Guest Dad Joe Burris has a question for you:

WHY?

When my 12-year-old daughter Nyaniso was 2, she began her “why” questions full throttle. It seemed as if every conversation had, say seven “why” questions attached. Once while we were shopping at Target, her barrage of “why’s” astonished (annoyed?) another patron so much that he returned his items to a nearby shelf and scurried out of the store, repeatedly turning around as if to see whether we were following.

When my 3-year-old daughter Onalenna went through age 2 without a “why” phase, I figured that perhaps she wouldn’t be as inquisitive.

Turns out she’s just a late bloomer.

“Daddy, can we go outside and play?”

“Sure, Sweetie. I’ll just put my shoes on.”

“Whyyyyy?”

“Daddy, look at that bug. Do you like bugs?”

“I guess I like some bugs.”

“Whyyyyy?”

“Daddy, what kind of ants are those?”

“Those are red ants. They bite.”

“Whyyyyyy?”

“Daddy, what time is it?”

“Well, er, it’s about 6:30, Lovey.”

“Whyyyyyy?”

“Daddy, can we go get some ice cream?”

“Sure, I’d like some ice cream.”

“Whyyyyyy?”

“Daddy, what kind of ice cream are you getting?”

“I think I’m getting butter pecan.”

“Whyyyy?”

“Daddy, is it nighttime yet?”

“It is … just about … nighttime.”

“Whyyyyy?”

I’ve come to realize that toddlers ask different types of “why” questions. Sometimes they’re looking for a specific answer to a specific question. Sometimes they want to extend a conversation. Sometimes they want to elicit a parent’s response. Sometimes they just want something to say.

Toddlers love the bonding that comes with communication, and they’re smart enough to know that “why” is like Crazy Glue; it bonds with just about anything.

I’ve also learned that there is absolutely no way a parent can come up with an answer for every “why”? But you can respond in a way that makes a child feel heard. I always try to, even when “why” can seem like the most annoying word in the English language.

I figure someone put up with my “why’s” once.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

People.com now quotes a source close to Kate Gosselin who says the reality TV star is not moving to Maryland, after all. (Radar.com reported yesterday that she was,and the blogosphere, including this blog, picked it up.) So I can take back my questions (at least for now) about why a divorcing parent would live so far from her kids.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: John & Kate Plus 2 watch Jon & Kate Plus 8
        

Can August really be here? You'll want to pack those pool visits, backyard barbecues and day trips into your weekends before school starts, but if you're into something more formal, there are free concerts, library activities, and the city International Festival.

As usual, credit for the list goes to intern Kayla Cross:

Thursday, July 30:

Old Tales with a New Twist!: Children ages 6 to 12 can come to the Herring Run branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library to listen to old stories, and afterward, create a new ending for them. This event is free and lasts from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Friday, July 31:

PIZZA!: Learn more about this popular treat at the Westminster branch of the Carroll County Public Library, including how it came to be and other interesting facts. Teenagers ages 11 to 17 can also make their own pizza to munch on while they play pizza-related games. This event is free and starts at 1 p.m. Registration is required: call 410-386-4488 or go to www.library.carr.org.

Sing, Say, Stomp & Play!: This week the Woodlawn branch of the Baltimore County Public Library is hosting Tracey and her song and dance program. Children ages 2-5 can come with an adult and enjoy an afternoon of fun and creativity. This event is free and starts at 10:30 a.m.

Saturday, August 1:

Displays Like Monet: Learn more about Claude Monet and his artwork at the Cockeysville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. The program features Monet’s Water Lilies, and school age children can make their own garden scene. This event is free and starts at 2 p.m. Registration is required: call 410-887-7750.

Anime drawing: Kids and teens 11-17 are invited to the Rosedale branch of the Baltimore County Public Library to learn how to draw anime characters. This event is free and starts at 2 p.m.

Waterfront Wiggle Free Kids’ Concert: Rodney Henry performs a free rockabilly concert at West Shore Park at 4 p.m.

Footloose: Revel in the rebellious ways of a small farm town during the Drama Learning Center’s performance of Footloose. Footloose tells the story of a preacher’s ban on dancing, and the teenagers who rebelled against it. The show opens on Aug. 1 at 8 p.m., but there is an 80s themed pre-show Summer Party at 4 p.m. on August 2. Tickets are $15 per person, and $12 each for groups of 10 or more.

International Festival:Celebrate Baltimore’s cultural diversity at this two-day festival at Poly/Western High School. There will be music, dancing and ethnic foods. Featured bands include Ashford and Simpson, and Image Band. Festival admission is free, and the festival will last from noon to 9 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

Healthy First Saturday: Enjoy a day of healthy, family fun at Port Discovery as part of there Healthy First Saturday program. This Saturday’s activities will include "FUN Drum Rhythm Circle" from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., FIDOS for Freedom from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and other health-related booths and screenings from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Regular admission is required at $12.95 per person.

Sunday, August 2:

Summer Vacation at the BMA: Spend a Sunday afternoon at the Baltimore Museum of Art as part of its Free Family Sundays program. This week’s program is American Road Trip, and starts at 2 p.m.

Summer Concert Series:Bring your blanket and lawn chair to the meadow at Historic Jerusalem Mill Village for a Southern and classic rock performance by Great Train Robbery. This event starts at 6 p.m. and tickets are $5-$7, while children under age 12 get in for free.

Photo of Rodney Henry performing by Monica Lopossay/Baltimore Sun, 2003

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

It's official, apparently: Kate Gosselin is moving (sans Jon and her 8) to a Rockville condo.

Almost immediately after hearing this, I got a press release with a Q & A with Risa Garon, a social worker and executive director of the National Family Resiliency Center, also in Rockville. She took the opportunity to give us some advice about families going through divorce.

Here's an excerpt:

Q: It is being reported today that Kate Gosselin is moving to Rockville, Maryland. Can you talk about how much young children like the Gosselin family understand about divorce.

Children, particularly young children may not understand the word divorce but all children understand and feel tensions between parents. They know when something is wrong between their parents whether their parents are together or apart. They may notice that their parents aren't affectionate, don't talk or fight all the time.

Q. What are some of the questions that young children typically ask?

Young children always ask why questions. The key for parents is to be concrete with young children and not give them details about their marriage. Rather, be simple,

"We (parents) have had some problems and can't find ways to live together any more. We love you and will always love you and will live in two homes which we think will be better for us. We will still see you and take care of you."

