp and suggestions for how to cope with homesickness. The most important tip, the organization says, is to avoid making a deal that you'll pick the child up if he's homesick.

"In a couple of weeks, I'll again be packing up my older son for camp, this time a weeklong trip in Virginia. Will he like it? Will he complain about the food or the bed? Will he find the other boys too rowdy? Will he be teased? Will he get bitten by mosquitoes or ticks? I don't know. But as he grows older, we both are becoming more confident in his ability to get along away from home."

Photo courtesy of American Camp Association

Posted by Liz Atwood at 6:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Teens
        

Tonight, after we've already learned that Jon and Kate Gosselin have started divorce proceedings, John and Kate Plus Two watched the "big announcement" episode.

Jon says he's clearing the land for the kids to receive a present of "crooked houses" himself because he'll take "any excuse to get on the tractor and knock down trees. It's a man thing."

John: "What I really want is a sit-down mower."

Kate: "It's sad, she looks very lukewarm about it."

John: "She's depressed....Jon just wants to be a dude. Hanging out with the bikers and the truckers, using heavy machinery."

John: "They are at war."

Kate: "So who's right?"

John: "It's a substitute for what they're supposed to be dealing with. They're just focusing their attention on anything like that. Somebody's got to win. That's what I mean about, they're at war. No negotiation. No communication."

Kate: "But that give-and-take is hard in any marriage, isn't it?"

John: "But did you see give-and-take there? She said she'd risk World War III....This is kind of a side thing they're using to get at each other."

Kate: "15 percent off Jon and Kate DVDs....yeowch."

John: "Are the kids wearing Crooked House T-shirts?"

Scene: Jon says that whatever their problems, they're 'there for the kids,' through crooked houses, etc.

Kate S.: "But are they really there for them? Do they think the kids can't tell?"

John: "The problem for her is, wasn't he staying at home with them?"

Kate S.: "I guess she has help. Or maybe she won't be able to travel."

John: "So they get all these free things. Do you think someone could have given them some counseling? What attempts did they make to salvage this marriage?"

Kate: "So do you think whatever he or she has done, that they should try that?"

John: "Certainly it isn't good to fight in front of your kids, and some marriages probably should be ended. But is (ending it) the first thing you do?"

Kate: "Is there any way we can know how much of this was the fame itself, and how much is just two different people?"

John: "I think the fame created a lot of stress. Plus they couldn't deal with their problems in a normal way. How can you be normal when you're stalked by the paparazzi and you're in the tabloids, and in blogs."

Kate S.: "Like this one..."

John: "You wonder how much spanking TLC decided not to show."

Kate S.: "Boy, it's like Enchanted Forest!"

The interviewer points out that Jon and Kate are in different houses, "like a shell game." Kate talks about how Jon won't discuss anything with her.

Kate S.: "TLC is really milking this in an unpleasant way."

Jon talks about how the crooked house guys did delivery and assembly all in one day.

Kate S.: "Could this be more of a commercial?"

Jon says their relationship "is our deal" and that he was too passive. But Kate claims this would have played out had the world been watching or not. They both say they have been dealing with this for 7-8 months. They go to commercial still not saying what they're going to do.

Kate S.: "Oh, this is ridiculous."

John: "It's profoundly sad."

Kate S.:"Yes, it is sad. But I just kind of think it's sick that they're playing it this way for drama. They're participating in it."

John: " I would love to know what the filmmakers think. They've been watching this train wreck in front of them. Do they want to avert their gaze?"

At 9:43, Jon finally says "Kate and I have decided to separate." Kate says she knows it's necessary because her goal is "peace for the kids." She says kids will remain in the house and that she and Jon will share custody and will live in the house during their time with the kids to maintain stability.

Kate: "That's how a lot of people are handing divorce now. I have to respect that arrangement. Then again....this also allows the show to go on."

They start to show scenes from the beginning episodes of the show.

John: "Now the rock video."

And then, indeed, Jon says the show will go on and they'll both be involved. Kate says what worries her the most is how the kids will see they've failed, and they are another statistic. And that she's afraid of being alone.

Kate S.: "Wow. I don't know what to say. How are they going to tell the kids? And are we going to see that?"

John: "Good question. And that'll be a hard one to watch."

Last scene: family goes to brunch on Mother's Day. Kate talks about the way they used to work together on the simplest thing, like walking eight kids into a restaurant in the rain.

John: "He's parked in the handicapped spot."

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)
Categories: John & Kate Plus 2 watch Jon & Kate Plus 8
        

People.com reports that Jon and Kate Gosselin of Jon & Kate Plus 8 have filed for divorce.

If so, I'm really sad for all their kids, and will post tonight on the details as they come out on the "special announcement" show. Watch our Reality Check and Z on TV blogs for more.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 5:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: John & Kate Plus 2 watch Jon & Kate Plus 8
        

Sasha and Malia Obama may be the First Daughters, but they still have to make their own beds, their father reports.

And they don't watch TV during the week, President Obama says. A followup question, Mr. President: Not even during the summer?

My kids get a half-hour of TV on weekdays during the school year and a bit more in summer (though they spend most of their days at day camp).

With last week's illness crisis, though, we relaxed the rules. The kids were really too uncomfortable to do much else, let alone go outside and play.

Their parents had to try to get work done, and watching a few extra shows and movies seemed to help distract them from being miserable.

Have you relaxed the TV rules -- and the chore routine -- for illness? Was it hard to go back?

Photo by Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

MomofBeans asked: "How do you break a toddler of a biting habit, when she isn't doing it at home, but is doing it at daycare when other children get in her personal space or attempt to take a toy from her?"

I called Margo Sipes, executive director of Downtown Baltimore Child Care, who previously advised us on easing transitions from house to day care. Here's what she recommended:

--First, remember that biting, though distressing, is common among toddlers. "Toddlers are still very oral," she said. "They learn and solve problems through their mouths."

--Don't be surprised if biting happens in a center rather than at home, because the center is where peers are -- and where conflict naturally arises as young kids interact. "Oftentimes the biting happens because there is a conflict over toys or the teacher's lap or one square foot of space in the classroom."

