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« August 2006 | Main | October 2006 »
Does your child have the flu? Or an ulcer? Well, they might want one after they see these cute, plush stuffed bacteria. The toys are about 5 inches tall and come in an assortment of shapes -- from blue and spiky (for the common cold) to orange and knobby (for athelete's foot). You can get a whole bunch of diseases for about $7 each at toywiz.com. Or they can come in sets of six for about $30 at some retailers. Check them out. They're really cute!
An 8-year-old Arlington girl has been selected as one of 10 "Frozen Pop Flavorologists" by Nestle Ice Cream. Hailey Motsenbocker has come up with the new pop flavor "Super S'more on a Stick." She says in a news release that she got the idea when she thought about what kids like to eat. "In Girl Scouts, we love to make and eat S'mores," she says.
Nestle experts are creating Hailey's flavor as well as nine others suggested by other kids. The other flavors include Kettle Corn Pop, Very Cherry Soda Float, Pizza Pop, Snickerdoodle Dandy, and Bee Sting. The last one apparently is a swirl of lemon and honey. The kids will get to taste their creations in California in October.
Who gets to carve the turkey at your Thanksgiving feast and why? Does your family have any special Thanksgiving rituals? Does it involve looking at old photos? A game of Twister, perhaps? We’d like to hear about them and possibly feature your family in our Thanksgiving Family section. Please send your story to family@dallasnews.com or post a response below.
Thanks!
Most people consider a pet a member of their family. So when a pet dies, the loss of his or her companionship can be devastating.
If your pet dies:
Record your feelings; keep a journal or write a poem.
Find a pet-loss support group through a local humane society or your veterinarian, or check for one online.
Prepare a memorial for your pet.
If a child also feels the loss, expressing your grief may reassure your child that sadness is natural. Trying to protect your child by saying the pet ran away can cause more harm than good, particularly if the child later learns the truth and feels betrayed.
Remember that the loss of a pet can be even harder for an older adult. Stay in closer touch with an older friend or family member as they grieve the loss of a pet.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
SOURCE: The Humane Society of the United States
There's an interesting study that just came out that looks at family links to attention deficit hyperactive disorder. The study, by Medco, shows that parents of children who are on medication for ADHD are nearly 10 times more likely to be getting medical treatment for ADHD themselves than those without a child using those drugs. I can see why that is for a couple of reasons. First of all, I think there are a lot of people who are walking around with undiagnosed ADHD. Parents who have children with ADHD are more likely to be aware of the symptoms in themselves. The study also seems to suggest something that the ADHD community has suspected for a long time -- that ADHD is hereditary. The Medco study reviewed prescription claims of more than 107,000 children ages 5 to 19 and their parents over a 12-month period in 2005. The study is the nation's largest analysis of concurrent use of ADHD medications among family members, according to the company. Here's a link to the Medco news release:
Not enough drama in your home this weekend? Then head to your local playhouse and check out the antics of a Frog and a Toad. For more family friendly theater events, check out what our Kids' Entertainment columnist Nancy Churnin has to recommend.
There’ll be a screening of the new movie Open Season that’s designed for families with special needs children, in particular autistic children, at about 11 a.m. on Saturday. Variety, a children’s charity, is sponsoring the event at the Studio Movie Grill, 4721 W. Park Blvd., Plano. Tickets cost $5 and will be available at the box office on the day of the event. 972-964-3789.
Are your kids driving themselves to school this fall? It’s best to set rules ahead of time, and be clear and consistent, experts say. Of 903 students with driver’s licenses, one-third said their parents have not established clear consequences if they break the law while driving, according to a survey by Liberty Mutual and Students Against Destructive Decisions.
Dave Melton, a transportation director for Liberty Mutual, offers advice to parents:
Set expectations
Tell your kids those expectations.
Set meaningful consequences (revocation of driving privileges, refusal to pay traffic tickets or increased insurance)
Follow through on those consequences consistently
Associated Press
For years, whenever someone asked if I intended to have another child, I would spout my standard line: "If I did, I'd probably jump off the roof!" My life felt full, too full at times. Like most women I knew, I struggled to juggle a career with family life, which in my case included a daughter with autism.
Paige, 10, can cope with almost anything other than loud noises and chaos – two defining characteristics of any infant. So when the doctor told me almost two years ago that I was expecting my second child, the shock soon turned to panic.