Children ask questions that relate to who is responsible for the divorce. "Did Parent 1 or Parent 2 do something bad," might be a question kids ask. They have a need to know and want to blame someone for their pain which we encourage parents to avoid. "We" is better that "your parent did this and that."

Q: How should parents answer the questions that young children ask?

Parents should answer questions in a way that help their children, not necessarily themselves. Be simple, concrete and focus on parents having problems, not parents not loving each other because children then fear that parents won't love them.

Children may want to know a lot of legal information and other details that are not relevant to their understanding and adjustment. Sometimes these questions are indicative of children's insecurity and need to control what is really out of their control. Be empathetic: " I know this is so hard for you and it hurts, but there are some grown up issues that we don't want you to worry about. These issues are between me and your mother."

Most children have a significant need to know how the divorce or separation will affect them. They may ask questions such as "Where will I live, when will I see each parent, will I go to the same school, what about our dog?" It is critical that parents answer these questions if they know where they are going to live. I suggest to parents that they have their facts well before they talk to their children to reassure their children about the consistency of their lives and schedules.

Q. Is there such a thing as "an easy divorce" for children?

Divorce hurts and is usually a decision made by one parent, sometimes both. When parents make this decision they know that their children may be hurt. Because parents don't want to hurt their children they may minimize the impact of divorce.

Divorce does hurt because it is changing the picture of family that children have had and want to hold on to. The easier divorce is one that is handled in a healthy way by both parents, where parents always take in to consideration the needs of their children, include both parents in co- parenting and allow their children and themselves to grieve. Sometimes children expect a divorce and or are relieved that the fighting is over. At the same time, these children may still feel sad.

Q. Do children typically act out in some way?

Some children act out, particularly when they don't have an opportunity to understand, express emotions about family transition and opportunities to resolve divorce related issues. Their grades may drop, some children drop out of school activities or change friends. Other kids may get depressed. Parents need to monitor their children to assess how they are doing. Parents need to know the benefit of support through counseling, therapy, groups, and books. No one can do this alone!

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

At our house, we heart flank steak. It's inexpensive, great to grill, and at home with Asian flavors, Latin flavors, and just good old summer flavors. That's why I chose to use it as a vehicle for this cherry tomato relish I found on the state's Buy Local Challenge web site, which has recipes and tips for cooking local this season.

The great part about the relish for those with kids is that it can be put on or left off as each person prefers. We set it in the middle of the table; predictably, the adults heaped the pretty tomatoes on to their steak, while the kids ate theirs plain. But they did eat, and everyone was happy.

Here's how to make the steak and tomatoes. You could also use the tomato relish on chicken or fish...

Grilled flank steak with cherry tomato relish
Serves 4

1 pint local cherry tomatoes, quartered or halved
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil, divided use
¼ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
1 clove fresh garlic, minced
1-2 tablespoons minced or chopped fresh basil
1 1/2 pounds flank steak

Mix together tomatoes, vinegar, 1 teaspoon oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, garlic and basil and chill well.

Rub steak with rest of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Heat a grill or grill pan to medium high. Cook steak until medium rare (about 135 degrees) or at desired doneness. Let rest 10 minutes; slice thinly against the grain. Serve topped with tomato relish.

--Adapted from Brett Grohsgal, Even’ Star Organic Farm, Lexington Park, Md. Courtesy of buy-local-challenge.com

Per serving: 272 calories, 35 grams protein, 13 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 3 grams carbohydrate, 1 gram fiber, 67 milligrams cholesterol, 218 milligrams sodium

(Photo by me)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

I was a mean mommy over the weekend. I forced my kids to go to the swimming pool.

Every year, we pay more than $500 for a family membership to a local private pool. And every year, I try to keep myself from calculating the per-visit cost. Between work, thunderstorms, trips, and the like, it seems that we end up actually swimming there much less than we envision when we sign up in the spring.

This year, though, takes the cake. We went to swim early in the season, and the water was so cold that the kids were spooked. One of them doesn't even want to swim indoors now.

So when last Saturday reached good old Baltimore levels of heat and humidity, I brought down the kids' suits and told them to get ready for the pool. And they wailed.

Here's the thing: I knew they'd have a good time. But I had to actually tell them that if they didn't go to the pool that day, they'd have to start paying back part of their allowances to offset the money I'd wasted on our membership.

Yes, meanest mommy ever. But it worked. And they had fun.

Now, if it could just get really hot again....

(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: School's Out
        

Here is Liz Atwood with Tween &*%& Tuesday:  

There was a time when my son refused to play with any child who used a four-letter word. That, however, was before middle school, where it seems like cussing is cool. Soon he not only was using profane words, but teaching them to his younger brother. And ever since I’ve been waging a war against four-letter words.

I try hard to watch my own mouth, and on those occasions when I slip, my kids are quick to point out the error of my ways. For the most part, they do not curse when I’m around, but they let the words fly to each other if they think I’m not listening. This includes not only the old-standbys, but the more recent and ubiquitous use of the word gay for everything the tween deems inferior.

I know many parents are waging this battle. We’ve explained that the words make people uncomfortable, show bad manners and a lack of imagination to say something smarter when one is upset. I’ve tried the usual punishments, too, including the old-fashioned soap treatment, which was no more effective than the kinder, gentler lectures.

I’ve been searching the Internet for advice. Some experts recommend ignoring profanity on the theory that kids use the words because they are powerful and generate a response. Others advise parents to use reason and logic, pointing out to the kids that they may lose friends if they don’t stop talking like a sailor. These approaches seem fine for younger children, but I’m not sure they work so well with the tween, who is accustomed to hearing profanity in movies, on TV, in school, and yes, at home. Tweens are going to hear bad words and know what they mean. The question is how to keep them from repeating them.

Have you found a way to clean up the gutter mouth?

Posted by Liz Atwood at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Teens
        

Maria asked:
"How big does a kid have to be to sit in a car's front seat? There are lots of opinions out there ranging from 12 years old, to 16. What is the height and weight we should be looking for to make this transition?"

It's a good question. Remember when Britney Spears drove off from paparazzi with her baby on her lap?

At my request, Tracy Whitman, project coordinator for Maryland Kids in Safety Seats, wrote this reply:

"The Maryland Child Passenger Safety Law does not prohibit children from sitting in the front seat, with the exception of placing a rear-facing child in front of an active air bag. However, Kids In Safety Seats (KISS) suggests that parents follow the safety recommendation offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is, to keep all children under age 13 in the back seat. Currently, there are no weight or height suggestions as to when a child can safely ride in the front seat.

