Jo's Editorial
How to deal with your Toddler

From the age of 2 to 5, you might find yourself asking the same questions as the mums I see asking on my Forums. "Why did my toddler hit his sister?", or "she bit a friend at nursery, is she ‘mean'?"

It can seem like you've got a while new person on your hands to that cute baby you've been raising for a year or so. Well the truth is, in many ways, you have. When babies become toddlers they change because they become little people who express themselves in lots of different ways. Hello, Mum! Meet your child.... Read Full Article

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On The Aisle
Toy Story 3 (Rated G)

Woody, Buzz and the whole gang are back.

As their owner Andy prepares to depart for college, his loyal toys find themselves in daycare where untamed tots with their sticky little fingers do not play nice. So, it's all for one and one for all as they join Barbie's counterpart Ken, a thespian hedgehog named Mr. Pricklepants and a pink, strawberry-scented teddy bear called Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear to plan their great escape.... Read Full Article

The Karate Kid (Rated PG)

Twelve year-old Dre Parker (Jayden Smith) could've been the most popular kid in Detroit, but his mother's latest career move has landed him in China. Dre immediately falls for his classmate Mei Ying - and the feeling is mutual - but cultural differences make such a friendship impossible. Even worse, Dre's feelings make an enemy of the class bully, Cheng.

In the land of kung fu, Dre knows only a little karate, and Cheng puts "the karate kid" on the floor with ease. With no friends in a strange land, Dre has nowhere to turn but maintenance man Mr. Han, who is secretly a master of kung fu. As Han teaches Dre that kung fu is not about punches and parries, but maturity and calm, Dre realizes that facing down the bullies will be the fight of his life.... Read Full Article

The Next Karate Kid (Rated PG)

Who says the good guy has to be a guy?
A vast improvement over its immediate predecessor, The Karate Kid III, this appealingly understated 1994 drama features a compelling performance by Hilary Swank. Swank plays 17-year-old Julie Pierce, the recently orphaned and troubled granddaughter of an old war buddy of Miyagi Yakuga (Noriyuki "Pat" Morita, the lone holdover from the previous Karate Kid films).

Harassed at school by adolescent boys under the sway of an evil coach (Michael Ironside), Julie reluctantly finds refuge in the calm teachings of Mr. Miyagi. While the film's violence is as contrived and silly as that of the other KK features, the script provides exotic compensations via a subplot set in a peaceful Buddhist monastery. Still, it's Morita's crafty professionalism and Swank's emotional authenticity that makes this film more watchable than anyone might have expected.... Read Full Article

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The Reading Room
Ladybug Girl at the Beach by David Soman & Jacky Davis (Ages 4-8)

Lulu loves the beach. Well, she's never been there before, but she knows she will love it. And then she sees the ocean and it is big and loud and rough. That's okay—Lulu wanted to build sand castles and fly her kite with Bingo anyway. But while they are building their sand castle, the sneaky ocean comes in and tries to steal Lulu's favorite pail.

This is a job for Ladybug Girl!
Lulu conquers her fear of the ocean when she remembers that Ladybug Girl can do anything, in this gorgeously illustrated companion to the popular series.... Read Full Article

To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee (Age 13 & up)

It's the 50th anniversary of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork of honor and injustice in the deep South -- and the heroism of one man in the face of blind and violent hatred.

One of the best-loved stories of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird has been translated into more than forty languages, sold more than thirty million copies worldwide, served as the basis of an enormously popular motion picture, and was voted one of the best novels of the twentieth century by librarians across the country.... Read Full Article

Goosebumps: Ghost Beach by R.L. Stine (Ages 9-12)

Jerry can't wait to explore the dark, spooky old cave he found down by the beach. Then the other kids tell him a story. A story about a ghost who is three hundred years old. A ghost who comes out when the moon is full.

A ghost . . . who lives deep inside the cave! Jerry knows it's just another silly made-up ghost story . . . isn't it?!... Read Full Article

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The Chin-Wag
Create your own Waterpark!

WARNING: The following will be absolutely killer on your lawn, but it's guaranteed fun for the kids (and adults!)



Create your own waterpark! 



While you're working on the yard, getting things together, have your children come up with a name for the water park. Then, have them decorate a large piece of poster or foam core board with the name of the park and some water-themed illustrations. They can also make signs for individuals "rides" adding their own names to each. Stake these signs into the ground by attaching the posterboard to a yard sick and hammering it into the lawn. ... Read Full Article

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Quick Tips
Sleep through the Hot Nights

Sweltering hot and no air-conditioning?

Help your little one (and yourself) sleep more comfortably by folding up your pillowcase and top sheet, putting it in a plastic bag, and throwing it in the freezer. When you're ready to go to sleep, take it out and quickly make your bed and hop in. The cold sheet and pillowcases stay cool long enough for you to fall asleep in comfort!... Read Full Article

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Little Nippers
Happy Father's Day

Father's Day was great. We spent the morning at home with my wonderful husband, treating him to a nice breakfast. Then, in the afternoon we met up with my amazing parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. That evening, we spent with Gianna's godfather. It was a long and very busy day for the girls, but they loved every minute of it! We are very lucky to have such wonderful male influences in our lives we had to share the day with all of them.... Read Full Article

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Monthly Giveaway
Little Kids, Big City: Tales from a Real House in New York City (with Lessons on Life and Love for Your Own Concrete Jungle)

For Parents!
LITTLE KIDS, BIG CITY: Tales From a Real House in New York City (With Lessons on Life and Love for Your Own Concrete Jungle) by Alex McCord & Simon van Kempen 
As breakout stars of Bravo's The Real Housewives of New York City, Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen have inspired, infuriated and entertained parents across the country. Their new book, LITTLE KIDS, BIG CITY, is sure to continue that trend, with the added bonus of educating those with the daunting task of raising kids in an urban  environment.... Read Full Article

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Nanny Time

We talked to Jo shortly after her surgery to repair her torn ACL. And, though she was still in a bit of pain, she was persevering!

"The hardest part in the beginning was the physical therapy," says Jo. "It's difficult when you can't get a part of your body to do something you were so used to being able to do so easily before. You begin to realize the little things you take for granted." As Jo continues to work hard in rehab, we know she'll be back to her old self soon.

In the meantime, she also wanted us to let you know she loved the fabulous get well messages you all have sent her on the forum and via Twitter (http//www.twitter.com/Jo_Frost), she was truly touched by everyone's outreach.

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