Angst followed, as did endless hours preparing Paige for a seismic shift in her world.
Read more of Lisa Martin's column in today's Family section.
Sugar & Spice and No Longer Nice: How We Can Stop Girls’ Violence
by Deborah Prothrow-Stith and Howard Spivak
(Jossey-Bass, $15.95)
Reading about girls’ violence can be dull, mostly because girls aren’t toting weapons. Not yet.
If we don’t improve parenting and change our culture and media, the authors say, young women will start fighting with more than fingernails.
1. The authors expect violent behavior in boys and girls to equalize over time in part because “movies and children’s TV programming … regularly portray the female superhero as violent and sexy.”
2. Society’s current approach to violence prevention ignores girls’ unique characteristics, including socialization, vulnerability, peer relationships and family position.
3. Girls don’t often use weapons; their friends play an important role in fueling the fire or putting it out.
4. “When girls do use weapons, they are more likely than boys to use knives rather than guns.”
5. In 2003, one in three kids arrested for a violent crime was a girl.
Chicago Tribune
Do you yo-yo?
Well, so does David Bazan. And he loves every minute of it. The Bedford man has a shop where he teaches kids the joys of yo-yos. Check out the Family section to read his story and see him perform some really cool tricks.
Question: Last night my ex came over. One thing led to another and we ended up in bed. The kids weren’t around, it was just us again, and now I’m thinking I made a mistake when we split up. It’s been two years, though, and our marriage was volatile. The thought of going back is frightening. But, we certainly had fun. I could tell he felt it, too. Is this a good idea?
Here what the Ex-etiquette columnists have to say about this in today's Family section.
The Greek Food Festival. The State Fair. How about some Schoolhouse Rock!
Wondering what to do with your kids' this weekend? Check out the Family calendar.
Pictured: What boot size does Big Tex wear? Hmmm... Workers hoist up Big Tex as they prepare for the State Fair.
The Coppell Farmers Market is the real deal. Every Saturday, farmers and other food producers line up in an empty lot at West Bethel Road at South Coppell Road. This is a good place to take the kids; they can meet the people who grew their fruits and veggies.
From 8 a.m. to noon -- assuming the goods hold out -- you can buy locally grown produce, including some organics. You'll also find jams and jellies, coffee, frozen Gulf seafood, Italian sausage, pasta and more. Bring a cooler, a bag for carrying your purchases, small bills, and a hat if it’s sunny. The market shuts down in November but will be open for special events on these days:
Oct. 28: Halloween/ Fall market
Nov. 18: Old Town Coppell Days
Dec. 9 and 16: Holiday markets
Kim Pierce
You know you want some. On Sept. 28th, Cold Stone Creamery will be offering free 3-ounce servings of Make-A-Wish ice cream to guests. The flavor combines chocolate ice cream with fluffy yellow cake, chocolate chips and rainbow sprinkles.
Customers are encouraged to make a donation to the organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Search the Cold Stone site for a store near you. Event runs from 5 to 8 p.m.
Above: Cheesecake ice cream with graham cracker pie crust, blueberries and strawberries.
Wondering what is safe to play on, ride on or eat? Consumer Reports has the answer with its new safety blog. Get updates on a range of topics from the spinach recall to Playskool's voluntary recall of 255,000 Team Talkin' Tool Bench toys. Playskool is offering $50 certificates when consumers turn in the oversized toy nails.
Great news for Texas!
Texas Instruments Inc., in Dallas has made Working Mother magazine's list of 100 best companies in America. Working Mother rated the companies based on workforce profile, compensation, child care, flexibility, time off and leaves, family-friendly programs and company culture. Particular weight was given to flex and time off.
Bad news for Texas.
This was the only company that made it from the Lone Star state.
For a complete list of the best companies, log on to workingmother.com.
This year, I turned 28, and I confess I just cut the cord.
Oh, I moved out years ago. First to a college dorm and then to my own apartment.
I wasn't living with my parents, but they were living with me. Their opinions, values and lifestyle were still helping me make decisions for better or worse.
And it only became more complicated when the buffer of distance between us shrank from an hour and a half to 20 minutes. Their careers had moved to Dallas, why shouldn't they? At first, I responded badly. They were stealing my thunder.