--Have the child shadowed. The best way to solve the problem, Sipes said, is for an adult at the center to be in charge of "shadowing" the toddler -- being close by him as much as possible -- to gently intervene when a bite is about to happen. "Someone right there who can put their hand and redirect (the child) to a more socially acceptable response." It's important for the adult to validate the child's feelings, by saying something like, "I can see you want that toy. Tell him you want it. Say, 'Turn please?' Or, 'Play with this while you’re waiting.'"

--Don't punish. If you do, the child will learn only that he's "bad," but not how to be good, Sipes says. Instead, the center should work on validating feelings and teaching him better ways to express needs. Also, be low-key about the biting. A big reaction may prompt the child to see if he can get the same reaction by biting again.

--Be patient. Breaking the biting habit could take a while -- maybe 4 to 6 weeks, Sipes says.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:20 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Babies and Toddlers, Child Care, The Monday Consult
        

I just wanted to give a quick shout-out to the dads in our audience. Hope your day is great; we'd love to hear your reports on it here. For my husband, the best present might be letting him sleep reeeeallly late. Unfortunately, when kids are chomping at the bit to give him cards and homemade presents, he may have to settle for a bit late.

Also, we're going to brunch, at his request.

For your reading pleasure today, by the way, we have two interesting stories about fathers -- an update on Orioles third baseman Melvin Mora's quints, and a piece on fathers who have used the "opportunity" of layoffs and downsizing to take on more caretaking -- and time with kids -- at home.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

This week has been one of the most challenging in the eight years that my husband and I have been working parents. One or both of our children has been sick -- as in, sick enough to stay home and need a parent to care for them -- for the last six days. That means my husband and I have each worked from home several days this week.

We're lucky enough to work for pretty understanding employers that also have the technology to allow us to work pretty seamlessly at home. Still, this situation is scary for a number of reasons. First, we're worried about the kids, who apparently have coxsackie virus, a pretty common summer virus that seems to be making its way around the community. Because it's a virus, there's not much we can do but keep them comfortable and ride it out.

But frankly, in this recession, it's also scary to tell an employer you won't be in because your child is sick -- again. You wonder if your boss questions your work ethic or discovers he can get along without you. You try to make sure you're in touch and letting him know specifically what you've accomplished while working at home, but still.

And while you'd really rather take the day off and focus solely on the kids, you worry about that, too. If your work falls to others while you deal with the family emergency, you feel for your coworkers.

In our case, at the same time, I worry that the kids are watching too much TV and not getting enough attention as I try to work. Ideally we'd call in a family member, but the closest one is more than 1,000 miles away. And I don't feel right about asking a sitter to risk getting sick herself.

I'm curious about what others do about work during a child's prolonged illness. What are your strategies, at work and at home?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Health, Work-life balance
        

Retailer DTLR is holding a free, one-day football camp with former Ravens player Daniel Wilcox for Baltimore high school athletes tomorrow at Cardinal Gibbons High School at 3225 Wilkens Ave. Registration starts at 8 a.m., and the camp runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. More here.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Things to Do
        

It's the Father's Day Friday before Father's Day, and I thought I'd celebrate by asking some of the fathers who've been our Guest Dads to tell us what they would like as gifts on Sunday.

Here goes:

--Oren Miller, of A Blogger and A Father: "With all due respect to the little one, and even with acknowledging the slight irony, my Father's Day present from my wife would be to hand the baby off to his grandmother for the night while his parents go to see The Hangover."

--Dad-in-residence Joe Burris: "For Father’s Day I’d like a replica jersey of the late Josh Gibson, catcher for the Negro Leagues Baseball team, the Homestead Grays. Gibson was one of the most prolific hitters of all time of any league, with a lifetime batting average of .354 with nearly 800 home runs. I’ve been coveting his jersey for some time, but it’s not an easy find. I’ve got my fingers crossed."

--Joeprah, of Dad-blogs.com: "As a stay-at-home-dad, what I really want is just some time to relax.  It would be awesome to sleep-in until noon and wake-up to some smiling faces, breakfast-in-bed and homemade cards. My ultimate Father's Day would include a day-off from parenting and some sort of baked goods.  To wrap the day up, I would love to just hang out and watch the US Open with some cold soda, hot pizza, my wife and three girls. That sounds like heaven to me." 

--Daniel Waldman (dwplanit on Twitter): "For dad's day, I'd like: breakfast in bed, a card made by my daughters, and the Mediterranean Street Food cookbook I've been eyeing."

--Hungover Gourmet Dan Taylor: "I don't envy my wife because shopping for me can't be easy. From music and trashy movies to supermarkets and cookbooks my interests are all over the place and it can be hard to keep pace with what I'm intrigued by at the moment. But there are some constants, like grilling and horror. So two of the top items on my list are the new cookbook SERIOUS BARBECUE by Adam Perry Lang of New York's Daisy May's and the second season of the syndicated and underrated TV show FRIDAY THE 13TH: THE TV SERIES. It has nothing to do with Jason and everything to do with 80s horror."

--Maryland Legal Aid Bureau's Peter Sabonis: "30 minutes of conversation with my Dad, who died 17 years before I became a father.  Or a beer." 

--Multimedia editor Steve Sullivan: "The best gift I can think of is simply the opportunity to be a dad.  I'll take a hug or a handshake and that will make me happy for the whole day." (Me: Aw.)

--And deputy opinion editor Michael Cross-Barnet needs the whole rest of this post to explain why he actually wants a tie:

"I want a tie for Father's Day. Maybe two.

"No, this is not a joke.

"For a while -- say, roughly the last 42 years -- ties did not figure significantly in my life. Sure, I owned some. Even wore them now and then. Not often, but more frequently than my uncle, who so loathed this particular male adornment that he refused to wear one even to his daughter's wedding.

"Then, a little more than a month ago, I was promoted to a management position and thought to myself: gotta start wearing a tie. It's the professional look, right? Now, every weekday before leaving the house (except Fridays), the last thing I do is make a Windsor knot while staring into the hall mirror, and I'm off.

"Like most men of a certain age, I own a rack full of ties. But quantity is not quality. Most of them are various shades of dark blue, some with greyish highlights. In other words: blah. Many of them have seen better days. A few are "fun," like the one I have on at this moment: yellow and green fish and red coral on a light blue background. Then there's my favorite, my Orioles tie, which I only wear twice a year: on Opening Day and when the O's win the World Series. (OK, a little less than twice a year.)

