BABES IN TOYLAND
Rated G. On blu-ray 12/11. Ok for kids 6+. Reel Rating: 4 out of 5 Reels. Go retro with this 1961 film, the first true live-action musical from the Walt Disney Studio. Tommy Sands pairs up with Annette Funicello, along with the famous Ray Bolger and Ed Wynn, and Disney staples Tommy Kirk and Kevin Corcoran. The story takes place in Mother Goose land, where villains shrink our heroes... Read More
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action, some sensuality, and language. On DVD/blu-ray 12/4. Ok for kids 13+. Reel Rating: 4 out of 5 Reels. Released just in time to wrap in colorful paper and pop under the Christmas tree. It’s been eight years since Batman (Christian Bale) took the rap for Harvey Dent’s crimes, and the city of Gotham has turned against the caped... Read More
FINDING NEMO (5 Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition)
Rated G. On DVD/blu-ray 12/4. Ok for kids 5+. Reel Rating: 5 out of 5 Reels. Everyone’s favorite little clownfish surfaced this year when a 3D version of Finding Nemo was released in theaters. Now it gets a Five-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition, including a blu-ray, blu-ray 3D, DVD and digital copy, all in high-definition with cool interactive 3D bonus features. You... Read More
Identifying Trichotillomania: A Hairy Subject
As a psychologist, I have often heard shocked mothers of teenage girls say, “I couldn’t believe it! I accidentally saw her head right after she got out of the shower. She was so good at hiding the bald spots.” This common statement occurs after a parent discovers that their child has Trichotillomania (“Trich”), a type of psychological condition that involves compulsive... Read More
Parenthood
Show: Parenthood Airtime: Tues., 10/9c on NBC Rating: TV-PG Genre: Comedy, Drama, Family Cast: Peter Krause, Lauren Graham, Dax Shepard, Monica Potter, Erika Christensen, Sam Jaeger, Max Burkholder, Mae Whitman, Craig T. Nelson, Bonnie Bedelia, Joy Bryant, Sarah Ramos Ok for Ages: 13+ Official Site: http://www.nbc.com/parenthood/ Parents Should Know: Parenting is hard work!... Read More
College Crash Course: Talking to Your Young Adult about Alcohol and Drug Safety
Parents from across the country send their graduating seniors off to college with pride, paired with prayers for good grades and smart choices. With newfound freedom away from home, the temptation to drink alcohol and experiment with drugs can quickly impact student safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the use of alcohol by minors is a major public health concern... Read More
Childhood and Teen OCD
What’s the first thing you think of when you hear about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? Maybe you think of someone who washes his hands over and over, or of someone who loves a schedule and hates germs. Did you realize that as many as 1 out of every 200 kids or teens has OCD? For most of us, it’s easy to keep ourselves from performing an action over and over. Sure, I might really want... Read More
Nemours Children’s Hospital Makes Care A Family Affair
The grand opening of Nemours Children’s Hospital on October 22nd will unveil a transformed hospital experience made possible through a “for families, by families” philosophy. By partnering with patients’ families, Nemours aims to ensure that physicians and medical teams care for the whole child, not just a child’s illness, plus the entire family unit. The backbone of this... Read More
Calling All Pink Recruits: The Pink Army Wants YOU!
