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August 31, 2006

Classic Tales 'n Tunes: Free Preview Classes with New Instructors & Jody Katz

An update that will be of special interest to Arlington and Falls Church -area parents:

Classic Tales 'n Tunes - the parent-toddler program recently featured in Washington Parent and the Mclean/Great Falls Connection - has expanded, now offering classes taught not only by founder Jody Katz, but also by two new instructors. And all are offering free preview classes in September!

The free preview classes:

Wednesday, September 6 at the Arlington County Lubber Run Community Center
Ages 18 mos. to four and an adult, with classes at 9:15, 10:15, and 11:15 a.m. Meet the talented vocalist Danielle Eva and preview this theme-oriented program of stories, music, movement, and puppetry enriched with Spanish and ASL (American Sign Language). To reserve a space in this free class, call 703.848.9808.

Saturday, September 9 at the Falls Church Community Center
Ages 18 mos. to four and an adult, with classes at 9:30, 10:30, and 11:30 a.m. Preview this theme-oriented program of stories, music, movement and puppetry enriched with Spanish and ASL (American Sign Language), led by Jody Katz. To reserve a space in this free preview class, call 703.248.5077.

Wednesday, September 13 at the Falls Church Community Center
Ages 18 mos. to four and an adult, with classes at 9:15, 10:15, and 11:15 a.m. Susan Hayes offers free preview classes featuring this theme-oriented program of stories, music, movement and puppetry enriched with Spanish and ASL (American Sign Language). To reserve a spot in this free preview class, call 703.248.5077.

About the two new instructors:

Danielle Eva is an award-winning professional vocalist/songwriter who loves to share her art through teaching. A most versatile artist, her training includes classical and jazz studies in vocal performance at Duquesne University, and seminary training in pastoral music. Miss Danielle just moved here from New York City, where she was beloved as a music teacher and children's choir director. She recently appeared as a featured artist at New York's Great Women in Jazz Festival, and continues to perform at top cabarets in New York and DC.

Susan Hayes is an acclaimed educator with 25 years of experience. This Teacher of the Year nominee has lived and worked in four different states and in two different countries, and has taught young children from diverse backgrounds in preschool through third grade. She holds a B.S. in education from the University of Nebraska, and has earned postgraduate credits from universities in the various locations where she was stationed, adding to her knowledge of current educational practices. Mrs. Hayes has a great love of music, movement, and literature, and particularly enjoys sharing these interests with her students.

About Jody Katz:

Founder and instructor Jody Katz is a graduate of Cornell University who has enjoyed years of private study in piano, guitar, voice, and dance. She has won rave reviews for her work teaching music and arts enrichment in preschools and elementary schools, and directing children's musicals at Adventure Theatre. The inspiration for Classic Tales 'n Tunes comes from the joy-filled years she spent teaching and mentoring her own children, both now scholar-musicians.

Posted by Sarah at 1:27 PM

August 30, 2006

Free Parenting Workshop at Sept. 11th "Camp Democracy" Event

Thanks to local parent-child advocate Ryan McAllister for sharing this announcement:

On the 100th anniversary of Ghandi's oft-quoted speech, "Be the Change You Wish to See in the World," the upcoming Camp Democracy event in DC will feature a 90-minute workshop on "Parenting for Social Change."

The workshop takes place on September 11 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on the National Mall between 3rd and 7th Sts. (between the Judiciary Square and L'Enfant Plaza metro stations). It is FREE and open to the public.

Ryan writes: "In the 'Parenting for Social Change' workshop, we will practice skills and perspectives for relating with children with joy, presence, mindfulness, respect, and in ways that support everyone's creativity, independence, and interdependence. Through discussion and exercises, audience interest will guide the foci, which typically include: Handling tantrums and other uncomfortable parenting experiences in ways that promote healthy, non-violent relationships with children. . . Need-centered awareness. . .and supporting the natural needs for peace and equality that children and parents have."