"A confession: According to my wife and kids, my sartorial choices are not always up to snuff. On most days, I can match a shirt (white goes with everything, yes?) with a pair of pants (ditto, black) without thoroughly embarrassing myself. Add a third element, a tie, to the mix and the results can be dubious. Hey, pink and light green are both pastel colors, aren't they?

"In a store the other day, I was fingering what I thought was a perfectly pleasant little number consisting of understated brown and yellow stripes. Then I caught my wife eyeing me from across the room, shaking her head. "This goes with several shirts I own," I protested. More head shaking. "What about that tan, long-sleeved shirt?" No way, her eyes said.

"So, to my dear family members, here's the situation: It's almost Father's Day. I need more ties. I have clearly been judged incompetent to buy them myself. I already own  more books than I'll ever read. And I don't play golf.

"Go for it!" 

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

My friend Sarah Kelber at Reality Check has news that Monday's episode of Jon & Kate Plus 8 will be a one-hour special with an "announcement" on the state of the couple's frayed relationship. Judge what it will be for yourself:

John and Kate Plus 2 will watch and converse about the show; look for our post afterward.

By the way, here's a belated answer to Bucky's question about the show's ratings.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: John & Kate Plus 2 watch Jon & Kate Plus 8
        

A father-son look-alike contest, Father's Day crafts, and a screening of a local stay-at-home dad documentary are on tap for this Father's Day weekend. Also, dads get in free at Medieval Times at Arundel Mills Mall Friday through Sunday (with the purchase of a full-price adult admission), and ride Urban Pirates free Sunday in Baltimore and Annapolis.

Here's our roundup, with help from intern Kayla Cross:

Thursday, June 18:

Portraits Like Picasso: School-aged children can learn about the painter and use his techniques to create their own portrait at 3 p.m. at the Randallstown Library. Free. Registration required; call 410-887-0770.

Friday, June 19:

Totsercise at the Woodlawn Library: Take the children, ages 2 to 5, for a free musical exercise program, 10:30 a.m. at the Woodlawn Library.

Disc Golf Clinic: Learn to play disc golf, a game involving elevated holes and flying discs, at Patapsco Valley State Park with disc golf professionals from Discover Outdoor Fitness from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. For ages 9 and up. Free. Bring walking shoes and water.

Father/Son Look Alike Contest: Reserve your spot to compete in the Father/Son Look Alike contest at the Avenue in White Marsh. Contestants, infants and up, are judged on facial, dress and overall similarities to their fathers and compete for shopping sprees. You can register as late as 5:30 p.m. the day of this free event, which starts at 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 20:

Father's Day craft: What do pipe stems, buttons and popsicle sticks make? A Father’s Day tie. Head out to a the Lakeshore Learning Store in Towson, where kids can make ties, cards and other crafts for Father’s Day. The event is free and lasts from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Happy SAHD DVD Screening: Come out to a screening of Michael Ivan Schwartz’s stay-at-home Dad documentary, Happy SAHD. The documentary shows the lives of a dozen Baltimore area dads who have chosen to stay at home. It all starts with a performance by Ellen Cherry, whose music is in the documentary. The screening will be held at Van Bokkelen Hall, Towson University, at 3 p.m., and adults are encouraged to bring a $10 donation. Copies of the DVD will be available for purchase at $20.

Don't Bug Me: Search for and identify insects with naturalists at the Soldier's Delight Natural Environment Area. For $5 per person, kids can discover insects and create their own as well. This event lasts from 10 a.m. to noon, and is for ages 6 to 12.

Children's Gardening: Salad Days: Discover science and gardening in a fun atmosphere. Kids can participate in crafts, grow food and learn about seeds and life cycles in this event held at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center. 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. $4, or $10 for three programs. Reserve your spot, for a child aged 5 to 10, in this activity ahead of time.

Sunday, June 21:

Father's Day Maze Hunt: Explore the Enchanted Forest at Clark's Elioak Farm with Dad for a fun Father's Day event. Each father and child will receive a free "Maze Guide and Activity Book" to use during the Enchanted Forest Pine Tree Maze. If Dad answers all of the questions right in the activity book, he can win a free hay ride ticket. Admission is $4.50 and the event lasts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Pirate Adventures and Urban Pirates Father's Day Special: Fathers and grandfathers sail for free at Chesapeake Pirates from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Families, with children ages 3 to 10 can enjoy the holiday with treasure hunts, face painting and water cannons. Reservations and tickets are required. Tickets are $18; $10 for children under age 3. In Baltimore, fathers ride free with Urban Pirates in Fells Point. Tickets $20; $10 for kids 2 and under.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

If you are thinking of starting a family, you may want to head to Anne Arundel Medical Center tonight, where clinicians will be speaking about how to best prepare for a baby. They'll be available for questions after each speech. The event is free and will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the AAMC Clatanoff Auditorium.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 3:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Expecting
        

says a pediatrician who told Mike Dresser of our Getting There blog of his apprehensions about our front page photo of a girl helping her mom to put gas in their car. There are dangers from fumes, possible splash back and static spark, which could cause an explosion.

I'm so glad he wrote in. This is something I've never let my kids do, but now I have solid reasons!

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

You might remember that my son has a thing for lemons, so I was pleased to find this recipe (and a great photo) on Tastespotting, a food photography site that has kindly displayed some of my photos as well.

This recipe sounded light and different -- not something I would have thought of doing with spaghetti, but something simple enough for a young kid to like.

I was encouraged when my daughter said, "This is not too bad..."

Though she followed up with: "But it is bad." (She's 8. Tweenhood has begun.)

And Sam, the lemon lover, was simply unconvinced that there was even any lemon in it, because the zest was so well hidden. Next time, I'll have to cut great strips of it over the top.

Fortunately, we served this with pork chops, which the children did eat. The next day, I had some of the spaghetti -- which, to this adult palate, was delicious -- for lunch with arugula, cherry tomatoes and some chopped garlic scapes tossed in. It was a lovely late-spring lunch.