"Because there is no law requiring children to ride in the rear seat, we (KISS) find parents stating that they allow young children to ride in the front seat as a reward for good behavior or it may be viewed as a "rite of passage," when in fact, allowing children under age 13 to ride in the front seat places them in danger.

"There are two main concerns. The first is that front end collisions are the most frequent type of crash. A child seated in the front seat during a crash is at higher risk of injury due to the crash forces. During a crash, there is a tremendous amount of energy generated. This energy is distributed through the crumple zones and vehicle frame, into the seatbelts and then into the body. Injury is cause by the transfer of energy into human tissue. Because adults are larger and stronger, they can typically absorb crash energy. However, because children are smaller and more fragile, they cannot absorb the energy like an adult. If a child is positioned in a vehicle closer to the crash energy, there is a greater chance that a young child may be injured. Simply keeping children in the back moves them further from the energy distribution, creating a safer environment.

"The second concern is air bags. Air bags are supplemental restraints because they are designed to be used with the adult seat belt, for adult protection. Prior to age 13, children have very different body structures. Bone density and muscle tone both have a role in how the body will absorb the energy created by a rapid air bag deployment. Around age 13, children have a body structure that more closely resembles an adult, thus allowing them to withstand the crash better than a younger child.

"A final item to consider before a child is allowed to ride in a front seat is correct seat belt fit. Correct fit is when a child is seated all the way back in the vehicle seat, his/her knees bend comfortably over the edge of the seat, the lap portion of the belt is siting on the hip/lower thigh bones, the shoulder belt crosses over the center of the chest and rests on the clavicle and the child can stay seated upright and "in position" for the entire ride.

"Care givers with questions should contact the Kids In Safety Seats Program at 800-370-SEAT. "

AP Photo of Britney Spears driving by Kevork Djansezian

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Our David Zurawik reports that Kate Gosselin may be moving to Maryland. She reportedly toured some condos in Rockville, which also happens to be the town where her, cough, bodyguard lives.

Not super close to the family compound in Wernersville, Pa., where the divorcing celebrity couple have said the Plus 8 part of the family will continue to live. Jon, meanwhile, has reportedly looked for a new pad in New York.

This all brings up many questions, but the one I'm interested in is: When parents break up, how close should they live to the kids, even on the days they don't have custody?

What if there's an emergency, and the other parent needs to pick up custody on a given day? What if there's an important performance, or something else that comes up? What about just creating a sense that even though the parents are apart, they're both close by if needed?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
        

One of the hazards of being the only man in your house is suffering through the indignities of cosmetics overflow. Here's Guest Dad Joe Burris:

"Recently, my Sun colleague Michael Dresser wrote in his blog that a pediatrician warned against children pumping gasoline. The pediatrician raised poignant concerns about the dangers of gas fumes, prompting a few spirited comments for and against the practice, some of which also appeared on this blog.

I believe it’s a very interesting topic, but while we’re on the subject of fumes, I have one question:

Anyone get a whiff of nail polish remover?

Or some nail polish, too, for that matter. Some of that stuff smells like a solution to our energy problems.

My 12-year-old daughter and her friends are all into doing their nails; I’m into worrying whether there’s adequate ventilation in the room when they do so. Some of those vapors seem every bit as strong as ammonia, and there are all kinds of inhalation warnings about that product, but I don’t believe I’ve seen much about nail polish or remover.

Oddly enough, I grew up with the odor, having three sisters who decorated their nails, and I’ve been told repeatedly that after a while you get used to it.

Not a chance. I figure that’s why some smart person invented fans."

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

My colleague Kelly Brewington has a post over at the health blog about the testing of experimental swine flu vaccine, to start in the next few weeks at the University of Maryland's Center for Vaccine Development, among other sites around the country.

Researchers are looking for up to 1,000 volunteers to test the vaccine, many of them children. (The vaccine would be tested first on the adults).

On her blog, some writers are too worried about possible side effects to sign up their kids. But one woman wrote that she thought getting the vaccine early would be more likely to help protect her children against the swine flu.

I wouldn't do it, and not just because my children loathe getting shots.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 5:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Health
        

Frequent commenter Kayris, who writes the blog The Great Walls of Baltimore, had a thoughtful recent post that might interest a lot of you. It's about why her family is "redshirting" her son, who falls just beyond the Sept. 1 birthday cutoff for starting kindergarten. (Because he's so close to the cutoff, she could have pushed for early kindergarten admission for him.)

But she didn't. Because, as she puts it, "kindergarten is the new first grade."

Based on my experience, I have to agree.

I never had this decision to make. Both my kids are spring babies, so it has always been clear what year each of them would go to kindergarten. But even though their birthdays fell squarely within what should have been the middle of the range of kids in their classes, I felt in both cases that they seemed a little young compared to many of their classmates.

The reason: Lots of redshirting, so many of the kids were older.

I can see that the older kids do start school with a bit more confidence, and because they are further along in learning to read, they are often grouped together in a class that progresses faster.

As the kids all get older, those gaps will narrow. And I do know some kids, older when they started, who were bored because they were going over skills they already knew. But by and large, the parents I know who have held kids back a year are very happy with their decisions.

And you?

Illustration by Emily Morrow/The Baltimore Sun

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

The end of this week and the weekend bring lots of fun at local libraries, free outdoor concerts, and something called SalsaPolkaLooza at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson.

Also, you can have a pillow fight at the Bowie Baysox game. That sounds tempting.

Here's the list, with lots of help from intern Kayla Cross:

Thursday, July 23:

Sing, Say, Stomp and Play: Head out to the Parkville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library for a morning of fun with song and dance. This event is free and starts at 9:30 a.m. Children ages 2-5 are welcome with an adult.

Get Creative with Playdough: Get your hands dirty in this free program at the Mount Airy branch of the Carroll County Public Library. Play with the colorful playdough on hand or learn how to make your own. This event is for all ages and starts at 11 a.m.

Patchwork Quilt: Spend the afternoon at the Walbrook branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library learning about the Underground Railroad and having fun. Children, ages 6-12, can make their own 9-inch quilt square and learn about the importance of quilting during the Underground Railroad. This event is free and starts at 1 p.m. Registration is required; call 410-396-0935.

Friday, July 24:

Bowie’s Largest Pillow Fight: Bring the pillows and enjoy an old fashioned pillow fight, baseball style. After the Bowie Baysox take on the Reading Phillies at 7:05 p.m., the field will be open for pillow fighting and split into three areas: one for families with small children, one for families with teenagers and one for adults. Admission to an individual Bowie Baysox game is $6-$14.

