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Sandy Maple
Reviews: What's New This Week
Here is a look at what's new this week in family entertainment as adapted from reviews and ratings by Common Sense Media. Click on the links to read the reviews in full.
In Theaters Now: Disney's A Christmas Carol
A perfectly cast Jim Carrey stars as Ebeneezer Scrooge in "Disney's A Christmas Carol." This classic tale about the importance of doing right by others is a 3-D fright fest with intense special effects and some terrifying imagery. For children brave enough to take it, the film is an excellent remake of the Charles Dickens classic Christmas tale. Rated PG, OK for Kids 8+
DVD: Aliens in the Attic
Kids will recognize some of their favorite Disney and Nickelodeon stars in the silly adventure comedy "Aliens in the Attic." In the film, a family vacation is upended by the discovery of some extra-terrestrials set on world domination. While the kids battle the bad guys, there are a few comically scary scenes, lots of immature name-calling and some pretty heavy flirting. Rated PG, OK for Kids 8+
TV: Fanboy and Chum Chum
Two thrill-seeking friends imagine themselves superheros in "Fanboy and Chum Chum." While there is little educational value in this film, there is also little to worry parents. The main characters are goofy, the action scenes are comical and the language doesn't get any worse than the occasional "butt." Rated TV-Y, OK for Kids 7+
In Theaters Now: Disney's A Christmas Carol
A perfectly cast Jim Carrey stars as Ebeneezer Scrooge in "Disney's A Christmas Carol." This classic tale about the importance of doing right by others is a 3-D fright fest with intense special effects and some terrifying imagery. For children brave enough to take it, the film is an excellent remake of the Charles Dickens classic Christmas tale. Rated PG, OK for Kids 8+
DVD: Aliens in the AtticKids will recognize some of their favorite Disney and Nickelodeon stars in the silly adventure comedy "Aliens in the Attic." In the film, a family vacation is upended by the discovery of some extra-terrestrials set on world domination. While the kids battle the bad guys, there are a few comically scary scenes, lots of immature name-calling and some pretty heavy flirting. Rated PG, OK for Kids 8+
TV: Fanboy and Chum Chum
Two thrill-seeking friends imagine themselves superheros in "Fanboy and Chum Chum." While there is little educational value in this film, there is also little to worry parents. The main characters are goofy, the action scenes are comical and the language doesn't get any worse than the occasional "butt." Rated TV-Y, OK for Kids 7+
Diaper Cakes
Pregnancy & Birth, Baby Essentials
A diaper cake isn't really a cake at all. It's made up of dozens of disposable or cloth diapers, layered in such a way that the finished product resembles a tall, white wedding cake.
Diaper cakes range from the simple to the elaborate. Rolled up diapers secured with rubber bands are the foundation of a diaper cake. Ribbons, bows and other trimmings are then used to decorate the cake. Some diaper cakes consist entirely of diapers while others have hidden gifts for baby or mom concealed within the layers.
Diaper cakes can be purchased from specialty stores or hand-made at home.
Diaper cakes are often given as gifts to pregnant women and make for a unique and practical table centerpiece at a baby shower.
Read more about baby showers at ParentDish.
Diaper cakes range from the simple to the elaborate. Rolled up diapers secured with rubber bands are the foundation of a diaper cake. Ribbons, bows and other trimmings are then used to decorate the cake. Some diaper cakes consist entirely of diapers while others have hidden gifts for baby or mom concealed within the layers.
Diaper cakes can be purchased from specialty stores or hand-made at home.
Diaper cakes are often given as gifts to pregnant women and make for a unique and practical table centerpiece at a baby shower.
Read more about baby showers at ParentDish.
Little Red Riding Hood
Little Red Riding Hood is a character in a fairy tale about a wolf and a young girl. The most widely known version of Little Red Riding Hood is based on a Brothers Grimm story.
In the story, Little Red Riding Hood wears a red, hooded cloak as she makes her way through the forest alone to deliver food to her sick grandmother. Along the way, Little Red Riding hood encounters a wolf. The wolf intends to eat Little Red Riding Hood and tricks her into picking flowers while he runs ahead to the grandmother's house.
Having eaten the grandmother, the wolf dons her clothes and goesinto her bed to await Little Red Riding Hood's arrival. Little Red Riding hood notices that her grandmother looks different and comments on her appearance. When she declares "what big ears you have!" the wolf leaps up and swallows her whole.
A hunter arrives and cuts open the wolf, releasing Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother unharmed. Note: There are many variations of this ending, some more graphic than others.
Read more about books on ParentDish.
In the story, Little Red Riding Hood wears a red, hooded cloak as she makes her way through the forest alone to deliver food to her sick grandmother. Along the way, Little Red Riding hood encounters a wolf. The wolf intends to eat Little Red Riding Hood and tricks her into picking flowers while he runs ahead to the grandmother's house.
Having eaten the grandmother, the wolf dons her clothes and goesinto her bed to await Little Red Riding Hood's arrival. Little Red Riding hood notices that her grandmother looks different and comments on her appearance. When she declares "what big ears you have!" the wolf leaps up and swallows her whole.
A hunter arrives and cuts open the wolf, releasing Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother unharmed. Note: There are many variations of this ending, some more graphic than others.
Read more about books on ParentDish.
Jon Gosselin
Celeb Kids, Celeb Parenting, Amazing Parents
Jon Gosselin is a husband and father who became famous appearing on the TLC reality show "Jon and Kate Plus 8." The show follow the lives of Jon, his wife Kate Gosselin, and their eight children -- fraternal twins Cara and Madelyn, born in 2000, and sextuplets Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah and Joel, born in 2004.
Jon Gosselin was born on April 1, 1977, in Wyomissing, Penn. A high school graduate, Jon worked as an IT analyst prior to becoming a reality show celebrity.
Jon Gosselin met his future wife Kate Kreider in 1997, and the couple married on June 12, 1999. After Kate was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, the couple turned to fertility treatments and became pregnant with twins Cara and Madelyn, who were born on October 8, 2000. In 2003, Jon Gosselin and his wife again turned to fertility treatments to become pregnant. On May 10, 2004, Jon and Kate Gosselin became parents to sextuplets.
Jon Gosselin and his family first appeared on television in 2004 on an NBC special called "Home Delivery." Other specials followed and in April 2007, "Jon and Kate Plus 8" began airing as a regular series on TLC. In 2009, after eight seasons of "Jon and Kate Plus 8," rumors began to swirl that Jon Gosselin and his wife were having marital problems. In May 2009, photos of Jon Gosselin partying with female students at a Juniata College party surfaced. More photos showing Jon Gosselin dancing with young women at a local bar were released later.
After Jon was photographed with young women, the couple addressed the situation on their show. Denying that his marriage was on the rocks, Jon Gosselin claimed that he had never cheated on his wife. Despite obvious strains in the relationship, the couple continued to film the reality show. In June 2009, Jon and Kate announced on the show that their marriage was over. Despite a growing backlash, the couple continued to allow cameras into their home.
Jon Gosselin quickly moved on from his relationship with Kate and began dating other women. He was accused of having a relationship with his children's nanny as well as Kate Major, a Star Magazine reporter. After numerous photos were published showing Jon Gosselin with Hailey Glassman, the daughter of Kate Gosselin's plastic surgeon, Jon admitted that he and Glassman were dating.
In September 2009, TLC announced that Jon Gosselin had been dropped from "Jon and Kate Plus 8" and that the show would now focus on Kate as a single mother. Within days, Jon Gosselin demanded that TLC cease and desist filming at the couple's Pennsylvania home, and the show's production was halted indefinitely.
Jon and Kate's split continues to play out in public. In a recent interview with ParentDish, Jon discussed his his relationship with Kate, his children and his girlfriend. He also revealed that he is in the process of writing a book about his life.
Read about other amazing parents on ParentDish.
Jon Gosselin was born on April 1, 1977, in Wyomissing, Penn. A high school graduate, Jon worked as an IT analyst prior to becoming a reality show celebrity.
Jon Gosselin met his future wife Kate Kreider in 1997, and the couple married on June 12, 1999. After Kate was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, the couple turned to fertility treatments and became pregnant with twins Cara and Madelyn, who were born on October 8, 2000. In 2003, Jon Gosselin and his wife again turned to fertility treatments to become pregnant. On May 10, 2004, Jon and Kate Gosselin became parents to sextuplets.