Posted by Sarah at 9:49 AM

August 29, 2006

Moms Walking the Work/Life Tightrope

Two new pieces in the Washington Post cover the persistent problem of work-life balance, and in particular, the difficulties that face pregnant women, new adoptive parents, and - pervasively, across the board - all working parents, with children of any age:

Check out Amy Joyce's Sunday column this week: "Too often, Family Leave leaves much to be desired."

And the transcript of yesterday's live web chat with Ellen Galinsky, president and co-founder of the Families & Work Institute.

A few takeaway tidbits from both:

"The United States lags behind most of the world in providing paid parental leave. Of 168 countries in a 2004 Harvard University study, 163 had some form of paid maternity leave. The United States, in other words, is on par with Lesotho, Papua New Guinea, and Swaziland when it comes to maternity leave."

"There is no nationwide policy that promises all parents time off after the birth of a child for care, recovery, or bonding purposes. And there is no nationwide policy that provides paid leave for new parents."

"The Family and Medical Leave Act requires companies with 50 or more employees to provide 12 weeks of unpaid leave to those who have worked there for at least 12 months. . . Some states have more generous laws. But mostly, maternity or paternity leave is up to a company or an employee's negotiating skills."

"Only 7 percent of companies provide any pay beyond disability leave for mothers."

"If parents made it clear to policy makers that solutions are need for this issue [of maternity/paternity and adoption leave], financially, there would be change. [But] given today's realities, how can you best plan?

1) See if your company provides disability leave - some portion of your salary for the period of pregnancy and childbirth disability, usually lasting for six to eight weeks after childbirth. Almost half of companies provide this, and it is required in five states.

2) See if your company is one of the companies that provides some pay beyond disability.

3) Can you use paid vacation days or sick days?

4) Does your company have a leave bank where other employees can contribute paid time off to other companies? This is more common in the public sector than the private sector.

5) Start saving as early as possible, and monitor costs.

6) Press your legislators for change."

For moms who are going back to work after a stint - long or short - as a stay-at-homer, check out Gallinsky's "Moms in Transition: Tips for Going Back to Work" article on the Families & Work Institute website.

Posted by Sarah at 9:57 AM

August 28, 2006

Calendar Catch-Up

Several misc. events and opportunities to share:

Heather Stouffer, founder of Mom Made Foods, teaches a course on "Introducing Solid Foods" once a month at the (fabulous) Breastfeeding Center of Greater Washington - and the next class is Friday, September 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 202.293.5182 to register. For more info, send email to: info (at) mommadefoods (dot) com.

NEW on the scene from an experienced and recognized instructor and local mama, Tracey Kretzer, is Parent Child University, offering classes for parents and young children in Arlington, VA. Check out their website, which is under construction at ParentChildU.com. Among their offerings are Kindermusik (ages infant to seven years) and Signing Smart (ages infant to two years), and fall registration is now open. For more info, send email to: misstracey (at) parentChildu (dot) com.

The annual TotSwap event, a huge children's and maternity consignment sale, is set for September 20-24 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg, Maryland. If you're looking for a place to sell your new and gently-used children's clothing, shoes, accessories, equipment, furniture, toys, etc., this may be it. Or, just go to shop! For more info, see their website or send email to robyn (at) totswap (dot) net.

Laura Rozier from Baby Loves to Sign will be at the Babies R Us in Bailey's Crossroads on Saturday, September 9 for "Baby Safety Day." She will be teaching a Sign, Say, & Play class at 11:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. Lots of giveaways from Baby Loves to Sign and other vendors.

Posted by Sarah at 10:10 AM

August 25, 2006

Weekend Watch: Animal Planet, Live in Germantown

Since my own little one is absolutely ga-ga for animals of all kinds, my weekend pick is a no-brainer:

The Discovery Channel is hosting its Animal Planet Expo all weekend in Germantown, MD. It's FREE and open to all ages, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day on the grounds of the Ridge Rd. Rec Park, 21555 Frederick Rd.

This thing has live animals up close and personal, dog shows with the requisite frisbee catching, a "Bug House" with creepy crawlers and butterflies, fun booths, face painting, and local shelters featuring animals who need loving homes. Since the Ridge Rd. Rec Park is already one of Montgomery County's favorite dog parks, there will be plenty of local canines on the scene, too.

Posted by Sarah at 9:53 AM

August 23, 2006

Delivering in (& around) DC

Anybody catch the feature story in yesterday's Washington Post health section, written by local mama-reporter Lindsay Moran?

For this piece, "Do They Deliver?: Comparing the Claims & Philosophies of Natural Birth Methods Can be Challenging, Learns a Mother-to-Be," Moran interviewed several local childbirth educators and doulas who have also been featured on this blog and/or in my book.

Kudos to the Post for spotlighting the work these fine folks do for DC-area's expectant couples!

Posted by Sarah at 11:16 AM

August 22, 2006

Update on the DC BABY Book & a Second Edition

Several blog readers have emailed me recently, gnashing their teeth that they can't find my book in stock anywhere, are wondering how to get their hands on one, want to know when a second edition will be published, etc. So here's the scoop:

All of the books from the first press run have been SOLD OUT since late May 2006. (Thank you for making it such a success in local bookstores!) While there may still be a lone copy remaining on a Barnes & Noble shelf here and there, for the most part the books are gone. Thank you SO much for your overwhelming support.

But there's good news, too! The e-book version of DC BABY: A Handbook for Parenting In (& Around) the Capitol City is available for $10 as an easy download to your computer.

While I know some are still averse to this new-to-you medium, going with the e-book version does offer some advantages. You have the option of using the text on-screen, but you can also print out selected pages, sections, or whole chapters - maybe to keep some info. in your car or your diaper bag, or to take a chapter for your metro commute without lugging the whole book around. An e-book is also half the price of the traditional paperback book - 100 percent of the information with none of the bulk. To find out more about the e-book and to purchase a copy, click here.

If you are really hankering for the old-fashioned book-book, your best bet is to contact Michele Spahr of Safe Start Babyproofing - As of last week, she still had a few copies. Visit their website or send email to Michele at: vainfo (at) safestartbabyproofing (dot) com.

As I detailed in our July and August newsletters, there are no plans to do a second printing of the book at this time. There is plenty of demand, and we are grateful for the interest, but the overhead - of both time and capital - that it required of my husband and me has been overwhelming. We both have "real" jobs, not to mention our own DC toddler to care for. . . And our venture as an independent small press has meant that Noah and I alone have handled the design and printing of the book, the sales and distribution, the marketing, the accounting, and, unfortunately, on occasion the unpleasant role of collections agency. We've had a lot of fun, but our family also needed a rest from the publishing business this year.

What I CAN promise you is a revised and updated second edition of DC BABY in e-book format by early 2007. So stay tuned!

Posted by Sarah at 9:52 AM

August 21, 2006

Saturday in NoVa: Birth & Baby Garage Sale

If you're an expectant or new mama, or a professional who works with expectant and new parents, mark the calendar:

The Baby Duck Childbirth Education is hosting a Birth & Baby Garage Sale this Saturday, August 26, from 12 to 2 p.m. in Alexandria, VA. They are selling off a large supply of books, videos, demonstration tools, and class materials, in addition to some baby items. Prices will be 25 to 90 percent off retail value, and there will even be some freebies.

Items being sold are from The Baby Duck's classes, so they are related to:

Preconception
Pregnancy
Childbirth
Postpartum
Baby Safety
Pets & Babies
Travel with Babies
Cord Blood Banking
(and more)

A portion of the proceeds of this event will be donated to The March of Dimes. Kids are welcome - so you can bring them along.

RSVP to Melody Kisor by sending email to: info (at) thebabyduck (dot) com. Directions to the sale and more details will be sent when you RSVP.

Posted by Sarah at 10:52 AM

August 18, 2006

Weekend Watch: County Fair Countdown

My pick for this weekend with little ones has to be the Arlington County Fair, which runs through Sunday and is FREE for all ages at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center on S. Second St. in Arlington.

Check out the petting zoo, pony rides, pig and goat races (yeah!), live music, yummy food booths, and carnival rides.

And just in case you're sick of the heat... Be aware that at least a portion of this event is inside the air-conditioned Community Center!

Posted by Sarah at 10:27 AM

August 16, 2006

The Kids Wanna Rock

I share this info with some trepidation, since I'm hoping to get tickets to at least one of these shows myself - and, as we all know, this is Washington and the competition for good things is fierce:

There are still a few tickets available for the two Wiggles shows scheduled for next Wednesday, August 23 at the Verizon Center in NW DC. There's a 3 p.m. show and another at 6:30 p.m. All children who have reached their first birthday require their own ticket/seat. (Infants under age one - a.k.a. "babies in arms," get in free.) For more info and the Washington Post article, click here. To purchase tix from Ticketmaster, click here.

Also - and this is the one my fam really wants to catch - the absolutely fabulous Dan Zanes will play a show at The Strathmore in Bethesda on Saturday, November 11. Tickets went on sale yesterday, people! Click here to get yours. They sell out FAST, and if you've heard his stuff, you know why. (His new CD recently helped us survive the worst trying-to-get-home-from-New-York traffic jam on the Jersey Turnpike, God bless him.)

Posted by Sarah at 10:08 AM

August 15, 2006

Tot Talk Open House in Chevy Chase

Remember the new baby-sign-language playgroup I shared in our August newsletter, Tot Talk in NW DC/Chevy Chase?

To give you a preview, answer any questions you may have, and allow you to meet and chat with the facilitator, Angela Harris, they have scheduled a Tot Talk Open House on Tuesday, August 29 at 1 p.m. at the classroom, located at Chevy Chase Baptist Church, 5671 Western Ave., NW.

There will be door prize giveaways and surprises for the kiddos, who will also get to meet Beebo the Baby Sign Bear.

Tot Talk is appropriate for children ages three months to three years, attending with a parent or caregiver. Classes will meet weekly, and fall registration is now open.

Of course this Open House preview is free, but you need to RSVP by August 25. Send email to Angela at: tottalkpg (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Posted by Sarah at 9:47 AM

August 14, 2006

New on the Scene: Capitol Moms

There's a new Moms-Night-Out Group coming soon: Capitol Moms, founded by Teia Collier, the new mama of a baby girl.

Capitol Moms' affiliated blog is already live, at http://capitolmoms.blogspot.com. It has great potential to be another fine source of news and information for local parents and parents-to-be.

And the official Launch Party for the Capitol Moms-Night-Out Group should be announced any day now. So stay tuned to the website....and contact Teia directly with any questions about the new group: capitolmoms (at) yahoo (dot) com.

Posted by Sarah at 10:26 AM

August 11, 2006

Weekend Watch: Sharks, Party Music, & a County Fair

Nicer weather on the way, so here are my weekend picks for getting out and about with little ones:

The Montgomery County Fair starts today and runs through August 19 in Maryland. I heard the carnival portion of the fair is new and updated this year, so that's a plus. And the under-age-two crowd gets in free!

Over in VA, the milder temps on Saturday should make the Outdoor Concert at Fairfax Station enjoyable, and with a 6 p.m. kickoff, it starts early enough to avoid disrupting little ones' bedtime schedules. This week it's a "party band," Swift Kick, doing cover tunes.

Also, you should check out Shark Day on Saturday at the National Aquarium in downtown DC! In my book I gave this hidden treasure a thunbs-up for toddlers and preschoolers, since it is small enough (and usually quiet enough) to avoid the chaotic overstimulation of the Baltmire aquarium. Sure, it's small and it's older, but that's perfect for the attention span of younger children. And I think it's the most charming, best kept secret in the District! Children under age two get in free, and ages two to 10 are just $2 each. Adults are $5, and the military discount is $4.

If you have no idea where the National Aquarium is... In the Department of Commerce Building (yes, the Department of Commerce Building) on 14th St., between Pennsylvania Ave. and Constitution Ave. NW. It's a block from the Washington Monument, and the best metro stop to use is the Federal Triangle station on the orange and blue lines.

Posted by Sarah at 9:41 AM

August 9, 2006

This & That

I'm bundling together several announcements today, since time is of the essence. (It's that early-bird-gets-the-worm thing again.)

1) Tranquil Space Bethesda is offering a FREE "sample" Baby & Me class next Tuesday, August 15 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Appropriate for new mamas and babies age six weeks to crawling. Although there's no cost, you are urged to RSVP in advance, because space is limited. The studio is located at 7475 Wisconsin Ave., Suite 8, in downtown Bethesda. For more info or to register, contact Andrea Abrams Creel, their yoga-for-two coordinator, at: andrea (at) tranquilspace (dot) com or 301.654.YOGA.

2) Brand-new daycare program opening in Old Town Alexandria, just across from the King St. metro station and within walking distance of the Braddock Rd. metro station. Dew Care Kids will be "dedicated to the development of children ages 19 months and up." For more info, to schedule a tour, or to get on their list, call 703.677.5893 or send email to dew_carekids (at) yahoo (dot) com.

3) On a related note, and also in Old Town, Foundations for Families is doing another of its popular "Simplifying Childcare Selection" workshops for parents on August 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Apple Seed Boutique on S. Columbus St. Cost is $20 for one attendee, $35 for two. For more info or to register, click here.

Posted by Sarah at 10:20 AM

August 7, 2006

New News from Parenting Playgroups

Lots of new news - including the fall schedule and the announcement of a new book - from Parenting Playgroups in Alexandria, VA which is directed by local mama and developmental psychologist Dr. Rene Hackney:

PARENTING CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
Their Positive Discipline class will meet on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. this fall, starting September 26 (eight weeks), on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. starting September 26 (four weeks), and on Tuesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. starting on November 28 (four weeks).

A condensed, one-day version of the Positive Discipline class will be offered this fall on Saturday, September 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and again on Saturday, November 4 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Rene also offers lectures based on her Positive Discipline curriculum for any group of 10 or more - at schools, offices, parenting clubs, or private homes. And brand-NEW is a book/workbook based on Rene's Positive Discipline curriculum: "Eight Weeks to Positive Discipline." You can purchase online at www.parentingplaygroups.com, with secure payment through PayPal.

A one-day "Common Issues" workshop for parents is set for Saturday, October 14 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can attend one topic or all of them. The schedule is: 9 a.m. Potty Training, 10 a.m. Mealtimes/Picky Eaters, 11 a.m. Sleep Issues, 1 p.m. Sibling Rivalry, and 2 p.m. Dealing with Aggression.

PARENTING PLAYGROUPS SPACE AVAILABLE FOR PARTIES
Their play space can be your party space. They now now host private group playtimes for children turning two, three and four years old.

EARLY CHILDHOOD PLAYGROUP PROGRAMS
Drop-In Play is available at Parenting Playgroups every Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

The Toddler Program offers 90-minute weekly sessions with 45 minutes of open play, and 45 minutes of a college-level parenting lecture while children have snacks and activity with the preschool teachers. Free trial classes are available. Fall session starts the week of September 10. The schedule = Mondays, 9:15-10:45 (young 2s); Mondays 11 a.m. - 12:30pm (2s); Mondays 1-2:30 p.m. (old 2s and 3s); Tuesdays 9:15-10:45 a.m. (older 1s); Tuesdays 11 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. (older 2s); Fridays 9:15-10:45 a.m. (older 1s); and Fridays 11 a.m.-12:30pm (young 2s).

The Play Program offers 60-minute weekly sessions with open play, an art project, snack, and sing-along. Free trial classes are available. Fall session starts the week of September 10. The schedule = Wednesdays 9:15-10:15 a.m. (1s and 2s); 10:30-11:30 a.m. (2s and 3s); and 12 - 1 p.m. (3s and 4s).

INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATION
Rene now offers individual consultation on parenting issues.

The Parenting Playgroups office is located at 6161 Fuller Court in Alexandria, 22310. To register or get more info, call 703.922.0044 or send email to rene (at) parentingplaygroups (dot) com.

