Charm City Moms

Mooning over "New Moon"

2009-11-20T19:18:11Z

"New Moon," the latest movie in the "Twilight" series, is out. And despite some negative reviews, teenage girls are expected to flock to it this weekend. This story from the Vancouver Sun says a study of "Twilight" fans shows that girls are actually attracted to the series because it celebrates a "traditional romance" in which the principal characters don't have sex. Kristen Stewart, who plays Bella, feels her character is a good example for girls. Do you?

Toddler Thursday: You've got to walk before you can run

2009-11-19T22:42:24Z

Sarah K.K. here, back with another installment of Toddler Thursday:

That's how the old saw goes, right? "You've got to walk before you can run"? Someone forgot to tell toddlers.

When my son first started to walk (right around his 1st birthday), he was understandably pretty unsteady. They call walking a controlled state of falling, and when you observe a child learning the skill, you can definitely see that. Unfortunately, far before his sense of balance was ready, he turned into a wannabe speed demon, rushing around faster than his little legs (or his growing brain) could take him.

That began the bruised-forehead stage of his life, and it hasn't ended yet. A couple of weeks after those first unsteady steps, I got a call from daycare. Isaac had been running on the playground, totally misjudged the blacktop and face-planted. He scraped his forehead and his nose, and when I went to pick him up, they even warned me before I saw him, telling me that he had hardly cried. I, however, almost did when I got my first glimpse of his injuries, even though he was beaming at me at the time.

]]>

That healed, and since then, it's been a constant battle to keep him from bonking his head when he's rushing around. We don't always succeed, so there's been a bit of purple, green or yellow on his forehead pretty often since then.

My friends in moms' group were talking about this right around when everyone turned 1, and what a relief it was to discover that we weren't the only ones who couldn't stay a step ahead. That asuages the Mommy Guilt a little.

We also laughed when we noted that when the kids get tired, their balance seems to be one of the first things to go. As bedtime approaches, it sometimes looks like they've been throwing back a few too many at Happy Hour.

Now, at almost 17 months, he's much steadier on his feet, most of the time. But his confidence has increased, too, and so has his curiosity. So now the little daredevil has yet another bruise, just another piece of evidence that he's growing up and trying new things, and sometimes running into walls.

We'll see what the next step brings.

(Photo by me)

What, no pumpkin? And leggo our Eggos....

2009-11-19T15:49:21Z

Susan Reimer's Garden Variety blog has the news of a pumpkin shortage that may affect our Thanksgiving tables. And this just after my daughter declared pumpkin pie a "must-have" at our meal. Fortunately, I think we have a big can of Libby's squirreled away in the pantry. And there's a kids' breakfast table crisis looming -- apparently there's a big shortage of Eggo waffles. This doesn't affect our family, per se. (Now if there was a shortage of Special K or Fiber One peanut butter granola bars, we'd be in trouble.) But kids get so attached to routine, it might be a problem for yours. I'd look on it as an opportunity to make some homemade waffles. Or at least some pancakes. (Associated Press photo/Phil Coale))