Express Yourself! Simple Bookbinding Techniques: Learn the art of bookbinding at the Lansdowne branch of the Baltimore County Public Library at 2 p.m. Teenagers, ages 11-17, can make their own journals or "lookbooks" during this workshop. This event is free and registration is required. Call 410-887-5602.

Super Sleuths: Express your spy side at the Elkridge branch of the Howard County Library. Children ages 5 and up are welcome to come and listen to spy stories and participate in activities. This event is free and starts at 2 p.m. Registration is required; call 410-313-5085 or go to www.hclibrary.org.

Family Fun Night:
Head out to the Y of Central Maryland http://www.ymaryland.org/ in Abingdon for a night of free family fun. Families can enjoy fitness classes, the gym and games. There will be healthy snacks and giveaways as well. This event lasts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

More on Saturday and Sunday...

Saturday, July 25:

Story time with the First Lady: Maryland First Lady Katie O'Malley reads in the Meyerhoff Children's Garden of the Central Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library at noon.

Summer Live! The Motorettes: Harborplace Amphitheater holds an evening of music for all ages. The Motorettes is a female fronted band that features soul and oldies music. This event is free and lasts from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Star-Gazing: Community Observing Night: Join the Anne Arundel Community College Astronomy Club for a free night of star-gazing. People of all ages are welcome to come to the Arnold campus and view the stars and moon. Bring your own binoculars and telescopes, or use one of the nine provided by the Astronomy Club. This event lasts from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

SalsaPolkaLooza!: Bring the family to this free international festival at Creative Alliance at the Patterson. There will be free art activities for kids of all ages, music, salsa lessons, dance performances and more. Bands such as La Firma and The Continentals will perform, among others. This event lasts from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 26:

Summer Live! Lovecraft: The Harborplace Amphitheater is hosting another free event for all ages. Lovecraft is a jazz band and will play from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Roots, Shoots, Stems, and Leaves: Enjoy an afternoon of learning and dining at the Anita C. Leight Estuary Center. Families can learn about the parts of a plant and make a salad with them as well. This event is $3 per person and lasts from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is required; call 410-612-1688.

Baltimore Sun photo by Mauricio Rubio, of the 2007 SalsaPolkaLooza!

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Over at Baltimore Crime Beat -- a place a parent hopes not to have reason to visit very often -- my colleague Peter Hermann has a lively discussion going on about three local boys being handcuffed, arrested and taken to a holding cell for the theft of a scooter, a wagon and bicycle parts from a neighbor's yard.

The mother of the second-grader said she was there when police were preparing to take her son to jail. She said the officer was intent on arresting the boy, and rebuffed her efforts to talk to her son about what he did and to punish him a different way.

I'm struck by the response, which overwhelmingly supports the police and condemns the parents.

What do you think?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (13)
        

Now, this Dinner Together crab cake is not intended to be your fancy, all-lump-and-no-filler, Maryland crab cake of your dreams. It's more of an everyday family dinner crab cake, which I tested with backfin meat to make it as inexpensive as possible. (Of course, you can feel free to use lump if you like. If you do use backfin, watch out for pieces of shell.)

This recipe caught my eye because it was submitted to the "Fix-It and Enjoy-It Healthy Cookbook" by Cathy Kruba of Baltimore. I figure that gives it some cred. I also liked it because the patties are baked, which helps their nutritional profile. They weren't Faidley's, but they were satisfying and quick on a weeknight.

What did the kids think?

Leah took one bite; Sam ate almost a whole crab cake, but didn't want to really admit that he had liked it. Actions speak louder than words...

Baltimore Crab Cakes
Makes 4 servings

1 pound crabmeat, flaked
4 slices whole wheat bread, made into crumbs
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 cup light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon, or a few drops, of hot sauce

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all ingredients thoroughly in a large bowl. Divide mixture evenly into 8 portions and shape into patties. Place on lightly greased baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes.
Turn crab cakes over. Bake 10 minutes longer, or until crispy.

From Cathy Kruba of Baltimore, published in "Fix-It and Enjoy-It Healthy Cookbook," by Phyllis Pellman Good.

Per serving (2 crab cakes): 266 calories, 24 grams protein, 8 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 3 grams fiber, 94 milligrams cholesterol, 748 milligrams sodium

(Photo by me)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Summer is half over and at my house I've been fighting what feels like a losing battle against the summer slide. That's the phenomenon where over the summer break kids lose skills they've learned in school. Experts advise a number of strategies to fight this tendency, such as enrolling the kids in summer reading programs at the library, sending them to camp and incorporating learning into fun activities.

I've tried all of that and here's what's happened:

We booked a vacation to the Southwest this year so we could show the kids the Grand Canyon and teach them a bit about Native American culture. I went to the library and checked out a half dozen children's books on Navajos and cliff dwellings only to have my younger tween say: "Indians aren't really my thing."

I tried to entice this same son to practice math by baking a batch of cookies. Figuring he'd have little patience for any elaborate mixing, chopping or icing, I went the easy route and bought a cookie mix. I could scarcely drag him into the kitchen. He declared that cooking "was for girls." I finally managed to get him to reluctantly stir the powdered mix, egg, water and oil and spoon the dough onto the cookie sheet, but he fled in the 10 minutes it took them to bake.

Even bribery hasn't worked. I'm not proud of it, but I promised my nearly 13-year-old that I would give him $20 if he read Lord of the Flies. He read two chapters and said he didn't care how much I paid him, he couldn't stand it and wasn't going to read it. I promised the 8-year-old I'd buy him a new Webkinz pet if he learned his multiplication tables. He's decided he doesn't want a new Webkinz.

I told my boys at 9 p.m. they would have to turn off the TV and read before going to bed. But without TV they suddenly found themselves exhausted and decided to turn out the lights and go to sleep.

Does any of this sound familiar to you? Have you found a way to stop the summer slide?

Photo: A model at a recent children's fashion show in Italy/AFP Getty Images

Posted by Liz Atwood at 6:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Lila Shapiro-Cyr won last week's ask-a-question contest with this timely query:

"What do you think is an appropriate age for kids to begin having Harry Potter (book 1) read to them?"

It's a high-interest topic, given the release of the latest Harry Potter film and the wonderful possibilities of summer reading.