Read more of this guest column by Kelli Renfrow in the Family section.
Starting Monday, Toys R Us offers the Toy Guide for Differently-Abled Kids. The catalog offers 80 toys selected by the National Lekotek Center. Parents can choose from toys that help develop many important skills, including hearing, listening, speaking, reading, writing, seeing, grasping, counting and gross motor. The catalog will be available online and at stores.
Learn more about the Greater Lewisville Early Childhood PTA at a party and membership drive on Friday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Central Park in Lewisville. Attractions include a concert by Mr. Willy and face painters.
Have some Curious George-themed fun at Valley View Center on Sunday. There’ll be face painting, coloring stations and giveaways. The event is being presented by Universal Studios Home Entertainment in celebration of the DVD release of the movie Curious George. The free event takes place Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. at Valley View Center’s Center Court, 13331 Preston Road. 972-661-2426. shopvalleyviewcenter.com.
For more family fun this weekend, log on to the Family calendar.
Question: I love my husband and I really would like to work on our relationship, but there’s one major problem: He’s a drug addict. It’s tearing our marriage apart. I just turned 35 and really want to start a family. We’ve been married almost four years, and this has been going on the whole time. Should I stay or leave?
Find out what the Ex-etiquette experts say in their column.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced these two recalls. Click the links for details and photos:
"Phil & Teds" T2 Travel Cots: small parts come off and create choking hazard
"Que Cute" children's bathrobes: don't meet fire safety standards.
Need a break? WineStyles in Rowlett is partnering with The Little Gym to offer a wine tasting for grown-ups while the children hang out and play. Stop in Friday, Sept. 29, 6 to 8 p.m. It's $5 per hour per child (ages 3 to 12). WineStyles is at 8301 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 103, Rowlett; 972-412-0004.
Now that school has started, some parents may want to take extra precautions with kids who have food allergies.
The new Stuck on You Allergy Packs are labels that can be affixed to children's belongings to notify teachers and other adults of allergies. They come in three sizes and styles. Premade labels include Nut-Free Zone, Dairy-Free Zone and Egg-Free Zone. Custom allergy and other health-related messages can be ordered.
They are available in bundled packs containing 50 items, including wristbands, bag tags and vinyl stick-on dots for $44.95. To view or order the packs, visit www.stuckonyou.biz, or call 1-888-236-2800.
Los Angeles Daily News
At Kids Day, the staff gets many fun toys to review, test and play with. So imagine my surprise today when I opened a package that contained a toy ATM. About the size of a 12-inch TV, it comes complete with buttons to enter a secret pin number and a slot to insert bills. The package says "works with real money." The media packet even came with a real dollar bill. A press of the demo button leads to a computerized female voice explaining the functions of the toy/machine. From the looks of this toy, it may be better than a real ATM because it even dispenses coins.
The YOUniverse ATM Machine by Summit Products retails for $29.99 at Toys "R" Us and is recommended for children ages 8 and older.
A few tweaks to a traditional oatmeal cookie receipe allows your family to get all the nutrition benefits in a low-fat treat. Check out the Eat For Life column for details.
The new "Secret Elmo" is a secet no more. No he didn't turn blue. But he's even more hysterical than previous editions. This is the 10th anniversary of the new furry, red doll with the ping-pong eyes, and Fisher-Price wanted to do something special. It's called TMX Elmo and Fisher-Price managed to keep all details about the new doll a secet until yesterday. As a result, the company reaped a great deal of free publicity from news outlets such as this one. Here's the 411 on the new Elmo: He's got three interactive tickle spots - his chin, his tummy and his toes. And when he laughs, it's no chuckle. It's a whole body shaker. He starts laughing, slaps his leg twice, then falls down and rocks himself back up to standing position still laughing. Keep tickling and he really cuts loose, rolling around and hitting the floor with his hand. If that doesn't cheer you up, well then... you may need something stronger than a tickle. Oh...Elmo's not cheap: Count on paying about $40.
The Fort Worth Public Library's annual Libraryfest includes three food-prep classes for youngsters, hosted by chef Tom McGrath of Ultimate Cuisine and chef Curren Dodds of Let's Eat.
1:30, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15; free. Chappell Meeting Room, Central Library, 500 W. Third St., Fort Worth; 817-871-8022.