Jon Gosselin and his family first appeared on television in 2004 on an NBC special called "Home Delivery." Other specials followed and in April 2007, "Jon and Kate Plus 8" began airing as a regular series on TLC. In 2009, after eight seasons of "Jon and Kate Plus 8," rumors began to swirl that Jon Gosselin and his wife were having marital problems. In May 2009, photos of Jon Gosselin partying with female students at a Juniata College party surfaced. More photos showing Jon Gosselin dancing with young women at a local bar were released later.
After Jon was photographed with young women, the couple addressed the situation on their show. Denying that his marriage was on the rocks, Jon Gosselin claimed that he had never cheated on his wife. Despite obvious strains in the relationship, the couple continued to film the reality show. In June 2009, Jon and Kate announced on the show that their marriage was over. Despite a growing backlash, the couple continued to allow cameras into their home.
Jon Gosselin quickly moved on from his relationship with Kate and began dating other women. He was accused of having a relationship with his children's nanny as well as Kate Major, a Star Magazine reporter. After numerous photos were published showing Jon Gosselin with Hailey Glassman, the daughter of Kate Gosselin's plastic surgeon, Jon admitted that he and Glassman were dating.
In September 2009, TLC announced that Jon Gosselin had been dropped from "Jon and Kate Plus 8" and that the show would now focus on Kate as a single mother. Within days, Jon Gosselin demanded that TLC cease and desist filming at the couple's Pennsylvania home, and the show's production was halted indefinitely.
Jon and Kate's split continues to play out in public. In a recent interview with ParentDish, Jon discussed his his relationship with Kate, his children and his girlfriend. He also revealed that he is in the process of writing a book about his life.
Read about other amazing parents on ParentDish.
Kate Gosselin: Celebrity, Mother, Author
Celeb Kids, Celeb Parenting, Amazing Parents
Kate Gosselin is a wife, mother and author who became a celebrity once she began taping the TLC show "Jon and Kate Plus Eight." Kate and her husband, Jon Gosselin, are parents to eight children -- fraternal twins Cara and Madelyn, born in 2000, and sextuplets Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Collin, Leah and Joel, born in 2004.
Kate Gosselin was born Katie Irene Kreider on March 28, 1975, in Hershey, Penn. The second of four children born to Kenton and Charlene Kreider, Kate Gosselin graduated from the Reading Hospital and Medical Center School of Nursing as a registered nurse.
Kate Gosselin met Jon Gosselin in 1997, and the couple married on June 12, 1999. In 2000, after Kate was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, the couple turned to fertility treatments to have a child.
After the birth of twins Cara and Madelyn, the couple decided to have another child and again underwent fertility treatments. In 2003, Kate Gosselin learned she was pregnant with seven embryos and doctors suggested selective reduction. She refused and on May 10, 2004, Kate Gosselin gave birth to six children.
Kate Gosselin and her husband Jon made their first television appearance in 2004 on an NBC special called "Home Delivery." Other specials followed and in April 2007, "Jon and Kate Plus 8" began airing as a regular series on TLC.
"Jon and Kate Plus Eight" continued for eight seasons until 2009. At that time, Kate Gosselin and Jon Gosselin announced on the show that their marriage was over and that divorce proceedings had begun. After the couple separated, "Jon and Kate Plus 8" continued filming with a new focus on Kate Gosselin's life as a single mother to eight children. On September 29, 2009, production of the show was halted indefinitely after Jon Gosselin demanded that TLC cease and desist filming at the couple's Pennsylvania home.
In addition to the reality series and various other television appearances, Kate Gosselin is the author of three books, "Multiple Blessings," "Eight Little Faces," and "Love is in the Mix: Making Meals into Memories."
Read about other amazing parents on ParentDish.
Kate Gosselin was born Katie Irene Kreider on March 28, 1975, in Hershey, Penn. The second of four children born to Kenton and Charlene Kreider, Kate Gosselin graduated from the Reading Hospital and Medical Center School of Nursing as a registered nurse.
Kate Gosselin met Jon Gosselin in 1997, and the couple married on June 12, 1999. In 2000, after Kate was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, the couple turned to fertility treatments to have a child.
After the birth of twins Cara and Madelyn, the couple decided to have another child and again underwent fertility treatments. In 2003, Kate Gosselin learned she was pregnant with seven embryos and doctors suggested selective reduction. She refused and on May 10, 2004, Kate Gosselin gave birth to six children.