Things to do this week

2009-11-19T11:39:08Z

Santa's coming to Harborplace this Saturday at 4:30 p.m., with musical performances to welcome him. Here are some other family events slated for the weekend. Thursday, Nov. 19: Thanksgiving Craft: Make a turkey day craft at 4 p.m. at the Govans branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library. For ages 3-12. Family Game Night: Play your favorite board and card games with the Games Club of Maryland at 6 p.m. at the Pikesville branch of the Baltimore County Public Library. For all ages; kids under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration required; call 410-887-1234. Anime Club: Teens can talk, draw and write about manga and anime from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mountain Road branch of the Anne Arundel County Public Library. Friday, Nov. 20: Uncle Pete with Kids:Rainbow Theatre hosts a 10 a.m. performance of interactive children's music. Tickets are $5 in advance; $6 at the door. Call 410-730-3987. Tot Shabbat The Jewish Museum of Maryland hosts a Tot Shabbat from 10:45- 11:15 a.m. for ages 6 months to 5 years; kids must be accompanied by an adult. 410-542-4900 ext. 347, www.jcc.org. ]]> Saturday, Nov. 21: “City Blocks”: As part of Santa's arrival at Harborplace, vote for your favorite structure built from Tyco blocks by teams of local architects, design professionals and grade school students on the second floor of the Light Street Pavilion. Awards announced at 3:45 p.m. There will be a play area where kids can make their own block creations. Box Turtle Art: Use printmaking to create a turtle work of art, with stories and snacks, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Irvine Nature Center. $10 members, $18 non-members. For ages 4-8. Kinderman: John Taylor brings his interactive family-friendly show to the Chesapeake Arts Center, 194 Hammonds Lane in Brooklyn Park, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Kinderman combines original chants, story songs and audience participation in his crowd-pleasing shows. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults. Go to chesapeakearts.org. Open Hearth Cooking: A Thanksgiving open house at the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum features demonstrations of cooking over an open hearth from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., with children's activities, food samples and recipes. $3.50 for adults and older children; members and kids under 8, free. Christmas Bazaar: Shop for gently used children's toys and books, along with other holiday items, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at St. David's Church, 4700 Roland Ave. Kids' activities, refreshments, and a visit from Santa. For more information, call 410-467-0476. Adrenaline Comedy: Brian Rudo, a Baltimore-based entertainer, will perform a 90-minute show to benefit the Franklin High School wrestling program at the high school's auditorium, 12000 Reisterstown Road in Reisterstown. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; show at 7 p.m. $10. Heroes in Hackerman: Heroes are the theme all month of free drop-in activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Walters Art Museum. Sunday, Nov. 22: "The Jungle Book": Magik Theatre on Tour presents the children's play at 3 p.m. at the Gordon Center for Performing Arts. $10 adults and older children; $12 for adults on show day; $7 for children under 10. Appropriate for kids ages 5-10. Free Family Sundays: Today's theme for family activities at the Baltimore Museum of Art is "Painted Portraits," part of "A Month With Matisse." Starts at 2 p.m. (Photo of a previous Harborplace Santa by Baltimore Sun photographer Gene Sweeney)

Mickey Mouse turns 81

2009-11-18T16:26:03Z

Today, Nov. 18, is apparently Mickey Mouse's 81st birthday. He looks pretty good for his age. Here are ideas on how to give a Mickey birthday party. Here are some Mickey and friends coloring pages. And here are directions on how to make Mickey Mouse pancakes, which should be pretty easy. (Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc.)

Acorn squash stuffed with apples and greens

2009-11-18T11:49:26Z

Gather round, boys and girls. It's story time! Once upon a time, in a brick house in a Northeastern city, a family sat down to eat dinner all together. While the boy and the girl of the house did their homework without complaint, sitting side by side at the dining room table, their mother and father worked together in the kitchen on a healthful, colorful, tasty meal. The meal took full advantage of farmer's market produce. There was roasted squash with a savory mix of cancer-fighting kale, apples and onion, with a bit of bacon added for crunch. It was quick to make and smelled wonderful. The squash halves were so beautiful as they arrived at the table that the children practically swooned with delight. They put their immaculately done homework into their folders, washed their hands, and arrived back at their places without anyone having to call them a second time for dinner. They ate every bite of their squash and greens and made sure to tell their parents just how delicious it was. Sadly, the recipe that follows is the only true part of our story...]]> Reserve seeds for toasting later, if you like.) Rub the inside of each squash half with butter. Place squash face down on the baking sheet. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until squash is tender but still holds its shape. In the meantime, cook the bacon over medium heat. When bacon is crisp, remove it from the pan and set on paper towels. Drain all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat. Return the pan to the burner, turn heat to medium low, and add the apples and onions. Saute in the rendered fat until softened. Add the kale and saute until wilted. Remove from heat, crumble the bacon into the mixture, and toss until well mixed. When the squash is ready, put half a squash on each plate, cut side up. Stuff the opening with the kale mixture and serve. Note: Want to make this vegetarian? Saute the apples, onions and kale in butter, and add walnuts instead of bacon for the crunch. Per serving: 239 calories, 12 grams fat, 6 grams protein, 6 grams saturated fat, 31 grams carbohydrate, 8 grams fiber, 25 milligrams cholesterol, 174 milligrams sodium. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield. (Photo and recipe by me)

Tween exercise

2009-11-17T11:00:00Z

Liz Atwood is back with Tween Tuesday:

These shorter late-autumn days are a headache when it comes to making sure my energetic sons get the exercise they need. By the time they get home from school, they have only an hour or so to play outside before it gets dark.

They often try to bring their games inside. I have to constantly tell them not to throw the football in the house and I’m tired of coming home each evening to find the livingroom furniture rearranged to make room for their ad hoc soccer matches. I’ve already lost one vase due to an errant kick. The older boy tried to tape it back together with packing tape, but the younger brother snitched on him and I soon found out.

Some parents are discovering that yoga is good exercise for kids, CNN reports. I’m looking forward to basketball season to help my kids work through their energy. Do you have other solutions?

Photo: Megan O'Malley, an eighth grader at Bonnie Branch Middle School introduces students to the yoga position, prayer mudra, during Wellness Day at Bonnie Branch Middle School last year.

Baltimore Sun photo courtesy of Shannon Lee Zirkle.

American Education Week

2009-11-16T17:15:14Z

This is American Education Week, a week parents and grandparents are invited to observe children in action in the classroom. Are you going? I've attended several years, and though I stayed only about an hour each time, I found it helpful to watch the teachers in action. I got insight into their methodology, especially in reading, and even started using some of the same language ("Say it fast!" I'd say, moving my finger across a word from left to right as the teachers did) when I helped my kids at home. I'm not sure I will make it this year, and I am feeling guilty. I think it's important to show up regularly at school -- my husband and I were both there last week, making separate presentations. But having used some work time for that, now I'm not sure I can break free again so soon.

She wants to wear what she wants to wear

2009-11-16T11:32:05Z

PMom e-mailed me this question for the Monday Consult: "I have a 3 yr old daughter who doesn't want to wear clothes with full sleeves in fall or different clothes. We have tried giving her candy, have taken her sleeveless outside. It's (an) everyday struggle to get her clothed."... Local parenting coach Molly Brown Koch, who has advised us before on sibling wrestling matches, sent this answer: "Some children simply do not adapt to change as quickly as we'd like them to. Sometimes it's just a matter of timing and they need some help in accepting "change" of any kind. So introducing new foods, new books, new toys might help her learn to adapt to all things new. "There's also no way to know what her clothes mean to her. Is it a security issue? Then it helps to reassure her of her place in the family. Has there been a change in the family, a loss, moving away, new relatives, etc. Does she need comforting? Does she have difficulty making little decisions (what to eat, what to play with, etc.)? Then she may need more opportunities to make little decisions for her life rather than having someone make the decisions for her. "But one thing is clear: taking her favorite clothes away, or insisting she wear other clothes, may backfire and make the clothes more important (and precious) than before. And finally, laying out different outfits and having her decide which one she'd like to try one day might take the pressure off her to 'change immediately.' Many children tend to cling to favorite clothes. Eventually they all outgrow it." Photo: Getty Images

A bad example for girls' sports

2009-11-13T15:24:54Z

Guest Dad Joe Burris writes about a less-than-shining example for his sports-loving daughter: When my 12-year-old daughter Nyaniso recently asked permission to play girls ice hockey, she was surprised at how readily I approved. That wasn’t the case among some other parents, she said. Yet while I did have some concerns about the sport’s physical nature, I could see her passion and interest and decided to allow her to give it a try. “Just remember to protect yourself should you get checked,” I said. “What does it mean to get checked?” “You’ll find out soon enough.” I’ve thought back to that moment often recently in wake of the controversy surrounding University of New Mexico soccer player Elizabeth Lambert, who has been suspended for rough play during a recent tournament game between New Mexico and Brigham Young. Among Lambert’s most violent actions that day was grabbing an opposing player by the pony tail and pulling her to the ground with a force that could have caused a whiplash. Taped footage of the incident has drawn millions of hits on video-sharing Web sites, featured on ABC’s Good Morning America and ESPN’s SportsCenter. It has been the talk of chat rooms and message boards everywhere. One of the concerns I have about coverage of the Lambert incident is that it is by far the most attention given to a women’s team sport in a long, long time. In the absence of it, few of us would know -- and even fewer would care -- about Lambert or either team involved. And that means that for plenty of young girls interested in playing sports, this might have been the first time they’ve seen women’s soccer in the mainstream media. Imagine trying to get your son interested in playing baseball, and the first game he watches on television is Game 3 of the 2003 American League Championship Series, where the two teams staged one of Major League Baseball’s ugliest brawls ever. What Lambert did on the field that day was despicable (she has since apologized) regardless of gender. The same could be said for the recent actions of University of Florida football player Brandon Spikes, who was caught trying to gouge the eyes of an opposing player during Florida’s contest against the University of Georgia. The difference is that the Spikes incident barely stands out amid the plethora to time devoted to college football. The same goes for the 2003 ALCS with baseball coverage. Lambert’s incident stands alone. I hope that there are enough girls playing sports -- particularly soccer -- to know that most have a physical side, and that the Lambert incident was an aberration. They also should know that unless another player allows her emotions to get the best of her, women’s soccer probably won’t garner more national attention any time soon.