Deborah Taylor, the Pratt's School and Student Services Coordinator, and Selma Levi, children's librarian at the Central Library, prepared this answer:

"The Harry Potter books with their magic and humor are very attractive to children of all ages. However, like folklore and fairy tales, they are emotionally intense and probably are most appropriate for young people ages eight and up, both as read –aloud and self reading."

"Selma Levi, Head of the Central Library’s Children’s Department agrees that Rowling’s language and wordplay, especially in the first two books, make the books easy to read and understand but parents may find some of the imagery and circumstances in which Harry finds himself, a bit frightening for very young children. Each of the first two books builds to a very intense concluding episode. Parents should know how their child might react to a very high level of drama."

"From Book Three on, the books get increasingly dark and explore even more emotionally intense areas. Rowling always has plenty of humor providing balance and keeping the readers engaged, however, additions such as the Dementors and the escaped criminal Sirius Black will probably make this volume and the subsequent ones in the series more appropriate for readers ages ten and up."

(Associated Press photo of a scene from "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" by Peter Mountain/Warner Bros. Pictures)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

If you're headed to Artscape today and would like to chat about The Sun, family life in Baltimore, health stories (I've recently become health editor, as well as handling the parenting beat), or anything else, please visit me at The Sun's booth at the northwest corner of Charles and Mount Royal.

I'll be there from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., when I'm off to man the news desk for the rest of the night.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 10:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

For Father's Day Friday, frequent Guest Dad Joe Burris offers his take on yet another sign of families struggling to pay for care for their kids:

Last week while vacationing in my hometown of Florence, S.C., I stopped by the library for a few days and noticed that on each day there were a number of unsupervised kids present -- both inside the building and outside. Some of the youngsters appeared to be preteens. All were milling about nowhere near the reading materials.

What made matters worse was that at closing time some of these kids were still around, waiting for family members to pick them up.

I was later told that the facility had become a place where parents who can’t afford summer camp drop off their kids for the entire day, and then, to the chagrin of the library officials, are often tardy when coming to retrieve them. I was also told that library officials had complained to some parents that their tardiness delayed the facility’s 8:30 p.m., closing, but apparently those words went unheeded.

As a parent, I believe that one of the greatest casualties of living in an unsafe society is that in most areas children can’t simply go outside and play. Nowadays there’s a price tag on playtime, indoors and outdoors, and I certainly empathize with anyone who can’t pay for such activities.

But failing to come pick a child up from a venue until it’s almost dark outside seemed like a bit much. Years ago when I lived in the Boston area, I heard of similar problems at public pools. Some parents would admit that they dropped their kids there all day because they had to work during the day and couldn’t afford all-day child care.

My wife and I have been fortunate to have our older daughter in camp all summer. I shudder to think of what we’d have to resort to if that weren’t the case.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (14)
        

I'm struck by two stories on our new parenting page right now (even though it was I who put them there). One talks about schools asking parents to pony up more money so their kids can participate in sports. The other has families who are able shipping kids to Grandma's instead of paying for camp.

Meanwhile, we're trying to sort through what lessons, sports, etc., the kids should take part in next year. They're interested in new things -- soccer, piano, drama -- as well as the old things (gymnastics, dance, swimming....).

Where do you draw the line?

David Haase stands at the soccer field where his 11-year-old daughter Morgan plays in Knoxville, Tenn. Morgan works the ball in the background. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

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

OK, probably we aren't going to jet off to New York and catch a Broadway show like the president and first lady when our children are happily away at a sleepover. But my husband and I are going to get a rare date night soon, and I for one am excited about it.

The only problem is, we aren't good about doing the regular date night like the Obamas. Babysitters get expensive, we get tired and settle for a video...you know how it goes.

So when we do have an opportunity like this, the choices almost seem overwhelming. What can we do that's fun and different?

Where would you go in Baltimore and its environs for date night? Where would you eat? Would you see a concert, or a movie, or a play? Would you join the crowds at Artscape, or flee them?

(Photo by Aude Guerrucci-Pool/Getty Images)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)
        

Since my kids like fish, I thought I'd give fish tacos a try for today's Dinner Together. I found this recipe on the blog A Beautiful Mosaic, where you should go to find out how to make homemade mango salsa to go with these (I cheated and used store-bought).

My only problem with this dish wasn't a problem with the recipe. In a classic mommy moment, I couldn't find the jalapeno for the marinade.

I know I bought it. But several searches of the veggie drawer, the rest of the fridge, the closet where we keep the plastic bags, and even the car came up empty.

Who knows where that pepper is, but it didn't end up in our tacos. Fortunately, they didn't suffer for the omission...

The fish grilled nicely and quickly, and the kids ate well (though they tended to prefer the fish outside the tortilla. Fine by me.)

Per serving (not including salsa): 430 calories, 39 grams protein, 13 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 37 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams fiber, 74 milligrams cholesterol, 428 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.       

(Photo by me)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Lila Shapiro-Cyr, for this timely question: "What do you think is an appropriate age for kids to begin having Harry Potter (book 1) read to them?"

She wins the Illustrated Atlas of Wildlife, and an answer to her question in the Monday Consult.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Two years is a long time in the life of a kid.

That’s how long it’s been since the last Harry Potter movie lit up the screens.

That’s also how long it’s been since author J.K. Rowling concluded her tale of the boy wizard in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Most of today’s tweens weren’t even born when the first Harry Potter book came out in 1997 and those early fans are probably now young adults. But Harry is back today as The Half Blood Prince opens in theaters at midnight.

My sons, who watched a Harry Potter movie marathon over the weekend, are excited about the new release, which the Baltimore Sun's Michael Sragow reviews here, although we’ll probably wait for the weekend to go.

How about you? Will you be lining up at midnight? Do you know of a good Harry Potter celebration taking place? If so, post it here.

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

It's time to replenish our list of parenting question for the Monday Consult. This week's prize, for a lucky commenter under this post who asks a question about parenting that an expert can answer, is the beautiful Illustrated Atlas of Wildlife. Of course, the other prize is getting your question answered, next Monday or in the coming weeks.

I'll choose a comment at random and announce the winner tomorrow morning. As always, please leave your e-mail in the appropriate box when you comment. I won't share it, but I will need it to get in touch with you if you win the big prize.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 11:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

I recently read a very interesting Q&A in the Urbanite between Marc Steiner and local sex educator (and author) Deborah Roffman. Roffman talked about her work on sexuality education at the Park School, and about how kids whose parents talk with them frankly about sexuality tend to be more conservative in their behavior.