Junior Players and the Ice House Cultural Center have teamed up to put on a free advanced art workshop for students in ninth through 12th grades. It runs Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. from Sept. 26 through Nov. 9, and works created during the workshop will be featured in an exhibition at the cultural center. Call 214-526-4076 for more info or reservations (space is limited).
Not long after Susan Butcher, a four-time champion in the Iditarod dog-sled race, received a diagnosis of leukemia in Seattle last December, her husband, David Monson, sat down at his computer to tell everyone.
During her illness, a Web site helped the late Susan Butcher keep friends up to date. By filling out a simple online form, he was able to set up an interactive Web page so Ms. Butcher could keep friends and family abreast of her condition and treatment. Supporters could respond online night or day without worrying about intruding. Full story.
Ever find a crayon mixed in with the laundry after you've pulled it out of the washer? Learn what to do in Solutions.
We've been testing four new comics in a rotation this summer. Now it's time to let us know what you think: One of them -- Brevity, Over The Hedge, Lio or Prickly City -- will win a permanent spot Monday through Saturday in The Dallas Morning News comics beginning Monday Oct. 2.
Log on at DallasNews.com/comics and see samples of all four, plus interviews with their creators. Then vote for your favorite. (Voting ends at noon Friday Sept. 29.)
The ViewPoint Bank Plano Balloon Festival will feature hot air balloon launches, twighlight balloon glows, a street dance and fireworks show Friday through Sunday. For details, visit Guidelive.com.
This question comes from a reader:
"Each year we have birthday parties for my husband's grandchildren that is for our side of the family. Then my step-son and his wife will have one and then invite both sides of the family. Is it wrong to want to not attend that party when we have already had one for our side? Neither my husband or I feel comfortable being around his ex's family."
Do you have any advice for our reader? Have you faced a similar experience? Post a comment and let us know what you think.
Flavors From Afar kicks off its "Fall Fest Weekends" with a visit from two city-life dropouts Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Caroline and Alan Fruth of Fruth Farms will be on hand to talk about what it's like to trade corporate life for farm life, as well as explain their philosophy of respect for the animals they raise on their farm near Greenville.
These include free-range, grass-fed cows, goats and chickens. They'll have rainbow eggs for sale ($4.50 a dozen), as well as their beef and farm-grown produce. You can also sign up for an Oct. 7 field trip to the farm.
Flavors From Afar is at 6705 Snider Plaza. For more information, call 214-696-2327.
René Peeters, chef and owner of Watel's Allen Street Cottage, offers hands-on cooking classes for kids 12 to 14.
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 23, 30 and Oct. 7 and 14; $20 per session per child (parents free if space allows). 2207 Allen St.; 214-720-0323 (after 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday) or www.watels.com.
For more great things to do with the kids, see our Family Calendar.
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1. Prepare your favorite- shaped pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool. Place one layer of pasta in the bottom of each parfait glass.
2. Steam an assortment of colorful vegetables. Layer vegetables with more pasta and grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers until the parfait glass is full.
3. Pour a generous serving of prepared Alfredo sauce over the top, and garnish with a garlic breadstick.
Jane Jarrell
Staff writer Karen M. Thomas shares her thoughts on how Sept. 11 affected her and her family in this essay, part of a package on confronting our fears.
You can share your own stories and see what others had to say off that page as well.
Is there something special about the way your family eats pancakes? "Show Us Your Hungry Jack Family" Contest is interested in seeing a photo and a description of what your family's meals are like with Hungry Jack pancakes, syrups or potato side dishes at the table. One grand prize winner will win a National Geographic Expedition's Family Adventure for four people. Ten first place winners will receive up to four bicycles per family. Entries can be submitted through Nov. 13. Winners will be announced around Dec. 8. For official rules, entry forms and ideas, visit www.hungryjack.com.
Marsha Bux is 54 and wears contact lenses. But this isn’t about her; it’s about her late mother, Margaret Hill.
“My mom always had pairs of reading glasses with her,” says Mrs. Bux, who lives in Plano.
But one day, when she went into Wal-Mart to buy dog food, she realized she had left them in her car. Rather than go back, she asked a clerk to help her find the only flavor her dog would eat.