Pucker Up P'sghetti

Serves 4

Zest of 1/2 of a lemon
1/8 cup fresh lemon juice, about 1 lemon
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and extra for garnish
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 pound cooked spaghetti, warm

Zest lemon into a large bowl, then whisk in lemon juice, olive oil, cheese, and salt. Add spaghetti and toss to coat. Serve warm.

Adapted from thetoddlercafe.blogspot.com

Per serving: 293 calories, 7 grams protein, 21 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 19 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, 9 milligrams cholesterol, 394 milligrams sodium

(Photo by me)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Dinner Together, Food and Recipes
        

It's Tuesday, so here's Liz Atwood: 

My middle schooler had been out of school on summer break less than two hours on Friday when he called me and asked for the TV code that I had put in place to keep him from watching too much television. "You can't say I have to do my homework now," he argued.

The Smart Television Alliance, a group working to improve what kids watch on TV, reports that kids TV viewership jumps 150 percent during the summer months. This year, with tight family budgets meaning fewer trips and kids' camps, the group expects more kids will be vegging out in front of the TV.

The organization's Web site, smarttelevisionalliance.org, offers tips for how to take control of the TV and suggests good programs for the kids to watch.

What's your solution to summer TV sloth?

Photo by David Hobby, Baltimore Sun.

Posted by Liz Atwood at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Teens
        

Tonight Jon & Kate Plus 8 finished their two-part crossover series with the stars of "American Chopper." John & Kate Plus 2 did not watch the first part. They learn that the "American Chopper" guys are here to help Jon design a bike of his own because….well, just because he’s Jon.

Kate G. talks on the couch about watching "American Chopper."
Kate S.: “Do you think Kate really watched "American Chopper?”
John: “In ‘days gone by.’ At least she gets to stretch out on the couch now that Jon’s not in the picture.”
Biker Paul Senior is impressed with Jon’s interest in the bike being built for him. The Gosselin children, meanwhile, aren’t much of a focus of the show.
Kate S. “So what do you think is going on with the kids lately?”
John: “They’re raising themselves. As long as Jon and Kate are having fun.”
Kate S: “That is what it’s all about, right?”
Kate G. talks about how much fun it was to have the bikers around to help entertain the kids. “I’d keep ‘em if I could,” she says.
John: “They’re thinking, ‘Why are we here?’” And why were the biker guys riding away in a minivan?”
Jon is seen at the bikers’ shop to help finish work on his new bike. He says as soon as he got there “they put me to work right away.” He is then seen being wheeled around on a cart. He gets some friendly shoves from Paul Senior.
Kate S.: “Even when they’re apart, Jon gets hit.”
Jon muses that this is the first time in a long time that he’s gotten to do guy things, and complains about living in a house with six women (and three sons).
Kate S.: “So do you feel you have a need to do guy things? Like that?”
John: “No. ‘Cause raising a family’s a guy thing.”
Kate S: “Yeah, right.”
John: “I think you need time to do your own thing, but it’s not necessarily building a chopper.”
Kate S.: “What would you do, if you had these limitless resources?”
John: “Follow Springsteen.”
Kate S. “That won’t work, because I’m coming too.”
Kate G. thinks the pink scooter the American Chopper guys made for her is a “mess.”
Kate S.: “At least she’s donating it to charity.”
Biker Mikey and Kate G. go to the spa.
Kate S. “Again, I ask, where are the children?”
John: “Being taken care of by their army of nannies. I guess the kids just aren’t that interesting.”
Kate S.: “I wouldn’t say this was.”
John: “Thing is, daily life isn’t all that interesting. You’ve got to manufacture things.”
Kate G. is seen taking her pink scooter to donate to the Ronald McDonald house, along with the kids in matching outfits.
Kate S.” Oh, there are the kids!”
Kate G. admonishes the kids about the horn one more time. Then she makes a point of telling the Ronald McDonald employee that she rode the scooter.
John: “She actually rode it, so it’s gone up 10 percent in value.”
Jon G. sums up the episode by saying, “I built the bike, I built relationships…”
John: “That’s the problem. He’s building too many relationships.”

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (39)
        

Today, as promised, we turn to contest winner Tigressreow's comment about helping a kid be more independent as he or she goes off to college. I asked Michele Borba to tackle the question. She's an educational psychologist, a Today contributor, and author of the upcoming The Big Book of Parenting Solutions: 101 Answers to Your Everyday Challenges and Wildest Worries. 

Here's what she wrote:

"After all the test-taking, application filling, essay editing, campus touring, and acceptance-waiting, the big event is almost here: dropping your child off at college. But is your teen really ready to handle life away from home sweet home? 

"If you're suddenly realized that your same high school grad who passed those SATs with flying colors,can't change a light bulb or balance a checkbook, believe me you're not alone. Many parents are dealing with those same anxiety pangs. The good news is there are still a few weeks left before those final goodbyes. Here are four steps you can use to help your college bound teen really be ready to handle life solo style.

"Step 1. Identify “away from home” needs. Over the next days tune into your teen and determine which life skills he can and can't do without your help. Then create a list of what your teen needs to learn like changing a tire, making a doctor's appointment, using a microwave, paying a bill, using a fire extinguisher, writing down appointments, balancing a savings account, or doing laundry. Keep adding to that list.

"Step 2. Make a realistic plan. Next, look over that list and prioritize what your teen really needs to learn and what is realistic to teach in the time you have left. Get your teen involved by asking what she feels she lacks in the “handling life” department. Then use a calendar to create your teaching plan. Write a different life lesson you plan to review before your teen leaves home for each week. 

"Step 3. Teach skills for independence. Zero in on one area each week before those college doors open. The goal is to ensure mastery so your teen can do the task without you. First teach by going through the task together and explaining each step so that she knows what to do. Only use real life examples. For instance, if you're teaching her to write a check, go to the bank and set up a real checking account, then require her to use that checkbook from now until school starts. Finally supervise to ensure that she can handle the job solo.

"Step 4. Start backing off. Once your teen knows how to do the task alone, then back off. No more rescuing. Instead, begin to teach another skills. Your new parenting mantra to follow is: “Never do for your child what he can do for himself.” This is also the time to slowly start expanding that curfew and his responsibilities.