Pink dog tags are truly making a fashion statement. No, this trendy tag isn’t for your pet; it’s for you and your loved ones. The Florida Hospital Pink Army is recruiting, and you are needed to fight the battle! The Pink Army is not about military recruitment either, nor is it a club with an affinity toward the color pink; it’s about saving lives from breast cancer. One out... Read More
Getting the Family You Want
If you could wave a magic wand and have the family you want, what would it be like? Would you eat more dinners together, go to church together on Sundays, or spend Saturdays volunteering at a local soup kitchen? We often get so busy in our day-to-day routines that we forget what is really important. We go from one activity to another and never stop to spend quality time with the... Read More
Caregivers Need Care, Too
Married for more than 50 years, Sandra Fuchs’ parents were used to relying on each other. When her mother developed multiple health problems in her later years, Fuchs, a mother of three, said that “Dad became Mom’s main caregiver.” But after her father developed brain cancer, Fuchs suddenly found herself assumingcare for both parents. “It’s quite a juggling act when... Read More
Snacks to Keep Your Kids Active and Energized
Whether your kids are on the playground, at school, or engaging in after-school activities, feeling hungry can make it hard for them to be their best. Healthy snacks, however, can keep them fueled and focused. Having nutritious snacks on hand is a smart way to go, but it’s challenging to find a snack that tastes great and can be easily tucked away in a sports bag. “A healthy... Read More
Calming the Back-to-School Jitters
Starting a new school year can be like starting a new job, or moving from one city to another. New people, new expectations, different surroundings… It’s true, you may know some of your fellow students, but you might end up with the annoying one sitting at the desk next to you. So, it’s understandable that kids are uneasy about starting a new school year. But sometimes the... Read More
Getting Comfortable with “The Talk”
It’s never too early to begin talking with your kids about sex. In fact, the earlier you start, the easier it will be when it’s time to tackle the difficult subjectsthat are sure to arise later on. Here are some age-appropriate guidelines (and we know not everyone will agree!) that parents can use with their curious little ones to help pave the way for the more in-depth conversations... Read More
Timely Vaccinations are Important for Disease Protection
Parents agree that sleep and feeding schedules are important to help keep their children healthy. The same goes for childhood immunizations. Vaccinating children on time is the best way to protect them against 14 serious, and potentially deadly, diseases before their second birthday. “The recommended immunization schedule is designed to offer protection early in life, when babies... Read More
Dallas
Show: Dallas Airtime: Wed., 9 8/c on TNT Rating: TV-14 DLSV (suggestive dialogue, coarse or crude language, sexual situations, violence) Genre: Drama Cast: Josh Henderson, Jesse Metcalfe, Jordana Brewster, Julie Gonzalo, Brenda Strong, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Larry Hagman Ok for Ages: 14+ Official Site: http://www.tntdrama.com/series/dallas/ Parents Should Know: This updated... Read More
Equine Therapy for Special Needs Kids
Talia Finder loves nature and looks forward to her weekly sessions with Ginger, her therapy horse at Freedom Ride inOrlando. Although Talia doesn’t have an official diagnosis, the 17-year-old hardly spoke to anyone until the sixth grade, in what her mother, Teresa Finder, called selective mutism. In the eight years Talia has been attending therapy sessions at Freedom Ride, located... Read More
Genetic Testing and Pregnancy: Is it necessary?
Today, there is no reason to approach pregnancy in the dark when it comes to genetics. A genetic counselor can help expecting parents and those considering a family to understand their genetic makeup and allay concerns related to passing traits on to their children. Typically, when a couple first learns that they are expecting a child, it’s an emotional moment filled with anticipation,... Read More
Natural Healing Options for ADHD
Coping with a child who exhibits symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a challenge. Ask parents who are beginning to suspect that the exasperating behavior displayed by their child is not “normal”. What can a parent do to address these stressful issues? Unfortunately, there is no single test for ADHD, but there are some specific symptoms that should... Read More
Indoor Playgrounds: A Cool Spot Fun in the Summer
But don’t forget to watch for some common hazards It’s already 95 degrees in the shade nearly every day now. The humidity is enough to permanently frizz my usually flat-ironed bob. So, indoor air-conditioned playgrounds can be a great place to let kids burn off steam during the hottest summer afternoons. If you decide to visit your favorite “Ball Pit/Jumpy Town”, the U.S.... Read More
CHUGGINGTON: WILSON AND THE ICE CREAM FAIR
Not rated. On DVD 5/15. Ok for kids 3+. 4.5 out of 5 Reels. This fun collection finds the brave young trainee making a special delivery to the ice cream fair, helping Frostini create a new flavor for the mayor’s banquet, and trying to prevent a massive ice cream meltdown on the hottest day of the year. But wait, there’s more! Fun in the ice cream factory, a brave rescue... Read More