Posted by Sarah at 10:03 AM

August 4, 2006

Weekend Watch: Firehouse Fun, Clowning Around, & Tax-Free Shopping

If you've spent the week huddled indoors near the best A/C vent in the house, like Ava and me, you'll be just as thrilled as we are that the weekend promises to be slightly more tolerable. Here are some picks for getting out of the house with your little one:

The popular Annual Friendship Firehouse Festival, here in my very own neighborhood, is Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the historic firehouse in Old Town Alexandria, on S. Alfred St. between Prince and King Sts. The event is intended for kids and families and is FREE for all ages. There will be antique firetrucks, entertainment, food, booths from Alexandria merchants, crafts, etc.

Also on Saturday, in both DC and Mclean, VA, catch Bingo the Clown at Tree Top Kids. He will be at the DC location (Foxhall Square in NW) at 10 a.m. and in Mclean at 12 noon. It's free, but they need to keep the number of kids optimum for safety and fun... So you need to RSVP to reserve your space. Call the DC location at Call 202.244.3500 or the Mclean store at 703.356.1400. (If you can't make it this weekend, or your child has Clown Fear. . . Tree Top Kids also has Thomas the Tank Engine "Train Week" activities coming soon at multiple store locations. Check the website for details. It will be Train Fanatic Heaven.)

Also this weekend... remember that it's Tax-Free Shopping weekend in both Washington, DC (August 5-13) and Virignia (August 4-6). In VA, all school supplies up to $20 per item, clothing, accessories, and shoes up to $100 per item are tax-free. In the District, all school supplies, clothing, accessories, and shoes up to $100 per item are tax-free. Happy shopping!

Posted by Sarah at 9:58 AM

August 3, 2006

New Resource for Annapolis & Baltimore-Area Families

Good news for parents who live in Annapolis and Baltimore - The fabulous, DC-based Our Kids weekly newsletter and website has just launched an "Our Kids Chesapeake" edition just for you!

I gave Our Kids THE highest of praise in my book, and I still believe that it is the best, most comprehensive, most affordable resource for parents with kids of all ages - from babies through school-age - who are looking for weekday and weekend activities. I just recently renewed my annual membership, and I wouldn't be without it.

Just like the original DC Our Kids, the Chesapeake edition of the newsletter and website will chronicle events, storytimes, entertainment, classes, sales, parenting clubs, movies, etc. for families who live in the Annapolis/Baltimore area. It will also provide many of the same special offers and give-aways that DC subscribers enjoy.

If you have friends or family in the Chesapeake region, remember that Our Kids has a nice referral program. If you refer three new paid subscribers to the Our Kids newsletter, you get one year free for yourself.

Congrats to Arlington mompreneur Amy Miller on the launch of another successful branch of Our Kids. She rocks!

Posted by Sarah at 2:38 PM

August 2, 2006

How to Talk & How to Listen: A Workshop for Local Parents

A wonderful local therapist who is an expert in working with children and families will lead a workshop series this fall, based on the classic parenting handbook How to Talk So Kids Will Listen, & How to Listen So Kids Will Talk by Faber and Mazlish.

Francine Ronis Gilbert, MA, MEd, LPC, will offer six sessions of this workshop on Tuesday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in Falls Church, VA.

Class size is 12 max, so it promises to be a welcoming and personal experience.

Dates are September 12, 19, and 26, and October 3, 10, and 17. Cost is $85 plus the workbook (around $12).

Here's a description from Francine:

Each session will include book discussion, exercises, practical ideas and time for discussion of ongoing experiences of using the skills presented, as well as presentation of video materials produced by the authors. This is a great book, and the group experience is an excellent way to learn the skills and share our successes and challenges. The material is appropriate for children of all ages.

My book club recently read this book, and many of us reported having success with the approaches to communicating with our toddlers and preschoolers. At the same time, the principles shared in the book are also very much applicable to older, school-age children and even teenagers - which I guess is what earned this book its reputation as "the parenting bible."

For more info or to register, send email to: frgilbert (at) gmail (dot) com, or call 571.213.9215.

Posted by Sarah at 9:50 AM