"Of course, the real secret is not waiting until that move out day to teach these critical life lessons. So roll up your sleeves and start in. There's a wonderful Navaho proverb that says, “We raise our kids to leave us.” Turn these next weeks in parenting to achieve that goal."

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Madonna can adopt young Chifundo Mercy James from Malawi after all, a court there has ruled. Persistence pays; initially, the Material Girl was told she could not adopt the girl because she didn't meet a residency requirement.

What do you think about this?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 9:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Adoption
        

Prior to celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary, my wife Mpho and I came across an ad for the Blue Train, South Africa’s coveted five-star hotel on wheels. We promised that for our tenth anniversary we would take our daughter Nyaniso to her grandparents, and then spend a week riding the luxury rail. The Blue Train is quite expensive, we said, so the five years would give us ample time to pay for the elaborate gift.

Well, we’ve been married 15 years, have two kids, two cars and a mortgage. We’ve lived in this country as well as South Africa and have conjured up memories to last a lifetime. Yet the trains I’ve ridden have been labeled MARC, Virginia Rail Express and Amtrak.

We have continually put off the excursion, and any money saved has gone toward more immediate concerns.

We recently said that we would celebrate our 20th anniversary aboard the Blue Train, but -- although my wife insists otherwise -- that gift will likely never come. Yet my wife learned from the “time flies” experience well before me; she insisted that at least one night each week we get a babysitter for the kids and go out and do something fun.

And we do.

You might say we’ve spread out our Blue Train moments over weeknights in Northern Virginia. It’s not the South African countryside, but it still makes for great memories.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 7:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

It's a great festival weekend -- which is good, since kids fresh out of school, as they will be in several local districts, will be eager for fun. In the city you've got your Honfest and St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival; in Howard County, the Columbia Festival of the Arts has lots to offer for children.

Here's some of what's on for families, courtesy of intern Kayla Cross:

Thursday, June 11:

St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival: Explore the Greek world through food, theater and dance in this four-day festival for all ages in the 500 block of Ponca Street. Shops will be set up during the festival, offering historic icons, religious texts, crafts, Greek music CDs and more. You can buy Greek food and pastries, or learn how to incorporate Greek tastes into your everyday cooking with Stella Koukides, who will be holding cooking demonstrations at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The festival starts at noon Thursday, 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and noon on Sunday. It ends each night at 11 p.m., except on Sunday, when it will end at 10 p.m. Free.

Hike: Take a 2-mile trail hike with the volunteer park rangers of Patapsco Valley State Park in Ellicott City from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.  Hikers are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring water. For ages 7 and up. Free. 

Friday, June 12:

Child Safety Seat Check: Drive up to the Mount Washington Pediatric Hospital to have a free inspection of your child’s safety seat. The event is being held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; cars and safety seats will be checked for proper installation.

Columbia Festival of the Arts LakeFest Weekend: Head to the Columbia Festival of the Arts lakefront to experience a weekend of free fun for all ages. See local artwork from the Summer Reflections Community Art Project, watch Cirque-tacular, a performance by illusionists and acrobats, or listen to a book reading by some of the region’s authors. Other kid-friendly events include hands-on art activities lead by KidzArt, a Howard County organization. Children ages 5 and up, with parents, can make CD suncatchers, watercolor paintings, clay turtles, festival masks and even a "masterpiece in a box" for Father’s Day. The art activities are from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, 12:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

Free "Hairspray" screening at Hopkins Summer Outdoor Films: Break out the lawn chairs and blankets for a screening of "Hairspray" on the Wyman Quadrangle at the Homewood campus of Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St. The movie starts around 8:30 p.m., but live music from the Swingin’ Swamis begins at 7:30 p.m. Free for all ages.

And more...

Saturday, June 13:

Honfest 2009: Break out the 60s era style clothing, head out to Honfest and celebrate the traditional Baltimore greeting of "Hon." Honfest features youth and adult beauty pageants (a beehive hairdo is a must), musical performances and work from local artists. You can also get your hair done in the traditional beehive fashion at the Glamour Lounge. Honfest has events from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday on the Avenue (36th Street) in Hampden. Free.

Bad Bad Plants: Explore the world of invasive plants in this program, offered at Patapsco Valley State Park. Children 10 and up and adults can learn about the dangers of disposing of plants in areas where the species isn’t native. The event is from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; $2 per person.

Multicultural Fair & Community Safety Day: Take the family out for a fun day full of multicultural activities, entertainment and opportunities to learn more about safety, including bike safety. The Maryland Child Identification Program will be there with Child ID kits, complete with fingerprinting and voice recording, which can be used with the Amber Alert program. The event is free and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Harper’s Choice Village Center.

Sunday, June 14:

Family Festival: International Family Day: Meet Baltimore’s youngest refugees, watch films about international refugees, participate in multicultural activities and experience a live performance by Funky Rhythm Junk Crew, a local break dance group, at the Walters Art Museum from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Refugee Youth Project, a Baltimore City Community College program, is partnering with the Walters to present this end of the year celebration to families and youth. Free; for all ages.

(Photo of 2007 Honfest by Baltimore Sun photographer Chiaki Kawajiri)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Tigressreow, who wants to know how to coax a college-bound 18-year-old into greater independence. The question will be answered in an upcoming Monday Consult, and the commenter wins a copy of Dede Wilson's "The Birthday Cake Book."

Congratulations, and happy baking!

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

You may have followed the very sad story of Phoenix, the pit bull puppy who died in Southwest Baltimore after being set on fire. (Two teenagers are accused with setting the blaze.) Now a local organization we've talked about a little on this blog is starting a program in Phoenix's memory to teach children kindness to animals.

Our Unleashed blog has the details about the Karma Dogs Oath of Kindness program. On Saturday, June 20, there will be a Karma Dogs reading event at the Towson Library where kids can find out more.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Doesn't always work out that way, does it?

For example, take these Spaghetti Squash Pancakes, from Mollie Katzen's book Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without. I figured it was high time to make something vegetarian, yet I knew such a dish might have a low chance of success with my crew.

I was hoping the "pancake" might help them through.

These are savory pancakes, of course. But I think spaghetti squash is just plain fun, as well as low-calorie. 

 My children did not agree, alas. There were some gagging noises when they bit into this, which probably came from the challenging textural surprise of the spaghetti squash inside the crispy pancake.