That was all fascinating, but as a parent of younger kids, I found myself wanting to know when to start talking to children about sex -- and what in the world to say. So I ask Roffman to write today's Monday Consult, and she graciously agreed. Here's her advice:

"More than 40 years after the “sexual revolution,” and we're still figuring out how to talk to our kids! The secret to having quality conversations with children about sexuality is that there's really no secret: we can feel confident just by taking the approach we take with all other important topics we want them to understand. The key is to tune into their natural curiosity about life and how the world works--and to try very hard not to read in what we think they are asking.

For example, commonly at the age of four young children become curious about their own origins as they start trying, literally, to figure out their place in the world. Because they are beginning to understand time (as in, before, now, and later), they suddenly “get” the phrase “that was before you were born” so they quite logically want to know where they were before they were born. While it might be tempting to manufacture an answer like the proverbial cabbage patch, a simple, “you were in a special place inside mom called the uterus,” will do just fine. More than likely the child will say, “oh,” because you accurately heard and answered the real question.

Likewise, five year olds are often prompted to ask, “but, how did I get out of there?” That's because their mind is working hard on understanding more sophisticated concepts like movement through time and movement through space. And isn't that what labor is about--movement through time and place? And, because six year olds are wildly interested--across the board--in how things of all kinds are made, they may well ask, “but how'd I get in there in the first place?”

Even though this last question can rightly lead to conversations about sperm, eggs, where they come from and how they get together, you won't really be teaching your child about “sex” at all, but about the mechanics of conception. And those concepts are totally appropriate for children at this age. The topic of sexual relationships and behaviors is something parents will want to bring up when their children are in the middle elementary school years, and parents should aim for a time when kids first start chatting about sex among their peers and paying attention to it in the media.

Parents often ask, “but how do I bring it up if they don't,” and others want to know, “but shouldn't I wait until they do?” Once again, think about how we handle other important subjects we want our kids to hear from us about first--we don't hesitate to bring those up, and sex, again, is no different.

As for the how, make it your business to walk by a pregnant woman one day soon and say: “That lady is pregnant. You've never asked about that! Do you know what that means? Do you have any question?”

Works like a charm!"

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Today is Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A. Wear a cow costume to any of the chain's restaurants and you get a free meal. What -- you don't have a cow costume? Chick-Fil-A has a kit you can download.

This event reminds me of when my son was 2, and had an adorable Holstein Halloween costume. He was very fond of it even after Halloween had passed. One day, when we were going to see the "Curious George" movie, he decided he just had to wear it. To the theater.

Two-year-olds aren't capable of embarrassment. Instead, he waved at everyone who pointed to or waved at him. After tucking his tail behind him, he gleefully munched on his popcorn and watched the movie.

Costumed cows aren't always benign, of course -- they can be "mad," as in this photo of vegetarians protesting meat consumption in Britain. But the larger point is how great it is that when you're a kid, you can be anything.

And become anything.

(AP Photo/Louisa Buller, 1996.)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Food and Recipes
        

If you're taking a family road trip this summer, you're going to need jokes for the car or the plane. Guest Dad Joe Burris has come up with a few:

One day, my 12-year-old daughter Nyaniso came home with a library book that featured an array of clean jokes. That's great, I thought, since her tween world is full of songs, TV shows and movies that are anything but clean. She's an avid reader, and often I'm amazed at some of the material with vulgarity laced prose that's readily available to kids.

Long live clean jokes, I said. In fact, she inspired me to make up a list of jokes with the names of 12 U.S. Presidents. I admit that a few are corny:

1. Nixon

Knock, knock?

Who's there?

Nixon.

Nixon who?

Nixon Celtics are playing tonight. Celtics should win.

(Knicks and Celtics are playing tonight. Celtics should win).

2. Eisenhower

My friend asked, "How are you today?"

I replied, "I have an itch in my Eisenhower you?"

(I have an itch in my eyes. And how are you?")

3. Monroe

"Hey, Monroe faster! We'll never reach the shore at this rate."

(Hey man, row faster!)

4. Fillmore

I Fillmore anxious about this exam than my last one.

(I feel more anxious about this exam than my last one.)

5. Wilson

Wilson is the spitting image of his mother.

(Will's son is the spitting image of his mother).

6. Madison

Whenever James gets Madison tries to calm him down.

(Whenever James gets mad, his son tries to calm him down.)

7. Quincy Adams

Hey Quincy Adams car? What do you think he paid for it?

(Hey Quinn, see Adam's car?)

8. Lincoln

The railroad museum had an amazing display of Lincoln pin couplers.

(The railroad museum had an amazing display of link-and-pin couplers.)

9. Jackson, Harrison, Johnson

See Wilson.

10. Truman

It's Truman make mistakes, but to err is human.

(It's true men make mistakes, but to err is human.)

I have tried to make puns for the names of our recent three Commanders and Chief, but to no avail. Can you think of a play on words for Clinton, Bush or Obama?

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

In tough economic times like this, parents look for anything they can trim from the budget without making their kids suffer. Once they've done that, there's a big-ticket item that looms large in some households: private school.

Some families are making the hard decision to take kids out of the private schools they've been attending and sending them to public schools instead. The New York Times had a piece several months ago. Now we at the Sun are looking into the local angle.

If you're in this situation and would be willing to talk with a reporter about your decision to switch schools, please e-mail Arin Gencer.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 2:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: School's Out
        

The search term "babies on skates" is tearing it up on Google Trends right now as a result of this might-be-amusing, might-seem-creepy ad:

I must say I found myself laughing at the computer-generated skater tots, just as I crack up at the E*trade commercials with this jaded "baby":

Why it's funny to me, I don't know. I'm in no hurry for babies to grow up; since mine are now 6 and 8, I'm already missing their infant selves.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Television
        

If Fourth of July went by too quickly for you and yours, check out the free tour for kids at the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House Museum on Saturday. Here's more to do with the family from intern Kayla Cross:

Thursday, July 9:

Chesapeake Bay Critters: Learn more about the Chesapeake Bay’s animals with Richard Anderson, of the Snyder Foundation for Animals, at the Taneytown branch of the Carroll County Public Library. Get a chance to view preserved animals up close. This event is free, and starts at 1:30 p.m. It is open to ages 6 and up. Children must be registered to participate. Go to library.carr.org or call 410-386-4488.

Duct Tape Flip-Flops: Break out the creative juices and make unique summer shoes at the Savage branch of the Howard County Library. Bring your own duct tape! This event is for ages 11-17 and they must be registered ahead of time. It is free and lasts from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Go to hclibrary.org or call 410-880-5975 to register.