Kate Gosselin and her husband Jon made their first television appearance in 2004 on an NBC special called "Home Delivery." Other specials followed and in April 2007, "Jon and Kate Plus 8" began airing as a regular series on TLC.
"Jon and Kate Plus Eight" continued for eight seasons until 2009. At that time, Kate Gosselin and Jon Gosselin announced on the show that their marriage was over and that divorce proceedings had begun. After the couple separated, "Jon and Kate Plus 8" continued filming with a new focus on Kate Gosselin's life as a single mother to eight children. On September 29, 2009, production of the show was halted indefinitely after Jon Gosselin demanded that TLC cease and desist filming at the couple's Pennsylvania home.
In addition to the reality series and various other television appearances, Kate Gosselin is the author of three books, "Multiple Blessings," "Eight Little Faces," and "Love is in the Mix: Making Meals into Memories."
Read about other amazing parents on ParentDish.
Parent Portal: CDC Resource Center
Parent Portal is a site created by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to provide information on keeping children healthy and safe. If your kid has the sniffles and you are wondering if it's swine flu or a just a common cold, the Parent Portal is a good place to find reliable information from a credible source.
Additionally, there is health and safety information for pregnant women and children from infancy to the teen years. A "Quick Links" section includes information on H1N1 (swine flu), vaccines, growth charts, home safety, violence prevention and more. An easy-to-use "A to Z" index lets users quickly find information on thousands of health and safety topics.
Parent Portal also includes informative videos on a wide range of topics and links to other resources provided by government agencies. Additionally, users can sign up to receive automatic email updates on subjects of interest to them.
Read more about Health and Safety on ParentDish.
Additionally, there is health and safety information for pregnant women and children from infancy to the teen years. A "Quick Links" section includes information on H1N1 (swine flu), vaccines, growth charts, home safety, violence prevention and more. An easy-to-use "A to Z" index lets users quickly find information on thousands of health and safety topics.
Parent Portal also includes informative videos on a wide range of topics and links to other resources provided by government agencies. Additionally, users can sign up to receive automatic email updates on subjects of interest to them.
Read more about Health and Safety on ParentDish.
Lauren London Not Pregnant
Bump Watch, Celeb Kids, Celeb Parenting
Is Lauren London pregnant? Despite what you may have heard, the actress and model was not pregnant in October 2009.
Lauren London (born: December 5, 1984) had her first child, Lennox Samuel Ari, in September 2009. The son's father was rapper Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne announced just weeks after the birth that he is expecting another child, this time with R&B singer Nivea.
In an interview with the BBC's Tim Westwood, Lil' Wayne confirmed that he and Nivea are expecting a son but gave no further details.
This will be Lil' Wayne's fourth child. He is father to 10-year-old daughter Reginae with his ex-wife Antonia Carter, 1-year-old son Dwayne Carter III with an undisclosed woman and, of course, a brand-new baby boy with Lauren London.
Check out ParentDish's celebrity news.
Lauren London (born: December 5, 1984) had her first child, Lennox Samuel Ari, in September 2009. The son's father was rapper Lil Wayne. Lil Wayne announced just weeks after the birth that he is expecting another child, this time with R&B singer Nivea.
In an interview with the BBC's Tim Westwood, Lil' Wayne confirmed that he and Nivea are expecting a son but gave no further details.
This will be Lil' Wayne's fourth child. He is father to 10-year-old daughter Reginae with his ex-wife Antonia Carter, 1-year-old son Dwayne Carter III with an undisclosed woman and, of course, a brand-new baby boy with Lauren London.
Check out ParentDish's celebrity news.
Curious George Games: Tons of Fun
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, That's Entertainment
The Curious George Games website is part of PBS Kids and is a place where fans of the popular "Curious George" books can play educational games as well as print out activity sheets for offline fun. Written by Margret and H.A. Rey, the Curious George books feature the adventures of a lively monkey who, after being brought from his home in Africa, lives with "The Man in the Yellow Hat" in a big city.
These online games are designed to help kids improve counting skills, learn shapes, improve memory and more.
Printable activity sheets on Curious George Games include coloring pages, paper folding games, connect-the-dots and much more. The site also provides access to an interactive coloring book that can be downloaded to an iPhone.