Toddler Thursday: Do you copy?

2009-11-12T17:41:27Z

Sarah K.K. here with the next installment of Toddler Thursday!

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that my toddler son, Isaac, was just starting to imitate our intonation now and then. In the past couple of weeks, but especially the past few days, he's taken it to a whole new level. He's babbling all the time, and while most of the time, it's nonsensical, he's learning words and sounds like crazy. The cat says "mao," and "milk," "go" and "whee" are in the repertoire now.

He's a sponge!

But the big news of the week was that night before last, he said, "I love you." Well, it kind of sounded like, "I love the boo," but we'll take it. I, sadly, was on the phone instead of in person, but my husband got it on video, and I'm thrilled I got to hear it in real-time, too.

Sure, right now, it's just a repeating of sounds -- he apparently wandered around his class saying it again and again yesterday. But I know the meaning will sink in, too. No matter what, that was a moment for the highlights reel of my life.

Things to do with the kids this week

2009-11-12T11:44:42Z

"Polar Express" opens for the holiday season this weekend at the National Aquarium. Thursday, Nov. 12: Who Am I? Where Did I Come From?Learn about family history from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Harford County Public Library in Aberdeen. For grades 1-4. Reservation required. Skills, Snacks & Yack Yack Yack Teens 16 and up can learn a handicraft "from yesteryear" from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Oregon Ridge Nature Center. $3. Reservation required. Friday, Nov. 13: Teen Driving Program: Howard County police are offering a "collision avoidance program" to prepare teen drivers for various road hazards and driving conditions. There will be a four-hour classroom session and an eight-hour practical lesson for behind-the-wheel experience. TThere will be exercises in evasive maneuvers, emergency braking, cornering, backing, skid recovery, steering, acceleration and more. Participants must have a driver’s license and bring a car to drive. The class will be held from 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday at the James N. Robey Public Safety Training Center, 2200 Scott Wheeler Drive, Marriottsville. $195. For more information or to sign up, call 410-313-3750. Maryland Irish Festival: Grab a pint of Guinness, order up some shepherd's pie and say “slainte” to this celebration of Irish culture and tradition. The festival includes music and dance, traditional fare and vendors. It takes place at the Timonium Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, from 6 to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Go to irishfestival.com. Wizard of Oz: Travel down the Yellow Brick Road one more time. This version of Dorothy and Toto's journey is a full stage production with costumes, lighting and classic songs such as “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” at the Lyric Opera House, 140 W. Mount Royal Ave., at 8 p.m. The event also runs Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. Go to lyricoperahouse.com. ]]> Saturday, Nov. 14: Tree of Thanks Learn how early Americans and Native Americans lived off the land from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Irvine Nature Center. There will be a reading of “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, and kids can make a “Tree of Thanks” to take home. Fee: $6 members, $10 non-members. Ages 5 and up. Dino DayThe Maryland Science Center offers dinosaur activities from noon to 4 p.m., including the "Reptile Alive!" show. Free with admission. "Polar Express" at the National Aquarium:The 4-D Immersion theater at the aquarium will show the holiday movie daily at various times between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets to the theater are an extra $4 to the Aquarium’s admission price. Santa Claus visits White Marsh Mall:The jolly old elf will be accompanied by Mrs. Claus and musical guests at the mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15: A Month with Matisse: The theme of this week's Free Family Sunday at the Baltimore Museum of Art is "Pattern Power." 2- 4 p.m. The Puppet Co. Playhouse Presents Toyland - Bad ol' Mr. Barnaby (aka "the crooked man") is up to no good, and it's up to Mother Goose, Little Bo Peep and Tom the Piper's son to sing their way to a happy ending. This adaptation of Victor Herbert's musical fantasy includes such familiar pieces as "Toyland" and "March of the Toys," with costum The Puppet Co. Playhouse, 11:30 a.m., Ages: PreK- 10, Reservation required. Tickets Reqd. 301-634-

