New York Family Magazine

"PARENTING WITH SENSE AND SENSIBILITY"

October 12-18, 2011
Editor's Note

I can't remember most of the specifics of my exasperating conversation with my 7-year-old son on Sunday morning. But the essence of it was that he was rejecting every breakfast option I suggested--almost on principle--and then, worse, he offered to "compromise" on certain options as long as he could watch more TV. I paused. I breathed deeply, consciously suppressing a fit of yelling. And when I was ready, I ended the conversation. "Sorry, " I told Adam. "I don't compromise with terrorists."       


--
Eric Messinger emessinger@manhattanmedia.com   

Parenting Tips

*Still don't know what your little one is going to be for Halloween? We've rounded up some great online resources to help you with ideas--whether you're the type to whip something up yourself (like this adorable homemade choo-choo train) or are more inclined to browse online and buy the perfect costume (perhaps a kiddie astronaut).  

 

*With its crisp weather and beautiful foliage, autumn might just be the best time of year. Fall is a great season to get outside and spend some time with your loved ones, and we know just the places to do it. For stunning oases inside the city and out--where you can do everything from horseback riding to picnicking and bird-watching--check out our list of some of the prettiest parks around


New York Family Events  

Two Days Until The New Parents Expo!

If you haven't bought your ticket already, what are you waiting for? It must be this great Doodle Deal for $15 per person and $25 per couple. (Children are free!) Follow this link for the deal and a great summary of everything the New Parents Expo has to offer expectant and new families (and their infants and toddlers).  

New Parents Expo Profiles 

*Dr. Bob Sears, who will be speaking at the New Parents Expo this weekend, is part of the renowned Sears Family of Pediatricians. You should really consider reading his highly informative book, The Portable Pediatrician: Everything You Need to Know About Your Child's Health, for information on mainstream and natural treatments and the prevention of childhood illnesses. For a sneak peek, check out The New Pediatrics article that he penned for our October issue, for some of the reasons why a more natural approach can be better than writing a quick prescription.   

 

*Also appearing at the Expo are Moms and the City--a weekly television program hosted by award-winning journalists Denise Albert, Melissa Gerstein and Raina Gittlin. Their sass and suave--not to mention, no-holds-barred honesty--has earned them praise and laughs throughout the parenting community. See them at the Expo for more on how they turned their adventures in motherhood into a hit show


*Founder and CEO of Practically Green, Susan Hunt Stevens will be attending the Expo on Sunday, and dishing out advice on how to make healthy green living easier and more enjoyable for families. Busy parents will appreciate her practical advice for leading an eco-friendly lifestyle. Believe her: Going green is not that hard and every little change counts! Read the article It's Good To Be Green for some ideas on how to get started.

 

*Perhaps you know of a baby haven by the name of giggle? Come hear the Founder and CEO behind the multi-platform baby brand, Ali Wing, who will be speaking at the Expo this Saturday. Design and business aficionados alike will love hearing about how this practical and effortlessly likable mom came up with the idea for her company...before she had children! Before you see Ali this weekend, take a (virtual) tour inside her home.  


The Week at NewYorkFamily.com    
*Long Island Parent is hosting its second annual Special Needs Family Fair this Saturday. It's a day of advice for the parents and entertainment for the kids. While little ones enjoy face painting and crafts, grown-ups can connect one-on-one with experts or attend speaker sessions. ADHD screening tests will be available. 

 

*In the city this Sunday morning? Stop by the Stroll & Roll at Riverside Park--a two-mile charity walk to benefit the JCC's Academics Community Equal Success program, which provides tuition assistance for children in the center's after-school classes.  

   

*Round out the events-heavy weekend with the Chelsea Food Tour with MiniMunchers.com & Britax on Monday morning. A limited number of moms & dads can explore the culinary delights of the famed market with babies in tow. Click here to reserve your spot!  

 

*Ever get unsolicited parenting advice from a stranger? Born & Bred blogger Katie Main gets a taste of pushy sidewalk parents

 

Best of (The Rest Of) The Web 

  

*Among the older middle-aged set, birth rates are booming. And it seems like everyone has an opinion on the matter. (New York Magazine)

 

*Public or private? Robert Niles on the benefits of a public school education. (HuffPo)

 

*A bedtime story for high-tech kiddies, Goodnight iPad is a quirky parody that pokes fun at the age of technology. (Babble)

 

*Eden Kennedy breaks down Occupy Wall Street for us, with a bit o' humor. (Cafe Mom)

 

For more of our favorite articles from the web this week, click here.

Contests & Giveaways 

*New York Theatre Ballet's new season opens with Donald Mahler's classic fairytale, Cinderella. Matinees will be held on November 12 and 13, perfect for dance-loving 3-10 year olds. Want to see the story on stage? We have three family 4-packs of tickets to give away! To enter, send us an email at familygiveaways@manhattanmedia.com, with "Cinderella" in the subject. Then, post on our Facebook page telling us your favorite part of the fairytale. Deadline to enter is Friday, October 28.

Bonus Tip 

*With most car crashes occurring within ten miles of home, it's no wonder most families need to learn more about the best practices for car seats and boosters. Check out these car safety tips from TOTSY, Britax and The Car Seat Lady to make sure you travel safe during the upcoming holidays. GIVEAWAY: For a chance to win a customized Britax car seat, send us an email at familygiveaways@manhattanmedia.com explaining why you'd like to win and put "Safe Travels" in the subject line. Then, post on our Facebook page telling us about your holiday travel plans. Deadline is Friday, October 21.




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