Curious George Games also features a large selection of informative and entertaining videos on everything from animal homes to wind chimes.
For parents and teachers, Curious George Games provides information about the Curious George television series and website.
For more Curious George Coverage from ParentDish Continue Reading:
Jack Johnson's Curious George Soundtrack
Curious George Movie
These online games are designed to help kids improve counting skills, learn shapes, improve memory and more.
Printable activity sheets on Curious George Games include coloring pages, paper folding games, connect-the-dots and much more. The site also provides access to an interactive coloring book that can be downloaded to an iPhone.
Curious George Games also features a large selection of informative and entertaining videos on everything from animal homes to wind chimes.
For parents and teachers, Curious George Games provides information about the Curious George television series and website.
For more Curious George Coverage from ParentDish Continue Reading:
Jack Johnson's Curious George Soundtrack
Curious George Movie
Reviews: What's New This Week
Here is a look at what's new this week in family entertainment as adapted from reviews and ratings by Common Sense Media. Click on the links to read the reviews in full.
In Theaters Now: This Is It
Michael Jackson was planning a 50-date concert tour when he unexpectedly passed away in June 2009. "This Is It" showcases footage of rehearsals for that tour and other than some crotch-grabbing and zombie images, there is nothing to be concerned about. With great music and awesome dancing, it's Michael Jackson doing what he did best. Rated PG, OK for Kids 10+
DVD: Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure
A movie about friendship starring the most famous fairy in the world, "Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure" is the latest release from the Disney Fairies franchise. A few scary scenes involving spooky shadows and rats as well as some juvenile name-calling are balanced with the overall message about the importance of doing the right thing. Rated G, OK for Kids 4+
TV: Weird Creatures
An educational series on the Science Channel, "Weird Creatures" follows naturalist Nick Baker as he travels the globe looking for unusual animals in their natural habitats. With a strong eco-message and Baker's upbeat style, it's educational as well as entertaining. Rated TV-G, OK for Kids 8+
In Theaters Now: This Is It
Michael Jackson was planning a 50-date concert tour when he unexpectedly passed away in June 2009. "This Is It" showcases footage of rehearsals for that tour and other than some crotch-grabbing and zombie images, there is nothing to be concerned about. With great music and awesome dancing, it's Michael Jackson doing what he did best. Rated PG, OK for Kids 10+
DVD: Tinker Bell and the Lost TreasureA movie about friendship starring the most famous fairy in the world, "Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure" is the latest release from the Disney Fairies franchise. A few scary scenes involving spooky shadows and rats as well as some juvenile name-calling are balanced with the overall message about the importance of doing the right thing. Rated G, OK for Kids 4+
TV: Weird Creatures
An educational series on the Science Channel, "Weird Creatures" follows naturalist Nick Baker as he travels the globe looking for unusual animals in their natural habitats. With a strong eco-message and Baker's upbeat style, it's educational as well as entertaining. Rated TV-G, OK for Kids 8+
Authoritative Parenting Creates Warmth
Authoritative parenting is a style of child rearing that strives to create a close and nurturing relationship with children, while maintaining a firm set of rules and high expectations. Authoritative parents are high in control but also high in warmth.
Authoritative parents recognize that flexibility is sometimes called for but expect their children to follow their clear and consistent guidelines for behavior. Demanding yet responsive, authoritative parents use disciplinary methods that are supportive rather than punitive and expect their children to be cooperative, respectful and self-regulated. Authoritative parents lead by example and are willing to apologize and admit mistakes when necessary.
Authoritative parents encourage responsibility and freedom within well-defined boundaries and expectations. Considered the most balanced of child-rearing styles, authoritative parenting is said to produce level-headed, socially responsible and independent children.
Authoritative parents recognize that flexibility is sometimes called for but expect their children to follow their clear and consistent guidelines for behavior. Demanding yet responsive, authoritative parents use disciplinary methods that are supportive rather than punitive and expect their children to be cooperative, respectful and self-regulated. Authoritative parents lead by example and are willing to apologize and admit mistakes when necessary.
Authoritative parents encourage responsibility and freedom within well-defined boundaries and expectations. Considered the most balanced of child-rearing styles, authoritative parenting is said to produce level-headed, socially responsible and independent children.