“She explained the situation to him, but apparently was not very convincing,” Mrs. Bux says about her mother, who died three years ago. “After helping her, he ‘showed’ her how to sound out the letters on the can. He told her if she learned to read, a whole new world would open up for her. She thanked him profusely and promised to do her best!”
Find advice on choosing reading glasses in Solutions.
The New York State Department of Transportation says that kids who take lunches in disposable bags or containers generate 45 to 90 pounds of garbage every year. Help fight that problem with a better lunch box. The Laptop Lunch bento box has reusable polypropylene plastic food containers that keep everything in its place. No more baggies! $34.95, www.reusablebags.com
For more eco-friendly products for the school year, see Solutions.
One way to make getting dinner on the table is to plan a sandwich night. Check out Desperation Dinners for a plan for easy "Super Salad Sandwiches."
Before bifocal contacts, Beverly Montgomery of McKinney and her husband, David, bought reading glasses by the six-pack at Sam's. That way, they'd have them all over the house so wouldn't have to keep up with one lone pair.
One morning, David was drinking coffee and reading the newspaper. Beverly, meanwhile, was frantically opening drawers and cabinets, digging through her purse and her briefcase, rifling between seat cushions.
Finally, his curiosity got the better of him:
"What are you looking for?" he asked.
Beverly told him, "I have misplaced all of our reading glasses except the ones you're currently wearing."
David calmly stood up. He took Beverly by the shoulders. He led her to a mirror and turned her around to face it.
"I saw I had one pair of glasses on the top of my head and another hanging from the neckline of my sweater," Beverly says. "I bought a chain for the glasses that afternoon."
Check out more about reading glasses in Solutions.
Before you know it, your school will probably have a long weekend. It's just enough time to get away, if the getaway isn't too far away (say that five times fast!). We have some ideas for great trips with short travel times. See our Day Trips.
McFarlane Toys is the master of intricate sports action figures and Julius Jones looks pretty cool in toy form. Young cowboy fans will love it. $16.95 at toyglobe.com
Rob Clark
See more great products on our Shopping Buzz blog.
The Baby Name Wizard web site is clearly targeted at soon-to-be parents, but it's a nifty time waster for anyone.
An interactive graph shows the popularity of various names over the course of the last 100-plus years.
Just type in a name and you can see, for example, that "Victor" was the 93rd-most-popular name for boys during the 1990s but has tragically lost some of its luster since then.
But I won't hold that against the site.
Victor Godinez
Read more from Victor in Personal Technology.
Once you've lined up the babysitter, there's not a lot of cash left. Our Guide staff has you covered. Check out our ideas for cheap dates in Dallas.
The Garland Association for Hispanic Affairs will host Fiesta in the Park 2006 from 1 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at Central Park, 1310 W. Ave. F. Sponsors, crafts vendors and volunteers are needed. The event celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and will include food, music, games and prizes. Call Elvia at 972-272-9484.
Wild About Harry's is celebrating its 10th anniversary. This weekend, buy a hot dog, and you'll get a free scoop of ice cream. Details.
This weekend, you and the kids can watch The Rescuers if things get dull. It's on Saturday at noon on the Disney channel.
There are a number of reports these days of coaches, teachers and others being accused of sexually abusing the children in their care. Here are some links to help you understand abuse better.
* Protecting Children from Sexual Abuse from the American Psychological Association
* On recognizing signs of abuse, from the Child Welfare Information Gateway
* What to do if you suspect abuse from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Don't you love curbside delivery? No need to haul out into the heat; everybody stays buckled up and cool inside.
Latest restaurant to offer this luxury is Greenz, home of huge and hugely satisfying salads. It's this simple: Phone in your order to either the Uptown or Addison location. Call again when you get to the restaurant, and a Greenz staffer will deliver the goods. Place a phone order anytime between 5 and 9 p.m.
Addison Circle Greenz, 15615 Quorum Drive: 972-385-7721
Uptown Greenz, 2808 McKinney Avenue: 214-720-7788.
Undecided? You can't go wrong with the chipotle chicken or spicy panko shrimp. Then again, the Hawaiian tuna is a real treat. Check the whole menu here.
What was the best Halloween costume your kid ever had? What was the best costume you ever had? Send us your pictures and we'll consider publishing them in the Family section. Please be
