When should you have babies? The widening gap between culture and biology. NPR
Some schools are implementing single-sex classes to help boys catch up. Boston Globe
Is your child addicted to video games? U.S. News & World Report
An Arkansas woman, Michelle Duggar, is pregnant with her 18th child! (She wrote an article for us back when she had only 14…) Yahoo! News
Facebook is making changes to protect its younger users. New York Times
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This Week's Big-Screen Goody:
La, la, la...Go Speed Racer! Go Speed Racer! Go Speed Racer, go! I wasn't a huge fan of the show growing up, but I still remember the theme song to this day because it was one of the few cartoons my older bully brother would let me watch. Truth be told, he was more into it than I ever was. Boys and their cars–I still don't get it. Now he has an 11-year-old son he can use as his excuse to see the new live-action version of Speed Racer (rated PG) out today. Personally, I still feel the theme song was the best part of the show. Come to think of it–lots of cartoons from the '80s and early '90s had really rocking openers. Special shout-out goes to ThunderCats. What was your favorite?
This Week's DVD Goody:
The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin: Mysteries of Hard to Find City
Avatar the Last Airbender: Book 3 Fire, Vol. 3
The Secret of the Sword
Speed Racer the Next Generation: The Beginning
Thomas & Friends: Mud Glorious Mud
Veggie Tales: Lessons from the Sock Drawer
TMI! Documentary of the Week
The Business of Being Born
The Put-Your-Kids-to-Bed-First Pick of the Week:
I'm Not There
This Week's Big-Screen Goody:
Summer blockbuster season officially kicks off today, and you know what that means: Lots and lots of grown men running around in costumes and using their superpowers to save the planet and stuff. First up is Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man (rated PG-13). Are you going to take your husband kids to see it?
This Week's DVD Goody:
One of last year's most controversial movies is now out on DVD. The Golden Compass (also rated PG-13) is based on a children's fantasy book, and it's considered to be anti-Christian by some, while other believe it's all about free will and thinking. We want to know your take on this whole brouhaha:
Kourtney's Cult Classic Pick:
The Put-Your-Kids-to-Bed-First Pick of the Week:
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Your kids may breathe easier if you live on a tree-lined street, according to new research. BBC News
More U.S. mothers are at least trying to breastfeed, says a CDC survey. New York Times
Why your child may be dyslexic in English, but not in Chinese. Wall Street Journal
Immunization rates for American children are lower than experts thought. ABC News
You probably really are tougher on your firstborn, a new study finds. Newsweek
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An article in the Los Angeles Times last week exposed a scary situation involving a fraudulent nanny agency. Gelila Puck, wife of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, found a nanny for their kids through an agency an acquaintance had recommended. She hired the woman, who traveled with the family, and then when double-checking one of her recent reference, Puck realized that it was fake. The woman pretending to be the nanny's former employer of five years was a friend of the head of the agency and had never even met her. This story shows the importance of always checking all references when hiring a nanny or a sitter–even if you find her through an agency you think is reputable. Have you ever been burned by someone taking care of your kids?
Some parents who've had it with all the baby gear decided to make a profit. Los Angeles Times
A new study finds that (in most ways) things are better for American children than they were a decade ago. Washington Post
Peanut allergies and bullying can be a dangerous combination. ABC News
Should an NYC 4th grader be allowed to take the subway alone? A debate over parenting styles. Newsweek
Biking sends kids to the hospital more than any other sport, according to a new study. Chicago Tribune
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Nature's Gate made its mark in the natural beauty business more than 30 years ago when the company's founders hand-collected rainwater and blended it with natural herbs to create their bestselling Rainwater shampoo. Now, in recognition of the importance of rainwater to the earth and its desire to give back, the company is partnering with WaterAid America to fund the building of sustainable water systems in underdeveloped countries like Africa and Asia. It's a sad, sad fact, but the lack of clean, safe drinking water is estimated to kill almost 5,000 children per day. Through this partnership, Nature's Gate is donating $100,000 in addition to 5% of the sales of its holiday gift sets (on shelves in November). To find out how you can get involved in the cause now, click here.
The Put-Your-Kids-to-Bed-First Pick of the Week:
There's not much coming out on DVD for the kiddies this week, but one of my grown-up favorites is FINALLY hitting shelves. I'm of course talking about that Oscar-nominated, little-movie-that-could Juno. It's a bit much in the beginning, but stick with it for some on the best character development and family dynamics on the big screen this year. The film managed to put a big smile on my cynical face (it's my movie Prozac). It even won over both the pro-life and pro-choice camps (maybe we should send Juno to the Middle East?)
But there is one downside: After watching it, I came up with probably the worst "Knock, Knock" joke in history, which I will now repeat for you because I have no shame:
"Knock, Knock!"
"Who's there?"
"Juno."
"Juno, who?"
"Juno!"
"Juno, who?"
"Juno it's me, so stop asking!"
Yeah...I'll be here all week, folks! Twice on Saturdays!
This Week's Kid-Friendly DVD Goodies:
Big Comfy Couch: Upside Down Clown, Vol. 5
Classical Baby: The Poetry Show
SpongeBob SquarePants: Pest of the West
Woody Woodpecker and Friends Classic Cartoon Collection, Vol. 2
A new picture book helps kids understand why mommy is getting plastic surgery. Newsweek
A chemical in certain plastics may pose a risk to babies, children, and fetuses, a government report states. LA Times
Canceled flight? How to deal. Yahoo! News
Is it a good idea to be BFF with your daughter? Reuters
The rising cost of ingredients is causing some school systems to scale back on lunch options and consider price increases. Washington Post
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This Week's DVD Goody:
I'm not a big fan of reality TV, but I have to admit I can get sucked into shows like Supernanny and Nanny 911 (Season 1 on DVD today) rather easily when I flip passed them while channel surfing. I tell myself that it's okay because these programs are helping families in need of a major parenting overhaul and teaching the audience tricks at the same time. But that's not why I watch. The truth is I get some weird satisfaction from pointing out what the parents are doing wrong. And this got me thinking (yes, it happens sometimes): What do we really get from watching these makeover shows? Is it a form of self-help, or just another voyeuristic look behind closed doors? Let us know by placing your vote below:
Kid-Friendy DVDs:
Rugrats: Tales From the Crib–Three Jacks & a Beanstalk
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Season 6
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep
The Put-Your-Kids-to-Bed-First Pick of the Week:
