It was only a brief conversation at the end of breakfast on Saturday, but I believe it encapsulated the obsessions and inner workings of my seven-and-a-half year-old son.  

Adam: How come girls don't have weenies? 

Mom: Because they're girls. They have . . .

Adam: V.  

Mom: Yes.  

Adam: How come girls are less interested in sports than boys?

Mom: That's not true. It depends on which girl or boy we're talking about. 

Adam: Who are you rooting for today, Jets or Giants?

*Counting down to 2012 with kids in tow? The city provides NYE entertainment for all ages--so check out these family-friendly soirees (from bowling to the circus), restaurant parties (at Isabella's and more) and outdoor fun (from fireworks to an annual bike ride)--and be sure to bring the sparkling apple juice!

*2011 was a good year for parenting news. From the sordid (Casey Anthony and Jerry Sandusky, to name two), to the provocative (Tiger Mom), to the the laugh-out-loud amusing (Go the F**k To Sleep), here are our top ten favorites.

*If you know a family in the local area that is facing a serious illness (parent or child), here is something that could brighten their lives. One of our favorite family photographers, Karen Haberberg, is offering a free photography session and prints to a Manhattan family in need. If you know anyone who qualifies, please pass along Karen's offer and spread the word. 

*Full Tilt's Growth Spurt Ski Boots are ideal for kids reaching those inevitable life changes. With just one liner and shell, the boots fit feet up to three different sizes as they expand. Buying fewer pairs of new boots means that you can reduce your impact on the environment--and your wallet. $240, fulltiltboots.com 

*The Backyard Buddy Blocks--available from New York's own Pink Olive--make for the perfect holiday surprise for children of all ages. These eco-chic blocks feature six different animals so kids can mix-and-match to make new creatures. $15, pinkolive.com  

*Krochet Kids International's colorful beanies are handmade by women across the world, working to empower themselves amidst local poverty. The non-profit organization sells some wonderful hats, including the Riley which is a great unisex option for gift-giving. Starting at $21.95, krochetkids.org 

*FOR TODDLERS*   

 Do you have a budding architect, policeman, firefighter or pilot on your hands? The eight-piece team of MagnaMobiles from EDTOY features an airplane, ambulance, bulldozer, concrete mixer, dump truck, fire truck, helicopter and police car, all made with "rotating magnet technology" so that kids can take apart the pieces and put them back together (ages 3 and older). And we have a helicopter, airplane and fire truck to give away! To enter, simply leave a comment on our Facebook Page telling us why you'd like to win. Then, send us an email with the subject line "EDTOY." Deadline to enter is Friday, January 6.

*FOR BABIES*  

Alex Jr. Toys' plush Patty Cake toy is deliciously colorful. Babies 6 months and older can hone their early motor skills with this stackable dessert. The four layers make squeaking, rattling and crinkling noises for maximum fun during playtime. We have Patty Cake Plush Toys for two lucky readers! Send us an email with the subject line "Patty Cake." Deadline to enter is Friday, January 6.

*With Christmas and Hanukkah behind us, we still have some exciting winter celebrations ahead. On top of everything else you planned with the fam, we've done our own holiday prep: 25 great ideas for you and family to do between now and New Year's. The list includes just about everything from the newest interactive museum exhibit, to sweet treats only available this time of year, to theatre and concerts for kids.   

KidMemory USA