But kids who've experienced potato pancakes or other savory pancakes might have an easier time with spaghetti squash pancakes. It's a nice, light dish that could also work for brunch...     

From "Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without," by Mollie Katzen
Per serving: 194 calories, 9 grams protein, 6 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 29 grams carbohydrate, 5 grams fiber, 212 milligrams cholesterol, 414 milligrams sodium.

Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

(Photo by me)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

It's that time again. Make a comment below that asks a question about parenting that you wish an expert could answer, and you'll be entered in a contest to win "The Birthday Cake Book" by Dede Wilson. It has 75 recipes to celebrate birthdays, including a "Hairy Caterpillar Cupcake Cake."

I'll choose a winner at random by noon tomorrow, and announce the lucky commenter here. But even if you don't win, your question may be answered in a future Monday Consult.

Good luck!

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 4:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Since we're talking summer vacation, it's a good time to tell you that we at the Baltimore Sun are looking for kids with interesting and unusual summer plans. Is your family traveling somewhere to do novel research or relief work? Is your son attending a camp we might not have heard about?

Or is your family, by chance, taking home the class pet for the summer?

If so, we'd like to interview you for a series of vignettes we're preparing in honor of the last day of school. You can comment here or e-mail education editor Jen Badie.

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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

Here's Liz Atwood's latest Tween Tuesday: 

For many kids, this is the last week of school. I don't know about you, but I'm glad. While I worry that my tweens are going to be bored this summer (they have just a couple camps lined up, and the rest of the summer will be spent with grandma) I'm very happy that starting next week I won't have to pack lunches, check homework, or plead with my kids to get out of bed.

I know summer brings its own challenges -- new schedules and new routines. I'm afraid that in a couple weeks, the kids will complain they're bored. And a bored tween is not a good thing. I still have a three-foot hole in the back yard that's now filled with water because my boys were bored one Saturday and decided they were going to dig a tunnel to the neighbors.

But for now, I'm not going to worry about it. I'm just going to enjoy the idea that I get a bit of a break as well.

How about you? Are you looking forward to summer vacation? Any good ideas for how to keep the kids from getting bored if they aren't in camp?

Photo: Kids play in Monhegan Island, Maine. (AP)

Posted by Liz Atwood at 7:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Teens
        

On tonight’s episode: Kitchen envy.
John thinks the opening scene is already anti-Jon, when Kate asks Jon if he even knows where the oven is.
John (to Kate G.): "Like you cook three meals a day."
Kate S.: "It's Emeril!
John: "So they're making chili mac for 8 kids? Can you imagine the aftermath? "
Kate S.: "Well, they're already talking about the bathroom."
John: "Don't light a match!"
Scene: The kids are snapping off the ends of fresh green beans.
Kate S.: "They're working with vegetables!"
John: "How would green bean casserole go over in our family?"
Kate S.: “Not. Well.”
Kate S.: “Now what do we think of Jon and Kate cooking together?”
John: “Probably the first time they've done it. Although it is a sin to have a kitchen like that and not be cooking in it constantly. That is the kitchen I want."
Kate S. "Are you saying our kitchen isn't good enough?"
John: “I’m saying you cannot have more than one person in there at a time. Especially with sharp knives.”
During a commercial break:
John: "Do we have any Sonics near us?"
Kate S.: "Why do you ask?"
John: “It just looks so...inviting.”
Kate S.: “I think the product placement is working.”
John: “We could go there and have witty conversations.”
Kate: "Is this your answer to the Obama date night?”
John: “In this economy? Yes.”
Scene: They show a "favorite moment" for the 100th episode.
Kate S.: “Are you kidding? A favorite moment is when a kid has an accident? How messed up is that?”
John: "I guess a lot of people liked it."
Scene: Back to the cooking...
John: "So they're doing a group dinner here. What are they missing?"
Kate S.: "I give up."
John: "Wine!"
Later:
John: "She hit Emeril! With a spatula!"
Kate: "You seem to think Emeril is some kind of god."
John: "There are issues with her hitting Jon. She may be a hitter. Let's hope she's not a biter."
Kate: "Hot sauce? Yikes."
John: “I see bad things coming.”
Kate S.: “Talk about your accidents...”
John: “I want to see if they actually eat this chili mac.”
Scene: The kids eat the chili mac.
John: “They like it. They even use their napkins. We're failures!”

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: John & Kate Plus 2 watch Jon & Kate Plus 8, Television
        

Today's question is one I didn't even know I had, until I read The Parking Lot Rules, a book by Tom Sturges, a California dad who coaches and mentors kids. The question is, what do you do when your kid is crying and in distress over what you think is a minor injury, especially in public? How do you help without making it too big a deal?

Here's his answer, the subject of today's Monday Consult: It's called "taking the pain away."

He describes a birthday party in which the birthday boy was hit by a swinging pinata stick. (Ah, pinatas. A subject for another day.) Sturges had the idea to help by getting all the kids to "take away" the boy's pain by taking it on themselves. He urged them all to lay hands on the boy's injured arm, and on the count of three, he said the "pain" would be shared among everyone. All the kids went along with this and began grabbing their arms. The birthday boy was so distracted and amused by this that he seemed to feel better.

"By taking a few minutes to take the pain away, we gave Cole a chance to be respected for his pain, to recover from his injury, to be the absolute center of attention for a little while, and to have everyone at the party care very much that he felt better," writes Sturges.

It's an interesting idea. Do you have other techniques that work? 

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 9:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Since it's Father's Day Friday, this is a great time to look at our Father's Day Gift Guide, which has some local ideas for that elusive Father's Day gift.

If dad likes those old albums, for example, you could get something from Normal's Book Store (left). Or you might spring for a manly spa treatment at FX Studios in Hunt Valley.

(Photo by Baltimore Sun photographer Doug Kapustin)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Joe Burris, who last wrote about walking while texting, returns as Guest Dad with observations about the moments in fatherhood for which nothing can prepare you.

Here he is:

Nothing prepares you for when a teenage boy calls your home asking to speak to your 12-year-old daughter, and, when you tell the boy that your daughter is not dating, and therefore isn’t receiving dating calls, he fires back, “Well, she gave me this number and said I could call!”

Nothing prepares you for when you find a long-lost DVD of one of your 3-year old’s favorite stories, and after telling her she can watch it at her story time -- and she spends the day telling you that she can’t wait for story time -- you place the disc in the DVD player only to discover that it won’t play.

Nothing prepares you for when your then 5-year-old daughter brings home her first ceramic clay creation.

"What a beautiful cow, Sweetie.”

“Daddy, it’s a table.”

Nothing prepares you for when you take your 3-year-old daughter to a crowded bathroom and she becomes fixated on those relieving themselves at the urinals.

“Daddy, what are they doing,” she yells, startling a young boy so much that he loses his aim.

Nothing prepares you for when you spend the entire morning styling your daughter’s hair only to have the folks at daycare stare at her curiously and exclaim, “We can always tell when daddy does the hair.”

Nothing prepares you for when your then 4-year-old child asks, “When am I going to get breast-ess?”

“Sweetie, you’re just four years old. Don’t worry, you have plenty of time for, er, breast-ess.”

“Ohhhh. Does that mean I get them when I go to kindergarten?”

Nothing prepares you for when you’ve been looking high and low for your back scratcher to reach the itching spot that’s driving you crazy, only to have your 3-year-old enter the room saying, “Daddy, fix this please,” handing you a broken back scratcher.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

We love playgrounds made of recycled tires, right? Now the EPA, which said at one point that playing on old tires was safe, cautions that it may not be.

As our new B'more Green blog discusses today, scientists have discovered gaps in their data that lead them to question the earlier statement.

Sigh. Another thing to worry about. Will you stop taking your kids to these playgrounds?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

If you haven't read Peter Hermann's piece today about a caregiver who was attacked while pushing a baby in a stroller in Bolton Hill, you should. Fortunately the caregiver and baby were physically OK, though the caregiver's iPod was taken.

This brings up an interesting point of safety, though, for both working and stay-at-home parents. If you're working and have a caregiver, do you give her (or him) any guidelines about what to do and where to go when out with the baby?

And if you're home with a baby/small child and like to walk (a great thing for new moms and dads to do this time of year), do you do it in a group? Take a cell phone? Let anyone know where you're going?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

This is the weekend that summer reading kicks off in earnest at city libraries. Branches of the Enoch Pratt Free Library will have kickoff events Saturday. The themes are artsy: "Be Creative" for children and "Express Yourself" for teens.

Howard County's program started last week. Baltimore County libraries will start their program next week, on June 15. You can sign up starting Monday in Anne Arundel County; summer reading activities start there June 15, as they do in Carroll County.

Here's more on tap (with thanks to interns Danielle Makia and Lauren Hitt):

Thursday, June 4:

Teen/Parent Yoga: Teens and parents can learn yoga postures at 6:30 p.m. at the Woodlawn branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Yoga mats provided. Free, but teens will need registration and written permission to attend. Call 410-887-1336.

Cylburn's Nature Story Hour: Soak up the sun's rays while reading outside at the Cylburn's Nature Story Hour at the Howard P. Rawlings Conservatory at Druid Hill Park. 10-11:30am. Ages 3-6. Free. Call 410-396-6694 or visit cylburnassociation.org.

Sing, Say, Stomp and Play!: Sing and dance with Tracey Eldridge, a popular children's interactive performer in the Maryland/D.C. area at the Rosedale branch of the Baltimore County Public Library, 6105 Kenwood Ave. Baltimore. 10:30am. All ages -children under 6 w/ an adult. Free. No registration required. Call 410-887-0512 or visit bcpl.info for more information.

First Fridays 2009: Listen to the band, Spiral, as you enjoy food, drinks, and shopping at this block party outdoor celebration in downtown Bel Air. First Fridays 2009 will be held on Office Street, right by the courthouse in downtown Bel Air. 5-8pm. All ages. Free. For more information, visit downtownbelair.com or call 410-638-1023.

Saturday, June 6:

Superhero Night: Members of Louie's Kids Club can meet and take photos with their favorite super hero characters before the Bowie Baysox baseball game at Prince George's Stadium, 4101 Crain Highway in Bowie. Starts at 5 p.m. All ages. This event is only available to Louie's Kids Club members and tickets must be purchased for $10 in advance here. For information on the event or how to become a part of Louie's Kids Club, visit baysox.com.

Family Fun Night: Families can take a swim, enjoy a fitness class, and play a variety of games as part of the Y of Central Maryland's Family Fun Night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Druid Hill Y, 1609 Druid Hill Ave., and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Y, 900 E. 33rd St. All ages. Free. Call 410-728-1600, Druid Hill, or 410-889-9622, Weinberg, for more information, or visit ymaryland.org.

Sunday, June 7:

Dance, Dance, Dance!: The Towson University's Children Dance Division will be hold its annual spring concert at 2 p.m., with kids 3 to 18 performing a variety of styles of dance, including jazz, hip-hop, pointe, African and modern. At the Towson University Center for the Arts, located at the Center for the Arts Dance Studio Theatre 1003. All ages. $5; free for children 12 and under. Call 410-704-ARTS (2787).

Be Green at the BMA!: June is the month of "Going Green at the BMA." and today you can take a a tour called "The World Around Us," starting at 2 p.m. The BMA is located at 10 Art Museum Drive. All ages. Free. For more information, visit artbma.org or call 443-573-1700.

Ellen Montoya and her son, Adrian, 3, of Perry Hall read at the new Perry Hall library. Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun photographer.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Things to Do
        

This recipe is a two-fer: a successful Dinner Together, and a potential easy, healthful appetizer for a kids' (or adult) party.

I found the appetizer version in the new cookbook "The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen" and decided that if I left the chicken breast halves whole and cut down on the marinating time, this would be a pretty easy family dinner. I used a grill pan to speed things up even more.

My kids seemed to enjoy this, as did my husband, but I was the only one to try the apricot dipping sauce. I liked the sauce, though I thought it was a bit on the sweet side. I added salt and pepper to the recipe, which helps it, to my mind.