Dinner Together: Sesame Street food

2009-11-11T14:45:42Z

For Dinner Together day, I thought we'd talk about some Sesame Street food, in honor of the big 40th anniversary this week. Since there was so much talk here last week about Cookie Monster's eating habits, here's a recipe I printed in the early days of the blog for a stuffed baked potato. It's from the Sesame Street themed book "C is for Cooking." This nutritionist suggested a recipe for "Sesame Noodles" for a Sesame Street-themed birthday party. Cookie Monster’s ‘Me-Stuffed’ Potatoes Serves 4 4 medium Idaho or russet potatoes (about 2 pounds) ½ cup low-fat plain yogurt 2 tablespoons butter, softened 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, or a combination (divided use) 3 slices crisp cooked turkey bacon, crumbled Salt and pepper to taste Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Scrub potatoes and pierce in one or two places with the tip of a knife. Bake the potatoes directly on the oven rack until tender, about 1 hour. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, butter and oil. Stir in ¾ cup of the cheese and the bacon. When cool enough to handle, slice the top off each potato. Carefully scoop out the potato flesh and add to the bowl with the cheese mixture, leaving a ¼-inch potato shell intact. Place the potato shells in a baking dish. Stir the potatoes and cheese mixture until well-mixed. Use a large spoon to stuff the potato mixture back into the potato shells. Sprinkle evenly with remaining cheese. Bake the stuffed potatoes in a medium baking dish until heated through, about 15 minutes. --From Sesame Street’s “C is for Cooking” Per serving: 435 calories, 16 grams protein, 23 grams fat, 12 grams saturated fat, 40 grams carbohydrate, 4 grams fiber, 480 milligrams sodium, 66 milligrams cholesterol. Analysis by registered dietitian Jodie Shield. Photo by me

Kids are more stressed than we think

2009-11-10T11:00:00Z

Liz Atwood writes about stress this Tween Tuesday:

The economy is still in the doldrums and the holidays are approaching. It’s the perfect formula for stress. And the kids are not immune.

For the first time the American Psychological Association's annual stress survey included kids 8 to 17, and it found that kids are more worried than their parents think they are.

Nearly half (45 percent) of teens ages 13-17 said that they worried more this year, but only 28 percent of parents think their teen’s stress increased. While a quarter (26 percent) of tweens ages 8-12 said they worried more this year, only 17 percent of parents believed their tween’s stress had increased.

Similarly, only 2-5 percent of parents rate their child’s stress as extreme (an 8, 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale) when 14 percent of tweens and 28 percent of teens say they worry a lot or a great deal.

“It’s clear that parents do not fully appreciate the impact that stress is having on their kids,” says Dr. Mary Alvord, public education director for the Maryland Psychological Association in a press release. “What we’re seeing with stress is in line with existing research about parents’ perception of their kids’ engagement in risky behaviors. Parents often underreport drug use, depression and sexual activity in their children. Now it appears the same may be true for stress.”

Other findings in the recent study include:

Nearly 30 percent of youth worried about their family having enough money
44 percent of children report feeling worried about doing well in school
17 percent of children report concerns related to getting into a college
36 percent of children report stress-related headaches
44 percent of children reported stress-related sleep difficulties

The Maryland Psychological Association reminds parents to make time to listen to children’s concerns and to be aware of any changes in behavior. There may be a lot more going on inside their heads than we think.

I know my stress level has increased as I wrestle with job demands and the kids' activities. And I have no doubt the kids are feeling it.

What about yours?

Maclaren strollers recalled

2009-11-09T16:45:48Z

Maclaren, which makes trendy, beautiful and pricey baby strollers, has announced a massive recall of all its umbrella strollers sold in the U.S.. According to a statement on the company's web site, the affected models "include Volo, Triumph, Quest Sport, Quest Mod, Techno XT, Techno XLR, Twin Triumph, Twin Techno and Easy Traveller." Strollers sold as far back as 1999 are being recalled because children's fingers have been injured -- in some cases, the fingertips cut off -- by the stroller hinges. The company is reportedly providing a repair kit for stroller owners.