National Summer Learning Day: There are events taking place throughout Maryland this Thursday, in honor of National Summer Learning Day. Check summerlearning.org/summerlearningday for more information on local events.

Friday, July 10:

Disc Golf: Head out to Patapsco Valley State Park for a disc golf clinic, and learn more about the sport. Children, ages 9 and up, are welcome to come to the McKeldin area of the park and participate. Bring good walking shoes and water. This event is free and lasts from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. To sign up, call 410-984-7020.

Caribbean Carnival Festival: Celebrate the Caribbean heritage in a festival this weekend, through July 12, in Druid Hill Park The festival will feature a colorful parade on Saturday, as well as Caribbean food and crafts throughout the weekend. General admission is $10, and children under 12 get in for free.The event will last from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, and noon to 9 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

The rest of the weekend has more:

Saturday, July 11:

Fifteen Stars, Fifteen Stripes, Fifteen and Under Free!: The second Saturday of every month the Star Spangled Banner Flag House lets children, ages 15 and under, tour the museum for free. The museum is located at the site of Mary Pickersgill’s house, where the first American flag was made. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Teddy Bear Picnic: Kids can bring their teddy bears to this event at Port Discovery. The day will be full of activities, such as face painting and Moonbounce adventures. Tickets to the museum are required; $12.95 for ages 2 and up. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m and is recommended for ages 5 and under.

Howard County Pow-Wow/American Indian Show & Festival: Honor the American Indian heritage in this two-day event at the Howard County Fairgrounds in West Friendship. The festival features American Indian dance, food and crafts. Tickets are $6-$8 and the event lasts from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Star-Gazing: Hercules’ Mighty Armpit Returns: Enjoy a star-filled night with the Westminster Astronomy Club at Soldiers Delight of Patapsco Valley State Park. This event is free, open to all ages and lasts from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. To sign up, call 410-549-3026.

Sunday, July 12:

Second Sundays at Leakin Park: Come out for fun for all ages at Leakin Park. Children can ride miniature trains from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and adults can go hiking at 1 p.m. or tour the grounds from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The events are free.

Summer Fun Day: Step on up to the fun and games at Steppingstone Museum in Havre de Grace. Admission is $5 and includes lawn mower racing, face painting, frog jumping and more. The event lasts from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Living history performers at a Flag House Museum festival, 2007. Colby Ware/Special to the Baltimore Sun.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

In this case, we used half the bottle of marinade as a marinade, and the half that hadn't touched uncooked pork became a sort of salad dressing.

The kids were not interested in the greens, but they liked the pork. (The marinade sounds spicy, but by the time it had cooked with the pork, it was mild enough for them.)

Here's how you make it:

Grilled Pork Over Greens
Serves 4 to 6

1 1/2-2 pounds pork tenderloin
1/2 bottle of KC Masterpiece Spiced Caribbean Jerk Marinade
3-4 cups arugula, stemmed and roughly chopped

Place pork in a baking pan and cover with the marinade. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a charcoal grill for indirect cooking, heaping the coals on one side of the grill.
Place pork on the cool side of the grill, brushing with a bit of the marinade. Cover the grill, leaving vents open, and cook until pork reaches 165 degrees on a meat thermometer. Remove from grill, cover with foil, and rest meat about 10 minutes. Discard any marinade that was in the pan with the pork.
Slice pork into medallions and serve over arugula. If you like, use the rest of the bottle of marinade (the part which has not touched uncooked pork) as a sauce for the salad on the side.

Per serving (based on 6 servings, not including sauce on side): 230 calories, 25 grams protein, 11 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 3 grams carbohydrate, 0 grams fiber, 75 milligrams cholesterol, 352 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield.

(Photo by me)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 5:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Dinner Together, Food and Recipes
        

Our family got back last night from a holiday weekend road trip, and today we're easing back into the weekday routine. My son was happy to go back to camp, but for a surprising reason.

"We might have our Lego lunch meeting," he said.

Silly me, I asked what happens at the Lego lunch meeting. It sounded very serious.

"We have lunch and we talk about Legos," he said.

How do you know if you're going to have a Lego lunch meeting, I asked?

"My friend tells me if we're going to have one," my son replied.

I told him that I hoped it was productive. He nodded solemnly.

(Photo by Baltimore Sun photographer Doug Kapustin)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 3:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

This Tween Tuesday, Liz Atwood writes about how the house changes when one tween is away... 

My older son is at overnight camp and that means his 8-year-old younger brother is an only child this week. On Sunday, I took him to the pool and we left when he asked to go. I treated him to dinner at the restaurant he chose and he watched the TV program he wanted to watch before going to bed. The afternoon was unmarred by whining, bickering, name-calling or tattle-telling.

I've heard stories of the abrupt shift in family dynamics when one child goes off to college and parents suddenly discover the younger sibling who has been sitting quietly at the dinner table. While my younger son and I do occasionally do things without my older son, I look at this week as the chance to get to know my younger son a little better outside his big brother's shadow.

Of course, having a parent's undivided attention can be both a good thing and a bad thing. This week, he will be the only one I'll nag to do summer reading and math workbooks. And while he might think it's great he doesn't have to share the TV this week, he was so desperate to have someone to play video games with the other night that he tried teaching his 72-year-old grandmother how to work the Xbox controls.

It's going to be an interesting week. Have you had occasion to discover a younger child when big brother or sister was away? Were there surprises in how the family dynamics changed?

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

 PineappleBabble asked: "Why does my infant always nap so well at daycare and so poorly on the weekends?! Srsly - there must be a medical reason."

Kim West, the "Sleep Lady" of Severna Park, had some suggestions: 

"That is not an unusual comment! I find the answer is often twofold: First your baby is happy to see you and prefers spending time with you over napping. Pick connection time (touching, playing, nurturing) over errands and house cleaning -- do those things during nap time. Ask your daycare provider what time your baby naps, how long, and most importantly how they put him/her to sleep or back to sleep if she awakens from a short nap. If the daycare nap schedule is consistent and at reasonable times then aim for the same times at home. Include a soothing pre-nap ritual. Important side note - make sure your baby knows how to put him/herself to sleep independently at bedtime, which will help with naps."

(Photo courtesy of chimothy27's Flickr stream via Creative Commons)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: The Monday Consult
        

Joe Burris is here on Father's Day Friday:

Recently my 3-year-old daughter Onalenna’s day school announced its pre-Father’s Day celebration for all the students' dads. Accompanying the announcement was the message that dads who couldn’t attend should get their wives to stand in.

