Study on the lifelong effects of low-quality child care

Hi everyone,

Not sure if you read this, but I think it's an important article to read particularly if you have young ones at home - or intend to have more young ones. The study, funded by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development funded a comprehensive study focusing on the effects of childcare (from day care centers to nannies) on children as the age. Low quality care increased aggressiveness and decreased the amount of learning.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37147870/ns/health-more_health_news/

I'm not surprised, but what are parents supposed to do if they have to work and can't afford to the fancier options? Like anything, I believe studies are important, but solutions impress me even more.

Potty Training Suggestions Wanted

Our son is potty training, but it's happening very slowly. How do you know when your child is ready? And when he's ready, how do you prevent accidents? How long does it typically take between their first interest in potty training to a non-accident lifestyle? (Realizing, of course, that kids are each unique and on their own schedule). Any thoughts or advice?

National Train Day held around the nation

Yesterday around the nation was National Train Day, a celebration of the art of traveling by train. Events were held around the country, kicked off with a feed featuring actor Taye Diggs followed by a slew of activities that included performances from Radio Disney, balloon artists and vendors from various cities along the train route. We were at Union Station in Los Angeles, so we were treated to a performance by the USC marching band as well. Our three year old got a train conductor hat, a train day poster and a train whistle - what could be better than that?

Hugo and the really, really, really, long string book reading

We were fortunate enough to participate in the book reading/signing of Hugo and the Really, Really, Really Long String on Saturday. Written by Bob Boyle, the creator of the Nick Jr. sensation "Wow, Wow, Wubbzy," the story has a similar look and style - a sort of geometric pattern that is endearing as much as it is very constructed. The story is uniquely sweet as it sustains your curiosity as Hugo and friends follow the mystery that is the really, really, really, long string. Where does it lead? It leads to a wonderful lesson about the fun and importance of making friends.

The Vroman's signing was wonderful as Bob read from the book, then drew pictures as children shouted out various items they wanted him to animate. Taxi's were very popular. Bob was at once a skilled artist and writer as he was a child himself, clearly enjoying the time spent with the little ones and enjoying the fact that they loved him and his book.

Stamp Out Hunger Today, May 8th!

I should have blogged about this last week, but I completely forgot. Today, we can join the National Association of Letter Carriers to help feed the hungry throughout our nation. Just place nonperishable items in your mailbox and they will deliver it to local food banks! It's a great way to clean out your pantry but more importantly help feed people in our community. http://www.helpstampouthunger.com/ for details!

Sur La Table - Hot spot for celebrity sighting like Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox

My wife began taking a cooking class this week and needed a particular pan for the class. She was very busy this week so my son and I went to Sur La Table on Colorado Blvd. (after hitting up Michael's and Target for the same product) to purchase the pan. In previous visits, we've seen actress Jane Kazmarek (best known for playing the mom on "Malcolm in the Middle") and TV host Rachel Ray in the same store. Well, today's visit was no different. Brian Austin Green and Megan Fox were in the store purchasing a complete set of knives. He was very polite and considerate...she was a little upset that he was giving out their mailing address to the clerk (even though she needed it to mail the knives). Everyone in the store was pretty calm, taking the occasional glance, except for one person....my three year old - because at the end of the day, he hasn't been exposed to our celebrity culture just yet.

dad/son cooking class at Paintbox Kids

This morning, I joined about 10 other dads and their sons for a dad/son cooking class that was offered at Paintbox Kids in North Pasadena. This quaint little art studio is typically known for its art classes, but periodically holds unique toddler/child and parent classes like a mother/daughter tea and this morning's cooking class. Before you get excited, we aren't talking Le Cordon Bleu, but rather simple apple burritos and a vegetable and bean tostada, but the point was that my son and I had a great time using our plastic knives to cut an avocado slice into smaller pieces, and pulling the cilantro leaves off the stem. And, what was even more rewarding was to see the joy all the other dads had doing it with their kids as well. As we parents know, it's about the time we spend together that is special, not necessarily the activity itself.