Here's how to make this, both ways: 

Grilled Cumin Chicken with Apricot Dipping Sauce

Makes about 48 appetizer bites, or 4 main-dish servings

1 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons honey

2 teaspoons hot red pepper sauce (because I was worried about this being too spicy, I substituted Pickapeppa sauce)

2 large cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (about 24 ounces)

Apricot dipping sauce:

1/2 cup apricot jam

1/4 cup plain yogurt

Salt and pepper to taste

Mix together the sour cream, honey, hot-pepper sauce, garlic, cumin, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Cut the chicken breasts into large bite-size pieces (you should have about 4 cups) if making an appetizer; for a main dish, leave breast halves whole. Place chicken in a large bowl or pan and cover with marinade, making sure chicken is thoroughly coated on all sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (although I marinated for 1 hour, which seemed to be fine).

Meanwhile, prepare the apricot dipping sauce by combining the jam and yogurt in a small bowl. Mix in salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate if not serving shortly; allow to reach room temperature before serving.

Heat an outdoor grill or a grill pan to medium high. If using an outdoor grill, place a lightly greased mesh grill topper on the grill. Grill chicken until cooked through -- about 4 minutes, turning once. (You may have to work in batches if you're using a grill pan.) Remove from the grill. For appetizers, insert a toothpick into each piece and arrange on a serving plate. Serve with the sauce.

--Adapted from "The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen," by Teri Edwards and Serena Thompson

Per serving (based on 4; not including salt or pepper in apricot sauce): 353 calories, 36 grams protein, 9 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 32 grams carbohydrate, trace fiber, 107 milligrams cholesterol, 305 milligrams sodium

(Photo by me)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Remember The Brady Bunch? Gilligan’s Island? The Jeffersons? Happy Days?

 If you’re of a certain age, you can sing the theme songs to these old TV shows and recall your favorite episodes. Remember when Marcia got braces?

You don’t find many sitcoms on TV these days. That is, unless you have a tween who likes to watch Nickelodeon and the Disney channel. I recently heard a report on NPR that said a number of the writers from the old TV sitcoms are working on tween shows like Drake and Josh, iCarly and the Suite Life of Zack and Cody. While adult TV viewing is divided among dozens of cable channels, kids TV is much more of a communal event. Nickelodeon sitcom writer Dan Schneider says he expects today’s kids will sit around reminiscing about their favorite tween shows the way grown-ups used to talk about Seinfeld and Friends.

I know that today, my kids and their friends talk about the latest antics of Sam and Carly.

What do you think of these tween shows? Are they destined to be comedic classics?

Photo: scene from iCarly courtesy of PRNewsFoto/Nickelodeon

Posted by Liz Atwood at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Tonight, John & Kate Plus 2 watched Jon & Kate Plus 8 -- again. Here's a partial recap of the John & Kate reaction to the Jon & Kate show (find a fuller account at Reality Check):

Scene: Jon is staying home with the kids, wearing a backwards baseball cap and serving a meal at a spotless table with tulips artfully arranged in the middle.

Kate S.: "What do you notice about their house?"

John: "That it's cleaner than ours."

Kate S: "And how does that make you feel?"

John: "It makes me feel inferior. Or like they have help."

Scene: Jon goes snowboarding away from home, albeit to help a disabled boy make it down a mountain, and the appointment just happened to land on Kate's birthday.

John: "You can miss your wife's birthday for a family emergency or a work trip that cannot be avoided, but not for a ski trip. He's just trying to stay out of the house while she's there."

Kate S: "For a work trip that cannot...be...avoided?"

Scene: After the kids are shown making surprise cakes for Kate at Baltimore's Charm City Cakes -- Kate G. lovingly says they "looked like a rainbow vomited" -- the Gosselins are shown being interviewed together! on the famous couch.

Kate S. "They're back together!"

John: "And they're looking at each other! All is well."

At the next commercial break:

Kate S.: "So have you learned anything about parenting so far?"

John: "No. Well -- do not use fertility drugs."

Kate S.: "They are looking much friendlier." (Notes the couple's bare feet almost touching on the coffee table in front of the interview couch.)

John: "They must have read the contract."

Scene: Jon says, apropos of nothing, that sometimes you'll see him interviewed separately from Kate this season. Sometimes they'll be in the chair together.

John: "So it means nothing."

Kate S.: "It's all a game."

John: "Yep."

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (50)
Categories: John & Kate Plus 2 watch Jon & Kate Plus 8, Television
        

Over the weekend, the New York Times had a piece about the "slow-parenting movement" -- a step back from the hyper-vigilant, over-anxious style of parenting that has been in vogue for the past decade or so.

Parents in the piece talk about building their kids' independence by letting them roam, and slowing down and not worrying so much -- the equivalent of the advice to "put your oxygen mask on first."

OK, but...then you read something like today's story about the tragic death of 14-year-old Christopher David Jones of Crofton, and you wish to find a way to ride in your child's bike basket, and in his school backpack, all the days of his life. 

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

Lea wrote:

"My 20-month-old son is precocious from the word go...He also has a terrible temper. He pulls mine and my daughter's hair, screams a horrible high pitched scream when he doesn't get his way. I am very unaccustomed to this as my daughter was a very easy kid. I am not a pushover and I am a relatively strict parent, but I am at my wits end trying to take care of him while trying to run a business and take care of my daughter. Do little boys grow out of this??"

Molly Brown Koch, a local parenting coach and author who last advised us on how not to pass on bad habits, had this to say in response:

"Self-assertiveness is the hallmark of 2-year old toddlers. (Also known as "terrible twos.") They are not "terrible"; they are little warriors in their struggle for independence.  And they take any opportunity to wage war when they feel threatened by limits placed on them. 

"A terrible temper may be the result of extreme frustration.  It helps to limit the number of times he hears the words, "NO," "DON'T," "CAN'T."  One way to do this is to use positive incentives instead of threats of punishment, i.e.:  "You can have extra time to play after you put away your toys" instead of "you will not go out to play if you don't put your toys away."  Allowing children to make as many decisions as possible gives them the feeling that they have some control in their lives, which in turn minimizes their frustration.  

"Simple decisions about what to wear, which book to read to him, and which video he wants to watch may seem of minor importance to parents, but they are enormously important to the child's sense of self."

Koch also suggests parents consult the chapter on "Understanding the Toddler" in her book, 27 Secrets to Raising Amazing Children, for more on this issue. 

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)