I didn’t bother to ask my wife if she and other mothers got a similar message on Mother’s Day.    And I don’t know if the school’s intention was to embarrass dads into coming (I get the feeling that most of us would have come anyway), but the turnout was great. In a room with about a dozen children, of different ages, races, backgrounds and professions, all but two kids’ fathers showed up.

I think that it was not only great for us to be there for our children, but we all delighted in seeing so many of us present. Even in an age where dads are more available for involvement with their children inside and outside the home, they’re often difficult to come by at such events -- even those where they are celebrated.

I must say, however, that the visit came with a bit of trepidation. During the Mother's Day event, the kids presented moms with handmade flower plots and grew plants inside _ but someone forgot to tell them that they would have to forever part with their creations. My wife says as the mothers departed, the kids reached for the gifts, and the room was filled with shouts of “Mine! Mine!”

We dads were more fortunate. We were presented with handmade greeting cards and travel mugs with their drawings and were allowed to keep them when we departed. We all got big kisses and hugs and goodbye waves that made me feel as if we had done something magnificent, just by being there.

I’m already looking forward to next year.

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Father's Day Tuesday
        

With Friday being a holiday for lots of working folks, this weekend is all about Independence Day, all the time. We have a few activities not related to the holiday, but much of what you'll find here has an element of flag-waving fun.

Our roundup includes the more kid-friendly Fourth of July displays, parades, etc. For a more complete list of holiday events, please visit our entertainment page.

Thanks to intern Kayla Cross for her contributions:

Creating Magic and Stuff: Kids under age 6 can learn magic tricks and comedy at the North Point Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library at 2 p.m. Free.

Anime Drawing: Teens 11-17 can learn how to draw anime characters at 7 p.m. at the Towson Branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. Bring your own paper and pencil. Free.

Friday, July 3:

African-American Heritage Festival: The annual festival of African-American history and culture at Camden Yards Sports Complex features a children's corner with youth-oriented performances. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday. $5; children 12 and under free.

Saturday, July 4:

4th of July Family Jump Time: Pump up the Fourth of July family fun at the Owings Mills Pump It Up Inflatable Party Zone. Bring your own socks and enjoy jumping on the inflatable houses, obstacle courses and more. This event is free for parents, but costs $8 per child, and lasts from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Limited to 50 children.

Fort McHenry: An old-fashioned Fourth of July Weekend at Fort McHenry runs from noon-4:30 p.m. Saturday. There won’t be any fireworks, but there will be a cannon firing, a musket salute, period dancing and a public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 3 p.m. Fort McHenry is at 2400 E. Fort Ave. Free. Call 410-962-4290.

Towson: The Fourth of July Parade in Towson starts at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at Bosley Avenue and Towsontown Boulevard and includes clowns, bands, military units and floats. Fireworks are over Loch Raven Academy, 8101 LaSalle Road, at dusk. Free. Call 410-832-2190.

Catonsville: Catonsville hosts a full day of events on Saturday. Starting at 9:30 a.m., enjoy children’s games and races followed by live music, a grand parade at 3 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. At 1:30 p.m., watch the 1st Annual Catonsville Hot Dog Eating Contest to see who earns the title of "Catonsville Biggest Weiner." Fireworks at Catonsville High School, 421 Bloomsbury Ave. Free. Call 410-744-9655 or go to catonsvillecelebrations.org.

Bel Air: The Bel Air Independence Day celebration takes place at Shamrock Park Saturday. The flag raising and the blueberry pancake and sausage breakfast take place at Bel Air Middle School. Other events include a hamster race, a turtle derby, a frog-jumping contest and children’s games. At 6 p.m., the parade will begin at the intersection of E. Gordon Street and North Main Street and will continue down North Main Street. Free. Go to belairjuly4.org.

Columbia: Catch some fireworks choreographed to patriotic music from 5-10 p.m. The event includes live bands and a children’s entertainment area at the Columbia Lakefront, 10221 Wincopin Circle. Free. Call 410-313-4452.

Sunday, July 5:

Stars of Japan: The Walters Art Museum will be celebrating the Japanese Festival of Stars with poetry paintings, streaming stories, wishing stars and other activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free.

(Photo by Baltimore Sun photographer Doug Kapustin)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 6:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Things to Do
        

Not everybody loves fireworks, do they? I'd forgotten until somebody mentioned it here, but they can be downright scary to little children.

I'm lucky that my kids always seemed to love watching fireworks displays from a distance. I never had to stay home on the Fourth of July because I knew they'd have a bad time watching the Inner Harbor display, as we often do with friends.

But what do you parents do when kids are afraid of fireworks? Do you try to coax them out of it? Wait until they grow out of it? Accept that you'll need to find other kinds of Fourth fun?

My colleague Susan Reimer is doing a story on the subject and would love to hear from you. If you're willing to talk to her, please shoot her an e-mail at susan.reimer@baltsun.com.

(Photo by Jacquelyn Martin/Associated Press)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 4:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)
        

Today is the first in a two-part Dinner Together series on super-easy, family-friendly meals on the grill.

One sure-fire way to please my daughter is to feed her a hamburger. (You may remember that this interfered with her vegetarian phase.) But, of course, we worry about serving ground beef, with its high saturated fat content, too often.

The answer for us sometimes is ground bison, which you can now find in most grocery stores. (If you want to stay local, Eddie's of Roland Park stocks bison from the Gunpowder Bison & Trading in Monkton.) It's lower in fat and saturated fat than most beef you can find. It is more expensive, but the other good part is that the taste is very close to beef.

And, we discovered, it performs very well on the grill, using this anti-flaring method my husband John came up with...

Bison Burgers

Serves 4

1 pound ground bison meat

4 whole-wheat hamburger buns

Tomato, onion, and/or avocado for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Form bison into four patties. (If the patties are mushy, place on a plate and put in the freezer for 20 minutes before grilling.) Heat a grill, heaping charcoal predominantly on one side. Place patties on the grill, over the hot coals, until cooked almost to desired doneness. (If burgers flare, move patties to the cooler side of grill.) Remove burgers to a plate, cover with foil and rest 10 minutes. Garnish as desired and serve on buns.

Per burger (including bun but not garnishes): 342 calories, 23 grams protein, 18 garms fat, 7 grams saturated fat, 22 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, 71 milligrams cholestero, 273 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Mary Mullen.

(Photo by me)

Posted by Kate Shatzkin at 5:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)